Time

This is the first school year that I have one day a week where I have no responsibilities. With my oldest son off to college, and my youngest son working one school day a week as an assistant maintenance worker at a local Christian camp, I now have some time each week to myself. I find that I really am enjoying it. It allows me time to work on projects that normally would be put on hold indefinitely. Last week I did some sewing that I have been wanting to accomplish. Today I hope to start working on making my Christmas cards. I also have things around the house that need my attention as well - a bathroom that needs cleaning, laundry that needs put away, and figuring out what to make for supper, etc.

This day off allows me a time to get a fresh perspective for whatever tasks and decisions that are before me for the coming week or weeks. I find it has been a real blessing. Each week I look ahead and plan for what I will get accomplished on my 'day off'. That's such an unfamiliar term in my vocabulary after being active with mothering the past 18 years. :) Although it reminds me of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.

A Time for Everything

¹ There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:

² a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,

³ a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,

⁴ a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,

⁵ a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

⁶ a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,

⁷ a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,

⁸ a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

What do you need to take time for today?

Inspiring Book That Inspires and Teaches

Thought we would do something a little differently today. Here is a book review of Lysa TerKeurst's new book entitled Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl. I highly recommend it! :)

"Becoming more than a good Bible study girl means I separate my shortcomings from my identity and let Jesus be the only measure of my worth. Separating the circumstances from my identity allows me to see the circumstances for what it is..."
(quote from Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl).

As a woman it is often easy to get caught up with the struggle of self-worth. We allow our shortcomings to define who or what we are. We think "if only" and cause ourselves to spin in a downward spiral, sinking deeper into the pit of despair. But God desires for us to break those chains that so easily entangle us when we get our eyes off Him.

"One day it dawned on me to ask God for more. I literally started begging Him for insights and revelations and proof that more was possible. And slowly the shift occurred. God honors the honest prayers of people desiring a richer connection with Him."

"God, I want to see You.
God, I want to hear You.
God, I want to know You.
So that I can follow hard after You every day."
(quotes from Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl).

This has become my prayer as well and I am looking for great things to be happening in my life as I continue to draw closer to the Lord.

This book is like all of Lysa's previous books - inspiring. She comes alongside you as a trusted friend to guide and encourage. A must read!

Walking in the Spirit

I have been leading a Ladies Bible study on the book of Acts. Last night we had our second session where we discussed the importance of walking in the Spirit. All of the women are at different stages in their Christian walk and come from varying backgrounds and denominations. Despite our differences, we also have a common thread - belief in the Lord Jesus.

Last evening we were all in agreement when it came to the topic of walking in the Spirit. We realized that this needs to be a daily commitment - sometimes moment by moment - asking for the Lord's guidance in our life. Asking the Holy Spirit to prompt us to things that He desires for us to do. The more you start to obey those little nudges, the more you will start to hear what God is calling you to do and to follow His will for your life. Obedience in small things, leads to bigger things.

So listen today for that inner voice guiding you in what you should do. Perhaps it is to write a note of encouragement to someone, call and tell someone that you are praying for them, ..... What is God asking you to do today? Will you be faithful and heed that call?

When Life Throws Lemons

I have to admit, it's been a difficult weekend. On Friday I learned that I have skin cancer. Now I know that this is usually very treatable, but honestly I find I am afraid. I am not looking forward to the procedure when the spot will removed while I'm fully awake. I'd much rather be put to sleep throughout it all. But apparently that is not an option. I face questions like, "How will I know if they got it all? What if it has spread to other parts of my body?".... I know I am not to live in fear. I am still in process of dealing with the news I suppose. Cancer is something that I have always feared. I know that God is bigger than anything I face. I need strength for this moment and then the next and the next....

On top of learning about cancer, we also were hit with other difficult things as well. My first reaction normally would be to go run for the chocolate. They say when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Well I would much rather eat a lot of chocolate brownies. I didn't do either of these things. No brownies or lemonade were present in my home this weekend! :) I have been clinging to the fact that Jesus loves me and knows what is best for me. I know I can trust Him, even when I am scared, hurt, frustrated, etc.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13

This is what I cling to this day. I choose to eat healthy things and not get overwhelmed by what God has allowed in my life. May He be my portion this day (and every day)!

