Trading my ashes for beauty….that He might be glorified. Isaiah 61:3
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
Let’s Have Coffee
Posted on
By jennifer
Not too long ago, I discovered a new to me link-up. It’s actually been going for a while but I just stumbled on it. Not even sure how but I so enjoyed visiting several of the blogs there and have been wanting to join them for several weeks. Finally, this is the week. It is hosted by Natalie and is the weekend coffee share – just a friendly chat over coffee (with friends)!:)
If we were sharing coffee today, I would probably show you my coffee. Or, at least my coffee beans. I usually keep them in the resealable bag they come in but, after opening and reopening that bag way too many times, it finally occurred to me… there must be a better way. And, voila. So much cuter, too! I do occasionally use the storebought k-cups – especially in the evening when I am more likely to choose a decaf coffee – but, in the morning, I really prefer to grind some beans and fill my own reusable k-cup. So delicious! Do you prefer regular or flavored coffee? I ask because I noticed the fall flavored coffees are appearing in the stores. Not just pumpkin but all the fall flavors – which always sound so delicious. Like fall in a cup. And I soooo want to love them and to drink them every day. And, every year, I am a sucker for a cozy-sounding coffee. Only to be woefully disappointed. Very sad, indeed. I really only enjoy “plain” coffee. Sigh. But if you know a genuinely delicious one, I am always willing to give it a try:)
I would also remind you (maybe more than once) that the time for my son, Jordan, to return home is getting close! Eighteen days, if anyone is counting. He has been doing quite a bit of hiking. Last weekend, he hiked ten miles. Oh to have that kind of endurance. I look forward to getting back on the trail a bit when he returns – but he definitely has to scale back for his old, tired mama!! He does share some great hiking photos but this one is an Anchorage sunset. He took this on his way home from work (he works the second shift) and it was about 12:45 in the morning!!
I had several blessings this week. And – if we were sharing coffee – I would, no doubt, share them with you. On Monday, while we were out, we received a floral delivery. It has been so long since I had flowers delivered so that was a surprise in itself but they were from a sweet friend. A friend that a love like a sister but, truthfully, do not talk with or get to see very often. At all. It was completely unexpected and such a sweet surprise. Goodness, but I miss her. I need to make a road trip.
On Wednesday, I spent the afternoon with my senior friend who was celebrating her 93rd birthday. I mentioned earlier that she recently relocated to an assisted living apartment – and it has been hard. Well, she was in such good spirits and having such a good day! It was a delight for both of us. (For everyone!) I told her that we were going to celebrate her birthday every day!!:) Such a sweet testimony she has and what a blessing to know her. I hope the joy of her special day this week will continue to encourage her and help her to adjust.
And, on a very random note, if we were having coffee (I might be on my second cup by now), I would ask you if you have been to the Hobby Lobby end-of-summer sale. So many aisles of 75 percent off! I had such a good time on Tuesday – I went back on Wednesday:) I did get a few birthday gifts, a little something to add to an upcoming baby shower gift, three Christmas gifts, and….well, several things for me!:) Nothing was more than twenty bucks and most things were less than five! I don’t often talk about shopping but, boy oh boy, I do love a good bargain! Just as my cart was beginning to overflow, that cute pink pig found its way into the cart. He was for me. Just because. Because he is so cute and makes me smile when I come into the kitchen! What was the last thing you bought – just because?:)
Before our coffee cups are completely drained, I would ask you about your weekend. Any fun plans for the weekend? We are going to a wedding this evening. We actually have another one next weekend. Apparently, August is the new June. Or something like that! If I am honest, “events” (as in, weddings) are not actually my favorite. I tend to shy away from them. But I am really looking forward to this evening. There will be a chance to see a lot of friends (from our last church) that I have been very much missing. I’m excited.
I hope your weekend is a good one. Maybe there will be a break in the heat. If not, stay inside. Thanks for sharing coffee with me!!:)
I always think weddings sound so fun until it comes to the actual day of the wedding and then I remember that I don’t actually enjoy the crowds of people and trying to find an outfit that I don’t hate; which for some reason I hate them all when I know I’m getting dressed for an “event.” I hope you have a great time!
