Brent and I went on a date last night and we talked about our resolutions for the new year. He’s good about asking me what my goals and dreams are. And then I remember to ask him. : )

I told him that I want to love the world more, like the whole world, not just my little corner. I know that sounds broad and general, but it’s because I don’t really know what that looks like yet.  I started reading David Platt’s book, Radical. (Warning, only read this book if you want a good kick in the pants.) It’s written for Christians but it doesn’t make Christians feel good about themselves at all. It sort of points out how most of American Christianity doesn’t look or act a thing like Jesus.  Ouch. It hurts because it’s true. We Westerners care a whole lot about comfort and security and we don’t want to get too dirty or be too inconvenienced for the sake of the Gospel. Not many of us give a rip about the poor and oppressed.

So, this year, I’m starting out asking God to show me what my part is in helping the world. (Mainly, the world outside of the United States.) I don’t want to be guilt-driven and think that this is some sort of religious duty I have to perform in order to please God. That’s rubbish. I just want the heart of Jesus to pound in my chest. I want to see the world like He does and touch it the way He has. God blessed me so I could go and bless others. Not so I could sit here and grow lazy and fat.

The other thing I want to do is read more of God’s Word. Because I feel hungry for it. God says His Word is our soul-food and I don’t want to live this year famished. My pastor gave us a plan we could use if we wanted. It’s an achievable reading plan so that you can finish the Bible in a year. I started a day early because I figure I’m gonna have some catching up to do down the road. But, the last few days I’ve just been fascinated as I sit down to read. Here’s another neat resource if you’d like to check it out: Bible reading plans

 

Lastly, Brent and I both want to open our hearts and lives up more to the people that God has given us. That might mean having people over for supper more often. Which might mean me being okay if the house isn’t always spic-n-span. And I think it also just means being more intentional in our relationships. It’s easy to go your whole life long without ever talking about the most important things with the people you love. So, we want to love deeper. I don’t think one can go wrong with loving like that.

Well, that’s all for now. If you’re up for it, let me know what you hope for this new year.

And thank you for listening. I’m so glad you’re in my life.