Simple Woman's Daybook {It's Been a Long Time Edition}

For Today

July 18, 2017

Looking out my window

 Sun streaming through the tree branches. It's gearing up to be a very hot day.

I am thinking

It's been a very long time since I've done a "Daybook" post (or blogged at all, for that matter!) For various reasons, I've been wanting to get back on the blogging wagon lately, and as I was reading through old blog posts this morning, I decided a Daybook post would be a fun way to ease back in. :) 

I am thankful

Oh, so thankful for God's faithfulness always! This time of year always brings much reflection along with anniversary dates of some of our hardest days ever. I am so thankful that God is so good to send reminders of His faithfulness, sovereignty, and care along with those memories. So thankful also for my family, our church families, and dear friends who have borne and continue to bear burdens with us, pray for us, make us laugh, and just "do life" with us in ways that make it so much richer! 

One of my favorite things

This morning I've been reminded how much I treasure my old blog posts. Such a blessing to be reminded of the funny, the serious, and the wonders of God in our story over these years. 

I am creating

Lettering projects, for family and friends and perhaps some to sell. :) 

Also working on a possible youth girls Bible study/life planning workshop based on an expansion of the planner class I did at the Solid Rock Friday night. Excited about the possibilities! 

I am wearing

Shorts and a Tulsa Lifeflight t-shirt. :) I have a whole wardrobe of various EMS-related shirts, thanks to Billy's work contacts. *big grin*

I am reading (read) /watching (watched) / listening to

Currently reading Steven Curtis Chapman's Between Heaven and the Real World with Ammah Grace. We're just getting started good, but we are really enjoying it so far. His music, and even more his and his family's testimony after the tragic death of his daughter Maria, have ministered to me so much over the years. I'm looking forward to the rest of this book so much!

I also just re-read Anne Ortlund's Disciplines of the Beautiful Woman in preparation for last Friday night's planner class.  I first read it close to 40 years ago and it's possible I've read it close to 40 times. Other than the Bible, it's one of the top five most influential books of my life, and I so needed to read it again right now (and not just for class! :)) If you haven't read it, I highly recommend you do (and for local folks, the Solid Rock had them in stock Friday. I have no idea how many sold, but if they are out, they can order it. :))

I am hoping

Seriously hoping that the weather folks are wrong about the coming "heat wave". The milder summers the last year or two have been so nice, particularly since our old house doesn't have central air. :)  I'm especially dreading the promised heat wave due to Peter working at the farm. He may be all grown up now, but this Mama still worries about heat stroke and such. *Sigh*

I am learning

 to better manage my minutes (not for the first time *blush*)

In my kitchen

Trying to manage to stay somewhat on plan with our WOE (way of eating) without using the oven during these hot days.

In the school room

I am hoping to get some serious planning done for fall semester this week, both for our own schooling and for our homeschool group activities. 

Post Script

This spot is for a favorite link. I just happened to have spent some time this morning reading back through old blog posts, and I ran across this one. It connected, in an odd way, with the planner class I taught Friday night and with some conversations I've had lately. Continuing to see similar things and continuing to pray for a depth revival, followed by a breadth revival! 

http://jenbh.blogspot.com/2008/08/depth.html

Shared Quote

“Most people don't think in terms of minutes. They waste all the minutes. Nor do they think in terms of their whole lives. They operate in the mid-range of hours or days. So they start over again every week, and spend another chunk unrelated to their lifetime goals. They are doing a random walk through life, moving without getting anywhere.” (Alan Lakein)

This was one from Friday night's class. I'm really working on focusing on the big picture and the minutes, instead of getting stuck in the day-to-day, week-to-week right now. 

A moment from my day

Tiny 2x2 canvas Em painted for me. It sits on my desk and makes me happy. :)

Closing Notes

I am hoping and praying that this is the beginning of resuming regular posting here. I would love to hear from you in the comments--something from the blog in the past that has been an encouragement or brought a smile, something you'd like to see on the blog in the future, or just a word of encouragement! Would also love to connect with you via social media! you can follow the blog via  Facebook, Twitter, and/or Pinterest, or  find me on Instagram as Jenbh68. You can also sign up in the sidebar to receive new posts by email.

 

Thanks for coming by!!  

 

Thanks to Peggy for hosting the Simple Woman's Daybook!! Please go visit her to see what others are sharing.