Dear Friend ~
July's been lovely, hasn't it? I want to capture each and every grace, every unmerited favor that God has allowed me to enjoy. Soaring squawking seagulls, little smiles, sweaty daybreak walks, comfy shorts and well-worn flip flops.
Simple suppers on the grill, the crashing sound of wind and waves, late night reading marathons, surprise answers to fervent prayers, fresh corn on the cob, conversations that go deep.
Extra helpings of patience and humor when my natural supply drastically waned.
Leisurely visits with dear friends and quart bags of blueberries safely jammed in the freezer.
And the promise of the days ahead, hopefully filled with quiet adventures with all 6 of my little people and their delightful parents.
Quiet?
Doubtful!
As has become my custom, I won't be blogging for some / most of August. I'm not all that good at multi-tasking and too much excitement drains my energy tank. Like many of you, recent months have brought challenges, decisions, and bittersweets to our extended family. So I plan on focusing on what's happening right in front of my nose in these next weeks. Spending more quiet time with the Lord. Pretty much leaving my laptop shut tight and my phone upstairs somewhere on my desk, idle and unattended.
If you leave a comment here, I'll most definitely be responding.
If you're writing online, there's a good chance I'll stop by your place but will most likely leave quietly without saying 'hi.' I hope you won't find that rude.
If you drop me an email, I'll answer it, but not as quickly as I usually do. I think you understand.
See you later.
And yes, I miss you already!
&
one final visit with
Wishing you a peaceful August!
ReplyDeleteLori, thanks!
DeleteHave a blessed August, Linda! Looking forward to reconnecting with you in the Fall ;)
ReplyDeleteGosh, that sounds so far away!
Delete'Til then, my friend ...
Enjoy, Linda, simply enjoy!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Yep, I think I will!
Delete;-}
Summer is flying by so quickly, isn't it? I can't believe it's August already. I had thought I'd return to my blog in August, but I'm not so sure yet. God is telling me to allow myself more grace and not put so much pressure on myself. I hope you have a wonderful "pause," Linda. Relaxing, rejuvenating, and spending some time with God and your family. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteI'm with you, Trudy. I'm all about paying attention to what my emotions are telling me and embracing 'grace' as my watchword. The pressure's off!
DeleteYeah!
Enjoy yourself, friend ...
You're wise, Linda. We all need to hit the pause button more than we do. May God bless your IRL endeavors in the upcoming weeks.
ReplyDeleteGotta be honest ... I had to look up IRL to see what it meant.
DeleteShows you how social media savvy I am NOT!
;-}
Let's hear it loud and clear for In Real Life! I'm thinking that the internet world is overrated ...
Enjoy August, friend ...
Have a wonderful August!
ReplyDeleteYou, too, Lynn!
Delete;-}
Good for you! Being "present" is one of the best gifts you can give your people. I am also taking a break. Moving is not for the faint of heart. My life revolves around moving twice since my new place won't be ready. It's a lot to deal with but the best part is that God has been blessing the whole process. Enjoy your time! Rest well!
ReplyDeleteOh I hear you about the moving, Mary. A huge transition, isn't it. I look forward to hearing all the details ... maybe you'll be sharing?
DeleteThe cool thing is that you take your online community wherever you land. And that can be a very comforting gift you give yourself when all else changes. It was a powerful lifeline for me two years ago.
And He leads the way.
Oops>.....hit the wrong button...submitted for the content review. Got it back a week ago and working to complete some revisions. August will see our daughter with her three youngest (16,14,& 12) here for a few days, but not busy with traveling. Looking forward to that and more gentle and leisurely times with the Lord. Hugs to you!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your lovely family, Pam.
DeleteAnd oh, the BOOK! I just can't wait to get my hands on it. You must be so very excited. Please keep me posted, ok? Whatever I can do to help you spread the word, I'm there ...
Just saying hello and wishing you a lovely and peaceful August. Miss you.
ReplyDeleteSimplyBeth
Oh I miss you, too, friend. I hope all is well with your family and that summer is treating you well.
DeletePlease be in touch as you can!
You've made my day ...
Third attempt at commenting...hopeful it's a charm - and hope your time off is too! Enjoy every minute, every grain of beach said on the floor, every marshmallow roasting on your stick. There's a whole beach pail full of fun to be had in August and a new family memory to be made around every corner of your coast! Looking forward to the "postcards" upon your return!
ReplyDeleteThanks for being patient and persistent with whatever glitches were going on! A true blogger's heart!
DeleteAnd thanks for the well wishes, too. I'm really looking forward to a whole bunch of family time.
{See what I'm saying at the end of the month!}
;-}
GOOD for you! I like taking a time out! Will miss you--but wish you a month of quiet contemplation of all the joy in your life!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, My Friend!
I'm imagining that by the time I return, your boxes will be packed and you'll be ready to roll into this next adventure! You go, girl!
DeleteYou're brave, energetic, and wise ...
Vacation is over with two year-olds and I can relate to the empty tank syndrome. Phewwwww... my home is deadly silent but I think I can get used to that.
ReplyDeleteThanks for meeting at the ferry and lunch. You guys live in awesome beauty everywhere. Enjoy the rest of summer
Loved every minute of our day together. What joy to be with you. I love that you give me full permission to simply be myself, whatever that might look like.
DeleteAnd you KNOW I love to help you shop!
Thank you for your loving kindness and grace, my dear friend ...
I feel very calm and peaceful after reading this. Hopefully that lasts with school starting here on Monday. I will miss you, but you take care of yourself and family!
ReplyDeleteOh I'm so glad this brought some serenity to your soul, Sarah.
DeleteBe at rest ...
School starting already? Yikes!
;-}
Beautiful pictures.
ReplyDeleteIt's very wise to take a break! I hope you are refreshed as you enjoy the not-so-quiet days ahead.
Refreshment.
DeleteYes, that's where I want to be, that's who I want to be.
Thanks, Shannon.
Enjoy your August! We miss you already.
ReplyDeleteYou're sweet ...
Delete;-}
I'm vicariously exhaling over your closed laptop and blogging fast, Linda. Good thinking. I'm looking for ways to scale back as well. It takes as much discipline to NOT do as it does to DO.
ReplyDeleteI'm hearing your yearning, Michele.
DeleteI encourage you to say, 'yes, please!'
;-}
These pictures are all so soothing!
ReplyDeleteI love that you're here, Leigh!
DeleteHi Linda! I hope you have a wonderful August break. I've been in and out this summer, mostly out ;). I love the picture of your littles all cozy and playing in bed. It sounds like you've had a wonderful summer with more beautiful moments ahead. Rest well, my friend!
ReplyDeleteIt's so good to see you out and about, Candace! Looking forward to reconnecting in the fall ... can't wait to see what you're writing about!
DeleteGood for you for recognizing your limits. I hope you are able to do some relaxing in August.
ReplyDeleteYou're kind!
DeleteThanks, Sara ...
I too cannot handle multiple tasks at a time. It really makes me tired. Have a great relaxing time in August!
ReplyDeleteI'm loving this month!
DeleteThanks for grace in my slowness to respond to your visit, Stephanie ...
Enjoy the time off! I too, have been so busy with all that goes on in the summer, that I am only finding bits and pieces of time to visit my precious blogging friends. I'm glad you are finding that sweet place of contentment and joy with the people dearest and closest to you. Enjoy it all! Love and hugs :)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you dropped by even in the busyness of this sweet month. Where did summer go, anyhow?
Delete