Who am I? A wife for almost 40 years. A mom for over 36 years. A sister and a friend, of course. Each of these help describe me. But, even more, I have been a Christian since accepting Him as my Savior when I was 12 years old and, this truth defines each area of my life. I have enjoyed some mountain top experiences but have been through some very deep valleys as well. Valleys of incredible grief and even pits of depression. However, most of my days are ordinary, routine kind of days. But in every one of my days, God has been faithful. He has walked with me whatever the day. He strengthens, comforts, encourages and blesses me with life "most abundant."

A favorite life verse: The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

Why do I write? Though not quite as private as my dad, I am definitely my father's daughter. I find it difficult to share. And to let others in. But I do love to write. I love to put words into sentences and sentences in paragraphs that help express my thoughts. I hope my words help me share my heart. Share the life that God has given me and all that He has done for me and through me. I write with the hope of giving Him at least a bit of the glory He is due.

A verse to guide my writing: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. I Peter 1:7

An Easy, Breezy Daybook Entry – August 2023

Posted on By jennifer

Happy Monday friends!  We had some rain last night and when I say “some rain,” I mean buckets of rain.  It was quite the downpour but so needed and a welcome relief.  I know my UK friends would love a break from the rain but, on this side of the pond, the rain is welcome and worth getting excited about!  Now it is a beautiful Monday morning so I thought I would start this week with another daybook entry.  These posts are an easy, breezy way to slide into a new week.  And when August gets here, I’m all about easy, breezy beginnings.  So, enough rambling.  Have a great Monday…and leave me a comment.  Let me know how your week is starting.

The Weather – is quite nice for August.  The temperatures have not been oppressive and the humidity has not been horrible either.  We have spent several evenings on the porch which usually is on hiatus this time of year while we wait for autumn’s reprieve.  Not exactly sure what is going on (weather wise) but I’ll take it.  But does this mean an ugly winter is in the future??  I refuse to even consider it.  As nice as the weather has been, the biting bugs are awful.  They often cut my time outside – on the porch or otherwise – short because I am eaten alive so quickly.  I suppose there is always something…..
As I look outside my window  – the grass is brown.  We do have two neighbors across the street with sprinkler systems and their yards are rather green.  Very green compared to all the other yards.  I cannot justify all the extra water and in just a few weeks, the brown yards will recover and look just as lush.  I’ll be patient.
This morning, I am – feeling well.  Really well!  I actually feel completely recovered – and I am beyond grateful to even type that sentence! – but every time I look in the mirror, I am not only reminded of the past six months (which can be discouraging) but I am also impatient to look “well” too.  I know it will come but I do often feel impatient.
Lately, I have been thinking about – how much has happened and all I/we have been through over the last six months.  I don’t tend to dwell on it but considering it all every so often keeps so much in perspective.  And reminds to be grateful because, honestly, it can be way too easy to forget.
What I’m wearing – cute skirts and summer tees.  It seems to be my go to outfit lately.  Quick and easy.  Dare I say, easy breezy!  I have a small stack of tees that have become my favorites and I just rotate through them.  Really requires zero thought in the morning:)
On the menu this week – lots of fresh vegetables!  We went to the farmer’s market again on Saturday and the fresh produce is both plentiful and beautiful!  Makes me happy to be a vegetarian:)  The corn on the cob was amazing.  I have one ear left and I think I could eat for breakfast tomorrow.  But I won’t because I also have overnight oats.  I know that I am way late to the overnight oats craze but I made them for the first time over the weekend and could never imagined how much I enough cold oatmeal!!  Have you ever tried overnight oats?  If so, what combination do you enjoy the most? I would love to keep experimenting.
I’m looking around the house – and things look okay.  The few patriotic/Fourth of July things I had out were put away last week and everything is “back to normal” which feels good.  There are fresh flowers – the last of a full bouquet also from last week – on the kitchen counter and on the coffee table.  They look pretty. And the peace lily that I received for my birthday back in April is not only still alive (amazing!) but is thriving.  I will have to take a picture of it soon.  I am both impressed and happy!
My To-Do List – includes writing two thank you notes.  They are way over due.  Why do I have such a hard time getting this easy task done?  I need to send some birthday cards and I really need a great idea for a birthday gift for my brother.  Again, why is this so hard?
A thought to share – this quote that I recently read on Lisa’s blog.  I have no idea who Charles Manz but this quote has been in my thoughts for days so I thought it was worth resharing.  “Be more forgiving than judging, serving than being served, empowering than controlling, honoring than being honored, appreciating than criticizing, loving than hating, and believing in what’s possible than declaring what’s impossible.” ~Charles Manz
And, from my camera.  A lazy puppy picture.  She was here this weekend – just for a quick visit.  She makes us smile.  And, somewhat reluctantly, puts up with us taking random photos of her all day:)

