Tag: New Year

What Can We Create This Year for the Glory of God?

Jeannie Waters24 Comments on What Can We Create This Year for the Glory of God?

Have you read the answer from an online quiz, then, based on the result, decided the program must be flawed?

At the end of December, I took an online quiz that promised to present the perfect biblical word for me to focus on this year.

I thought about words my friends have chosen to study like peace, holiness, faithfulness, or an ouchy one—self-control. My quiz response this year? Create.

A Puzzling Word 

Surely, the answer was wrong. Frankly, it didn’t sound as holy as my friends’ words. Maybe I should pick grace or faith or love?

Create? Create what? I’m a writer, but I’m not sure what God wants me to write this year.

I don’t knit scarves or make jewelry, nor do I sew quilts from t-shirts. I don’t draw, paint, or sculpt—unless you count the Play-Doh snowmen I make with my granddaughters. I even use a recipe when I make chili—yes, really.

Create? I didn’t think so.

I almost erased the word from my notes. Instead, I prayed and decided to see if God would use the online quiz to teach me.

Then I put it aside and forgot about it.

A New Year

On New Year’s Day I started my new Bible reading plan.

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.

Genesis 1:1 ESV

The familiar verse reminded me of my word, create. God created. A Latin term in the margin caught my attention—ex nihilo, to make from nothing. God made the world and all that’s in it from nothing.

I can’t create from nothing, but I can create from the gifts, ideas, memories, experiences, and biblical truth God gives me.

That same week, I listened to Reagan Rose on the Redeeming Productivity podcast. He suggests we write goals to steward the next year for the glory of God.

Redeeming Productivity podcast

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV

As I prayed, God connected my unusual word to the goals He’s leading me to accomplish.

With my new word, I’m even more excited about how my goals will help me steward 2025 for the glory of God:
  • Create more relationships, beginning with two neighbors I recently met.
  • Create more meaningful relationships with people I know.
  • Create an organized home for hospitality purposes.
  • Create a more in-depth Bible study plan.
  • Create a monthly nachos and game night for my family.
  • Create simple meal recipes for a weekly Bible study with friends.
  • Create a wisely planned budget.
  • Create a new notebook to record prayer requests.
  • Create a notebook of memorized Scripture verses with notes.

I wonder what else God has in mind. This year my word is create. I’m excited to see how God will equip me to create for His kingdom’s work as I seek Him.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:10 ESV

                    Your Turn       

Do you have a word for this year? If not, borrow mine. What do you feel led to create in 2025? We can’t create from nothing as God does, but we can create using the gifts He gives to us.

I can’t wait to read your thoughts below in the comment section. Your examples will encourage the rest of us as we seek to steward 2025 for the glory of God.

Why New Year’s Resolutions Don’t Work

Jeannie Waters24 Comments on Why New Year’s Resolutions Don’t Work

Like most people, I made New Year’s resolutions for decades. Some of them lasted until April, and some of them . . . well, would you believe some ended January 2? Even with good intentions, the resolutions or promises we make to ourselves often disappear like wind-blown dandelion seeds.

Do these resolutions sound familiar?

  • Stop eating sugar.
  • Exercise daily.
  • Complete home projects.
  • Volunteer to help others.
  • Memorize Bible verses.

All worthy objectives, right? Sure. There’s not a bad intention on the list. Then why don’t we achieve them? I can only speak for myself.

3 Reasons Why I Failed at New Year’s Resolutions

Reason 1

Although I prayed for guidance, I often depended on my own strength and wisdom to achieve success. The energy of those power sources weakens quickly.

My solution

A few years ago, I decided to set annual and monthly goals after praying and asking God to reveal His plan for me. I now read books about planning and spend time reading my Bible daily. When I pray and trust God to lead me as I study His Word, I have His strength and wisdom.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

                                                                                                                                      –Psalm 32:8 ESV

Reason 2

A second problem I faced with resolutions was embracing too many goals and projects at once. I attempted too many “good things.” The lack of results brought frustration and fatigue.

