Brrr ...
Bone-chilling cold and howling winds kick up whenever they please. Frost-bit windows are par for the course each daybreak. I move my computer fireside so I can soak up its warmth while I take care of business. Homemade soup bubbles in the pot. Toasty slipper socks are daily gear and we've lost track of how many cups of something steamy we sip throughout the day.
Welcome to very early springtime on the Cape.
What does it look like to cultivate a childlike delight in noticing, naming, and celebrating God's winsome creativity in our daily rhythms at home ... those simple gifts that offer us a sense of place, comfort, and grace?
Our Abba Father delights in giving good gifts to His children. I believe He desires that our homes become havens of peace-filled rest and joy-fueled welcome. We are compelled by an expectant faith to keep our senses open for the simplest pleasures He has for us to savor ... and share with others.
A few cozy old quilts, a pretty little plate of chocolate treats to welcome a friend, hot quiches straight from the oven.
Beautifully worn vintage spoons, an early morning quiet time, nested eggs residing on the mantle, and paper napkins that speak truth.
A vividly bright bouquet springing from a lovely white basket, {my husband's around here somewhere}, and comfy mismatched flannels and fuzzies as we Zoom.
And grace appears for the millionth time as I realize I completely forgot about unpacking groceries because I was so intent in pulling this post together ...
'When we believe things don't have to be perfect to be beautiful, the pressure is off. Embracing imperfections and being content with where we are is a great first step to creating the homes we've always wanted so we can use them the way we've always dreamed.'
Myquillyn Smith
Linda
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Linda, reading about your habit of intentionally noticing the simple graces reminds me of my own little project of underlining the names and attributes of God as I read through the Bible. If memory serves, I started it the year my mom went into long-term care. Looking back, this simple practice grounded me in the truth about God during a season when I desperately needed it. I can’t help but wonder if your focus on serendipity is doing something similar for you? It encourages my heart to think that God can use something as simple our words of the year to make His presence known to us. Lovely thoughts and photos, my friend. 😊
ReplyDeleteYou got it, Lois! Absolutely!
Delete'Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report ... think on these things ... and the God of peace will be with you' {Philippians 4:8-9}.
As all around us has given way and been redefined this past year, the powerful foundation and truths of Scripture are more precious than ever, aren't they.
Praise be.
You had me at the eggs and brownies. And the next picture. Was that pizza? Yeah...that too. We are enjoying some nice Spring weather today. The past week has been a bit chilly and rainy. But better days are coming!
ReplyDeleteYes! This week's looking to be a good one. I fear all my lame excuses for not getting out for brisk walks are quickly headed out the window.
DeleteMaybe it'll be too foggy or too humid or too this or too that.
And maybe not.
This post made me feel so cozy and welcome, Linda. What a perfect invitation you have offered to us all in simply being at peace and home, content in life's smaller pleasures.
ReplyDeleteOn another note, hope it warms up soon!
Blessings!
I'm glad you felt cozy and welcome, friend ...
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Such a lovely gratitude list and pretty photos to match! I feel more grateful, which adds to my contentment, which makes me more joyful--just for having read about your simple pleasures, Linda. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteYou're so right, Nancy ... gratitude, contentment, and joy all roll in and around each other. I love how God invites us to live appreciatively ... especially when things aren't necessarily going our way.
DeleteWe have bounced back and forth between cold and hot the past couple of weeks. But today was perfect. I actually pulled out my Easter things from the attic. I didn't get any of it out last year. My grands are coming next week so we'll actually dye eggs! It's nice to have more to look forward to in 2021 than we did in 2020.
ReplyDeleteWe're planning on being with our grandchildren the next few weekends for the first time in forever. I hear your enthusiasm, Lisa ... and I share it!
Delete;-}
Kind of a strange spring here. Not one anyone wanted, but thus, 2021 begins in a rural part of a border state.
ReplyDeleteEach rifle's in its ready rack,
a shotgun by each door,
a pistol tucked behind my back,
I'm ready now for war,
for there's cartels in the neighbourhood,
I hear their guns by night;
something's coming, nothing good,
and soon will come the fight,
for the sheriff's stretched too thin
across this vast hot land,
and if I have a hope to win,
I have to understand
that innocence goes on the shelf,
and I must do this by myself.
Heartfelt poem, powerful and truthful. Thank you.
DeleteUm, gee, Andrew, I hope you're ok ...
DeleteSounds kinda scary 'round there.
Linda, it is scary, and it's going to get a lot worse.
DeleteAnd Desert Diva, it's a poem I wish I didn't have to write...but it's true in every word. There is truly a bad moon rising.
Time to praise the Lord and pass the ammunition, I guess.
My home is my haven of peace and as I trust God to answer prayer, I still wonder who will be moving in the next door condo and then in a few months, upstair’s condo. Neighbors are moving on and cashing in on great profits in this seller’s market. Condo living can be effected positively and negatively cause of closeness. Others so close can infiltrate peace and quiet. So far, God has not failed me yet in providing outstanding neighbors and comfortable homes. Feel like I want to do some redecorating....that is want God is doing with spring.
ReplyDeleteThat quiche looks outstandingly delicious. And you and hubby’s feet together depicts a wonderful togetherrness. Happy Spring!!!!
I love that whole idea of praying for potential neighbors, Carol. I believe God cares about these situations that impact our lives. Knowing you, I know you will be a blessing to whoever moves in. And I'm going to pray that God will bring people who will be a delight to you.
DeleteHappy spring back atcha! Missing you, friend ...
