Wednesday, April 21, 2021

4 Serendipitous Somethings

Happy, happy April!

There's something quite serendipitous when two favorite monthly blog link-ups align one right after another ... and their themes join forces happily hand-in-hand.  I'm delighted to be dropping in at Lisa's {One Word} and Heather's {4 Somethings} with this one post.  I'll be visiting Jeanne and Richella, too.

I feel so efficient {definition: capable of producing desired results with little or no waste of time or materials}!

April's been all about family, face-to-face with plenty of hugs, kisses, and 'I love you's.'  Endless activity, laughter, heart-to-heart talks.  Ice cream, puzzles, hearty breakfasts, worshiping together.  Late nights, outdoor strolls, homemade cookies, learning the serendipity of watercoloring.  

If you've yearned for months and months to spend time with your loved ones, you know exactly what I'm talking about.  

To be fully vaccinated and jump in the car and just go feels like freedom.  To do life with our girls and their families has been a dream come true.  To be able to visit my mom in the care facility as often as I wish is a true blessing.  And celebrating our 45th in Amish country was just plain fun, a much longed for change of pace.

Just too serendipitous for words.

I feel reborn, renewed, rejuvenated.  I've never loved April more than I do this year.

SOMETHINGS LOVED

















SOMETHING READ
'The sense of how little I could control left me simply to relax into the care of God.  This is not like me.  Only when things got so far beyond what I could even pretend to manage did I remember I was not in charge of my life or the lives of others.'
- Catherine Marshall


SOMETHING TREASURED
This is a favorite hymn of my mom's that I often sing to her on the phone and now in person.  Some days she sings along, other days she just listens quietly to my off-key warbling {probably longing for the song to be over}.

How Can I Be Lonely? 
'One is walking with me over life’s uneven way, Constantly supporting me each moment of the day; How can I be lonely when such fellowship is mine, With my blessed Lord divine!

How can I be lonely When I’ve Jesus only To be my companion and unfailing guide; Why should I be weary, Or my path seem dreary, When He’s walking by my side.'
Haldor Lillenas, 1885 - 1959


SOMETHING AHEAD
Planting a miniature vegetable garden.  Church outside under the tents.  Friends coming to call.  Learning how to paint and distress furniture. Leisurely naps on the porch.  Meeting with women to talk about moving forward in the midst of anxiety.  Boarding a tiny plane to take in a bird's eye view of the Cape.  Working on my Mental Health Coach certification.  Ferreting out a not-too-crowded place to savor an evening ice cream.

And yes, still wearing the ever-present mask.

Loving April ~
Linda

P.S.  As I put the finishing touches on this piece, we found that COVID has hit our family yet again.  Please pray for mild symptoms, the trials of quarantining, and that it wouldn't spread throughout the household.  Thank you.

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60 comments:

  1. Oh, Linda, praying along with you for a mercifully short and mild bout with COVID-19.
    And I love that you are going to fly over the Cape!

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    1. Michele, thanks for praying!

      I'm just hoping that little anniversary gift won't get lost in the renewed hustle and bustle ...

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  2. So COVID has come round again
    like that dratted pesky neighbour
    who always seems to bring the rain
    with bummmer words and poor behaviour.
    But maybe this time he won't stay
    and with vaccines you're gonna find
    that you'll send him on his way
    with a boot up his behind,
    and you can go back to the joy
    of a life unleashed one more,
    with bright heart in your employ
    to find out all the love in store
    as durance vile finally ends
    in embracing arms of long-missed friends.

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    1. 'Embracing arms of long-missed friends.'

      Ain't that the truth.

      I hate how this virus especially impacts our young ones, our elderly.

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  3. I love the joy that shines through in your post and your photos, Linda! I'm so glad you got to enjoy special times with family. We are a bit behind you in opening up but our travel restrictions were finally eased and I got to visit my family (outside) on Friday. Hopefully there will be lots more happy reunions and times together to come. Praying for your family to get over COVID quickly without too many symptoms.

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    1. Oh, I'm so glad that you finally got to be with your family last week, even if it is outside! It's been a long haul for you, Lesley ...

