What to have a successful start to the year These tips will set your destiny.

We are a week into the New Year.  Already time seems to be going by too quickly.

There are so many things I want to accomplish.  New goals being set.  I’m trying super hard to become more productive with my time. And, I even started a little accountability support group of sorts with two other blogging friends.  We learn together, share tips, encourage each other, pray for each other, and speak Truth to each other.

Speaking Truth is a big one for us.  It’s so easy for us to get sucked into the lies of the world.  You know the lies you have to fight each day.  

That’s why it’s so important that we have formed this tiny group.  It helps us from getting snagged by the world’s way of thinking and keeps us focused on God’s way.  We’re still very business minded, but all in the context of knowing Whose we are and what we can become in Christ.  I believe that we are going to have a very successful year… by the world’s standards… but even more importantly… by God’s standards.

Happy are those who don’t listen to the wicked,
who don’t go where sinners go,
who don’t do what evil people do.
They love the Lord’s teachings,
and they think about those teachings day and night.
They are strong, like a tree planted by a river.
The tree produces fruit in season,
and its leaves don’t die.
Everything they do will succeed.

Psalm 1

Though we haven’t purposely decided to live by the 1st chapter of Psalms, we are actually doing that when we choose to avoid what we ought, focus on the Lord and His teachings, and meditate on His Word.  The result is that we’ll grow strong AND produce fruit.

Will everything go perfectly?  Probably not.  In fact, we individually have things in our personal lives that are plenty challenging right now. But, I am certain that as we stick together, focused on the Lord and on His Word and His ways, pray often, and work hard… we will reap a wonderful harvest.  I have a sense that together we’ll see a new level of success we haven’t seen before.  I know it’s all in God’s hands… but this scripture helps me to believe that we will have an amazing year.  And I’m excited.

Lake Michigan at North Pier of Grand Haven's Harbor in Winter - Inspirational Tips for a Successful New Year

I have a caveat. There is a key to this success that doesn’t have anything to do with our group. In fact, in order for our little group to be really effective, each of us must choose to do this… love the Lord’s teachings and think about those teachings day and night. Scripture is clear that if we do this… we will be strong and fruitful.

Do you want to have a year that’s strong, fruitful, and successful?

Make Psalm 1 your outline.

And have a blessed and most prosperous year!

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Inspirational Tips on How to Start the Year Destined for Success

 

Inspiration to start your week and a time to choose gratitude - JoyDay! - AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

It’s JoyDay!

 

And time to get our joy meters soaring!

Please join me in thinking back over the past week and counting seven things for which you are thankful.  This simple exercise of counting and giving thanks together in this space is something we do each week to reset our compasses and put our eyes back on the Lord.

I’ll start…

Thank you, God for…

  1. my blogging friends who are wonderful sisters in the Lord.
  2. your word that breathes life into us and gives us daily guidance on how to live.
  3. the success you have for us and the wonderful year ahead.
  4. the beauty in spite of the bitter cold.  
  5. a few mere inches of snow instead of a foot or more.
  6. for my loving husband who delights in me.
  7. Your amazing love and healing… I am so grateful.

Now…it’s YOUR turn!

List your ‘seven’ in the ‘share your extraordinary thoughts’ section below.  You’ll be glad you did.

Thank you for stopping by and leaving your sweet thoughts.

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Comments

  1. Gail says

    I like how you pointed out the meditation and studying of God’s words come first,,, then the success. I will be using your model when working on our newly formed cat rescue group. We save cats but also,work with poorer folks who want to keep their beloved pets but need supplies and vet visits.

    • Gail, that is such a wonderful thing. I am sure that you are blessing so many people because of your good works. May God richly bless all your efforts. {hugs}

  2. Debbi Saunders says

    Thank You God ….
    1. For renewed energy, purpose and direction for 2017…
    2. For My Spiritual growth in 2016…
    3. For the Godly woman in my Life who hold each other accountable in keeping our focus on the Lord…
    4. For the peace that you have Blessed me with this first challenging week of school…
    5. that I was able to give one of my kittens a wonderful new home with a former student and his Mom!!
    6. For the energy and mental preparation I needed to begin Simplifying and decluttering my Life and begin purging, my goal for 2017…
    7. For putting my words for 2017 on my heart “BE OPEN”…

  3. Debbie says

    1. For my wonderful son being here to help me
    2. For my friend who is always there for me and her knowledge of God and His teachings that she shares often with me.
    3. For my good health
    4. For a warm home during this snowy week.
    5. For God giving me strength and courage to face the things I am anxious about.
    6. For a loving Brother
    7. For blogs like yours Diane!
    God bless you sweetie and I hope you have a wonderful week 🙂

  4. Here are my 7, not in a particular order but all reasons for joy!
    1. For you my sweet and wise sister in Christ!
    2. For God’s unending grace in EVERY circumstance
    3. For inexpensive DIY fixes to household problems
    4. For my family and their support
    5. For a snow-day! We needed the break from routine to get some chores done!
    6. For working heat – it’s only 12 degrees out today!
    7. For the support of friends when I get feeling overwhelmed and want to give up. They remind me to keep my eyes on Christ and the dream He has given me and to rest when needed.

    Thank you for reminding us to be grateful – gratitude is such an important confession!!! <3 Love you sweet Diane!

  5. I LOVE the first psalm! (Would you believe that my 2nd grade teacher, an African-American lady in public school in Memphis in the 60’s) made us memorize that psalm? I can still quote it in the KJV. LOVE it. But I’ve never thought about using it as an “outline” for the new year–what a great idea! Thank you.

    God bless you and your small group as you love and encourage one another.

    Thanks so much for joining the Grace at Home party!

    • Richella, your teacher left a rich heritage with her students when she had the class memorize that psalm. What a blessing.
      Thanks for your encouraging remarks, too. I find it fascinating that we can read scripture and it says the same thing over and over and then one day it jumps alive and speaks to us in a whole new way. I guess that’s why there is a verse says that the Word of God is alive and active and sharper than any two-edged sword. 😉

      Be blessed friend!

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