As the Deer

"As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God." Psalm 42:1

It is a beautiful fall morning here in PA. I was up early to take my son to work. We left before sunrise. We have about a 35 minute drive each way. Right after I dropped him off and I was leaving the camp where he works one day a week as a maintenance assistant, I came around a curve in the road. The rays of sun and light misty fog illuminated two young deer standing serenely in the middle of the road. They looked my way and then meandered off the road to the meadow.

My thoughts immediately went to the verse printed above. That is my prayer for today. That my soul will long to be in communion with the Lord. As a man in the desert longs for a drink of refreshing water, so I pray that I will desire to be in the Lord's presence. Just as He is waiting for me to draw near, so too He waits for you. Will you 'pant' for the Lord today?

Don't Bite the Hand that Feeds (Loves) You!

I was trying to hold my pet guinea pig this morning - Cocoa. She kept squirming and wouldn't hold still. She has a habit of nibbling on my clothes when I hold her, so I was trying to get her in a position where she couldn't do that. Well, I guess she got tired of what was going on and chose to bite me (hard) instead.

Cocoa doesn't particularly like to be held. She does love to be loved on and petted, but it has to be on her conditions. You think she would be nicer to me since I usually am the one that feeds her and her sister - Checkers. I make sure that she has water, timothy hay, carrots, regular food and other goodies from time to time. But that doesn't make a difference to her. She reminds me of a woman that is constantly having PMS!

But as I thought about my ungrateful guinea pig, I wondered if I am any different from time to time. How often do I snap at my husband, for no reason. It's easy to blame it on PMS or some other reason, but it doesn't say anywhere in the Bible "be nice to your husband, except when you are experiencing PMS." What about those times when I choose to go first in the grocery store, because I'm in a hurry, or choose intimacy with my husband on my terms?

On the spiritual level, how about the times when I just plug along on my own strength and don't seek the Lord's help? Or I say perhaps unconsciously, "I can handle this one Lord. I don't need your help. You can sit this one out." I guess I'm biting my Master's hand in that situation as well. Ouch!

There is no situation in my life that I don't need the Lord!

Unknown Water Ahead

Yesterday I had a doctor appointment to check out a spot that I have had on my face for quite a while. The sad thing is, I have no clear idea of how long it has been there. I don't know if it was before my husband's ski accident in March, or right after it? I really don't know for sure. I do know that I have had it for at least three months, but likely longer than that.

Yesterday a biopsy was taken and I should find out in a few days of whether or not it tests positive for skin cancer. I did some searching on the web this morning about skin cancer. My lesion fits all of the symptoms of the disease. My doctor reassured me that it is usually 94% curable. Further research shows that spots that are near nose, eyes or ears can be more of a problem. Mine is right by my ear.

I further did a search to see if there is any links to skin cancer and developing other types of cancer. Studies have shown that if you have skin cancer, you are more likely of developing other types of cancer. The risk goes even higher if you develop skin cancer from the age of 25-44. Well, I just happen to be 44. Not very encouraging news.

So what do I do?

"We wait in hope for the LORD;
he is our help and our shield.

In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name." Psalm 33:20-21

"Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;

but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint. " Isaiah 40:30-31

My hope continues to be in the Lord. He knows my future and I know I can trust Him. It's funny how all through this year, God continues to lead me on the path of trusting in Him. I've experienced it through my husband's ski accident and long recovery, through stepping out and letting my fifteen year old son travel to China, through letting go of my oldest son to head to college in Florida, and now to the possibility of skin cancer. Through it all, my hope continues to be in the Lord. Where is your hope today?

Dealing With the Unknown

How do you deal with things that are beyond your control? Perhaps it is a doctor visit where you will be getting results from a test that may be bad news. Or maybe it's that unexpected phone call in the middle of the night. Each of us from time to time have to deal with things that we have no control over. But how do we do it? Where do we go for answers, encouragement and strength?

