Moving Forward in 2011

I hope everyone had a truly wonderful Christmas and New Year's. I know it was a great time for my family and provided some quality down time. After getting our Wii connected a couple of days ago, I'm sure our house will never be the same. We've never owned a gaming system before and I've never even played games on the new-fangled systems out there. Our first weekend with it was a hoot and I'm looking forward to many more fun times playing with the kids.

While it's difficult to believe another year has arrived, I'm optimistic about what 2011 brings. On the personal side, I'm hoping for a little more normal in our "new" normal as far as Sarah's liver goes. A few less hospital trips and biopsies would be welcome.

I'm humbled to watch my children grow, year by year, into wonderful people. I'm looking to continue to focus on leading by example and instructing them through the life of Jesus and the Bible. They really are amazing kids if I do say so myself.

I'm going to focus more on set date nights with Patty, dedicating the time necessary to nurture the most important relationship apart from God. I'm looking forward to engaging in a Bible study with two friends for accountability and growth.

You know I couldn't go an entire post without mentioning my writing. This fire has been fueled the past three months to the tune of 75,000 written words. One manuscript is complete (less the editing "ring of fire" I will now be passing through) and I've nearly completed half of the second novel. My goals are modest - continue to write at least 25,000 words per month and complete three more novels this year. I'm going to begin querying in March and hopefully can land at least a smidge of interest from agents or editors at the two or three writers conferences this year. When December rolls around, I'd like to say that an agent has offered me representation.

What about you? What are your dreams, goals or expectations for 2011? Think lofty, but also be realistic.