Say NO to New Years Resolutions

Relating my sudden headache to the drastic weather change, I cleared my thoughts and re-focused my energy on setting up the Total Body stations for the Thursday evening class. After warming up the students with squats, jumping jacks and lunges, I started my stop watch to time each exercise. Thank goodness my headache seemed to be easing. Then, when I glanced down at my stopwatch, a new issue arose. The large numbers on my watch were fuzzy and almost impossible to read. As I lifted my eyes to look around the gym my students seemed misshaped and distorted. Immediately closing my eyes, I squinted and tried to clear my vision.

My vision did not improve after opening my eyes; in fact, it was even more blurry and presenting the feeling of being in a mirrored fun house at the amusement park. Composing myself, I tried not to appear discombobulated in front of the class. Relying on my instincts as an instructor, I sensed it was time to move to the next station. Until my vision decided to return, it was going to be a stopwatch free night.

I spent the rest of the class time in silent prayer, asking God to restore my vision, while reciting memorized scriptures to the students. Thank God He had prepared me for difficulties like this one. Listening to His lead, station changes worked properly and students enjoyed the class. Time was passing and I knew it was time for the cool down. Out of habit I glanced down at the stopwatch and could clearly see that nearly forty five minutes had passed and it was time to stretch and cool down.

The lack of vision during the class had been unsettling, but God stretched me out, and I thanked Him for clearing my vision.

Ironically, I have focused my prayer time this entire year over my eyes; More specifically, the eyes of my heart. My hearts’ desire is to grow and expand the platform for Shaped by Faith. My focused vision is to help people shape their bodies and hearts for God’s purposes. My question and prayer has been, “Enlighten my eyes Lord and help me understand how to do this?” Just like Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 1:18, “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you.”

God has given each of us specific gifts and talents to be used for His glory. Have you thought about your specific purpose on the earth? How are you reaching others for Christ with what God has given you to you?

These are the questions I have asked myself all year. After much prayer and the advice of wise counsel, I recognized the need for a life coach. I needed the help of someone to challenge me to reach the next level for God. These last few months have been more challenging than expected, especially re-focusing priorities and time management. Shaped by Faith has been moving in uncharted waters, and sometimes outside my comfort zone, but by depending on God and His direction, the destination is right where He wants me to be.

I have already put together the 2013 Vision and Plan for Shaped by Faith. Dan Miller has reminded me repeatedly, “It will only happen if you put in the work.” With God, the guidance of my coach, lots of prayer and hard work, these plans will succeed.

What are your plans and vision for 2013? Not your resolution but the plan to be what you are called to be. Have you prayed and asked God about a plan?

Here are a few thoughts that may be beneficial to helping you plan for 2013.

Put God in your daily planner. He desires a relationship with you and wants to help you plan things out. Consider rising earlier than your family and spend time lone with Him. "Commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed." Proverbs 16:3

How do you plan on spending time with the ones you love? If you are married you may want to plan a weekly date night. Healthy marriages are built on quality time spent alone together. As the scriptures say, "A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one." Ephesians 5:28

What are your plans to stay healthy? Do you have an exercise partner/s or a group fitness class to keep you accountable? Plan 3-5 days a week to exercise and then do it! "Honor God with your bodies." 1 Corinthians 6:20

How are you developing the platform God has given you? Consider meeting with a small group of wise individuals who will help mentor and encourage you. Ask God to provide a wise individual to help you. "Refuse good advice and watch your plans fail; take good counsel and watch them succeed." Proverbs 15:22

All of us can have clear vision in 2013 when we keep our eyes focused on God's purposes. And to each of you, may the New Year bring peace and prosperity!