Wow, a new year is almost here. Why does time go by faster as we get older? It seems like I am always flipping over a month on my calendar. I want time to slow down, don’t you?

Since it won’t, we have to be more intentional to not waste our days and to get some things in place.

A new year is always a great time to regroup. To sit down and reflect. Think about the past year and make some changes for the new year.

I love goals and resolutions but discovered there is way too high of an expectation on them. I definitely can put that pressure on myself for the new year. For the last few years, I have looked at resolutions more like “hopes”. Hope takes a lot of pressure off my perfectionist self!

A list of hopes sounds easier to accomplish and it encourages my heart as well because I’m not depending wholly on myself to accomplish them. I know I need God’s help and since He is the God of all hope there is room for Him to help me accomplish things I couldn’t do if it was just left up to me.

Ready to try something different for the new year? Let’s start!

How to prepare for your best year ever!

Make 2 lists:

1. Make your personal list. Write what you would like to change or accomplish in your life. Things like getting healthier, make sleep a priority, eat less sugar, etc. Don’t make a list that is so long that you feel overwhelmed just looking at it. Keep it more simple. Maybe 5 things that you really, really, want to see happen. Things you are placing your hopes in. Then be intentional about putting steps and practices into place. Small steps count towards change.
2. Make a God list. This is a BIG GOD list. It can only happen with His help. The things that seem impossible and the big dreams and desires of your heart. Write them down and start praying over these things. Don’t hold back here! Write it all down. This is where the expectation is a good thing!

Make it personal:

A special word. I ask God every year to give me one or two words that he wants me to hold onto for the year. You will be amazed at how many times this word will come up for you throughout the year, and it will really encourage you. Ask! God already knows the word he has for you!
A personal scripture verse. Just like the word you ask God to give you, ask Him now for a scripture verse. A verse just for you that you can memorize, reflect on this whole year. It can just be a one or two-line verse. Be ready, because this verse, just like your special word will pop up for you personally and unexpectedly over and over again. The beautiful thing is you will know it’s just for you. I have experienced it so many times in my own life and it has encouraged my heart so much.

These are things I do every year…I hope it helps you to look at the new year in a different way. To not only have your own hopes for the coming year but to come alongside God and experience what He has for you as well.

I really look forward to hearing what your special word is and what God did on your lists this coming year! I know it’s going to be amazing!!

With hope going forward,