Ecclesiastes 3:1 says: To every thing, there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven. January is a season of rest and refreshing. This holiday season was one of the best and busiest I have had in a long time. While I enjoyed it, some of my priorities had to be rearranged. Now is the time to get back on track.
We have taken down the holiday decorations. We left them up through the 12th day of Christmas, and now the house looks kinda sad and bare. That is not necessarily a bad thing because what I have now is a clean slate! Since my word for the year is intentional, I'm making intentional decisions on my redecorating. Just because that picture has been there for the last 10 years doesn't mean it has to stay there.
This scripture spoke to me about what January is to be this year.
So repent (change your mind and purpose), turn around and return (to God) so that your sins may be erased (blotted out, wiped clean) that times of refreshing (of recovering from the effect of heat, or receiving fresh air) may come from the presence of the Lord.
Acts 3:19
A time to change my mind and set my purpose for the upcoming year.
A time for recovering from the heat of a busy holiday season.
A season to receive refreshing breath from the presence of the Lord.
So I am intentionally setting aside time for a personal retreat. My goal is to bask in the presence of the Lord and hear my purpose for 2023 and be refreshed.
January can be that time for you also. Take a few minutes every day to breathe in the Lord's presence and be refreshed. If you are interested in taking a personal retreat, I have a blog (It's Time for a Personal Retreat) and guide to give you a few ideas and help get you started.
January home deco reflects this time of refreshing.
Your January home should reflect your idea of what is refreshing.
Is it white, bright, and clean? Warm, soft, and cozy? Cool, calm, and tranquil? Or a combination of them all? Mine is a combination, depending on the room. Warm, soft, and cozy for the living room, cool, calm, and tranquil for the bath.
Here are a few ideas to combat that blaa and bare look left after the Christmas decorations come down.
Use pillows, throws, and quilts to add color and comfort to any room.
Add plants and flowers for a refreshing feeling. My house doesn't have a lot of light, so I use silk flowers and plants where necessary. I love the snowman pick!
Check out your local thrift and antique shop for some new additions.
This is becoming one of Steve's and my favorite dates. We love to look for unique pieces we can use as is or repurpose. Then we add lunch somewhere fun.
How are you welcoming January and its new season into your home?
Plan your personal retreat with this guide!
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1 comment
As I packed away my Christmas decorations, I too “redecorated” by putting things in different places or I left them in a box to be used later or donated. I used to make sure that everything went back to it’s original place. I think it started when I put my Christmas decorations in different places this year.
May you be blessed in your intentionality during 2023!