5 things I learned I needed this winter

I needed a planner: For the last couple years, I used bullet journals. I thought I was totally on board with a bujo. I could customize it. I could make it mine. But you know what? It was just too much work, lol.

I didn’t know I wanted a planner, until my daughter bought me one for Christmas. And I fell in love. It’s a lot bigger than my bujo but it fits in my tote bag, and it has room for. All. The. Things.

I’m in love.

I needed another night a week at home: I shared with my readers how at the beginning of the year, my church decided to make a radical-for-us, thinking-outside-the-box, move and cancel midweek services in favor of twice-a-month Family Night fellowship and bible study.

Y’all!

It’s made such a difference! For me personally, it is so helpful to have that extra night. I determined I wasn’t going to waste it, so I moved my laundry day to Wednesday night; and while I wait on spin cycles to finish, I do book-keeping for my second job, thereby creating extra space in my jam-packed Saturdays.

It’s like … more margin in my week!

It’s also been good for the church. There’s been a lot of interest shown in our Family Night, and we’ve had good attendance.

Win-win!

I needed motivation: I attended an online webinar hosted by Jeff Goins and he challenged us to write 500 words a day for 30 days straight. He further encouraged us to do it first thing in the morning.

Seriously? I’m already trying to get up early for my quiet time (or my Daily Offering, as I like to call it). Now, I’m supposed to get up even more early?

They say the definition of insanity is doing the same things but expecting different results. I gave it a try and now I’m on day 49.

I’m not going back.

I needed to hear these words:

Whatever your thoughts are, your brain will work to make it true.

Edie Wadsworth

“Is this a good decision or just an ego decision?” – Jon Acuff

The difference between a professional and an amateur is simple — it’s practice. The amateur quits; the pro never gives up.

… Jeff Goins

I needed a revelation:  It was in January when I felt a whisper from the Lord during one of my quiet times with the Lord.- 

What if you focused in 2019 on believing, really believing, that goodness and mercy was going to chase you down? (see Psalm 23:6)

I took that as a challenge, as my mantra for the next year. Yes, my One Word is consistency (and my motivation of the daily 500 is helping with that goal); but this challenge is good for me spiritually.

I’m on the hunt to see every time goodness and mercy catch up with me.

Take for example, this week. I had several good days – days where I got my work done in record time and had time to do the extras. I had some inspiration regarding my writing. I had encouragement from my life coach (which is a new journey I’m embarking on). I had great participation and interest in the class I’m teaching on the book of Daniel.

Life is good. I’m holding onto that thought because if I listen to the news and see the awful events unfolding in our world, I could get glum … really glum

Instead I choose to believe what God has said: In 2019, goodness and mercy is going to chase me down.

Won’t you join me in that belief?

~~~

Today, I'm linking up with the communities at Emily P. Freeman's What We Learned this Winter, Crystal's #FreshMarketFriday, and Grace&Truth