Mission Accomplished

My goal every year is the same, to grow stronger physically and to grow stronger in my relationship with the Lord. This year has been one of my best years because I reached those two goals in a "bucket list" kind of way.

My first bucket list item was our incredible hike up Hike Dome. We looked forward to this hike for so long and I don't think any hike will ever compare to this incredible accomplishment. The hike was long and hard, the climb up the cables was very challenging but we made it! Definitely the highlight of the year for me. I am thankful for the courage and the ability to make it to the top. Mike told me afterward that he didn't think I would do it . . . I showed him!

My next bucket list item was to read the entire Bible (chronological order) in a year. Mike and I got a little behind with the reading plan but I finished reading this week and he will finish within the next month or two. I am thankful that God has given us both a stronger desire to know Him through studying His word which has given us a better relationship with each other.

I was listening online to David Platt in January 2014 when he challenged his congregation with a two-year Bible reading plan. I remember him asking the congregation, "What would make you happier this year, a $100,000 raise at your job, or reading through the Bible?" He went on to say, "we are so warped in our thinking. The word of God is more valuable than the money." All I can say is that you can't read through the entire Bible and not be changed. I totally understand what Dr. Platt was saying, the word of God is far more valuable than the money.

So what's next for 2015? Again, I want to be stronger both physically and spiritually. Unfortunately I don't have a big bucket list hiked planned right now. . . I wish I did (still researching most dangerous or challenging hikes). My goal is however, to start personal training with the best fitness instructor in Knoxville, Sarah Van Sickle (beautyhunters.org).  The workout is something I can handle, the 5:30am thing, I'm not so sure about. I am not a morning person so early morning workouts will be more challenging than climbing Half Dome.

Now as far as spiritual gain this year, what do you do after reading the entire Bible? You go back and you dig deeper. As I was reading the New Testament, I noticed over and over that the Lord warns us about false teachers and to stand firm. We were talking recently with friends who were leaving a church because the teaching was not lining up with scripture which is why its so important to study the Bible on your own. My three favorite authors/teachers are David Platt, Kay Arthur and Francis Chan. There are others but I know these three speak truth according to the word of God. We have to be so careful and make sure our beliefs line up with scripture and we don't just go along with what the world teaches and how we feel about an issue. God's word is our authority. We either believe it, all of it, or we don't.

I've read The Book and I know how it ends. It doesn't end well for nonbelievers. My prayer is that everyone reading this blog has put their faith and trust in Jesus and will have a growing relationship with Him in 2015.

Read The Book, I guarantee you, it will change you. Happy New Year!

Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me." ~John 14:6
"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you." ~John 14:26