What I Learned in September 2014

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October 2, 2014

What I Learned in September 2014

This month has been like a roller coaster for me. Our family has been busy with school, good byes, and just doing life here. My emotions have been all over the place. Our flexibility has been tested, but in all the craziness, God’s grace was sufficient. September was full of lessons that I am still working on. Here are just a few.

1. I need to be intentional with my time. This month I had some unrealistic expectations. I found I didn’t have the time or energy to do some things I wanted to, like inviting friends who were leaving over for supper. I also seem to have more women knocking on my door wanting to sell me things such as pictured above. How can I minister to them best? Figuring out what I can and can’t do in this season is challenging. Even more important, finding out what God wants me to do and not do is something I am still seeking to find out. I found myself going back to a book called Intentional Woman. Now if I can just find a balance to all my roles during this time.

2. I love the promises in Isaiah. Two of my favorites are …

Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you. 54:10 NIV

Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne?Though she may forget, I will not forget you! 49:15 NIV

I like the no matter what part. This impossible thing might happen but He will never stop loving me or forget me.

3. I like to dance but I am not very good at it.
This month we had an opportunity to go to a national wedding. It was fun dancing, watching the dancing and festivities, and eating delicious food. Weddings here are a pretty big deal and are very expensive. The bride will usually have two dresses with one of them being green instead of our western,traditional white. It can be a long evening with the food not being served until 10:00. We didn’t get home until midnight so I was grateful when the next day ended up being an unexpected holiday so I could sleep in.

4. Giving pop quizzes on my birthday might still be a good idea but not giving my students a bonus question to guess my age. I guess I look 56 years old.

5. Good byes from a distance stink. It didn’t work out for a few of my friends who are leaving to come back and say good bye. It is just now hitting me that they aren’t coming back which has led to many tears shed this month. I am learning that I need to take time to grieve but also remember that good byes with these friends aren’t forever.

6. Flexibility is a must for survival right now. To be truthful, I am tired of being flexible. Due to unscheduled days off at school, I find myself planning and re planning and craving a routine. I am trying to remember that it is all in God’s hands and to make the most of each day. On the plus side, things have been more peaceful around here than was predicted for this time.

7. I can’t keep up with my husband’s reading pace. In our home, I am usually the one that reads the most and finds books for everyone else to read. I can’t keep up with finding books for my husband. We are reading more which is good. I have a list of books for me, but most of them are not ones I think he would enjoy. If you have any good suggestions on books for men? Please list them in the comments.

What have you learned this month? A favorite verse, quote or book?