{"id":804,"date":"2024-10-29T13:37:00","date_gmt":"2024-10-29T20:37:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/wholeheartedly\/?p=804"},"modified":"2024-11-28T06:59:24","modified_gmt":"2024-11-28T14:59:24","slug":"the-habits-we-keep-how-our-daily-habits-shape-our-future","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/wholeheartedly\/2024\/10\/the-habits-we-keep-how-our-daily-habits-shape-our-future\/","title":{"rendered":"The Habits We Keep: How Our Daily Habits Shape Our Future"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<\/head>

You\u2019ve heard it said, \u201cOld habits die hard\u201d\u2026and while that\u2019s true, it\u2019s not always a bad thing. It means that habits have a lasting effect, both positive and negative ones. While this makes it difficult to break bad habits, it also tells us the importance of establishing healthy ones.<\/p>\n

\"stack<\/a>
Image by olga volkovitskaia<\/a> from Pixabay<\/a> creating calm and organized habits<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Creating Habits by Setting Goals<\/h2>\n

How do we establish daily habits that will set the tone for our future? First, we have to picture what we want our lives to look like down the road (it could be 5, 10, 20 years, etc.) Then, we have to realize, we can\u2019t just sit back and watch things fall into place. While God is in ultimate control of our lives, and things can always turn out differently than we picture, He calls us to be active participants putting effort into our relationship with him,\u00a0 our health, our communities, our marriages, our families, etc.<\/p>\n

So, take a moment to ask yourself these questions:<\/p>\n

Where do you see yourself personally?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Do you want to be healthy, physically, mentally, and spiritually? Are you hoping to be someone who has realized what\u2019s important in life and learned to let the little things go? Do you want rid yourself of the constant stress of life, slow down, and enjoy the beauty in the simple things?<\/em><\/p>\n

Where do you see your family?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Do you want kids who value the importance of spending time in the Word and going to church regularly?\u00a0 Do you want your children to love coming home and spending time together?<\/em><\/p>\n

Where do you see your marriage?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Do you want to be a couple who is more in love than ever, and see your spouse as your true best friend you just can\u2019t get enough time with? Do you want a marriage that\u2019s centered on Christ<\/a>, and can withstand any attack from the devil?<\/em><\/p>\n

Are these lofty goals? Perhaps! Are they guaranteed, even if you do everything \u201cright\u201d? No, they\u2019re not\u2026 but, to give yourself the best chances of creating a healthy life, it starts with intentionality today.<\/p>\n

Your goals will likely look different than mine, and I\u2019d encourage you to write them down. Before you do though, pray about them! If I\u2019m not careful, my goals can turn into a list society-oriented successes, instead of Scripture-based living. As Christians, we should turn to the Bible for direction in our lives.<\/p>\n

\"silhouette<\/a>
Image by s05prodpresidente<\/a> from Pixabay<\/a> establishing daily habits<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Daily Habits<\/h2>\n

Here are some habits that we\u2019ve established, or are working on establishing, in our home to shape the future for our family and the life God has called us to.<\/p>\n

Personal Habits<\/h3>\n