Hel-lo, every single one of you awesome people! I can hardly believe its winter again, back in the school routine, back in the chilly frost, and, of course, the eager anticipation of hot chocolate and apple cider! I can say it with a vengeance, especially because we had a beautiful summer and fall where I live, and I enjoyed it so thoroughly that its time for me to enjoy winter just as thoroughly! 😄
I’m so excited to be all cozy in the house while the snow falls outside; to learn beautiful new music on the piano and write songs of God’s faithfulness; to curl up with the Bible and notebook and delve again into the Word; to work hard in this season of work in the hopes that something beautiful and successful will come of it; to give encouragement to others who are in the dumps or struggling; to write letters and emails galore (always at the top of my to do list *cough cough*); and to learn and grow as much as is humanly possible!
I’ve got a set of new goals (following a friend’s advice and prompting questions.) I hope to focus on my favorite hobbies and interests, an idea previously unheard of for me. XD Its my last year of high school *fingers crossed* and so I want to narrow in on a couple of my subjects so I can be a master in them by the end of the school year. I’d love to improve and become more dedicated in my piano, writing, bible study, outdoor leadership, and home-making skills. While I’m going to be studying a lot of different subjects, I hope to become better at these skills because they’re universal, and preparation for life and for the opportunities I hope to take advantage of someday.
Also, my friend Allie over at “The Art Of Blooming”, made a post this month, challenging her readers to make (and smash!) some goals, and promoting a giveaway that she’s hosting! I decided not to participate in the giveaway, but I did make this goals post! (I loved Allie’s goals, because they show a real heart for the future and a commitment to what matters most; loving God and loving people (Danny Gokey, anyone?) So please be sure to check out her post here and make a goals post, if you’re a last-minute kinda person!)
Can you believe its 2022? Can you believe that some of us are fast-approaching graduating? I’ve thought back to my notebook pages where my little seventh grade self planned out my entire high school math curriculum. I shake my head now, because I didn’t follow that plan! In fact, my plans have often changed regarding curriculum, but for the better, every time.
Its easy to see why we change plans. Maybe a course was too much for us, so we switched to one with a lighter workload. Maybe we wanted a challenge, so we sought out an adventure. Maybe our convictions held us back from doing something we wanted to do, or pushed us towards something we wouldn’t have otherwise chosen. Such is life; we are always changing, always growing, but still staying true to who we are and what we believe.
What is not so easy to see, is why God changes our plans. Sometimes, we’ve dreamed and thought and prayed, but it just isn’t possible or scripturally supported. We work hard and have a goal, but our convictions and values clash with those of this world. Its easy to be tempted to give up on values to get what we want, to compromise just this once so we can touch the sky …
But eventually you’ll fall back to the ground again, and then comes another opportunity for compromise. And another. And another. And with each compromise, you lose yourself and become someone else.
So don’t compromise. I know its hard not to be able to do something you’ve forever dreamed of, or to give up something you’ve always loved. But if taking the pleasant path means going against what you believe, then I’d suggest that what started out looking pleasant, might turn out to involve a lot more heartache than you’re anticipating.
So don’t compromise. Follow the light. Walk the narrow way. Don’t give in to the temptation to conform. Because we are not called to do what we want. We are called to be different.
” I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
~ Romans 12:1-2, ESV
How have all of your goals been doing, my people? Recently, I finished my term papers for Grade 11, and I am so psyched about that!! I just started Grade 12 and have been really enjoying the amazing subject matter in my Grade 12 courses from the Ron Paul Curriculum, an awesome liberty-minded online homeschool curriculum. I highly recommend it for those who are considering homeschooling, and who are able and willing to do college-level work! I’m currently taking American history, American literature, and Government. (Take a wild guess where my interests lie! 😉)
I’ve also been loving every snowfall (It doesn’t make the weather any colder, it just makes the scenery more beautiful! 😂 I’ve also been baking and cooking often, and learning a lot about the art of making food. I’m so grateful to my mom for training me and showing me everything I didn’t know!
So what were my December Goals? See below!
- Play the piano every weekday, at least 45 minutes. Learn “Reiterstuck”, “Dance of the Marionettes”, and “In the Evening”.
- Take care of my skin.
- Go hiking!
- Start – and rock – Grade 12!
- Answer emails faster!
- Start a 1000 Skips Challenge! (More on this in a future post …)
- Bake pie every week! 😉
- Rock everything! XD
May we all live life a little slower, more appreciative of the beautiful blessings hidden in the cool morning air, in the hoarfrost on our skeletal trees, in the feathery snowflakes falling from the sky, in each foggy breath we exhale. May we work hard, leaning on His strength and doing our best when we ask Him for success and a clear head. May we stand in child-like wonder at the sound of voices lifted up in praise, at God’s promises in His Word, at the love He shows us every day through our families and friends!
I hope you all enjoy your winter! Have an amazing day!! 🤗
Yah's Girl 