This is my usual annual review. The only thing I've managed to do consistently, I believe, the entire time I've had this blog.
My usual disclaimer is as follows: This is purposely vague, because I don't have time to include a year's worth of actual things I've learned. Also, these are things that even if I knew before, were refreshed to me in such a way that I shall henceforth peg them to this past year. And finally, this list is in no particular order, and the importance of the items are in no way discernible. Disclaimer over.
1) Adventures are where it's at. I don't mean specifically you have to go on adventures, I just mean that I think it's important to be open enough to let life be a series of adventures. Nothing turns out the way we expect it to, anyhow, so we might as well let go and enjoy all the things.
2) Spiritual laziness is a thing. This is pretty personal, but I'll put it out here: there were times in 2015 where I struggled to keep my Bibleing habits consistent. It's not pretty, and ends up being painful when one finally comes to ones senses and buckles down, but it's the truth.
3) Mornings never, ever get easy. I've tried everything to make my mornings be a breeze (I lay everything out ahead of time, I set my alarm clock away from my bed so I have to get up and stay up, I drink much caffeine), but guys, mornings are the worst. And when mornings suffer, so do the Bible times. See #2
4) Everything has to change eventually. There were choices I made this year in terms of activities where people questioned my motives. "Why didn't you go to that event? Why did you go for a shorter amount of time? What's going on?" The answer? I can't do everything. I just can't. It's okay to pick and choose and help people understand that not everything can stay the same. That's life.
5) Love endureth all things. Sorry to be so cliche, but if there's anything that friendships have taught me, is that it takes a lot of grace and love to navigate people. And, of course, for people to deal with me!
6) People talk about what's important to them. I consider myself to be a people person (by that I mean I'm not a plant or animal person, so I must be a people person), but sometimes it takes a great amount of focus to realize that when it all boils down to it, people end up saying what they'd like to be saying if they felt safe enough to say it. Those things that people want to say? They are saying. You--which is to say I--need to listen up. That was a pretty important one for me.
And that's that.
Showing posts with label new year. Show all posts
Showing posts with label new year. Show all posts
Monday, January 11, 2016
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Things I learned in 2014
This year, an abbreviated list (unlike last year's wordy list!), because most of the things I learned were kind of personal. And you guys are my friends, but let's be honest, this is still the internet.
1) Life is hard.
2) God is good.
3) Seeing a fault in one's self doesn't mean the fault will be automatically fixed.
4) Spreading wings is a difficult and misunderstood task.
5) Faith comes by hearing. And hearing. And hearing again.
And that's it, guys. All of 2014 and I came away with but five share-able takeaways.
I'm banking on the Lord coming before next year, just so we're all clear. I say this every year (every day?) but seriously, this year has got to be our year!
1) Life is hard.
2) God is good.
3) Seeing a fault in one's self doesn't mean the fault will be automatically fixed.
4) Spreading wings is a difficult and misunderstood task.
5) Faith comes by hearing. And hearing. And hearing again.
And that's it, guys. All of 2014 and I came away with but five share-able takeaways.
I'm banking on the Lord coming before next year, just so we're all clear. I say this every year (every day?) but seriously, this year has got to be our year!
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| And a picture from an airplane, because it's a picture and I used to pretend I was going to add pictures to my posts, remember? |
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Things I learned in 2013
This feels like deja vu. I literally just did a "What I learned in 2012" post, but, as we all know, that was a whole year late, so... I'll just do this, and maybe my "What I learned in 2014" post will seem normal, presuming I do it in 12 months instead of waiting till 2015 is over with.
Yikes. 2015 sounds frighteningly close. It's a good thing I know the Lord is coming soon! I won't have to worry about silly things like "What I learned" lists. Especially when my lists are as subjective and vague as mine typically are.
As always, this list is in no particular order.
1) Rice bags can catch on fire in the microwave. In other news, microwaves still function even with holes melted into the side of them. That is truly something I didn't used to know.
2) People can still surprise you. I'm not that old, but I have a habit of thinking that nothing is unexpected. Well, it's not true. Unexpected things can (and do) happen.
3) God is a lot more gracious than I am. I knew that, but I was reminded again this past year.
4) I'm kind of emotional. I used to mock my friends who teared up at the slightest provocation, but I'm not much better these days. I don't know if it's age or event related, but I cry a lot more often than I want to.
