The Least of These

When you imagine the word “evil” and the deeds associated with evil, what images or words appear in your mind’s eye?

In my mind, I remember learning of the holocaust. I remember learning how one group of people felt they were superior and had the “right” and “obligation” to TAKE the lives of those who were defenseless, weak, and trusting. Evil killed 11 million people. And when the world heard of this we were in horror and dismay. The world cried out, “This cannot be allowed to happen on our watch!” Christians around the world were petitioning their Savior to come to the rescue and not allow anything like this to ever occur again. NEVER AGAIN!

Pondering further back I see:

Evil killed Abel. Evil killed Uriah. Evil killed Stephen. Evil killed Jesus.

Evil kills.

And what lies behind this evil? It is the same deceptive, cunning snake that was in the garden whispering venomous lies into the ear of our mother Eve. Those tantalizing whispers planted a doubt that God just cannot be trusted. I mean my goodness, why can’t you take control and choose the life that feels best to you?

“You NEED to take your life in your own hands.”

“You NEED to take control.”

“Take it. Nothing will happen except that you FINALLY stand up for yourself and you will FINALLY get what YOU want.”

And our mother took the bait. And we her children are still taking the bait. She listened to the creature who masquerades in beauty but is the epitome of hate. He is still managing to pull the wool over the eyes of women. He still continues to get us to take the bait of control. And we keep listening to him – that evil one.

Evil promises beauty but in the end we get ashes. Miraculously, God can turn ashes into beauty because He alone is the Ancient of Days and the Giver of Life.

What would happen if we women totally trusted in the God of the universe? What if we truly believed in The One, who we say with our very mouths, to be sovereign, omniscient, loving, forgiving, righteous, just, our redeemer, our All-in-All?

Sleeper, open your eyes. In Jesus’ name may the deception be made known to us and that we can discern the spirits with 20/20 vision. May our choices reflect the words we say in our prayers, sing in our churches, and preach to the world.

I challenge all Christian women to watch the film “Unplanned” or pull up pictures of aborted babies. Don’t turning away. See abortion for what it truly is.

We need to bring what is hidden behind the veil of darkness and pull it into the light. Expose evil. See if we are not moved and compelled to stop this wicked treatment of our most vulnerable and defenseless lives.

Those willing to murder the unborn should never be trusted to govern the living.

But we know that the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully, realizing the fact that law is not made for a righteous person, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers and immoral men and homosexuals and kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching, according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted. (1 Timothy 1:8-11)

The Monument that Cannot Be Torn Down

Tags

Monuments, Prejudice, Pride and Prejudice, Prince of Peace

This last week my heart felt very heavy. I felt glum, lethargic. My physical posture was that of slumped shoulders, downcast eyes, with a splash of tedium. So as I read through my growing stack of books, listened to an eclectic collection of songs on Spotify, watched dystopian movies like Interstellar, or took my daily walk around the lake with my wimpy corgi who cries each time a big dog approaches, my mind could not stop trying to sort out the “why” behind our current state of affairs.

It seems the topic up for discussion this week is prejudice. Not prejudice based on race but prejudice toward people who don’t have the same worldview. I was surprisingly encouraged when I looked up the definition of “prejudice” in the 1828 Noah Webster dictionary (now isn’t that a very Christian homeschooling thing for me to do?):

(n) Prejudgment; An opinion or decision of mind, formed without due examination of the facts of arguments which are necessary to a just and impartial determination.

(v) To prepossess with unexamined opinions, or opinions formed without due knowledge of the facts and circumstances attending the question.

In reading Pride and Prejudice this week, I came across Elizabeth Bennett exclaiming:

“I remember hearing you once say, Mr. Darcy, that you hardly ever forgave, that your resentment once created was unappeasable. You are very cautious, I suppose, as to its being created.”

“I am,” said he, with a firm voice.

“And never allow yourself to be blinded by prejudice?”

“I hope not.”

So according to this definition, Mr. Darcy responded appropriately toward Mr. Wickham. Mr. Darcy was not acting out of prejudice in this relationship. As the story unfolds, Mr. Wickham did prove to be quite reprehensible. Mr. Darcy had not made a hasty decision about Mr. Wickham and was not acting out of prejudice toward him.