Your photos are so warm and nostalgic, Linda. I love your serendipitous moments of discovering God's presence in the ordinary. Thank you. The robins are singing their cheery tunes here. It's such a heartening promise that warmer weather is coming even though it can be cold at times. :) The warmer weather is coming, my friend! Love and blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteDon't you just love watching the birds re-emerge, Trudy? And singing their songs when you wake in the morning?
DeleteBest music ever. Unless it's the rooster that lives down the street and around the corner and wakes up very very early.
;-}
An attitude of gratitude for the simple things in life is a blessing to not only yourself but those around you!
ReplyDeleteGrateful you're here this evening, Barb. Welcome!
DeleteI love this post. Meanwhile it is a Spring time 70 degrees here today. You may remind me of my gloat when it is smothering here in the South this summer!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, My Friend!
70!!!
DeleteBliss. I know you're enjoying every second of it, friend ...
Thank you for sharing little snapshots of your early spring days on the Cape. I don't believe I realized you live on Cape Cod, Linda. My sister lives there for 6 months of the year (in Pocasset). I love the quote from Welcome Home about embracing imperfection. Such wisdom there! Our Father does shower us with blessings each day.
ReplyDeleteWe've had a huge number of part timers moving here full time in the past year because of the pandemic. Our numbers haven't been horrendous, although we know a number of people who've had Covid.
DeleteLife is very very slow in the dead of winter which makes me wonder if people will continue to stay year round. Not much to do in this neck of the woods! And while us homebodies love it, the solitude can make people crazy with boredom.
Spring has been postponed. It is still cold here.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
I hear ya, Victor. Damp, too, right?
DeleteEmbracing imperfection is so freeing. I enjoyed your photos of ordinary days which are so welcomed when you realize they are blessings! Spring is beautiful here in the Deep South...wishing you a lovely week, friend!
ReplyDeleteOh I bet it's gorgeous there right now, Pam! The photos on your site are living proof, for sure ...
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Popping by today to visit around with several blogging friends and so glad I saw a post waiting in my email. Enjoyed this so very much this morning as I sip on coffee. Loving the pictures. Made me smile this morning. I hope your week is wonderful and that God blessed you above your beyond dear friend. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteHi Cindy! It's so good to see you again ... over the weekend I actually went and checked to see if you had posted recently. I hope you are healing well and soon will be out and about again, sharing your zeal and enthusiasm for life.
DeletePraying ...
Just had to pop back in to tell you that your words to me of "Please rest and give yourself grace and space" ministered to me more than you know. Thank you sweet blogging friend.
DeleteYes, Cindy ... please be oh so gentle and kind to yourself. This can take a long time to recover from. All will be well ...
DeleteI enjoyed your blog with accompanying pictures. The quiche makes me hungry! Ha! I appreciate all the little ways you enjoyed God today. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteDon't you just love seeing God in the littlest of graces? He is so good!
DeleteI'm glad you're here, Lisa ...
My boys have managed to wear down the need for perfection! I'm a Martha learning to live a Mary life! I love your quilt, your food - what cozy living you are surrounded with!
ReplyDeleteWe weren't blessed with sons but we do have a grandson who keeps us laughing when we get to see him and his sisters ... what joy!
DeleteIt really makes a difference when we pause and look for the little reasons to be grateful. I love all these reflections and photos. This is such a peaceful, welcoming post.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you found something here that brought you peace and gratitude, Lesley! It's so good to share what God is doing in our lives with each other ...
DeleteI loved seeing your cozy spaces, Linda! I hope though you are soon able to shed the winter socks and walk barefoot again in the sand of your beaches nearby.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lynn ... it's a season of expectancy and anticipation, isn't it!
DeleteI concur it's the little things that bring joy to our lives. I have a sweet tooth so my favourite shot is the brownies and Reese's Pieces eggs!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the visit. I have a weakness for journals with pretty tea-themed designs!
Anything chocolate. That's my story ...
Delete;-}
Ahhh, Linda. This post gave me some deep, fresh breaths (and they're much needed). I loved seeing your photos, especially the one of yours and your husband's slippered feet. Springtime here has been a mix of beautiful days and snow storms. Typical for Colorado. Thank you for the reminder that we don't need to be surrounded by perfection to be content and to enjoy our days and our people.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, Jeanne ... we continue to need those 'deep, fresh breaths' as you so well put it. There's much to recover from on many levels and much to consider as we continue to tentatively move ahead.
DeleteGrace.
I so needed this reminder!! As I glanced at the juice smeared counter (my boys), tripped over orange crocs in the hall (my boys), cringed at the mounds of papers on the dining room table (husband), once again lint rollered my black pants (animals)....you get the point......I can choose to look at these as annoyances or I can see them for the blessings they are. A house full of boys, love, animals and chaos........and it's beautiful!!!!
ReplyDeleteI remember those days well, Val ... and wish I had seen them less as annoyances and more as blessings!
DeleteYou've described a beautiful, wholesome, joyful home.
;-}
This is such a sweet post - it took me a while to get here, but I am so glad I persevered! I always enjoy a good visit with you, my friend. Much love to you today.
ReplyDeleteWell I'm always glad to spend a bit of time with you, friend!
DeleteHappy Palm Sunday ...
Linda, I love everything about this post. Your words, photos, the closing quote. I'm learning to be a good host, it's about enganging from the heart and not perfectionism. Then I don't feel like going to bed instead of a warm welcome to family and guests.
ReplyDeleteWhat encouraging words, Karen! I absolutely hear what you're saying about perfectionism ... most of us are in learning mode.
Delete;-)