Buying Oranges

(Me with my niece, Soozie.)

Standing in the Publix produce section today, I picked out a few naval oranges. I love oranges and actually prefer them over sweets most of the time.

Yet while doing this, I realized in two days, the diet starts. "Religiously recording your Weight Watchers points," Tony reminds me. Not that he's hassling me about losing the more-than-one-less-than-twenty-pounds I've gained in the last few years, but because we're paying $15 a month for an online subscription.

I toss the oranges into a cellophane bag, pick up a large package of baby carrots, some lettuce and tomatoes, and oh, bananas, then go find Tony. On the candy aisle.

Oh, but not to worry, he's dieting too January 1st. This is his last hurrah. Speaking of New Year's resolutions, I have a few.

One - Continue to develop a contemplative life, finding truth and life in God. Throw in a little fasting. This item is always on my New Year's list and I suppose always will be.

Two - Write. Think bestseller. Hey, what can it hurt?

Three - Work on friendships. I've always had girlfriends. I was a sorority girl for crying out loud (Hey, Mo!) but a lot of my friendships have faded due to life changes, different interest. I have some cyberspace friends I love and adore, but it often leaves me feeling disconnected. Like, really, my computer is my best friend. There I am, staring at Mac waiting for an IM from someone. LOL. Pitiful.

Man, I've had some great laughs with friends. One of my college roommates, Maryann, was the wittiest of wits. We laughed all the time. One time, so hard, I fell down on the sidewalk walking down 15th Ave toward the Ohio State campus.

Tony makes me laugh a lot. But I feel so closed in, away from family, away from friends. I take most of the responsibility on myself. I've not been a good communicator. But I don't get my identity in people. Jesus loves me. All else is icing.

Four - Hit the gym four times a week.

Five - Get a tatoo. I think it's time. A small one. Don't freak.

Goals are important. Otherwise, we are ruled by the tyranny of "the moment." Controlling our thoughts and emotions are important, too. I realize more and more we can just choose! We can choose to be happy, choose to be loving, choose to forgive, choose to put "it" behind us and move on. We don't have to be locked into whatever we feel or experience. The more we choose rightly, the more our emotions line up and change.

I know, I mean KNOW my emotions have changed since pursuing Song of Solomon type of love and life in Jesus. I feel the change. It's quite marvelous.

(Little plug for studying Song of Solomon if you dare.)

2006 was a year of change. 2007 is a year of destiny and believing.

Grace and peace!