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The LORD gives strength to His people;
the LORD blesses His people with peace.
Psalm 29:11
Hey Friends ~
If it's Saturday, we're on the porch. I'm glad you're here!
We've spent half of the past three weeks since Mom died with our girls and their families. God knew exactly what we needed to start us down a healing path and He opened the door to long-awaited leisurely days doing life together.
Berry picking and shopping. S'mores and photo albums. Movies and puzzles. Petting the dog. Cradling a tiny one. Walks and talks and naps. Laughter and hugs and too much good food. Dreams of what the future might hold.
These oh so rare days have been re-calibrating, reminding me that life goes on. It's God's whispered assurance that yes, all will be well.
Grief can look like three steps forward, one or two steps back. Glimpses of a new normal invite me to start feeling like a person again.
For months, my every breath was Lord, have mercy. These days, I fall asleep simply whispering thank You.
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this inspirational Kevin Costner movie
these ginormous chocolate chip cookies
i'm all in for the 1000 Unplugged Hours Challenge
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Your photos are always a joy, a generous glimpse into your sweet space of life. - Debby
ReplyDeleteDebby, I'm fairly sure it was NOT a pretty sight watching me foraging for berries / getting the right angle for snapshots / identifying bird song on the app / swatting away biting flying things / keeping an eye out for snakes / getting untangled from thorned bushes and vines / trying not to slip and fall on the wet grass ... all at the same time.
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I love this! I am off to check out the 1,000 Unplugged hours! Cindy from encounterswiththedavisfamily.blogspot.com cindysbookcorner.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteHey Cindy ... this challenge was exactly what I needed right now. I'd love to hear how it works for you!
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How I love your photos, Linda - they really cheered my heart! So glad, too, that you've had lots of lingering good times with family. Loved ones certainly do help in the grieving/healing process. God does, ever and always, deserve a great big thank you!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Yes, this has been a very good family time. A reminder that life continues on ...
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I'm another who always love your photos, Linda--their beauty, the emotions they stir, the memories they trigger. Delightful! Thank you too for recommending the inspirational, Kevin Costner film. My husband and I are always on the search for a compelling, well-acted, uplifting movie to watch--they are few and far between!
ReplyDeleteNancy, yes, it's almost impossible to find good movies that the whole family can watch without fast-forwarding or cringing in our seats. This certainly was worth the viewing!
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My daughter and I read When Strivings Cease. Wonderful book. We also read Get Out of Your Head by Allen. It helped me tremendously. I did get out of my head well a big leap forward.
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Hey, thanks for the thumbs up on these two books! Getting out of our heads is what many of us still need, especially after the impact of covid on our lives. So good to know this was helpful ...
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Thank you for your link to the 1,000 hours challenge. I submitted my request for a record sheet just now - - and even before that, intentionally left my phone at home today for 3 hours. It was easier than I thought it would be and freeing! Thanks for your photographs too - - so pleasure-filled. ❤️
ReplyDeleteBarbara, onehopefulyear.com
I'm with you, Barbara. This hasn't been hard at all. It's like we've been craving permission or something. My head is getting clearer and I feel free-er and the world's still spinning.
DeleteI love a good tracker, don't you?
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So glad you have been able to spend well quality time with your family dear Linda. I enjoyed all the wonderful pictures. Prayers abound for you and your family. Grief is hard at times to navigate through but it is surely a part of our lives isn't it? God bless you dear lady. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteCindy, I'm grateful for those prayers and the peace that passes understanding. I can't even begin to tell you ...
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Havne't mentioned lately but want you to know how much I enjoy your photo. You are a great eyes for taking them!!
ReplyDeleteJean, thanks so much. I'm trying to cut down on carrying my phone around while still capturing images that grab my attention. Each choice is so therapeutic. Mmm ... what's a girl to do?
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Oh that pup looking out the window!! And thanks for the headsup on that challenge...I agree, a good one to embrace! So glad to have stopped by for a porch visit this evening...here's to a blessed week ahead!
ReplyDeleteJennifer, so good to see you. And yes, I miss grand-dog Rosie curled up on my lap. Talk about pet-therapy. LOVE that animal!
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I’m so glad you’ve been able to spend so much restorative time with your family, Linda. God knew what you needed, for sure. The pictures are lovely, as always.
ReplyDeleteYes, He knows. I'm beyond grateful for these days for so many reasons.
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My sincere condolences, Linda! We're never ready to let them go, but God loves us through the loss.
ReplyDeletePraying for your comfort and peace.
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Thank you so much for reaching out over the miles, over the years. It means so much to me ...
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Beautiful reflections, Linda, and the photos are stunning. I am so glad you are taking a slow walk with grief. Though painful, in the end you will be glad you did.
ReplyDeleteA slow walk with grief. Yes, you've named it well, Donna ...
DeleteI'm so glad you've had time with your girls and their families, Linda. That is so nourishing to our souls, whether we're in a time of grieving or not. Thank you for gathering and sharing these gifts of glimpses.
ReplyDeleteNourishing is the perfect word, Lisa. I pray the same for you right now, friend ...
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