Goals for the new year start with prayer seasoned with believing! Matthew 21:21-23

Good morning everyone,
When you open up the paper, especially on Sundays, it is filled with various ads of clothing, jewelry, and sporting goods.  This time of year is crucial for retail because they are trying to get rid of the old merchandise before releasing their new inventory.  Another year over and done with; the new year just hours away.  Just like retail, we as individuals should look at our year sometime before December 31 to make necessary adjustments to be more effective in the new year.  Goals are only achievable if they have several key elements included in them.  In searching out steps to easily achieving your goals, I found lots of ideas.  Personally, any goal worthy of its accomplishment is not easy!  I would like to share a list with each of you and modify it to place Jesus Christ in the center of the list and I think your important list will be vastly altered.
    (1) Be specific about what you want to achieve.
         Instead of having a goal to read through the entire bible, when you seldom open it, start by studying one book (something short like James) and then you have 65 additional treasures to explore next.
    (2) Draw up a plan of action.
         Be open to allowing God to alter that plan.
    (3) Make a list of steps.
         List the steps that you need to take in order to study through the book you have chosen:  exact time that you are going to study each day!  Personally, early in the morning is best for me.  
    (4) Act, do not be passive.  
         Most goals never happen, because we procrastinate.  We have good intentions, but those intentions are never carried out.
    (5) Read and listen to advice.
         Study the scriptures and meditate on them so God can direct your thoughts.
    (6) Alternative plans.
         If your specific time is interrupted, don't allow that to throw you off track.  Be consistent in giving Him time and your time will become His time.
    (7) Examine your goals periodically.
         Don't wait until December 31st to see if you are on track to complete your goal.
    (8) Repeat affirmations.
         At first make your tasks small so that you can rejoice with your Savior so that it will propel you on to accomplish bigger tasks!
    (9) Visualize your goal.
         Seeing small steps completed will give you a sense of completion and that will motivate you to stay the course.
   (10) Take action.
          Be consistent in taking the required steps in order for your goal to come to fruition.  If it means you need to get up earlier, ask God to help you with the sleep you need so that you will be sharper when awake to accomplish more. 
Brothers and sisters, let's bring in the new year totally connected to God's direction and ready to do what He ask!  Matthew 21:21-23 says Jesus replied, 'Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done.  If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.'  Everything done according to His will will result in accomplishments that reflect all of the  'light' back on the Savior!   
Your brother in Christ,
p