As 2016 was winding down I felt like I was one of the only bloggers without a “Word for the Year,” Then, in the final hours, it came to me in the shower – only THE single-most inspiring space in my house. My word for 2017 is really two words: Open Doors. Ever since these words popped into my head and I claimed them as my own, it seems that doors have been flying open all over the place. Either that or I have more awareness of the opportunities before me.
Following are some highlights of What I learned in January:
1. Hubby and I got a chance to go to the NFL playoff game in January, Seattle at Atlanta, and we had a great time meeting and cheering with other Seahawks fans. When my beloved team lost I was sad, yet I learned that Atlanta fans are very gracious. Now I’ll admit that part of that could be that it’s hard to be rude to senior citizens who are dressed from head to toe in action green and Seahawk blue. Anyway, because of their GREAT Southern hospitality I’m cheering the Falcons on to victory in the Superbowl this Sunday.
2. The same weekend we visited Augusta to observe a liturgy given by one of hubby’s friends who recently became a Priest in the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church (AKA the church of Malabar Syrian Catholics). Oh boy did I learn a lot there! Mostly because of my mistakes.
Here they are:
- I sat on the men’s side of the church.
- I didn’t take off my shoes
- I didn’t wear a head covering.
On the plus side:
- The people of the church were very gracious to me, several times showing me where to follow along in the prayer book (I kept losing my place because it wasn’t in English).
- These are a very devout people, standing for much of the 2-1/2 hour long service to read Scripture aloud.
- The church members are extremely close, truly like family. This probably comes from the many hours spent together in church during a typical weekend service.
- The people of this church were very warm and welcoming, even after all my mistakes.
I came away thinking on the many different “flavors” of Christian churches and how, no matter how we worship, it is the heart of the believer that God looks at, not at the style of worship, or outward dress. It was a very good day with new friends.
2. Speaking of appearances, on the referral of my dear friend Holly Solomon Barrett, I learned that I will have the opportunity to speak at an event to benefit New Beginnings in Winchester, Kentucky in March (Yes, open doors). A big plus for me is that this Luncheon is also a Fashion Gala and Auction! How could I possibly resist food, fashion, and shopping all in the same place? Of course I will be looking for something new to wear. What do you think of the above outfit?
3. We had our first Dinner for Eight or as we are calling it, our “Open Doors” dinner (a new thing we will be trying to do once a month) with three other couples this past Saturday night. I learned new things about everyone, especially when we played an icebreaker game called The LYING Game. I won hands down which either means I’m a really good liar or a really good story teller. Seems the truth of my life sounded stranger than fiction to the people around the table. 🙂
4. During January I finished reading (studying, pouring over, meditating on, crying through) the BEST BOOK I’VE EVER READ IN MY LIFE, The Broken Way, by Ann Voskamp. The BEST! REALLY! In fact, I should have applied to be on her launch team because I don’t think anyone could love this book more than I do. I will read it again and again. Don’t you think it’s great how her words about being “the good thing to happen to someone else” goes along with my open doors theme too?
Those are a few highlights of What I Learned in January. Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to read. Cheers to February!
Blessings,
I’ve been known to link up to the following great parties!!!
Sunday:
TheDIYShowoff, LifeOnLakeshoreDrive, SilverPenniesSundays, RusticAndRefined, Spiritual Sundays, GiveMeGrace
Monday:
IShouldBeMoppingTheFloor, TheDedicatedHouse, Dwellings, ProjectInspired, InspireMeMonday, BetweenNapsOnThePorch, CelebrateYourStory, Making Your Home Sing Mondays, What Joy is Mine/Monday Musings, Darling Downs Diaries, The Art of Homemaking, SmallWonder, MomentsOfHope, Glimpses, SittingAmongFriends
Tuesday:
TalkOfTheTown, HomeStoriesAtoZ, AStrollThruLife, CoastalCharm, CedarHillFarmhouse, TuesdaysAtOurHome, TheWinthropChronicles, Rich Faith Rising Unite Linky, Testimony Tuesday,Cheerleaders of Faith,Tell His Story
Wednesday:
SavvySouthernStyle, Posed Perfection, A Wise Woman Builds Her Home, Woman to Woman Word Filled Wednesdays, ChristianBloggerLinkup, Mom’s Morning Coffee, Women with Intention, Coffee for Your Heart, MessyMarriage, ThreeWordWednesday
Thursday:
ShareYourStyle, ImpartingGrace, EmbracingChange, HaveADailyCupOfMrsOlson, MyRepurposedLife, ADelightsomeLife, KatherinesCorner, I Choose Joy, Thought Provoking Thursday, SincerelyPaulas, ThankfulThursdays, ThoughtfulThursday
Friday:
FrenchCountryCottage, TheCharmOfHome, RootedInThyme, TheDedicatedHouseAnythingBlueFriday, ShabbyliciousFriday, Sweet Inspiration, Faith’nFriends, Missional Women Faith Filled Fridays, Dance With Jesus
Saturday:
FunkyJunkInteriors, OneMoreTimeEvents, SaturdaySparks, TheInspirationGallery, Make My Saturday Sweet
I love the “open doors” theme for 2017. I’ve always believed everything happens for a reason, but it’s hard to remember when things are hard. I’m going to try to remember that doors are always opening.
