A new year births new beginnings.

A new year brings with it the opportunity for new beginnings. As you step into a new year, begin with the end in mind. When 2015 ends, what transformation do you want see? Transformation begins with a desire to change and results from taking intentional steps to bring about that change. You can’t lose weight apart from diet and exercise. You can’t improve your financial situation without a budget and an income. You can’t grow spiritually without faith and action.

Change requires an open door.

Are you willing to learn something new? Are you willing to let go of old ways and old tenets to discover truth and achieve growth? If you approach new challenges with a closed mind, transformation cannot occur. An open heart, eager for change, is necessary to receive new life.

Take small steps. Keep it simple.

Change doesn’t have to be big. It can be something small; something simple. Perhaps you just want to be more organized or rid yourself of clutter. I recently heard of a plan that calls for you to choose ten items in your house to get rid of each week to reduce clutter. Simple enough.

Romans 12:2

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

How do you know where to start?

Determining where to start begins with selecting your map and your compass. You need the right map to see what your real options are. You need an accurate compass to correctly identify where you are so that you head in the direction that will get you where you aim to go. What is the source you go to for direction? As a Christ follower, I depend on God and the Bible to direct my path. Apart from God and His word, I can’t discern His will for my life. I haven’t always lived this way. I can tell you that since I gave my heart to Christ, I like the results I’ve seen.

Life’s hard. Press on.

Sure, life is not easy. It’s not all peaches and ice cream. To paraphrase the late humorist Erma Bombeck, sometimes life, like a bowl of cherries, just gives you the pits. We all struggle. We all suffer. Life is a rollercoaster, filled with highs and lows.  In your elation, don’t blow it. Remember, gaining 20 pounds is easier than losing 1 pound. We all have times when seas of discouragement darken our door; just don’t set anchor there. Keep on rowing. My wife and I recently saw the movie “Unbroken”, the story of Louis Zamperini. When Louis and his friends found themselves afloat on the ocean, faced with the harshest conditions, Louis didn’t give up. Relying on a power greater than himself, Louis resolved to survive.

Whose life is it anyway?

I believe God is the giver of life. Each of us have been given a certain amount of time. We are responsible for how we use it. At the end of the day, you will be the one accountable for your life. How will you spend the time you’ve been given stewardship over?

Romans 14:12

So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.