Jennifer, Thank you for your weekend coffee share and welcome to my weekly linkup. I hope you have a wonderful time at the wedding. We have a heat warning in my area this weekend so I’ll go out early in the morning and stay inside for the rest of the day.
Oh what fun this was…even if I don’t drink coffee, I had fun. I’m sure you won’t mind if I drink my cup of tea instead? Oh, I know you are excited that your son will soon be home, filled with all of his adventures. It may take him a while to come down from his “high” of being out there in the wild so long. I hope he has kept some kind of journal of his journeys. Your shopping trip sounds so fun. I am not a big shopper and shy away from big stores like Hobby Lobby. They are just too overwhelming for me and I end up feeling like running and hiding when I can’t handle it. I never thought of myself that way before, but shopping does it to me. Now, our little “Dixie Cottage” store is JUST RIGHT. It is not too overwhelming and is a fun place to shop. So far so good. People are enjoying it. I do love the little pink pig you found. That is SO cute. Makes me think of my hubby’s cousin Janice, who sadly passed away 3 years ago. She collected pigs, and I got one of her special Christmas ornaments that is a fancy pig. I always think of her when I put it on the tree in her memory. I personally never thought about collecting pigs before, but your cute little piggy makes me wish I had one! LOL. He’s sure cute. Have a wonderful time at the wedding tonight. YOu may be there right now. I hope you have a marvelous time. Congratulations to the bride and groom. Blessings to you and yours.
How lovely to spend time with you this morning! I don’t ever drink flavoured coffee and this may seem hard to believe but I have never had a Starbucks coffee either! Are you shocked? I must be the only person left. Truth is, I cannot drink a huge mug of coffee and I especially like to sit down and enjoy my normal sized mug.
Oh how you must be looking forward to your son’s return. It will be so lovely to spend precious face to face time with him and I am sure he will shorten his hiking distances so you can enjoy walking together.
Have a good weekend!
I have to admit – I thought everyone had experienced Starbucks at least once. HA! But, truthfully, you have not missed anything. Such strong coffee! Then they add so much sugar/calories/extras in order to tone down the strong coffee flavor. Well, it is a bit much!!
The pig is very cute mommy. I will make sure to send you some more photos of alaska before I leave for good.
The sunset is beautiful. Thank you for sharing, and thanks for the coffee chat!- Pamela
Thank you, Pamela! And thanks for stopping by!!
The picture of Alaska is amazing! I’m glad your son is making the most of his time there before he leaves. It looks so beautiful up there… but way too far away!! It sounds like you had a week with many blessings. I got to my watch my daughter run in a two mile time trial at her high school for cross country earlier today Bring on the fast running that I get to experience vicariously through my daughter. I hope the rest of your weekend is a great one.
Thanks, Maria. It has been a very nice weekend!! Fast running runs in the family – ha. I couldn’t resist!!:)
I totally agree with you when it comes to flavoured coffee. It always sounds so delicious and intriguing, but honestly, I have yet to try one that I like. I do enjoy a regular cup of strong, black coffee very much. I’ve had two this morning (it’s 7am in Sweden where I live.) So happy that you found our circle of friends that meet up for coffee every weekend. Its a great, kind, encouraging group. I hope you will come back another weekend. Thank you for the coffee!
I, too, am so glad to have found the circle of friends!! I have really enjoyed meeting so many new folks this weekend!
Hi Jennifer – so lovely to meet you and thanks for stopping by my blog. Your week sounds much more full and interesting than mine was….and TWO weddings within a couple of weeks is pretty amazing too. We don’t tend to get invited to many these days – our generation and our kids’ generation are all married off and settled – so it’s a rare treat to attend one. Glad you found the coffee link up and it’s lovely to “meet” you.
Glad you stopped by! The coffee share (and link-up) has been a lot of fun!!
Oh, this was so neat. I enjoyed this. I like plain coffee fixed up with flavored creamers. 🙂 I so enoyed my visit.
So glad you stopped by for a visit – hope you will again soon!!
Flowers are always a wonderful surprise from people! But also just as nice if you want to treat yourself.
