Today is the day of the year, the first day of the year, that we are supposed to create our todo list for the year. This list otherwise known as New Year’s Resolutions is then published and many times forgotten about. However, my personal list is something I have spent a lot of time on this past year. This summer, I had the privilege of speaking at Ilinois Jr. High camp, and as I was speaking, I challenged students to create their “B” list for God. What do you want to “Be” for God?

I asked them to post their “B” list on Facebook if they were comfortable doing so. I also stated that I would post my personal “B” list as well. I went to the room that night and tried to create my list of goals and was unable to do so. I was blank. This troubled and frustrated me, so I talked to my great friend, Nate Roemer, about it. He asked me the most amazing question, “Is it possible that your already living the “dream?” WOW! Nate was right! I was living my dream, I just needed to define the parameters of my dream.

I was reminded of Andy Stanley’s podcast where he talked about “BEing over DOing.” Instead of creating a list of GOALS to DO or accomplish, create a list of QUALITIES to BE or obtain. The outflow of obtaining these qualities will result in success. Here is my BE List for 2015:

1) Be PREPARED

Continue my daily disciplines of praying, bible reading, reading, writing, walking 5 miles

2) Be COMMITTED

To my God, my Wife; Bobbi, my daughter; Rose

3) Be HELPFUL

Continue coaching pastors and leaders

4) Be ENCOURAGING

I will be intentional to encourage one person a day

5) Be FRIENDLY

As I get older, the need for close friends is more important then ever. I want to be intentional this year to connect with friends on a weekly basis.

6) Be PUBLISHED

I will read, collect quotes and ideas and journal my thoughts so that I can continue working toward this aspiration.

7) Be CREATIVE

Read books from various genres and connect with new people

8) Be THANKFUL

Send thank you notes to people concerning visits, books read and impressions made- also I want to start send prayer cards to pros as I pray for them

9) Be ORGANIZED

Continue to organize my office/ resource room / filing system so I can reach my ultimate effectiveness

10) Be FLEXIBLE

Be willing to do whatever God asks of me – Be spirit-led

So here’s my BEing list. I would love to here what you want to BE in 2015 in the comment section below. Enjoy this new year!