Who am I? A wife for almost 40 years. A mom for over 36 years. A sister and a friend, of course. Each of these help describe me. But, even more, I have been a Christian since accepting Him as my Savior when I was 12 years old and, this truth defines each area of my life. I have enjoyed some mountain top experiences but have been through some very deep valleys as well. Valleys of incredible grief and even pits of depression. However, most of my days are ordinary, routine kind of days. But in every one of my days, God has been faithful. He has walked with me whatever the day. He strengthens, comforts, encourages and blesses me with life "most abundant."

A favorite life verse: The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

Why do I write? Though not quite as private as my dad, I am definitely my father's daughter. I find it difficult to share. And to let others in. But I do love to write. I love to put words into sentences and sentences in paragraphs that help express my thoughts. I hope my words help me share my heart. Share the life that God has given me and all that He has done for me and through me. I write with the hope of giving Him at least a bit of the glory He is due.

A verse to guide my writing: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. I Peter 1:7

Three Things I Learned in January

Posted on By jennifer

Happy Friday and, hard to believe, an entire week of February is just about in the books.  If I’m going to get this post done – recalling things I learned in Januray – I’d best get to it.  Before January is a true distant memory.  Just a post idea that might not only be helpful to me in the weeks or months ahead, but also interesting as well.  Or entertaining.  Yes, most likely, just entertaining:)  Last month, I learned…

– Christmas needs to go back in the box soon after Christmas has ended.  At least, in my house.  For many years, I have had the idea that, by switching reindeer and the Father Christmas collection with snowmen and/or other winter bits, much of the Christmas decor could be left in place.  I thought it would “extend the season” or the Christmas cheer.  In truth, it just allowed me to put the holiday things away in stages.  You might even say…to procrastinate the big project of refilling the bins.  And that strategy worked for several years.  However, I have noticed the decor in January was not cheerful or bringing joy.  It was tired and I was tired of it.  I finally put all of it away.  Everything.  (Okay, just about everything.  This one favorite snowman still makes me happy in the kitchen.  So he stays.)  Even the things that were winter, and not specifically Christmas, were put safely back in storage.  And I instantly felt better.  I think my “snowman era” may have come to a end.

– I don’t bounce back nearly as quickly as I used to do.  This, most likely, also has to do with the “era” that I am in but I am not admitting to it.  I got sick the day after Christmas.  I don’t know exactly what it was but, whatever the demon, it was intense.  I was sicker than I can remember in a very long time, and so I cocooned myself in bed in order to allow my body to heal.  Which typically takes a day or two.  Oh no.  Four days went by before I emerged again.  This was surprising but I pressed on.  And the days turned into weeks.  Literally three weeks before I really began to feel like myself.  It may have been close to a full month before I would say I felt one hundred percent.  That is discouraging to even write but I am definitely not as young as I used to be.  Sigh.

– Medical pins can break.  Did you know this??  I did not.  A senior friend (she is 87) broke her hip last year.  It was repaired with surgery – with pins put in place to hold it together – and she spent several (very long) weeks in rehab.  Very soon after getting home, she began to experience a lot of pain.  The pain only got worse.  She was told so much.  That pain was to be expected (just live with it).  She had arthritis as a result of the surgery but was not a candidate for more surgery (so again, just live with it).  Some even thought she was exaggerating the pain.  These were all from doctors.  She was finally able to see a doctor in Januray (after many months of severe pain) and found out the pin used during her hip repair had broken and was rubbing against her cartilege every time she moved!  And she now needs a hip replacement (and is somehow now a candidate). I will not make this paragraph a tirade about our healthcare system (although I certainly would not mind doing so!) but, just so you know, those implanted medical bits and bobs can break.  Literally, snap in two.  Unbelievable.

