Family Update and Favorite Things

Thought I’d give a bit of a family update, since we’ve had a lot going on these last few weeks. At the end of this post, I’ll share a few favorite resources.

We’ve had a few days of beautiful weather here and I’m so thankful for that. I’ve been working in my herb and flower beds, and am very excited that I have my own peony plants this year. They make me so happy and cut flowers in my kitchen just brighten the whole workspace.

I’ve been so busy that I can barely get online to write. We’ve had three deaths in our family in the last month, two great aunts and my grandmother. It has been a bittersweet time, visiting with family and recalling memories.

“God gave us memory that we might have roses in December.” J.M. Barrie

It’s funny how the heart is: grieving one minute, rejoicing the next, able to do both to some extent, simultaneously.  While getting ready for a funerals these past three weeks, we’re also planning for Emily’s August wedding. While crying over loved ones lost, we’re looking forward to out-of-town guests and family coming home ands the simple gifts of the future. I’m so thankful that God is near during these times.

We celebrated Holly’s graduation this weekend, two days before a funeral. My friend, Anne, helped me food prep and we enjoyed visiting and gabbing as we cut veggies and sautéed chicken. Friendship that is based on mutual respect and faith is a rare blessing.

(BTW, I wrote about planning for a graduation party here.)

I apologize for being the world’s worst blogger. I’ve written about why women’s blogs tend to go radio silent before, and I just want you to know that I could push through and blog but I would have to neglect real life stuff to do that, and it’s not the life I want to live. I want to blog out of the abundance of life, and I never want for it to replace real life living.

I’m still in the stage of life where my home life is full. I have a toddler to care for, and teens who need to be driven to jobs, plus we’re still juggling work schedules/social calendars to make time for family dinner and time together. There’s no rest for the weary when you are a mom of many, but it’s a wonderful place to be and I totally love the ins and outs of it all.

But I do love blogging, and I love this community, so I want to share a few things with all of you, especially this–>

A few weeks ago, I received the nicest note from a woman who trusted Christ recently, and this blog was instrumental in that! I was so encouraged to read it and I share it simply to encourage you to share for the Lord online. You never know who needs to read what you write.

When I was debating blogging, I spoke to a Christian man my husband and I both admire, and asked him about it. He reminded me that this world certainly needs more solid, Biblical content online, and that Satan’s women are not afraid to promote his agenda, so why would I be afraid to promote the cause of Christ online? You never know where God will use your words, writings, or life.  Speak well of Him.

Now, a few things I want to share from around the web.  Grab a mug of coffee and enjoy these good reads.

This quote on hospitality from Alexander Stauch: “An open home is a sign of an open heart and a loving, sacrificial spirit. A lack of hospitality is a sure sign of selfish, lifeless, loveless Christianity.” Post on being a gospel neighbor here.

This book on hospitality, The Simplest Way To Change The World. My daughter, Rebekah, told me that I’d love it and she was right. It’s not very practical as far as giving entertaining ideas or menus, but it’s more an overview of why hospitality matters. I listened on audiobook as I did my work. 😉

Also, this video stream by Rosaria Butterfield on hospitality is a MUST watch.

I’m also re-reading Adorned by NLDW with Joy Forney for a summer reading group study. I love watching her videos, too. This one on “Just a Mom?” is very encouraging. You can find her videos here.

I’m still going through Sing A New Song, a guide to the Psalms from Lydia Brownback– and will continue using this all summer.

I’ve enjoyed listening to Elisabeth Elliot for the past few weeks here. Make Me A Servant is one of my favorites!

I can’t wait to share some wedding resources with you, but for right now MUMS the word. After the wedding, I’ll share pictures and some ways to plan for a wedding on a budget.

Your turn: What are you reading right now? What plans are you making for the summer? Are you done with school? Tell me what you are up to in the comments. XO

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