Jan 16, 2015

2015 GOAL SETTING, PART 4: GET RADICAL, SING LOUD

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Welcome back, friends! The last week has been unexpected in many ways. I blocked off time to write this post on Wednesday afternoon and, come 3pm, morning sickness knocked me out. I never know when the tiredness or nausea will hit, so it’s been humbling to let go of control. Although, with two littles joining us this year, this is a tiny foreshadowing of what will likely be a lot of letting go ahead. So, I am extra grateful for the gift of being able to write to you right now. Hi : )

If you are just joining us, you aren’t too late to get started on 2015 Goal Setting! There is nothing magical about January 1st. In fact, I’ve deemed February 1st as my January 1st. Feel free to join me in taking this time to plan intentionally, little by little. My desk right now, working through my PowerSheets and the book together…

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Dig into these posts below and have fun! There are great giveaways with each post to give you a little extra motivation.

2015 Goal Setting, Part 1: Good Things 

2015 Goal Setting, Part 2: What Didn’t Work + What I Learned

2015 Goal Setting, Part 3: Saying Yes, Saying No

Welcome to Part 4. I am excited about this! But, first. My answers from Part 3:

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These are not in order of importance, but this is the order they came to mind as I wrote, which told me a lot about where God is leading me. I’m saying NO to:

Feeling stuck. If you’ve been following me on Instagram, you know I’ve been challenged by a lot of new “normals.” I like to be prepared in life, but I was not prepared for all that comes with launching a new book + having morning sickness knock me out most days + my regular workload and parenting. So, I’ve struggled a bit with feeling paralyzed by it all, which led to some in-action and in-decision. Ultimately, it led me to me knees to ask God for help. This has taught me that only He can get me unstuck and help me navigate new waters.

STUFF. I wrote this in capital letters on purpose. My friend Joshua’s story, reading 7, being challenged by scripture, and the amount of time I spend organizing and cleaning throughout the year led me to see that the more I have, the more I have to manage. More stuff = more time. No matter how much I don’t buy or how much I seem to clear out, it still feels like too much as I grow more aware of the needs all around me. The more I have, the less someone else has. We are blessed to be a blessing and we can’t take any of our stuff to Heaven with us. For those who have read my book, you know this has been a continual process in my heart of letting go — not accumulating coupled with giving sacrificially. God’s not done with me yet here. I have a long way to go, but I’m ready to dig deeper.

Focusing any energy on self-glorifying things. Caring about likes, comments, or people liking me. I want to make Jesus famous. NO to me, YES to Him.

Believing that I can. God works all the good in me and I want to direct all the praise to Him.

Believing the lie that God can’t. He can do anything. He is God.

Wasted time. In feeling yucky lately, I’ve found myself tempted to distractions instead of going straight to the source of comfort, God alone.

Judging myself. Self-reflection is good. Aligning our lives with God’s word and being convicted by that is very good. But, condemning myself is not good. Only God can define my worth, so I want to look to Him alone, especially when I feel like I’ve “failed” or fallen short.

Comparison. I feel pretty resolute on this one, but felt the need to list it regardless, as it tries to creep up every now and then.

I want to write this one in neon. I say no to believing the lie that God is done working on my character and on our marriage. There are times I fall into the trap of believing that lie and I know that’s not from God. Ari and I had a needed conversation last week about where we feel God wants our marriage to be and it reminded me of the impossible change He has and continues to make happen in our lives. My prayer is that God keeps bringing us closer to His heart as individuals so we can continue to be stronger as a couple, and therefore be prayerful God-loving parents and an example to others of God’s grace.

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In light of all the things I’m saying NO to, here’s what landed on my YES list:

SEEKING Him in everything (more on that in a minute)— not being lazy in running fiercely after the changes God has ahead.

An abundance of open Bible time and pouring my heart out in prayer.

Sowing into friendships and supporting others generously to share God’s unselfish love. In this category are a lot of dear friends that I want to love fiercely, including our brothers and sisters in our Family Group from church that Ari and I lead together. This is us below last night. It was so good to get back together after the holidays and all commit to this being a year of deep closeness as we walk through life together. I love these people.

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Honoring all others above myself.

Deeply challenging our finances to give it all away to build His kingdom. That’s a big one this year. Perhaps the one thing I feel God pulling me most to and the one thing that feels the biggest, scariest, and most exciting all at the same time.

Gratitude. Praise. Times infinity.

Saying yes to the Holy Spirit’s leading — whether in speaking the truth in love to someone, praying for a friend even when it feels awkward at first, sharing my faith with someone I’ve never met or someone I’ve known for years, and doing the things I know He wants me to do.

Listening to the Word (I love the audio Bible’s on YouVersion — the NLT translation audio is great), worship music (I need more music in my life), and truth-filled sermons.

Yes to believing that God has done greater things than help two flawed people raise three children! This is Grace today, talking to the baby, telling it what she wants to name it. Today it was “nacho.”

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Yes to whatever you have for me, Lord.

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My word hit me as I was reading this verse in Matthew one morning:

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:34 NIV).

To give this a whole lot more context and meaning, read the verses that lead up to that. Just wow. Jesus teaches about giving to the needy, prayer, true treasure, and then He teaches about worry, telling us to seek God above all else and therefore… do not worry about tomorrow.

