Over 40 years ago I sat down and made a short list of goals for the coming
year(s). I still have the list and I occasionally refer to it both to make sure I
haven't lost tract of the most important things in life, or forgotten who I am in
Christ. lt makes me feel good to note that most of the things on that long ago list
are fulfilled or are being fulfilled. lt also makes me feel good that there are still
things that are being worked on. lt reassures me that my time on earth may not
be up just yet--l still have a purpose and a reason to get up every morning.
That brings me to this morning (Monday-December 29th, still 2025 barely).
What can I see today that I would like to look back on in a year. What are my
goals for 2026, beyond waking up every morning--life HAS to be more than just
waking up every morning! So here I go.
                                BASIC GOALS FOR EVERY DAY---
Spend time with God in His Word, in His Presence, and in our prayer time (me &
God's). -Take care of my precious wife and be a good father and grandfather, a
good brother and a good friend.
                           2026 GOALS OF BELVIEW & THE KINGDOM--
  -To pastor faithfully, carefully, and compassionately.
 -To preach the Word in away the inspires, instructs, challenges, encourages, evangelizes, and comforts.
  -To grow our Church and His Kingdom. I believe that if we can simply add a
single family every month we will be averaging 100 people a Sunday before 2027.
(And only God knows beyond that.) That is the healthiest way to grow, and the
strongest way to grow, lt doesn't sound like much but remember how much
money you would have in a single month if you started with a penny (remember
those) and doubled it every day. lf you don't know the answer I encourage you to
get out your calculator, or google it, or call Shannon Bonifield, and find the
answer. The key word in all this is together, Together with God, certainly; but
also, together with one another.
   Remember, God did amazing things in the life of Belview Baptist Church in
2025, and He's not finished--the trumpet hasn't blown yet. Come and see. Stay
and serve.
                          Blessing, Prayers, and Love,
                                                Bro Tom & Sue