I want to love flavored coffee, but I just don’t. I do, however, enjoy flavored creamer from time to time, which is a great alternative, especially now that there are some “healthier” options. My favorite is actually an oat milk creamer by Silk…I cannot explain how delicious it is! I’m kind of a coffee snob and love good coffee. This was a FUN post! I enjoyed hearing about your life more, because I love getting to know people better. I can’t imagine how excited that your son is moving closer to home once again! I love weddings…I’m such a sucker for romance and usually swoon over them. I love it even more when my hubby puts his arm around me during the service. It makes me remember our wedding with such joy and fondness. I know, I know…I watch too many Hallmark movies! This was a fun post, friend!
I have been wanting to try the oat milk creamer – but didn’t want to buy a full bottle and then find out I don’t like it. But, I’m gonna give it a try:) Ah, the moments in life that are our very own Hallmark movie!!:)
Thanks for the coffee. It’s probably a good thing our nearest hobby lobby is 30 minutes away and I don’t often have time to go. Haha. I didn’t get around to posting this week. Just couldn’t get it together. How cool that your son is doing so much hiking. We love hiking but don’t get to do it often enough. I love that you got to visit with your friend. I love multi-generational friendsihps. They’re so special. Have a great week. I hope to be back to posting next week.
Well, I am not a coffee drinker at all, but I enjoyed sipping on my Coke Zero and hearing all your news. My son and DIL are big hikers as well, they are training for one at the Grand Canyon later in the fall. I think it will be 20+ miles in one day, but they have been diligent in building up their stamina every weekend with longer and longer distances. Ooo, you should not have told me about Hobby Lobby, although I really am trying to stay out of those stores. I don’t need any more scrapbooking stuff — especially since I did just place a small American Crafts warehouse sale order, since shipping was free at $25 – really unheard of, and too good to pass up. I do need to find a new fall wreath for MILs door at her assisted living place though; as I tossed the one she had because it was falling apart. She just celebrated her 95th, but the celebratory gathering will be next week actually as her other son and her SIL will be coming in from out of town.
PS Piglet is adorable-would make anyone smile!
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I always think weddings sound so fun until it comes to the actual day of the wedding and then I remember that I don’t actually enjoy the crowds of people and trying to find an outfit that I don’t hate; which for some reason I hate them all when I know I’m getting dressed for an “event.” I hope you have a great time!
Jennifer, Thank you for your weekend coffee share and welcome to my weekly linkup. I hope you have a wonderful time at the wedding. We have a heat warning in my area this weekend so I’ll go out early in the morning and stay inside for the rest of the day.
Oh what fun this was…even if I don’t drink coffee, I had fun. I’m sure you won’t mind if I drink my cup of tea instead? Oh, I know you are excited that your son will soon be home, filled with all of his adventures. It may take him a while to come down from his “high” of being out there in the wild so long. I hope he has kept some kind of journal of his journeys. Your shopping trip sounds so fun. I am not a big shopper and shy away from big stores like Hobby Lobby. They are just too overwhelming for me and I end up feeling like running and hiding when I can’t handle it. I never thought of myself that way before, but shopping does it to me. Now, our little “Dixie Cottage” store is JUST RIGHT. It is not too overwhelming and is a fun place to shop. So far so good. People are enjoying it. I do love the little pink pig you found. That is SO cute. Makes me think of my hubby’s cousin Janice, who sadly passed away 3 years ago. She collected pigs, and I got one of her special Christmas ornaments that is a fancy pig. I always think of her when I put it on the tree in her memory. I personally never thought about collecting pigs before, but your cute little piggy makes me wish I had one! LOL. He’s sure cute. Have a wonderful time at the wedding tonight. YOu may be there right now. I hope you have a marvelous time. Congratulations to the bride and groom. Blessings to you and yours.
How lovely to spend time with you this morning! I don’t ever drink flavoured coffee and this may seem hard to believe but I have never had a Starbucks coffee either! Are you shocked? I must be the only person left. Truth is, I cannot drink a huge mug of coffee and I especially like to sit down and enjoy my normal sized mug.
Oh how you must be looking forward to your son’s return. It will be so lovely to spend precious face to face time with him and I am sure he will shorten his hiking distances so you can enjoy walking together.
Have a good weekend!
