BrendaHubbard

Happy New Year!!!! As we celebrate the beginning of the “New,” let’s remember to hope for the best outcome as we plan the next 12 months of the year, but let’s also leave room for the unknown. Or better yet, let’s make room for changes to happen. If you are anything like how I used to be, you could plan and take notes to the most intricate detail, and if anything in that changed, it could unintentionally throw off the entire operation. Can I get a witness? Well, based on the research by the University of Scranton, statistics say that 92% of people who set New Year’s goals never actually achieve them. Why do you think that is? Here, we can go into a never-ending list, but on top of all of the researched reasonings, we have to back up this information. One common factor is more room for unknown changes and speed bumps ahead. 

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11.
You hear so much about how critical planning and journaling our day the night before is. Using a comfortable notepad/planner or anything that feels comfortable writing in and desiring to open up will help. But I want to share a revelation God gave me this past month.

This unique tool we rely on is also the most condemning and hindering tool if not kept up with. It will torture you and tell you all about the negative things you are not doing and how you let this day go by and did not accomplish what you said you would do. I never thought anything about it. I would continue making false promises about how tomorrow would be different; no matter what came my way tomorrow, I would accomplish that task. I was on a never-ending roller coaster with no way out. Day after day, I felt defeated and overwhelmed, and now I was looking at my business, family, and circumstances as if it was their fault and the reason I couldn’t accomplish such tasks. 

One day, I was on the phone with my husband, analyzing my situation and why I felt that way. Holy Spirit, aka God, very subtle, showed me a blank white paper and said, write down the good you’ve done for the day. Now, I am struck and tell my husband what God shared. We begin talking about it, and he mentions how that’s it right there. Something is keeping me bound and in a place of defeat. Spoiler alert: We went into prayer and a complete phone deliverance session, and let me say that was one for the books. That one is a blog in itself. I’ll have to share another day. So, after that prayer/deliverance session, God lifted the burden I had been carrying, and I can tell you that journaling/planning did not work for me. It may work for you and help you. If so, continue using them and reading below because some of my tips can still help. 

Changes and setbacks are inevitable because that is life. It doesn’t matter how much we plan and organize. They are bound to happen. But the biggest question is how that will dictate your perspective on your planned goal. When you have a setback, will you curl up for the day? Will you have a rotten rest of your day? Will you be mad at the world for it? How will you handle unforeseen changes while trying to accomplish that goal? Here, I wanted to share five essential tips that have helped me before starting my day: 

1. List out 3-4 critical tasks & start with your least favorite:

If time permits, write out 3-4 tasks you want to accomplish the following day. But start with your least favorite, then your 2nd least favorite. You are leaving your two favorite ones last. And if unable to accomplish all four, then at least you’ve completed your two most essential. It is essential because the most critical tasks are usually our least favorite. Come to grips with knowing that the day can be full of surprises, good and bad, but leaving room for the inevitable and changes is critical. With that meaning, not all tasks may get done, and we cannot allow that to put us in a place of anxiousness. Writing these tasks has helped me keep tasks within an attainable reach. I do my best with my time based on the circumstances that may arise. Refuse to worry about tomorrow, but deal with each challenge that comes your way, one day at a time. Tomorrow will take care of itself.”
Matthew 6:34 (TPT)

2. Wake up early 4 am:

Just hear me out before you check out on me. Based on my schedule, this time works wonders for me, but this is only ideal for some. A single person with no kids or spouse might not have to do this if their day starts much later and their home is quiet. A time like this may be too early for a person with a family that has little ones. Figure out the best time for you before starting work, school, etc. For example, your time might be 5 am or 8 am. But the whole purpose is to have quiet time for at least an hour or two before starting your day. To be alone, seeking God’s presence. One verse that clearly states this is: But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33 (KJV). Another one to remember throughout the day is, Seek the Lord and his strength, Seek his face continually. 1 Chronicles 16:11 (KJV). 

3. Seek God 1st/Praying/Reading his word:

We have examples of this in the Bible, as well as the importance of giving God our first. There is power in that; I’ve found out that it sets the foundation for the day. Seeking God first helps us when challenges arise so we are better equipped to handle them. I have seen a difference in my day when I spend time with God in the morning and when I do not. Every day may look different when seeking God, but be open and allow God to lead you. He may lead you to a worship song to listen to or to read his word, aka the Bible. God may lead you to read a book, and certain things in the book may give you insight into something you’re dealing with. Or he may lead you to sit in silence to speak to you in his still, calming voice. Allow God to lead you to what he wants you to do. When in doubt, begin with prayer, which is nothing more than talking to God. The next morning, Jesus got up long before daylight, left the house while it was dark, and made his way to a secluded place to give himself to prayer. 
Mark 1:35 (TPT)

4. Read a book/Learn in an area in my life I want to grow in: 

 Learning and growing bring growth and understanding, which we should always strive for. I have found that to be so beneficial on this journey, and God will use a book I am reading to give me a word. God speaks in many ways when wanting to get our attention. That is why the Bible states it like this: Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance. Proverbs 1:5 (NLT). Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge. Proverbs 18:15 (NLT). Pick a book to help you grow spiritually or mentally, and watch yourself transform into a better version. 

5. Physical health/Workout/Discipline:

  One important thing is physical health. You’ve heard the same thing, but seeing this in God’s word is powerful. Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19. Honoring God means giving respect by the way we take care of something he’s given us. Yes, our bodies are a gift from God while we are on earth for us to do right by and care for with good nutrition, exercise, and respectful behaviors, to name a few. One day, we will account for what we took care of. 
Then he ordered, take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver. To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away. Matthew 25:28. For more context and insight on this story, read Matthew’s book chapter 25:14-30 in the Bible. 

Dear Reader, Thank you for taking the time to read these lines and the insight that God has given me to share and help you as we journey into this new year. I pray these tips bless you and help you become a better you progressively, one day at a time, just as they continue to help me. All for the glory of our God in Jesus’ Name, I pray Amen.