What I learned in 2018

2018 was a momentous year in which many things happened, and I learned some things.

One thing I learned was not to say this, "Tomorrow will be summing up 2018 as I share what I learned." and then two days later actually write the post. (I thought I had learned to never mention a post unless I had already written it!)

As I reported on Thursday, my One Word for 2019 was consistency. So I then revealed on Friday, my lack of follow through. So now you know, I chose my word wisely.

Today is a new day; however, and I will press on.

When I look back on my life in 2018, three things stand out: our first ever full family vacation to Florida - with all grandkids; my joining virtual writing and Mastermind classes; and our decision as a church to close down midweek services in favor of bimonthly Family Nights.

I'm beyond glad we took that Family Vacation - although we learned some things NOT to do - because, unknown to us, that would be the last time to visit in that location. Mom began to feel her place was becoming too much for her budget and decided to put her house up for sale. She was hoping it would sell in the spring of 2019; but no, it sold and the closing date was three days after Christmas 2018!

We know it was God's will because we all prayed it would not sell if that was not His best for her.

Now, we will be visiting Mom in East Tennessee where my sister lives. I love it there and will be able to go more frequently than when she lived in Florida.

Still, it's good-bye to an era. My family moved to Florida about 50 years ago and I always thought of it as home.

For me personally, attending the virtual writing class and the subsequent Mastermind class, was a game changer. It gave me the courage to step out and publish a serial of my work of fiction, ANGEL ON ASSIGNMENT: The Book of Morgan. Although I have not seen the results, yet, that I hope to see from the project; I have high hopes of developing it into a series of books, chronicling the adventures of both the characters I've already created and ones still to be birthed. 

I have much to say about my study of the Mastermind class wherein we studied John Maxwell's 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth and that will be the subject of some posts down the road. For now; I can sum up the message in the book in three words:  DO IT NOW. 

Quit putting things off!

Truly, the most momentous event of all might well be the change in our church schedule. I've been attending midweek services for 48 years.

Our church board, of which I am a member, decided to think outside the box and take the plunge into a new schedule. Midweek services weren't working for our little church. Most of our members live a fair distance from the church and it was hard to be on time, driving there after work and other responsibilities. Attendance had been dwindling for years; yet we are growing and thriving in areas such as Sunday School and morning worship. We had an influx of families with elementary-aged kids. We decided Family Night twice a month, where we eat together, have a Children's Church-type service for the kids and a bible study for the adults might be the answer to building community. Our first one is tonight, and I'm excited!

With this change comes a rearranging of my schedule; and frankly I'm looking forward to one more night at home a week. I'm endeavoring to put things I've learned from Shelly Miller's book, Rhythms of Rest: Finding the Spirit of Sabbath in a Busy World, into practice. I don't want to waste this extra time I've been given.

What about you? Did your year fly by as quickly as mine? Did it bring you new visions and new ideas? I'd love to know! Leave a comment and share!


I'm linking this post up at the communities of Grace&Truth and #FreshMarketFriday.