Good Monday Morning

Comments (15)

    1. Shopping for men…who have all they want?! So hard:) Glad you stopped by today, Hena!

  2. We’re having buckets of rain today; we’ve had a very rainy summer so our lawn has been surprisingly green this year. I just think it’s so odd that so many of my plants have been stunted and hardly grew or bloomed at all this year. We’re having some freshly grown veggies for dinner tonight.

  3. Despite all our rain, our lawns are not looking too healthy either! Over here we have water meters so you pay for however much you use so we are not a water-sprinkler family. We collect the rainwater from the gutters on our roof in water butts and use that for watering the garden.
    I’m so pleased to hear that you are feeling better as the weeks go by. I think that adrenaline keeps you going through tough times and it’s only when you look back you realise all that you have been through and how much you have to be thankful for.
    You asked on my blog if we live near London. It is a 45 minute train journey into the city so not too far away. Car parking and traffic there is so awful that we would only ever go in by public transport – you’d probably spend 45 minutes trying to find a parking space!

    1. I here you about the cost of going to the city. Definitely one (huge) reason that keeps us out here in the suburbs!!:) Thanks for your encouragement this evening, Deb!

  4. I am glad that you are feeling well and eating your vegetables. Fresh ones at that- the very best kind! Our grass was just starting to turn brown and just like that, we’ve had a rainy day and tomorrow everything will be nice and green again. My husband used to water our lawn. I was really happy when he stopped doing that (years ago). )Though it’s easy to say that this summer when we’ve not had brown grass due to rain.) Love that puppy pic. What a cutie! I hope your Monday is going great!

    1. Isn’t it funny how quickly the grass can green back up? If all it takes is a little rain – well, we are having buckets this evening. Our grass should be emerald green tomorrow:)

  5. We got some much-needed rain recently too, but by some, I mean about 5 minutes’ worth. Still, though, we are grateful for any little bit we get. Our August has been comfortable temperature-wise. As you know, I am not a hot weather gal, and anything over 70 is “hot” to me. However, many days, our temps have been in the low 80’s, which—though hot in my book—is very doable for August in the West. I’m glad to hear that you are feeling well. Praise God for that!! I love overnight oats, but I do something a bit different than you. I do like to support small business, especially young entrepreneurs. So, awhile back, I saw on Instagram Oats Overnight, and I buy those. You mix them with milk, so they are a drinkable overnight oats. They end up being about $3 a pack, but I figure that is very reasonable. If I went to McDonalds for a breakfast sandwich, I would spend more than that. Cute pup!!!

    1. I love the idea of supporting small businesses – especially local ones to me. And for overnight oats – brilliant! I wish I knew someone who was doing that around her. Hmmm – maybe that could be me!!:)

  6. Hello, my friend. We have not had any of those cozy, rainy summer days here. We get a few brief pounding rainstorms, and that is about it. But I am like you; I can’t see watering it. It is what it is. I am praying for you as you continue to recover from the past six months. I am sorry if I missed some of your posts. Please know I am so happy you are on the other side and blessing us with your blog. Hugs!

  8. Jennifer, I’m so glad you’re feeling better 🙂 And now I want corn on the cob! 🙂
    I wish we could have some of your rain. We are desperate down here! Our grass is brown and crunchy in some places and my husband has been telling me that he read it was not good to mow grass that is too dry. Hmmm…should I be suspicious? Is he just trying to get out of mowing? 🙂 hahaha!

    Ok, your skirts and t-shirts have me intrigued. I was determined to buy some summer dresses, but every one that I ordered, I didn’t like on me. Skirts and tops are probably more practical, so I’m going to need you to demonstrate this 🙂 hahaha 🙂 just what you feel like doing, right? But seriously, I need a makeover!

    1. Not much mowing taking place here either! I think I want some more corn on the cob – now that you mention it!! A makeover? Yes, please!!

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