“The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter. ’tis the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning.” Mark Twain

A NEW DIRECTION FOR 2010: Bye Bye Turtle, Hello Gideon

Another year gone by - and another just starting fresh. It's time for looking back AND forward.

About a year ago, I adopted a theme quote AND a theme Bible verse for 2009. I tried to make them the center of my blog AND general thoughts throughout the year.

In case you were unaware, here they are:

Quote and Verse for 2009
Be of good cheer. Do not think of to-day's failures, but of success that may come to-morrow. You have set yourselves a difficult task, but you will succeed if you persevere; and you will have a joy in overcoming obstacles—a delight in climbing rugged paths which you would perhaps never know if you did not sometimes slip backward, if the road were always smooth and pleasant. Remember, no effort that we make to attain something beautiful is ever lost.
—Helen Keller.  
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Philippians 3:12
 And, for the most part, I pressed on. I persevered. I accomplished things - large and small.

Yet, they were just what I was expecting to do. Sure, there were a few curve balls thrown in - but not many. And that was fine with me.
But, apparently, it wasn't fine with God.
Because, just as I had settled on keeping the same Philippians verse, the Lord impressed on me a totally different verse from that book. And it has made me think 2010 is going to be one heck of a year. And so I now must retire my turtle (pout) and introduce you to my new friend Gideon.

2010 Theme Verse: I can do ALL things through CHRIST who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13


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And with HIM in mind: my writing goals for 2010:
  • Submit POINTED, specific queries to several agents for "Ailing Body, Nourished Soul."(unless, of course, one is enough )
  • Start and FINISH a Biblical fiction novel on Michal (at least the rough draft!)
  • Enter the first chapter of said Michal novel in the ACFW Genesis Contest (deadline March 31)
  • Post a MINIMUM of three times a week on my blog
  • Work on my book(s) EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR - even if only for ten minutes (this includes agent and other research, editing, and, of course, writing - whether the book itself or a query, proposal, or whatever)
  • Spend a MINIMUM of thirty minutes a day on book stuff five days out of each week
  • Take at least one online writing class (preferably more)
  • Explore and take full advantage of my (brand new!) ACFW membership
  • Step ahead in faith regarding WHATEVER God puts in my writing life

Well, there ya go! I know I generally post monthly goals - but with all this, I think I'll hold off until February to do that.

So - what are YOUR goals - writing or otherwise--for this new year? Would love to see them. Blessings to all, and thanks for your support and prayers! What a year this could be!

    11 comments:

    1. Good goals, JO!

      Woo Hoo! love your you "mascot"!

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    2. Great Goals and Good inspirational Scripture.. I think it needs to be a part of my Goals for 2010. 2009 was a hard year to pull through in my own strength, but I need to rely on God to help pull me through... God bless ya !

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    3. =] Love Gideon, JoDear. He cracks me up and will certainly help me remember Phil. 4:13!! =]

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    4. Simple..yet not so simple..I long to be "all" GOD created me to be!

      Hope you have a wonderfully blessed New Year!
      andrea

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    5. Joanne, such ambitious, and yet doable goals! Thank you for the inspiration :-)

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    6. Wow! You've set the bar high, my friend! Blessings to you in all your pursuits -writing and otherwise.

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    7. LOL @ the Gideon. I love it! This is awesomely inspiring, JJ! And I'm cheering in your corner for these throughout the year! WOOT!

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    8. Great goals, Jo! And great graphics. LoL.

      SO glad you've joined ACFW. You will LOVE it!

      Press on...

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    9. Well Gideon is certainly something to shoot for!

      I think you're wise to make some tangible goals. When my kids get back to school next week, I'm going to get busy. I know that sounds like an excuse; it is one... the best one I've got. They've nearly done this 43 year old frame in. And then there are the older 2 who'll return to college as well.

      Kind of makes me already feel the weight of what my summer might be:)

      Keep to it, sister. I hope your husband is getting stronger with every day's passing.

      peace~elaine

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    10. I really wanted to include more "writing" goals in my list but I thought would be too much with a baby coming this year. Now I want your list! :)

      What online writing classes are available?

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    11. OK , JO,
      I'M INTO Emails and Newsletters
      trying to establish a small business,
      i surely enjoy all your scriptures
      you send us, when we stay in His Word we have stronger overcoming
      Grace, we are praying for you and
      family, Keep looking up as you are doing God Bless
      Sonny

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    Thanks for stopping by. I would love to hear your thoughts - please share them!

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