January

January didn't disappoint in the winter weather department, though there were some mild days scattered in between.  I'm so glad to have made it to the mountains at least once. 

During one of the days (which turned into several days) that we were home due to poor road conditions, Faith and I painted her room - then completely updated the look.  It feels so like "her."

It's basketball season, so we root for the little guy every Saturday.  His team has worked hard and improved bunches but I really like seeing their bonds grow from practicing each week.

Faith turned twelve, and I got to spend quite a bit of time with her middle school friends.  

It was a blast!

The cold temps have created lots of cozy, snuggle time.  Our smallest pet has taken full advantage.

What have you been up to this January?

Give Your Future A Chance

Sometimes I feel stuck, and blah and just unmotivated.  January is often one of those time - the holiday aftermath, cleanup and indulgences leave my budget and my body feeling depleted. Often I feel disappointed, looking at goals I made at my last birthday and seeing that they will not be accomplished by the time my age ticks up another year in February.  I look at the lovely blank calendar, then feel sucker-punched by they days I don't get to spend with my children.  It's easy to turn inward and melancholy, and often I do just that.

By doing so, I am acting defeated before the game even begins!  I have enough faith to know that I can't see the whole picture and that there are things I cannot see or control that are waiting to come forward at just the right time.  I have experienced this many times in my life.  In fact, the longer I live, the more history I have of God pulling a trump card when the outlook seems most dire.

(image source unknown)

If you find yourself feeling this way today (or any ole' day), I encourage you to give your future a chance.  Don't write off your hopes or dreams, or even just daily joy because things are working out or feeling perfect today.  I started this blog because life was so far from perfect that I needed to learn how to be alright with that.  It's not something you learn once, but keep learning throughout a lifetime.  There may be a season where it feels like everything is clicking into place, but that is rare and certain to be interrupted. 

Seek contentment and gratitude.  Count your blessings and embrace the real-ness of living each day.  I'm doing it!

A Luxuriously Slow Start

Anything that happens slowly is a luxury since our world is so driven and focused and rushed.  2018 has come quietly for me, and I'm so thankful.  We arrived from visiting our Midwestern family on New Year's Eve and welcomed the New Year with simple games and togetherness.  Slowly I've taken down our Christmas decor and settled back into routine at my work.  None of our children have yet returned to school, so lazy days, long meals and lingering time are the standard of our days.  It's a privilege to take things easy.

I'm reading and noting in my journal the things that are working in life right now, and the things that are not.  These thoughts help me make changes, adjust perspective and shape goals.  For me, my re-set takes place around the time of my birthday in February, so these weeks of January are for taking time to prioritize, dream, plan and ask questions. 

The cold has been paralyzing, but it's given me time to turn inward and for now it is good.  How has 2018 begun for you?