Goals.

I'm thankful to God that this year has passed and that I am living to see the New Year. It's going to be 2016 and I am excited about the new opportunities that I will be granted with. These new opportunities may be (but probably will be) challenging - but there is joy in that because I pray that I can grow more in the likeness of Christ through these trials (James 1:1-16). I will expand on this below...so here are my goals!

1. Be joyful in trials and challenges, even if I am suffering. My church had been studying the book of James (via David Platt's sermons) and I learned a lot - it's a command to be joyful (James 1:2) despite being in various trials. If our goal in these trials is God, then trials are a joy because you will grow during this process. Being joyful is already hahaha hard for me since I complain a lot. As busy season is coming up, this serves as a reminder to myself that I must rely on God and find joy (and not complain!!!). I will need to pray for joy - please pray for me!!! I will leave this goal with a quote from Platt that made me go :O to !!!! to :D  : "The sufferings we take in trials cannot be compared to the glory in God found in us; because if God is for us, what can be against us?" 

2. Work for God. After working for a year, I feel that I have wasted my life because I've just been focusing on work and pleasing everyone without focusing on God in the workplace. This is why I've been so tired of work and wanting to quit. Considering that I am designating in January 2016, I will still need to wait for the spring ceremony in order to be licensed (if all documents have been processed by then). Now I understand why people are saying I'll still be around for one more busy season because its not official until spring sigggh haha I feel so gullible to think no heavy paperwork is involved -___- So! This upcoming busy season, I will like to make a transition to focus on God in the workplace. Work is work and I will continue to work hard on it, but I want to shift my focus on God by sharing the gospel to my co-workers and engaging them in conversations about God. I really think that if I have this in mind, I will find joy in the workplace. So let's do this!

3. Budget. I've written a post two years ago about how I wanted to make a budget and live simply. When I wrote this post, I had in mind that this was something I was to do when I started a full-time job. So in 2015 I tracked all my income and spendings. I didn't do that great of a job considering I failed to take into account my cash spendings (which should require me tracking it the day I spend) but at least it is a start. Initially I estimated $300/month, but mmm looking at my budget now...my threshold should actually be $500/month for daily living (not including house money/insurance). I spent the most eating out -____- and buying clothes...so let's hold off on bubble teas and clothes! Mm, I like where this is heading, as I can start to monitor my spendings closely and not spend more than what I've set and give the rest of my earnings. 

4. Read the Bible everyday. Coupled with this goal, I also want to memorize the scriptures more frequently. This is challenging because I am easily distracted by my phone and laptop. My will to watch dramas/shows is definitely stronger but mm, I am going to set a time where I put away my phone and laptop so I can read. To be honest, I'm not very confident in doing this because I know my day-to-day schedules will vary due to busy season but even if I don't do it at the set time, I will try to still read God's word everyday! Hmm...okay, definitely less watching shows and more time talking to people as well, like being intentional to catch up with my friends and pray for them!! Yes...let's read, pray and talk!!

5. Serve more at church. This is something I've wanted to do years ago but never took action to start it. Though I will be co-leading womens group & fellowship from time to time, I'd like to get the appropriate training to work with children (like CAPP training) so that I can serve more in the children's ministry. Yeah, I'd like that :D

Mm, I'm never really fond of writing goals out or call it New Year's Resolutions, but I'd like to revisit these goals later and see whether I was able to do these things. Ultimately, I pray that it'll be a year of growing and submission to God and His will for me. 

Happy new year! :D :D :D