As news of the virus becomes more inescapable, I thought it would be helpful to just start noticing the good things, the blessings, and all the ways that I still feel God meeting me exactly where I’m at during this time of uncertainty. I’ll be sharing these things regularly as a reminder to me and as an encouragement for you to look for them in your life as well. God is over this and He’s in it with us. Here’s how that looked today.
A Photo From Today
Wise Words from Emma Zeck
With this open time
You do not have to write the next bestselling novel
You do not have to get in the best shape of your life
You do not have to start that podcast
What you can do instead is observe this pause as an opportunity
The same systems we see crumbling in society are being called to crumble in each of us individually
The systems that taught us we are machines that live to produce and we are disposable if we are not doing so
The systems that taught us monetary gain takes priority over humanity
The systems that create our insecurities then capitalize off them
What if we became curious with this free time, and had no agenda other than to experience being?
What if you created art for the sake of creating?
What if you allowed yourself to rest and cry and laugh and play and get curious about whatever arises in you?
What if our true purpose is in this space?
As if mother earth is saying: we can no longer carry on this way. The time is now – I am reminding you who you are. Will you remember?
Stuck in my Head
Way Maker Miracle worker Promise keeper Light in the darkness My God That is who you are
You wipe away all tears You mend the broken heart You’re the answer to it all Jesus.
Even when I don’t see it, You’re working Even when I don’t feel it, You’re working You never stop, you never stop working You never stop, you never stop working
Way Maker Miracle worker Promise keeper Light in the darkness My God That is who you are
As news of the virus becomes more inescapable, I thought it would be helpful to just start noticing the good things, the blessings, and all the ways that I still feel God meeting me exactly where I’m at during this time of uncertainty. I’ll be sharing these things regularly as a reminder to me and as an encouragement for you to look for them in your life as well. God is over this and He’s in it with us. Here’s how that looked today.
A Photo From Today
Counting the Joy
Nightly chats with Mom while we walk in our respective neighborhoods. Especially in 65 degree weather with sunsets like that one.
Memes about “gather” signs.
Audiobooks downloaded from the library while it’s closed. I’m currently listening to this and reading this.
Having specific exercise, dietary, and sleep goals.
Pup cuddles and pup snores
Turning off the news and social media
A long enough to do list to keep me busy, but mostly taking time to rest.
Beautiful sunsets and flowers popping up all over town. The magnolia trees are my absolute favorite right now.
Kev’s laughter from the basement when the guys are FaceTiming or playing PUBG together.
Exchanging phone numbers, chatting from across the street, checking in and truly just loving on our neighbors.
Psalm 121:1-2
1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? 2 My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Social Distancing To Do List Update
Catch up on Project Life/scrapbooking projects
Shred everything in the shred bin
Host Zoom meetings or Group FaceTime hangs with friends
As news of the virus becomes more inescapable, I thought it would be helpful to just start noticing the good things, the blessings, and all the ways that I still feel God meeting me exactly where I’m at during this time of uncertainty. I’ll be sharing these things regularly as a reminder to me and as an encouragement for you to look for them in your life as well. God is over this and He’s in it with us. Here’s how that looked today.
A Photo From Today
Isaiah 41:10 (MSG)
Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.
When You Shop, Think Small and Think Local
Shopping from local and small businesses makes a huge impact any time, but now it feels even more important be intentional about how we can help support businesses that make our towns what they are.
If you’re local, here’s a list of COMO Restaurants that are offering delivery and curbside pick up options. Love to support some of our favorite places.
In addition to taking advantage of local restaurants, I’ve seen people making suggestions to buy giftcards for future use or buy gifts you know you’ll be buying anyway. <3
Thoughts
Feeling a little weepy over real and raw hurts and anxieties that have both been shared with me personally and over the internet. I keep thinking of this and how people seem to be gathering together, while still keeping physical distance.
As news of the virus becomes more inescapable, I thought it would be helpful to just start noticing the good things, the blessings, and all the ways that I still feel God meeting me exactly where I’m at during this time of uncertainty. I’ll be sharing these things regularly as a reminder to me and as an encouragement for you to look for them in your life as well. God is over this and He’s in it with us. Here’s how that looked today.
A Photo From Today
For Lent this year, I am challenging myself to Andy Frisella’s 75 Hard Program which includes two 45 minute workouts a day. Not being able to go to the gym has really thrown a wrench into that plan, but we’ve been working out at home. Not the best quality photo, but as you can tell, Willow loves yoga days.
Good Tunes
The Crossing recently put together a playlist on Spotify of great songs to listen to to remember and rest in God’s peace. It’s been such a welcomed reminder to worship through all the feelings and uncertainty that this pandemic is bringing.
Psalm 46
1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. 5 God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. 6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
7 The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
8 Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. 10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
11 The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Burn The Candles – I reread this article by Shauna Niequist every now and again to remind me to be delighted.
How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe – Just in case you’re like me and using this social distancing time to be productive around the house.
Emily P. Freeman – Emily hosts my current favorite podcast and has lots of awesome content on her website.
The Art of Noticing – Ali Edwards is hosting an event called “The Art of Noticing” with a simple concept of opening your eyes to things in your life that you might otherwise miss. Such good timing on this.
