I don't know about you, but I do appreciate the beginning of the new year. They seem to roll around all too quickly, the older I get, though. I like the freshness of a new calendar and new possibilities. I do not make resolutions, nor did I choose a "word for the year". Oh well, it's ok. Things and seasons change. Speaking of change...Jennifer chose some new categories for 2024, so I'm giving it a try, but she did say we can still use last year's words if we don't like these. Join me now as I look back on January and see what the other writers shared, too! 

 Something Loved: I love snow, but I don't like it as much in TN since they don't treat the roads very well. So, Jonathan and I traveled north to see my parents in Ohio this month! We left just before 8 inches of snow started falling at home and made it to my parents safely and with clear roads! We had a wonderful few days with them and enjoyed talking, eating at our favorite restaurants (Das Dutch Haus and DeRienzos), and relaxing. It was super cold and we did get to see a lovely fresh snowfall on my husband's birthday! I'm so grateful and truly loved our time together! 

Something Accomplished: I started a new project. Making some gingerbread men ornaments. I know I'm early for next Christmas, but I crochet in spurts, when I feel like it...so this suits me just fine! 

Something Improved (or Needs Improving): I was blessed to hear my husband preach today at 2 churches not far from us. He shared from Zechariah 3:1-7 about the change of filthy clothes to beautiful clean ones. In the Scripture, Satan was there to accuse the high priest, but God said, "No". When we live in our old robes of the lies of the enemy believing that we are not wanted, or not enough; the only way to get rid of the lie is to replace it with the truth of who we are in Christ! That is what I need to improve on. I need to be more mindful of the lies I may believe and replace them more quickly with who I am in Jesus. I am loved, an overcomer, blessed, beautiful, gifted, and a warrior. And you know what? You are too!  

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Something Noticed:  This quote from Holly Gerth was meaningful to me. I need to be more gentle with myself. The beginning of the new year is a great time for this reminder. Allow God to lead, abide in Him, and let myself rest when I need to do so.