In the same way, I would like to evaluate my own thoughts and motives to determine if I’m prejudiced. I’ve had to grapple with differing worldviews in my little protected bubble where I felt I would be safe from opposing views. We homeschool after all – with other Christian families. How can we read the same Bible, pray to the same God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, believe in the same Jesus who was crucified, died, and was buried, to end up on different sides of how humans are to live their lives?

It seems friends and ministers of the Gospel have drifted to differing beliefs about God and are empathetic toward the groups of people who are demonstrating, even toward those mobs who violently play tug of war with long-held values of our country. Those who are vehemently opposed to prejudice seem to be acting out of prejudice toward anyone not chanting their unique mantra.

As a follower of Christ and also a citizen of the United States, my loyalties are being sifted. My values and conscience lead me to vote for the Republican Party, but my hope is not in the system. I would prefer that the nation could unite behind values of the sanctity of life, marriage between a man and woman, the sanctity of gender, the importance of work, our being the Bride of Christ. But it seems all this is old and needs to be replaced with the new order.

Because I believe in the inerrant word of God — that salvation is found by confession and turning away from sin, that God is coming to sort the goats from the sheep and I believe that my life is not my own but belongs to Him — I can state confidently that, No, I am not prejudiced in the way I view people’s life choices. Those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life will receive their eternal reward.

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” (Romans 6:12-18)

Father, open our eyes to see the reality that is affecting the physical world. I’m choosing to stand on the monument of God’s Word and He gives me great peace. I trust in you Jesus, the Prince of Peace and Savior of the World.

Prayer – Waiting for Spring

Father.

I know you hear me and You are with me now.

Thank You for Your love for me, my children, my family, my friends, my community, my nation, my world, my universe. And really all these are Yours. I thank You that we are Yours.

Thank You for your gentle and humble heart. Thank You for being our roaring lion.

Thank You for knowing what I will ask for even before the words cross my mind and my lips.

Today I feel compelled, as on many days, to pray for my children. I pray that you will bring people and opportunities into their lives that will help them to grow in stature and in favor with You and with people. I praise You for creating them each so uniquely. I pray for books, travel, mentors, videos, movies, music, food, sleep, habits to manifest and grow in their lives so they can live fully alive and invest in Your work on this planet. I pray Holy Spirit that you have full access to their hearts and minds. I pray that they will be filled with Your wonder and love.

I trust You with their lives because as much as I think I know them, they are still indeed a mystery to me.

Thank You that my youngest child spontaneously sang, “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands” when this virus started to sweep the world.

Thank You for the times my children smile at me or hug me. I trust You with the times when it feels like my children don’t like me or each other.

I trust and thank You that it is Your will that our hearts are turned toward You. Thank You for holding all of life’s victories and struggles in Your hands.

Thank You for working out all things for our good and Your glory.

Thank You for this sweet kittycat who is sleeping in the bed behind me and snoring.

Thank You that I hear my husband working upstairs in his business. I thank you that he has a computer and phone available as tools to be a great support to his company. Let his talents and gifting to be used to grow his business and support his team.

Thank you for the beautiful artists and composers who have birthed reflections of Your live-giving power into the world.

Thank You for the promise of Spring.

Thank You for thinking of us.

Love,

Me

Time Travel

If I could go back in time and leave myself the following points on how to enjoy my children and this home education journey, I think I could have saved myself many tears, moments of frustration, outbursts of anger, and sleepless nights. But knowing my nature, I supposed I had to walk the rocky path to unearth these universal truths. I’m sharing these points in hopes that others can benefit from my experience and failures. My first child, born 16 years ago, experienced mad/anxious/image-driven mom. My last born had a few glimpses of this mom, but mostly she has experienced a mom who lives in peace – because I now choose peace. So now I’m going to take a moment to talk to my 30-some-year-old self. Please listen in as I touch on the what, why, and how of our home education transformation.

1. Think about your educational philosophy. If you believe that man is a living soul created in the image of God, then that will naturally spill over into how you intereact with your children and what materials you bring into your home.

