So, it’s 2013– five days in actually. And with the New Year we often dabble with the idea of resolutions. Maybe we hope that a new year is a new start to be a newer, better version of ourselves- ME 2.0. But whether or not we keep them or not, the moments of contemplation on who we are and desire to be seems pretty healthy.

I didn’t share my New Year’s Resolutions last year for obvious reasons. I had in mind to move, to start a new career path for a time, and to survive all of that change with my family. Those resolutions worked out pretty well. The move was great, the adjustments to new life was tougher, and the development of not just a career path but my own business has far exceeded my initial expectations. God has been good to provide all that we need.

The kiddos settled into school nicely and have topped the charts academically. Dance and cross country have been their physical outlets, all the while discovering and beginning new friendships. That’s not always easy for growing teens, and even their parents if we are honest. Yet, with family close by we always feel welcome, warm, and accepted here.

Michelle has once again found herself in a place of occupational excellence. She is a very productive and efficient worker as her hospice agency has quickly discovered. I am super proud of her tackling this new and emotionally difficult role– not to mention while working on her master’s degree and being a super mom and wife. She is a trooper extraordinaire.

All in all 2012 has been a year of great change, challenge, and thankfulness. 2013 holds so many surprising twists and turns, that I’m very curious to see. These are a few of the pathways and checkpoints I’d like to see and reach along the way.

HEART:

I am passionate about writing. I just haven’t been as disciplined about my time to hone this craft like I want. Starting a business takes more time, attention, and effort than I had first expected. You’re always marketing, selling, preparing, thinking ahead, or tweaking something, And it’s tough to have your schedule completely determined by the schedules of others. But I’m adapting and learning to manage the business side of life (and I’m hoping to grow the influence of the business and manage a little bit more!).

Either way, I am determined to finish my first manuscript of the book by August. I would then like to hand it to a few trusted souls to read and review for me. This will take greater discipline than ever before, but I’m up for the challenge.

I would also like to blog more frequently. I haven’t touched this personal portal of the internet in a long time. More than anything it becomes a journal for the mind, heart, and soul. Daily posts are ambitious. But, once a week seems doable to me. I’ll think of it as my weekly column about life in the South, as a laity, with a business, and a heart for the kingdom and my family. That’s diverse enough, huh?

SOUL:

I am a discipler, a teacher, and a people person. These are things that I have come to see as true about my life– and they have been affirmed in many blessed ways. The biggest piece of full-time ministry that I miss is helping a community of people grow in the Lord together. Whether that be in teaching, spiritual conversations over meals, in smaller group settings. My soul craves that and feels most alive in those moments of kingdom purpose.

Therefore, I hope to begin a group for people hungry and eager for Christ-like transformation in their lives. I’m not exactly sure what that looks like just yet. But I want to invite those with a thirst for the scriptures and community to share life and truth together. The idea of keeping a spiritual cadence comes to mind. This piece of my life has been the most challenging as of late. It’s the place I’m most eager to do, but it’s the place that’s the most missing right now. I’m praying about how these opportunities will arise.

Additionally, I enjoy investing in the ministry and heart of pastors. I long to see them enjoy their work, their congregations. I want to see their souls be nourished and their intimacy with God be real and vibrant. In the fall I met with a group of pastors in the region and led them through training pieces that have been revolutionary in my life. It was such a blessing and I plan on continuing this process with these men, and hopefully a few more. Please join me in prayer for these (re)new weekends.

MIND:

I like to learn, be mentally challenged, have educational stimulation. The greatest places of learning and discovery for me are communal discussion and reading. My book library is large and unfortunately I don’t yet have the ability to say, “Yes, I’ve read them all.” So I am making a plan to finish one book a quarter from off of my very full shelves. That’s a pretty low ambition goal, I know, but if I surpass it then “hallelujah.”

BODY:

I am very passionate about food, health, and fitness. We have been given one body and we should not destroy it for the sake of comfort; therefore, robbing ourselves of more vibrant years on this planet to be a faithful and effective witnesses for the kingdom. We wouldn’t trash our churches, why trash our temples?

Over the years I have made radical dietary and physical activity changes. So more than trying to come up with something completely radical for this year, I want to sustain my lifestyle changes. There is quite a bit of temptation in Southern living and eating for me. I need to keep focus. So that is my goal for 2013 on a body level.

I plan to keep strong with my healthy eating and fitness lifestyle, while enjoying certain treats along the way (in moderation of course). I want to shave some pounds and see if I can reach 190. That would be my high school weight, but even more selfish I’m curious how it would effect my cycling performance. I have linked up with some pretty strong cyclists out here and any and every possible advantage would help.

To finish off the month of January, I am going to attempt going vegan. It’s not to far from the clean eating I currently do minus eggs, meats, and dairy. Eggs are pretty minimal in my diet and milk is out. However, cheese and the occasional ice cream are the struggle. I do eat meat now, but not in large quantities and mostly just turkey and chicken. We’ll see. This could be crazy, but I thought a one month experiment would be fun. Not sure I could handle the whole year.

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So these are the goals. The internet is my mass medium to now hold myself accountable to them. I’ll give reports along the way and let you know how this year turns out. Who knows, it may lead to a new me!