It’s really hard to believe that this is about to happen again. Sure, it’s happened to me before. And if you’re reading this blog, it has also happened to you before. But once again I’m kind of dumbstruck that it appears to be taking place, yet one more time.

Yes, as the sun of 2015 begins its descent and 2016 comes in view, I can’t believe it has happened again. One more large segment of time that we call a year is almost history. Solomon, the famed “Preacher” of Ecclesiastes reminds us that everything has its time and that there is a time for every purpose under Heaven. But what about all of the things that have happened in 2015? What are the purposes of the events and processes and what have I learned from them?

To say the least, 2015 has been an educational year for me and Lisa. The classroom of life has a subtle way of taking its students into new experiences. And after experiences are evaluated, there are many lessons which become like favorite tools in a handyman’s toolbox to help in working through the coming year. No worries, I’m not about to bore you with a philosophical discussion or a detailed theological interpretation of the purposes from the events of our 2015.  However, I would like to reveal some of what 2016 will hold.

It really only has to do with two words: intentional and joy. I’m prayerfully convinced that 2016 should be a year of intentional living. No one has ever experienced great things, met life goals, or grown as a person by settling for the aimless drift. Drifting, as a verb has to do with being carried along by the force of outside circumstances. Human beings don’t have to aimlessly wander along in life. And that is what happens when intentional living is absent. But we can be intentional and by the help of God, 2016 will be a year of intentional living for me and my family. And this leads to the supernatural byproduct of biblical joy, which is not to be confused with happiness. The Scripture has a great deal to say about joy, so I plan on future blog posts to address it. But know this; the JOY Christmas light decoration will remain on my front porch wall for an indefinite time. So if you ask why it remains, be prepared to hear about my two keywords for 2016.

Are you surprised that it’s happening again? I’d love to hear from you. Regardless of 2015 and its happenings, by the help of God, you can have a better 2016. What are your plans, goals, and preferences for this year to come? Will you do anything differently? Whatever you do, please don’t settle for drifting along and complaining about the life you wish you had. Seek God. Read His Word. And set out for a life of intentionally pursuing His will for the best year possible full of His joy.