It is that time of year when we formulate plans for upcoming change. Resolutions, beginnings, goals, ideas.
I do it every year, and although I seldom feel I achieved much at any time, I do see progress. Therefore I conclude that setting goals is important, even if they are not attained.
I have notebooks of goals and lists. It is probably a form of mental illness. For me, it grounds. I am keeping my ideas in my brain, in the back of my day’s schedule, even on the calendar to some extent.
Today I return to the classroom. Only a half day, perfect for a re-entry.
It has been an interesting six weeks since surgery, twelve weeks since we found my tumor. Today the restrictions are lifted for my post-op regimen. I can lift more than 15 lbs, but I need to ease into it.
I can swim, which I plan to do tomorrow. I have been anticipating getting back in the pool at the Y this entire time.
The extra weight I gained from lack of exercise should disappear, right?
Four of my five kids got their life guard certification. Three worked as guards at area YMCA’s. I must swim, and I have swam all through my adult life, extra pounds or not! One of my sons said to me, “Mom, don’t worry about how you look. I’ve seen it all!”
As a woman in her 60’s I should not care, anyway, right? I am there for my health. I see all of my older peers being faithful to exercise, too. I will brave the stigma of being out-of-shape and join them tomorrow!
We celebrated our family Christmas this past weekend. It was marvelous. We were all together. We ate our traditional Christmas repast: Swedish Smorgasbord. We sang and read Christmas songs and passages. We gave gifts, thoughtful, homemade, sweetness. We laughed and hugged, held babies and remembered. We watched the delight of children opening new toys.
I think it was perfect.
I have determined to do a study on the commands of Christ this upcoming year. I want 2026 to be my year for practicing His commands, understanding them, obeying. I gifted each of my children with a study on His commands in hopes that they will join me in this pursuit. We actually did this study years ago as a home-school, and I think it was one of the most memorable and effective Bible studies we did. I think my “students” even remember all of the commands in the curriculum. (I’ve tested them surreptitiously).
I need a review. I plan to study a different command each week. This curriculum has 49, so it should take most of 2026. I’m starting this week, though. Christmas is already celebrated and I am one to strike while there’s a will to start!
Head start on 2026!
Matthew 4:17 says “From that time Jesus began to preach, and he said,”Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” ”
This command is “Repent.”
What an interesting study for this week!
My first thought about obeying this command is to just look at Jesus instead of looking at the world. I look for His beauty, His goodness, His mercy, His grace. I see His forgiveness for my sin. I am turning toward Him.
This is repentance, for me, today.
Of course there will be other thoughts, but I need something easy to begin with.
I will look at Jesus today.
When you look at Jesus you are looking at the pure and wonderful.
The dirt just doesn’t attract.
It’s supposed to snow today. Lots of snow is predicted. It is one of those days I love being by the fire, writing or reading!
But I really need to get back to work. I am thankful. I am blessed.
Next week will be a week of medical things, another scan to see if cancer is gone, another post op examination. It will be busy. I am praying for good reports.
This week is a gift. Looking at Jesus. Understanding Repentance. Snow. Thankfulness.
Come, Lord Jesus!
MARANATHA!