Thursday, December 31, 2009

Happy New Year!


Happy New Year! 

Is it possible that another year has come and gone?

Time - it's been on my heart and mind lately. What am I doing with the time God has given me? I cannot retrieve the time that has passed, but I can make the most of the time He's provided this new year.

In Psalm 31:15, David says, "My times are in Your hand..." Even though he was referring to his current trials, I think David's words apply to us now. We are nothing without God. What a blessing to know our lives and times are in His hands.

How do we make the most of our time? MaryAnn Diorio's Focus on the Majors over at The Write Power might help. MaryAnn's post outlines key points regarding time and priorities. It's a good breakdown to help focus goals for 2010.

So tell us, what will you do with your writing time this year? How do you order and set your goals? I pray 2010 will be a year of spiritual growth as He leads and guides us.

New Year's Blessings to you!

20 comments :

  1. Beautiful post Karen! Our times are in His hands, that is a complete relief.

    I pray that I surrender more of myself to the Lord this year, in my writing and my living. I know His desires for me are far greater that I could ever imagine.

    Have a Happy New Year!

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  2. Tamika,
    Thanks for your sweet comment. I agree, His plans are better than any thing I could come up with:)
    Blessings!

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  3. Hey, Karen! I want to make the most out of my writing time but I can't commit to "x" amount a day because of the weirdness of my schedule and the transition I'm in right now. So I set other goals, like finishing certain projects.

    Have a great holiday!

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  4. Kristen,
    Me too! I set goals in projects, the per day thing is tough for me, even when I happen to have hours on my hands. Great minds think alike:)
    Blessings!

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  5. Honestly, Karen, I struggle with doing what I'm supposed to be doing and doing what I want to be doing. As a homeschooling mom, homemaker, and wife to a fulltime student, I often feel that my life is not my own. But fortunately, I know that is not true...that my life is the Lord Jesus'...and that He will lead me in the right paths for me. Woe is me if I lean on my own understanding!
    As for writing...that is what I want to be doing but also cannot commit to X hours a day. I try to say Rest Time for all children is at 3 p.m. and that is when I write but that also depends on husband's schedule.
    For 2010, I know I'm starting off taking a class by Christina Katz. I won her scholarship for Writing and Publishing the Short Stuff. I am really excited about that. I want to continue my blogging and widen my horizons as far as markets go. That's all the plans I feel comfortable in making at this point.
    Sorry for rambling. Feel free to ax me if this is too long.
    Blessings for a Prosperous New Year,
    Carol

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  6. No need to ax you, Carol! I understand the challenges you face. As a former homeschooling mom I know that it is difficult to get everything in, just school wise, let alone all the other stuff! You are doing a wonderful job, I am sure, and you are a great blessing to your family. Hang in there, for your steps are ordered and your calling is right where you are.

    Congrats too, on the writing class! How exciting!

    Blessings and Happy New Year to you and your gang,
    Karen

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  7. Karen, what a beautiful post. I have been thinking on this very thing. The time that God has given me. I don't want to waste a moment. I want HIM to be TOP priority. And even though I say he is sometimes I don't act like it. His time gets pushed back and then there is no time left in that day. So HIS time=top priority.

    I'll head over and read that post now. Happy New Year. : )

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  8. Hi Robyn,
    Thank you:) Yes, I need to take care that my actions match my words that God is a priority in my life. Blessings to you,
    Karen

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  9. My 2010 writing goals/dreams are to have more time to write (Isn't that the desire of most writers?!). I hope to finish up several short stories that are in the works and send them out with a prayer that one might get published.

    I also am working on my photography trying to learn more about my camera and how to make professional pics. I have two that are being submitted to a local photo contest.

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  10. Hi Donna,
    I'm with you on the more time to write thing:) Hope you do well with the short stories and the photo contest. Nice to see you!
    Blessings,
    Karen

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  11. Karen:
    My main goals are to find some outlets for my writing and to learn and practice better time management skills.

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  12. Wishing you and your family a blessed 2010, Karen! I think it's awesome that your blog visitors are looking to this new year with thoughts of what God will have them do. It's the only way to celebrate a new year!

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  13. Cecelia,
    Time management, now there's something I need to work on too! Blessings to you:)
    Karen

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  14. Barbara, and to you and your family as well! Yes, it's all in vain if we don't do it with the Lord first. Thanks for dropping in!
    Blessings,
    Karen

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  15. I want to double the growth I had from last year through writing. I was amazed at how much it did for my personal and spiritual self. I guess that comes from doing what you know He gave you to do. Right?

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  16. Jan,
    I'd have to agree!
    Thanks for stopping by! :)
    Karen

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  17. I must say, I've long considered writing for the purpose of being published, but it's taken a backseat to other, more pressing goals.

    Now that I've headed well into my 60s, I'm taking another peak at what, if anything, to do with compiling a piece for publication.

    I'm not sure exactly what course it'll take, but this I know: any worthy goal for my life must pass the acid test of being God's perfect (and best) will for me. All too often I've signed on for fair or good at the expense of best.

    Thank you for your continued encouragements. We need your sort of inspiration!

    Blessings,
    Kathleen

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  18. Hi Kathleen,
    Great advice, how many of us sign off on what's God's best...

    Thanks for your kind words. It's always a treat to 'talk' to you:)

    Hugs and blessings,
    Karen

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  19. Hey Karen!! I gave you an award!! Come get it at my blog:)
    giveawaygal.blogspot.com

    And congrats on your win yesterday!!! Way to go!!

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  20. Hi Charity,
    Thanks so much! You are a peach:) Love your blog, it's always a great stop in blog-land.
    Blessings,
    Karen

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Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Have a blessed day!