5) When I look around I realize that the Lord has a way of using substitution in my life. In a good way. For instance, there are things I think I want but instead of giving those to me, He gives to me things that feed the need perfectly for where I am in life. That probably doesn't make sense, so I'll elaborate. All I ever wanted to be from my youth up was to be a mom. I never had career aspirations or even life aspirations, truth be told, outside of marriage and family. And I still would love to be a mother, but at the current, that's not in the cards for me. But what I do have is a passel of Sunday School kids, and a job at a daycare. Almost every day of my life is filled with sticky smiles and heads of hair to braid. So it might seem like a silly something (and I'm not trying to say that what I do is mothering, because you mothers out there know that it's way more than just making sure kids aren't choking on plastic bags or whatever), but I have been so thankful this past year to realize that the Lord knows my heart and keeps my lap filled with children who want to listen to me read story books. It's a gift. And I'm thankful for it.
6) I should never be so dogmatic when I say that certain things won't happen. Turns out #2 on my list applies to all kinds of areas. Sometimes things that seem like they'll never happen do.
7) Life is made of moments, not milestones. I mean, some people get milestones, and I obviously have milestone-ish things in my life, but I've been learning not to look to milestones for contentment. Life passes me by when I'm constantly looking ahead for events over which I hold no control. Life is the every day, the mundane, the mealtimes and conversations and friendships and the shared memories. Life isn't always about moments that are scrapbook-able.
I could go on. But 2014 has already been overwhelming with with things and I'm afraid that if I finish this list (which I started a few weeks ago, but, as per usual, left in draft format for a while) it'll be subtly influenced by 2014. And then what would I put on my list next year? If the Lord doesn't come, that is.
Yikes. 2015 sounds frighteningly close. It's a good thing I know the Lord is coming soon! I won't have to worry about silly things like "What I learned" lists. Especially when my lists are as subjective and vague as mine typically are.
As always, this list is in no particular order.
1) Rice bags can catch on fire in the microwave. In other news, microwaves still function even with holes melted into the side of them. That is truly something I didn't used to know.
2) People can still surprise you. I'm not that old, but I have a habit of thinking that nothing is unexpected. Well, it's not true. Unexpected things can (and do) happen.
3) God is a lot more gracious than I am. I knew that, but I was reminded again this past year.
4) I'm kind of emotional. I used to mock my friends who teared up at the slightest provocation, but I'm not much better these days. I don't know if it's age or event related, but I cry a lot more often than I want to.
5) When I look around I realize that the Lord has a way of using substitution in my life. In a good way. For instance, there are things I think I want but instead of giving those to me, He gives to me things that feed the need perfectly for where I am in life. That probably doesn't make sense, so I'll elaborate. All I ever wanted to be from my youth up was to be a mom. I never had career aspirations or even life aspirations, truth be told, outside of marriage and family. And I still would love to be a mother, but at the current, that's not in the cards for me. But what I do have is a passel of Sunday School kids, and a job at a daycare. Almost every day of my life is filled with sticky smiles and heads of hair to braid. So it might seem like a silly something (and I'm not trying to say that what I do is mothering, because you mothers out there know that it's way more than just making sure kids aren't choking on plastic bags or whatever), but I have been so thankful this past year to realize that the Lord knows my heart and keeps my lap filled with children who want to listen to me read story books. It's a gift. And I'm thankful for it.
6) I should never be so dogmatic when I say that certain things won't happen. Turns out #2 on my list applies to all kinds of areas. Sometimes things that seem like they'll never happen do.
7) Life is made of moments, not milestones. I mean, some people get milestones, and I obviously have milestone-ish things in my life, but I've been learning not to look to milestones for contentment. Life passes me by when I'm constantly looking ahead for events over which I hold no control. Life is the every day, the mundane, the mealtimes and conversations and friendships and the shared memories. Life isn't always about moments that are scrapbook-able.
I could go on. But 2014 has already been overwhelming with with things and I'm afraid that if I finish this list (which I started a few weeks ago, but, as per usual, left in draft format for a while) it'll be subtly influenced by 2014. And then what would I put on my list next year? If the Lord doesn't come, that is.
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Things I learned in 2012
Wait, I'm sorry, is this belated at all?
Ironically, I really did compile this list when 2013 was yet fresh. I even talked up the concept of a "What I learned" list and at least one friend jumped on the bandwagon and did a list for 2012 back when I did mine in January. I just... Forgot to publish this post. So this is old, but the ideas are still good ones.
Right? *coughcough*
Without further ado, and in no particular order:
1) Never put a pen through your clothes drier. The washing machine isn't so bad, it's the drier that will never be the same.
2) Humans as a whole are remarkably unobservant. For instance, I got my hair cut about a foot and only three people noticed. Total.
