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10 Things I Learned in Winter '22

Writer's picture: Candace CoferCandace Cofer

Updated: Mar 31, 2022

Rewind > Reflect > Learn > Grow

Oh hey, short on time? No worries! I'd love to join you on your commute or daily walk/run, or shoot, even while you take care of that to-do list. We can't let these things get in the way of this friendship. It's just starting to get good! Click below to listen to the blogcast.

We're having so much fun in this Bible 101 series. If you've missed a post, I get it! We're taking a quick break this week so I can share what I've been learning this winter with you and we can all do a little catching up on our Bible reading if needed.


This has been one of my favorite posts to write because this winter has meant a lot to me. It was a season marked with simplicity yet burst with giddy sparkles and vibrant technicolor and the beautiful, grounding thought, "I want to remember this," echoing through my mind. Even enduring covid and quarantine, this season held love, comfort, joy and peace. So much peace.



And why the flying pig? Well, that's the best part. This last season, for me, can best be described as that - a flying pig.


For starters, I never thought I'd find a Christmas pig in the yard so adorable, but never say never. And more, the things I learned last Fall to hope for, those things which at the time seemed so out of reach that would only happen "when pigs fly," well, they started happening. It's been quite remarkable.


And, I must say starting this season rewind series with you a year ago has been one of the most life-giving practices for me. I genuinely hope it has inspired you to reflect on your own changing seasons as we make room for the power of gratitude to drown out any false sense of lack present within us.


Without further ado, here are ten things (not all the things but ten things) I've learned this last season.


1. Everything is virtual these days.

Even Christmas presents! Leave it to my creative sister to give me a virtual massage this year. And because it's so fun, I'm sharing one with you!


...because no one quite knows where those knots are like YOU. - my oh so thoughtful sister [insert sarcasm]

Enjoy! Maybe send a "virtual massage" to someone you know and let them work out their own knots...



2. They're called "sticky notes" because the words "stick" with ya.

Post-It notes are completely underrated. Grab one or two (or three or twelve) and write an encouraging word to share with someone. It will make them smile. Guaranteed.


And best part, they can read it again and again.

And thus, smile again and again.


Be intentional with those in your circle. Our world could really use more of this.


3. My new favorite b- word... Burpee.

But only when "bungee" precedes it! Click "Play" to see what I mean...



4. They don't make 'em like they used to...

Okay. Am I the only one who did not know about these contraptions? Am I the only one who reads "chopped pecans" in a recipe and either buys the pre-chopped package or pulls out the cutting board and knife and gets to choppin'?


Because I really don't think I am, I'm letting you in on a secret... They don't make 'em like they used to...


Baking with Grandma this last Christmas, and she pulls out this cup thing with a handle like a Jack-in-the-Box toy. I was unimpressed and confused. What is this?


Then I realized. Oh baby. This is the best way to chop pecans. It's so easy. Just wind and enjoy!


And when Grandma calls it "sinful pudding"... oh, you know it's good!


5. Keep it simple.

There's something quite beautiful about simplicity. No frills. No production. No pressure. Just be.


Try it sometime. Invite someone over for a Monday night dinner. You can wear sweats or put on a fancy outfit just for fun. Make dinner together or pick up some take-out. Maybe go for a walk around the neighborhood or linger at the table in conversation. Make up silly knock-knock jokes on the fly or laugh over cheesy pick-up lines. It doesn't really matter, just enjoy spending time with one another.


What you do is less important. It's who you're with that makes the simple so extraordinary.


6. Shania sticks, too.

Isn't it crazy how you can hear a song you first heard decades ago and somehow you still remember every word, every "yeah," every...


Ooh, ah You gotta shimmy shake Make the earth quake Kick, turn, stomp, stomp, then you jump Heel to toe, do si do 'Til your boots want to break 'Til your feet and your back ache Keep it movin' 'til you just can't take anymore Come on everybody on the floor One two, a-three four Hup, two, hup, woo Mmhmm?

She didn't know it, but Shania and I were BFFs in the '90s. And thanks to a fun Christmas gift, we've rekindled this friendship in the '20s.


So much so that when an event at my church required dressing up as a "favorite decade," '90s Country was the "decade" to come to mind. Even Dwight Yoakam shined up his boots and rhinestoned jeans for the fun!


7. It's not your story. It's His.

The thought of sharing our story - the one with ups and downs all along the way - can create those knots we were trying to work out in that virtual massage a few moments ago, but it doesn't have to be this way.