A few extra, honorable mention things learned last month:  I really prefer silver accessories.  The experts (whoever they are) suggest gold looks better with my skin color or some such, and I gave it a try.  But I like silver:)  Snow is highly overrated.  Okay, this I already knew but is definitely worth rehearsing.  And, although slow to bounce back….well, I do indeed bounce back.  I’m thankful for that.  Thankful for feeling well again.  Thankful for healing and these amazing bodies that we have.  I just have to go easy on the bouncing!:)

A Look Back

Comments (15)

  1. I like to keep decorations up until New Year’s Sorry you got sick on Christmas day. Sorry it hung around for so long. I am so sorry to hear about your friend. I had a knee replacement about 7 years ago and it went so well. No will need some ankle surgery which I am not looking forward to at all. I prefer silver accessories too. Have a nice weekend.

  2. There is a nasty bug going around…and yes indeed, it takes longer to recover…I am sorry about your friend and the broken pin, this happened with my foot, sigh…anyways, wishing you a lovely Saturday.

  3. I always keep my Christmas decorations up until after New Years but by then I’m eager to get it all taken down. I still have a snowman still hanging out on my end table in the living room but I figure why not. We’re still in winter and it’s still snowing outside so he fits in still. ha! I’m sorry to hear about your friend. I hope she has a quick recovery. I hope you have a great weekend!

  4. Oh rest well, friend. Some things sure do take the stuffing out of us, don’t they. May you enjoy quiet days, a good book, a warm quilt, and just enough writing to encourage your heart …

  5. Your words about the Christmas decorations were interesting. I tend to put Christmas away sooner rather than later, but I have been tempted to leave some of it out longer. You are right, it’s just not the same. Best to just put it all away when the season is over.

    Hope you are truly feeling better by now. I’ve noticed in recent years that it takes me longer to recover from mosquito bites than I used to. I assume that comes with aging, too.

  6. For a long time, I decorated with snowmen through January and February. But I have cut back on all of my seasonal decorating and many of my snow friends now have new homes. Love your buddy in the kitchen. Glad he makes you smile.

    I have a metal cage in my neck. The metal didn’t snap but the screws holding the metal plate over the front of the cage slipped and the plate began choking me. I had trouble eating, drinking and speaking. Was amazed to see the images that showed the screws had popped out of place and whole plate was crooked and at an awkward angle in my neck. Grrr. Your poor, dear friend to have suffered with this severe pain and now to learn she must potentially endure hip surgery.

    Have you had some spring-like days there? We’ve been spoiled with a week of 80* afternoons. Makes me worry, though, for what a hot summer we may be headed for.

    1. Oh my goodness, Leslie….that experience with the cage in your neck sounds horrible! Hope that never happens again. And, no my friend, no springt teasers here just yet. But I am praying it will be soon!!

  7. Great reflections! Putting Christmas away sooner sounds like a refreshing reset, and I totally get the struggle of bouncing back—it takes longer than we expect! That story about the broken medical pin is shocking; just goes to show how important it is to advocate for ourselves. Hope February brings smoother days!

  8. Our Christmas decorations always go back up into the loft well before 12th night is officially here. The house feels so light when all the decorations have gone but I do like it that way.
    Sorry to hear that you were unwell after Christmas and that your body was in no hurry to get back to normal. All we can do is listen to our bodies and rest and relax while the healing takes place. Hopefully that particular bug will not return again this year!
    Have a good week x

    1. Oh yes, Deb. So hoping we are done with bugs for the year. I do not like the cold and snow but, perhaps, it will kill those pesky flu bugs and other bugs!! I also like the way the house feels lighter. Good description! Glad you stopped by today. Hope your Monday has been a good one and the week of ahead will be, too!!

  9. For the past few years, our family has celebrated Christmas during the summer! Our home is decorated, inside and out, sometime between May and August, whenever the best dates fall. At Christmastime, I put out a few nativity sets and candles.
    Thanks always for your posts… I feel like I am sharing a cup of coffee with a friend. Have a good week!

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