I would have to say that seeing things through is huge for me. Because I am always looking at things and how I can make them better I find myself often cutting things short, or not giving them time to really take root. Now when I set a goal I see it through to the end and then look at what I need to do better for next time. I know this may sound very simple and easy, but for me at times it is very difficult but possible if I take it one small step at a time.

Today’s Blog Was Written By Rob McKee

Here are practical ways that I use to hit my life goals:

1. Writing them down.
2. Talking about them with others.
3. Taking bite sized steps to move me closer to my goals.
4. The ability to say no to things that take away my focus from what I need to do.

What life goal have you seen, through God’s grace, accomplished in your life?

Today’s Blog Was Written By Rhonda Courteau

From Grades 5- 12, I attended a private Christian School that understood the power of setting goals. We had to make clear, everyday, how many pages in each subject we would accomplish and if we did not meet our target, then we would take it home for homework. There was something very empowering about being given the responsibility of setting those goals each day. I have kept this discipline in my life ever since. I use this discipline not only for my everyday responsibilities and tasks but for personal goals. I find it very important to write the vision down. Whether it is a fitness goal like shaving some time of my marathon runs or a financial goal of putting money aside for a household renovation, it is so important for me to make a goal and be diligent to see it accomplished. If this is new for you, start with simple, attainable goals and work your way up. You’ll be glad you did!

Today’s Blog Was Written By Kimberly Sabourin

The first and most important step to hitting your goals is to make sure that your goals are God’s goals for your life. You can do anything you want to do. You can accomplish anything you want to accomplish in life but ultimately just accomplishment is not the goal. We seek and strive to find fulfillment out accomplishing goals in our life, only to find the gratification wears off so quickly.

When you are overweight and discontent with your body, you may think all I need to do is lose 10 pounds, 20 pounds, or 50 pounds and then I will be happy. If I lose 50 pounds then I will be happy with my body. But anyone who has lost weight can tell you that once the high of the accomplishment wears off you still see the same person in the mirror. You see God wants to transform you from the inside out and through this transformation will come accomplishment.

Once you have determined what God’s goals are for your life then the most important step to hitting your goals is consistency. You just have to keep at it, little by little, step by step. When I first started running, it was hard work. I would have to talk myself through 15 minutes of – Just keep going, you can do it, 5 more minutes etc. But then 15, turned into 20, which turned into 25 and so on.

It’s just like that as Disciples of Christ. At first we have to talk ourselves through it, but then it gets easier and we start to see the fruit and value in it. So if you want to see your goals accomplished…

1. Make sure your goals are God’s goals for your life
2. Be consistent.

Today’s Blog Was Written By Lori Boucher

Setting daily, weekly and monthly goals has been my way of life. When I was the Principal of Life Christian Academy that also became the way of life for each of our students. Why? Because I believe that setting daily goals and accomplishing them has so much to do with building a healthy self-esteem into a child’s life.

Of course goals must be attainable and I have had to learn in my life there are only so many things that can be written on a “to do” list in a given day. If I don’t write out my “to do” list then everything stays in my head and each small task feels insurmountable. Once I get it on paper, start ticking my goals off one by one gives me such a sense of accomplishment.

On a larger scale, I have allowed the Lord to put goals in my life such as completing my ministerial courses and because I have such a love for study I then went on to receive my Master’s and Doctorate as “goals” to accomplish. I completed by second doctorate in theological studies a few years ago. Now….I’m waiting on the Lord. You just never know what He’s going to drop in your spirit.

Did I ever in my wildest dreams think I could accomplish these kind of goals. No. But then….I don’t serve an ordinary God. I serve a God that wants me to experience “over and above what I could ever imagine”.

Today’s Blog Was Written By Joyce Boucher

Recently Lori and I took our family on a trip to Disney. It was magical. I went with a full wallet and they made it all disappear. Kidding. Beautiful family memories.

