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Blog“Just Around the Corner”

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Hello from “just around the corner” at the Tree of Life Christian Bookstore. I love the month of January though it is not my favorite month of the year, and I am now coming to the end of my self-imposed sabbatical. Yes, you read that right; a self-imposed sabbatical.

Years ago I found that if I took January to be a refuge, to rest and relax, and at the same time renew and recharge my inner and outer person, then I was able to function and accomplish so much more in a year’s time. And so, January became to the year like Sunday is to the week.

January became to the year like Sunday is to the week

On Sunday, as God encourages us for our well-being, we change up the day for church, visiting, and resting. Some may think of Sunday as the crash day, but I like to think of it as the day to fuel up before starting the week instead of crashing or interrupting the week midway. It is, after all, the first day of the week. Learning to pace myself, understand my natural tendencies, and working with them has increased my over-all health, performance, and accomplishments.

There is always more that I would like to do, but I also know I have the ability to try and tuck too much in a day. I tend to think forward and have had to work hard at being in the moment. I love moments, as long as they don’t take too long. Anyway, I said all that to say that my January is almost over and I am excited about 2019 and whatever God may have planned for this year. “A man’s heart deviseth his way, but the Lord directeth his steps” Proverbs 16:9 and “Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established” Proverbs 16:3. These two verses helped me realize that God both guides my steps and guides my thoughts when I give them to Him.

I’m about ready to re-enter society with its demands and delights as February begins

This month I have watched several old movies, taken travel trips with Rick Steves to many interesting countries, and caught up on some reading. Sorting and filing has begun to completely get last year’s receipts and forms out of the way for all three businesses. That feels good! And I also worked on inventory and reordering for the bookstore. Mostly I was a recluse. But now I’m about ready to re-enter society with its demands and delights as February begins writers’ group, sing-a-longs, Bible studies, Retired Ladies luncheons, and weekend guests.

I thank God for January and that He showed me how to love it instead of dreading it. Happy 2019 to you and may it be filled with blessings upon blessings and until next time, may you commit your thoughts and your steps to the Lord.  Love, Sharon

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