Growing in the Lord & Walking in the Spirit

 Goals. New Years Resolutions. These can always be so exciting to think about setting up, but then terrifying to expect to complete. Some people, then, set goals of something that they know they will be able to accomplish, or tasks that they were already planning on doing or tasks that they want to do. This is not a bad idea, but it does not achieve the meaning of “goal.” A goal is something that we are striving to reach. Something that takes work. It is not likely going to be easy. But, in the long run, it should teach us a lesson that we need to learn or make us a better person compared to who we were before the goal was set. Some goals could and should take more than a year to accomplish. Some goals are going to be more enjoyable than others. Almost all goals are worth trying, even if they are not achieved, though. One of my favorite aspects of setting a goal is that if it is not achieved, I have a chance to try again. For example, one month I set the goal of consuming zero add...

 As a Christian who has grown up in a Christian household with Christian communities, I have what I believe is a firm understanding of the Bible and the truths in the book. However, sometimes as I read it again and again or as people teach me new information about the books, questions do arise. I have never been shamed for asking questions, which has led me to be more inquisitive about all things than some who were shamed for asking questions about the Bible when they were younger. And, as an adult, while I still see value in asking others the questions I have, I also find value in finding the answer on my own. Because I know the Bible, I know some places to begin looking for information. There are also so many resources available to me at my fingertips because of notes that I have taken in the past, and information that I have gathered from reputable sources. This past Christmas season I was thinking about the story of the wise men from a new angle. As one who has grown up in the...