New year, new resolutions. What do you change? What do you let go of? What do you set out after? What do you change in yourself?

Overall, last year was a really great year. But this year is this year- the one to look at and to think about.

I am not super stoked about resolutions, but goals are good, so here are a few I would like to accomplish.

Read Through the Bible in a Year

As much as I have been around the Bible, and as much as I claim to trust it, I realize I don’t spend enough time in it. If God’s Word changes our hearts as we spend time in it and with Him, I need more time in it. I have let this discipline be optional over the last few years, and I realize that if my life comes from Him like I say I believe it does, I need to spend more time with Him, and in His Word. And I do believe the meaning, value, and purpose in my life does come from Him. I know that when I give my life over to Him day-by-day, I am happier, more at peace, more hopeful, and more confident as a person. I suspect it is because His Word reminds me I am loved.

Finish An Accountability App

For the last two years, I have had an idea to build a web-based accountability application in which users could posts goals that they want to accomplish, and activity records for behaviors they either want to develop or change.  The power of this app would lie in its ability to let its users invite friends to support them by reviewing their posts and being able to make comments encouraging them in their efforts.  Site users could also create groups in which they mutually set goals and encourage one another as each person seeks to reach goals or to make changes in their habits.

I was actually able to make some progress on developing this app over the Holiday Break.  My hope is to finish a beta version of the website very soon, and to have test users on it within the month.

With the way the economy is these days, if I can find a way to generate some revenue through this app, I will.  I haven’t seen a similar app to it online yet.

Build a Woodworking Project or Two

There is something satisfying about seeing an idea go from plan to object.  Having had a taste of that last year, I realize making is good therapy for moping.  I will need to come up with a few sizable tools, but I realize, with any inspiration, when the idea comes it is good to hurry and get it onto paper, and let it start to take shape as a doable project. I appreciate that one of God’s greatest gifts to people is giving them the ability to create.

Write More

If there is one thing people have encouraged me in my life to do, it is to write.  And after spending time with my friend Ben working on a TV pilot script (just for fun) a few summers ago and talking with him about other projects since, I realize that to be able to write, you have to write, and that there is a joy in seeing your ideas leave your head and become something on paper or screen, and that I am an okay writer. I don’t know what I will or need to write for anyone else in the future, but the practice of writing in coming months could open some doors to some other opportunities in life.

Okay- those are some Must Do’s.  Along with those, there are other interests I would like to pursue, but I am less committed to these yet.  They do fall in the category of things I would like to do some time in my life, and so maybe one or two of them could be entertained this year…

Take Some Music Lessons

I’ve owned an acoustic guitar for 10 years and a bass guitar for 15, and I still am not sure what to do with them when I pick them up.  And every time I am near a piano, I want to sit down and play on it, and I’ve been like that since I was a kid.  I would like to play something, and play it well enough that I don’t have to pull out a book every time I want to make some coherent chords.  I just need to pick an instrument and find an instructor, and commit to taking time to practicing and learning how to play the thing.  Oddly enough, I think I would really like to learn the piano- the one instrument I do not have.

Adopt a Martial Art

Also on the long time to do list, I know studying a martial art would be good for my inner attitude and for maintaining physical discipline.  As always, committing to do this involves giving time to it.

Teach a Church Class

Hey, if they need someone to do it, sign me up.  I enjoy teaching, and especially enjoy growing and helping others grow in Him.

Score a Cycle

I don’t need a Harley, but I wouldn’t mind finding a motorbike to mess around with and to cruise around town on sometime here soon.

Spend More Time with My Family

Actually, this belongs up above.  Just assume it is up there.

Get Myself Out Of My Way

Amen to that. I certainly know God can do some great things with anyone’s life if they will just get out of the way and trust in His guidance. Now is a time to see opportunities, not disappointments or frustrations.

What about you?  What are you gonna work on in 2012?