Many choose to go to a friend, a spouse, and some just keep it bottled inside. Above all, our first person to go to should be the Lord. "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1 He is the one that thoroughly knows all about every intimate detail in our life. He loves us more than any other person in this world.

Don't get me wrong, I feel that God has placed people in our lives to help us through situations as well - our spouse, a close friend, etc. But most importantly and firstly we need to turn to the Lord. Perhaps today you need to go to Him. Ask Him to be that refuge and to give you strength for whatever you are facing!

The Blessings of Home

It is 41 degree outside and I am snug and warm in my home. It's been a cool, rainy day. It was a busy morning with a homeschool co-op that my son and I attend every other Friday. I usually help out with the candy making class, but this time I had to lead it since the regular teacher was sick. I usually am quite content to be the helper, and am not fond of having to teach, but today that wasn't an option. I think it went all right. I taught them how to make chocolate peanut butter fudge and cream mints.

After co-op completed, my son and I ran a few errands on the way home. I needed to pick up a few more skeins of yarn at Wal-Mart. They were clearancing some of their yarn for only $1.00. I have decided to make an afghan and needed a little more yarn. I also was looking for size 17 circular needles for a possible afghan pattern. They didn't have them at Wal-Mart, but fortunately Jo-Ann Fabrics was close by, so I was able to pick up a pair there. As we were leaving the store to head home, I was surprised to see that a new Hobby Lobby had just opened across the street. I guess it only opened a few days ago. So we headed over there to browse as well. My son found some projects that he can use to make Christmas gifts. We had fun just looking around together.

Now we are back home again. I have on my warm fleece pajamas, a cup of mulled cider, and am ready to be in for the night. I love those times of being at home. We probably will have a pizza and movie night. When the movie is completed I will curl up with a good book, and also work on a knitting project or two as well.

I guess I am a homebody by nature. I do enjoy being out some, but my first choice is to be at home. I especially love to curl up with a good book, a hot cup of tea, and snuggle under the covers. We keep our house pretty cool in the winter, so we usually pile on the blankets when we are sitting around. I also love working on crafts. I haven't done that in quite a long while, and I am just now beginning to realize how much I missed it.

I hope today's blog finds you with the opportunity to enjoy being at home. Relish in that time to just kick back and relax with your loved ones. Have a great weekend.

Denying Self

About two and a half weeks ago I started on the journey to lose weight, eat more healthily, and regularly exercise. This time I decided to be serious about it. I have somehow felt that how I approach my diet and exercise is linked to who I let be in control in my life - self vs. God's spirit. Ouch!

Last night we had my son's closing picnic for the golf team. Hamburgers, hot dogs and soda were provided, and then the parents brought all the side dishes and desserts. I must admit that I made brownies to take along, because they were easy and didn't take much time. I did try half of one to make sure they were all right, since I added some specialty chips that I had never used before.

There were lots of goodies to choose from as I went through the line. I had a cheeseburger, an apple slice, a little bit of a potato dish and small spoonful of macaroni and cheese, and a small handful of BBQ chips. Unfortunately there were no veggies available, or I would have filled up on those. As I finished my plate of food I found that I was quite comfortable. Oh, I forgot, I also had a cupcake.

My mind kept arguing to go back through the line of food to pick up another dessert, or perhaps munch some more on those delicious chips, or get a refill on my soda. But I resisted all of these urges and felt good when we left. I had succeeded in denying self and choose to refrain.

I don't always do well in this area - obviously since I am trying to lose thirty pounds. But I am slowly learning. I am trying to pray each time I eat and ask God to help me to resist things that I don't need or that aren't good for me. Sometime I do well, sometimes I don't. I was excited to see this morning though that I have lost six pounds in the past 2 1/2 weeks.

I realize that I picked a hard time of year to start focusing on this issue - especially with Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner. Times when I love the foods of the season. Perhaps by starting early I will learn how to say no, deny self, and also when I do eat some of the goodies, that I will know how to use restraint.

