The Importance of "Daily Goals"

I know that life can get busy and overwhelming at times. As a pastor’s wife here in Cambodia, between ministry, family, and personal responsibilities, it can be easy to overlook the small, daily habits that build a healthy spiritual and physical life. However, it’s often the little things we do every day that lead to lasting transformation.

By God’s grace, I’m continuing to commit myself to growth. Yes it’s challenging and overwhelming, but I realized the more things get busier having a routine is helpful to set priorities and get things done – not my way but God’s. Early on in my walk with God, I have committed myself to creating goals to practice spiritual discipline. My life is not mine, it’s not my own to live. I need to know my Savior. It’s always a daily surrender to Him. I am not trying to be perfect because nobody is. What I am trying to share is I can’t depend on myself, since I am always bound to fail. These specific and simple daily goals are helping me to grow spiritually, mentally, and physically. These habits may seem small, but with consistency and intentionality, I believe can make a big impact in the long run. I want to invite you to join me in this journey, especially if you’re a mother, wife, or someone seeking balance in life. Let’s walk together and encourage each other as we develop habits that draw us closer to God and those we love.

1. Quiet Time (30 minutes of Bible Devotion and Reflection)

My husband and I have our own quiet time. What do we do? This is where we seek God personally (reading the bible, devotional, worshiping God, & praying+ I do journalling too). It’s our spiritual barometer before we even come to the Lord as a couple. It became harder to do this when I became a mom to be honest. But God would always have a way, He helped me to see what my schedule was like. I intentionally wake up a little earlier in the mornings, so I can do my quiet time and quiet time could also be spread throughout the day. I found the perfect timing to initiate this matter by maximizing my travel time from home to school (40-45 minutes) I listen to the audio bible, memorize verses, and pray. If there’s a will, there’s always a way! I have to encourage myself to commit to it because carving out time to spend with God is essential for my spiritual growth. Quiet time helps me to center my heart on God’s promises and gain strength for the day ahead. If I don’t have a soaking time with the Lord, I am cranky and irritated (that’s what my husband would say). Let this time of seeking the Lord first in our day remind us that everything else falls into place when we put Him at the center. 

I have written a post about our Quiet times at home: 👉 Diving into God's word 👉Solitude

2. Intentional Praying (Focused and Meaningful Prayer)

In connection to the quiet time, Prayer is not just a routine; it’s a conversation with our Heavenly Father. Intentional prayer is engaging. It is focusing on specific areas such as family, ministry, personal struggles, and giving thanks. Praying with purpose allows us to connect with God more deeply. From time to time, I would be getting messages from friends and family members requesting prayers. I would write them on my phone notes and transfer them to my journal, so during my commute time or even during our evening family prayer, we won’t forget to include them in our concerns. In prayer, we surrender our anxieties and place our needs in God’s hands, trusting that He hears and answers.

3. Walking Exercise (10,000 Steps Daily)

I am not a fan of exercises or even HIT (high intensive training) but somehow I enjoy walking instead. I walk in the morning and evening (30 minutes each time). Sometimes. my boys (husband and son) would tag along. We walk after dinner. Physical health is just as important as spiritual health. Walking 10,000 steps daily not only benefits the body but also refreshes the mind. For me, walking is a time to reflect on the goodness of God and His creation. It can be a time of prayer, thanksgiving, and recharging. As we walk, let’s remember that God has designed us for good works and that maintaining our physical health is part of being good stewards of His creation.

Key Verse:
"For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." – Ephesians 2:10

4. Daily Intermittent Fasting (12-16 Hours)

It’s Vandy who influenced me to do it daily now. I do fast occasionally before especially during the “Holy week”. It’s all by God’s grace, we have been doing intermittent fasting since the Pandemic (almost 5 years now!). It’s good to have an accountability partner. Fasting has both physical and spiritual benefits. This not only improves our physical health but also provides an opportunity to focus on God’s provision rather than the constant need for food. During times of fasting, we are reminded that our true sustenance comes from God’s Word and His presence.

 Key Verse:

"Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God." – Matthew 4:4

5. Eating Dinner with Family (Daily Family Connection)

It must have been an Asian culture that we eat as a family. In Cambodia, we serve rice to the oldest family member or if you have a guest, you serve them first, it's a form of respect. In our busy world, it’s easy to lose touch with those closest to us. One of my goals is to ensure we eat dinner together as a family every day. This simple act strengthens our bond, creates moments for meaningful conversations, and allows us to share how God is working in our lives.

Key Verse:
"They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people." – Acts 2:46-47

6. Praying with Family Before Bedtime (Ending the Day with God)

As a family of three, we intentionally end our day with prayer before going to bed. We desire to model and pass on this praying lifestyle to our son David. We want him to incorporate praying as an important connection to God. We take turns to lead nightly prayers as well. This habit of prayer allows us to reflect on the day, seek forgiveness, give thanks, and ask for God’s protection and guidance for the coming day. It’s a simple yet powerful way to close the day together in God’s presence. Making time for family prayer reminds us that as a household, we are committed to serving the Lord together.

Key Verse:
"And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve... But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." – Joshua 24:15

To be honest, it takes a lot of practice and consistency for me to make these as part of my daily habits. I figured out that commitment and the right heart intention are always the keys to motivating me. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or disconnected in life. I encourage you to start creating your own daily goals and make sure these goals are specific, attainable, and purposeful so you will always be excited to do it every day. Remember that God is with us every step of the way. Start with one day at a time, and let’s see how God works in and through us, as we focus on Him, care for our families, and take steps toward healthier living. Together, let’s build habits that transform not just our lives, but the lives of those around us.

Blessings,

The Hourngs in Cambodia