New Years Resolution Assessment

At the beginning of this year, we here at Heritage, wrote a few articles about New Years Resolutions. I am writing this post as a follow up.  Call it cyber-accountability.  So, how are those resolutions coming?  If you are like most, you probably had a couple of days early in January that you thought about your resolution then said to yourself, "Oh shoot, I don't have time now, I will do it tomorrow."  Then tomorrow comes, you have completely forgotten and next thing you know, it's June.  Let's get back on track shall we?

First, write it down.  You have to write your goals down.  They might seem crystal clear in your mind but once you try to express the goal or how you want to implement it, things might become fuzzy.  It's important that you are able to fully comprehend how your goal is to be completed.  Get your goal broken down into Who, What, When, Where, Why.  The more detailed, the better.

Secondly, write it down.  This time on some sticky notes, put them in some routine places; mirrors, doors, ceilings, floors (?)... And also put them in some odd places; fridge, on the TV remote, inside your house slippers, etc.

Third, tell people about your goal.  Let those who are closest with you know about your goals.  Tell your coworkers if it's appropriate.  But the more people you tell about your goals, the more people you will have on your side cheering you on.

Finally, don't get down on yourself for getting off track again.  Most of us will get off track again in the next 72 hours. It's never too late to get back on track. 

By: Nicholas Smith, LPC

I Don’t Deserve Forgiveness & Very Expensive Astroturf!

Hello Everyone!  It's Wednesday and as you know, that means it is time for another article.  This week Scott Hendrickson brings to us a great post on forgiveness.  Forgiveness is one of those things that is easy to understand but often times very difficult to experience.  Scott uses some great examples, I think you will find this article very enlightening!  Here is what he has to say:

I often wonder what to say to the person who cannot be forgiven. That person (perhaps it is you) has been offered forgiveness through a sermon or by a Christ-follower or THE person offended or violated by you but feels strongly that no matter the redemption offered, it cannot be accepted due to the level of shame he or she carries. Evidently, it is believed, some of our past or simply who we are cannot be overcome with such a simplistic act of forgiveness. It could never be deserved--never! Forgiveness cannot be accepted, moreover should not be accepted.

While that might be true to an extent, I would suggest a few other points to consider before you stop reading.