I have to admit – I thought everyone had experienced Starbucks at least once. HA! But, truthfully, you have not missed anything. Such strong coffee! Then they add so much sugar/calories/extras in order to tone down the strong coffee flavor. Well, it is a bit much!!
The pig is very cute mommy. I will make sure to send you some more photos of alaska before I leave for good.
The sunset is beautiful. Thank you for sharing, and thanks for the coffee chat!- Pamela
Thank you, Pamela! And thanks for stopping by!!
The picture of Alaska is amazing! I’m glad your son is making the most of his time there before he leaves. It looks so beautiful up there… but way too far away!! It sounds like you had a week with many blessings. I got to my watch my daughter run in a two mile time trial at her high school for cross country earlier today Bring on the fast running that I get to experience vicariously through my daughter. I hope the rest of your weekend is a great one.
Thanks, Maria. It has been a very nice weekend!! Fast running runs in the family – ha. I couldn’t resist!!:)
I totally agree with you when it comes to flavoured coffee. It always sounds so delicious and intriguing, but honestly, I have yet to try one that I like. I do enjoy a regular cup of strong, black coffee very much. I’ve had two this morning (it’s 7am in Sweden where I live.) So happy that you found our circle of friends that meet up for coffee every weekend. Its a great, kind, encouraging group. I hope you will come back another weekend. Thank you for the coffee!
I, too, am so glad to have found the circle of friends!! I have really enjoyed meeting so many new folks this weekend!
Hi Jennifer – so lovely to meet you and thanks for stopping by my blog. Your week sounds much more full and interesting than mine was….and TWO weddings within a couple of weeks is pretty amazing too. We don’t tend to get invited to many these days – our generation and our kids’ generation are all married off and settled – so it’s a rare treat to attend one. Glad you found the coffee link up and it’s lovely to “meet” you.
Glad you stopped by! The coffee share (and link-up) has been a lot of fun!!
Oh, this was so neat. I enjoyed this. I like plain coffee fixed up with flavored creamers. 🙂 I so enoyed my visit.
So glad you stopped by for a visit – hope you will again soon!!
Flowers are always a wonderful surprise from people! But also just as nice if you want to treat yourself.
I want to love flavored coffee, but I just don’t. I do, however, enjoy flavored creamer from time to time, which is a great alternative, especially now that there are some “healthier” options. My favorite is actually an oat milk creamer by Silk…I cannot explain how delicious it is! I’m kind of a coffee snob and love good coffee. This was a FUN post! I enjoyed hearing about your life more, because I love getting to know people better. I can’t imagine how excited that your son is moving closer to home once again! I love weddings…I’m such a sucker for romance and usually swoon over them. I love it even more when my hubby puts his arm around me during the service. It makes me remember our wedding with such joy and fondness. I know, I know…I watch too many Hallmark movies! This was a fun post, friend!
I have been wanting to try the oat milk creamer – but didn’t want to buy a full bottle and then find out I don’t like it. But, I’m gonna give it a try:) Ah, the moments in life that are our very own Hallmark movie!!:)
Thanks for the coffee. It’s probably a good thing our nearest hobby lobby is 30 minutes away and I don’t often have time to go. Haha. I didn’t get around to posting this week. Just couldn’t get it together. How cool that your son is doing so much hiking. We love hiking but don’t get to do it often enough. I love that you got to visit with your friend. I love multi-generational friendsihps. They’re so special. Have a great week. I hope to be back to posting next week.
Well, I am not a coffee drinker at all, but I enjoyed sipping on my Coke Zero and hearing all your news. My son and DIL are big hikers as well, they are training for one at the Grand Canyon later in the fall. I think it will be 20+ miles in one day, but they have been diligent in building up their stamina every weekend with longer and longer distances. Ooo, you should not have told me about Hobby Lobby, although I really am trying to stay out of those stores. I don’t need any more scrapbooking stuff — especially since I did just place a small American Crafts warehouse sale order, since shipping was free at $25 – really unheard of, and too good to pass up. I do need to find a new fall wreath for MILs door at her assisted living place though; as I tossed the one she had because it was falling apart. She just celebrated her 95th, but the celebratory gathering will be next week actually as her other son and her SIL will be coming in from out of town.
PS Piglet is adorable-would make anyone smile!