A New Year

This is the Roman god Janus. In the myths, Janus is the god of doors, gates, beginnings, and ends. Often in art and icons, he is depicted as having two faces; one looking backward, and the other looking forward; the past and future simultaneously. January carries his namesake as the time of year to pause and reflect on the past, and to ahead. So here we go: a look back at the past, and a look ahead…

This last year, although tough, has been a good year. 2010 saw me live within my means and provide for myself. I started back at Johnson Bible College and finished the grueling fall semester. I lost some weight and lived a healthier lifestyle. I stepped up into leadership at Crossings.

I made a lot of progress and grew a lot in a variety of ways, and within several areas of my life. Yeah there were some set backs, there were some times that hope seemed distant. Yet as the year closed out and I’ve had some time to zoom out I have a great satisfaction with the way the year panned out.

This year I hope to build on a lot of the work that was accomplished. To keep moving forward and growing. So my goals/resolutions for this year:

1) Loose some more weight, eat better, and become more physically active.

2) Graduate from Johnson Bible College in May.

3) Gain admission into a master’s program, or find a full or part time ministry position.

4) Write:

A. Finish my Novel Underground (carry over from last year)

B. Blog at least once a week, hopefully becoming more regular

C. Complete in National Novel Writing Month

5) Read: I am putting together a broad and diverse reading list (suggestions helpful). I plan to develop a system for taking notes on these books in a format for reference later (again suggestions…) I also plan to post some of these notes and reflections here.

6) Continue in leadership at Crossings, especially as the new site launch goes forward.

7) To continue in building relationships and community with established people, and new ones too.

8) To carve out time for myself: be at home at least 3 nights a week, no homework after 10, and to take a Sabbath every week.

9) To put into practice Covey’s seven habits.

10) To write a better story and pick of the pen and write the plot line for myself.

So here is to a New Year. New projects and new opportunities. I’m excited about what’s ahead. May this season be one of looking back and look forward. May you see where you want to go and run toward them. May this year be full of Joy, Blessings, Renewal and Shalom.

Grace and Peace

Justin Friel

jt.friel@gmail.com - Let me know what you think.