Three Things Right Now

 

Author Jen Hatmaker asks guests on her weekly podcast to name what or who is saving their lives right now. I love this question because we truly live in seasons where the answer will always vary. I think of this often when reflecting. My answer is in a set of 3:

1. Prayer: I'm not the go-to person when it comes to prayer. I pray BIG & BOLD prayers, and the devil knows this so he'll find everything possible to keep me from praying. I'm so glad God knows my heart and hears my prayers. When I do pray, I am so filled with balance and perspective and gratitude. This is definitely saving me.

2. Podcasts: Listening to a funny podcast (Office Ladies, thank you very much) easily removes the stress of the day.

3. Peloton: I have been using the Peloton app for cycling, running, strength training, yoga, meditation, and stretching for 30 straight days. I used to be the President and CEO of anti-exercise. Now, I actually look forward to working out. I almost don't recognize myself! Who am I?! I'm so grateful for the community within Peloton, as well as the routines I've been able to build. I may not see a difference in the scale yet, but for the first time in my life, I can jog/run for longer than 30 seconds. 

The best gift I gave myself in 2020

This is the story of how a mental breakdown led to a glorious weekend by myself (plus my 2 dogs).

After trying to put down the final directional arrow stickers on our concrete, in order to navigate around a construction zone and away from a parking lot, I broke down in tears. Getting ready to welcome back about 150 students on top of the already 150 students was weighing heavily on me. There was so much to be done, and I was glad to do it, but I hit the proverbial wall. Crying in my mask was my low point and I had to take action.

I found my favorite San Diego hotel was deeply discounted for the weekend. They allow dogs, and so taking my 2 pups was exactly what I needed to be pushed to be active, not staring at a TV for 48 hours.

Kids and hubby were off to my sister-in-law's house, so I could get grounded. This last minute change to programming would only be possible with a willing husband and his sister. I am so grateful.

I got in to the hotel super late, so dinner wasn't available. Better to hit the hay.

But I couldn’t fall asleep. It took a very long time to settle. Then, I woke up super early and couldn’t go back to sleep. I felt so out of balance on a night that should have provided rest.

That morning, I received a message from my prayer group leader, suggesting a devotional on the Bible app. It was called "Paul Tripp's Daily Thanksgiving Devotional." Day 1 was EXACTLY what I needed.

He writes that sin causes us to insert ourselves into the center of our world, making life all about us. I was in a terrible spot, filled with discontentment and envy --> totally selfish. The devotional talked about being right vertically and not horizontally. I committed the rest of my weekend to getting right vertically. I talked with God about my anger and resentment and asked for a pure heart. I have one life to give, and I need to do this right.

My only regret is not taking any photos.

Blessing a Small Business

It's the last Friday in May - also the last Friday I'm highlighting a small business. It seems pretty coincidental that businesses are starting to open now, after 77 days of shut down. 

Still, I am hoping we will continue to support small businesses for the sake of our economy.

Today, I'm highlighting my local coffee shop, Tonyan Coffee. I have been grateful that they have been open and available for curbside pickup, even when the chains have closed. 

www.tonyancoffee.com They do online ordering. 

Worship Wednesday

Feeling exhausted and overwhelmed, I heard this song by Sarah Reeves on the radio "Just Want You." It was a balm to my friend brain! Lyrics below:

Take the lead of every step I make
Even if You tell my feet to wait
'Cause where You are is where I wanna be
The depth of me is calling for the deep

I don't want it if You're not in it
I just want You
No, I don't want it if You're not in it
I just want You

Your heart, Your ways
Show me Your face
Your song and Your voice
Break through the noise

I don't want it if You're not in it
I just want You
No, I don't want it if You're not in it
I just want You, God

Whisper to me secrets of Your heart
'Cause I want to discover all You are
I'm leaning into Heaven for a glimpse
And I will partner with Your presence here again

I don't want it if You're not in it
I just want You
No, I don't want it if You're not in it
I just want You

Your heart, Your ways
Show me Your face
Your song and Your voice
Break through the noise

I don't want it if You're not in it
I just want You
No, I don't want it if You're not in it
I just want You, just want You
Just want You, just want You, God

All that I see, be my everything
All that I dream, lay it at Your feet
All that I am, falling on my knees
I surrender, I surrender
All that I see, be my everything
All that I dream, lay it at Your feet
All that I am, falling on my knees
I surrender, I surrender

I don't want it if You're not in it
I just want You
No, I don't want it if You're not in it
I just want You

Just want You, just want You

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Target Tuesday

Today is the final Tuesday in May, which makes it the last Target Tuesday. It's been fun recalling my purchases at Target this month. I know that with all the stuff I bought online for drive-up pick-up, was way less than having gone inside the store and impulse-buying!

These 3 months at home have forced me to really evaluate what we had for our young kids. I replaced an old bike and a broken power wheel, purchased a plastic pool and a scooter, and last week, I added hula hoops to our inventory.


Now, these are way too big for my kids and they do not have the patience to stick with practicing at the moment, BUT, they did have fun with them on the back patio last Saturday morning. They were novel, inexpensive, and will last a while.

Amazon Monday

Happy Monday. Today, we honor those who lost their lives serving our country. My gratitude runs deep. May we never take it for granted.

This is the last Monday of May, the last Amazon Monday. This has been a fun way to think about my spending, and hopefully, pass out on fun finds to readers.

My son's kindergarten promotion will look much different this year. Being a former Kindergarten teacher, this hurts so much. I really wanted him to experience the amazing program our school has given in the past.
I recall the many lives lost and all the healthcare workers and scientists working so hard, that I put aside the fancy promotion ceremony, and fix my eyes on the fact that my son is healthy.
His teachers are amazing, and I wanted to honor them. I found these books and I think they'll love them!




We drink everything through straws at my house. To try to be more eco friendly, we use these straws made from avocado pits. We've been using them for years and love them.



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