This is one of my favorite posts by you. And yes to the gumball outfit.
Go Falcons!
Thank you sweet Joy! For liking my post and for giving me the go ahead on the gumball outfit. I’ll be ordering it from Nordy’s tonight. Love you and Go Falcons!
Again, a very great post! Thank you for sharing what you learned! I now know who to cheer on this Sunday, and will look forward to it! (I wasn’t even going to watch it!)
I am now in week 2 of The Broken Way study. I need it and love it!!
Finally, my vote is NO!!!! on the above outfit!
Hahaha! No to that lovely outfit? I’m in week two of the study too and I’ve seen your name on the Facebook page 🙂 I haven’t been able to join any live groups on Thursday yet because of my schedule but I pop onto FB once in awhile to see what’s going on. It is SO good! By the way, the Falcons call themselves “dirty birds,” so instead of GO Hawks this weekend I guess it will be GO Dirty Birds. 🙂
Thanks for sharing this post it was wonderful.
Blessings,
Candy
Aw, thank you Candy!
I also loved Ann’s book, and found it to be profoundly life-changing. When I read her first book, I just kept re-reading and re-reading.
And this is my first year ever to have a #OneWord365, so I’m kind of excited about it. It’s so good to be reading your words again, Patti.
Blessings to you, friend.
I’m excited for you that you have a #OneWord365 this year Michele! What did you choose? I have hubby reading Ann’s book now too and I am hoping he gets as much out of it as I did. Blessings friend 🙂
Patti: I’m sure it was a beautiful and mysterious visit to the Syrian Christian Church. I am a Protestant and had the chance to go to a very traditional Catholic church where they still recite the mass in Latin and women cover their heads. They also had a “Marian” procession that day. It was a very moving experience. Over the years, I have learned to have love and respect for many of our various denominations and see that we need different churches to meet the different ways each one of us may find our connection to God. I will also check out The Broken Way. Hope you are having a lovely weekend.
As our old Pastor in Lacey, WA used to say, “There is only one church in this city.” He would then go on to explain about all of the other Christ following churches in our community being part of the one church. I agree that we all have different needs to be met in church. From traditional to charismatic, we have different personalities and different ways of worship. The important thing is where our hearts are with God. Thank you for writing Joanie. God bless!
“Open Doors” is a great theme for the year! I loved reading about all the things you learned in January, and I learned some new things by doing so. 🙂
Thanks so much Kym! I’m glad you took the time to read and comment on my post.
I love your reflections on January. YOU had some amazing adventures. I laughed out loud over your fashion choice above and can’t wait to see what you really choose to wear.
I started reading The Broken Way and just finished listening to Ann’s words at IF Gathering. She is anointed for sure. Love you friend and I pray that February is filled with adventures and God’s peace.
What? You didn’t like my bubble suit? Ah well, I guess I will have to start my search for the perfect dress all over again.
You will love The Broken Way. I’m on my second time through and wow! Just WOW!
Love you friend
Loved your positive perspective Patti! You saw the bright side to everything, even your mistakes. People like you are such a joy and pleasure to be around. Thank you for being a ray of sunshine today!
That is such a sweet thing for you to say Gretchen. Thank you. You brightened MY day!
What a great January, Patti!
Please don’t refer to yourself as a senior citizen and don’t wear the Fruit Loops outfit… they just aren’t you. XO
I LOVE your “words” for 2017! And even more hearing about all your open doors. Congratulations on the speaking gig! You’ll rock their socks off.
Ah, my biggest encourager you are Diane! Thank you so much. Praying showers of blessings on you today!