The following is a New Year's post written by Bob Gas and sent to me by a friend. I thought it was so appropriate to our study of Change that I wanted to start the year off by sending it to you. May you be blessed in 2010 as you FOCUS ON HIM!!


New Year's Resolutions
I keep working towards that day when I will finally be all that Christ… wants me to be.
Philippians 3:12 LB
If your goal is to become all God wants you to be, then more resolutions are not the answer. Based on last year's track record you know just about how long they last. But don't let past performance stand in the way of your future plans.
Here's an important key: don't focus only on the end result or you'll get overwhelmed. Tackle one thing at a time. Start with a specific area - even a difficult one. Arnold Palmer said: "The most rewarding things in life are often ones that look like they cannot be done!" Here's a four-point game plan to get you started:
(1) No more excuses: Stop saying, "That's the way I am," or, "Everybody does it." You're rationalizing disobedience and diminishing conviction.
(2) Set manageable goals: Approach your target with a rifle, not a shotgun. Instead of reaching everything, grasp only those things that are important to your personal growth this year.
(3) Be reasonable: It takes 21 days for a habit to take root. Setbacks are part of the process. If you get off track, just get back on again. Perseverance is the secret!
(4) Be optimistic: Paul says, "We are saved by hope" (Romans 8:24). Keep reminding yourself, "With God's help I can do it," and you'll discover you can!
Change is painful; not changing is even more painful! Remember, Paul didn't say he'd arrived, he said, "I keep working toward that day" (Philippians 3:12 LB). So, what are you waiting for? Get up and get cracking!

Ann