Before you make plans....

Hello friends, 

Preparation begins with surrender to the Lord, not self-reliance.

Are you getting your new planners ready and beginning to think about the year ahead? I’ve been asking myself a few reflective questions. Did I commit my work to the Lord this past year? What was accomplished that is worthy of celebration? What did not receive the attention it needed—and why?

If I’m honest, I often try to accomplish too much without first surrendering it to God. (I’m being seriously transparent here.)

As I prepare for the year ahead, I’m noticing that it isn’t so much about goals to achieve as it is about consistent habits—with the outcomes released to the Lord. I can control my actions and my daily habits, but I must entrust the results to God. Each day I surrender myself, my marriage, my family, and my activities to Him. Whether that includes my work as a realtor, caring for my body, creating a welcoming home, serving to meet a need, or figuring out what to cook for dinner.

It’s often at the intersection of the day’s needs and my small acts of obedience that I see God at work. These are holy moments.

For January, it helps us to think about God as our Fortress—a fortified place, a stronghold, and a place of security. He can handle every care we place in His hands.

I’ve updated the January Prayer Guide using this month’s focus on God as our Fortress, with Scriptures for Praise, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Requests. You can always add Scriptures of your own, but it’s helpful to have them thoughtfully selected. Feel free to print it and share it with anyone who might be encouraged in their prayer life.

January Prayer Guide

As we look toward January, there may be habits that are already well established—and others you’d like to strengthen or begin. One simple tool that helps me is a Habit Tracker. I keep mine where I see it daily. If I miss a day, I simply pick back up the next day. We don’t need perfection—just a growing connection with the Lord.

Habit Tracker

If you find yourself thinking, I want to read my Bible more, or I want to pray more, consider boiling that desire down to one small habit. Even five minutes a day, faithfully practiced, can make a lasting difference.

As you order your days for the year ahead, my prayer is that you begin not with striving, but with surrender—trusting God to establish what you place in His hands.