"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:12-14

Treasure

"How can a young man keep his
way pure?
By keeping Your word.
I have sought You with all my
heart;
don't let me wander from Your
commands.
I have treasured Your word in my
heart
so that I may not sin against You."
Psalm 119:9-11

This is my prayer for today. That I will keep God's word. That I will seek Him with my entire heart and that I would not wander away from His teachings. Help me Lord to treasure your word in my heart like Mary treasured. (When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." Luke 2:15-19 Help me not to sin Lord. Help me to share your love with those I meet Lord.

Challenged

When was the last time that you felt challenged by a message that you heard? I just have heard two challenging messages in a twenty-four hour time period. First one was yesterday when we were visiting McLean Bible Church in VA where Lon Solomon is the senior pastor. We were visiting my in-laws for the weekend. Lon talked about the importance of witnessing and how we need to ask God for opportunities to share Him with others. He used the story of Lazarus and the beggar. He tries to make the most of every opportunity so that when he is in heaven he will not have somebody see him from hell, and say, "Why didn't you tell me?" Very thought provoking and convicting as well.

This morning I listened to a message from Lysa TerKeurst, president of Proverbs 31 Ministry. Her message is entitled "The Most Important Two Word Prayer". If you are interested in seeing it, check out her blog today: http://www.lysaterkeurst.blogspot.com/
Essentially the two word prayer that we should pray is "Thank God". When was the last time that you stopped and thanked God for what was happening in your life - the good and the bad? I also have been reading Nancy Leigh DeMoss's new book entitled Choosing Gratitude. There are recurring themes in both of these.

When were you last challenged by God's word, to change and be different? Perhaps today is a good day to dig in the Bible and see what God has for you. Also, read a copy of Lysa's new book called Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl. Ask God to help you grow in new ways today.

The Way of Wisdom

"Mom's Apple Pie" candle is burning. Amy Grant's 'Home for Christmas' is quietly playing in the background. The guinea pigs are squeaking. I just sat down after a morning of getting the house back to order again. Those piles just seem to multiply when I'm not looking. The counters and tables that were cleaned over the weekend, somehow had piles by the end of the week. But for now, they are 'pile' clean! :)

In my devotions this morning, I came across this verse in Job: "The price of wisdom is far above pearls." (Job 28:18b) But the wisdom I seek is not something that this world readily recognizes. I seek the example of Ephesians 1:17-18 "I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints."

Also from James 1:5-6 "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind."

Even in the church, the people that speak the most are often thought as wise. This is contrary to what it says in Proverbs 10:19 "When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise." I desire to be a wise woman of God. I know I need to guard the words that I say out loud, as well as what I also think in my heart. My prayer today is for wisdom to become a part of who I am. It is something I seek and desire.

What is your heart's desire this day?

When Is the Last Time You Praised Your Husband?

As women we enjoy when someone appreciates the things that we do. I know it is important to be a servant and often go unrecognized for the things we do, but part of us still has a desire to be valued and understood. I guess I have been thinking more on this topic this week.

I have been a stay-at-home wife/mother for almost twenty two years now. Wow! That seems hard to believe! This week I made a point of thanking my husband for allowing me to have that opportunity. Because if it wasn't for his commitment to the importance to having me at home, I wouldn't be in this position. It had been a while since I had told my husband "thank you." He seemed surprised and pleased when I mentioned it to him.

Yesterday wasn't the greatest day on my hormonal calendar. For some reason as I get older it tends to be more and more of an issue. My dear husband knew I wasn't feeling well and wanted to know what he could do to help. We already had to drive for about 35 minutes to pick our son up from work. It was to be a rushed evening with church activities, as well as packing for a trip as well. He suggested that we grab something to eat while we were out. I jokingly commented about making it a common occurrence that one time a month when I am feeling at my lowest. He readily agreed that it was something that he could do for me. So next month may find my dear husband bringing home a pizza, fried chicken, or some other ready made meal.

