Christmas planning and activities filled my calendar for most of December. Between parties, sending a letter instead of cards to family and friends, and shopping for gifts and food as well as preparing meals and treats, my FranklinCovey Planner was packed. The results were wonderful memories, lots of fun and photos, and sleep deprivation.
Now that we’ve returned gifts that didn’t fit and stuffed the freezer with leftover ham and cardamom bread, it’s time to prepare for New Year’s Day. Our son will spend a few days with us. Planning the menu should be easy. . . something with ham and cardamom bread for starters.
Another task awaiting me before January 1 is choosing our church’s memory verses for each month of the new year. I try not to repeat, so I’ll rely on my database of verses from the last five years and select ones not yet memorized. The Bible is chock full of so many wonderful verses worth memorizing, it isn’t difficult.
Most importantly, early in the new year, I usually spend a few hours alone connecting with the Lord. I begin with a spiritual check-up published by the C.S. Lewis Institute[1] that has helped me grow spiritually and prepare my heart for what may be ahead. Afterward, I review my “End in Mind” worksheet that helps me consider what I’d most like to Be, Do, Have, Help, Enjoy, and Leave before I die[2]. I write goals that may guide me in the first six months of the year. I plan to review the “End in Mind” worksheet and write new goals again in July.
However you spent Christmas, I pray you were blessed with wonderful memories. May the Lord guide you in 2025 as you seek to love and serve Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Happy New Year!
[1] “Discipleship of Heart and Mind Annual Spiritual Check-up” www.cslewisinstitute.org
[2] From “The New Eve”™ by Dr. Robert M. Lewis
A Goldilocks Life 
Hi Lynn, I felt bad that I sent you a Christmas Card in the mail and it came back. I reversed 2 numbers on it. I did enjoy your Christmas letter. We are celebrating Christmas today at my house with siblings. Bill and I had been sick with stomach flu on Christmas Day, so we delayed Christmas. We are feeling fine now. But we didn’t want to give it to anyone. We will be looking for Special Features in January. We don’t meet until March and I have that one filled. Bea
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Sorry you were sick. We too faced that, our son in law had flu so we didn’t get to see one of our daughters and family. Now the son in law is in hospital with bowel obstruction. Enjoy your Christmas celebration!
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Wow. I just finished the CS Lewis Annual Check up. It was great. Thanks for passing it along:)
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You’re welcome. Thank the Lord I found it and could share it!
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