I often joke with my pals that my dial isn't set to a January to December schedule. Instead, I operate on an August to July calendar.

I work in academia, so I'm programmed to think of time in terms of college calendars or even semesters.

It's not uncommon for me to say to a girlfriend,"Let's grab a bite during Intersession week," or something to that effect. Just as an off-duty soldier can't shake the urge to say Thirteen Hundred instead of 1 o'clock, I simply can't part with my academic calendar conditioning.

Autumns are typically monumental for me-not just because my birthday "falls" in autumn (November 1st for all of my homies out there and please keep in mind that I prefer Bloomingdales over Nordstrom. Gracias) - but, because of the sense of purpose that's in the air. The "Back-to-School" time, especially, brings with it a sense of renewal…a matriculation to a new level.

 That being said, this New Year my vows include making a habit of waking up at 5 a.m. (yikes!) as well as finally realizing that my laundry is not done until it is actually put away. With God's help, I'd also like to become a better instructor and spend more time in prayer…

…which reminds me of a joke about a New Year's Day Prayer that goes--

Amen

Indeed, God celebrates divine improvements. He appreciates godly, sober resolutions made in January…and, in fact, all year long! His Word tells us to write the vision and make it plain (Hab. 2:2) and reminds us that with Him all things are possible (Matt: 19:26). The key is to really rely on Jesus to direct our paths (Prov. 3:5) so that our lives can be prosperous.

I love the image of the vine and its branches that Christ shared with his disciples:

I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing. (John 15:5).

 Here are some tips to help you gain greater purpose through awesome, Christ-centered Fall Resolutions--

1.                  Listen to the constructive criticism that your loved ones have been giving you.

What issue seems to be on the table with your family or covenant friends? Are they all telling you that you need a makeover-whether physical, emotional, spiritual or financial? Take a poll and see what areas your close ones think you could stand to improve. Just make sure that you heed only reasonable, God-honoring advice!

2.                  Incorporate ample quiet time into your Christian walk. That way, you are sensitive to the Holy Spirit's promptings for improvement.

In 1 Kings 18, the prophet Elijah ran away from Jezebel after he defeated hundreds of false prophets. During his flight, Elijah became tired and depressed so God sent an angel to feed the prophet as he rested under a Juniper Tree. During this time of recouping, Elijah experienced that "the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in … but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice."

Want to make an appointment to see God? Find the humblest, quietest, most secluded place and seek Him. Ask the Lord to empower you to make godly life goals that line up with His excellent purpose.

3.                  Journal your life's direction.

Journaling can be done in many ways. I know a friend who maintains a private journal on her laptop. There are some folks who draw sketches on drawing pads. Others create musical scorecards and call them "Heart Songs" (I believe this was King David's journaling method). You may want to start a blog. I, on the other hand, prefer to journal the traditional pen and paper way.

Ana Guthrie is a super cool chick with a heart for God and love for youth culture. She doubles as a not-so-naughty librarian and instructor at Florida Memorial University in Miami, Florida.