Why not make Texas Size Resolutions for the new year

My goal through this article is two-pronged:

*   Foremost is to inspire you to make some Texas-sized meaningful resolutions for your life.
*   The second is to put some of my latest resolutions/plans out there so it will add an extra layer of accountability for me to follow through.

I have to admit that I failed miserably at several of my past resolutions and commitments. Several times in the past, I had even forgotten what plans I made in a matter of weeks or months. Sometimes these failures make me hesitate to start a new goal but go with the flow of life to where it takes me. I am sure some of you who are reading have experienced the same.

Some of you may be going through a tough time, feeling sad, afraid, anxious, and worried. These situations can be really challenging, and you might not feel like making any commitments. I was inspired by a sermon from the book of Jeremiah recently. God’s message to the Israelites who were taken captive to a foreign land was to not lose hope and…

5 “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. 6 Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. 7 Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” Jeremiah 29: 5-7, NIV

Dear friends, I encourage you to make meaningful plans for the upcoming year. This is a good time, with holiday cheer and good vibes, to make some big plans. Take the opportunity to come up with thoughtful and impactful action items instead of last-minute plans. Remember, small steps lead to big accomplishments. Every second, minute, hour, and day adds up to years. Your goal is to pursue something with dedication, passion, and discipline. At the end of this article, I will share a few of my action plans for the year. Hopefully, it will inspire you to develop some major plans for your future.

There is something else about goals I want to bring to your quick attention. As this author of the book I was reading the other day points out, your chance of accomplishing goals increases sequentially by:

• Setting goals
• Writing it down
• Sharing it with others.

I tried to make plans that are Texas-size – at least it appears to me in my current state of life. As the Lord wills and as He directs the steps, I plan to “plant small gardens” one step at a time, each day seeking to abide in His will and Word. These are some ways I am hoping to increase and prosper. You might want to notice one or two things that emerged from professional interests: visiting community organizations and learning a new language. All of it, however, is self-directed plans with a major emphasis on spending more time in the Word, prayer, community, and sharing blessings with others. I am convinced that you cannot achieve something big without commitment and discipline. And add to that, the Lord’s favor, you are in for a journey of wonder and blessings.

My Texas-style Plans for the Year

• Pray for 500 individuals specifically
• Meet with 100 individuals
• Read the New Testament in English and Spanish
• Learn Basic Spanish
• Publish 100 articles
• Visit 100 community organizations in the Permian Basin

Lord, I pray that you direct the steps of mine and those who read in their plans and goals in life. Help Lord to increase and prosper us as we build, settle, plant, and plan. In the mighty and powerful name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen!