Skip to Main Content
Women of the ELCA
  • Donate
  • Shop
  • Tools For Leaders
  • Publications
  • Daily Grace
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Ministry & Action
    • Discipleship
    • Justice
      • Human Trafficking
      • Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women
      • Racial Justice Advocacy
      • Racial Justice Advocacy Network resources
      • Domestic Violence
    • Intergenerational programs
    • Membership
    • Stewardship
      • SALT Appeal
      • Thankofferings
      • Faithful Friends
      • Katie’s Fund
      • Gift Planning
    • Special Initiatives
      • Bold Women’s Day
      • Rachel’s Day
      • Raising Up Healthy Women & Girls
    • Scholarships
      • Lutheran laywomen
      • Lutheran Ordained Ministry
  • Resources
  • About
    • History
    • Executive Board
    • Staff
    • Get Involved
  • Events
  • Belong
  • Donate
  • Shop
  • Tools For Leaders
  • Publications
  • Daily Grace
  • Blog
  • Contact
« Back to All Daily Grace

Planning ahead

1.1.2023
|
Daily Grace

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” Jeremiah 29:11 (English Standard Version).

We have all heard the joke—do you know how to make God laugh? Tell God your plans.

Many of us are planners. We want to know what is happening today, next week, next year. Or we have a goal in mind and plan the steps to reach the goal. Or we are list makers: grocery lists, to-do lists, or maybe even honey-do lists. Crossing off an item helps us feel as if we have accomplished something.

As this new year begins, we wonder what it holds for us. We will list the items we want to accomplish next year. Those are not necessarily resolutions; they are dreams, ambitions, hopes. Whatever your plans, remember to let God help!

This message is excerpted from “New Year’s Resolutions for the Birds” by Gwen Edwards from the December 26, 2016, blog of the Women of the ELCA. Today is the First Sunday of Christmas. Today we commemorate the Name of Jesus. Today is New Year’s Day.


If you enjoy this resource, Donate Now.

Share this post

Sign up for Daily Grace

Daily Grace is an on-the-go companion for your journey, offering a faith reflection every day. Encounter God’s extravagant, boundless and often surprising grace by signing up for a daily email message.

Back to home

8765 W. Higgins Rd.

Chicago IL 60631

800-638-3522

[email protected]

Stay In Touch

Sign up for the WELCA Newsletter

Explore WELCA
  • Ministry & Action
  • Daily Grace
  • Resource Library
  • Events
  • Blog
  • News
  • About WELCA
  • Tools For Leaders
  • Publications
  • Donate
  • Shop
  • Photos
Explore Publications

Bold Cafe

A Lutheran perspective for women of Christian faith or any woman who is interested in how faith relates to the issues facing women today.

Gather Magazine

A mix of articles, theological reflections, devotions and stories of comfort and challenge that help readers grow in faith.

Cafe Podcast

Subscribe to our podcast:

Click to subscribe

© Copyright 2026 Women of the ELCA. All Rights Reserved.
  • Privacy Policy
  • Sitemap
  • Contact
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
© Copyright 2026 Women of the ELCA. All Rights Reserved.