All of the subjects in Matthew 6 have been on my heart lately. I’ve worried about how my life will change with our growing family. I’ve worried about how our marriage will change. I’ve wondered what it looks like to give sacrificially and to truly meet others needs in the way God desires. In that, I’ve been thinking about earthly “treasure” and true treasure and trying to do something about it. I’ve been needing God’s wisdom and desiring a closer relationship with Him. And then, He gave me the answers:

Seek God. Do not worry.

So, the word I feel God putting right in front of my face for this year is SEEK.

Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. – 1 Chron 16:10-11

But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul. – Deuteronomy 4:29

Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. – Psalm 9:10

In his pride the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God. – Psalm 10:4

One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. – Psalm 27:4

You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water. – Psalm 61:3

But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who long for your saving help always say, “The Lord is great!” – Psalm 70:4

I could go on — there are so many beautiful scriptures that point to seeking Him as the source of life.

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Now, into the next steps! Take your time and feel free to share your answers below to encourage others too. There’s a great giveaway to encourage you to get your thoughts written out! Go back and review everything you’ve written so far, then answer the following questions: If you were to envision your most purposeful year yet, what would it look like? Where do you want to be when you’re 80? Answering these was life-altering for me this year! I’ll share my answers in the next post.

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Do something radical this year.  For those of you in my generation, this doesn’t mean Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure kind of radical. I mean the kind of radical that changes everything for the better. That thing that has been set deep in your heart. That thing that scares you. That thing that feels impossible right now. That thing that you know would help you and everyone around you.

Radical literally means very new and different from what is traditional or ordinary. ‘If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten‘ – Tony Robbins. Do something different this year, something that feels bigger than you. Imagine the possibilities if you do! You get to define what your radical means to you.  Maybe it’s big like finally getting out of debt or starting a personal budget or getting healthy. Maybe it’s finally going on that mission trip or writing that email or starting that business. Maybe it’s saying “no” to something or simply and profoundly choosing to be more still this year. Before you get completely overwhelmed (I know I just dove into deep waters here with you!), here this: start small. The core principle behind what I’ve taught at the Making Things Happen workshop for the last 6+ years is this: begin anywhere.  Little by little, make it happen. Your task here is to define your very first tiny small little itty bitty action step towards making that thing happen.

So, what is your “radical”? Define it. Write it in black and white and let it marinate in your big beautiful heart. And then DO something about it. Something very small.  Sometimes — most of the time — the hardest part is starting. The rest of the pieces can come later. Define your radical now. Share it here and let’s support and pray for each other. I will share mine in the next post, too.

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Okay, those last two steps were admittedly challenging, though likely the most fruitful. So, here’s an easy one. Choose a song for this year! A song that lights your heart on fire and makes you feel alive and connected to what you want most. Music has the ability to connect us to what matters most in an instant. Music can lift us out of a slump fast. Music can fill our should with goodness on days that nothing else seems to get to our hearts. Share your song for 2015 here, too! I’m still hunting for one and can’t wait to hear yours.

lara casey shop office refresh

The giveaway for this post is a good one. Win a $100 home or office refresh from the shop! You get your pick of anything that’s in stock!

You can win multiple times throughout this post series and you can increase your chances of winning by:

– Commenting on this post to share your thoughts
— Pinning this post or any in the series
– Instagramming any graphic with a link back here to this post or future posts
– Sharing this series on Facebook or Twitter
– Blogging or in any way sharing this post/series
– For all entires, link back here to www.LaraCasey.com/blog and use the #2015GoalSetting hashtag. You are welcome to use graphics from my posts!
– Lastly, leave a comment saying you did any of the above. You can enter as many times as you like on all posts! I’m going to choose some extra winners along the way, too, for some special surprises : )

Speaking of special surprises, I’ll leave you with this below. (And I am doing a happy dance in my chair for being able to get through writing this post to you today!) I’m so grateful to my publisher for generously donating 500 copies of my book to the Influence Network’s next book club. Get your free copy and all the details here!

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Go make what matters happen, friends. I am cheering you on!

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87 Comments

  1. Heather on January 16, 2015 at 9:12 pm

    There are so many similar things in my “saying no to” list as yours. I have felt comparison and caring too much about how many “likes” I have creeping in and causing some discontentment in my life. And oh my word, all the stuff in my home is not making for a peaceful environment! Thanks so much for sharing and for being an encouragement in this journey!

  2. Heather on January 16, 2015 at 9:13 pm

    (I blogged about your series this week and plan to update my journey as I go along as well!)

  3. Amanda on January 16, 2015 at 9:13 pm

    Seek!! That is my word also. I picked it about three weeks ago. I started to dive into writing my goals today and was teetering on changing it to dedication and then saw your post. Seems to me God wants seeking him to be my focus above all. Thanks for sharing all the verses, so helpful! -blessings

  4. Hope Curtsinger on January 16, 2015 at 9:54 pm

    Always love your honesty and encouragement! May your 2015 be full of seeking HIM!