To think more deeply and contemplate your educational philosophy, read Charlotte Mason’s writings from her books “Home Education” and “Philosophy of Education”. At the core of her writings is the universal truth that Children are Born Persons and Education is the Science of Relations.

2. Ask yourself why you care so much about the success of this educational experience. How much glory do you image taking away when this experiment culminates on graduation day? Your children are not an extension of you nor are they going to be a copy of you. Work to understand them and see their unique gifts. Can you keep in mind that these children are not your possessions to craft into idols? Who do you choose to worship? Your dreams? Your kingdom? Or your Lord?

3. Character training is fundamental. Actually, your character training is fundamental. It is through example that they learn. And to teach children to love what is good, true, and beautiful is to point them to Christ and His truth and grace. So again, first point your heart to Christ. Spend time sitting with Him each morning. Pray. Trust in His provision. Trust He is also leading your children’s hearts.

4. Your love and unconditional acceptance of your children will open heart doors. Harsh and judgmental attitudes from you will slam those heart doors shut. Read the book “Christy” and see how this young teacher reached the heart of Mountie O’Teale.

“Perhaps what she needed most was of all was to be sure that she was a real person, that someone loved her for herself….with every bit of encouragement Mountie received, each time I could tell her that she was doing better, she would try even harder. Teacher cared about her. Teacher loved her.” (Christy, by Catherine Marshall, page 154.)

5. Christ came to give us life and life more abundantly. Look at your fruit and make sure you’re planting seeds of trust, kindness, and diligence. He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.

I wonder if I was able to time travel back about 13 years and make those changes upfront, how much sweeter would my children’s memories could be?

I trust God.

I trust His timing.

I trust His redemption.

• 

Accountability Week 4, Day 4

Woke up at 6:00 to read Philippians and pray/journal. I’ve been praying over my feelings of anxiety and concern for our world.

Philippians 3:¹⁸ For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. ¹⁹ They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. ²⁰ But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. ²¹ He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.

This will be the last post in this series of accountability. This afternoon we drive off to Alyeska Resort to take in some swimming and skiing to celebrate Gregg’s 49th birthday. (FYI: On January 3, 1959, Alaska, with a land mass larger than Texas, California and Montana combined, became the 49th state in the union.) Maybe the girls and I will upload another vlog from this excursion. Watch for it here: Youtube at Kim Huitt.

So onto the finale with the 31-day Challenge:

1. Becoming emotionally healthy, holding love and tenderness in balance with boundaries. It seems the backdrop to 2020 has been unsettling to me. So many disagreements over issues online and also in my personal life. The “younger me” would want to fix it all and bear the weight on my shoulders. The “being-made-new me” is trusting the Lord to keep and watch over my life wherever I come and go, both now and forever. Jesus said, “Come to me all who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Thank you Jesus!
2. Reading two books a month and not grazing over 2 and never finishing a book. Well it seems I could use some work in this area. I’ll take these two books along with us and see if I can make some progress by the pool.
3. Staying on target with spending plans in time and money. So grateful for the shift in habits. I am wondering if others want to join in with an accountability group to help keep each other motivated with their challenges from the month? I would love to foster more community.

Well it’s time to get packed and ready for the day ahead. I pray that you will be held in perfect peace today. Every moment we breathe in His grace. Let us speak truth as we walk in The Way.

Accountability Week 4, Day 3

Psalm 33:¹ Let the godly sing for joy to the Lord;
    it is fitting for the pure to praise him.
² Praise the Lord with melodies on the lyre;
    make music for him on the ten-stringed harp.
³ Sing a new song of praise to him;
    play skillfully on the harp, and sing with joy.
⁴ For the word of the Lord holds true,
    and we can trust everything he does.
⁵ He loves whatever is just and good;
    the unfailing love of the Lord fills the earth.

⁶ The Lord merely spoke,
    and the heavens were created.
He breathed the word,
    and all the stars were born.
⁷ He assigned the sea its boundaries
    and locked the oceans in vast reservoirs.
⁸ Let the whole world fear the Lord,
    and let everyone stand in awe of him.
⁹ For when he spoke, the world began!
    It appeared at his command.

