How Did I Do in 2013? Reviewing My Goals

Looking back . . . some good, some not so good. Oh well . . . . Let’s take my 2013 goals one at a time. I’m going to be transparent with you and tell it like it is—or was.

My 2013 Purpose Statement was Psalm 146:1-2, Praise ye the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul. While I live will I praise the LORD: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being. I did manage to incorporate more praise in my life through the year, consciously reacting to problems with praise, and also doing more thankful and praise praying.

My Plan for Personal Devotions deviated completely from my normal devotional plan. Usually, I read the Bible through in each year and study those passages that catch my imagination or make me ask questions or remind me of others. This year, I used devotional books for guidance. I got something out of each of them, and the Lord blessed me through my studying through another’s eyes. I especially loved Betty Henderson’s books, but there were some others I loved as well. See my tab “Bible Study Reviews” to see them all.

Then I had some not-so-spiritual goals. I’ll share how I did on those, one at a time:

• Simplify my home—Truthfully, I didn’t do as well as I would have liked on this one. I did, however, get rid of clothing, a collection I no longer display, and I got a few closets cleaned out and organized. This will be a continuing goal in 2014.
• Simplify my filing system—I got started on this one, too, but not as far as I would have liked. I still have a few piles in my office that need going through.
• Start writing a new book—I’ve actually started two. One is fiction (can’t believe it myself), and one is a book about how to study the Bible for answers to everyday questions, using only your Bible, a concordance, and a Bible dictionary.
• Get more exercise—Thwarted somewhat by a series of very painful health issues, this one went off and on, mostly off. Not my best year. But, the good news is that I’m much better now, enjoying better movement and energy, and I have high hopes for more exercise in 2014. My exercise inspirations are our daughter (who recently did a 5K run, pregnant), and our friend Donna (who just ran her first half marathon).

As you can tell, I had some good and not as good outcomes. I sincerely hope you did better than I did on the practical goals. (Do you want to share?) I enjoyed the Bible studies. I was happy to be reminded to praise the Lord first and in the middle of situations that I probably wouldn’t have chosen. I was also glad to make some progress here at home. I was disappointed with my physical state, but I was conscious that God was in control all the time. I had some amazing opportunities to serve the Lord, even when I had to completely depend on Him to give me strength.

My practical goals for 2014 are an extension of 2013’s. I plan to continue working on home organization and streamlining. I would like to get where I feel free to do some artwork.

For devotional reading this year, I plan to go back to reading the whole Bible with my trusty dusty One Year Bible. I can hardly wait for tomorrow to start in Genesis 1, Psalm 1, Proverbs 1, and Matthew 1. Love the gospels and Genesis!

My purpose statement for 2014: Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great Price (1 Peter 3:3-4). 

I want my hidden man of the heart to be characterized by a meek and quiet spirit, because God says that is greatly to be valued in a woman. Meekness is strength under control, and a quiet spirit is one that fully trusts in God. It is peaceful and without stress, knowing that God is sovereign and in control. I would like to be like that—not stressing over anything, but exhibiting trust and peace. I would rather that be my adorning than any clothes I might buy.

I am very thankful for this past year. I can look back and see how God led me, enabled me, and even helped me to get rest when I needed it. I can be thankful for growth in our church, both spiritually and numerically. I’m grateful for the way God provides for our needs and even adds daily benefits. I am thankful for my husband, family, and a great group of friends. Praise Him!

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits (Psalm 103:2). 

Happy New Year 2014 to you!