Where to find Our Lady of Guadalupe in the Bible
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I’ve never been one for making New Year’s Resolutions. Maybe it’s because I know I won’t keep them and it’s only a resolution for things I know I won’t do as opposed to doing better.
But, now goals are a different story.
In life we set goals. Goals of saving a certain amount of money for vacation, of reaching a certain promotion position, of paying off certain bills, or even of changing careers and getting into a new field. Regardless, goals seem somehow to motivate us – or at least me –more than ‘resolutions’.
So, as I think about what type of goals I would like to have next year, I am reminded of what the focus of my goals should be.
Colossians 3:2 tells us to not set our minds on earthly things, but on those from above. If we’re going to set goals, shouldn’t they be goals that would help us attain sainthood? Shouldn’t they be goals that would help us please our Lord? Shouldn’t they be goals that would draw us closer to our Lord?
One of my favorite phrases, and one which almost always causes friends and loved ones to go ‘OH NO’, is “I have a plan.” Now, normally, those plans are sensible, but they don’t always work out quite like I envision them. Usually it turns out to be something that should be featured on America’s Funniest Home Videos.
But, we need to be cautious with our ‘plans’ as we form our life goals for the new year. If our goals are aligning with the things of God, then our goals should align with the goals God has for us. Yes, God has goals and plans for YOU and for ME.
“I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
Now that is a plan I can live with and get on board with.
So, what about those goals? What type of goals can we set to ensure ours are aligning with those God has for us? Well, ask yourself what leads to hope, a future, and protection from harm? It’s being obedient!
How are we obedient? Well, let’s start by planning to get up at least 30 minutes early and before we reach for our cellphone to check Facebook, text messages, or missed calls – why not reach for our Bible or our Missal?
Here are some excellent goals for the upcoming year. How about attending Mass more often? After all, let’s admit it, most of us will have to be honest and say we don’t go to Mass as much as we should. How about Reconciliation? How often do we go to Confession? Why not make it a goal to go to Confession at a minimum of at least 1 or 2 times more than you did last year (provided you went last year). What about adoration? Did you spend time before the Blessed Lord in adoration? He asked his disciples ‘couldn’t you spend one hour with me?’. Guess what! He is asking you the same question. You can’t spend one hour with me? (I bet you spent two hours or more watching that football game or the season finale of your favorite show).
The difference between goals and most resolutions is that we understand in life – most goals require time and they require effort. It happens over the course of time. It’s not something that happens overnight. But, after all, relationships are not built overnight, either, now are they? Isn’t that what we’re building – a relationship with Jesus?
So, what are your goals for the new year, or are you setting resolutions you know you will break?
Amelia Monroe Carlson graduated from the University of North Alabama with a Bachelor’s Degree in journalism. Being raised as a Methodist during her early years, it was not until she entered college where she began to take her faith seriously. She was baptized as a Southern Baptist in Muscle Shoals, AL and began immediately serving in international missions and in the church.
During college, she became the Co-founder of an International Ministry, where she spent time traveling and speaking to church groups and in large conferences. She authored a Bible study and traveled abroad on mission work. She sat on the Mid-South Interfaith Conferences in Mississippi, where she defended the faith and discussed beliefs with leaders of various religions.
After a business trip to Washington D.C., where she was introduced to a former Baptist who converted to the Catholic Church, she was placed on a journey to enter into the Catholic Church.
Amelia is a military wife and currently residents with her husband and daughter in Tennessee. She is a nine time award winning journalist, receiving press awards for various categories including investigative journalism, best news coverage, and best single feature. It is her desire to help Catholics, particularly Cradle Catholics, see the beauty in their faith which converts see and appreciate the fullness of truth which the Church has held and guarded throughout history. It is her desire all Catholics fall as much in love with Jesus as she is, and love the Church to a greater capacity than they could imagine.
Amelia taught PRE for 4-6 grade at St. Mary Catholic Church in Bolivar, Tennessee from 2014-2016. She served as Youth Director at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church in Somerville, Tennessee in 2017-2018. She now teaches 7th grade (1st year Confirmation) PRE class at St. Philip. She's also a writer and frequent podcast guest on Our Warpath.
She has a strong devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Francis de Sales, St. Padre Pio and St. Maximilian Kolbe.
To contact Amelia for speaking inquiries at conferences, retreats, or parishes contact her via social media on Facebook (Amelia Monroe Carlson), Twitter (@2_catholic ) or send a text to: (731)518-6923.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ameliamcarlson
Twitter: @2_catholic (Catholic ministry account)
Twitter personal account: @ameliamcarlson
