Six down and six to go!  July begins the 2nd half of the year.  I have a prayer that I have been praying for several years.  I pray for such-and-such to happen by “July 1st.”  Then, come July 1st, I pray for such-and-such to happen by January 1st.  It has to do with the growth of my and Marlene’s Ministry.  July 1st is a time to start over again.  Remember the “New Year’s Resolutions?”  How about some “New 2nd Half Resolutions?”  I came across the following on Sumner Wemp’s WEB Site.  He is a good Brother in the Lord.  I share it with you to help you – to help all of us – to get a 2nd wind – to get off to a good 2nd half of 2007.

Keeping Those 2007 New Year's Resolutions

Did you know that fewer than 10% of people who set New Year's Resolutions actually achieve them? How can you ensure YOUR success?  Try using the Top 10 Tips below:

1.   Write Them Down. It's a fact: writing down your goals gives you a higher chance of success.

2.   Commit. Move beyond the land of "good ideas" to promise yourself to show up for your goals.

3.   Tell People. Let your biggest fans in on your new commitments and goals for the year.

4.   Get Accountability. Even better than just letting others in on your "secret" dreams and goals-get some accountability. Meet for lunch once a month with a group that will ask you, "So, how's it going with your goal?" Hire a Life Coach. Talk to your best friend. Get some support!

5.   Make a Plan. Ensure success with a step-by-step plan. Start with the end vision of where you want to be and working backwards to where you are today. You'll find an easy plan to make your goal a reality.

6.   Do a Goal Check-In. Before you decide on what you'll take on for the year, make certain you can answer, "YES!" to the following questions: "Am I the primary reason for setting this goal (vs. your mom, boyfriend, wife, boss, society)? Do I feel alive and energized by this goal? Is this goal in line with my life purpose or mission?"

7.   Get Real! If you're contemplating putting a goal down that you always put down and never achieve, take a second look. How will this goal end DIFFERENTLY this year? Is this goal something you need to let go of? What purpose is it serving you? What's a good enough reason to finally achieve this goal?

8.   Focus With Reminders. Once you've got your goals and plan in place, figure out ways to remind yourself. Post your goals in their bathrooms or cars. Put reminders in their palm pilots, blackberrys or cell phones. Figure out what works for you.

9.   Believe and Visualize. Do you know the story about the group of basketball players who spent one hour visualizing making baskets, while another group actually practiced? The visualizing players had better seasons! So visualize yourself with all your goals achieved. What would that look like? How would it feel? Visualize once a day and see the difference it can make in your life.

10. Commit your goals and resolutions to prayer. Pray daily for God’s strength to achieve them in the coming year and remember that a right relationship with God is the foundation of a life of joy. Ask yourself daily: “How is my foundation.”

Go for it!  God Bless! Pastor Terry