Happy Monday.
Well, it’s back to reality!
The decorations have been put away. I miss the color, the lights.
My Christmas CDs have been stored until next year’s holidays.
Instead of finding warm Christmas letters, cards, and expressions of love from friends I only hear from once a year, it’s back to the bills and junk mail.
The news says it’s a bad flu season and once again we are being awakened (too early) by the alarm for our busy days.
Bah! Humbug!
Does it have to be Blue January? It’s up to me, to you.
One reason I enjoy Christmas so much is because I get outside myself more, planning what I want to give, to send.
Can’t we do that in January?
Often I hear the phrase “simple acts of kindness.” And isn’t it true that small acts, a smile, kind word, someone who “looks” at you, “notices” you, makes your day? And these are free gifts at our disposal to give.
The teller at my bank, who has waited on me for many months, is always so cheerful, courteous. I nearly always leave thanking God for her because she really lifts my spirit.
“What sunshine is to flowers, smiles are to humanity. The smile on your face is the light in the window that tells people you are at home.” —Apples of Gold
I no longer make “resolutions,” but I always ponder the blank pages of a new year and want to grow in some way. Eating more healthy, exercising some, etc.
A good start would be looking again at the two great commandments and live them.
1. Love God, the source of love, with your whole being.
2. Love your neighbors “as” yourself.
Don’t overlook the little word “as.” Be good to you!
Take a mini vacation often, even daily. Perhaps 15 minutes with a hot fragrant cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate (yum). Put your feet up, with the strain of soothing music in the background enjoy your time with you. Why not? You’re special.
My husband interpreted Psalm 71:3 literally (in Hyles’ fashion).
“Be thou my strong habitation whereunto I may continually resort…”
He said, God is our warm, inviting “home” and a “resort” to which we can go for refreshing.
Can’t go to the warm Caribbean? Go to your Heavenly Resort for rest, and it will show in your behavior to your neighbors.
Monday with Beverly 
This was good; making this year count. God bless you and happy New Year!
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Thank you, Mrs. Hyles! I always enjoy reading your thoughts! Love, Helen
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Love your Monday blog,very encouraging, I feel like Im sitting at Hylander Wives listening to you speak,
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Thank you for the message. Great inspirational words.
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Mrs. Hyles, I enjoy so much reading your encouraging remarks each week! Thank you so much for each word and thought you share!! Thank you for your faithfulness in serving our Lord and being a blessing to all!! God bless you!! Love you!!
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Dear Mrs. Hyles,
I remember how sweet you and your smile was when I was in college and at Church. Your personality was so sweet and gracious. I’ve known a few others like that. You want to be around them. They were Southern Belles Too! You are right, a smile can do a lot for someone.
Thank you for your reminders, they are so important. I may listen to my Christmas CD’s one more time before I put them away. Thank you so much for your blog. Many of them have spoken to my heart.
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Wonderful reminder, as always. Thank you & Happy New Year!!
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Mrs. Hyles,
Thanks you for these little reminders. They help so much in how I live life each day. Your blog is such an encouragement. Love you Sweet Lady!! Until Next week!
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Your words are like sitting with you enjoying a cup of coffee. I love these ideas to start of this new year..thank you for always encouraging myself and others♡♡ lv nancy
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This morning, your blog reminded me so much of the outlook on life that Bro. Hyles possessed. He always could find enjoyment in the simple and mundane. Thanks for the reminders. I look forward to your uplifting and encouraging thoughts every Monday morning.
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Happy new year to you! Maybe The Lord will come this year and take us all home, but until then we can take mini vacations to keep ourselves encouraged! I relax with a good book, my Bible and playing the piano and like Mrs. Gray, I love to look at albums and “remember.” Your Monday blog is always encouraging to me. God bless you.
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Good morning Mrs. Hyles, and thank you for your blog. Your have made me think of things I already knew to do and reminded me of things that I have not thought about in a long time. For me, the music, mini vacations and etc. are a true blessing, as my health keeps me in the house most of the time. Another thing I do when the blues come tip toeing up behind me is to look at one of the many picture albums I keep around our home. Reminds me of our children when they were little, happy events such as the birth of new grandchildren and now great-grandchildren,(still have a hard time realizing I am a great-grandmother) holiday gatherings and etc. I needed the shake up your blog gave me. Keeps my chin up, and a smile on my face. You mentioned neighbors. We have a neighbor lady who is in her 30’s. She nearly died twice this year, but now is on the road to a partial recovery. I didn’t nearly die twice this past year, so I have much to be happy about. God bess, take care and love ya lots, Mrs. Lee Ann Gray
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Thank you for this! Have a great day!
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Happy New Year, Mrs. Hyles! Thank you for the uplifting Monday posts.
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