Summertime greetings, friends!
Here we go, heading into the 5th year of these monthly posts. Sometimes if I'm at a loss for words and looking for a bit of inspiration, I'll glance over at my calendar or reach for my journal, maybe check my phone or look over my to-do list at the crossed out jottings.
I try not to be redundant and go on and on about something that's already been posted. I know your time is valuable. I know you're looking for something fresh and inspiring.
I try.
Meanwhile, life here on the Cape has been impacted by oppressive humidity, countless shark sightings, and a tornado. On top of the typical bumper to bumper traffic, jam packed beaches, and endless waiting lines everywhere you turn, well, it's been quite a summer.
Putting it mildly.
We lay low, keeping away from the main roads and the shops and eateries as much as possible {although there are some nights I absolutely MUST have some chocolate peanut butter cup ice cream here!} We avoid the beach during the day and head over to the bay late afternoon or early evening to walk.
Not to swim.
The sharks, ya' know ...
SOMETHINGS LOVED
SOMETHING HEARD
SOMETHING LEARNED
'Ignorance of our future is a form of God's grace. Few of us would be able to fully embrace today if we knew what tomorrow held.' - John StumboWe've often heard that ignorance is bliss. The word also rustles up thoughts of bewilderment, foolishness, being clueless. So to view it as a lovely grace from God is a whole new ball game for me.
What would our lives look like if we fully embraced today, seeing each moment as a gift, a treasure to be mined instead of expending our limited energy gazing longingly in the rear view mirror at what was ... or endless wishing or dreading over what might be around the next bend.
God has been faithful. His Word tells us that He numbers our days and will continue to love His people well. Our response to biblical truth hinges on trust, a choice we're invited to make as we recall all the ways He's been very much present in the past.
Especially in the dark nights of the soul.
He never left for one minute.
'Thou art my God. My times are in Thy hands ...'
- Psalm 31:14, 15.
Amy Carroll & Cheri Gregory
Kelsey Borresen
Dena Hobbs
Karianne @ Thistlewood Farms
Karen @ Motherhood Uncluttered
Stephanie Barnes
Chelsey Hill
Celeste Headlee
Gabriella Paiella
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I've left a whole lot of fabulous 'somethings read' this month because I'm headed off for a little break from writing. It's time for our annual family trip to Camp of the Woods up in New York's Adirondack Mountains. 71 years ago, a shy 18 year old girl bravely ventured north by train from NYC to the wild Adirondack wilderness all by herself to visit the Christian camp her big brother raved about.
And in doing so, my mom launched a very special family legacy that continues to this day. This is THE week the twelve of us look forward to all year. On Lake Pleasant's shore, three generations re-connect with first, second, and third cousins. I'm guessing there'll be 30 of us or so doing life together for a week.
What a precious, chaotically joyful gift.
Anyway, feel free to bookmark this post and come on back while I'm gone if you're looking for something else to read.
Don't miss the comment section. That's all gold.
That's where you are.
That's where you are.
Linda
P.S.
Bloggers - invite this community to visit yours! Please feel free to link up your end-of-the-month post ... and be sure to share your best highlights in the process.
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dropping in to see
I enjoyed the helper vs. meddler article. Also the grandparents' 60th anniversary photos. I shared Saturday a link to older folks asked to pose like people do in modern day engagement photos. So sweet.
ReplyDeleteYour family get-together sounds wonderful! Have a great time!
My end-of-month post will be up Wednesday, so I'll be back to share it then.
We never dreamed we might have been meddling ... Lord have mercy.
DeleteHere's my end-of-month post, along with blog anniversary giveaway: https://barbarah.wordpress.com/2019/07/31/end-of-july-musings-and-a-blog-anniversary-giveaway/
DeleteI'm so glad you came back, Barbara!
DeleteHope you have a wonderful time in the Adirondacks, Linda! Loved seeing your Cape photos. I have been there in 3 seasons (never in the winter) and I thing autumn is my favorite time to visit. It's much slower and less hectic than during the summer rush. You live in a beautiful place!
ReplyDeleteYou're absolutely right, Laurie ... fall is the most gorgeous time of year!
DeleteNext time you're here, I'd love to meet you somewhere and grab a cup of tea ...