We can share our story, even when it's not all lollipops and rainbows and roses because it's not our story. It's His. And God is more than able to carry the weight of it all.


When you get the opportunity to tell what God has brought you through and what He has done in your life and how He has been faithful, find courage in knowing it's His story


...and He's not done.


8. God's love is the persevering kind.

In reflecting on this a bit more, this truth grabbed my heart -


God never gives up on us.

And that's why we don't give up on ourselves or others.


We continue to pray. We continue to ask for His help and trust Him. Even when it may seem like all is lost, we don't give up. We remember who He is and what He's done. We remember God's love is the persevering kind and He can grant us the grace to love others this way, too.


9. Lean into the practice of Sabbath-ing.

I was given a Sabbath, but I didn’t initially recognize it as such. It wasn’t until talking with a close friend when I realized I was living out this practice of Sabbath, and instead of wrestling and pushing back, I needed to lean into it. (Thankful for a close friend who has a knack for calling me out and lifting me up at the same time.) This friend was right. There was something in this Sabbath - this time of resting - for me.


In resting, I began to learn the importance of creating rhythm for my days.

By rhythm, I mean the small, often overlooked things we do which bring us life. They’re important on the good days but especially on the days when we need something to ground us, when our emotions are tempting to drive.


For me, rhythm is found in time outside - a daily walk or jog (or even enjoying a sunset in a quarantined car), a bowl (or sometimes a cup) of cereal, reading truth, music (in all its forms) in the kitchen, a 3:00 orange (hey, we all have our quirks), moments sprinkled throughout my day in prayer, talking with a good friend, settling down for the day in a clean home… Restful Sundays may be my favorite rhythm of all.


When those we create are positive, rhythms bring rescue because with it comes consistency. Consistency helps give balance in the midst of the up and down fluctuations of our days.


10. Trust God's timing, find refuge in His sovereignty.

Reading The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom this January gave me some much needed perspective.


"His timing is perfect. His will is our hiding place. Lord Jesus, keep me in Your will! Don't let me go mad by poking about outside it." - Corrie ten Boom

"Poking about" - my impatience often looks like this, and "go mad" is exactly how impatience feels. Ever felt that?


Maybe this is because we truly are "mad" to ever think our timing and our plan could ever be higher than God's.


As I mentioned in the Fall Rewind, me and patience tend to have an "embrestle" type of relationship. Some days I embrace, other days I wrestle. Attempting to embrace patience one day looked like writing down time before when God's timing was perfect in my life.


"Your timing was perfect when...

Your timing was perfect when...

Your timing was perfect when..."


It wasn't an exhaustive list but it wasn't a short list either. It helped me see His timing has always been spot-on perfect, why would He fail me now?


When impatience begins to stir within us, we can choose to remember:


His timing is perfect.

His will is my hiding place.

I will rest in His will for my life.


Looking Ahead

Looking back helps us gain perspective as we look forward. My writing year begins in March, and with each new writing year, I ask God to grow me with a new challenge and lead me to it. Last year, He led me west to sunny California and I was able to spend some time at The Oaks, where beautiful friendships and memories were made.


This year -


on the SAME weekend when this whole writing thing started for me two years ago with a plain piece of paper and a prayer... Gosh, His timing is impeccable! He's just showing off now and I'm soooo here for it -


He's leading me east to where I'm sure more beautiful friendships and memories will be made. Pack your bags! We're taking a little road trip!


Oh, and here's that Red Hot Cider recipe I promised ya!

It's simple. No frills. No production. No pressure. Mmm, yes please!


Red Hot Apple Cider

  • 2 qt apple juice

  • 1 c red hot candies

  • 1 tbsp sugar

Stovetop, dissolve sugar in apple juice. Then, add red hots. Stir occasionally to keep candies from sticking to the bottom. Simmer on low. (I'm sure this could also be great in a crockpot!)



Now, it's your turn. What have you learned through this last season?

To help get you started, you can download your FREE printable in the Resources page. (Add your email below to gain access today!)


Let's find strength knowing we do not endure these seasons alone. Let's find joy knowing there is purpose for each season we walk. Let's find peace in reflecting on the lessons learned and accepting these circumstances, much like seasons, as temporary. Let's find rest as we cling to the eternal.


The good life, well it starts with a good day. Then another. Then another. Let's choose to live #TheGoodDay one day at a time.



I love hearing from you, so go ahead. Leave a comment. Be brave. Maybe your comment will speak life into someone else!


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