What are Monthly Musings?
For the last few months at the beginning of the month, I share lessons I learned from the previous month. I call these my Monthly Musings (I have a free cheat sheet if you want to help with this practice you (see end of this post) and/or a printed book, Monthly Musings Journal, available on Amazon if you are interested). These are ways to incorporate the spiritual practice of reflection into your life and often I see God’s touch and presence more in this rearview mirror look-back on life.
January Monthly Musings
Lessons Learned:
Patience! No, I haven’t learned this lesson completely yet and wonder if I ever will, but God sure took me into the classroom in January. Technology can be wonderful when it works, but when your computer quits, the frustration erupts. And for someone who writes, the irritation grows exponentially.
My poor laptop is back in the shop for a second time and the reality that I may have lost several years of work is looming. Yes, I have an external backup and back upped regularly, but for some reason the drive is not talking to my computer. That is what the techy people are trying to fix now.
What I am learning though is perspective as I wade (drown?) in the pool of patience. Losing data is such a first world problem and in the light of terrorism, innocent deaths and abductions, crazy politics and poverty, abuse, and disease – my problem dims in importance. Finding this point of view took a few days and some tears, but my life overflows with so many other blessings, I can let go of most of the negativity now.
What is the worse that could happen? I start again. And I am thankful I CAN start again.
What may come of this adventure down a road I didn’t choose? I learned about online backup systems. I also learned when I whined on Facebook that many of you really do care and offered to help and lend a sympathetic ear. Thank you!
On a lighter note, I learned two new words this past month. (No, not profanity, though I was probably close several times. LOL)
I am a BIBLIOTAPH – one who hoards books.
I am also learning to GAMBOL – to dance, skip, and frolic. Remember my word of the year is JOY – ironic for the nuisances that tripped me up this year – but I will dust myself clean and dance with delight and gambol with glee, no matter the outcome.
Favorite Quotes:
“Failure isn’t final; it is feedback.”
Michael Hyatt
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”
Maya Angelou
Good Reads:
Essentialism by Greg McKeown. I am slowly digesting this book about the pursuit of less.
Wild – Cheryl Strayed – finally finished this one. Lots of details about her life and her adventure walking the Pacific Trail. To be honest I skipped some parts, but found some of it interesting and insightful.
Terrific Tools and Tips:
Have you seen the Waterlogue app? Cost $2.99 but can take a photo and make it look like a watercolor painting. Fun to play with.
And how about a microwaveable notebook? The Rocketbook records what you write on the cloud and when you want to erase it, zap it for 30 seconds in the microwave. Here is an article about this innovation that left me shaking my head.
Joys and Delights:
Love, love, love the scent of my Candleberry Candle.
Sheer Joy to Watch
I didn’t share my Monthly Musings in December, so just have to mention the joy of attending Grandparent Day at Kyla’s kindergarten class. Love seeing her world, meeting her friends and wondering why all those other people look older when inside I know I am only 30. Yeah, right.
My highlight for January was the release of my next book, Whispers – Encountering God in Breath Prayers. Ever want to know more about this prayer practice? This book will give you all the basics and many ideas to try. This quick read is available in print version on Amazon and when my computer finally returns home, I hope to finalize the Kindle option.
What did you learn in January? Please share
If you want a copy of my cheat sheet I have made it into a free downloadable printable and you can request on in the window below. Click the button to get the free printable and if you would like check out my book on Amazon.
Click here to request your Monthly Musings Printable
I finished compiling these sheets plus additional information in a book, Monthly Musings, a two-year journal that is NOW available on Amazon. I don’t want to lose the loose sheets of paper and think having it in a book form will make it more of a keepsake.
While you are on Amazon you may also want to check out my latest book – Whispers – Encountering God in Breath Prayers.
Hi Jean! Oh jeez…another trip to the medic for your computer? I am SO sorry. I hope that your drive will be chatting it up with the computer soon!
I really love that quote from Michael Hyatt. I’ll have to write that somewhere prominent, so I can see it during the day. Oh yes, I fail every darn day!
Haven’t started your new book yet, but I’m looking forward to some quiet time with it!
Blessings,
Ceil
Lots of wisdom from Michael Hyatt. I listen to his podcasts too as I exercise. Thanks for buying the book. It is short so won’t take long but i hope becomes a useful reference on breath prayer for others. hope you are having a great week.
Patience—I’m still trying to learn that lesson. 🙂 And technology is definitely a rough teacher! When my computer goes crazy, I usually go crazy with it. ha. Like you, I know it’s not critical in the grand scheme of things, but it has a way of getting under my skin in undue measure.
I read Essentialism a few months back and found it helpful. I usually try to do too many things (and at one time) so I need the lessons taught in it.
Congrats on your book! I love the cover! This is my weekend for the Centering Prayer retreat so I hope to have many hours of being alone with God.
glad to know I am not the only one when tech goes bad, they go bad too. LOL. I think writers are especially prone to this since this is such a major tool for us. Praying for your retreat. Let me know how it goes
You are so right: perspective fosters patience. Note to self: when feeling impatient, look for a fresh perspective. Thank you, Jean!
I would also advice give yourself time and some space. I find I need a day or two to lick my wounds, as they say, then can move forward. It WAS three days from the cross to the resurrection. I kind of think hope works the same way. Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Nancy
Loved reading about all you learned in January, Jean. I just checked back on my January notes and found it was mostly that – notes, mostly ideas and reminders about blog ideas. It is a jumble, but then again, it does reflect my word for the year: Whatever. Because whatever is happening in my life, I know God’s at the helm and will continue to guide me through all my days.
Blessings!
You make me smile. My list and observations for January is a jumbled mess too with scribbles and sticky notes. But we are capturing those fleeting moments and when i look back I see fullness to life. Need to remember that – at least that helps me. Yes, yes God is at the helm – what a great image to cling to. Thanks Martha!!