After much prayer and seeking this past month, God has given me a verse for 2008:
Hebrews 12:1-2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, (2) Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
I will run the race rather than running my computer.
This is my year to focus Outward. My personality is one that is naturally introspective and introverted. This new focus will be unnatural to me, but this is a good thing. Nurturing and developing relationships is my direction. Although it is really quite easy and enjoyable for me to develop blogging relationships, my focus will be on family and friends that are physically in my life.
One of the greatest barriers I need to cross is using the phone. Chatting on the phone is not something that has ever come easily for me. I’d rather meet with someone face to face, but often I don’t see my friends because I don’t call and keep in contact.
To avoid overload, this new direction will be taken with small steps. If I make an effort to go outward at least once each day, this will be progress. My prayer is that God builds me up for His glory, and that one day this thinking will be natural for me.
I’ve also committed to teaching a Bible study at Veronica’s Voice. I’ve been putting this one off with the excuse that I just don’t have the time. After truly looking at how I was spending my time, I’ve realized that I have plenty for a Bible study once a week. I was procrastinating doing this because it is more difficult than being with my beloved friend, the computer.
I am excited for this year and look forward to the stretching that I will be doing. Although it may be much less of a priority, I will continue to blog. Not only do I grow by writing and sharing, I also find great hope and strength in the stories of others.
Are you making any changes this year? Going in new directions? I’d love to hear your story.
amanda ∞
