Out my Window: A few mornings of beautiful stars and gorgeous sunrises. As much as I do not like getting up early in the dark, I love seeing a sunrise. The one morning reminded me of the beach.
Enjoying: New flowers… I split them up and put then in a few spots to keep the hope of Spring alive. I have a bowl of clementines on my counter. The pop of orange makes me happy. Still lighting the lemon sugar cookie candle. Thoroughly enjoyed the couple of Spring like days we had. Windows were open. I felt like a new woman. Remembering that Spring is coming.
Listening to: Heath McNease’s new album Be Clean Again He is so talented with pretty much every genre of music. (Rap/Hip Hop, Folk…)
Borrowed some TFK and Disciple from my boy for the gorgeous Spring days to rock out to as I drove with my windows down.
Still hanging out with Annie F. Downs on That Sounds Fun Podcast. Enjoyed this one with the author of Get Weird by C.J. Casciotta (Side note:He was a kid that was part of a youth group Don helped with years ago) http://www.anniefdowns.com/2018/09/17/that-sounds-fun-episode-100-cj-casciotta/
Needed some encouragement and firing up, so pulled up some Christine Caine https://catalystleader.com/watch/christine-caine-catalyst-atlanta-2018
Watched/listened to a few of the Catalyst videos : Beth Moore (PSA: her outfit is distracting, but a good word) https://catalystleader.com/watch/what-are-you-leaning-on and Chad Veach https://catalystleader.com/watch/the-horizontal-gospel
Reading: Still reading Michael Cards’ Inexpressible: Hesed and the Mystery of God’s Lovingkindness I was so thrilled when I stumbled on this new book by him. I fell in love with the word Hesed last year and became obsessed with finding out about it. Apparently, Michael Card did too. He is a deep and profound thinker, so I am thankful to have this book to continue to process Hesed and thankful for the timing of it during Lent.
He keeps repeating this phrase to describe Hesed that I love very much: “When the person from which I have a right to expect nothing gives me everything.”
Pondering: Getting off my mat. Christine Caine (see above link) challenged leaders to ask God where we might be on a mat, preventing fruit from growing, and making excuses. Asking God to show me the areas where I may have laid back down and stopped persevering. (Just FYI He is faithful to show us.)
Learning: Giving another go around to transitions, and helping everyone in our family get where they are going in life. Trying to not stress, and trust that God is working all our plans for His glory and our good. Realizing that my body is really good at calling my bluff. When I think I am fine but I am really stressed inside, my body decides to declare the stress with hives and itchiness. Learning to lean into God with the unsettledness of life.
Home: Nice weather is the antidote to encourage me to clean and do stuff. I am subbing a lot, so not so much is happening on the home front as I desire but trusting we will get there.
Fitness and Mental Health: Again nice weather… antidote to sluggishness. Went for a few schlogs (shuffle/walk/jog). Joined a friend in a push up challenge and embraced the mantra again, “Every rep makes me stronger.” https://inkblotlife.com/2018/09/06/reps/ Did some stretching yoga on days when weather took a turn. I am reminded that exercise is my keystone habit. (The Power of Habit Charles Duhrigg- one of my favorite books on habits and brain. I highly recommend it.) When I am exercising, it puts the rest in place, including mental health.
Giving Thanks: For a time to celebrate with a friend at her wedding. So thankful for how God redeems and blesses in ways that we cannot imagine or ask. Thankful for time with some most excellent Titus 2 women at the reception. Thankful that God’s mercies are new every morning. Giving thanks for how God continues to give generously to me even though I do not deserve it.
Inkblot Life 