New Beginnings

We are now four days into 2009. We've had time to make our New Years Resolutions -- and break them at least once.

So where do we go from here? Perhaps it's not so much time for resolutions as for goal setting and plan making. I have a couple of large want to do's on my list for this year. But they've been on my list for several years now, and I'm not much closer to getting them accomplished than I was last year and the year before that.

To begin with, I need to set some priorities. My Garment of Praise blog is a daily priority now. I've had a couple of blogs that died a-borning in years past. I am determined that will not happen to either of these two blogs.

The goal for this blog is to post at least once a week - or better yet, twice. But once a week is minimum.

Then there are two larger writing works in progress. In order to focus on one at a time, I've decided to put the non-fiction book as priority A. This means that I must complete at least one chapter every 10 days. At this rate, I will have completed 12 chapter drafts by day 124 of this year or May 4, 2009.

By making my goals measurable and specific, I intend to hold myself accountable to complete them.

My New Year Resolution

Last year was a mixed bag. There is nothing new about that. Seldom do we have a year that is all wonderful - or all simply terrible - although some have come very close.

In the worst of times, there is a small ray of light and levity. In the best of times, there is a shadow. That's just the way it is.

I'm asking my readers to hold me accountable this year. I've joined a LinkedIn group who will endeavor to read the chronological Bible this year. And I had the hare-brained idea to create a daily devotional based on those readings. This means that I will have to read - and write - ahead.

Those devotions will be found on my other blog, Garment of Praise.

My mother used to tell me that my initiative was wonderful, but my finish-ative was abysmal. And she was right. I'm too embarrassed to let you know how many projects lie unfinished.

This, however, is one that I intend to see through -- with your help and encouragement. If you read these devotionals, please comment just to let me know that you've read it. It can be as simple as "I read it." - or "Present" - or "Hi." I just want a nose count.

If you have comments or suggestions, please feel free to post those as well. Just don't feel obligated to do any more than "check-in."

This will be my last post for 2008, so let me take this opportunity to wish you a blessed and fruitful new year.

Grace and peace to all.