the month in review

While I didn't post a lot, January was still a busy month at the heigh-ho house.

1. We celebrated the one year anniversary of this:

isn't she beautiful?

2. We adjusted to a school schedule again with the boy starting his second semester of college.

3. I took a "me week" of vacation. No real plans, no real desires. Just a few days to recover from the Christmas hustle and bustle.

4. finished fourteen books including this one which I am still pondering and planning to read again here.

5. counted 45 gifts (with plans to "count better" in February.)

6. Watched my husband paint our bedroom. =)

7. Enjoyed a visit from my brother and beautiful niece...and maybe saw the beginning of healing...

brother, niece and father checking out modern technology

8. Learned some scripture: Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish it's work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 1:2-5

9. Got a confirmed diagnosis from the geneticist for the boy. Nothing that wasn't expected but still a little disconcerting. No one wants to hear the term "wheelchair" when thinking about their 18 year old. He is, however, somewhat intrigued by the idea of a service dog. (And he asked about the possibility of a "service monkey." I told him I didn't think a service monkey could pick him up when he falls. So naturally he suggested a service orangutan.)

10. Kept on task with my daily scripture reading and finished Genesis and Exodus in the Amazing Collection. Learned a few things as well!

All in all, January was a good month. How could it be anything but? After all, my heart (and life) is under the Lord's control. He turns it any direction He chooses.

Relax

re·lax - to reduce or stop work, effort, application, etc., esp. for the sake of rest or recreation.


I love days like today.

Days where I have nothing planned and nothing I have to do.

I have no appointments, no lists and no pressing tasks.

The house is reasonably clean (except for the never-ending muddy footprints left by 5 dogs and their endless journey in and out of the house) and the laundry is mostly done. The pantry is stocked and the fridge is full.

We are expecting a decent snowfall and I have nothing more pressing to do than watch it tumble down outside while I'm inside the warmth of my house.

I can spend the entire day reading and not feel guilty. (Which is a good thing because I'm finishing this and this and just got this in the mail yesterday!)

I can bake cookies, fix a big dinner, or take a hot bath and lounge around in bed all day.

The world is my oyster today.

And it feels good.

Remember

Now this is what the LORD says— the One who created you, Jacob, and the One who formed you, Israel — "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine.
Isaiah 43:1

Held

I have spent a great deal of time pondering the brevity of life lately. Between our next door neighbor dying suddenly in her sleep (she was about my age) to the horror that occurred in Arizona this weekend...there are no guarantees with life. And yet, we know that He knows the number of our days. And that everything happens within His Perfect Will. Nothing surprises Him or catches us unprepared.

A friend reminded me of this song yesterday and I think it provides a great deal of comfort.

something to ponder

"True dependence is not simply asking Me to bless what you have decided to do. It is coming to Me with an open mind and heart, inviting Me to plant my desires within you."
~~Jesus Calling, January 5th

benign

be·nign

–adjective

1. having a kindly disposition; gracious: a benign king.

2. showing or expressive of gentleness or kindness: a benign smile.

3. favorable; propitious: a series of benign omens and configurations in the heavens.

4. (of weather) salubrious; healthful; pleasant or beneficial.

5. Pathology . not malignant; self-limiting.


Praising God for good news!

Peace

From today's reading:

Refresh yourself in the Peace of My Presence. This Peace can be your portion at all times and in all circumstances. Learn to hide in the secret of My Presence, even as you carry out your duties in the world. I am both with you and within you. I go before you to open up the way, and I also walk alongside you. There could never be another companion as devoted as I am.

Because I am your constant Companion, there should be a lightness to your step that is observable to others. Do not be weighed down with problems and unresolved issues, for I am your burden-bearer. In the world you have trials and distress, but don't let them get you down. I have conquered the world and deprived it of power to harm you. In Me you may have confident Peace.

May you find peace in Him today.

For I know the plans I have for you" [this is] the LORD's declaration—"plans for [your] welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11

Anticipating the New Year...