In the afternoon when walking from one area of the park to another, our youngest daughter Ally followed her eyes instead of her family. It was only for a few seconds, but in a busy crowded park, that is all it took. For the next minute we “looked” for Ally. As you can imagine, when we found her only a minute later she was just standing and crying. To her, I am sure that one-minute seemed like a much longer period of time.

She wasn’t wrong for losing sight of her family, she was lost – and being in that state is a scary thing.

When reflecting on that story it reminds me of a text that I read often in the book of James.

James 5:19-20 (ESV)
My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

While there is no question that there are some who deliberately reject Christ and His offer of grace, the majority are not wrong, they have just become lost. We like to view people through the lens of right and wrong, and I understand that when it comes to ideas, opinions, or specific Biblical viewpoints.

Yet I love how the Scripture depicts our condition, not only through the lens of right and wrong, but lost and found.

Lost should invoke compassion.
Lost should spark a search party.

There is no indifference to a lost family member. The only objective is to bring them home.

Seeing people as lost vs. wrong is a small element that can have a big difference in your life.

Today’s Blog Was Written By Jason Boucher

The number one way that I hear God’s voice in my everyday life is through His Word. I can’t tell you how much I look forward to reading my Bible and having God speak to me through the scriptures. I have my favourite Bible for reading and I know that every time I crack it open God is going to speak to me. Might be encouraging, might be harsh, my be deep, might even be funny (yes I believe God has a sense of humour). Amazing that His Word still speaks to my life every day no matter what I am going through.

Love my Bible!

Today’s Blog Was Written By Rob McKee

The Word of God is so precious to me and this is where I hear the voice of God. As I read the scriptures, they become alive to me and I can hear God speaking to me through His Word.

I hear God through people. I have been so blessed by words of encouragement and it has affirmed to me what God has already shared with me through His Word. I have also had very close friends share a concern with me when they see me acting or moving down a path they know is not healthy. God has used their words to bring me back to Himself in humility and to put my life in His hands.

An experience or scenario will remind me of a principle or attribute of God and it brings His truths close to home.

I hear God’s voice as a gentle nudge or feeling. Through out my day I can feel God convicting, encouraging and leading me through a “sense.”

I hear God in nature. I love walking in nature and hearing the birds, listening to the trees leaves rustle and the wind and hearing my steps walk across the beautiful living ground. I love nature and I find that this is where I can be very still to listen and respond in quietness and peace.

God is speaking. I just need to take the time to listen.

How do you hear God?

Today’s Blog Was Written By Rhonda Courteau

I hear God’s voice in many simple ways as I go about my everyday life but His Word is the vessel that He uses to speak to me daily. It is so important for me to set time out of my day to read His Word. I love a reading plan because it keeps me accountable, focused and challenged. As I open up the designated passages, I ask the Lord to highlight one verse that He would have me meditate and glean from. Everyday, through His Word, I see His will for my life. It is how I hear the still small voice of the Lord in situations day in and day out. It doesn’t get any better then that!

Today’s Blog Was Written By Kimberly Sabourin

One day I was dropping off some muffins at a friend’s house. I was going to head to Old Navy to do a little shopping and for some reason right there and then, while driving in the van I prayed this prayer “Lord should I go to Old Navy right now?” I felt a very quick but gentle response, “Not right now.” So not really knowing why I headed back home. 15 minutes later my doorbell rang and there was person I had made an appointment with for some counseling a couple of weeks previous. She had to book babysitting to come and see me and I almost missed it. But I didn’t miss it because I asked God first.

What amazes me about this story is that God didn’t tell me why He didn’t want me to go to Old Navy that day. He spoke but it took an act of faith for me to listen. That’s what it’s like in our everyday lives. God is speaking, prompting us to do things, go places and setting up divine appointments for us but each and every time it takes an act of faith for us to respond and listen.

I encourage you to ask God more often what He wants you to do. Ask Him if He wants to speak to you. And be ready to listen to His leading.

Today’s Blog Was Written By Lori Boucher