Part 3: Continue
Right On Time: A 4-Part Series for the New Year
Part 1: Remember
Part 2: Return
Part 3: Continue
Today we’re talking about continuing.
What it looks like.
A list of what helped me keep going this year.
If remembering takes us back to theology (who God is), and returning brings us into a relationship (where we belong), continuing is how we live day after day (faithfully walking forward and trusting God).
Simply put.
Remember God.
Return to Him.
Repeat.
The Greek word for “continue” in the New Testament means to “abide, remain, or stay.”1 In the Bible, continuing means remaining linked in faith. It’s trusting that even when things are uncertain, God is still there.
To put it another way. Abiding or menō keeps us grounded and reminds us that no matter what, we’re not alone. He’s here.
God’s with us. And if we’re with Him, we’re exactly where we’re supposed to be. We can keep going.
In Eugene Peterson’s book, A Long Obedience In The Same Direction, he writes:
The central reality for Christians is the personal, unalterable, persevering commitment God makes to us. Perseverance is not the result of our determination; it is the result of God’s faithfulness. We survive in the way of faith not because we have extraordinary stamina, but because God is righteous—because God sticks with us.
One of the main ideas here is that God has a personal commitment to us first. We continue in faith because God remains steadfast with us. We endure because God has always been! I love thinking about this. He keeps His word. He finishes what He starts. And because His character does not change, neither does His commitment.
I love how Paul encourages us in Galatians 6:9.
Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
At the right time. In the season God has appointed. We will see a harvest if we persevere. The call to keep going is an act of faith. It’s a choice. It expects resistance. It knows there will be days we’re tired or unmotivated. There will be hard days. Progress may seem invisible. The path may not be clear. The way may be slow. Yet, faith reminds us that God remains. He calls us to abide and to stay the course in step with His plan. We get to keep going because His grace and mercy keep meeting us right where we are.
And through it all, we look forward to the ultimate harvest, the eternal reward God has promised! No more tears. No more pain. No more sorrow. We’ll finally be Home. Eternal life with Him.2
With all this in mind, here are a few things that helped me keep going this year.
Sunshine.
For real. I need warmth and sunshine in my life. I need to step outside and feel it. I spent a ton of time in our backyard this year, and whether I was writing, eating, or simply watching the girls play, I loved sitting in my chair in the sun.
Bible Studies.
They say making your bed first thing starts a chain reaction for productivity. For me, it’s having an in-depth study to open up in the morning. The Word and each companion are what I return to. It’s become a grounding rhythm for me. Something I look forward to. I pick a topic. I pick a book. I sit, and I’m ready to learn.
2025: Colossians + Philemon. Ribology. Ecclesiastes. Heaven. Judges.
On the list this year: 1 & 2 Peter. Dwell On These Things. Joshua. The Way of Wisdom.
A little tip if you want to try something like this: Most studies are 6, 8, 10, or 12 weeks. Think about your season of life and what could be a good fit. Consider a book of the Bible or topic you’d like to learn more about. My personal favorite —Pair a study with a set of goals and let it become a grounding rhythm that keeps you on track and moving forward.
Flowers.
I’ve purchased quite a few Farmgirl Flower bouquets this year. They’re so beautiful. They’re a sign of life. Good things grow. Flowers fade, but the Word of the Lord remains. Life is short. The everyday blessings are our gift to live in.
My family.
My girls are full of life and joy. It’s as if they already have access to it. They don’t have to fight for it. They constantly remind me of the abundance, joy, and freedom meant for all of us. One is literally the happiest girl I know. The other always has a song in her heart. And then, when all is wrong in the world, my marriage is the best thing in my life. A reminder that His love never lets go.
Iced coffee and little happies.
We got a Breville this past year, and I became an iced coffee drinker. Most days, I love a glass of it in the morning while reading or writing. On other days, it’s the perfect little afternoon pick-me-up. It helps me pause and get a little more battery before taking on the third part of my day. I have a small collection of those Anthropologie icon glasses, too, and they make the experience even more delightful.
Other little happies include, but are not limited to: a really cold Dr. Pepper, going on a walk, wearing my favorite PJs, night-time tea, a sherpa blanket, using my favorite pens, and eye patches. Little things I use throughout the day that lift my spirits.
Survivor.
I discovered the show Survivor in 2020, and I’ve been a fan ever since. Every year, they air two seasons. One in the spring and one in the fall. Wednesday nights have become a favorite night of the week. After putting the girls to bed, Levi and I watch the show together. It’s our weekly date night of sorts, and it gives me something to look forward to each week. Do we have any Survivor fans around here?
Games and Puzzles.
Now that the girls are a little older, we’ve been able to play more games as a family. It’s been so fun! Here’s a list of favorites we played this year.
LIFE. Old Maid. Mer-Maid. Go-Fish. Skip-Bo. Scrabble. Cribbage. Outfoxed.
We also enjoy leaving a puzzle out on our table and working on it periodically. Sometimes it’s a short break during the day, and other times it’s a relaxing activity while listening to an audiobook. What I love is that it brings everyone to the table.
Podcasts, Books, and Audiobooks.
I have my go-to podcasts and an Audible subscription. I pair an episode or chapter with a task like laundry or cleaning the kitchen. If the episode is 45 minutes, 45 minutes of work it is. While I mostly listen to nonfiction books, I add in some fictional books throughout the year for fun! It’s good for me not to have something serious all the time.
Podcasts: The Jess Connolly Podcast. Knowing Faith. Work & Play. Relatable.
Nonfiction Books: 12 books in 12 months. Would you like a list?
Fiction Books: Rome, Kentucky Series (4 Books). Finlay Donovan Series (6 Books). American Royals Series (4 Books). Queens Game Series (2 Books).
To close, I’ll leave you with these words.
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed. 2 Timothy 3:14-17
We remember who He is.
We return to where we belong.
And we continue. Faithfully. Imperfectly. With hope.
The God who walks with us now will finish what He started.3
So let’s press on together, encouraged by His presence. We’re full of hope. We’re not alone on this journey. Keep going with confidence. There’s more ahead, and He is here.
PS. If any of the posts in this series have encouraged you, I really think you’ll appreciate the Honest Questions Notebook! See this post for more info!
