Out my Window: sun is coming up over the hill, rain droplets on tree branches are glistening, blue sky
Enjoying: a few more bonus fall days, mini space heater fireplace, fall candles, twinkles lights, family time, flowers from a friend, three little plants from my friend’s plant
Listening to/Watching: Holy Post interview was on redeeming social media, not just abandoning ship. Podcast | Holy Post I finished listening to Trevor Noah’s Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood. https://www.amazon.com/Born-Crime-Trevor-Noah-audiobook/dp/B01IW9TM5O/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2FOVTA6OQ6VWE&dchild=1&keywords=born+a+crime&qid=1605365813&sprefix=Born+a+Cr%2Caps%2C178&sr=8-2 If you can filter through profanity, I highly recommend it. It was enjoyable but also deeply profound. His insights into the human soul, religion, racism, class division, identity, and more were worth this listen (or read). (PSA: there are some triggers with his mom being in an abusive relationship, some crudeness at times, and profanity) I have The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson cued up to listen to next. Amazon.com: The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration (Audible Audio Edition): Isabel Wilkerson, Robin Miles, Brilliance Audio: Audible Audiobooks Not sure if I will commit to this one or another.
Reading: Beside my bed: Still reading Jen Pollock Michel’s book Surprised by Paradox: The Promise of And in an Either-Or World. Also reading Dallas Willard’s Life Without Lack: living in the fullness of Psalm 23. Willard’s book has taken most of my reading time focus.
I am also reading C.S. Lewis’ Screwtape Letters.
I am reviewing a study on Habakkuk from Dannah Gresh for Moody Publishing. Hopefully I will have a review up for it this week.
Rambling Thoughts: Gratitude is such an interesting thing. Sometimes it just flows out so naturally. It can’t be helped or stopped, other times, it is a defiant choice. It is contrary to what makes sense. It is no longer a feeling but a conscious effort. Either way, it is always a command. God knows we need gratitude. It is so interesting that gratitude is for the receiver of the good, as well as the giver. Studies show that gratitude decreases anxiety, improves mental health, and more, but sometimes it feels almost cruel to ask someone to choose to be grateful. “Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Thankfully, it says in all circumstance, not for all circumstances, but still that can be just as challenging. So many of my friends had a super hard year. For some their hearts were broken in two by loss or betrayal, and others their bodies or their loved ones’ bodies were broken and are slow to heal, or may never heal. And yet, we are commanded by the One who created us, who is the giver of all good gifts to give thanks in all circumstances, to train our eyes to see what the birds and flowers know by heart that there is an intimate God who is good and loving who showers gifts on the good and the evil. He sends rain and sun for all to enjoy. There are gifts for any person to see in any situation if they choose to look. By looking, we start to see past our circumstances. By looking, we stop treading water and start floating, or if we know the Creator as Savior we can be rescued and set on solid ground. Gratitude is a gift in itself that allows light to enter even the darkest spaces. Gratitude can add air to an oppressive situation. Gratitude can break the grip of despair. Gratitude does not change the circumstances, or take us out of the circumstances, but it adds sight to see beyond the moment, to know there is one bigger than this moment who sees us and knows us and loves us. “Lord I believe, but help my unbelief.”
Fitness and Mental Health: Getting some walks in and still doing Pilates with The Balanced Life Sisterhood https://thebalancedlifeonline.com/ Mental Health: being intentional with my daily gratitude journal, exercise, and continuing to look for beauty are key. Writing the date and day and a brief list of the events of day has been very helpful for my mental health. Numbering my days…
Home: basics, baking for Thanksgiving
Giving Thanks For: Meals on Wheels Ministry, opportunities to serve with a friend, laughter, family time, kindness and prayers of friends, my husband helping to solve some of the issues this week and adding fun and beauty to it, God’s mercies being new every morning, people who challenge and encourage me to think deeper and bigger about ideas and life, well cared for, more beautiful fall days, my home, provisions, rest, so much beauty in this world, good books, challenging thoughts, community, grace, moments as a whole family, God ordering my days, His provisions and reminder of His heart for me
Inkblot Life 