Is It Still January?

                                                   

The warm holiday feel of Christmas and New Year is over. Most of the decorations are put back in the bin and stored in the dusty attic. The family has gathered and only memories remain. All the gifts that didn't fit or were broken have been returned or put in the re-gift box. The New Year's resolutions are starting to get old.

And it's still January...

January can feel so long with its short days and cold temperatures. Going out holds mixed feelings; You want to spend time with people to break up the long winter evenings, but facing the cold and the possible germs you could encounter, makes you want to stay home. 

But January can be redeemed...

Most years at our church we do a fast for 21 days to start off the year by getting our hearts tuned in to the Lord and hitting the reset button in many areas of our lives. This year, along with fasting food, we fasted media as well. Every time I fast media, I find it extremely beneficial. I read more and listen to podcasts and good teachings more, and I feel like I am in the "zone" so to speak. I become so spiritually sensitive when I am not being bombarded with news, social media drama, and junky TV. (although my TV watching is very limited all year)

What are you doing with your January...

Each January, I take a few days to create a vision board and hear God for the coming year. This year, I delved way deeper, since I was fasting media. I enjoyed Bible journaling and decorating my journal for the year, and while I was doing these things I would listen to a teaching or worship music. I actually looked forward to the early darkness, to sit at my table, and work on my projects, with the ambiance of scented candles and steaming hot tea. 

So, yes, it's still January, but we only have 4 more days to go. We are slowly heading toward longer days and warmer temps. Let's all look for ways that we can use these colder months to grow spiritually and find something productive to do with our time. So, curl up with a good book and a fuzzy blanket and learn something new about yourself and/or the goodness of God. 

Blessings!