Yesterday was a quiet day, although it was Christmas. I mentioned in yesterday's post of how our morning went. Or started, anyway. It was 'different'... but I guess very similar as last year. When no one came over. I did get two batches of bread made (hubby wanted one batch to take to his friends today) and another batch I will probably put in the freezer. Just remembered I forgot to wrap them in plastic wrap last night so they sat out all night. Oh well. Will figure out what to do with them. Or did I wrap them. I don't remember. (I just went to make a 2nd cup of coffee; I did wrap them yesterday. All good.)
I made a batch of salsa to finish off what I needed. Or think I need. I cooked us dinner (yes, I actually cooked)... and then txtd Ms. Vicky to see if she wanted company. Two days in a row! She said yes, of course. I felt bad for her; her daughter went to Nebraska to have Christmas with her sister and family, and Ms. Vicky is all alone. Literally. So I visited for an hour or so. Hubby and I (mainly I) watched a movie; hubby slept through most of it. Then it was bedtime. Hubby had awakened and seemed not ready to go to bed yet - but I did, so he did. It was a very quiet day. I did take a nap, and worked on the message for Sunday. Got to really focus on that today - and yes, I'm working today as well, but it should be fairly quiet.
Awakening with another headache this morning, I don't want to work. I know, what else is new. But Sue and I are working and know that it will be a very light day, although I have noticed that Brett sent me several things to do - and as mentioned before, I still have board minutes to type. But I can't quit my job - not yet. I've just got to find my joy in working again. In fact, I just need to find my joy in living.
About noonish I will start working on soups for tonight's dinner as my daughter and her family will be coming over to 'celebrate Christmas' with us. I have three days in a row of 'celebration' coming up. Really looking forward to seeing my children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. They are truly my joy and I love just being with them. Some I only see once or twice a year. Not their fault, it's just life.
I really do need to get organized.
Yeah, I look around this room and groan. I have in my closet, at least, a box that I have started putting things in. I have suits hanging in my closet I have had since about 2010 at least. I have not worn them at all (I can't get my fat butt in them!) since about then. Why do I hang on to them? I like the suits. But, I think it is 'time' to let them go, don't you? I need to spend a day in my closet and start going through faded t-shirts, skirts I can no longer wear (or won't wear), and even sweaters and tops. Surely I can make 2026 a year of 'letting go', can't I?
It's hard to believe that 2026 is just around the corner. Ms. Vicky asked me last night what were my new years resolutions. I told her that I haven't made 'resolutions' for several years. Why? Because of something my oldest son said years ago. I don't remember exactly what it was, but something about making resolutions you will break, or setting goals that you can achieve. So what goals do I want to achieve? I haven't even thought about it. I should be thinking about those goals and even write them down. Maybe even give myself dates to reach that goal, and make myself accountable. That would be different. Even when I've asked someone to make me accountable, they forget. And I don't dare ask hubby to hold me accountable; you know how that would go - and end.
So, I will pause and think about some goals to make for 2026 - and I may or may not share on here. So if you were going to set a goal, what would that be? Would you want to share it?
I miss hearing from my oldest son. I have a great imagination and it isn't being nice. I try not to 'worry' (cause worry is a sin), but I am very concerned for him. So I do what I can do - and that is place him in God's hands and ask God to watch over him. There is a song that frequently comes to mind, and when it does, I pray it over my son. There is a verse that says 'Dead things come to life' and I have been praying for him, that what is dead (or dying), would come to life again. I am looking for a miracle to happen. 2026 may be the year I intensify that prayer. I still believe in miracles, even if mine do not happen the way I want them to.
I started reading in Genesis in my Bible the other day. Starting to read the Bible from cover to cover - again. I love the old testament stories because they build on each other. And then that leads us to the New Testament. I've gotten started before January 1, and that is ok, but I do like to read through the Bible each year. A sense of accomplishment. Would you accept a challenge to read through your Bible in 2026? Yes, there are some very boring books (think Numbers, or even parts of Leviticus), but if you persist, you will get to some great stores. You may even find answers to some questions you may have. Or what about starting with the New Testament? Start with Matthew and read the four gospels. I read a book once that a new Christian wrote and he said that he 'read the RED' - which are the words of Jesus. Give yourself a goal and 'just do it'. Even if you don't think you will get anything out of it. Even if you don't believe. Read through the Bible, and then you can share with others, you read through the Bible. Even if only once.
I think I'm going to stop here for today. A verse is not coming to mind to share. I have other things on my mind that I think is preventing that, but know this...
You are loved by God. He created you in His image. Whatever is going on with you - or within you - or around you - is not missed by Him. Sometimes things happen to get our attention. Sometimes things happen to get others attention. But our attention should be on the One who created us.
We had a friend pass away yesterday, from our former church. The one we went to for over 30 years. I am pretty sure my children remember her. She's been in the hospital lately, and they found out in the last few days she had stage 4 cancer in her body.... she went to hospice yesterday and passed away. Christmas Day. I am sure she is celebrating in heaven with Jesus. I never thought to let my DIL know, for I am sure she knows her. I'm sure she doesn't read in here, so if my son reads, will let him be the one to let her know. Or I will let her know tomorrow when they come over.
Death isn't always to bring grief; it can also bring joy. Celebrating life while it is lived, and celebrating the life that was. I don't expect people to dance with joy when I pass.... but I do want them to celebrate that I lived. Good and bad. Lessons learned. Does that make sense?
No matter what your life is, you need to be celebrated for who you are. You are created by God, created in His image. And God doesn't make mistakes. Grieving happens. And that's ok. It's our way of missing someone. But celebrate their life. Celebrate your life while you yet live.
Something to think about.
Blessings!