3) I, also being human, am not observant. I won't go into details, but suffice it to say I can think of at least two instances where I was the last to notice something that directly related to me.
4) There's a lot to learn in the Bible. A lot.
5) I shouldn't be allowed to play shooting games. While at my sister's house over the summer I was trying to play Portal, and anytime something shot at me, I about hid under the desk. A game that involved real shooting would probably be very damaging to my psyche.
6) There are a lot of problem in life. Sometimes I learn of GIANT situations that I didn't know about, and think, "Why so many problems everywhere?" Nobody is exempt, it seems.
7) My life is not my own. I mean, nobody's is, but... I have learned recently that it's very much true of me, as well.
PS this has the same disclaimer as last year. These aren't all new things, just thoughts that presented themselves to me in various ways through the year.
Ironically, I really did compile this list when 2013 was yet fresh. I even talked up the concept of a "What I learned" list and at least one friend jumped on the bandwagon and did a list for 2012 back when I did mine in January. I just... Forgot to publish this post. So this is old, but the ideas are still good ones.
Right? *coughcough*
Without further ado, and in no particular order:
1) Never put a pen through your clothes drier. The washing machine isn't so bad, it's the drier that will never be the same.
2) Humans as a whole are remarkably unobservant. For instance, I got my hair cut about a foot and only three people noticed. Total.
3) I, also being human, am not observant. I won't go into details, but suffice it to say I can think of at least two instances where I was the last to notice something that directly related to me.
4) There's a lot to learn in the Bible. A lot.
5) I shouldn't be allowed to play shooting games. While at my sister's house over the summer I was trying to play Portal, and anytime something shot at me, I about hid under the desk. A game that involved real shooting would probably be very damaging to my psyche.
6) There are a lot of problem in life. Sometimes I learn of GIANT situations that I didn't know about, and think, "Why so many problems everywhere?" Nobody is exempt, it seems.
7) My life is not my own. I mean, nobody's is, but... I have learned recently that it's very much true of me, as well.
PS this has the same disclaimer as last year. These aren't all new things, just thoughts that presented themselves to me in various ways through the year.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Things I learned in 2011
I made this list sort of a while ago. You know, back when 2012 was pretty new and exciting. But since I recently started blogging again, I thought it might behoove me to dig up the list and share. Before I begin, allow me to say that these might not be things I learned for the first time, but they sort of presented themselves to me again. So, without further ado, a list in no order.
1) People can use scripture to back up anything they want.
2) There are an astounding number of people who don't know how to properly say Jobs. As in, Steve.
3) Miracles do happen.
4) Friendships that are supposed to last for a long time sometimes don't.
5) Which is a good reminder that good friendships are awesome. Also, worth keeping around.
6) I should never pretend to know what I'm talking about.
7) You can say Occupy for anything. I heard of more Occupy Movements in 2011 than I could possibly keep track of!
8) It's funny. We don't always want the things we think we do.
9) I'm still fairly awful at spelling.
10)I like yellow cake better than chocolate cake.
Anyhow, like I said, a random assortment. Most of those things have stories behind them, but most of the stories are probably better left untold. So. Welcome, 2012. Only 76 days into it and I'm finally wrapping up with 2011. Not bad, not bad.
1) People can use scripture to back up anything they want.
2) There are an astounding number of people who don't know how to properly say Jobs. As in, Steve.
3) Miracles do happen.
4) Friendships that are supposed to last for a long time sometimes don't.
5) Which is a good reminder that good friendships are awesome. Also, worth keeping around.
6) I should never pretend to know what I'm talking about.
7) You can say Occupy for anything. I heard of more Occupy Movements in 2011 than I could possibly keep track of!
8) It's funny. We don't always want the things we think we do.
9) I'm still fairly awful at spelling.
10)I like yellow cake better than chocolate cake.
Anyhow, like I said, a random assortment. Most of those things have stories behind them, but most of the stories are probably better left untold. So. Welcome, 2012. Only 76 days into it and I'm finally wrapping up with 2011. Not bad, not bad.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Hola!
Dear 2011,
Welcome. I just wanted to let you know that I am expecting great things of you. First, that I don't see much of you. The Lord has promised that He is surely coming soon! Woohoo! Secondly, I trust that I learn to trust and obey. I was considering that song the other day and realizing that my faith leaves somewhat to be desired. Thirdly, that my walk might be worthy, leaving others with the knowledge of Christ. Like Moses, I want my face to shine.
