New Year's Resolution for 2018...more of the same.

I’m not going to list many things I want to change in my life going into the new year. (thought I'm always needing a healthy dose of change)  This year, I’m going to list some things I hope that stay the same…

I want to continue to read God’s Word each morning with anticipation and awe.

I want to remain disciplined in writing and reading in order to keep my mind sharp.

I want to pray for my wife and my kids each morning and throughout the day.

I want to keep believing that God can do more than I think or imagine he can.

I want to extend the streak of dating my wife nearly every week for our 22 years of marriage.

I want to text my girls prayers, encouragements, verses, jokes, memories, and dreams.

I want to stay strong with my morning discipline of working out at the YMCA.

I want to spend time at home enjoying my family without feeling antsy or busy.

I want to get outdoors feeding my soul with creation’s beauty.

I want to talk on the phone often with my mom and dad as they grow older.

I want to lead our church with hope, not hesitation.  Faith, not fear.  Peace, not paranoia.

I want to keep valuing deep friendship by listening well and sharing vulnerably.

I want to stay generous with my money, putting God and His Kingdom first.

I want to never forget about those on the other side of the world…the lost and least.

I want to keep growing in my ability to be a good father to sons.

I want to feel conviction over sin and a burning passion for repentance.

I want to lead our community toward grace, goodness, and gratitude.

I want to trust God to lead and provide even when I feel like retaking control.

I hope to maintain and sustain these things that are under assault every day of my life.  Give me strength, Lord.  May I fight the good fight and finish well.