What I Learned
I love lists, and they're very popular in the blogging world these days. So, lately I've been thinking about what I learned in 2018, what's working for me right now, what didn't work this year, my favorite things, top books I read, things God did in my life and what my plans are for next year. I could probably write 10 blog posts with different lists, but instead I've briefly covered all of the above....below.
God answers prayer. This summer, exactly nine years after our walk and talk through Sevilla when we decided to pursue the ministry it seemed God was calling us to, we arrived in Spain.
God's timing is always perfect (that's obviously related to number 1). Even now that we're here, it doesn't always seem this way. Many times we've wondered why we didn't experience all we're going through six years ago. For the most part, though, we continue to see what God was doing for those 9 years, in our spiritual walks, in our family, and in Spain. We're here for such a time as this, though we continue to depend on God to show us exactly what this is.
I need to read more. As I made my way through the entire Anne of Green Gables series this fall, I remembered that I love to read and I need to always have a book on my nightstand. In 2019, I intend to reach for books instead of my phone much more frequently. I own this series thanks to a dear friend and partner who gave them to me when she was preparing for a huge move. What a gift!
Bookdepository.com offers free shipping worldwide! Prices are comparable to Amazon and so far only a few out-of-print books have been hard to find. Here's the kids' wishlist.
Anne taught me SO much. I want to cultivate the same love for nature in my life. She tells appreciation stories like a pro, learned to manage her strong emotions, and depended on God to get her through painful circumstances, like losing her first baby, and sending two sons to war.
My theological muscles were exercised while reading these delightful books, though, because Anne's world was mostly about earning God's favor with good behavior. As I read, I found myself looking for God's grace and His many free gifts, especially for my children, in my every day life.
I probably learned more about World War I from Rilla of Ingleside than any of my history classes (in college I focused on Latin American History).
Creating a home from almost nothing is so fun! We shipped a crate to Spain, but it was mostly books and basic kitchen tools. I'm so glad to have my stainless steel and cast iron pots and pans, but it was so fun to buy all new furniture and decorations. I have learned so much from The Nester, especially from her Cozy Minimalist classes. Parks in our area are perfectly landscaped and manicured, so I became a crazy nature lady one day when I was trying to build a stick bouquet for my winter decor. In order to find loose sticks, I had to extract them from behind fenced in undeveloped land. Fun times!
Ministry, even long-awaited and much-wanted, involves sacrifice. I never want to think about what we gave up to come to Spain, because we are truly living our dream. But I have shed a lot of tears and asked a lot of questions over some of our sacrifices, including home educating the Charlotte Mason way.
Jesus is worth it. I may feel unqualified and weak for the task in Spain. But by the grace of God, I have walked another year with my friend Jesus, and I am better for it because He is perfect, He loves me, and He is with me. I shall never give that up.
What did you learn in 2018? What are some of your favorite things from the year? What's working for you? What's not? How can we pray for you as 2018 comes to a close?
P.S. I'm an INFJ, and my favorite phrase is "I don't have mental space for that." Another thing I've learned is I don't have mental space for putting beautiful photos in my blog. If you're into the visual, join me on Instagram at @mrsduryee. I frequently microblog there, and there's always a photo. I'm working on beautiful flat lays and what graphic design I can do from my phone.