Has anyone seen July? I mean where did it go? Time these days seems stuck and fleeting all at the same time! Well, one good thing about being at month’s end is that means it’s time for “Share Four Somethings” at http://www.heathergerwing.com Here are mine:
Something Loved
“Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’ ” Matthew 19:14 (NIV)
We are now able to count down in days until baby Sutton makes his appearance. I’m so thankful I was able to go be with my daughter and family this month. There were several jobs on my to-do list, including to help in getting our little one’s bedroom ready. Being able to have a hand in preparations means the world to me and I loved feeling useful and needed while I was there. We accomplished many things and I think they are now in pretty good shape for becoming a family of five. My sleeping accommodations were a little different on this visit. Two little munchkins requested that “MiMi” camp out in the their room each night and so of course, I did. Loved that, too!
Something Read
“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” John 15:11
In the midst of all this social distancing, I’ve been invited to several virtual parties and who doesn’t like to party? So of course I joined in and had fun seeing new and different things for sale. One of the purchases I made was this devotional, “100 Days of Joy and Strength” by Candace Cameron Bure. Originally, I thought I might give it as a gift; but after looking through it, I decided to keep it for myself. Am I ever glad I did! Reading the short daily entries is both encouraging and challenging. Included each day are also an accompanying Scripture verse, room to jot down your own thoughts, and a prayer. I’m enjoying it so much that I think I will buy a few more to actually give as gifts this time!
Something Treasured
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17 (NIV)
A God wink and timing are everything! Let me take you back to my visit to my daughter’s this month. When we set the dates for it, I had no idea that my daughter’s sweet friends were planning a surprise baby shower for her at that very same time. When they found out I was going to be there, they didn’t hesitate to include me in on the surprise. While it was stressful to try and get her there without giving it away, I will always treasure the memories of being able to be there and experience the surprise standing by her side! The shower began with a prayer that was so precious we all had tears running down our cheeks. Those tears didn’t last too long because the “Taco ‘Bout A Baby” evening included a taco bar, beautifully decorated fiesta cookies, a delicious piñata cake, lovely gifts, and lots and lots of laughter. I’m so grateful July included this surprise for my daughter… and me!
Something Ahead
“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:11 (NIV)
I don’t know about you but planning ahead seems impossible right now. Last month I talked about my blank calendar page and nothing has really changed since then. But, even though I’m not stepping out the door to do something, I am stepping out of my comfort zone. Before the day’s end I will have sent the first children’s story I’ve written to be critiqued by someone I don’t know….a professional!!! As I look ahead to the next few weeks of waiting for the results, I feel a mixture of excitement and dread. I’m not sure how I should prepare to receive remarks that may be hard to read, except to remember they are remarks that will help me make this little, baby stage story grow into a better one.
From a baby’s room to a baby shower to a baby story: July has been a month about birth, I guess. And, just like any birth, it’s been hard, exhilarating, exhausting, joyful, and a little scary. That’s life isn’t it? How about your July? What things will you remember from this past month? I’d love to know. Just leave them in the comments if you’re willing. As always, I so appreciate you stopping in to read the ramblings of my scattered mind. (I’m afraid this pandemic has only made it more scattered, too.) I hope this finds you happy and well. May God bless your August!