Happy Saturday, friends! I usually joing this link-up early (on Friday) but there was no Friday post for me, so I guess that technically makes me right on time. I hope everyone had a good week and, well, a good month. Here we are basically at the end (of another month) and time to look back at “some of the things” from the past few weeks. I am determined to remain positive. July has been a bear but, nevertheless, I am starting with things I loved:)
This month:
some things I have loved were – the long evenings of extra sunlight, watching the world (from my tiny corner of it) come alive while I’m walking in the early hours each morning, the morning sunshine in my face, drinking an extra cup of coffee while soaking in the dusk hours (I usually drink coffee just once in the morning), and moving my houseplants around the room to help them chase the brilliant sun rays. Notice a theme? It is summer and, for me, it is all about the sunshine. I just do not know how folks survive in places where the sun sets and does not return for months! I love sunshine but I am especially grateful for it during these “hard” seasons of life. I really believe it keeps me from mentally crashing completely.
something I have learned is – I can only do so much. Last month I mentioned here that “we give so many trivial or insignificant things too much of our time and mental energy” and I was trying not to worry and/or overthink too much. But much of what I have worried, or been concerned, about has, indeed, come to pass. Which has led to incredible worry. Sleepless nights. Re-thinking. Overthinking. And my brain hurts (as much as my heart). But, I can only do so much.
some things that went well were– my ideas for VBS preparations and decorations. At one point, I thought I might volunteer to teach for the week, but I never really had peace about it. It seemed “doing my part” was going to be helping make the room look fun. The Lord’s timing is perfect. (Isn’t it??) I’m not sure my brain could have handled preparing lessons and teaching VBS this past week but pouring myself into making decorations (and seeing it all come together) was just the distraction – and enjoyment – that I needed. I pray the children had a great week!! Now, if only I had thought to take a few photos. Womp.
something I need to let go of – (this is totally random because I am determined not to “get too deep” here – although I really could) but I am tired of holding onto, and even wearing, clothes that I don’t enjoy wearing. That I don’t feel “pretty” in. I have plenty of clothes that I keep because they are “in perfect condition” or that “I paid good money for” or a host of other reasons. And many of them I do wear. Like I did yesterday. But I don’t like them. I would rather have five outfits that I really enjoy wearing and/or I feel attractive wearing than one hundred that do nothing for me. Time to let go of “nice” clothes that I do not like. It is time to feel pretty when I get dressed:)
Well friends…that’s a wrap. I hope you have a wonderful weekend ahead. What is something that went really well for you when you look back over July? Can you believe another month has almost come and gone? Do you plans for August? I am leaving for vacation on Tuesday! Hooray.
But I will be posting on Monday. At least, that is the plan. I hope you will stop by again. As always, thanks for being here today.
I get it about the clothes! No sense in storing things you won’t wear. It will just give you guilt feelings to see them. Pass them on and bless someone else. (:
As much as I love sunshine, and living in Florida, the heat and humidity can be a bit much, sigh…when we lived in upstate western NY, there were times when the sun wouldn’t shine for what seemed like months…anyways, as always, your post always make me smile. Have a beautiful day, friend.
Curious about your VBS- does your church purchase the materials to do one of the the themed VBS’s? Or does your church have its own curriculum and decor? The reason I ask is that you mention your role in the decor (which I think is awesome that you had lots of good ideas about!) I’m sorry that you’ve been going through something super stressful. Sleepless nights are not good I hope and pray there’s a resolution soon (that ideally ends the stress and sleepless nights!) I hope you’re having a sunshiney Sunday :).
I hope you have a wonderful vacation! I am feeling the same way with clothes; do you have a consignment shop near you? It’s a great way to make some spare cash off those perfectly good clothes.
It sounds like you had reason to be glad that July is over…and, yes, God’s timing is so perfect. He knows our fragile capacities because He made us. Sending hugs.
I am so sorry that July was a bear for you! I hope the things you are worried about and came to pass get better for you. I hope you have a WONDERFUL vacation and it is exactly what you need. Like you, I need the sunshine and I don’t feel like I am taking advantage of it as much as I should.
We have had quite a sort out of clothes and other items here and it was quite refreshing to let go of them.
Have a wonderful vacation and I pray August is less of a bear for you.
Something I did well in July was take a road trip by myself to meet up with a group of friends 8-8 1/2 hours away. Yes, I did stop and spend the night along the way (well also on the way back home). Had a great time! Happy last couple days of July, Jennifer!