October has always been “my” month. It’s my birthday month and my favorite time of the year because of the gorgeous weather, autumn leaves, and excitement about the upcoming holiday season.
Thus, I always get a little selfish during October. I only do the things I really want to do. This year, that did not involve writing. At all. Not a single blog post or article or devotional. Looking back, I think I needed a break from the pressure I often put on myself. I love to write–until it becomes something on my task list instead of something that flows natural from experiencing life.
So, what did I do during October?
* Turned 34 years old; how is that possible? Most days, I feel younger/better now that I did when I was 25.
* Finished my consulting project and gained some much needed downtime.
* Went on a relaxing vacation with my family to Gulf Shores; it was my niece’s first trip to the beach!
* Chaired an event for Preston Taylor Ministries that turned out beautifully (if I do say so myself!); it was the annual fall dinner banquet to honor PTM volunteers and celebrate joy-filled friendships.
* Spent time repenting and extracting myself from some commitments that I placed on myself but that God wasn’t calling me to do/continue. There are so many good things that I can do, but I find myself filling up my schedule with these things and ignoring God nudging me in another direction.
* Starting jogging/running. I will pause here to let that sink in (for those of you who know me and wonder who just hijacked this blog post). I have always wanted to run, but never really believed I could do it. I would start a program and give up every time it became difficult (which was always in the first half mile). But someone special in my life convinced me that I could do it. And for some reason, his unwavering belief in me carried me through the tough start. I am now up to 4 miles (and loving it) and I plan to run the Boulevard Bolt on Thanksgiving morning!
Now you are caught up on me, for the most part. How was your October?
Hoping that November brings with it a renewed zeal for writing in my life and lots of time to reflect on our sovereign God.
Allison K. Flexer, Author 
The banquet looks wonderful! Love the JOY/PTM center pieces and the dessert table 🙂
I am so impressed! I’m impressed that you’re extracting from “good” things that aren’t the things you’re really feeling called to by the Lord, that you took a break from writing, and that you can run FOUR miles. That’s fantastic. Oh, and the tables look fabulous. I’m going to view the other photos now. I’m glad October was such a wonderful month, and I hope November is even better. Hard to believe it’s almost Thanksgiving. Love you!