Now I'm not saying you should praise your husband so you get things in return. But I think when we take the time to make them feel and know they are special, they are open and receptive to ways that they can meet our needs as well. Now, if you haven't been praising your husband it may take him a while to notice. He may never choose to do something in return for you. But the least we can do is to choose to be a servant. Choose to serve as if our husband was Jesus Christ.

How can you serve today? What praises can you tell your husband?

The Desire to Connect

In our modern era there still is the desire to connect with other human beings. We seek it in a variety of ways - through email, cell phones, texting, instant messages, blogs, Facebook, etc. Through these different technology wonders we learn snippets about different people.

God built in us the desire for fellowship. In the Garden of Eden God said that it wasn't good for man to be alone, so He created Eve. Even though our lives have become incredibly busy we still have that desire for face to face communication.

I can't help but wonder if God has built that desire for fellowship in birds as well. As I write this a young juvenile cardinal is eating seed on my deck. While he is eating, he is also conversing with a partner somewhere in our maple tree.

When was the last time that you sat down with other believers and fellowshiped together, other than a church service? What can you do today to change that?

"Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:25

Small Steps.....

Last week I began the journey towards doing better with how much food and what kind of food I put into my mouth, as well as being more intentional with exercise. My husband and I have chosen to work together on this. Often that is a good thing, but it can become easy for both of us to fail as well. When one gives into temptation, it's easy to go along.

I was pleased that since last Monday I have lost over three pounds. One of the blogs I regularly read mentioned about the struggle that we face when we have been doing well with eating and then see a poster - in her case it was chips and salsa. I realize that this is not just a physical battle, but also a spiritual battle. Who am I allowing to be in control in my life - me or the Holy Spirit. If my body is truly God's temple, then shouldn't I be more careful of how I take care of it?

Some days I do really well. Last night I didn't do so well. After dropping off my husband at a meeting I stopped by McDonald's and got a sweet tea and cheeseburger. I also picked one up for my son who also was hungry. Now we had already eaten an early supper, so I really didn't need the food. But I gave in to temptation. I guess I have done that now as well, since I have a pan of brownies baking in the oven at this moment.

Now I'm not saying that we should never eat sweets, but the problem is that once they are around, it is so easy to have one, and one more, and one more. Then before you know it, the whole pan of brownies, or bag of chips have disappeared. Obviously this is not an area that I have overcome in. I would like to say that I am in the process. Some days I do really well, and some days not so well.

I pray that God will help me to resist temptation, and to become more like Him in the process. I am finding it is a step by step process, sometimes moment by moment......

Waiting Line

Today is a cool day in PA. I filled the bird feeder this morning, and also put out a board that we place on the deck for overflow of birdseed. Some of the bigger birds will choose to eat from the deck since it is a larger area to perch. In fact as I write this, I can hear a cardinal outside cheeping as it eats.

In between laundry loads I would look out to observe the birds. There were at least three cardinals on the board at one time, as well as several sparrows. My rose of Sharon bush is lined with little birds awaiting their turn at the feeder. It gives me such pleasure to see these beautiful creatures that God has created.

As I have watched the birds in the bush, they seem to be patiently awaiting their turn to eat. It makes me wonder how well do I do when I'm in a 'waiting' period of my life. Do I chomp at the bit, raring to go, or do I just snuggle in my Heavenly Father's arms, awaiting His go ahead? How do you do in this area?

"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" Matthew 6:26

Laughter

It was to be a busy day. My youngest son had an eye exam and then we needed to go shopping for groceries for a scouting outing where he needed to plan, purchase and cook for his patrol for the entire weekend. We only had that one day that we could take care of everything.

The eye appointment ran late. My son had brought his school work along to work on in the car as we went from store to store - ah the beauty of homeschooling! :)

As we left the parking lot I noticed that the windshield was dirty and could use some cleaning. It was a warmer day so our windows were rolled down part way. My son was dutifully working on his assignments for the day. I pushed the window cleaner button on the steering wheel when suddenly my son cried out in dismay. His window was further down than mine was and he suddenly was being drenched with moisture from the cleaner.

