I don’t believe in New Year’s resolutions. They tend to be too vague. You know, “Get in shape” or “Lose weight” or “be more spiritual.”

I do believe, however, in setting goals. Goals are more specific, espcially if you break them down into small steps. I have financial goals for my writing and speaking business. I have goals for my writing (a specific number of words written per day).

My goal this year is to take this blog to the next level–to make it a community of people who are desiring to grow closer to God. As one of my mentors used to say, what we have in common is our desire for God, and our willingness to pray for one another in that desire.

To do that, I’m going to need your help. I’ll promise to write thought provoking posts about connecting faith and real life. I’ll try to share thoughts on my own process of spiritual formation, and ask about yours. I’d like you to participate. leave comments, ask questions. Then, tell others about this blog. Send an e-mail to a few friends about it, with the link. My goal is to minister to my readers, to encourage all of us to grow spiritually, and facilitate community where we can all minister to each other.

Today is the first day of the Rest: Living in Sabbath Simplicity blog tour. I hope you’ll invite friends to visit the blogs with you, so they can learn about this book. Blogger Monica Snyder’s posted this great review last week, and she’ll have more on her blog on Monday. Be sure to check it out.

The tour schedule is on my website. You can get their directly by clicking here. Or just go to www.SabbathSimplicity.com and click on the tab for “Rest” and you can learn all about various events that are going on to launch this book.

Okay, I’ve shared my goal. What goals are you setting for 2009? Leave a comment below to tell us.