#interruptionscanbeblessings  by: Deborah Ard
Interrupt: stop the continuous progress of (an activity or process)
Interruption: an act, utterance, or period that interrupts someone or something
Let’s face it, we humans do not like to be interrupted. Whether we are working, reading, relaxing, on the go, etc., we do not like for our current path to be changed or interrupted.

We often perceive it as a nuisance or aggravation. But perhaps we should “seize the moment” and allow these interruptions to affect us in a positive way. Or perhaps we allow the once perceived aggravation to be an opportunity for us to affect others in a positive way. Perhaps we should change our perspective. The Bible tells us:
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 NIV
As 2018 begins and I embrace my word for the year of hospitality, I have also decided to focus on decluttering and organizing my house so that I may more confidently practice hospitality. Therefore I have subscribed to a daily email with pointers on decluttering. For the first week of January the overall focus is the kitchen with daily goals that focus on certain areas of the kitchen. On one particular day this week the focus was on the under the sink area. Needless to say, that area for me is a “catch-all” area for miscellaneous items. Initially I read the article but really didn’t make an effort to work on it right then. As I went about my morning I decided to work on the decluttering challenge from the previous day which was to organize and streamline the area around the sink and counter. As part of that I decided to move a basket to the “under the sink” area because it contained items that I don’t use daily. As I began moving some items under the sink I discovered that they were soaking wet. My initial response was to panic and to get upset because I had apparently discovered a problem. But thankfully God gave me a sense of peace as I investigated the source of the water. I found that the water was actually dripping from the garbage disposal. After texting my husband for information he advised I just not use that side of the sink for now. Meanwhile I had a mess with all of the “under the sink” clutter pulled out on the floor around me. Again my initial response was to become aggravated and frustrated and again God changed my outlook and helped me realize this was an opportunity to jump in with both feet with decluttering under the sink as I had just read in the email I received that morning. See how quickly God changed my perspective on a once perceived “disaster?”
Meanwhile this was the day we were to return to school after Christmas break but school had been cancelled due to predicted inclement weather. As predicted we got snow…which is very unusual for the coastal area where we live. While I could have become frustrated at the thought of my original plans for the week being interrupted, I decided to begin my hospitality goal by inviting some young adult neighbors who have become like family to us to have supper with us that evening. They ended up coming over earlier in the day and played in the snow with my children. At dinner that evening we shared not only food but lots of stories and laughs. We even made snow cream! The next day they came over and we spent the morning talking, watching tv and then playing outside together again. We even made our very own version of a coastal snowman. If I had been grumpy for being “stuck” in the snow I would have missed out on special memory making with this special three young adults. Interruptions can be our biggest blessings.
So my desire is as we all begin 2018 may we each incorporate an open mindset into our daily walk so that as “interruptions” occur we may allow God to mold our perspective into a positive outcome. Perhaps we should look at interruptions by thinking of its synonyms: interval, interlude, break, and pause.
How do you respond to interruptions? What can you resolve to change so you are able to let God work in and through your interruptions? How can you respond positively to daily interruptions? Will you allow God to change your perspective? By doing so you may receive your biggest blessings!

#LearningToWriteInPencil by: Julie Wicker
I love a to do list. I especially love when I get to start a new clean notepad or journal. I often plan more than what is reasonable for me to get accomplished in a day. At work I’ve learned to use Microsoft desktop Sticky notes, that are an ongoing “To Do” or a “One Day” this will get done. Often, I get frustrated when I don’t get things checked off the list. The frustration can bleed into my personal time with my family and cause me not to enjoy the moment which then can steel my joy. This is what lead me to picking my 2017 word, Flexibility.
As it says in Proverbs 16:9 we can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.
Well as most of you know my daughter Kendal broke her arm this summer. Of all things I was at a planning meeting for church when it happened. This was an important interruption to my day, and coming weeks. My calendar soon became filled with doctor’s appointments. Of course, we will do anything for our children, I did not see this a burden but a necessity to fulfill my #1 job as a mom. In return less, important things had to be rearranged on my Calendar, wait I don’t own a calendar………….
This got me thinking I would buy a calendar for 2018.

I recently read a devotional that encouraged me to examine my calendar and see where I spend my time. So rather than a busy To Do list that gets thrown away each day or the next couple days if things get carried over lol, I would be able to take a step back and see where I was spending my time. This way I could truly see if I have my priorities lined up, God First, Family Second, Career, and Service third.
I’ve also come to learn that writing in pencil vs. pen, means there is room for making time for the right relationships depending on the circumstances for that week. We can make plans, but ultimately, we don’t know what tomorrow holds. I need to be flexible.
I’ve had to learn the hard way that being busy doesn’t always mean we are being productive.
My desire for all of us is that 2018 will be a productive year filled with quality things not just a To Do list. After all, “Quality Time” is a love language and just happens to be a common one in my family.
Have you examined your calendar recently? Do you know what your love languages are?
If you haven’t taken the love language test I encourage you to check it out. Gary Chapman has one for both adults and children.

www.5lovelanguages.com

The Wicker household results;
Julie & Kendal #1 Words of Affirmation #2 Quality Time
Hollie & Trevor # Quality Time # 2 Words of Affirmation