With 2012 rapidly approaching I am starting to think about resolutions and goals for the coming year. I am not really talking about goals as a pastor or for the church, but personal goals. I have never really wanted to write down any kind of list because I am afraid that I am going to fall short on one or all of them. I have come to realize thought that the best way I work (at anything) is to make a list and to check things off as I get them done. Here is my list! To- Do’s and To- Don’ts
- Read the entire Bible in a year (or less) – this is something I have done before, but I would like to do it again. Something achievable and familiar
- Bike 25 miles (or more) a week – I love to ride my bike, its good exercise and it allows me to clear my mind
- Spend less time on my iPhone – I love technology, but that thing can be a time killer
- Spend more time with my family – more dates with my wife, more happy meals with the kids, Dynamo games, Astros games. My family is my legacy, I should make and take opportunities to pour into them.
- Plan a family vacation – We have never taken a family vacation. We need to pack up the van, pack up the kids, and drive!
- Go camping! – I want to take my family camping so bad. Tents, sleeping bags, camp fire, and fishing!
- I want to start a scholarship fund – this has always been a dream of Ester and I, I began to think that I have to start somewhere, maybe start out with a books scholarship?
- Experience deer hunting. – I have several friends that love hunting, I have been thinking that this is something I would love to experience, who knows I may start my own trophy collection.
- Watch less TV – like the iPhone it is a time killer
I think that is it….for now
SP
Good inventory Pastor! We will try and come up with a similar list
Finally, Our 2012 Family Resolutions 1/18/2012
Philip and Dijeanait resolve to:
To forgive all humans for being less than perfect…even (and especially so) the little ones. Avoid or have limited contact with socalled “perfect people.” I am deathly afraid of perfect people. (I think a group of perfectionists crucified Christ and a ton of other martyrs)
To penalize ourselves with praise or thanks, out loud, at least twice following each single complaint or negative statement that we vocalize in the desert. That includes negative self jabber, too. We gotta get outta this desert!
To break all agreements (in our own heads and out) with words that oppose God’s Promises spoken over us.
To put on workout clothes on every Tues, Thurs and Saturday….whether there’s a “huge chance” of a workout or not even a remote possibility. (It is 100% certain we won’t workout unless the “uniform” is on.) Go to bed fasting, hungry, empty or full of fat free veggies. Soft drinks no longer exist.
To promote a positive, powerful image of a blessed son or daughter of a King without resorting to acting being fake.
To pray a little more and talk a whole lot less.
To love more and be less choosy of our recipients.
To see damaged people (with all the trappings and markings of sin) as if they were holding up a sign begging for help and that we finally realize that we have the resources to meet the need. Silver and gold I don’t have….but with the “sign” you are holding up, I know that money is not what you are aching for.
To connect with disconnected people, even if they repel boarders. Okay…there’s limits to this.
To sell stuff I don’t need and give more to local and distant missions.
To purposefully simplify at least one solid day per week, 4 per month, 52 per year.
I believe God invented that.
To be less high techie or, at least balance it out with one-on-one chill activities like playing pool, darts, chess, putt-putt, etc.
To laugh a minimum of one minute to make up for every tear shed. Hopefully, done at different times.
Okay, that’s a pretty tall order. Can I just trade it all in for a 30 pound weight loss resolution? LOL!
To make my 2013 resolutions by midnight at end of 2012.
Phil and Dijeanait Hayhurst