 Here we go! It's Spring! While some of you may think spring started in March, I need to say that it didn't feel like spring here in the United Kingdom, but it does now. Whatever the weather, I call April- "Spring!" There are enough sites that will tell you how to do your spring cleaning or detox-from-sugar, so I want to look at this season with refreshing colours and a practical activity from a totally different angle...but I'm starting with colours! I'm going for lemon yellow with a little green on the side. For those of you who like to relocate (just itchy feet every few years?) or thought you were moving but it's been cancelled or delayed, getting all the winter colours out of the house and into boxes (loft/garage/ready for the movers) will keep you smiling. You aren't changing furniture, just furnishings. I found a great outlet shop near me and bought two cushions. I'm bringing out the yellow towels from the linen closet. I've taken away the red plant holders and replaced them with yellow ones. It's beginning to look alot like spring around here, at least in my surroundings. But this is also a time in which I want to connect with God in a fresh way. His creativity is busting out everywhere with new life peeking out from the darkness of a winter ground As you know, this isn't a craft website, but I am looking to see how I could be more creative this season. Gardening is not my thing (shades of "why plant a flower you will never see.") I love crafts but you seriously do not read this blog for craft ideas. So, I've decided to have a go at two new (to me) things this season. I've started the flute (packs easily) and I'm having a go with essential oils (on the to-do list for years) and making bath-bombs that I can give to family and friends/teachers/neighbours and as emergency thank you or good-bye presents. Whatever you decide to do to join in the Creativity Season, do get out your planner and jot in actual time for connecting with how God made YOU creative.Not everyone can be an artist, but as we are made in HIs image, and Father God is the creator, we can take a little time to find that seed sewn somewhere in our spirit-to-Holy Spirit connection. I guarantee at least a green shoot of something new in your life. Put it on your "Godly Self-Care" list. While I am personally not a fan of the term "self-care," as my imagination is finite, I do enjoy knowing that the Holy Spirit has some infinitely great ideas that He seems happy to share if we give Him/Her a little listening time. Let's take time to read, and enjoy undisturbed prayer time-and throw in a bath bomb with the surround sound of worship music. You can do this at home or at the in-transit hotel. So, after we have found something in which we can join in with how we are made creatively and we bring out the colours that bring joy in our surroundings, there is one thing left to do. You may be thinking it's spring cleaning-and don't let me stop you! (again, there are plenty of websites that will get you organised, but it's not me!) I want to invite you to something a little different: Dr. Caroline Leaf's 21 Day Detox. This where we spend an hour on day 1 but only 10 to 15 minutes thereafter, to capture any toxic thoughts that have been floating around our brains for awhile and not being very helpful with day to day peaceful living. These are the thoughts that bring anxiety. If you ever wanted to follow the words of Jesus in "be not anxious" but needed a "how-to-class," then this is it! What could be better than to have a Spring Clean of the Mind? Do email me if you have a go with any of the ideas for this month, at: kathleen@relocationmentor.co.uk Facebook page: Kathleen McAnear Smith Have a very blessed April! Kathleen Ever thought you would like to go back to "school" or start a new career but well.....you and your family are on the move again? You know there is a big wide world of websites, but where do you start? I get that!
At the moment my husband and I are in Italy, celebrating his daughter's birthday and enjoying the school-run with a grandson and hanging out with a great son in law. We normally live in England, though I am originally from the USA. We have six adult children between us and seven grandchildren. Anyone would think I have enough to do, and how could I ever schedule classes? Truth is I can't schedule classes. I travel ( Ryan Air Level) between a couple of countries and my family is my first priority. Still, in my iBloom Planner (please note I do not make a commission on the planners-I just love them!) I have set myself 5 projects for the year and one of them is "Final Year of Chaplaincy Studies." Yes, I am studying for a job that doesn't exist in the context of my denomination. In my church, Chaplains are first of all ordained or liscensed pastors and becoming a pastor would be my worst nightmare. No, not for me, the idea of leading a church. Still, I am studying for for the Certificate in Theological Studies with Chaplaincy. Perhaps God will come up with a job when the essays are in! Who knows? But this I do know, I truly enjoy the on-line classes at the world famous Spurgeon's College. The notes and lectures are of such interest that I am not sure I want my studies to finish. At the moment I am deep into Anabaptist history and I can't put down the texts. Thankfully, it seems Amazon can get the textbooks to you in most places. This month I am going to start a list of on-line learning websites that can assist you with possible projects for 2018. Do email me for the list: kathleen@relocationmentor.co.uk The challenge for the month? Decide to start something new! May blessings abound in your month, Kathleen |
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