Happy Monday friends! It has been a weekend around here. Well, I suppose the (technical) weekend was not too bad. It was more of the few days before the weekend that were some of the hardest we have had in awhile. So, in that regard, we headed into the weekend with heavy hearts and looking for some peace. The Lord provided both. Our situation is still quite difficult – and will probably be the start of season for us – but God continues to calm our hearts and to provide peace. Which, admittedly, sometimes can feel odd. I cannot adequately explain myself but I am grateful for a calm(er) weekend and a nice Sunday with my church family yesterday.
I did miss posting on Friday. That certainly could not be helped. And my mind is still a bit shuffled but Monday is always a clean slate. Especially for me mentally. I am thankful for this new morning….and the new mercies that come with each new morning. Let’s start this week with an abbreviated daybook or look at the the world through my view.
Outside my window. It is humid and more humid. There is plenty of cloud cover which really helps with the morning walk. But that humidity still has you dripping just walking to the mailbox. Everything is in full bloom and they (the HOA) cut the (common area) grass on Friday. Everything looks like happy and sunny outside.
Around the house. Inside, there is plenty of sunshine so things look sunny. (That sun likes to expose the need for another dusting. Sigh) Not sure things look quite as “happy” as there are reminders of the changes and other hard things around here. Not trying to be dramatic but am trying to remain vague. I will say I wrote about doggies on Friday. Did you see that post? Our little granddog has been my little sidekick lately and, yes, I must admit, she brings much happiness to all of us.
On the to-do list. More clean-up. Rearranging and/or re-establishing order. And calm. I also have ASL class this afternoon. We have been on a bit of a hiatus and I’m not sure I remember much of anything. I also need to finish up VBS decoration prep. All of the fun starts next Monday so I, obviously, need to done soon. This has been fun but, admittedly, I will be happy to have the bits and bobs of crafting and creating western themed decor pieces out of the house. Will be nice to be done with that project.
On the menu this week. I actually have not yet made a menu for this week. For the last two weeks, we have been using up and/or clearing out the freezer. Stuffed freezers (and refrigerators) make me stressed. Extra stress is one thing I do not need. Keeping the freezer about a third full (if it is all necessary) is good for me. I recently emptied it, scrubbed it and then organized it. I can see everything in neat rows now. Ahhh. That said, we are down to the basics and I am needing a few groceries. But, first, I need a menu. Our appetites are much lighter in the summer. We have been eating a lot of salads and my husband often does not want a meat entree. So exactly what is on the menu this week? I guess I don’t know. More salads??:)
On my mind at the beginning of the week. God’s peace. Peace that, yes, passes understanding. That even might feel inappropriate. At least for those of us who’s natural default is worry or anxiety. Especially for us who are moms and/or wives and our families are involved. Being able to lay down at night and actually fall asleep (and then stay asleep) when our homes (or the lives of ones we so fiercely love) are fraught with incredible storms…well, that can feel wrong. I mean, a “real mom” would either be up all night in tears or in prayer. And neither are wrong. But peace that I cannot explain – that is a gift of God – is not wrong either. It sincerely is a gift and one that I am grateful for. The storms are not over but I know that God is in the midst of the storms and, like Him, I can rest (and even find sleep) as we navigate these storms. Again, not trying to be dramatic but I sincerely want to give Him praise. And to thank Him.
What are you thankful for this morning? I’d love to hear. Maybe something as simple as a sunny morning, a good’s night rest or that first cup of coffee today. But if you’re day looks a bit cloudy, or even stormy, I pray you can find extra peace as we begin this new week. Thanks for stopping by, friends.
Jennifer, I’m sorry that you are going through a rough season right now. I am so thankful that you have had the peace of God as you navigate through these trying times for you and your husband.
With the weather this hot and humid, salads every day of the week sounds like a wonderful menu. 🙂
Take care, my friend. xx
I’m sorry to hear you’re going through a stressful time. How wonderful to have peace that passes understanding even in the midst of hard times. And here I was feeling sorry for myself that I did not have good nights’ sleep and feel cranky and tired this morning (and have VBS this evening- it’s gonna be loud and ideally I wouldn’t be dead tired for it!!). Anyway, I’m thankful that we got a lot of rain this morning. The plants sure did need it. I’ll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Oh my goodness, the dandelion header is exquisite and your darling little granddog is so cute! I am so very sorry things have been stressful, and wish only the happiest moments and many blessings for you and your loved ones in the weeks ahead.
I’m not sure what you are facing at the moment, but I’m sorry you are going through a difficult time right now. But staying close to God is so important when going through such times. That is the prettiest photo of the dandelion. I absolutely LOVE that hot and bothered Snoopy on your side bar. He is a favorite of mine, and I noticed it right away.
Sending you thoughts of comfort this evening.
~Sheri
I love a good fridge and freezer clean out. I am working my way through the food I already have before buying more. And the humidity here is 82% which is AWFUL and I may skip walking today, we’ll see. All we can do is keep moving forward each day. Even small steps are progress ahead.
I am sorry for the anxiety and the circumstances that precipitated it, my friend. Recognizing and creating the calm you need is so important, and you are already there. Prayers and hugs!
Yes Jennifer! So glad that you have that peace during this situation you are going through.
Loved the picture of your granddog! 🙂 so cute! I can see why she brings happiness!
Hope your have a fantastic week! Blessings to you sweet friend!
It has been very humid here as well..
I am with you.. I can’t fall asleep.. and if I do then I can’t stay asleep.. the brain keeps churning and worrying.
Hope you find some peace. and sleep.
Dear Jennifer, I wish I could put my arms around you in the struggles and difficulties that are in your life right now. However I know that God can do that so much better than I can and so I pray that he will comfort and sustain you through your situation.
I am holding you in my heart, Jennifer. May peace surround you and your family for this season.