January Days

NOTE: Although this primarily is a food blog, on occasion I share my daily thoughts. This is a daily thought post. Most daily thought posts are found here: The Domestic Mama, however, with this post in particular I felt led to publish it here.

There will be food tomorrow. 🙂

It’s halfway through January, and we are in our second week of our homeschooling schedule. There is something about order and routine that brings security, comfort and contentment.

After a winter break that consisted of random trips to the hospital to visit my dad, trips to his apartment to feed his bird, and all of the other “festivities” the the end of the year holds; it’s nice to stop and re- structure life.

We started our winter break finding my father incoherent and confused, laying face down in his bedroom. Since then, it was a life and death questionable period. Today, we still remain in a sort of limbo, unsure of when, or where he will go after rehabilitation. And, although this time period of uncertainty invaded our December, we were still able to capture the moments of joy that only December can bring.

We befriended a cat, and she now has a name.

Impromptu drives to look at holiday lights.

Candlelight service.

The excitement of elves in the house.

Waking up to the smell of hot coffee and a Christmas tree.

Reading “Santa Mouse” and “The Sweet Smell Of Christmas”

Surprises, and hope for the New Year.

January has come, in all it’s crispness and newness; the house is clean, organized and ready.

Ready for the birth of a New Year.

In the birth of a New Year, some nesting is needed, it’s time to clean out the clutter of the world, and fast from the negativity. It’s time to cleanse, clean and purge.

Toss out last years’ regrets, should-haves, and would-haves.

Toss out the parts of life that trigger negativity. Clutter. Both in the home and in life. You know the clutter:

The dress that will be perfect for a fancy evening out, when you know that when the fancy evening presents itself, you’ll want to spend the money on something else.

Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.( Matthew 6:20)

The recipes you know you’ll never make, because you’re off white flour/sugar/junk.

Okay, I’m not tossing all my recipes, but there are a few that just won’t happen. Ever.

The “friends” behind a computer screen that really aren’t.

Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent?
Who may live on your holy mountain?

²The one whose walk is blameless,
    who does what is righteous,
    who speaks the truth from their heart;
³whose tongue utters no slander,
    who does no wrong to a neighbor,
    and casts no slur on others;
⁴who despises a vile person
    but honors those who fear the Lord;
who keeps an oath even when it hurts,
    and does not change their mind;
⁵who lends money to the poor without interest;
    who does not accept a bribe against the innocent.

Whoever does these things
will never be shaken. Psalm 15

Chances are, you may have some of those “friends”, too.

The books you’ll never read, but like to own. (Why do I own a book on Boston Terriers? I have one, I know what to do with it.)

Those jeans with the hold in the crotch that are soooo comfortable. (No mending will ever make them appropriate for wearing anywhere but the couch.)

The craft supplies for craft ideas you can’t remember. (Don’t even try to search pinterest on what to do with beads and glitter)

The “other” comforters, curtains, and sheets and towels in case you want a “change”. (IKEA duvet covers are fine for that)

The old make up, nail polish and hair care products that you never use. (You really think it will work/look better the second time?)

Fancy pans for shaped cakes. Ditto for cupcakes. (If I’m making a cake, it’s going to be round.)

The old habits, the old thinking, the old way of the world. Replace them with newness of mind and spirit.

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (Romans 12:2)

This year, I’m accelerating more into what was planned and always has been planned for me. I’m not allowing the enemy to inhabit the roads that lead me on my path.

God speed ahead, to all of you that embrace your journey and lock the enemy out of your car.