Teeing Off the New Year

This morning was a bit of a rude awakening back into the land of the working. Had to get up to an unheard off alarm AND warm up my car before heading into work. 

And most of the day was spent reminding myself that today was Thursday and tomorrow is already a work-from-home Friday. 

Then there was the start of our company-sponsored golf tournament on Maui. 

I'm not bragging up any self-importance about this tournament, but I did put a lot of hours into writing content (social and otherwise) ahead of time. And now, many of my co-workers are on island and I am sort of "on call" in case they need something written from the Central Time Zone.

As usual, I'm a bit bummed about that. But I usually get a special gift or two from our team, so it somewhat balances out. Not completely, obviously, but since hubby and I have vacationed in that area in the recent past, at least I know what the experience is like!

And now, since the broadcast is on Hawaiian time, I better get to my recliner and oversee things. Or just watch enviable golf in a gorgeous location!

Hope you have time to tune into The Sentry sometime in the coming days!

I May or May Not Resolve...

Since I wrote the column for our January church newsletter, I figured I'd share it here since it definitely has a New Year's theme to it.

I Resolve…

Happy New Year! Did you make your resolutions yet? Without fail, when the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, people find themselves committing to becoming better people. In reality, there’s no difference between December 31 and January 1. Nothing mystical occurs at midnight. But society has decided this is the time to make a change.

Common New Year’s resolutions are commitments to quit bad habits, to manage money more wisely, and to spend more time with family. By far, the most common New Year’s resolution (and usually mine) is to lose weight. Fitness centers are packed every January! 

These are all good goals to set. However, 1 Timothy 4:8 instructs us to keep exercise in perspective: “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” 

In other words, perhaps we should try faith-based resolutions this year – like praying more, reading the Bible every day, or attending church more regularly. Just keep in mind these New Year’s resolutions can fail just as often as the non-spiritual resolutions. 

Why? Because there’s no actual power in declaring a New Year’s resolution. Resolving to start or stop doing a certain activity has no value unless you have the proper motivation and dedication. 

You might not want to hear this, but that means we still have to do the legwork. We still have to maintain our commitment – even on the tough days. 

The good news, as Philippians 4:13 tells us, is we “can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” Maybe if God is the center of our New Year’s resolution, it has a better chance for success. We still must do the work and remain steadfast. But if we rely on God’s strength and guidance to help us, we have a better shot at making it last past the month of January. 

Let’s do it! We all deserve a happy, healthy, and faithful 2025!