Hello, February!
But, first, let’s reflect on January, which has flown by so quickly.
In other years, January has been life changing for me in big ways. Twenty-one years ago, I became a decided to follow Jesus. Greg proposed 15 years ago. We met Cate’s birth mom a decade ago. I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes 13 years ago. Ben’s adoption was finalized seven years ago. {Here’s a post from last January that shares why a month with a reputation for being dreary is special to me.}
This January has been slower and normal. And I’ve been grateful for the everyday stories we’ve been living.
1. I like wearing leggings … with an appropriately long shirt! So far my favorites come from Kohl’s. And, yes, I know, I’m late to this party. {This was among my confessions earlier this month!}
2. My pro-life beliefs promoted me to love a few books this month: “When I Found You” by Catherine Ryan Hyde (fiction), “Juniper: The Girl Who Was Born Too Soon” by Kelley and Thomas French (memoir), “You Carried Me” by Melissa Ohden (memoir). I didn’t specifically seek out books about choosing life, but these managed to go along with what God is weaving together in my heart. I didn’t plan to read these books in a month that recognizes sanctity of life either.
“You Carried Me” is a new book written by an abortion survivor that I read in less than 24 hours – waiting in the car, drying my hair, sitting in bed, eating breakfast, whenever I could steal a few minutes. This story wrecked my heart while emphasizing why I’m pro-life. Lives matter in the womb and as they grow up in the real-world. It was an eye-opening, heart-breaking story that included adoption, darkness, secrets, discovery, and hope.
3. I Am They has an excellent music album. It’s one of those I can play over and over and not want to skip any songs. I do especially love the band’s rendition of “King of Love.” {You can listen free on Amazon, if you’re a Prime member!}
4. New music from Ellie Holcomb is like Christmas morning – and, again, no skipping. I like them all so much; I don’t really have a favorite yet! Of course, you know I’m going to be partial to a song called “Wonderfully Made.” I really love “We Have This Hope,” “Find You Here,” and “Fighting Words” too.
5. Our new small group is an answer to my prayers. We’ve only met three times so far, but the having people – some of whom were strangers – gather together with a common vision is encouraging. We’re studying James with Francis Chan (thanks to Right Now Media) and focusing on serving our community.
6. Moving to the country has made me irresponsible when it comes to putting gas in my minivan. It should be noted we live about 15 minutes “in the country” in June. Y’all, I can’t count the times I’ve pulled into my driveway just as the low fuel light comes on. Now, granted, I’ve since learned the light can come on when I’m almost home and I can make it back to town to get gas the next time I’m out. But, still, looking at that low fuel light is nerve-racking.
7. Smashed blackberries can come out of clothes and off counters and floors. Thanks to Rachel for the opportunity for that lesson and Dreft stain remover for the assistance.
8. My oldest and I enjoy working puzzles together. We were disappointed we worked the first one faster than we expected, so our current one is much harder.
What everyday stories have you been living?
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Did you see I’m giving away a sweet children’s book called “I’m Going to Give You a Bear Hug”? Be sure to enter to win sometime before Friday night.
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Sounds like a wonderful January! The fuel light is probably the one light I dislike the most! Anxious does not come close to describing my emotions when I see it come on so it hardly ever does in my car. Well, unless someone else is driving it 🙂 I’m so glad the blueberries did not stain but Rachel is an adventure I am grateful you share with us all!
She’s best the kind of adventure. 🙂 I’m always glad to see you here, Joanne!
That pencil puzzle looks very daunting — and I love that we’re both loving Ellie Holcomb. I’ve used boiling water to get fruit out of clothing, but not sure if I’ve tried it on blackberries.
Can you believe it’s February already?? Phew.
Ellie Holcomb is one of my favorites. Her new CD is amazing. So glad you’re enjoying it too! I can NOT believe it’s February already. Whoa.
A perfect January, even the berries because it reminds me of summer and fun things like blackberry picking.
New rule: don’t go home without a full tank of gas. I mean, what if?
xoxo
You better believe we’re thinking about summer with the POOL THEY’RE BUILDING IN OUR YARD! #summeriscoming
Your comment app is acting weird again.
I don’t know why it’s giving you problems, again! I got your original comment twice, though … hmmm.
I used to think capris were lame; I swore I would never wear them. Then I thought skinny jeans were RIDICULOUS! I’ve never been opposed to the whole yoga pants thing because…gosh, they are comfortable. And I jumped on the whole legging bandwagon right away. All of that said, I now have a closet full of all 4 items and I’m wondering if the clothing industry hasn’t brainwashed me in some way. THAT. IS. ALL. {welcome to the legging club}
I love this comment so much. 🙂 Glad you’re here, Sarah!
sounds like a wonderful month; I especially love that you told us about some music to check out. I hear ya loud and clear on the small group; finding a confidential, sharing, studying, praying group is one of my dreams, too. I’m finally asking the question: I know you’re east coast time and I’m on the left coast, but how is it that every Wednesday I log in around 8 am a couple dozen people already have posted? Last night I checked your facebook to see if you gave an advance hint about the Three Word Wednesday topic, but no. BTW, this time I was prepared to write about the month just passed, but other times the topic is a total surprise but not to worry, I always LOVE your choices! Have a blessed one!
Hi, Leah. I’m actually on central time and the post goes live at 6 a.m. my time. Most everyone who links up does so with their own #ThreeWordWednesday posts. I really love seeing what you say about the same three words, though! And most of the time I have the post scheduled so you could message me and I could give you a heads up. 🙂 Thanks for being here!
Hi Kristin, thanks, that’s cool! Because it’s easier and because of the discipline, I always use your three words. Depending on my schedule, it may take me a while to right something publishable to the prompt, but if there’s a time I’ll be away during the way, I’ll def message you!
Oh that picture with the blackberries…. such joy! 🙂 I love whenever you share her little antics in your newsfeed, it makes me miss those days with my kids soooo much. Although, I am enjoying their older years, too, most of the time. And the gas thing… ha! I ran out of gas on the Highway about 6 miles from my house. the cop who stopped to see if I was ok asked me if I was perhaps new to the vehicle or if it was one of those new kinds that didn’t have a gas gauge or a light that told me I was low. 😉 I wish I could say I didn’t have to learn that lesson more than once. And I have always lived ‘in the country’. The frazzled mom mind was my defense. (hee-hee).
I am inspired to read the books you suggested. There is so much grace in leaning into one another’s stories. Thanks for highlighting them.
Blessings to you,
Dawn
I’m glad I’m not alone on that gas thing. 🙂 I hope you enjoy the books too. Let me know what you think of them! Thanks for being here with encouragement, Dawn!
so glad you found a small group – the best thing!
Yes, we love doing life along side a small group. We’ve been in some great ones over the years, but God kept putting it on our minds to start a new one that focused on service. So that’s what we did, and just a few weeks in has already confirmed it’s what we were supposed to do. Thanks for being here, Sue!