Why Resolutions.

Resolutions Again?

I think I am too old to make any more New Year's resolutions.

These are for the directionless and those who do nothing.

Resolutions are for the youth, who need to pass exams and

get out of bed every morning.

None of the above is true.

The truth is resolutions can be made any time of the year, but the new year offers a new beginning of time and opportunity. Those who make resolutions are more likely to achieve them despite some failures or setbacks. They will get up, dust off, and keep going. They are happier people and enjoy the satisfaction of reaching their goals.

Last year, 2023, I had to complete and publish my book, now called 'From Pages to Purpose: The power of reading the Bible.' Though it was mostly written by November of 2022, there were large gaps that needed filling, and the last chapter was unsatisfactory. There were other seemingly insurmountable issues as well. Nonetheless, we were able to publish it on the 2nd of November, 2023.

Battling inadequacy and lack of support were the greatest hurdles. The fact that I had a call upon my life to write this book left me with no peace. It was long overdue, and it had to be delivered. The gentle, steady pressure of the Holy Spirit kept me going. After it was published, I experienced immense peace and relief. I wrote the book because I thought I knew so much, and it was good to share that knowledge. But while writing, I discovered how ignorant I was. There was so much to learn, and it became a great learning and cathartic experience for me.

The best part was achieving the New Year's resolution. I am so thrilled that I am working on my next book.

What are Some Important Issues in Making Resolutions?

Resolutions should be categorized under separate headings, like physical, spiritual, social, relationships, discipline, professional, and other headings that you choose.

They should be time-bound. If you are giving yourself a year, then you need to evaluate every month and quarterly for progress and pull up your socks where needed.

The lesser, the better. Maybe a few points in each.

You need to take concrete steps to achieve your goals. If it is cleaning up weekly, then set the day and time in your schedule. For some, it is a daily routine to clean up as you go so that there is no build-up of the mess. For others, it is once a week. Despite challenges, it has to be done, even if it needs rescheduling. Maybe you can employ someone to help you if it is too much or till you are enabled to do it yourself.

Please consider your health. You need that engine to be fighting fit to achieve anything. Get a physical checkup and investigations done, which are age and disease-appropriate for you. Calculate your BMI, and if it is more or less, do something about it. Calculate the calorie intake and output in activity and work and make improvements where necessary. Take a sleep inventory and ensure you help yourself. Your physical health is as important as your spiritual and soul health. This year, I lost a good friend because of an untreated health issue that could have been taken care of. That is doubly painful.

Your spiritual goals should include reading the Bible throughout the year and praying for your nation, city, and workplace.

Your prayer list should be prepared under different categories like family, church, workplace, nations, personal issues, and warfare prayers. You may choose news praying if that is your interest. You should be praying for whatever interests you most, whether it is politics, sports, or the weather. Soul-winning and discipling have to be planned and prayed for.

Your soul goals may include reading books that help you, choosing to forgive people who have stabbed you in the back, helping those in need, what amount of time and cash you want to invest in the kingdom of YHWH.

Maybe you need to train in self-defense to handle abuse and respond appropriately as you weather the storms in your relationships and life. Scheduling to upskill is also needed to improve the outcomes of our chosen goals. It is never easy but satisfying to have learned, grown, and achieved something.

My Goals This Year Are

To research, write, and finish my book by April or before. 25-35k words. Real stories or testimonies. Some teachings.

Physical goals are to reach 54 kgs and stay there for the year. Eat less carbs and sweets. (I'd be happy to lose 5 kgs, but for now, I am about 2 kgs away from my goal.) To remain vegetarian and track my lipid profile and uric acid blood levels at normal. (It's not easy, but it keeps me healthy).

Exercise regularly. Walk 2k morning and evening 5-6 days/week. Stretch and exercise 10 minutes, 4x a week.

Spiritual goals: Pray daily 2x. My list is ready and going. YHWH answered all my prayers on last year's list and gave much more than all I asked or imagined. That has me shouting HalleluYah. Praying for family, friends, church, partners, and neighboring nations.

I have used 'A Watchman's Guide to Praying God's Promises;' By Dick Eastman since 2012.

Interceding for the 10/40 window nations by Beverly Pegues and Bless India Through Prayers by S Vasanthraj Albert.

Fasting 2x / week. It's not easy with migraines and gastritis, but I am not giving up.

Reading through the Bible, yet again. That is where YHWH speaks to me, and I am inspired. I am using The Bible project Bible plan this year. I read The Orthodox Jewish Bible 2011, which is Romanized Hebrew in English. It helps familiarize us with Hebrew.

Speak blessings as led by the Spirit.

Work goals:  To work better and improve and increase my teaching in writing and speaking.

Family goals:  To love and honor my sweet husband and pray regularly for my children to walk in wisdom and grow in stature in favor of YHWH and mankind. Many more prayers as needed.

Learning Hebrew on the Duolingo app for a year has been such a great privilege. I am here for the long run, and about 40 minutes daily gives me great mileage. It is supposed to be only 3 minutes of daily practice, but I write down everything to increase my proficiency in the language. The goal is to read the Bible in Hebrew next year. It has helped improve my understanding and perspective of the Bible and make better connections.

Tailoring: I learned to sew from books and videos when my hubby gifted me a sewing machine 3 years ago. I truly enjoy sewing garments, but I sew only when my work is done, and it is like a reward for me. I sew for birthdays and Christmas and in between. This season, I tailored skirts for the ladies and pajamas for the men in check cotswool fabrics. The skirts did great, but the pajamas need improvement. I have envisioned a garment for the next season and am super excited about it.

HERE'S TO YOU:

May ADONAI  bless and strengthen you to walk worthy of your calling.

May you be filled with His Spirit of wisdom and revelation knowledge of Yeshua Messiah.

May you be strengthened in your inner man with the power of the Holy Spirit.

May you know His limitless love.

May you be filled with the fullness of YHWH.

 May you trust in Him with all your heart and lean not on your understanding.

May you acknowledge Him in all your ways, and He will direct His board.

Be encouraged to set the benchmark higher.

Shalom,

M.