I couldn't help it. I started to laugh and laugh and laugh. He didn't (at first) find it amusing at all, but soon joined me in laughing as well. It made me stop and realize how long it had been since I had a good laugh.

I had been stressed by the time constraints of our day until laughter seeped into my soul and brought me joy. It caused me to stop and just enjoy the moment. When was the last time you had a good belly laugh?

"He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy." Job 8:21

A Good Day

I have been making some headway with my cleaning today. I spent the morning working on deep cleaning our master bathroom. It has been in sad shape. It's one of those things that I think I will always get to, but never seem to make the time to do it. Well, today was the day to make it happen! I still have the smell of Clorox and cleansers in my nose. The throw rugs have been washed and are in the dryer. I have Clorox water in the sink, soaking that will soon be ready to be drained, and do a final clean up of the sink area.

Also this morning I worked on getting my entrance hall presentable again. I don't know why, but for some reason that is where things seem to accumulate. All the things that were there that didn't belong are back in their home now. I still would like to vacuum, but needed a break.

There is a lot I would like to accomplish today while my guys are gone for the weekend with a scouting activity. I also am enjoying time to just rest and relax too. It's a beautiful day and I plan to go for a walk at some point as well. There also is school planning that I should address as well. I will try and do some of that too.

Uppermost on my thoughts lately, is seeking God's direction for what He wants me to do. I have always enjoyed writing - both fiction and nonfiction. I am starting to feel the pull to get back into doing it again. I still don't have a clear direction of which way I will go. I thoroughly enjoy writing Bible studies, because it causes me to really dig in God's Word and grow. But lately I'm also feeling pulled to write a story as well. Don't know which direction I will go at this point. For now I'm in the ruminating process right now, awaiting God's guidance.

The Christmas music continues to play at our home, and often in the car as well. I welcome the cooler weather. It's been a joy to see some of the winter birds returning to our bird feeders. I get such pleasure at watching them each day.

Last month was a time of adjustment for all of our family - dealing with having our oldest son off to college, and other things as well. My initial response typically is to close in, which can be good and bad. For this time, it was good in that it allowed me time to process different things that we are experiencing. I feel that I'm on the threshold of new things. I chose to go to a ladies game night with our church last night and found that I was glad that I went and had a good time.

I am more enthused with getting things taken care of around the home. In some ways it seems like I have been in a fog the past six months since my husband's ski accident, and finally feel that I am breaking through, and beginning to see clear sky ahead. For me, Christmas music is soothing and encouraging. I love Christmas time. I love to decorate the house, and the special foods that we have at that time of year. It usually is a time for our family to be home together and have some relaxing and fun times. I look forward to that especially this year, with having my oldest home for a little over a month. My youngest son also shares my enthusiasm and would like to decorate for Christmas already. I will hold off a little while longer! :)

Well I'm off to working on my vacuuming, check and see if the rugs are dry, as well as a list of other things as well. I hope this day finds you rejoicing in God our Savior!

Contentment

It's been a good day. I had the day to myself since my husband and son were working today. It was a cool fall day. After taking my son to work early this morning, I came back and started tackling some projects around the house. I had piles on the kitchen counter, kitchen table and dining room table, but no more! I was able to successfully get through them all.

While I worked I had Christmas music playing in the background and had an apple candle burning. It spurred me to keep on working. I also had the cupboard to go through that had all my plastic ware. Somehow whenever I pull out a container and fill it, it just happens to be the one that doesn't have a lid, for whatever reason. So it was time to go through them all and make sure they each had a lid. I even had time to talk with my friend in Georgia and do meal preparations before again having to leave to go pick my son up from work.

I found time to walk after supper tonight while my guys were again gone. As I walked I couldn't help but think about the contentment I have felt today. I also have felt a sense of accomplishment, that I was actually making some headway with the house! I also have been working hard at trying to eat less and exercise more. Most days I have been pretty successful. I'm in the process of doing better in a lot of areas of my life. Just knowing I'm on the right road helps to give me contentment.

Now it's time to curl up with a book and relax for a while. What a sweet blessing rest and relaxation can be as well! :)