It has been a fun year of virtual travel through books. I’ve been to Afghanistan, China and France during the period of my own lifetime. I’ve been in the Caribbean around the turn of the 20th century. I spent several centuries in Russia, and I am currently reading “Out Stealing Horses” set in eastern Norway around the end of the 20th century. But perhaps the most signigicant of my journeys was through the Holy Land via The New Testament.
It was a 2011 goal of mine to read the New Testament in it’s entirety. That is not a new endeavor for me – I’ve read it many times. Scripture is amazing because it always has something new to offer, regardless of the number of times through.
Some quirky things I noticed about The New Testament this year:
** It is twice mentioned to not braid our hair. I wonder why? (1 Timothy 2:9; 1 Peter 3:3)
** The number of Wise Men is not specified. (Matthew 2:1)
** The Wise Men were not at the manger. (Matthew 2:11)
** If someone calls you “Jezebel,” it probably is not a compliment…
Some things for me to ponder in my heart:
**Christ was oh so patient.
** Christ was oh so non-judgemental.
** Christ was oh so serving.
What does all of this mean for me and 2012? Here is my 2012 plan – Second Peter 1:5-8: (I found a free app for my Ipod Touch to help me keep track of my progress: “Ideal Me Lite.”)
** Faith – I want to be more faithful in studying scripture daily.
** Virtue – Some synonyms are charity, consideration, goodness and kindness. I want to be of more service to those in need.
** Knowledge – I want to continue working towards my Bachelor’s degree.
** Temperence – Another word for temperence can be self-conrol. I want to make exercise a habit, and make the switch from Diet Coke to water.
** Patience – I want to complete another year without hurting any of my teenage children.
** Godliness – I want to draw closer to my Heavenly Father and further develop my gratitude for Jesus Christ by making daily conversation with Them a habit, and meeting my other 2012 goals.
** Brotherly Kindness – I want to see more good, and less bad in those around me.
** Charity – I want to continue paying a regular tithe.
“For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:8)
How could 2012 be any better than that?