      Here's hoping that we'll treasure those we love more than ever now that we've experienced what it's like to be apart.

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  4. So many happy photos that brings a smile. I am so sorry the dreaded virus has hit again. Praying for quick recovery with no spread!

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    1. Pam, isn't it interesting how joy and concern can mix all together in the same moment ...

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  5. Love all the wonderful pictures and so glad that you got time to spend time with loved ones. I am so sorry that this awful virus has touched family members. It's awful! Though Marty and I are doing well I still struggle with bouts of energy. It is crazy! Praying for family. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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    1. Yes, you've come to mind and heart, Cindy, as I've considered how many people I know who've battled Covid. I'm praying right now that you'll continue to heal, that your energy level comes back, and that the Lord continues to fill you with peace.

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  6. I will definitely be praying for your family that has contracted the Covid, Linda! April has been a month of sweet reunions for us, too, and I am more grateful for those than ever before. Loved your photos, too!
    Blessings!

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    1. Yes, we share the same granny joy and enthusiasm over seeing our grandkiddos again. I love the pictures you've been sharing ...

      God is so good!

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  7. What a lovely post! We feel a little more freed up, too, with having been vaccinated. So glad you got time with family, especially your mom. Where is that quote from Catherine Marshall from? It's so good. Your plans sound like fun.

    I'm so sorry to hear about COVID striking again. Praying for mild symptoms and a lack of spreading.

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    1. Hi Barbara! The quote is from Catherine Marshall's book, Something More ... see this month's Bookbag for, well, more!!

      http://www.lindastoll.net/2021/04/a-springtime-bookbag.html

      ;-}

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  8. So glad you get to sing to your mother in person again, Linda. I like how you dod your "something loved" in pictures. Those girls are just beautiful! So sorry to hear your family is facing another round with Covid. Praying for you.

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    1. There's something about singing to someone you love ... even if they can't remember all the words they once knew by heart.

      It's one of the few ways I can minister to my mom. I'm thankful for the hymn-filled legacy she and my dad left us.

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  9. Linda, such an uplifting post and way to showcase your word! I am truly sorry to hear about the COVID case, and do pray for mild symptoms & quick recovery!

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    1. You're kind, Donna ... thanks for being here this afternoon!

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  10. Praying for you and your family, Linda.

    God bless.

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    1. Victor, thanks ... I hope you have managed to avoid this dreadful virus on your side of the pond.

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  11. Such a beautiful post. Linda, I am so sorry COVID has struck again. Praying that it will be a quick recovery with no complications and that it does not spread.

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    1. Well, as of last night there seem to be 3 that are sick, but not terribly. We should get the test results today.

      One day at a time. He is able ...

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  12. April has been so serendipitous for you. Oh the joys of visiting in person. Serendipity. It's such a fun word to say. Praying for your family and speedy recovery.

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    1. Thanks for those prayers for a speedy recovery, Theresa.

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  13. So glad to see that being fully vaxxed has allowed you to resume some activities again. Your family will be in my prayers.

    Thanks for the visit! The teacup's mint green colour is very versatile. It can pass as jadeite or turquoise!

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    1. And you know how much I love that jadeite, Margie!

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  14. Hope all are doing better amidst the Covid. Love all your photo. Brought joy to my afternooon!

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    1. So glad you found some joy here this afternoon. That's blessing me this evening, friend ...

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  15. I love that you added, an yes, still wearing a mask. All the before was the focus of your days and not the mask. How the enemy of our soul wants us to keep our thoughts on our mask and we fall right into his ways because we are human and we were not born wearing a mask. thank you for your joy filled post, my spirits are lifted just because you pot wearing a mask last. You are a saint.

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    1. If there's anything saintly, it's all Jesus. Absolutely all.

      As far as the masks, well, we do what we can do to stay healthy and keep other people healthy. You're right though, Betty, it's still foreign ... and we weren't born wearing a mask!

      Appreciate that perspective.

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  16. I'm so sorry your busy, beautiful April is concluding with a bout of Covid in the family. May it be short-lived and WEAK!

