Okay. I’ve fallen into the typical annual pledge to do something about my life. But this pledge works for me. This year, as my wife and I have for years, I will go on a ten day vegetable and water only fast (one of the fasts that is described in the book of Daniel). This always stretches us physically and spiritually as well. I look forward to God sharpening my spiritual ears and heart during this time.

My wife and I also joined a health club. My wife has consistently exercised for years and years. I’m the one who never has enough time or doesn’t feel like it. Already, I’ve exercised more and brought pain to more body parts than I thought I could.

To me, making personal goals this time of year is as good as any other time. Why not? We should be making and keeping goals throughout our lives. I’d hate to think that there was some kind of curse on new year’s resolutions. If that were true, why make resolutions at all.

So beside the two I’ve already mentioned, here are several more:

* Spend more time soaking in the presence of the Father (meditating on the word, waiting on the Father to speak to me)

* Develop a new friendship with someone who is hurting, poor, or needy.

* Give all my excess money to my college-age children without grumbling.

* Throw more parties with diverse groups of people (at least twice a month).

I have a few more, but I hope that you’re encouraged to keep running in the direction that God is pushing you.