When I first tackled the idea of doing a monthly round-up of sorts where I shared the best of my month, I had no idea I’d be doing it primarily during a global pandemic. But here were are, almost at the end of the year and nearly every month has had that reality simmering in the background.
I very nearly missed this week’s post (and I’m admittedly a little late) because this past week was chockful of holiday activities. Thanksgiving weekend traditionally means family dinner followed by cutting down our Christmas trees and then decorating the house and this year was no exception. (I’m also usually scrambling to get the Advent activities for the kids planned and sorted. This year was also no exception in that regard).
Something Loved
Exercise is always harder in the colder months but my favorite workout site, Fit2B Studio makes it easier. With over 100 different kinds of workouts in all different lengths, I can always find one that fits my schedule and energy level.
Today is their big Cyber Monday sale. I can’t recommend them enough. I’ve been a member for seven years and it’s one of the best investments I’ve made in my health in the last decade.
Something Read
I’ve been doing quite a lot of reading this month, though not the reading I expected. I decided I wanted to focus mainly on fun reads during this last bit of the year and I decided to do a two-month free trial of Kindle Unlimited so I’ve been burning through books, and probably not getting enough sleep.
I’ve been reading the 40-Day Social Media Fast by Wendy Speake which seems especially appropriate after a bitter election cycle. While I do feel a little bit disconnected from people that I can’t see in person right now. I am enjoying the free time I’m not spending on social media and the rest from constantly checking in.
My interlibrary loan of Keep the Home Fires Burning finally arrived so I’ve started (and finished) that this past week.
For December I had already decided to tackle Winter Solstice (which I’ve read before), Ivy Hill Christmas, and A Very Bavarian Christmas. I’m also hoping to make a start on three new parenting books. Probably too much but that’s kind of how I roll when it comes to reading.
I always try to read too many Advent devotionals this time of year, but the two I’m trying to focus on this year are Unwrapping the Names of Jesus and Advent in Narnia.
Something Treasured
I absolutely love this time of year. Thanksgiving through Advent and into Christmas is my favorite. But this year just isn’t the same. We’ve had hard times as a family this time of year. Yet, we’ve seen God come through time and time again. So this year, I’m trying to set aside the usual worries and embrace the joys that are available to me. We picked out and cut down our Christmas tree and are almost finished decorating the house. My long-suffering husband who doesn’t really care that much about trees and decorating puts a lot of hard work in each year because he knows how precious this time of year is to me.
Something Ahead
I sometimes get a little bit depressed in January (because I’m such an overachiever mostly, and there is something about a new year that highlights all that I haven’t accomplished). I haven’t figured that out yet, but this year I’m hoping to be focused on getting my draft of my Lenten devotional finished up for my beta readers to use during Lent in 2021. (Gosh it feels weird to even write that). Mostly I think I’m going to give myself permission not to plan my whole year. It’s so difficult to even know what next month will look like, let alone next year. So I’m preparing now so expect less of myself but to try and stay focused on the things that really matter to me.
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I think there is a lot of wisom in not trying to plan out all of 2021. If 2020 taught us anything, it is how quickly things can change. So glad to have you link up!
January is tough for me as well, I need to plan now for reading and getting deeper in the word. That is the answer, I’m convinced! Great book suggestions – thanks! I plan to look at several. Especially anything that leads me to a social media break – with purpose!