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    1. Yes, please pray for short-lived and WEAK. Thanks, Nancy!

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  17. I feel so energized just reading your post and seeing your photos, Linda! I'm so, so happy that you're getting to fulfill many of your dreams again of being with family and enjoying those serendipitous moments. I went to visit my daughter and grandgirls this week and it was the first time I didn't feel I had to be on guard against covid the whole time. And we're having a family get-together tomorrow night that I'm also looking forward to! It's still going to be outside, but it'll be so good to see those I haven't seen in months and months.

    Still waiting on a return to church, but hopefully that won't be much longer either.

    I love, love that you sing to your mom over the phone and in person. You are quite an amazing woman, Linda.

    Praying that covid will go gently on your family members. It is a reminder that it is still out there and we don't need to forget that.

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    1. You're way too kind, Lisa. I'm not feeling like an 'amazing woman' right about now, but your words cheer and encourage me.

      I'm so glad you could see your little ones again without thinking about covid. It has been such an intrusive disease, hasn't it ...

      Enjoy the get-together tomorrow night! What joy ...

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  18. LInda, I’m glad you’ve had such a wonderful April—until Covid hit, anyway ... but hopefully that is short-lived and doesn’t detract from the beauty of the previous weeks. Your monthly serendipity posts always bring ME joy! And yes to efficient blog writing. Although I didn’t write anything about my one word this month and still need to finish my four somethings post. So not being very efficient here. :-)

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    1. Efficient is over-rated. And it's more than ok to miss a link-up, isn't it! Don't you just love that there's no blog police or timetables we have to aware of!

      Thanks for the reminder not to let covid take away my joy. The enemy would love that, wouldn't he.

      Have a wonderful weekend, friend. You're such a faithful encourager.

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  19. Firstly, you and your family are in my prayers. It seems as if we are so close to the finish line but COVID isn’t quite finished with us yet. I love your mother’s hymn....old hymns are just so beautiful. It’s such a celebration to be with our loved ones again.

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    1. Celebration is the perfect word, friend! I hope you and your sweet grandkiddos are all well and thriving.

      Enjoy this gorgeous Saturday!

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  20. I love the joyous tone of your post full of April blessings. Praying now for protection over your family and a quick recovery from covid with the sobering reminder that it has not gone away!

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    1. You're right, Sharon ... joy remains even in the rough times. Thanks for your prayers.

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  21. I am sorry to hear that Covid has hit your family again, serious bummer. I hope and pray for mild symptoms and quick healing. I got my second vaccine this week and it gives me hope that things are going to get a little more normal, the freedom to visit again fills me with such joy!

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    1. I agree, Cindy! Nothing is perfect or foolproof, but I'm thankful for this vaccine which has given us a bit more freedom. I know it's a sensitive topic for many, but I'm a fan ... and huge-ly grateful.

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  22. Love the photos. Love the word SERENDIPITY.

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  23. Praying for a more exciting and healthy May for you & yours!

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    1. Good health become a real treasure, hasn't it!

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  24. I'm so glad you had such a wonderful April, Linda. Spring is new beginnings after all! I pray recovery and health over your family. And May also brings lots of sunshine and lovely serendipity moments!

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    1. You're so right, Lynn! This is a time for new beginnings.

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  25. So sorry you're dealing with covid again. Hope you can enjoy the spring weather while you recover.

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    1. Family members are recovering well. I'm so thankful.

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  26. LOVE the photos! My above ground garden has been planted about a month & I am seeing the first blooms on the tomato plants. Bacon & Tomato sandwich---YUMMY!!!
    Blessings!

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  27. Linda, I enjoyed reading your four somethings. I love your pictures, so beautiful. Sending prayers for your family members who have covid, Blessings.

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    1. Paula, thanks for your kind words! What a lovely way to start the day!

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  28. Those something loved photos are just the best! What a wonderful way to say it best! Here's to even more of the same in May!

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    1. Your enthusiasm is such an encouragement, Jennifer!

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  29. All your somethings ahead sound delightful. Praying for health for those hit by covid in your home.

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    1. Thanks Heather! All are well and back to business as usual. We are grateful ...

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