Many of us set New Years Resolutions; eat better, start exercising, lose weight, spend more time with God, etc.  Resolutions are statements (often vague) about what we want to change.  No date or measurement is often included in our resolutions - makes it difficult to determine if we accomplished it or not.  Fun facts about resolutions (per a poll found online):  22% fail after the first week, 40% fail after a month, 50% fail after three months and only about 8% of people actually keep their resolutions.

For 2023, why not create S.M.A.R.T Goals instead.  In this episode, Pastor Obie Batista and I discuss setting and obtaining goals in 2023.  We talk about what SMART Goals are (also below), why they are important and some helpful insight into setting goals.  We also discuss what does scripture say about planning and goal setting.  

SMART Goals:

S = Specific.  What is it that you are targeting to accomplish

M = Measurable.  How are you going to measure.  

A = Attainable.  Set a realistic goal.  Make it attainable, however really try to keep it a stretch goal.  Bottom line:  Can you accomplish what you are attempting?

R = Relevant.  Make the goal relevant to you and your situation.  Grow spiritually, lose weight, etc.

T = Time Bound.  When are you going to attempt to accomplish your goal?  By end of 2023, end June, etc.  

Friendly Advice:

1.) Set goals in segments.  I.e. instead of having the goal of reading the entire New Testament by the end of the year (which is the highest goal), have a goal of reading through the Gospels by end of March.  Have an overarching goal, but break into segments so you can see accomplishments and maintain momentum!

2.) Leverage existing plans.  YouVersion has plenty of quality Bible reading plans.  They will keep you on path toward your goal and even remind you daily or weekly that you need action.   

3.) Find an accountability partner to share your goals with or even better, create a goal together and work as a team to encourage each other along the journey.

January 1st Podcast Challenge:

Document 2-3 SMART Goals for 2023 and share with someone.  Listen to the podcast - at the end I give you one that every one of us should have!

Each year we all look forward to the Christmas season, the lights, trees, parties with friends and family, dynamic worship services and Christmas movies!!!  Kevin Larue co-hosts this episode and we take a look at two timeless classics; Christmas Vacation and It's a Wonderful Life.  We will discuss the men in each of these movies and what we can learn from them; both good and not so good.  

Everyone's favorite Clark Griswold put his hope and faith in his Christmas bonus from work, only to be disappointed when it turned out to be something other than what he expected.  What can we learn from Clark on where we put our hope and faith?  If we put our hope in material things of this world, we'll be disappointed, however, hope in Christ will never fail.

George Bailey gives us a glimpse into uncomfortable topic of suicide.  When George's life starts crumbling around him he considers ending his life for insurance money.  George is told that he is worth more dead than alive - George and anyone else that thinks that is 100% wrong; you are loved by your Heavenly Father.  We'll discuss suicide and how as men we should approach the subject and if we are in a dark place ourselves that we should ask for help.  Asking for help is NOT a sign of weakness, it is a sign of strength.  If you or someone you know is considering harming themselves or others please (please!) call 988 - Suicide Prevention Hotline.

We hope you enjoy this episode and continue to share the podcast with others.  While we discuss men's topics and the podcast is targeted toward men, we do encourage you to share with the women in your life.

Any feedback?  Topics you'd like for us to discuss?  Send an email to [email protected]

Intro music compliments of Pixabay and AlexiAction

Exit music compliments of Pixabay and Grand Project 

In this 1st Kingdom Men podcast we look at what exactly is Kingdom Men Gaston?  What are the goals and objectives of Kingdom Men and how are they to be accomplished?  We also talk about why men fellowship and brotherhood is so critical in our world today.  The Mission Statement of Kingdom Men is 'Empowering Men to Become More Like Jesus'.  Join us on this podcast journey as we strengthen, encourage and empower each other in our daily walks to become more like Christ.