I love the thought of looking back over the month and recording things I learned, loved or lived. So here goes my attempt to share ME each month in 2018.
January arrives in all its glory as the clock strikes midnight. As I get older, the clock is striking but you will find me fast asleep. There is something so exciting about a new year. Think new beginnings, new goals, fresh starts and more often than not a positive outlook.
[Tweet “January 2018 is almost over. Find out what I am learning, loving, and living this month.”]
Now that the first month of the year is winding down, I want to share what I an learning, loving and living.
I am learning …
When God gives you a word for the year, be ready to hold on tight because the ride might get bumpy. My word for 2018 is surrender. Since last Fall, God has been working to teach me not only how much He loves me, but that who I am is exactly who He created me to be. As my word became clear there was a little shaking in my boots. I know in order to completely surrender I need to release some parts of me that do not belong to who I am as a child of God.
This year as I dig deeper into my identity I am looking at three areas – body, mind, and spirit. Surrendering takes on a whole new look when you include the whole package of who you are.
I am loving …
My new house. It has been a blessing. Opening my house to others is a goal that I set before I moved in. Since last September, my home has hosted several women’s groups, my family and a weekly disciple group. It is my haven, my place to decompress and where I find joy.
The books I am reading.
- Falling Free: Rescued From the Life I Always Wanted by Shannan Martin
- You’re Made for a God-Sized Dream: Opening the Door to All God Has For You by Holley Gerth
- and The Austen Escape by Katherine Reay
Listening to Caleb and Kelsey. If you have not heard their music, run -don’t walk to your favorite online music store and have a listen.
My church family
These January photos:
Spending time with all of you!
I am living …
In hope for all the Lord will do this year in my life.
For colder temperatures to disappear and warmer, sunny days to show up and stay awhile.
For the chance to do some traveling this year.
More in the moment as I let go of the past, stop worrying about the future and keep my eyes on the present.
What have you been up to this January?
I will continue my series on purpose next week.
Photo by Mike Tinnion on Unsplash
You may find me hanging out at these lovely blogs.
It’s a good idea to look back what we achieved in the last month. January was tooooo loooong for me. Too many jobs to do and it has been very cold.
God bless.
I understand the cold. It has been like that here! For your sake, I am glad that January is over! Blessings as we journey through February.
I love the idea of a monthly “wrap-up”! It’s too easy to keep moving along with the months and forget the enjoyment of them. My word is yield, which is two-fold: surrender to Him so I can produce for Him. Eek…a little shaking in my boots too. 😉
I’m excited for all He has for you in this year ahead!
Oh my ! Yield is a great word! I love how you described it. I am shaking in my boots over just surrendering. Thank you for being here!
Such a great recap post. I can’t believe January is already over. Have a blessed day!
I’m os glad you decided to do your own wrap up post. What a blessing to learn more about you! Thanks for being here.
Love this Mary and what a wrap up. I’ve done posts on my goals for the month and then followed-up the next month. Great idea. I may have to try it.
I hope you try it! Thanks for being here!
I enjoyed reading your January reflections, Mary. It’s nice to get to know you a bit more, and I’m glad you’re enjoying your new house and your church family. I loved the photos too!
What a fun post, Mary! You like snowmen!!
My January held a husband who was home all month. Movie nights with the family. Date night with my husband. Forward progress on my story. Time with precious friends.
I’m pondering hope this year, and I’m looking forward to all God is going to teach me.
I love these monthly musings posts, Mary and your three L’s are a fun way to do it! I’m so excited for you over your new house and church family! And I selfishly hope some of that travel includes coming to see your brother in TX! What have I been up to? Gosh, January went by so fast, I hardly know! The only thing I can think of, because she won’t let me forget her, is our new furbaby, Lady. You may have seen her on my FB or IG feed. We are all learning to adapt! Thanks for sharing part of yourself this month, friend. Blessings!
I have been so blessed that when I moved it brought me closer to church. I am then able to see and hang out with my church family more often. I would love to travel to Texas again. We did not have enough time together the first time we met.
I did see your new fur baby. I’m hoping that Lady brings you much joy. My younger son and wife just got a golden retriever puppy. Oh the joy!
I love hearing what you’re learning, loving, and living, Mary. Surrendering our whole selves is not an easy process, is it? I’m looking forward to more of what God is teaching you. I am living for colder temperatures to disappear, too. 🙂 Just this morning I was thinking that on Thursday I will be able to say – “Next month will officially be spring!” But like you, I am trying to live in the moment, too. There is so much beauty in each season that I miss when I don’t open my eyes and heart to it. Love and hugs to you!
Surrender is going to be a work in progress. I imagine the process will last longer than this year. I am with you in looking forward to Spring. It has been especially cold this winter. I like it for a short period of time and then I am over it. Praying we both are able to see the beauty in the everyday and stop and thank God for His goodness.
Enjoyed getting to know you better, Mary! Have a great week!
Thanks for stopping by! Glad we were neighbors today linking up. Have a wonderful week!
Those three “L’s” are a great way to organize your thoughts, and I have “loved” two of the three books you mentioned. So good.
You are a talented photographer, Mary. I always enjoy your images, and am inspired because this is an area in which I “struggle” with my blog. Always stretching . . .
Well thanks, Michele! I did a little “research” before deciding how to organize my monthly post. I haven’t done posts like this in about a year. Hoping I make it a routine. I always love hearing about your monthly moments too. Have a great week!