My solution

God calls each born-again believer to love Him, to love others, to witness, to be kind, to help the poor, and to follow other Scriptural instructions. He also created us with unique gifts for His glory. Prayer, study, and conversations with trusted Christian friends can help us determine our gifts and the tasks we should accept or decline.

Eric Liddell, the famous runner whose story is told in the movie Chariots of Fire, said, “God made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.” 1 This 1924 Olympic gold medal winner knew how to focus on the call of God rather than that of men and thus refused to run on Sunday. His goals not only included winning numerous races, but he served God faithfully for many years in China. (The Final Race by Eric T. Eichinger, with Eva Marie Everson, tells the amazing story of this famous man of faith. See link below.)

I want to focus on God’s call for me as Eric Liddell did. I know that God called me to be a wife, mother, and Gigi to my grandchildren. He also called me to write and to participate in two ministries to small groups of women. When I accept too many responsibilities beyond these, I revert to fatigue and frustration.

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.

                                                                                                                                                       –Proverbs 16:9 ESV

Reason 3

Another problem with my resolutions was lack of clear goals.

My Solution

Specific, measurable goals provide targets and the hope of hitting them. Large projects and goals can be divided into bite-sized pieces and specifically stated. For example:

  • By 5:00 each Friday, file important paperwork.
  • Organize linen closet by January 15 and donate unneeded items.
  • Work out for 45 minutes at the gym Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Take a 30 minute walk each Saturday.
  • Memorize one verse or short passage of Scripture per week.

These goals are specific and measurable, as well as easier to manage. (For more information, see the link below to Your Best Year Ever by Michal Hyatt.) Writing out your goals and checking on progress periodically are helpful practices. Seeking God’s guidance is powerful.

Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.

                                                                                                                                                      –Proverbs 16:3  ESV

Tips for Goal Setting and Time Usage

  1. Seek God in morning prayer as Jesus did. Read a devotional, read Scripture, and pray. I refer to this time as my “morning appointment with God.”
  2. Hold your plans loosely. Interruptions may be divinely appointed.
  3. Plan “catch-up” times in each week as you will surely need them.
  4. Commit to the Lord whatever you do. Talk to Him as you complete each task.
  5. Remember that people are more important than tasks.
  6. List tasks for the week and then each night select the ones that must or could be done the following day.

Are you thinking I have it all together and merrily check off my to-do list each day? No way! Not even close! Some days I become frustrated, pitch a little “hissy fit” with myself, and feel like abandoning my goals. There are days when I feel like I haven’t accomplished anything at all. However, I’m learning and improving as I practice trusting God for results.

My January Advice

Don’t set New Year’s resolutions. Instead, ask God to guide you as you set reasonable goals you were designed to meet. See links for books I like.

Please share in the comment sections at the bottom how you set goals and organize your to-do list. I’d love to gather new ideas from reader friends.

Resources I Recommend for a Brand-New Year

(Click on a book cover below.)

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you decide to purchase a book via my link, I’ll receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) which will assist with blog costs. Clicking on the link will simply take you to Amazon so that you can read about the book.

An Interesting Read

This World War II era biography tells the story of Eric Liddell, the 1942 Olympic gold medalist runner, whose story was featured in the movie Chariots of Fire.  Authors Eric T. Eichinger and Eva Marie Everson go beyond Olympic fame to reveal Liddell’s life of service to God in the face of trials.

Goal Setting, Planning, Time Use

Doing Busy Better helps readers prioritize goals and seek God’s best while ending the frustration that comes from over-doing.

Michael Hyatt, an expert on goal setting and planning, shares an action plan for success in this easy-to-read book.

Devotionals

Sarah Young wrote this collection of one page devotions as if God is speaking to the reader.

Lucinda Secrest McDowell, one of my favorite authors, bases each devotion on a single word and uses it to help readers grow in faith.

1 https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/802465.Eric_Liddell