Making Plans and Goals for 2018

11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.
13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
14 And I will be found of you, saith the Lord: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the Lord; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.
Jeremiah 29:11-14 (KJV)
 
     Recently, in anticipation of the new year, I have been thinking about how this year has been and what I hope for in the new year.  I have been thinking about goals, plans, and dreams. 
     I have thought about it and have come up with a list of personal goals and a list of business goals for DUO Inspirations for the coming year.  I have great desires, big dreams, and precious thoughts about how I would like my life to go. 
     Yet, I know that it isn’t my plans and my goals that are important, but the plans of my Heavenly Father.  So, I consulted my Holy Bible and Googled “KJV verses about God’s plan” and came up with Jeremiah 29:11-14 as my guiding quote for making plans.
     The words in Jeremiah 29:11-14 comfort me.  It is so nice to know and feel that God wants what is best for me.  I knew it before, but we do need reminding at times.  What is more, God doesn’t dictate what we want to do as long as it follows a path to Him.  We are called to have our own thoughts and to turn to God for help and wisdom, and He will direct us.  God doesn’t leave us alone to figure it out and do it all ourselves.  He is with us!  (Doesn’t that sound like the parent, friend, teacher, mentor, and minister… we all hope for?  Good news!  We have it in God all day every day!)
    
*     Please feel free to share your goals for the new year and/or the verses which you use as a guide when you are making plans.

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