My Dear Readers,
Today, January 1, 2018, I send you my best thoughts for God’s best for you this year. This will be short! Amazing! Here also is a word from the Word:
Daniel 1:8: “But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself.” (ESV)
Few role models could surpass Daniel as portrayed in the book of Daniel. When people belittle the practice of making New Year’s resolutions, remember Daniel. His resolve was not made at the beginning of a new year, but at the beginning of a new life, a life he did not choose, a life forced upon him, exiled from home. His resolve was made with grace, wisdom, and tenacity. According to Daniel 9: 23, Gabriel commended Daniel : “You are highly esteemed.” God’s esteem is the best kind.
The KJV translates “Daniel resolved” as “Daniel purposed in his heart”. Ahh.
Paul and I are working on some resolves and heart-purposing. I suppose you are too? God bless you with grace, wisdom, and tenacity in your resolves. Maybe I’ll share some of my resolves. I invite you to share some of yours right here on JNC!
Gratefully,
Karen
Karen Thomas Olsen
Journey North Character 
This was wonderful to get from you two wonderful friends. Did you get to see your sister?
We are working on some changes for 2018, but haven’t written them down yet. What about sharing your resolves?
Wishing you God’s best in 2018.
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Paul and I met a number of our 2017 goals, including two Midwestern trips. And yes, over Christmas we returned to the Midwest and were able to see many relatives, including my sister! I may write a post with some pictures about this second trip. It was so special.
Oh, so you want me to share my “resolves” first! I suppose that’s fair, but I’m not ready yet. Still simmering and praying. . . I too am still working on them. And we’ll have to make some distinctions between dreams, goals, plans, and resolves! Oh, my! You have me thinking!
Happy New Year!