One of our pastors really likes using acronyms in his messages. Last Sunday he encouraged us to come up with a few personal goals for 2009 for each category in the acronym WOW: Walk with Jesus Daily, Obey His Commands, Work Diligently. It sounded like one of those cute, little activities I used to do with my Wednesday night girls classes at church, so I kind of chuckled under my breath. As I started writing things down, I found WOW to be a pretty helpful mnemonic device for remembering my goals. I guess advertising companies really know what they’re doing when they create catchy, little rhymes and seemingly laughable slogans. People simply remember better that way-even adults! Anyway, here is my WOW (because I know you’ve been waiting with bated breath to hear it):
1. Walk with Jesus Daily
-My 2009 Goal is to consistently offer the first part of my day to the Lord in prayer and reading His Word. I find this easier to save till evening when I’ve completed everything on my checklist, but really my day ends up being so much better if I start it out with some divine help. 
-”In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.” (Psalm 5:3)
2. Obey His Commands
-My 2009 Goal is to set a higher standard of integrity for the “gray areas” by listening to the Holy Spirit. You know what those gray areas are for you: “saying nothing isn’t exactly lying” or “I’m not gossiping; I’m sharing a concern…” They’re different for everyone, I suppose. I definitely have my own.
-”The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart.” (Proverbs 17:3)
-”As water reflects a face, so a man’s heart reflects a man.” (Proverbs 27:19)
3. Work Diligently
-My 2009 Goal is to keep my eyes open to those around me, making the most of every opportunity to serve or bless someone else.
-”Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Galatians 6:9-10)
-”Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” (Ephesians 5:15-17)
Brava! I too chafe at ‘cute’ tricks like this, but it seems you are doing the right thing: making them yours. Inspiring. May God guide you in this worthy endeavor.
P.S. love the screen ’snow’! (How’d you *do* that?)
Thanks!
It was an option under Appearance and Extras in the dashboard, but ends tomorrow.
Hi! and thanks for finding me
Goals are so important for growth – I love that you are using scripures as goals.
I’m doing much better, thank you! I still have a cough… but the blacking out, aches, and exhaustion are gone! (It’s about time! =P)
Hope you have a wonderful Sunday!
Emily