IT'S STILL JANUARY...ISN'T IT?

There is only one reason to like January. 

That reason happens to be January 5th, the day my best friend was born. For over eleven years, he has blessed me in more ways than I can even comprehend. This year his birthday was on a Sunday, a fast Sunday - which was fine, but also made it a little hard to go out and celebrate...so I made it a whole weekend event! Per request, we spent every minute together. I decorated with streamers before he got up on Sunday morning and surprised him with a book of love notes from friends and family. I think it's only the second birthday in all of these years that I actually kept his gift a secret. (The first time was a new golf bag that his parent's went in on with me - go us!) It was a wonderful weekend!

Besides that, I don't really like January. It's hard to come back to reality after two weeks of holiday celebrations, treats, family, friends, rest, and memories. It's also cold and dark and long...

We decided to start our spring cleaning. It feels good to get rid of the stuff we think we might need but never really do. Work is crazy-stressful so we made a goal try harder at making our home a neat and orderly place so we can feel peace and comfort away from the world. It's so nice and motivating to wake up to a room that is completely picked up and a kitchen where the dishes are washed and put away. (Because if you know me, you know my love for doing dishes). I think they might be a life-long trial for me...or maybe once we get a dishwasher that actually cleans, it will seem possible. Anyway, I just have to remember that it's the little successes that will keep me moving forward.

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For me:

I want to record that although this month might seem frustrating right now...I am blessed. It is those blessings that will help me remember to take it a day at a time and a moment at a time. The only thing I have control over is right here, right now. I'm recommitting myself to look for the tender mercies each day because I know those will help me stay positive and grateful for what I have in my life today. I don't want to look back on this month and have negative feelings. It's the first month in a new year and I can choose to make good memories no matter the circumstances. 

For example, on Thursday we went to Thomas' cousin's wedding reception. We were surrounded with loving people we don't see very often and I sat back and thought how great weddings are. Susie looked so beautiful and so happy and the radiance of her love made me smile with joy. 

Life is hard...but remember... the hard times make the good ones that much better. You can do it!