Have you ever watched a video that shows you the perspective of flying away from earth to the outer reaches of our known universe. Those images leave me in wonder and all my worries melt away. If our Father created all this by speaking, why should I worry. Yet many days I send my throat constricted and my chest feels weighed down. There are some relationships in this life that feel very broken. “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” All through my life I’ve seen His working together. So when I’m feeling like crying or anxiously weighed down by what doesn’t feel “right”, I soak in The Truth of His unfailing Love.

Just a couple days away from this 31-day challenge and I’m thrilled to see some progress.

1. Becoming emotionally healthy, holding love and tenderness in balance with boundaries. Lizzy and I posted a new vlog on Youtube at Kim Huitt. We talk about working together through our days. We both have desires and expectations of course. It’s challenging when those desires seem to be at odds. I’m so thrilled we can share a bit of our story. There are so many inspiring homeschooling families who are doing incredible work. And the options are so diverse. I’ve noticed that each family has it’s own vision which makes sense. Sarah Janisse Brown shares how her family of 15 home educate using interest-led learning. Cindy Rollins home educated using Charlotte Mason’s ideas with her family of 8 sons and 1 daughter and influenced us with her Morning Time. Durenda Wilson had 8 children she home educated using her unhurried style. I’ve learned so much from each of these families and we are able to implement waht works for our unique family. I’d say the biggest piece in common between us all is the dependence on God for direction and His loving favor.
2. Reading two books a month and not grazing over 2 and never finishing a book. Still haven’t finished a book. That’s ok. I keep these two before me and dip in when I have a chance.
3. Staying on target with spending plans in time and money. My personal morning time of prayer/journaling/reading the Word are the anchors to my day. Without this, really none of the other habits matter. Prayer is so powerful. I see people coming to the Lord in droves now to pray and seek Him above all else! So amazing to see the Holy Spirit working so visibly. Keeping up the spending log seems natural now. I’m working on reining in the time by being more intentional. My to-do list is growing! I’ve put some things on the back burner, partly because of my emotions and also partly because of house repairs that recently surfaced. The new dishwasher works extremely well so that is a big win! The kids were getting pretty tired of having to hand wash every dish, pot, cup, and spoon (First World Problems!).

I pray we live in light of the Good News today. We will set our minds on what really matters. Much joy and peace to you.

Accountability Week 3, Day 5

⁴ Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! ⁵ Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.

⁶ Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. ⁷ Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

⁸ And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Philippians 4

Paul used these encouraging words after appealing to two ladies to settle their disagreement. I find this so interesting because it’s is the basis for the books I’ve been reading. The Lord is always so good to speak in many ways, through dreams, conversations, nature, music. Remembering that the Lord is coming soon seems to be a very good motivator to think on what is important and pleasing.

Well this morning is slipping away, so quickly. I awoke at 7:30 and it is already 8:30. Spending the morning reading His word and praying/journaling/listening is an amazing practice. I used a wake up to exercise but this is the better option. Because of my schedule I can exercise later in the day. “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” (1 Timothy 4:8)

So here is the last update in January 2020 of the 31-day Challenge:

1. Becoming emotionally healthy, holding love and tenderness in balance with boundaries. Do you remember the song, “Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling.” He is calling us home, to His arms to find rest.
2. Reading two books a month and not grazing over 2 and never finishing a book. Reading “Boundaries” and “Try Softer” while also slipping in a little listening of “Range”. I’m not finished with these books yet but will continue to glean from them into February. I’m so thankful for these books and for the people who went through their struggles to offer help on the other side of the suffering. “For I, the Lord your God will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not I will help you’.” (Isaiah 41:13)
3. Staying on target with spending plans in time and money. Big happy dance here. I’m so happy for the progess this month to manage these resources in a more reponsible way. Being a good steward is important and important things require tiem and work. It just doens’t happen on its own.

Going to cheer on the players for the basketball game today. I pray that everyone will see that we are considerate in all we do – the parent, coaches, and players. God is so good. He calls us out of my base desires and “He brings me out to a spacious place; he delivered me, for in me he takes delight.” (Psalm 18:19)

University Lake

Accountability Week 2, Day 5

University Lake. Taken at 4:32 p.m. #nofilter

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.