  5. Natasa on January 16, 2015 at 9:54 pm

    I just found your blog a couple days ago when I was feeling bad. I was sooo encouraged by your writing thank you so much. I am going to have the best year ever 🙂 love and blessings from Croatia Europe

  6. Lindy on January 16, 2015 at 9:55 pm

    This is so great!! I hear you on so much of it!!! 2015 will be great!

  7. Hannah @ Living the Good Life on January 16, 2015 at 9:57 pm

    Hi, Lara! My word for last year was SEEK and over the course of 2014, I found God in more amazing ways than I ever dreamed of as I intentionally sought after Him. Blessings to you as you do the same!

    My word for 2015 is BRAVE. And my ‘most purposeful year’ / vision means being BRAVE in the pursuit of God and the plans and purposes He has for my life, and saying “YES” to where He leads without fear, worry, or anxiety. It looks like being BRAVE for Him, no matter the cost because I know and trust that what He has planned for me is greater than anything the world will ever offer.

    My ‘radical’ is working toward the next phase of my career. I believe I’m being called to the place where my education, work experience, knowledge, and skills intersects with my passions of creating / writing and encouraging, empowering, and inspiring others. So my “radical” is to take the steps needed to become a full-time consultant and blogger / writer to help others “live the good life” – whether it’s in their personal or professional spheres.

    My song for this year is ‘You Make Me Brave’ by Bethel Music.

    I wrote my #2015GoalSetting Process here recently: https://livingthegoodlife12.wordpress.com/2015/01/10/making-things-happen-in-2015/

    • Katie @ A Place to Dwell on January 21, 2015 at 12:06 am

      I always love reading your comments here, Hannah! Your vision for this year is beautiful, and I’m praying your year of BRAVE living is full of all the good and special adventures He has for you! 🙂

    • Hannah @ Living the Good Life on January 21, 2015 at 4:34 pm

      Thanks Katie!! You are so sweet!! I appreciate your prayers and encouragement!! ☺

  8. Elle on January 16, 2015 at 10:15 pm

    You mentioned worship music and the song “As Sure as the Sun” by Ellie Holcomb popped into my head. “As sure as the sun will rise, and chase away the night, as sure as the sun will rise, His mercy will not end, His mercy will not end.” His mercy will shine down on each of us as we pursue what matter most. Thank you for this inspiration, encouragement, and sense of community!

  9. Hannah Novak on January 16, 2015 at 10:58 pm

    You know, I’ve been struggling for about a year with feeling so much pressure to do and be everything perfectly. I gave it up, and then I didn’t do anything. It was good for a while, but that turned bad too. I’ve really been praying for a good middle ground that’s [finally] healthy (and sustainable) for me, and somehow I came across this series. It’s been so encouraging – exactly what I needed. Thank you so much for writing and sharing.

    • agustina on January 21, 2015 at 11:20 pm

      oh my goodness i feel that describes me perfectly right now: struggling with pressure to do so much and be “perfect” and deciding not to do anything at all, which was great for a year, and now leaves me feeling wanting something more and aching for that balance, but a little lost about how to get there. thank you for posting your comment it’s nice to know i’m not the only one 🙂

    • Hannah Novak on January 26, 2015 at 8:35 pm

      @augustina Have you read Lara’s book Make It Happen? It’s been helping me so much. If you haven’t read it yet, I would highly recommend you do so.

  10. Hannah on January 16, 2015 at 11:24 pm

    1. Awesome post 2. I totally agree with Grace about naming your baby Nacho!

  11. Lisa Harlow on January 16, 2015 at 11:34 pm

    Lara, thank you for this, and all of your other encouraging posts! Your book has been a blessing to me as we are at the beginning of a long Army deployment for my husband. I want this year that he is away to be less about trying to survive and more about trying to thrive here on the homefront with our three little girls. I’ve recently said NO to a lot of “stuff” to be able to focus more on them during this time. Thank you again for your sweet words!

    • Elle on January 19, 2015 at 4:34 am

      Thank you for sharing your husband with the world, for peace and freedom. Blessings to you and yours as you strive to thrive!

  12. Danielle Roberts on January 17, 2015 at 12:01 am

    Thank you for your words of encouragement. I’m currently fighting with myself to stop blaming myself for not doing everything. Like you, morning sickness and pregnancy have knocked me off my feet. It’s tough to say no and be okay with that.

  13. Caroline on January 17, 2015 at 12:05 am

    This year I am going to seek God even deeper by praying more

  14. Amanda on January 17, 2015 at 12:26 am

    Yes to saying no to STUFF!

  15. Amy W on January 17, 2015 at 5:53 am

    Some of the items that I envisioned as a part of my most purposeful year yet include applying for grad school, turning my side hobby into an official business, letting go of the past and opening myself up to the possibility of another serious relationship and seeking to be in tune with God on a personal level so that He can use me as His hands to go about doing good, serving others and leading them fearlessly by setting an example of faith!

