G is for Goal

There were so many words beginning with G that I could have used, but when I stumbled upon the word, goal, I knew that was one we could all relate with.  The word goal is one every weight watcher uses.  Short term goal, 10% goal, final destination goal., to list just a few.  Who among us has not struggled with a goal to lose 10 pounds?  Who among us has not longed to reach 'goal'?  Goal is an elusive, but at times, all consuming, word.

Just what is a goal?  Why is it so important that we reach it, or at least strive to accomplish a goal? I often think of a race when I hear the word goal.  Crossing the goal, the finish line, is usually the objective.  As I gain wisdom from life I realize that the finish line isn't the important part of reaching the goal.  I am learning that the race is the most important.  It is how I run the race that will make the difference for me in the end.  My goals must be not be static or rigid, they must be adaptable and they must be attainable.


"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:12-14)

To read all of this text click here Biblegateway Phillippians 3

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Goal Setting

Mile Markers - My devotion time today made me aware of the importance of goal setting, short term and long term. These goals will help to guide me and give me a clearer picture of the road ahead. Just like mile markers on the highway give a picture, in bite size pieces, of just where I am on this trip, short term goals help me stay focused and motivated without being overwhelmed.

I find it easier to begin a journey of 600 miles by focusing on only the first 125. If my goal is to get off the road and walk around a bit at 125 miles, there is immediate gratification for me. I get to rest and stretch for a bit, giving me a fresh perspective when I climb back into the car. It is the same for any major undertaking I am going to tackle.

Now, as I continue to walk with Jesus on my journey to overcome this food stronghold, I am encouraged when I only work on today. Taking this one day at a time makes it easier to keep on target. Today is the only day that I have any control over or say in. Yesterday is done and tomorrow never arrives. Sounds like a plan to me.

Scripture encouragement for today is from Philippians 4:13, 19 "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus."

Grace 'n Grins,
Judy

Encouraging Words

Friday Fruits - It is Friday and while many of us look forward to the weekend and time with family, it can be challenging for those of us who struggle with food strongholds. The weekend often signals a time to get out of our routine; the weekend gives us permission to give in to our desires. After all, it is a time of rest.

I find that all of this is true. The weekend is meant for us to Regroup. I often use the weekend to examine how the past week went. I can use this as a time to prepare a new eating plan for the coming week or to repeat one from the past weeks that worked really well.

Relax is another practice I have for the weekend. I will relax from my routine, relax from everyday deadlines and unwind for two days. While I don't cease my eating plan I will loosen up a bit, in that I will allow a treat into my plan for one of the days.

It is important to me that I Restore myself over the weekend, that I fill my heart and my head with positive words and uplifting thoughts. Monday can be a difficult day if I have not taken the time to re-estabish my goals, to give myself (and God) credit for the successes of the past week and to forget about any perceived failures.

Scripture encouragement for today is from Romans 12:11-12 (MSG) "Don't burn out, keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don't quit in hard time; pray all the harder."

Grace 'n Grins,
Judy