Goals

I've never been one for New Year's Resolutions.  First of all, it's simply too much pressure, and secondly, I know myself and know that I won't keep it.  So I know that I need something different to motivate myself, and I know that I need a lot of motivation because I have some big things coming up very soon in 2013.

2012 sucked for me.  And for the longest time, I just assumed it was a cursed year; after all, the Facebook consensus seems to be that 2012 was lame for a lot of people.  Then I really started to think about it, and I realize that 2012 didn't suck -- I sucked in 2012.  I made some dumb decisions.  I chose the easy way out a lot, I gave into laziness, and I generally wasn't the best person I could be.  And that's a damn shame, because I really have a lot to offer (excuse me while I toot my own horn here).  

So, 2013 is not going to suck, because I am not going to suck in 2013.  Instead of basing my improvement upon flimsy, cliche resolutions, I'm basing my goals on passages from the Bible that, for whatever reason, have been in my mind lately.

Goal #1: Run, Run, Run!
Isaiah 40:31--But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
This has always been a favorite passage of mine, and I always used it as motivation during punishment runs during softball.  This year, I've signed up for a half-marathon and a 15k, so I need to push myself to train and run and run and run like crazy!  

Goal #2: Show Travis how much he means to me every day
Ruth 1:16-17--"...Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay.  Your people will become my people and your God my God.  Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried.  May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me."
I am so thankful to have Travis as a husband, and I need to do a better job of expressing that.  I am guilty of letting my bad days at school dictate my moods at home, and I sometimes feel resentment that I have to be away from my family and friends because of the demands of the Navy.  But he is completely worth it, and I need to make it a priority to always express my love for him, even when it isn't easy.

Goal #3: Volunteer whenever possible, however I can
Matthew 25:40--..."I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."
This verse has been heavy on my heart lately.  I want to learn to love Jacksonville by helping out those in need in any way I can.  I've already started volunteering at the food bank and various soup kitchens and city missions, and I can't wait to find other ways to get involved.

Goal #4: Find a church, attend regularly, and join a small group
Hebrews 10:25--Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another
I'm so stuck on my home church in WV that I've really dragged my feet on finding one to attend in Jacksonville.  But no more!  I've already started my search, and I'm going to take my time in finding one that is a good fit for me.  

So, there you have it.  Not too lofty, pretty easily done, and hopefully I'll find that I'm already well on my way to getting started by next month.  Next time you talk to me, do me a favor and ask me about one of my goals.  Hold me accountable, and if you see me slip up, call me out on it.  

Thanks :o)