I’ve been trying to properly summarize this past weekend with my friends in Hamilton. It was good for my soul, real life, deep conversations. Slowing down while the snow was falling was exactly what I needed.
Click here to read my other Hamilton Weekend Wrap Up.
Happy 2020! I just love the fresh start feeling of the New Year as it’s always a great reminder to reflect and celebrate victories of the previous year, or in this case the previous decade. Each year, I look forward to these posts as a way to count the fruit. You can read previous posts here: 2018 and 2017.
January
I kicked off my One Little Word rest in hopes of prioritizing resting secure in God, cultivating a life of less, drawing from an overflow of rest, listening to my body and heard, and resting and rejoicing in growth and change.
Our sweet Chloe turned 5!
We survived snowpocalypse 2019 – about 20 inches of snow.
I started watching The Office after finishing up Friends in 2018.
Kevin and I tried some new restaurants. Le Bao and 44 Canteen were two of our favorites.
We were regulars at Fuzzy’s Trivia on Thursday nights.
February
I started meeting with a counselor on a weekly basis.
I went to California with Mom and Grandma to celebrate my cousin Mia’s birthday. I was in love with the lemon trees growing fruit in the winter.
My small group friends and I make prayer binders for a craft night.
I made the best watch face of all time.
I worked lots of overtime.
March
Kevin and I celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary the best way we know how – with some amazing food!
I created a gallery wall (with my absolute favorite photos) that brings a smile to my face every single time I see it.
We tried Mod Pizza with our friends, Jeff and Taylor. Somehow I ended up with dairy free cheese.
I started using Monat hair products and saw huge changes in my curls.
April
We celebrated our Three Year Highridge Ranch-iversary. I just love this space that’s all ours.
Our friend, Taylor, moved in with us. It was such a sweet season of spending time together and watching all the Bachelorette and Fixer Upper.
I ripped out the roses in our front garden beds.
May
Taylor and Jeff left Columbia for the last time as residents.
Kevin and I bought a Honda CRV!
I listened to Sabbath Practice podcast from Bridgetown Church (it was amazing!).
The Stanley Cup Finals put me in a state of anxiety during every single game.
I took a watercoloring class with Bohemia’s School of Artistry and learned so much about light and blending.
June
WE WON THE STANLEY CUP!
We went to the Stanley Cup parade in Downtown St. Louis – the best.
Books Read: The Five Intentions: Discovering What Death Can Teach Us About Living Fully, Atomic Habits: An Easy and Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Bread Bad Ones, The More of Less: Finding the Life You Want Under Everything You Own, and Everybody Always: Becoming Love in a World Full of Setbacks and Difficult People, The Path Between Us: An Enneagram Journey to Healthy Relationships
July
We celebrated 4th of July in Hamilton with Sarah, Cole, Andrew, Alexa, and Josh.
We went to Weston, MO for a distillery tour, delicious BBQ, and cave bars.
We celebrated Grandma’s 75th Birthday!
I committed to volunteering with Compass 31.
Book Read: Girl, Stop Apologizing
August
I celebrated my 28th Birthday (and make white chocolate raspberry cheesecake to celebrate!)
Mom and Dad took the family to the Lake of the Ozarks for a long weekend.
Kev’s students moved to campus and he officially became “coach”.
We wrapped up the month with the annual Family Golf Tournament.
Kevin and I invested in a record player and spent time searching for gems at the record store in town. Our faves: Eric Church, Billy Joel, and Paul Simon.
Kevin got me a legit Poloroid camera.
I graduated from weekly counseling to only going on an as needed basis.
Books Read: The Coddling of the American Mind, Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead, A Love Letter Life: Pursue Creatively. Date Intentionally. Love Faithfully.
September
Kevin and I celebrated 10 years together!
Willow gets a forever home and Chloe gets a new best friend.
My first Compass 31 product launch went live with all new products in their shop.
I started leading a college juniors small group at our home.
October
Sarah and Cole sold their house next door and officially move; it was the most sad.
We helped host a dope homecoming tailgate.
First snow of the season (WHY THOUGH?)
My team celebrates me well with Ketchup on Bosses Day.
Books Read: Afraid of All the Things, Just Open the Door: How One Invitation Can Change a Generation
November
Kevin’s Rocket League team wons the NACE Championship and was undefeated in their inaugural season!
We put up the Christmas Tree.
I participated in the Live2Lead Event at work and got to see Rachel Hollis speak – I’m a fan.
We spent Thanksgiving with Claire and Michael and I made my first pumpkin pie.
I went to VU’s Feast Forum and got teary-eyed over the gratitude and goodness of my workplace. I’m so thankful.
I spent Black Friday with Grandma and we shopped til we dropped.
I tried my hand at cooking vegan at home and found some new recipes to incorporate into our regular routine.
Book Read: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
December
I watched 12 Christmas movies before Christmas.
I completely caught up on Project Life – so now I have printed photos from 2013 – present.
Mom and I dressed our dogs up in matching PJs.
VU hosted an incredible Holiday Party, as always!
We made gingerbread houses at work.
Books Read: Grateful American: A Journey from Self to Service, In His Image, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World
