New Year's Thoughts...

Here comes 2016!

And here are some random thoughts.

I love fresh, new calendars.  With my Google calendar, I miss the thrill of turning that page to a new year.  Now it's just a click to another screen.  *Sigh*

I have a cool new calendar called "The Finding Jesus Calendar."  Think "Where's Waldo," but with Jesus.  For real.  I just need to find a place to hang it...

Resolutions sometimes work, sometimes don't.  Even if they don't work, I like dreaming and planning for the new year.

Danger is around the corner.  I don't know what the dangers are, but I don't want to play it safe in 2016.  I want the danger that comes from worthy risks, not the danger that comes from foolishness or laziness.

The Panthers could make it to the Super Bowl.  Yeah, we're gonna rock at our Crossroads Super Bowl Party!

Speaking of sports, the Demon Deacons look like they may have a real basketball team this season.  Whoo Hoo!  Danny Manning is the man.

I want to put some serious energy into writing in 2016.  Better blogs, guest columns, and maybe a book.  And complete sentences.  Where necessary.

I expect this New Year to be full of excitement.  I want to live every moment in the moment.  It should start off with a bang!

Prayer Issues

As I plan to get serious with prayer this year, I have some issues. 

Prayer system.  I have used notebooks, cards, and electronic devices to prompt me in prayer.  I have also used pure memory.  Today I got out my prayer index cards again, primarily because of issue no. 2.

Distractions.  I realize more and more the profound distraction of all things electronic.  Using my phone or computer to display my prayer list can be dangerous.  But I don't even need a screen to get distracted.  My mind constantly wanders.  The prayer system can be a great reminder of the task at hand.

Time.  I know that I need specific, dedicated time to prayer.  Somehow I let prayer time get relegated to leftovers.  Real praying takes more than leftovers. 

Substance.  I need to get real with God.  I need to praise him with abandon.  I need to ask him for serious intervention.  If he is to show his glory in my life, I need to ask boldly.  Jesus repeatedly urges us to ask the Father.  So rarely do I make a big ask.  No wonder I don't see more breakthroughs in prayer.

Jesus really wants to impact this world with his goodness.  I want to cooperate on my knees before him.