  16. Lindsay English on January 17, 2015 at 9:53 am

    Oh the stuff! Been struggling with this recently too. I seem to be always tidying and washing and clearing stuff away. Definitely on my heart to loose some ‘stuff’ this year in many ways. It’s so hard with three little ones especially when family and friends are so generous.
    Love your posts. Thank you for encouraging us x

  17. Cate on January 17, 2015 at 12:02 pm

    “The stuff” stuff has hit me the past couple months as my husband, 11 month old son Abraham and I are temporarily living with my parents. We had to suddenly move out of our apartment and are now house hunting. We have a few duffle bags of our clothes, and all of our stuff is in storage- and you know what? It’s felt so good. We’re thinking through what we can do with a lot of that stuff that clutters our life.
    I love this post, and you, and that you really help me to SEEK God more. So happy I found you.
    Starting your book soon- can’t wait!
    I’m still working on my word for this year. I’m having a hard time putting a one word name to it, but I know the feeling and am already working on that. Somewhere in the family of letting go, forgive, reflect, renew, cultivate…Maybe restore fits best!
    Love to you and your growing family!

  18. Jane on January 17, 2015 at 4:29 pm

    Lara,
    God ended 2014 on the highest note possible for me. Finding you and your words along with your friends that I am now “socially connected with” has changed my life in a way that I didn’t even fathom. Without realizing it I was seeking and I have found. I feel great changes and possibility in my future. It’s already started! Thank you so much for all that you offer and share. I am encouraged daily.

    My word this year is fearless. Fearless to focus my life and all I do on God, to trust his path for me, and share Him with others. Fearless to live my faith out loud. Fearless to have confidence in the talents He gave me and use them to bring light to the world. Fearless in trying to do what others deem “cool”. Fearless in being true to myself. Fearless in loving me. Fearless in feeling discomfort when I know what I am doing is God’s way.

    Fearless in sharing all of this! Thanks again. My prayers are with you and your family. Now onto those Power Sheets!

  19. Kimberly on January 17, 2015 at 5:11 pm

    I’m using your word as my word for this year …Progress. I feel that I have so many things I need to do and focus on that I get overwhelmed. So, I’m planning to focus on progress this year. Progress on each goal.

  20. Kayleen on January 17, 2015 at 6:13 pm

    Lara, your book and this series are such a blessing to my tired soul! Thank you for your rawness and honesty in all that you do. Part of my most purposeful year yet (as well as my radical!) is writing out my story of personal failing, but God prevailing. Also, seeking Him with reckless abandon and allowing that to overflow into my relationship with my husband and being a mom.

  21. Heidi Lyn on January 17, 2015 at 6:32 pm

    Parts of my most purposeful year yet are: marrying the love of my life and using this next step as a chance for us to grow in the most important ways possible. It is so easy to get caught up in the planning details, but the most important prep is for our marriage. I want to be more energetic and vibrant on a daily basis and part of that means losing some of my extra weight and changing my eating habits so that I nourish my body. I will dance this year. Dance fills me with energy, passion and life. When I dance I have so much more to give Mark, my clients and God. Mainly I want to be an instrument in the hands of God, helping women intentionally build strong marriages from the onset and being their most luminous selves. It is such an important time and I need to always remember that my work must be done with God. I’m so in love with this series! Eeek! I just want to squeal with delight and enthusiasm.

  22. Sky @ Blonde Freedom on January 17, 2015 at 6:54 pm

    I’m loving this goal setting for 2015 series! This year my word is “Brave.” I have a lot of things and dreams that will require a lot of bravery from me this year!

  23. Regina Collins-Simon on January 17, 2015 at 10:18 pm

    My word for this year is GROWTH!

  24. Lacy on January 17, 2015 at 10:22 pm

    Deep breath. 2015 still feels like a big n’ scary, not a hopeful 365 of potential! I’m thankful for your words, Laura, and hoping to soak them up a bit this weekend and join you in a 2/1 declaration!

  25. Tabby on January 18, 2015 at 4:38 am

    But Lara, being radical is scary! I’ve been considering starting my own business for a few years. I’ve been looking for a new job for 9 months. I thought I’d nailed the interview I had 2 weeks ago, but it looks like they went with somebody else. God keeps showing these little signs that I need to be brave and radical and just do it, but I keep denying them. It’s like I need Him to literally write it in the sky before I’ll be brave enough to listen!

  26. Caroline (Djursholm, Sweden) on January 18, 2015 at 8:14 am

    Hi there, I’m new to this. I bought the book and the Power Sheets and didn’t really know where to start so I picked the book mainly since I read it in my Kindle at night. Simplify…

    My radical for the year is living healthier including both foods and exercise. I want to live a long and happy life. To be able to fully enjoy and tag along our three kids (and hopefully our grand children in say 20-30 years). I don’t have problems tagging along the kids in our everyday life, but major issues doing so on our ski trips. The kids always say “See you down there!” and they throw themselves down the slopes, leaving me behind. I need to work out in the gym!!! And take individual skiing lessons. My company this year is our 2,5 years old, she doesn’t ski faster than I do. Yet. So a healthier 2015 makes next year skiing a dream!!

  27. Lanai on January 18, 2015 at 7:44 pm

    My word for the year is STRENGTH! Physically and Spiritually. Finding my strength in Christ in order to accomplish what He has called me to this year. Here’s 2015 in the Lord!

  28. Erika on January 18, 2015 at 8:35 pm

    Seek God. Do not worry.