;-)
Linda, enjoyed your potpourri, especially Rescue.
ReplyDeleteYes, what a song, what a message.
DeleteDebbie, I'm glad you're here ...
You always have the best lists! Love it! (And honored to be included!)
ReplyDeleteI've heard about Camp of the Woods and it's just a state away -- maybe I should check it out!
I've so enjoyed your writing this summer, Rebecca ... so refreshing, always something that sparks something in me.
DeleteThanks for adding to my reading life!
It's now hard to face the dawn
ReplyDeletethough it promises bright and fair,
for with the day I'm set upon
by the demons of the air.
They see my halt and fragile walk
and the breeze that blows through me;
the tumours rise, I barely talk
of hope and final victory.
But I will push these wraiths aside
with their counsel of defeat,
for my Saviour is my guide,
my path made smooth by His feet.
I don't know what the day portends
but I'll be safe where my road ends.
https://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2019/07/your-dying-spouse-651-its-ok-to-despair.html
Those demons have no hold on you, Andrew. Your Savior is your guide, your guard, your keeper.
DeleteYou are safe. Now and always.
I join those this morning who are lifting you and Barb up in prayer ...
Andrew —- you write beautiful sonnets. This was meaningful to me:
DeleteBut I will push these wraiths aside
with their counsel of defeat,
for my Saviour is my guide,
my path made smooth by His feet.
Praying you will find freedom of pain today. God seems to need you here for awhile.
The photos you shared with us are absolutely stunning, Linda! Made me think of all those summers in Massachusetts visiting family and enjoying the beach. Luckily, no sharks in those years! Glad you have such happy times coming up for your family in the near future. Enjoy every moment!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
I'm always happy when I hear of other New England lovers, Martha!
Delete;-}
I agree with the John Stumbo quote, Linda! Thanks so much for including me in your list. Have a blessed time at your family gathering!
ReplyDeleteThat piece you wrote really moved me, Boma. Such a joy to share your beautiful work here ...
DeleteYour reflections so resonate with what I'm struggling with.
ReplyDelete* via text *
I'm grateful you found something here that met you where you are, friend ...
DeleteHave a wonderful week in the Adirondack Mountains. I'm now going to checking where that is and how to get there!
ReplyDeleteOh the Adirondacks! I can just envision your lens capturing its awesome majesty, Lynn!
Delete;-)
I always enjoy these monthly recaps, Linda, though the shark sightings sound a bit scary! That Lauren Daigle song is one of my favourites too. I hope you have a great time with your family. My end of month post is here: https://lifeinthespaciousplace.wordpress.com/2019/07/27/july-round-up/
ReplyDeleteIt is scary ... and amazing how close to shore these sharks have come. Many people are changing their swimming habits, stopping surfing, staying away.
DeleteI envy our time with all your family. Cherish it!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, My Friend & Enjoy The Break and Family!
Yes, I know you hear where I'm coming from. You've been blessed to live so close to your grandkiddos. Such a gift, isn't it ...
DeleteI loved reading about their huge enthusiasm for dancing. Their grandma's grandchildren, yes?
;-}
Linda, also living in Ma. (North Shore), I have been amazed at all this summer has brought to our state. I so enjoy these loose end posts and see some I want to head over to read. Enjoy your time away at camp with your family. Such a wonderful gift!
ReplyDeleteWell hi, neighbor! I had no idea you were a bit more than a stone's throw away. If you're ever in the neighborhood, let's have a glass of iced tea together ...
Delete;-)
Thank you so much for the shout out! What a fun post---so much inspiration!
ReplyDeleteHappy day!
karianne
I love that you stopped by, Karianne! You keep on inspiring me and making me smile ...
Delete;-)
Linda,
ReplyDeleteI love this - Ignorance of the future is a form of God's grace...Amen! I think if I had known 30 years ago what I was in for...I may have crawled under a rock lol. God offers grace for today, not tomorrow, or yesterday. Enjoy your blogging break and just breathe...
Blessings,
Bev xx
His mercies are new every morning.
DeleteOur manna, yes?
Funny I always say ignorance is bliss and Stumpo says it all.
ReplyDeleteHave fun in the Woods!!!