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"I'm so glad I live in a world
where there are Octobers.
It would be terrible if we just skipped
from September to November,
wouldn't it?
where there are Octobers.
It would be terrible if we just skipped
from September to November,
wouldn't it?
Look at these maple branches.
Don't they give you a thrill
-- several thrills?”
Anne of Green Gables
Don't they give you a thrill
-- several thrills?”
Anne of Green Gables
Ruth Haley Barton
Sienna Vittoria Asselin
Carey Nieuwhof
7 Judgement-Free Ways to Change Your Shopping Habits
Courtney Carver
Courtney Carver
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After immersing myself in a bunch of reading on loss and grief, this week found me curled up with Kendra Adachi's The Lazy Genius: Embrace What Matters, Ditch What Doesn't, & Get Stuff Done. Brilliant choice. The girl is such a breath of fresh air. Smart and funny, perceptive and filled with kind-of-profound common sense. Light reading yet thought-provoking.
If that wasn't good enough, the e-book version is on sale even as we speak. Click here to read a sample and/or buy!
And if you're an Anne of Green Gables fan, the e-book version of all eight volumes is on sale for a ridiculous $1.99. Yep, you read right. Click here to check it out.
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'The same God who makes the planets spin
Tells the tide when it should rise
Put the color in my eyes
The same God who makes the seasons change
Knows the number of the stars
Every secret in my heart'
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Those final weeks of summer zipped by so fast! Around here they were filled with stacks of long-awaited decisions and lots of do-it-yourself outdoor landscaping. It's been a big relief for us to finish up things that have needed to be taken care of for far too long.
In the midst of all the good stuff, our family had two major car accidents and two members had Covid {which certainly affects everyone around you}. Amazingly, no one was seriously injured or ill.
And it's been three months since Mom died.
All this to say that if you feel like hibernating right about now, I get it! No matter what the season of life, being kind to yourself is always a good place to start. If that looks like an afternoon nap or saying 'no thanks' to an opportunity or unplugging, please do what you know you need to do.
Next week we'll be talking about the realities of compassion fatigue and ministry burnout. I'm hoping you'll be in on the dialogue.
'Til then, give yourself big helpings of grace and space, ok ~
Linda
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Good morning! Loved Courtney's post - especially the idea of a museum mentality! Admire, don't acquire is a great motto. I've learned how little I need after a bout of closet mold last fall. Still, I sometimes shop my emotions. Good reminder! You might enjoy the Lazy Genius Kitchen! Thanks for sharing another beautiful morning on the porch!
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onehopefulyear.com
Hey, welcome back, girl! I can't tell you how good it is to see you again. I hope you are well and enjoying these brisk and golden days ...
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I will be there for next month's conversation! I have been so grateful for the space created by letting go of a major ministry responsibility at my church. And this is the last.year for our mowing business. I picture myself enjoying next summer to the fullest!
ReplyDeleteIt's like we can't begin to imagine the relief that comes with giving up something major ... and then realizing that life continues on without our constant presence ... even as God begins whispering something fresh and new into our souls.
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I'm so excited for October, Linda! Danny and I are planning a road trip for most of that month; we'll be visiting my son and his fiancee, Danny's brother and his family, then we'll top it off by visiting with Sarah, John and the grands. Hooray! And there's bound to be lots of autumn's glorious colors to see along our drive. After weeks of being stuck at home in summer's heat, I can't wait to be out and about again.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
'After weeks of being stuck at home in summer's heat, I can't wait to be out and about again.' No truer words have been spoken, Martha! We're hoping to hit NH, MD, PA, and CT before the month's end. Let's hear it for road trips.
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You have a wonderful list of books, Linda. It’ll be fours years in October that my mom passed and it was 9 years for my hubby, this past August. We move on somehow through family and friends. Happy weekend to you.
ReplyDeleteKitty, you're right, family and friends make all the difference ... they let us know that life goes on and that there are still people who love and need us.
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I am so sorry to hear about the car accidents and illness in your family! May God bless all of you and keep you in His care, sweet friend, and may you continue to feel His comforting presence as you grieve the loss of your dear mom.
ReplyDeleteThese are the times that I'm more grateful than ever that He doesn't change. Yesterday, today, and forever!
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So enjoy all your blogs. Love the pix, too! Always love to see your decorating ideas, and your granddaughters are so pretty! Handsome grandson, too!
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Thanks for keeping in touch, for all your encouragement along the way. A lifelong friend is an unusual treasure, isn't it ...
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Sorry to hear about the car accidents and the illness in your family, and trust everyone is on the mend! I love the idea of blue pumpkins. I think I am going to try to grow them next summer! Have a wonderful weekend!