    A definite shop addition. Our pastor spoke on worry today and it’s my #1 NO from 2014. Waste. of.Time. He’s got this!

    Sharing this post on FB too and praying for your heart to grow bigger and bigger and keep shining His light.

  29. Elizabeth Feild on January 18, 2015 at 9:03 pm

    Baby: “Mom, why did you name me Nacho?”

    LC: ” Because every other name is ‘Nacho name’.”

    • Lara on January 19, 2015 at 2:56 pm

      Bahaha! I love this!

  30. Allison on January 19, 2015 at 3:50 pm

    If I had to pick a song for the year off the top of my head right now, it’d be “He Is Faithful” by Bryan & Katie Torwalt. This song is chock full of so many Truths that I need to remind myself of daily.

  31. Beverly on January 20, 2015 at 4:50 pm

    Being in a life season of deep winter, I envision my most purposeful year to resemble the season of spring. I want to patiently, intentionally plant goodness this year.

    My radical is still unfolding, but my first step is to surrender – moment by moment – to God’s good plans. With a personal history of striving and controlling, complete surrender is radical for me.

    JOY is my word of the year – and my song of the year is “Joy” by Rend Collective. I’m intentionally choosing an uplifting theme for my year. Spring is on the way! God is so good.

    Lara, I’m continually blessed by your book. I’m working through part 4, and although I don’t know how God will unfold His plans in my life – I’m faithfully doing the hard work, trusting His ways are beyond anything I could ever imagine. Thank you for hope and encouragement through your writing.

  32. Bethany on January 20, 2015 at 5:39 pm

    I’m nearly finished with the book and feeling so inspired and challeneged. Really thinking through everything has helped me to identify a sin in my life I hadn’t been able to acknowledge (or didn’t want to): laziness. I’ve become so consummed with myself and with false comforts and sources of refreshment that I put off all the things I should say YES to. I’m so thankful that God is opening my eyes to these areas, and while I still feel a bit intimidated, I am anxious to be active for the Lord this year in a way I haven;t been before. This series was so helpful for me last year, but I think this year it’s going to be life-changing.

    I pinned this post to my Making Things Happen in 2015 board.

  33. Heidi on January 20, 2015 at 6:48 pm

    These questions are scary – and I’ve noticed in myself that when I am intimidated/scared by something, I give up/quit/walk away. Normally, this is where I stop in the process. Two times I’ve tried to fill out the PowerSheets before and two times I’ve stopped when the questions get hard. A friend asked me the other day, “Why are you scared of succeeding?” I had never thought of it that way…that by setting goals and envisioning what I want, that I might actually achieve those goals. And then what? I’ve always assumed I’d fail, that I wouldn’t meet my goals. And now I’m wondering if my lack of confidence is my defense mechanism.

    What I want for my life when I’m 80 is to have been kind and generous and compassionate. To have changed people’s lives, to have been an inspiration. And to allow myself to be changed by others. I often want to impose help and love on others but am slow to accept it myself. This needs to change in order to truly love. I want to have made decisions that put my family first.

    What’s radical for me is truly examining what matters and what needs to go on my calendar. I’ve been dreading sending an email to my book club, saying I want out, because what if I miss it? The truth of the matter is, I don’t think I’ll miss it because I’ll fill that time with things and people who do matter. Also, another radical step is to stop rewarding and pacifying myself with shopping. I shop for all of the feelings, and it’s affecting my family’s financial path. I need to seek contentment in another way.

    Wow. Seemingly small things, but so much to face, admit and take action against when I’m living in it. If someone else told me these things, I’d have a list of action steps. But I know my first step right now is to hand these worries and struggles over to God and just make the next right decision.

    • Kricia on February 3, 2015 at 6:45 pm

      Heidi, your words are amazing. What strength to admit these fears out loud! Thank you for the reminder that it’s OK and necessary to let go of some things that aren’t serving where we want to go. I will pray that you will seek your contentment in God’s word, he will always be your comfort!

  34. Katie @ A Place to Dwell on January 21, 2015 at 12:04 am

    My word for 2015 is FIND, because I want to FIND God in everything. “You will seek me and FIND me when you seek me with all your heart.” I also feel that since choosing that word, the Lord has put two other words on my heart: FOLLOW and WHOLEHEARTED. I want to seek and FIND God WHOLEHEARTEDLY, and I want to FOLLOW where He leads, going and doing and creating in line with His heart. So, that is my word (or words?) for 2015, and I look forward to keeping them in mind as I adventure through this brand new year of unknowns.

    I also actually just sat down last night to write my lists of what I’m saying YES and NO to in 2015. The Powersheet process has been a little more challenging for me than last year, and I’m not sure why…I think maybe because last year I was so eager and ready to DIVE right into my goals, but this year, I’m more reflective and unsure, really waiting to hear from God. He seemed to give me goals much more quickly last year! 😉 Ah, well…It’s always His timing and not ours, yes?

    So here is my list of No:
    *Comparison
    *Fear, worry, fretting (I want to live fully in each day without fear of what tomorrow may or may not hold)
    *Doubt that God has a good plan for my life (HE DOES! He is good, and He works all things for good)
    *Being late/disorganized
    *Extremes (in health, work, life)
    *Shoulds
    *Baggage of any kind (I saw something on Pinterest that said: “If you don’t need it, get rid of it.”)

