What I Learned in January... A Link Up with Emily P. Freeman

I am like a broken record (does anyone even know what that is anymore?) when it comes to this monthly Link Up over at Emily Freeman's place! Y'all know how much I love it! It is fun and quirky and filled with tips and tricks and great lessons learned... and again,if you don't play along yet, I think you should!

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12 Random Things That I Have Learned...

1. I learned that the way God is leading me to 'prepare' now looks so much different than how it used to - and that is OK! 

I was honored to be asked to speak at a women's event in early January and was given a blank slate to speak on whatever I wanted. Nice, right? And being who I am, and loving the brand new shiny start of a brand new shiny New Year, of course I chose to pray and ask if I could talk about seasons and change, because as much as I can plan a talk -He really is the boss of me! I have learned to ask Him what He has in mind, way before jotting down all my own ideas!  

Now I have been speaking at conferences and workshops and churches and Bible studies off and on for years. When I first began stepping out, it was on wobbly knees with sweaty palms and zero assurance that I could do it! My preparations in that season included several Bibles, dictionaries, commentaries, Greek and Hebrew helps, and a word for word speech written out and held with shaky hands.

Then there was a long (read: LOoooNG!) season of laying it down and not speaking or teaching or sharing at all.

Slowly, God has been releasing me once again and the process now is different.  I still use all the resources and spend time studying and praying... but God no longer allows me to write out word for word what we are going to say.  He doesn't often even really let me know too far ahead of time what direction we will take.  Instead, I pray and read and study and I rest in knowing that I am truly ready in season and out of season and it's not because I am educated or eloquent... but it's because I know His Voice and I let Him lead me... even when I am on stage and I thought we were going somewhere but He tells me to go somewhere else! (For the record, I still prefer an outline... but I am learning to truly be prepared more in heart and spirit, than to be prepared in memorization of speech. #notthattheresanythingwrongwiththat!)


2. I learned that I am SO OVER Winter...

This happens, honestly, nearly every year in January... but this year? You guys... So. Much. Snow.  #OverIt!


3. I learned that I treasure only a few 'things' - and most of them are because they were passed down... 

I don't have many inherited pieces or heirlooms, but I do have a few simple things from my Mom or Grandparents.  I am trying to be more intentional in actually USING and enjoying them, instead of just storing them away! What's the point in that? ...for instance, my Mom gave me this tablecloth that my Grandmother had on her table when I was a toddler... we're not huge tablecloth people and I use something else on my table during the holidays, but for January? Yeah... this'll do! And it brings me a ridiculous amount of joy!
 
4. I (re)learned how easy hosting a MercyHouse / Fair Trade Friday party truly is...

When I was asked to speak at the above mentioned women's event, they asked if I had a charity that we support and would like to talk about... so of course I said MercyHouse!  It was super last minute, but I shot an email out to them and Kristen got back to me right after the holidays and they shipped me a huge box of fun... so in addition to speaking, I set up a little table off to the side and shared the ministry of MercyHouse and Fair Trade Friday! This is my second or third time hosting a party and, honestly, it couldn't be an easier! Whether you have a party in your home, during a Bible study, at church, or a conference... the products are all gorgeous and the cause - well, you just can't go wrong! Check them out HERE to sign up to host your own party!

5. I learned that going back to school with your spouse can be fun...

My Honey and I, along with a handful of others from Dad's House church, signed up to take the first year of the Leadership Development Program through Global Legacy. Each month focuses on a Kingdom culture... January kicked off with the culture of family (which is kind of our jam!) There are online videos, books to read, sermons and messages to listen to, and a workbook to fill out! It has been fun to know that we are reading the same thing and sharing the books so I can see what my husband is highlighting and he can see what is standing out to me!

Plus there is this:

Yeah... every once in awhile, while the leaders are praying for all of the students, God may have a word for you!

6. I learned that finally - I couldn't pass up on trying ePantry - and I love it! 

OK, so I have seen this company on blogs and online for a year or two and am always tempted. I love these products so much already and they are way better than all the chemicals that used to be stored under my sink! It's a monthly deal, but you can push out your next shipment for several months and with just two of us, I definitely won't be needing another box for awhile.  You can check them out HERE - it's a great, small company that does amazing work (and their customer service is great!)

7. I learned that I keep forgetting how much I am in LOVE with my Crockpot... 

You guys? Somehow I forget this every year, but then winter rolls in and just. won't. leave. and I remember... hot meals are so much easier (and more delicious) when they are cooked slowly over hours and hours on low!  That Balsamic Roast Beef recipe? OH MY!!! (and you're welcome!)

And with the left overs... tacos,
because of course!

8. I (re)learned that I {heart} Vantage Point...

Seriously - as a writer, this movie ROCKS!  You get to see the same event, from several different 'vantage points' (ya get it?) and it is SO GOOD... and SUCH an amazing cast, too! I stumbled upon it while crafting and it is a movie I will watch over and over.  So well done! (I keep buying the DVD... but then loaning it out... but it may be on Netflix? Check it out! It's such a good film!)

9. I learned that Coconut Curry is my love language!

So a friend from church posted a picture of her dinner on facebook and I commented simply, "Oh My YUM!" and, you guys: She brought me dinner... and it came with rice and naan! Yeah... she's my new favorite!

10. I learned that awareness is rising and people are learning the truth about human trafficking...

We attended the Human Trafficking Awareness Walk again this year as a family... and several Dad's House people showed up as well.  There are so many great ministries reaching out in our community and making a difference one life at a time... if you think this is not happening where you live, wherever you live, --think again.  

But, my friends... Love wins!

Gah, how I love them!                                      

11. I learned that I LOVE worshiping with a multi-cultural family and embracing worship in many forms!

At Dad's House in January, we talked about various cultures in Heaven and also embraced various cultures among us and expressed this through our worship time... songs sung not only in English, but in Zambian, Hawiiaan, Spanish, and East Indian! I love our freedom in worship and how we all express ourselves differently and there is room to worship Him in spirit and in truth when we gather!  Part of our worship service often includes prophetic art as well and it's always fun to see how God is showing Himself through all kinds of creativity!

And finally...

12. I learned that if you ever get a chance to hang out with Bob Goff you should most definitely do it! (But I sort of already knew that one!)

I wrote about our evening with Bob HERE... but let's just say - it's as good as you may hope it would be! He's the real deal and his joy and childlike faith is most definitely inspiring, and hopefully extremely contagious!

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So, here's to February and all his romantic ways! May he teach us all good things!

As usual for this post, I am Linking up with EMILY FREEMAN

P.S.  I'm also linking up with these lovely writers:

The Community over at #SmallWonders 

Laura Boggess over at #ChasingTheBlueFlower

Holly Barrett for #TestimonyTuesday

Kelly Balarie for #RaRaLinkUp

Jennifer Dukes Lee for #TellHisStory

So - what lessons have you learned already this year? What new skills or tips or recipes did you try out? Any favorite new books or movies or music to share? I'd love to hear!