Thank you Lord, for another year. Whether or not you come during these next 12 months, every day draws me closer to You. Each day is a gift. Thank You.
Jo
Welcome. I just wanted to let you know that I am expecting great things of you. First, that I don't see much of you. The Lord has promised that He is surely coming soon! Woohoo! Secondly, I trust that I learn to trust and obey. I was considering that song the other day and realizing that my faith leaves somewhat to be desired. Thirdly, that my walk might be worthy, leaving others with the knowledge of Christ. Like Moses, I want my face to shine.
Thank you Lord, for another year. Whether or not you come during these next 12 months, every day draws me closer to You. Each day is a gift. Thank You.
Jo
Friday, December 31, 2010
Adios!
Dear 2010,
You were actually a really great year. I must say, sometimes I wish I didn't have to learn so many lessons, and this past year was no exception, but in general, you treated me well.
I grew closer to my family, and I deepened my relationship with my friends and the Lord. You can't really ask for more than that. There were times when I was down, and days seemed long, and life seemed complicated (2011, I hope you're listening--I hate complications!), but the Lord was always there, providing.
Soon you'll be history, 2010, and, providing the Lord doesn't come first, we'll look back on you fondly. So thanks for being willing to devote every single one of your 356 days to those of us who used them to enrich our memory banks.
Love,
Me
You were actually a really great year. I must say, sometimes I wish I didn't have to learn so many lessons, and this past year was no exception, but in general, you treated me well.
I grew closer to my family, and I deepened my relationship with my friends and the Lord. You can't really ask for more than that. There were times when I was down, and days seemed long, and life seemed complicated (2011, I hope you're listening--I hate complications!), but the Lord was always there, providing.
Soon you'll be history, 2010, and, providing the Lord doesn't come first, we'll look back on you fondly. So thanks for being willing to devote every single one of your 356 days to those of us who used them to enrich our memory banks.
Love,
Me
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Finally
Well, I've not posted for a long time, because every time I get on to post, I end up reading mrg's trip blog, which is long enough to keep me occupied for ever. So I haven't written in forever. I had a most excellent winter break, by the way, and I wasn't too wiped out coming back to work, which was certainly an answer to prayer!
I love the New Year, by the way. I've decided that there are a lot of holidays in a year, and the New Year is one I really like. Not because I like the feeling of "turning over a new leaf," but rather because it reminds me that, as a Christian, I can turn over a new leaf any time I want, and the Lord will help me with the problem/resolution/whatever at any point during the year! Isn't that such a great thought? For those of us humans out there who always think we should make a point of doing this or that at a certain time, it's a good reminder that we don't need to wait for these certain times, we can do this or that (Lord willing), whenever we want to! I like that.
New Year's Eve was awesome, as well. I was really tired, so I left the party were at, and came home and Bible'd my way into the new year. Most exceptional. I felt vaguely badly for ditching out on everyone at the party (my pregnant sister stayed for about three hours later than I did, if you want to hear something pitiful), but I had been feeling so anti-social the last few days of conference that I decided it was OK to take some down time.
Speaking of anti-social. So at conference we were talking about being lonely versus being alone. Honestly, I like to be alone. I sometimes just go out on the roof in the summer just to escape the feeling of being in a house with other people. That doesn't mean I love my family an less, but rather that I value my alone time. Very much.
That was all rather random, so I leave you with this one thought. Happy January! Make it a good one.
I love the New Year, by the way. I've decided that there are a lot of holidays in a year, and the New Year is one I really like. Not because I like the feeling of "turning over a new leaf," but rather because it reminds me that, as a Christian, I can turn over a new leaf any time I want, and the Lord will help me with the problem/resolution/whatever at any point during the year! Isn't that such a great thought? For those of us humans out there who always think we should make a point of doing this or that at a certain time, it's a good reminder that we don't need to wait for these certain times, we can do this or that (Lord willing), whenever we want to! I like that.
New Year's Eve was awesome, as well. I was really tired, so I left the party were at, and came home and Bible'd my way into the new year. Most exceptional. I felt vaguely badly for ditching out on everyone at the party (my pregnant sister stayed for about three hours later than I did, if you want to hear something pitiful), but I had been feeling so anti-social the last few days of conference that I decided it was OK to take some down time.
Speaking of anti-social. So at conference we were talking about being lonely versus being alone. Honestly, I like to be alone. I sometimes just go out on the roof in the summer just to escape the feeling of being in a house with other people. That doesn't mean I love my family an less, but rather that I value my alone time. Very much.
That was all rather random, so I leave you with this one thought. Happy January! Make it a good one.
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