new normal...

I'm not gonna lie- I have a really hard time not being really sad on Sundays now.  :'( I miss my Church People. I miss the building, the fellowship and sense of family I feel when I am there.  That so much of my actual family is a part of my church. <3

But I am thankful that at least we can connect this way- that even though we are not together.  We can be joined in spirit. <3

 I'm seeking His peace in my soul. My sense of peace and joy does not come from external components but from God. He is my strength, my hope. I am seeking to be grateful and thankful- to look for the good.

Like running four miles yesterday- finding a new training plan to follow and get me back on track for our rescheduled Half on May 16.  Will it happen then... I don't know.  But more importantly- I got out and moving and having a plan makes me happy... running isn't canceled.

Last night the kids and I played games and laughed so hard, sang Disney songs at the top of our lungs....

 Time lapse video of one Dutch Blitz hand.

this is 40...

Yesterday was my birthday. 

Not quite the day I had planned but still good.  Happy and restful. With the world seemingly on lockdown. I stayed home with the exception of a walk with the pups and a run.

I watched last week's episode of This is Us that I missed.  So I could watch the season finale last night.  Neither episode disappointed.

I snuggled down and finished my current read- it was so good! My favorite of March so far...

How to Walk Away by Katherine Center- I highly recommend. 2nd book I have read by her and loved both! Looking forward to reading more!

I finally watched Frozen 2- also did not disappoint.  The girls and I along with the pups piled into my bed to watch it since Rhett was working in the living room.

 2 birthday miles- I listened to the HeReadSheRead podcast- It was there buddy read episode.  They had read The Dutchess Deal by Tessa Dare- it was pretty entertaining to hear Curtis talk about an romance novel- a pretty steamy one at that.  He did not care for "the steamy bits".  :P

I had planned to visit Goldenbee Book Store with my sister and go out to lunch.  But I ordered the books from the shop online instead- so I could still support her sweet little store.  I was delighted to discover upon returning from my run that my books were delivered...on my birthday! 

Mikayla cooked me a delicious birthday dinner- Chicken Marsala with Potato Smashies

 and an apple pie :D

I received this cookbook from my sister in law- I can't wait to fill it with recipes!

I submitted another party and earned my pretty blue Pampered Chef Umbrella! YAY!

Sunday...

Social distancing... I am really starting to hate those words.

This morning I sat in my kitchen and cried...over missing church and my friends and my sister. Spoiled birthday plans.  I feel childish and pathetic, but i. am. sad.

Trying to recapture a bit of the joy I felt yesterday...

I was able to go grocery shopping.  My store was fairly well stocked and I got everything we needed. Even toilet paper! ;-) People were pleasant, kind and friendly.

I texted with my sister and felt connected.

I took the dogs for a walk in the sunny but chilly fresh air with Mikayla. <3

I went for run, stood by the creek and soaked in the sunshine and the cheerful sound of the water flowing.

 

I saw a mallard couple...

I read and snuggled with these guys.

I cooked dinner and enjoyed my family.

This morning I am sitting here- with my coffee and my bible- still in PJs waiting to virtually join a church service.  This morning I'm going back to visit Sandy Lake Wesleyan since my church isn't able to stream.  I'll be listening to my Pastor's message later on.

Reminding myself WE ARE the Church. 

 Not the service, not the building.  

The Church is very much ALIVE.  

And we will not be defeated!

From the ends of the earth I will cry to You,

When my heart is overwhelmed;

Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

Psalm 61:2

Just Life...

I'm trying really hard to not complain. To be positive, to be thankful. To keep my focus on good things. And God things.

I have a little bit of a headache but I think its from too much coffee and not enough water...

Just because dogs make me happy.

 I was able to get a decent amount of groceries last night and this simple fact made me happy.

The girls got out and took the pups for a walk.

We're doing a LIVE tonight! Hopefully around 6- I am hoping to squeeze in a run before I head home. =)  We are making deep dish pizza in our new Cast Iron Pans

Love this reminder from Ann Bogel to just do the next smallest thing- the little things really do add up. I am one that is easily overwhelmed by things- but just doing the next thing ultimately makes a difference.  You can read her thoughts --> HERE <--

Some thankful thoughts for today-

• warmer air
• a full fridge/freezer
• hearing birds singing when I went outside
• listening to KLOVE with a worshipful and joy filled heart
• kindle library books
• technology to be connected

A verse for today~

Let's Pray- set your alarm to pray for one minute at 8 pm central- that's 9 pm here locally ;-)

As I said yesterday Prayer is powerful! 

