Transitioning from 2014 to 2015 this week has been uncomplicated and uneventful.
I’d say that’s a good way to transition.
No big resolutions, other than to get back on my staying healthy routine. But that’s not a resolution. That’s a way of life, and I need to keep it going.
So here we are, the first Saturday of 2015. I’m thrilled to be here, and I thank you for being here, too.
What have you learned this week? As you closed the door on 2014, and walked through the new, freshly-painted one titled 2015, what have you experienced? Did you learn something about you, or something new about God? Did you acquire a new skill? Did you try a new recipe and it either was awesome or it flopped? (We can learn from mistakes too, even though those lessons aren’t quite as fun to share.)
What I learned this week:
It’s never too late to celebrate a birthday!
My three beautiful-on-the-inside-and-out nieces (all sisters) and I had a joyous time together Monday night celebrating their birthdays. Okay, so their birthdays were in June, October and November, and yes, we celebrated two days before the year ended. But, no matter the day, I could see they look just as forward to their “birthday outing” as much as I do!
Years ago I decided I wanted to do something special for my niece’s and nephew’s birthdays by taking them out to dinner and whatever else they wanted to do with our time together. These girls like to shop. They each got to pick out their birthday gift, and finding the perfect one with the money they were allotted was a great adventure. Watching their smiles and hearing words of gratefulness come from their hearts warmed mine. My favorite part was dinner afterwards at Carlos O’Kellys. I was blessed to experience life from a ten-, a thirteen-, and a fourteen-year-old’s perspective. I loved it!
It’s more enjoyable to put up the Christmas decor, than it is to take it down.
I already knew this one, but I am reminded of it today. I’m not sure we have ever kept our Christmas decorations up this long into January, and I’m not sure I’ll ever do it again, as I am currently in the process of taking everything down and putting it all away. But it was beautiful, and it brought me such joy this year. We decorated more than normal, and it delighted this heart of mine. Maybe the snowmen will stay a little longer, but yet, I’m really not wanting any real snow to greet me any time soon. (We’re to get an inch of the white stuff today. How appropriate.)
But I’m also reminded Christmas is not about the decor, and it’s important to…
Celebrate the spirit of Christmas all year long.
Even if my home isn’t decorated for it. Jesus lives in our hearts all the year through!
The first edition of #whatilearned for 2015 is a wrap. I’d love to read what you learned, and I look forward to journeying right alongside of you in this new year.
Blessings!
Julie
What I learned this week…
Not all Huskies like snow.
Some Pit Bulls really like snow.
Ill-fitting snow boots really suck.
One should not crack a Californian smile when one’s Indiana-bred wife almost skids the car into the fence when the wheels lose traction in, wait for it, the snow.
Cats ignore snow, because as far as they are concerned, it is beneath them.
Wow, your list is long, Andrew! We’re getting snow today, and more tomorrow. Next week’s “what I learned” might have something to do with the white stuff. Have a great week.
Looking forward to journeying alongside you too, Julie! I also learned that is more fun to put the Christmas decor up than take it down. 😉 It’s a lesson I relearn every year. And that I have a harder time taking down a real tree than an artificial one. I could go on…but for now I’ll just say Happy New Year!
I agree with you on many levels, Abby! It feels good to have everything taken down and put away. Ready to begin with a clean slate! Have a blessed week, beautiful friend.
Hi Julie! Sickness over the holidays taught me that my husband is an awesome cook:) And who knew he could make buttermilk biscuits from scratch?? It’s fun discovering new things about your spouse after 21 years of marriage. Here’s to learning new things in 2015!
Love it, Kristine! Not the sickness, but how your husband can make buttermilk biscuits from scratch! I’m guilty of thinking I know everything about my husband after all these years together, but I probably don’t. What a wonderful surprise for you! Hope you’re back to normal and having a great start to the new year! Thanks for stopping in.