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January Brings Reflection

January, the month we tend to make resolutions and change. Saying goodbye to a previous year and saying hello to a new one. It is a time of new beginnings and for some of us challenges.

The New Year holds something different for us all. January is just a hard month sometimes. Some are tired and can’t imagine 5 ½ – 6 months more of school. Some are still longing for break and wishing it was a little longer; others can jump right back in and not think twice. It can depend on seasons and events. We are all in different places and season in life with our home schooling and families.

Over the last 13 years I think I have experienced a little of all the above. Each year has proven to be different with different seasons and challenges. This year is no exception. It has been different because of a few online friends I have made over the last 6 months. They posted something I have never thought about before. The 3 of them chose 1 word to focus on over the year. What a novel idea huh? Its simple enough! I can focus on one word. The thing is, each word they shared was something I felt I needed to focus on.

The 3 words were intentional, gratitude and knowledge.

Keep reading you’ll understand…..

If January holds true to be an overwhelming month for you, and you have a hard time getting in the swing of things, or even if you have jumped right back in, think about these words this coming year. Let me share.

The definition of intentional is: done with intention or on purpose.

This can be in relation to our relationship to God, home schooling…. anything in life that is worth being done with intent or purpose. Isn’t that cool? Feeling pressure? Take it to the Lord, ask Him to help you to do the task at hand, go to Him intentionally and with purpose. No matter what it is.

The next word,

Gratitude: the quality or feeling of being grateful or thankful

Now when things are rough, kids are crying, fighting, maybe not sharing, they are lolly gagging around and not doing their school work…. Think about gratitude. I know, I know, easier said than done…. But try! I promise, if we take these new words to the Lord and ask Him to work them out in our heart, He is faithful.

I love this scripture verse, and thought it was perfect…

Listen,

Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Yes! Can I get an Amen!?

Last word….

Knowledge: acquaintance with facts, truths, or principles, as from study or investigation.

The best thing I can share and encourage you with is take time for yourself with the Lord, daily and read His word. I know in my own life I have neglected my own time because I was spending bible study time with my girls. I still need my “own” time with the Lord.

Proverbs 2:4-6
…and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Proverbs 3:5-7
Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him; And He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.

Beloved, if you are a weary one right now… take courage… if you are jazzed for the new semester, new season in life…. then tuck these words away…. you never know when you might need them. We can all learn something from these 3 simple words. I hope they bless you through out this year, as they already have blessed me.

The words were contributed by http://smoothstonesacademy.blogspot.com/2007/12/happy-new-year.html, http://my5wolfcubs.blogspot.com/and http://triviumacademy.blogspot.com/