Let's prayer for our country/our world. 

Our leaders. 

An end to the virus and healing. 

For peace and unity in our nation.

The world feels a little bit like its gone crazy.  I'm sure everyone is having the same experiences to some extent.

I'm trying really hard to focus on the good.  To not be overwhelmed, to not let the anxiety take hold.

Focusing on God is one way. I've been picking a scripture to recite to myself when I am feeling overwhelmed. Like Psalm 23...

Listening to KLOVE and filling my mind with GOOD THINGS. True things, not fear. Not what-ifs. Not anxiety.

Stopping to pray.  Prayer is so powerful guys.  Don't forget it. 

Sunday we attended church in the sleepy little PA town where my grandmother lives.  They devoted a huge portion of the service to prayer.  It was wonderful.  Praying together for our country, our world for that matter, for our leaders, for protection. For healing for those afflicted with this virus. For peace and comfort.

I'm not sure what the future holds, will everything go back to normal in a few weeks, will there be long term ramifications and affects.  

Its crazy the simple things we also took for granted - like fully stocked stores, going out to lunch or meeting for coffee. Going to school.  Running races. Church! Going to the library.

I am thankful that my family is together and safe and healthy.  I'm thankful for laughter around the dinner table.  I'm thankful for a friend who stopped by with a birthday gift. 💖 I'm thankful for sunshine.  For books, for dogs and cozy blankets.

The kids laughed at me last night drinking Sunny D from my fancy glass ;-P 

Mikayla made sure to tell all her friends. 

grumble, grumble

I'm fighting frustration and anxiety today.  I feel tired and discouraged.  My quiet time feels meh and flat.  My home feels cluttered and overwhelming. My job feels long and pointless.

My devotions this morning spoke of praise- of birds singing after the storm.  Seeming praising their creator. I  made a note at the bottom of the page. Stop Grumbling.  Be thankful.

I went on to read a bit more in The Great Divorce by CS Lewis.  He spoke of a woman, so caught up in her grumbling and complaining she had become a grumble herself. Unable to see Heaven and goodness and light right in front of her.  Only misery. I do not want to be that woman.  I don't want to be tired, angry, frustrated, sad. 

I don't have to be. There is always a choice. 

As I sat contemplating I remembered the speaker, Kay Dekalb Smith, from the first ladies retreat I ever went to.  The one thing that really stuck with me all these years was her talking about being humbly grateful not grumbly hateful.

Oh. Some days. It is a struggle.  This world can be dark and hard and the devil wants nothing more than to take you down, me down. I'm not going without a fight. In fact- I am not going down at all.  

I am victorious. I am a daughter of the King. I am joy. I am light. I am strong. I am thankful.

“I wish I had never been born," she said. "What are we born for?"
"For infinite happiness," said the Spirit. "You can step out into it at any moment...”
― C.S. Lewis, The Great Divorce

Spring is that you?

For Today {Tuesday, March 10, 2020}

Looking out my window kinda rainy today but still feeling like spring.  The weather yesterday was beautiful!  Went for a run on the canal after work.

I am thinking about March goals, turning 40, who I want to be...

I am thankful time with friends, dogs, my husband, weekend plans, books, coffee, family...

One of my favorite things

Coffee with a Friend <3

I am wearing I saw this shirt while I was shopping with Hannah this weekend. I think it's going to find its way to my closet for Easter =)  I snapped the picture so I would remember it. ;-)

I am listening to Tom Hanks read The Dutch House to me. 

Also just started this one for the Personal Development Book Club at the Library.

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

I am hoping that this might be my month 😆

I am learning

In my kitchen not much.  I need to get serious and make my menu for the rest of the month. Last night we had pancakes. Tonight its leftover Chicken Tortilla Soup I had in the freezer...

Board room
This year I am going to make our Corned Beef and Cabbage in the Quick Cooker and of course Shamrock Shakes in Peggy ;-)

Pinned: This Month's Menu

Shared Quote

You reveal the path of life to me; in your presence is abundant joy; at your right hand are eternal pleasures
Psalm 16:11 CSB

A moment from my day

The Boys

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