ReplyDeleteOh I'd love to read about your growing adventures ... complete with those stunning pictures you pull together. What a gift you have, Lynn ..
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Lovely pictures, as usual :)
ReplyDeleteYou're kind.
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I need to re-read my notes from The Lazy Genius Way. I remember thinking it was very good, but I'm wondering if I applied any of it...
ReplyDeleteIt was such a good book to relax into ... I thought I'd jot down some quotes, but I was too busy enjoying. I need more of those kind of reads in my life.
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Stopping by for my visit on the porch with you. Thanks for the book recommendations. And as always I love your photos
ReplyDeleteThanks bunches for linking up with Sweet Tea & Friends this month my friend.
You're a generous hostess, Paula, and your readers are taking notice!
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I'm sorry to hear about the car accidents and covid in your family but I'm glad no-one was seriously ill or hurt. I love the song you shared, and I look forward to the conversation on ministry burnout - it's an important topic to consider.
ReplyDeleteWe just spent a few days with life-long ministry leaders. I learned so much from listening to their stories. I hope our conversation here will be helpful. I can't wait to hear what everyone has to share ...
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Sorry I'm late to the party Linda. Jo and I took the weekend to be together and I was not in the pulpit. I barely looked at my phone for email and don't have blogs on it. I have a love/hate relationship with October. It's my birthday month so I like it (except now that I'm hitting 70 it isn't as much fun). But it also means the weather is changing and cycling is slowing down. But it does remind me that while the seasons change, God does not. I hope you find this month a good refreshing one for you as you recover and branch out.
ReplyDeleteAre you finding 70 to be traumatic? 65++ hasn't made me too happy. I need to cultivate gratitude for the aging process but I can't help thinking how much I missed along the way. It makes me sad.
DeleteJust sayin'.
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"In the midst of all the good stuff...." that always seems to be a reality. Thankful that no one was seriously hurt or ill. And saying a prayer for you today as you grieve your mom. So grateful for a faithful God that walks with us through all the seasons - and whatever they may bring. And thankful to know He is, indeed, such a good (and personal) protector and comforter. Blessings to you this week!
ReplyDeleteI love how you said it, Jennifer ... He's not only good, but personal, too. He knows exactly what we need, when and how much. I'm so grateful.
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They have it in the library!! Doing the happy dance!!! And............there's a brand new one out by her about just the kitchen. Maybe I can read that one too and "inspire" Mike in his kitchen duties. Fingers crossed!!
ReplyDeleteI think you'll love Kendra, Val! I'm ready to check out Kitchen Genius. Maybe it'll become my favorite room in the house?
DeleteUh, probably not.
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I'm so glad you and your family are recovering from Covid, are safe after the car accidents, and are continuing to know His loving, comforting embrace as you grieve the loss of your sweet Mom. October is such a sweet month of enjoying the beauty of the trees, Linda! And it does feel so good to accomplish things in the house and the yard! May the Lord continue to bless you and your family!
ReplyDeleteLisa, thanks for that blessing. I certainly do 'see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer.'
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Hibernation ain't my thing,
ReplyDeleteeven with the winter coming,
even as the geese take wing,
their feathers sound a distant drumming.
There are needs that must be met,
a host of dogs who walk and play,
projects I've not finished yet,
and now's the hour and the day,
for my strength is going fast,
and daily falls measured amount;
the truth is, we're not built to last,
so every moment has to count
in this Virginia Reel of grace
in which partners reflect God's face.
For sure, you're not a hibernating man, Andrew. That's not how God made you. Thanking Him for that host of four-footed creatures who keep you on your toes!
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I'm out on our deck as I respond to your blog, linda, enjoying a cool but sunny day--not a cloud in the sky. A few leaves have turned orange, many more are yellow, but the mass of fall colors won't occur for another week or two I'd guess. I'm not ready to hibernate just yet, but very thankful the heat and humidity of summer have gone. I pray your trips will be restorative, LInda, after these last few months of various trials!
ReplyDeleteAren't these just the best days, Nancy? Not summer anymore, but certainly not winter. Although I did have a hat and gloves on when we were outside in NH the past few days. It's a liminal space, yes. Not quite there in either direction.
DeleteI kind of like it!
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I've put "The Lazy Genius" on hold at my library. Thanks for the suggestion!
ReplyDeleteI just got my copy of The Lazy Genius Kitchen from the library yesterday! Fun reading with a purpose and lots of 'aha' moments.
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Montgomery's sentiment never gets old, does it? I'm a summer girl, but there is something about October... my 2nd favorite month! Your beautiful images capture the "why"! Blessings to you, my friend!
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