    The world and all its people belong to him.

For he laid the earth’s foundation on the seas

    and built it on the ocean depths.

Who may climb the mountain of the Lord?

    Who may stand in his holy place?

Only those whose hands and hearts are pure,

    who do not worship idols

    and never tell lies.

They will receive the Lord’s blessing

    and have a right relationship with God their Savior.

Such people may seek you

    and worship in your presence, O God of Jacob.

Psalm 24:1-6

“Having a right relationship with God their Savior”…that is my prayer for us, our children, our communities, our world. We are His and everything on the earth. This upward focus can lead to a right relationship with our Father and our fellow man. When I know that my children are His, I will esteem them better. When I think about the postal worker who was so rude to our family in light of God’s position, I look at him with compassion. When I think about God’s tender mercies toward every human and creature of this world, I can see His heart that draws all to himself through kindness because He is Love. And love has boundaries. The oceans have boundaries. The earth’s foundations have boundaries. Our atmosphere has boundaries. How does that tie into a God who has no limits? I’m not sure, but I’m keenly aware that He set limits for our benefit.

Again, we went to bed pretty late last night as we were hosting a home group meeting. I’m so happy about these relationships we have been building. It’s been my prayer that we would all have a community of Jesus-loving followers to encourage along the way, like Brother Andrew did while he was being called into ministry by God to share His word behind the iron curtain. I don’t know where my children will go or where we will be after this home educating adventure is over. But wherever they are called, I pray for close friends to help them along the way.

This morning I didn’t wake up until 8:45. I could make excuses like – Lizzy woke up several times last night from bad dreams, we all went to bed around 1 a.m., Fridays are a slower day for us and Gregg has the day off, everyone is tired. But, I won’t let it stop me from doing the next thing which was to get dressed and pray/journal. So hooray, we did it!

1. Becoming emotionally healthy, holding love and tenderness in balance with boundaries. Meeting with Dr. Brock today and we will see where the Spirit leads in the conversation. Having a counselor who says he is not smart enough to figure this all out but inviting the Spirit to lead and show us what lies we are believing is amazing. God really does speak to us. Certainly God speaks to me on my own as well but having another person who is separate from the emotions of the situations helps with clarity.
2. Reading two books a month and not grazing over 2 and never finishing a book. Today is the 24th and I’m only a quarter of the way through each book. I’ve been taking my time note taking and letting things sink in as I read. So if I’m not finished this month I’ll just keep going. No pressure to perform here, just leaning into the insights.
3. Staying on target with spending plans in time and money. Yes! This is going well! It feels so good to see how this year is going in this area. I think using a paper journal has helped me alot. For some reason using a computer software program or excel seemed more tedious so I wouldn’t do it for a week and then felt overwhelmed trying to in put a week’s worth of data. Oh First-World problems! Ha!

Well that is it for today’s blog. It’s later than I care to admit, but I’m thankful for the progress and encouragement to keep going. Morning times on Fridays are different and less intensive. We take the day to watch an episode of “Drive Through History” and we are going through The Gospels. These videos are very engaging, rich in history and the arts.

Keep a goin!

Accountability Week 2, Day 3

So this morning when I finally rolled out of bed at 7:00 – an hour later than I planned but it was a late night. Sitting down at my table with the candles flickering, I felt compelled to read from Isaiah again. Flipped open to Isaiah 40:28 – 31. “God never grows weak or weary, He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless, trusting in Him will give new strength.” Jesus spoke words very similar to Isaiah in Matthew 11:28 – 30. “Come to me all who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. I AM humble and gentle at heart.”

Since today is January 22, I read from Psalm 22. “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” This cry for help culminates in David declaring that “even future generations will head about the wonder of the Lord and His rightenous acts will be told to those not yet born.” Psalm 23 follows and reassures the psalmist of the previous chapter that “The Lord is our sphepherd and we have all that we need.” Jesus spoke the first lines of those psalms at his death. All those in the area who heard him would have known those two son

I love seeing that golden thread woven through thousands of years showing that suffering can lead us to trust in God. These words were spoken by Isaiah, David, Jesus and now flowing through me, then through my children, and someday through their children. These words of praise and trust are an inheritance, a treasure. This rich history reminds us to Trust in The One who made this universe or time and space. Relax into “Tenderness”.

