In 2026 - "... aspire to lead a quiet life ..."

 

Here we are 4 days into 2026 already!  I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and that 2026 will be a good year for you. 

 One of my pre-Christmas posts disappeared completely from my blog.  Never mind, only a minor hiccup in the grand scheme of things.

Although 2025 was a good year, it was also busy.  And I don't want to be so busy this year.  So, I've been planning.  Not exactly 'resolutions', but I do like the word 'aspirations.'

Resolution: a firm decision to do or not to do something.

Aspiration: a hope or ambition of achieving something.

Aspiration is a much nicer word :)

So, with that in mind I've found some Bible verses to keep me on track.

I looked them up in 7 different translations.  I prefer the more literal (word for word) translations and am using the NKJV (New King James Version).  The 4 most recommended ones are NASB, ESV, KJV and NKJV. I have 3 of them but would like to get an ESV.

This is the first verse/s that came to mind...

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12: "that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing."

And then I thought of this one...

2 Timothy 2:15: "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

I'm sure there will be more as the year progresses.

Last year I endeavored to read through the Bible (Old and New Testaments).  I got to November (reading 3 to 4 chapters a day), getting behind some days but then catching up.  But by November I was too far behind to catch up, so I stopped.  I found it really too much to read (and absorb properly) in a day what with all the other daily chores and commitments, so this year I am concentrating on the New Testament.  Reading one chapter a day but will maybe also dip into the Psalms and Proverbs from time to time.  I will also write out relevant verses as I read them each day.

So that's the plan... more quietness, more focus on God and His Word.  Not getting stressed when I don't accomplish all the work I had planned for each day.  It will still be there tomorrow...   

I'm very much a homebody anyway, so staying home is not a chore for me :)

I would also like to try and read one book a month.  Not sure if that is realistic, as I don't get a lot of reading time, but will see how it goes.  And I want to finish the books I start.  Which might mean being more intentional in my choice of books.  Last year I started so many, but didn't finish them, just went on to another one...  

I don't want to do that this year.

So, my first book is...

I did read it back in 2020.  Time to refresh my memory!

Summer has finally arrived.  Unfortunately.  I'm already dreaming of autumn.  

a trip to the river always helps

Do you have any plans/aspirations for 2026?

xx