A confession: last year, my "planner" was a simple wallet-style calendar. The one in a plastic cover from Hallmark. Or the drug store. Cute design but super simple. This year, I went for the big, multi-page and multi-sectioned one that looks like a mini three-ring binder. There is still one more day in January, so technically I have not even used it an entire month...but I already miss my simple, yet oh so easy to use day planner.

Don't get more wrong. I enjoy the posts, the pictures and all the ideas. But they simply need to be food for thought. Note to self: That amazing color of green on someone else' wall simply will not transform my dining room. Ever. I will never look "cute" in a big blanket scarf regardless of how many girls make it look super easy - and adorable. I do not need to declutter every inch of my home, pare my wardrobe down to three items or create my home to reflect any other current trend no matter how popular it might be on the internet. I can use these ideas to spark my own creativity or even to improve routines, etc. but they don't dictate my choices and decisions. Or, at least, they shouldn't. Truly - just a note to myself.
A Realization: as I looked back over the events of January, I have not one, not two but three marked through with "CANCELLED" on them. And all three were essentially due to lack of interest. Two were volunteer opportunities ("field trips") and one was a ladies event. Apparently, I am not the only one finding winter challenging and a reason to stay home. My home is cozy. The fireplace crackles making me warm and snuggly. It is also filled with plenty of my favorite things...and enough to keep me busy for weeks. I could stay inside until April....or, at least, until the wind stops howling and any standing water unfreezes! This yearning to hibernate is something I definitely have to fight and I'm beginning to think, I'm not alone. There were so many interesting things on the calendar for January - I was actually looking forward to bundling up and heading out:) But, they were cancelled. Hopefully, we will try again in the weeks ahead.

A new Bible study began at our church. For many reasons, this is an answer to prayer. I am looking forward to seeing how God will bless through this. We will be using the book, Adorned, by Nancy Demoss Wolgemuth. Have any of you read it?
As gray and wintery as this month has been, God has been working in extra special and personal ways for me. He is leading, directing and opening doors. I know there will be much to share about in the months ahead but I, as I remember January, I want to praise Him for all He has done - and is doing!! Even January is blessed - which is a treat for my summer-craving soul!!