Winter 2018 has been spectacular for me. It hasn’t been without its gloomy days, both literally and figuratively, but I always try to look at the positive. And I learned so much this winter, I can’t wait to share it with you!
Winter both has seemed to go so slow and so fast, all at the same time. In some ways I feel like it should still be January, but in other ways I feel like I’ve lived a whole year in just a few months.
I’ve had fun, I’ve been hurt, I’ve laughed, I’ve cried. I’ve watched hearts be broken, and I’ve watched years of hard work pay off. I’ve focused on goals, I’ve played too much Candy Crush, I’ve read good books that challenge me, and I’ve scrolled through Facebook and Instagram for too many wasted hours. And finally, I got to celebrate a SuperBowl win!!!
Here are 7 things I’ve learned this winter…
1.) I love my Powersheets by Lara Casey! I’ve tried using Powersheets before, but I just never could really get into using them to set goals and actually follow through on those goals. But this time is different. I was actually gifted my set of Powersheets by a friends very sweet husband for my birthday. This friend of mine and another friend have been having monthly online meetings to talk about the process of setting our goals, how we’re doing working toward our goals, and encouraging each other. Its been such a grace filled time, and I’m so thankful for the support and accountability. It has made all the difference!
2.) Signing Day was such an exciting day! To see Max work so hard all these years, not just on developing his football skills, but his character, work ethic, and leadership skills and have it pay off in such a huge way made me not just a Loud, Proud Football Mama, it made me a teary-eyed gratitude filled mother for the amazing faithfulness of a God who answered each prayer of mine for this process more than I could ask or think. I want to write more at length soon about the amazing way that we even found this team and college and how God has moved for a year and a half to make His will known to us, Max and the coaches. Because really…who sees their child’s future on a billboard on the side of the highway? This girl! I literally am speechless (shocking, right???) at how God has orchestrated all of this!!!
3.) Another football item…surprise! MY Philadelphia Eagles WON THE SUPERBOWL!!!
And as wonderful as that was for us, it was most important that the faith of many of the Eagles was front and center, not just during the season but from the celebration, trophy in hand. To hear each coach and player that spoke from the stage give all the glory to God was incredible!
4.) We need to take Vitamin D in the winter. If you live north of the equator, you need it. I promise! My mind and my family are a lot happier when I remember to take mine!
5.) Friends who become family are a blessing!
Years ago, we began to get open our home and our hearts to some of the college students that helped with the children’s ministry at our church. This guy here slowly became a part of the family. He’s one of our ‘sons’ now. So when our ‘son’ is having his own son (and making me a Mimi!!!!) a special gift is a must! A friend helped me make this blanket for the baby using my husband’s shirt from the children’s ministry. Us finding the shirt in a bin in our basement was a precious moment of God reminding us how much He cares about the details of our lives. But to give this to him and his wife at their shower was a holy moment for me. To think that the ways he sowed into my boys and now that legacy will literally be wrapped around his son brings me to tears each time I think about it.
6.) I love exposed brick walls!
We went on a double date a few weeks ago and when I went to the bathroom, I couldn’t help but snap a few pictures. The hilarious thing was a few minutes later my husband went into the bathroom, and came out with pictures of the brick wall too! I didnt tell him I took pictures of it..I guess great minds do think alike!
7.) I love odd numbers….which isn’t something new I’ve learned, but since I love them so much, I couldn’t leave this as a list of 6 things I learned this winter!
Well, that’s enough about my winter. How was your winter? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!
