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"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Well the New Year is finally here. Goodbye 2003 and hello 2004! For many, this is a time to establish New Year's resolutions – which usually sound something like this… "This year I'll start working out," "this year I'll lose weight," "this year I'll spend less money." Does any of this sound familiar?

After many years of coming up with New Year's resolutions and only a few months later finding they've fallen by the wayside I decided - why bother? Why set myself up for frustration and disappointment – year after year after year?

Instead I decided to come up with plans for the New Year. At the end of the year I spend some time reflecting on the past year and then thinking about what lies ahead. As I look to the New Year, I give thought to the things I would like to accomplish. Instead of thinking about all the things I don't like about myself and would like to change (which are typical of most New Year's Resolutions) – I'm now thinking about the things I'd like to accomplish – things like learning a foreign language, writing a book, running a race. There's so much satisfaction in coming up with a goal and then taking steps to get the ball rolling and then to ultimately see this goal achieved. It's a great feeling. For me personally, I've found it's best to segment my plans for the year into different categories – like intellectual, emotional, physical, spiritual and relational.

I also think it's a good idea to write these down and to share them with someone you trust. Ask this person to help keep you accountable. I'm not suggesting a taskmaster who is constantly questioning you – but someone who will ask you how you are doing with regards to your plans. Someone who will ask what steps you are taking with regards to your plans and someone who is willing to help you in achieving them – perhaps simply by listening and praying for you. I suggest finding a partner – someone who you can share in this new adventure with. What a great way to grow and deepen a friendship.

This year I'm going to learn sign language. I'm so excited about learning something new and I know God will find a way to use this new skill I'm learning. I'd also like to learn to be a better photographer – so I'm planning to take a class to improve my skills. I know this will come in handy on my mission trips. These are just two of my plans for the intellectual area of my goals for 2004. In the spiritual area I've decided to join a Bible Study that focuses on Grace – one of the fruits of the Spirit I could definitely use some work on. These are just a few of the plans I've made for 2004.

I encourage you to take time over the next few days to think about the things you'd like to accomplish in 2004. Perhaps it is to become a volunteer at your church or the rescue mission, or to learn how to swing dance, or to learn a new skill – like how to repair your car, or take photographs. There are so many opportunities for you to learn and grow. I know in the town where I live there are lots of free or relatively inexpensive classes offered at community centers and community colleges. Just look in the newspaper or on the internet or in the phone book. All these opportunities are just sitting there – waiting for you to find them and take advantage of them. Don't sit still… do something!

Instead of thinking about what went wrong in 2003, think of how you can make a difference in your life and the life of others in 2004. I promise it will make this next year your best one yet.

Don't be afraid to write your plans down. But here's a final word of advice… write them in pencil and give God the eraser.

"Chip Shots from the Ruff of Life" from Tom Kelley

The Curse is Gone