    My list of YES is very long, but I’ll share a few of the highlights:

    *Creating for God
    *Memorizing scripture
    *A fitness routine I LOVE and will stick to
    *Prayer
    *Cell-phone-free time
    *Fresh, whole foods
    *Possibilities
    *Hope
    *Living in the moment
    *Mindfulness
    *Making art “just because”
    *Regular journaling
    *Thinking about the BEST, not the WORST (Phil. 4 8-9)
    *Intentional use of money
    *A generous, humble heart
    *Mentoring and encouraging others

    Sorry I wrote a book! 🙂

    • Kristen O. on February 11, 2015 at 10:07 pm

      Well, I loved your “book” Sometimes we need to just let it allll out! And Lara’s blog is the perfect and safest place to do that – at least I think so 😉 I like your “YES” to creating for God and thinking about the best. Wishing you a beautiful 2015 of finding what you heart desires!! :o) Big hug- Kristen

  35. Jennie on January 21, 2015 at 6:48 pm

    Thank you so much for your blog post and for being so authentic. My word for this year is intentional. I want to be intentional with my relationships, with my daughter and husband, with the things I chose to fill my time with, and mostly intentional with spending time with the Lord.

  36. Katrina H on January 22, 2015 at 6:45 am

    My word for 2015 is STRENGTH. 2014 was a year of growth ( my word for 2014) in very real and painful ways. I am ecstatic to start developing strength so I can overcome the past, my weaknesses, and other looming obstacles in my future. Here’s to 2015!!

  37. Jessica on January 23, 2015 at 9:12 pm

    My word for 2015 is GRACE. I love the simplicity and beauty of the word. It’s shown itself in SO many ways in my life! Here’s to seeking grace in 2015!

  38. Sarah on January 23, 2015 at 9:52 pm

    My word for 2015 is seek as well. I’m so thankful I took a prayerful evening last week to truly listen and this is the word I heard whispered. I am seeking God first, intentional moments and authentic relationships, seeking simplicity, and to always seek answers in prayer.

  39. Sarah on January 23, 2015 at 9:59 pm

    And my song is ‘We Believe’ by Newsboys. I desire to be more bold in my faith. I especially love the line, ‘so, let our faith be more than anthems’. I want to live my faith outloud through my voice and actions!

    My radical… is creating a 100% gluten free home. I found out that a rash that has plagued me for a decade, along with GI issues is Celiac. A home filled with lots of garden veggies, home preserved foods, and yummy recipes that will not cause me harm is a big part of this year.

  40. Grace Hahn on January 25, 2015 at 12:41 pm

    My radical for this year will be challenging myself to display a more authentic self that reflects my passion and purpose of connecting with others. Right now this means changing my career for the mental health benefits, more personal fulfillment and more time with my soon-to-be husband and our eventual family of little ones. Sharing my story to push me to be authentic and thoughtful in how I navigate life’s journey. It also means getting rid of a lot of processed foods, gluten (sometimes!) and other chemicals in our food and cosmetics to try and expose my best self. Thank you again for your authenticity! You are such a blessing!

  41. Grace on January 25, 2015 at 12:44 pm

    I also shared this on Pinterest and Twitter!

  42. Elise Burkhead on January 26, 2015 at 4:04 pm

    I love your word for the year! I decided to go with the phrase “but God.” I’ve heard a few people use it over the last year (you included!), and it’s really stuck with me. I’m in a place of transition…leaving one job and moving towards another, possibly going back to school for my MBA and planning out a handmade shop. There’s so much, and I want to remember that no matter what I plan and how those plans go God has got my back.

  43. Brooke on January 29, 2015 at 6:37 pm

    I am so excited for my start on Feb. 1 – still getting messy in my powersheets. Thanks for sharing and I love love love your book!

  44. Amy on January 31, 2015 at 6:34 pm

    My radical is letting go of my dreams for my life. I’m not really sure how to do this or what to do instead, but I know it starts with radically pursuing the God who does know and has planned it for me. I’m so afraid of not being in control and I know I will probably be brought back to my knees constantly through the process (hopefully lifelong!). Surrendering control and surrendering to Christ.

  45. Jessica on February 1, 2015 at 6:45 pm

    What I’m saying no to in 2015 is letting what’s not important (a clean house, being busy, rushing) getting in the way of what is important (spending quality time with my girls and hubs, taking time for quiet and rest, putting God as the first part in my day). My word for last year was free and oh my goodness did God take that and create freedom in a way I never thought possible. My word for this year is soar. Different and I’m not sure what the meaning of it will come through in my life for this year! My radical is definitely getting out of my comfort zone and doing not what I feel like, but what is the best for me. Tough and challenging, so I’ll have to throw a few or more dance parties in the mix and that will most likely include singing real loud! My song for this year is All I Need is You, Lord by Jesus Culture.

