Last month, I wrote a “January Thoughts” post for the first time. It is something that I really enjoyed. It’s fun to look through my journal and share some of my thoughts, lessons, and struggles.
That Faith Word Again
What a month it’s been. I am definitely learning and growing a lot. I have the tendency to work and strive to try to be more faith-filled, somehow thinking that I can actually do something to secure my place in heaven. Obviously, this isn’t truth at all. Really there isn’t anything we can do to make God love us any more than he already does. Romans 9:31-32 (NLT) “But the Jews, who tried so hard to get right with God by keeping the law, never succeeded. Why not? Because they were trying to get right with God by keeping the law and being good instead of depending on faith. They stumbled over the great rock in their path.” Exactly. It’s not about the striving, it’s about Faith first and foremost.
The Confident Woman Book
This month, I’ve been reading this book by Joyce Meyer. It is an incredible book! I haven’t finished, but I have had the opportunity to be a part of an online Book Club and it’s been incredible. I think the quote that sums up the book best is this one by John Wayne-“Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway.” In other words, courage is not the absence of fear; it is action in the presence of fear. Bold people do what they know they should do-not what they feel like doing. This is so powerful! If you are a woman and haven’t read this book, I highly recommend it.
Let’s Talk Exercise
One of my goals for this year is to exercise for 15-30 minutes 4 times a week. This month, I have done a lot better than I did in January. My exercise times are sometimes just a walk with the kids in the afternoon, but that is so good for the soul. I LOVE being able to get fresh air- it definitely helps me feel more alive. One new thing that I am trying out these days is the sworkit app. I am just using the free version right now, (which has some ads) but I am liking it thus far. You can choose from different styles of cardio, yoga, strength, and stretching. After that, you can choose your time from 5 minutes to 60 minutes.
One Hour Clean
I have long struggled with enjoying Saturdays when we are home. I have often been guilty of making myself either a really long mental list or actual paper list and then feeling like such a failure when I am unable to accomplish all of it. This month, I decided to change up what I do. I have been setting the timer for 1-1.5 hours and doing whatever I can get done in that time. After that, I call it done. If I don’t get it all done, I give myself grace to just let it go. The rest of the day, I’ve been trying to a little something with the kids, doing some reading and Bible plus a little bit of internetwork. This has been highly successful for me. I have enjoyed my Saturdays at home a lot more since being to approach them this way.
Valentine’s Day Blessing
Bernd and I didn’t get to go out for any couple time this year, however, Bernd blessed all of us by making an amazing Supper. He made a Milanese Sauce with Stuffed Pasta, Garlic Toast, Breaded Chicken, and Homemade Cinnamon Buns with Cream Cheese Icing. It was delicious!
Checking My Mindset
I have been working for a long time to speak the Word of God and use positive words. This past week, though, I realized that I have been allowing my thoughts to control me far too much. It is so important to be in the moment and not thinking about the next thing that needs to happen. For myself, this has caused a lot of anxiety and stress. There were two days this week, where I spent almost the entire day pulling myself back to the moment and quoting the Word of God over myself, continually. This is something that I will need to keep asking the Lord for help with, but so worth to change the thoughts in my head.
It’s not about me
Obviously, I know this, but this time of year always seems hard to me. In all honesty, I have struggled with loving what I do this month. I have felt like I just want to run away and hide many days. I have had the selfish mindset of just wanting to “get away” from the kids far too much. I recognize that I must be willing to serve others, first, not just think about myself. It is so important that we recognize whom God has called us to serve. In this Season, I get to serve my family. Is it easy? No, not even maybe. It’s hard to continually be “on.” It’s kind of like never having a day off from your job. That’s what being a stay at home Mom is like. Yet, hopefully, in all this, I am learning how much I need Jesus. I just need him. I don’t need another breakaway. I just need to trust in him.
What about you? What did you learn, grow, or enjoy this month?
A well balanced post. May I add that I find your outlook/writing to be more positive? Yeah, it may not always feel like it, but I feel I see a difference. Keep working at the mental discipline. It’s worth it!
As for me? Life is busy as I too try to keep learning and accomplish things. I tend to push myself also, but have learned to let go also. A nice walk just for pleasure, or a soak in the tub listening to Vinyl Cafe Stories have become more a part of my routine.
February? Where has this month gone? Time goes so fast, causing me to ask myself “what really matters?” and “an I doing those things?”
Thank you, Siggi, for the comment on my writing. That’s awesome to hear that you find it more positive-it is hard to see the changes within myself as I am with myself all the time. I agree, it is worth it!
Yes, life is busy, but I am learning to think that that’s okay, as long as it involves the things that really matter. What are Vinyl Cafe Stories? This is the second time I’ve seen you mention them, you’ve got my curiosity peaked.
Stuart McLean tells stories. I just love them because they are funny and they make me laugh. They are fictional, but I think many people could relate to them because life can just be like that.
That’s neat. I’ll have to check it out sometime.