Here are 10 things I learned in January:
1.) I love being on launch teams for new books coming out. However…being on 3 at the same time was a little crazy. I really should’ve paid more attention to the timeline of the launches of these books. But when 2 of your favorite bloggers write new books, you hope and pray you get on their launch team to partner with them to launch their new ‘baby’! I have truly loved reading each of them…but haven’t given my all to the launch like I had hoped I would.
This little symbol brings me so much excitement! I’ve always loved being the first ‘in the know’.
2.) Another time management issue/realization….I need to figure out a way to make some more ‘margin’ (that’s the keyword these days! 😉 and space to breathe in my schedule. I’m overwhelmed with all of my commitments lately, and don’t feel like I’m giving my best to any one of them. That’s hard to admit….harder to figure out what to let go. Praying I have a great update for this one in my What I Learned in February 2016!
3.) I’m enjoying buying chalk paint. I have big plans to spend some quality time with chalk paint. Hasn’t happened yet…..see above. 😉
4.) I’m loving this new hand lotion from Trader Joe’s! My dogs must too…they dug through my bag to get it and bit through the metal tube. Thankfully they bit it near the empty end, so I was able to fold it down and not lose a bit! This stuff feels amazing on my hands and I’m definitely going to pick some more up the next time I’m at TJ’s…just in case it’s a seasonal item. (don’t you just hate when items you love there disappear off the shelves and don’t return!)
5.) I have developed a love for listening to podcasts on my commute to work. When I took a job 30 minutes from home (gulp!) I knew I needed to use that time wisely. A dear friend recommended a few podcasts she listens to for me to try. Of course, I listen to the Flylady Radio show (I AM a FlyLady mentor after all!) but I am listening to God Centered Mom almost every day when I drive. It’s like listening to a chat between girlfriends and I love the wisdom and encouragement I get listening to Heather.
6.) Kids sports can really suck because of parents. The end. (and sorry for the ‘bad’ word….I just can’t even think of a less inappropriate word to get my point across.)
7.) But a coach who is a role model, teaches respect and discipline and lives it out….it’s the kind of encouragement that a struggling teen boy needs to grow and stretch himself. I’m so thankful that my Puppy Lover’s coach saw something special in him and made a spot for him on the team. It’s helped him develop a better work ethic, and given his momma some encouragement in this sometimes challenging calling of parenthood.
8.) Sometimes you need to preach to yourself, what is important to you. We’ve been dealing with a difficult situation this month, and I’ve been tested over and over, and over and over, to lose my cool. Have I been perfect? No way! But as I remind myself that I need to protect my identity in Christ as others see me, it’s helped me bite my tongue and guard my words. Trust me….there’s many words I could’ve been saying this month. And my flesh really wanted me to say them! Many more I could have been typing in emails. But as I remind myself that it’s hard to lash out at someone with ugly words, even if they ‘have it coming to them’, and then invite them or someone else to church is not the testimony I want to live. That ‘preaching’ to myself really has helped me, and given me the opportunity to share with my family and friends my heart for Jesus.
9.) Dropping your phone can have disastrous consequences.
10.) I believe the prayer God most likes to answer, and quickly, is “God, help me to get to know you better.” My hubby has been struggling with wanting to read and study the Bible more. He had decided to set it as a goal for this year, but wasn’t sure how to best go about it. Just a few days after we talked about this and I began praying for God to reveal His plans for Bible study, a new friend at church invited my Hubs to join him in a weekly Bible study that he’s leading. It’s a great study that helped our friend go from a lukewarm Christian to a husband and father on fire for Him. I’m so thankful God answered our prayers so quickly!
So that’s what I learned this month….what about you? What are you learning???