Working on the 31-day challenge and here is the progress:

1. Becoming emotionally healthy, holding love and tenderness in balance with boundaries. Meeting with Dr. Brock this Friday. On a day-to-day basis, I’m recognizing my anger and the need to let some things go. Trying to live a life of “nice little box with a pretty little bow on top” isn’t serving me well. It’s actually an idol. Instead of worshiping Jesus I can end up worshiping peace and calm and flip out when life is not feeling tidied up.

2. Reading two books a month and not grazing over 20 and never finishing a book. This month the books are “Try Softer” by Aundi Kolber and “Boundaries” by Dr. Henry Cloud. These are amazing books. There are also YouTube videos with Dr. Cloud speaking about boundaries. Got a little side tracked – I also picked up reading “Persuasion” by Jane Austin but I also wanted to add some fiction into my life. Reading only non-fiction can make me way too cerebral and not connect to imagination and whimsey.

3. Staying on target with spending plans in time and money. Surprisingly, this area of my life is actually the easiest part of the challenge this month. Maybe because it’s something quite tangible that can give me a sense of control. When I’m stressed or sad I retreat to cleaning and organizing. So keeping a budget and working plans feels comforting to me right now.

Well it’s about time to start breakfast and get this day going. I hope your intentions are helping to lighten your load from heavy distractions and misplaced focus. It’s already the 22nd and it feels good to see progress in 2020!

Accountability Week 2, Day 2

Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness and honor.

Proverbs 21:21

Today is January 21 so I was reading in Proverbs 21. Verse 21 spoke loudly to me so I guess today is the day of 21!

I woke up at 6 a.m., prayer and journaled in the dark of the morning, inspired by candles and hot tea and now some soaking music is awakening the house.

So let’s jump into my three top priorities for this 31-day challenge:

1. Becoming emotionally healthy, holding love and tenderness in balance with boundaries. I’m so thankful this year’s word is “Tenderness”. My usual method of dealing with hard things in life was to create a hard outer shell. Well now I’m being reminded to stay tender and soft. Trust God with my heart and emotions. By the way, made another appointment with my counselor. Good things happen in counseling. I have some new things to cast off and pray through.

2. Reading two books a month and not grazing over 20 and never finishing a book. This month the books are “Try Softer” by Aundi Kolber and “Boundaries” by Dr. Henry Cloud. Again, these books come at an amazing time. When difficult situations come up with other people’s demands of me I was living out of fear of losing love, fear of someone’s anger, fear of loneliness, fear of not being accepted. That is not love. Love is being honest and setting healthy boundaries. Love is also trusting in the only One who brings true Freedom and that is in Christ. Anyone who expects me to keep them happy will be sadly disappointed (and vice versa). And that has happened many times. It used to rip me to shreds and make me think that I was not enough, bad, unworthy. But I’m learning that is putting expectations in the wrong place. I’ve allowed myself to hide for too long. I can actually be honest and fully present and don’t need to fear being abandoned. Because I never will be abandoned. You will never be abandoned. God is love and He is with us.

3. Staying on target with spending plans in time and money. I’ve been recording our expenses each night which actually feels amazing. When I’m tempted with lazy or procrastinating feelings I just recognize it and tell it “No” and go do it! What a relief. As for grocery shopping, it’s been very busy and eratic around here with unexpected visits and holidays. I do have a menu and stop at the store to grab only what is needed for those meals. But I’ve yet to make one big haul for the week. But at least we have a plan and I’m sticking with it. Not having to think about the plan is half the battle. I think I’ll need to go Wednesday night for a thorough grocery visit because tonight the family will be at a basketball game and I’m at CPC.

So there we go! Into the third week of January and actually sticking to some rhythms and habits that I really want to take root this year. Hope you’re January is off to a good start. It’s never too late to start. You can start right now! What habits are you planting?