Words cannot express how thrilled I am that it is officially the spring season. I am so over winter – the cold, damp, grey weather, and the challenges in staying healthy with each swing of the temperature and wind. The past four weeks in particular have been really difficult as I’ve dealt with the flu and lingering sinus/ear issues. Not fun. All that to say, as much as I can appreciate winter (especially during the holidays), by this time each year, I’m ready for a new season.
Thankfully, by the grace of God, He brings a welcome change to us this time of year. Days that include more sunshine, blue skies, warmer temperatures; green grass, trees budding, flowers blooming; shorts, flip-flops and painted toes. Yes, friends. This is the good stuff – my favorite kind of things.
Things I’m looking forward to in this season include: opening up our place at the lake and beginning to spend our weekends up there again; sunrise runs when the air is warm and the sun shines golden, setting the fields ablaze in light; coffee in the morning and a glass of wine in the evening on the deck; dinners grilled out; bonfires; reading and napping on a blanket in the grass; driving with the windows rolled down, sunglasses on, listening to music; baseball games (Go Tigers!); opening the windows to enjoy the breeze and the floral scent that fills the air this time of year.
Yes, Lord – I am READY for these things! May I not take one iota of these times for granted!
The start of spring also means it’s time to refresh my goals for this year. As I think about spring and the things He’s growing outside, I’m taking a look inside to see what He’s also growing there as well. God put it in my heart to cultivate everyday abundance in 2017 and here is how I am intending to do that as I move into the coming spring and summer seasons …
1. To grow in my love of God’s Word and the application of His truth to my life.
Coffee and Jesus; bible study (finish “Entrusted” study by Easter); bible journaling; reading books; worship music (Outcry Tour this month!); soak in and speak truth.
2. Cultivate a full, loving, and satisfying marriage.
Put each other first, grow as lovers and best friends. Spend one-on-one, quality, undistracted time together at home and at the lake. Make plans for our 10 year anniversary trip.
3. Make time, space, and room for our people.
Visit, call, text, FaceTime and Skype with our people (near and far); host our people at the lake.
4. Cultivate emotional, mental, and physical health / well-being.
Eat fresh, healthy, nutrient-rich foods; drink at least 64 oz of water everyday; run, stretch, and strength-train; get plenty of sleep every night; practice sabbath rest once/week; use essential oils.
5. Practice regular self-care and do more of what fires me up.
Balance of time alone and time with others; dream dates with God and Kenny; read; write; be creative; listen to music; take social media breaks; be good to my skin; manicures, pedicures, and massages.
6. Cultivate a fulfilling and meaningful career.
Work on obtaining social work continuing education credits and earning my Supervision in Child and Family Services certificate; be a supportive leader and supervisor; begin conversations regarding Anti-Human Trafficking work; use leadership, ministry, and influence for the good of the staff, clients, communities, and states we serve.
7. Be a light and encouragement on my various platforms.
Develop and post meaningful content on the blog; post on Facebook and Instagram with intention and purpose; speak life and truth (be honest and vulnerable and real).
8. Cultivate financial peace and simplicity on all fronts.
Stick to our budget and continue to save money; declutter our places and spaces; create whitespace in our schedules; don’t purchase unnecessary items.
Let’s make it a beautiful season, friends; filled with the blessings and goodness of God, reveling in everything He is doing in and around us! He is making all things new! Hallelujah!
* * *
“Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland.”
Isaiah 43:18-19
Marianne Fulger says
Hannah you are the most inspiring friend I know . I love every posting and look forward to the next. Your trips are amazing I love the pictures . I don’t use a cumputer I have Facebook though . Thanks have a wonderful day 🌹💐🌺⭕️⭕️😍😍