  46. Kyla Fetzner on February 2, 2015 at 3:29 pm

    My radical for 2015 is being brave with pursuing my biggest professional dream and wholly surrendering it to God and trusting Him with it. He has been guiding me through the process and I truly believe that He has something great for me in being brave and trying, no matter the outcome 🙂

    I am not quite sure of my song yet but I have really been enjoying ‘Sweetly Broken’ by Jeremy Riddle, ‘Starry Night’ by Chris August, and a go-to of mine, ‘My Wish’ by Rascal Flats 🙂

  47. Kricia on February 3, 2015 at 6:41 pm

    My radical life would be one that is 100% debt-free, financially free and secure, leaving my sons with an appreciation of hard work and the value of generous giving. I want to create a non-profit organization bringing military kids to Christ through their gifts…I have no idea how to make it happen, but it’s on my heart! My ultimate goal would be to place my family in a position where we can provide well for ourselves, but give away more than we make. My first step is closely following Dave Ramsey’s guidance in FPU and sacrificing “wants” for a better tomorrow. My song for this year is Believer by Audio Adrenaline. “Take me to the ocean, I want to go deeper. I’m not afraid, no I’m a believer.” God is on my side and I can and WILL make these big things become my reality!

  48. Claire on February 3, 2015 at 9:00 pm

    My word for 2015 is surrender. I’ll be honest, it’s not easy. Seeking The Lord, waiting upon Him whilst working through through these goal setting steps is my radical right now and I know with all my heart will lead to my most purposeful year.
    Excited for the bookclub! 🙂 Cheering you on in your goal making too, Lara!
    Shared on Instagram, twitter and Pinterest.

  49. Amanda Ready on February 5, 2015 at 2:33 am

    My word for the year is Purpose! Being intentional with the things that are important to me and not just letting life happen! I want to have a plan and goals for my future!

    My “radical” is starting a new business venture. It is something I have been thinking about for over a year and over Christmas I just felt God nudging me to just “get on with it already!”. I am majorly stepping out in faith and putting myself out there. I have decided that if He wants this venture to succeed it will and I am just being obedient to trying my best!

    My song for this year is “Greater” by Mercy Me! It makes me happy and reminds me that I may lose the battle, but He ultimately has won the war on my behalf!

    Have you heard yet that I would LOVE TO GO TO THE CONFERENCE? lo l

  50. Grace Cho on February 5, 2015 at 6:05 am

    So excited for the book club!!

  51. Ashley Flores on February 6, 2015 at 2:37 pm

    Tweeted this…xoxo

  52. Ashley Flores on February 6, 2015 at 2:40 pm

    My song for the year is “How Can It Be” by Lauren Daigle. She is singing my heart. It’s like the psalm of my soul right now and I actually have it playing at my desk right now. It helps me remember my worth and my why…it’s all for Him. xoxo

  53. Mara Wolff on February 9, 2015 at 12:50 am

    I’m undone…. this book, the power sheet and your message are LIFE giving and such beautiufl gifts. THANK YOU!

  54. Jahna on February 11, 2015 at 1:17 am

    My radical for this year is financial health – for me, I feel like my unhealthy money habits have me boxed into a corner that I’m ready to break free from. I know that God has called me to do so much, but my money situation has to be in order for me to do so. I’m still blogging about my goal setting process on my blog:

    https://justjahna.com/2015/02/10/goal-setting-part-4-getting-radical/

  55. Kristen O. on February 11, 2015 at 10:15 pm

    My radical this year is getting organized. I don’t know why but I have the hardest time staying organized. I remember even as a child my teacher making me a Pack Up Check List so I wouldn’t forget my homework anymore. So I think at the sweet age of 30 it’s time to attack my lack of organization!! :o) It’s truly my radical.

    My song is going to be Stand By Me by Otis Redding – because “I won’t be afraid” :o) It’s time to take on my radical and it’s time to trust God’s plan while living on purpose.

  56. Sarah Wittcop on February 12, 2015 at 1:00 am

    I am so encourage by everyone’s vision for a purposeful year! My word of the year is “intentional” which lends itself nicely with living on purpose. I want my life to represent more than what my small mind can think up–I want to make His kingdom known!

    I was just blogged a bit about my word of the year at: https://www.bellwoodmanor.com/?p=2963

    I would love to hear everyone’s ideas for keeping your focus on track throughout the year.

  57. Rachel Nordgren on February 12, 2015 at 4:20 am

    My word for the year is “Oikodomé” – it’s a Greek feminine noun used in the Bible that is translated roughly as…
    1. the act of building
    2. a building
    3. spiritual advancement, edification
    4. a place where the LORD is “at home”
    Jesus really impressed upon my heart at the Influence Conference that 2015 is going to be all about building…and building HIS kingdom, not my own!

    I tweeted this post right here! > https://twitter.com/rachel_nordgren/status/565726040816115715

  58. Dana Laymon on February 14, 2015 at 4:44 pm

    This year I’m going to focus on what really makes me happy in work and that’s shooting boudoir. I’m going to make a shift in my business and trust that the Lord will provide if I do less weddings and more of what I love.

  59. Dana Laymon on February 14, 2015 at 4:51 pm

    And I pinned from this post 🙂
    https://www.pinterest.com/pin/104568022574836014/

  60. Erin on February 16, 2015 at 1:18 am

    My word for this year is surrender. There are so many aspects of this word I want to focus on this year, but mainly I just want to lay it all down at His feet and take up the cross daily. This is my radical. Bending my will to His.

