New year, new normal

It's hard to believe the husband is retired, especially since it coincided with the holidays. He always saved a few weeks of his annual vacation to take off around Christmas and new years (for as long as I can remember) so we could spend time together as a family. He'd typically be gearing up to head back to the corporate trenches on Monday. But that's now a thing of the past in 2026 as we settle into our new normal.

He's kicking off the new year with some of his old work buddies down on the coast at a rod and gun club for fishing and dove hunting. Then he'll be back at our house in the hill country to begin the barn purge and pack. I don't envy him that big job, and I'm glad it's his stuff rather than mine that needs to be moved to his new workshop near our lake house. 

Meanwhile, the dogs and I will be holding down the fort here on the water. My sister and I decided to check out the famous Canton trade days this weekend. I'm kinda wishing I owned a wagon to bring, just in case I spy something substantial and/or heavy I absolutely need. But since our only wagon is at the hill country house, I will definitely be putting a couple of those reusable shopping bags from HEB or Home Goods in my purse for any purchases we make.

My Monday and Thursday Bible study groups resume next week, so I've gotta pull out my lessons and get back into the groove with that. I was checking out my January calendar, and it contains a lot of maintenance. Things like my SUVs oil and filter change. A facial for me. Plus appointments for my annual mammogram and check up with my GP. January is chock full of all sorts of *fun* appointments. 

But I'm definitely not postponing the health stuff. Since summer I've added six people diagnosed with cancer to my prayer journal, as well as folks with heart troubles, a stroke and the inevitable old-age falls. Just last month, a classmate's father, my mother's dear friend and a classmate I've known since 4th grade have passed away. Aging and its accompanying illnesses aren't for the faint hearted, y'all. 

I ran across this post above on social media and it gave me the giggles. Because seriously, no reason to be morose about death. Our time on earth is fleeting. Of course we miss and grieve when loved ones pass. But what a blessing to know as believers they're in a much better place. They certainly aren't missing us like we're missing them. And we'll see them again one day. Until then, we can trust God as He walks with us across the mountaintops and through the valleys of life.

My big wish for myself and all of you in 2026 is a year filled with God's peace. Peace with your people. Peace with your choices. Peace in the inevitable challenges of life that find us all. A genuine peace that can only come from the Lord. I pray the Prince of Peace will bless and keep us all this year, that our Almighty Father turns His face upon us and gives us sweet peace.

(Jesus said) PEACE I leave with you; my PEACE I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.  John 14:27

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the PEACE of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.   Philippians 4:6-7