What I Learned in January

January has come to an end! Here are some things I learned in the last 31 days:

1. The Superbowl brings us together. It is less than 24 hours until our Seahawks play in the Superbowl for the 2nd year in a row. Everywhere around town I see blue and green and 12's, flags on cars, signs, and jerseys. Despite differing views on politics, faith, careers, parenting etc. our team has brought us together as a community who is united. Strangers talk to each other and conversations end with "go hawks!" People seem friendlier...We have spirit in the Seattle area and it is contagious! Wouldn't it be wonderful if all the believers could be as "fired up" for Jesus and always end our conversations with Go God or God Bless!!?...

2. The Roasted chicken in front is fine. Tip: Do NOT try to reach over the front chicken under the lights thinking it will be fresher. (You know, like you reach to the back for the freshest milk carton?)

Those warmer lights are HOT and my right ring finger burn can prove it! (This was last week's Seahawk's manicure.)

3. When your team is in the Superbowl you are tempted to spend money and do daring things. Jersey? Check-given to me a couple years ago by my sweet hubby. Necklace? Check-a gift. Handmade yarn scarf? Check-bought from a friend at church. Headband? Check-I made it at work. Boot toppers? Check-found last year at a cute local boutique. Hat? YESsss! When we found out we were going to be in the Superbowl again, I splurged. Nails? Yep. Garden Flag? Check-ordered last season. (I gave my Colts flag and dog scarf to my sister in Indiana.) Pet scarves? Check. Clearance t-shirt from last year's Superbowl? Check-I purchased it last night. Perhaps I need to stop?!

 My friend convicted me. My savvy friend who leads our Dave Ramsey classes reminded me to stay in my budget. Do you have a good friend who reigns you in? Instead of WWJD, I will now ask myself WWDD~what would D___ do.

There is a pet toy I saw today that I wasn't even tempted to buy. There is no need in our home for the tennis ball on a Hawks tug rope. Our dog Sydney doesn't ever chase balls. Think of the money I saved! Enough to buy outdoor green and blue lights???

Thursday at MOPS I even had a blue and green hi-light painted in my hair. That is a first. Oh, I always get hi-lights, they're just usually blond! Pretty daring for a 50-something "girl" huh?

4. Despite the acquisition of all things Seahawkish,  I am really trying hard to learn to stop focusing on things and to be content. I am reading a really good book (pictured below) and I recommend it. The author's descriptions resonate with me. Ruth writes from a Christian perspective and backs up her ideas with scripture. I am blessed...

I am simultaneously reading a book called "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying up" by Marie Kondo. This is not a Christian book (sort of Japanese/Feng Shui) but is helpful. One of her tips is to actually hold every item as I clean and purge and ask myself this question:"Does this spark joy?" I will be thinking much more carefully before I spend money and/or bring anything else into our home.

5. Sometimes You Tube videos mirror life. Sort of.  I found a fitting video today since I actually was at Michael's buying supplies to make Valentine's crafts that I saw on Pinterest.  Enjoy this You Tube video! I need to get busy and start cutting and knitting!

6. The M and M bag of candy divides perfectly. I sorted the bag into three groups: blue and green for the party tomorrow (Go Hawks!), brown and orange for my Bronco-loving daughter in law, and then I noticed the leftovers were red and yellow, my college sorority colors! Cardinal and Straw!

Chi Omega colors! Hoot hoot!

The month of January taught me even more lessons, but I think my list is long enough for now. I'm linking up with Emily P. Freeman at "Chatting at the Sky." She is a great author and you will enjoy her blog! As always, thank you friends, for reading See Jane Learn and fingers are crossed for another Seahawk victory!!

In His Grip,

Jane

xo

Do You Have Prayer Triggers?

Do you have prayer triggers? Things that you hear or see that immediately send your mind and heart into prayer-mode? This week my "prayer life" has been extra busy. My new kitchen calendar was bought at Anthropologie because I liked the travel-themed pictures. Paris is featured this month. Who knew that Paris in January would become the scene not of "all things chic" but instead the scene of a horrific terrorist attack. Now when I glance at my calendar my mind instantly prays for the victim's families and that love would win over evil.

While I was at work I realized that every time I hear the chair upstairs in the hair salon above Charlie Barnes roll across the floor, my mind zooms to my sweet friend Beth. This Mama friend of mine is currently spending most of her time right now in L.A. with her son who has been in the hospital for quite some time. She is one of the most amazing, Godly women I know. She also gets her hair done upstairs when she comes home to the Harbor. See the connection? I hear the activity in the salon, thus I think and pray for the Moss family.

I have a friend from church who obeyed God's call on her life and she's currently teaching preschool in Swaziland, Africa. You can follow her adventures here on facebook or follow her blog. One of the things she misses about being far away from home is her favorite Starbucks coffee. Now each time I see a Starbucks sign or cup I think and pray for Tiersa. Maybe now you will too?...

I have lots of prayers I'm not mentioning, but I do keep a running list on the Notes app of my phone and computer. I've organized them by topics and groups; praise, world, healing, family, friends, church, work, needs I become aware of, etc. I want to be intentional in bringing my prayers to God.

My puppy dog decided she would like to share some things she's learning. Here is the first installment of:

 "SCRIPTURE WITH SYDNEY."

"The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants and grows into a tree where birds can find shelter in its branches." Matthew 13:31-32 NLT

I am on meds but apparently I am still allergic to fleas. One flea bite, just one... jumped off Tigger, before they took him to the groomer, and it caused a huge disruption in my quality of life. My pet parents are upset that I've been biting, scratching and keeping them awake at night. They even kicked me out of their bedroom last night!

"I want to do what is good, but I don't. I don't want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway." Romans 7:9

Case in point. I don't WANT to chew myself raw and be forced once again to wear my Cone-of-shame, but here I go again! I suppose it's for my own good and because they love me... Until next time, Sydney.

Can I, little old me Jane, make a BIG difference in the quality of life for those around me? Can I be as tenacious as a flea (without being annoying?)

How about you, do you have things that trigger prayers or scripture verses?

In His Grip, 
Jane                  Thanks for reading "See Jane Learn!"