  61. Abi Losli on February 16, 2015 at 4:44 am

    My radical this year is to be a wife and a student and a business owner simultaneously. Without giving into overwhelm and anxiety. Maybe the radical part of that is not so much the doing, but the being. I think this year looks like seeing what’s ahead and choosing to press into God’s presence regardless of the circumstance.

  62. Lydia on February 16, 2015 at 7:55 am

    It’s weird but writing down on paper what my most purposeful year yet was hard! I feel like I have a better vision of being 80 than 30!

    Pinned on Pinterest!

  63. Tiffany on February 16, 2015 at 7:05 pm

    My word for the year is FOCUS. There is so much that I want to make happen in my life and do, that I need to be and stay focused.

    Instagram and FB!

  64. Katie Jones on February 16, 2015 at 9:59 pm

    My best friend started a business this year and it has been something I have been thinking/praying about. She told me about your book and I fell in love. I’m very selective about people I follow and blogs I read, and number one thing is being encouraging. Thanks for being an outlet for people!

    I would be beside myself if I won something. I pinned this on my pinterest page, too! Thanks Lara!

  65. Ally W. on February 16, 2015 at 10:41 pm

    My word for this year is joy. I have so much to be thankful for in my life and every reason to be joyful! Instead of focusing on what I don’t have and being upset about it, I’m choosing to find the joy in everything in my life this year.

  66. Amy on February 16, 2015 at 11:42 pm

    Oh this one is hard…. but first, thank you so much for sharing your story and journey. Also, thank you to you and your publisher for the free book through the Influence Network. Mine came in the mail a couple of weeks ago! Since, I already owned the book, I was able to share it with a friend. We set some dates to get together and share our progress. Having a cheerleader and friend along the way is the best. I will have to look for a song… but what a great idea. My most purposeful year would look like one that was lived with intention and so much less waste. Time being the biggest thing I struggle with wasting. I would learn to manage my life well so that I could and would actually accomplish the things Christ has for me. When I am 80 I don’t so much as want to be somewhere as I want to be someone. That person will be a woman filled with grace, hope, love, and wisdom. One who is a good friend and the best great-grandma, mother, and wife she can be. One with joy and faith that her life has mattered but mostly that this life has been only a taste of the life to come.

  67. Amy on February 16, 2015 at 11:42 pm

    I forget this often but PS_ I pinned the post. 🙂

  68. Rachel Nordgren on February 17, 2015 at 12:30 am

    I linked back to this series in my 2015 Goal Setting post! > https://www.ouryellowdoor.com/2015-goals/

  69. Stacey Pinney on February 17, 2015 at 3:00 am

    Honored to be part of your Tuesday Night Bible Study. So incredibly happy that it’s because of you “saying yes to the Holy Spirit’s leading.” And I love your word of the year. Mine is (be) intentional.

  70. Jessica Chavez on February 17, 2015 at 3:10 am

    My radical… it all links back to my 2015 phrase… Be Still. I’m doing a photography project where I take 2 hours of my day to spend with God, praying and looking for His beauty, His direction. It’s all about surrendering and trusting! Hard sometimes but oh so good! I know there’s a good lesson behind this!

    I guess my song for this year will be ‘Ever Be’ by Bethel Music! oh! and ‘Steady Heart’ by Steffany Gretzzinger!

  71. Stacey P on February 17, 2015 at 3:43 am

    Pinned on Pinterest!

  72. Rachel Friedrichs on February 17, 2015 at 4:33 am

    My word this year is joy because I need to focus on the positive in my life instead of the negative. Joy comes when I trust in God and his plan for me instead of depending on myself. I am really challenging myself to go with God’s plan instead of my own. That is one way that I am being radical. Radical is such a great way of looking at it too. Even the smallest of changes can be a radical move.

  73. Melissa on February 17, 2015 at 4:48 am

    I’m almost afraid to type this, but my radical that I am currently working on is fully trusting God. I went by through an intense period of trials for several years before God answered my prayers in the most perfect way a year and a half ago. Now I feel His tugging at my heart in another way, but I’m afraid. I don’t want another period of hardship, as awful and selfish as that sounds. But I’m trying to define my radical as fully trusting and obeying God this year.

  74. Allison on April 13, 2015 at 11:59 pm

    I’m through chapter six of Make It Happen and have been reading your blog posts and I am finding myself stuck. Frustrated. Lost. I don’t know where God is leading my soul. I don’t have an idea of where to go or how to start. I’m frustrated because I want to strive for my purposeful life (I want to “do”), yet I haven’t a clue what that is! Any suggestions for clarity?

    • Lara on April 14, 2015 at 7:16 pm

      Yes! Two things that are hard but have helped me when I have felt similar things – keep praying and keep moving forward. I know that’s not a solution but God promises us His wisdom and clarity when we ask for it and keep moving toward Him. I am praying for you!!

  75. Piathought on April 20, 2015 at 9:32 am

    Hi Lara, you don’t know how inspired I am with your blog! You are a woman of God. And without you knowing, you are helping women like me by your inspiring words and encouraging blog. Thank you, thank you!

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