What I Learned this Fall season

Today’s blog post is linked up with,  Emily P Freeman. She hosts a quarterly series, ‘Sharing What We Learned’, as a way to reflect on the past, sharing lessons learned or new experiences. Check out some other’s, over on Emily’s link up (bottom of her post). Six of the things I learned this Fall season:

• Saying NO is OK. “No, is a complete sentence,” says Anne Lamott. Volunteering is in my blood. My spiritual gift is serving. But lately, I’m learning that in order to be better at my Yeses, I must get better at saying No. It’s hard to not be serving and doing. Saying no to good things, allows time for my best things. My Yes right now is learning how to write and maintain a blog through several online writing programs.

 

• Last month I learned a little about how to use my email service for my blog. Those who subscribe to my blog receive an automatic email each time I post something new. I’m learning I can send my subscribers emails without it being a blog post. Something a little more personal. My first attempt was a simple Thanksgiving graphic, with a short ‘Thankful for you’ note. It was not hard. It didn’t take much time. But I did it by focusing on my yes to writing goals. You can subscribe too, if you’d like, in the box on the right side column of this post. I hope you will join us.

 

• The election last month taught me many things, about myself, others and our country. For myself, it made me realize how much I need Christ, more than ever. I wrote about that here. I learned that people are passionate about what they believe concerning their morals, politics and rights. Sometimes it comes across as mean spirited or even violent, with love being promoted with hate. Our country is more divided than ever but I have hope for America. If I do my part, and you do your part, we can all live in love as Christ loves us.

Remembering the 5th Commandment

• “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” – Exodus 20:8. In September, I read Shelly Miller’s new book, Rhythms of Rest. My review is here. I learned it is healthy to rest, to have times of nothing. I’ve made changes, like periods of disconnecting from social media. I had to do this a lot prior to the election and it’s a change I’m continuing. I’ve made other changes and look forward to my Sabbath times.

• The book of Proverbs has always been my favorite. Last month I started a Bible study of Proverbs with cassettes I’ve had for years from Pastor Charles Swindoll. Wisdom from this book is relevant for today in almost every area I struggle with. I have a Proverbs booklet that was given to me when I was younger, I think from my grandmother. I started reading it again, one chapter each day since there are 31 chapters. I love learning God’s Word!

Changing and letting go makes us beautiful

• Lastly, I learned I want to be like the leaves on the trees in the Fall. No, I don’t want to die yet, but I do need to change and let go of some things. Leaves change, let go, become beautiful again. Changing my attitude to a positive one is letting go of the negative. When I’m positive, people want to be with me more. I feel happier. When I choose to change by forgiving, I’m letting go of bitterness. This, my friend, is freedom. Is there someone you need to forgive? Let go and let God change you. I’m on this journey with you. A journey to freedom, loving and living.

 

 

 

 

 

 

What has the Fall season been teaching you?

Thank you for reading.