Tag Archives: Share Four Somethings

Share Four Somethings ~April 2020

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“Husbands, go all out in your love for your wives, exactly as Christ did for the church-a love marked by giving, not getting. Ephesians 5:25 (The Message)

Something Loved

This month I am my something loved! Whether it’s a note left by the full coffee pot when I rise each morning, a bottle of my favorite Dunkin Donuts Iced Mocha Coffee tucked among the groceries (not easy to find in our store), or beautiful spring flowers gathered precariously from the hillside and brought home: I feel loved! 

Because of his offer to do all of the grocery shopping so I don’t have to go out, the prayers said holding hands at the table, and words he’s spoken to encourage my lagging confidence: I feel loved! 

In our almost 37 years we’ve had many ups and downs, but through it all we’ve learned a valuable lesson, one that we’ve been reminded of in these last few weeks: the importance of showing how much we care for one another! And that’s what we try to do. This month as we’ve spent more time than usual together, I’m reminded what a gift God gave me when He plopped me right in the living room of a young farmer so many years ago! There’s no doubt: I AM loved!

 

“Therefore, we never stop thanking God that when you received his message from us, you didn’t think of our words as mere human ideas. You accepted what we said as the very word of God-which of course, it is. And this word continues to work in you who believe.” 1 Thessalonians 2:13 (NLT)

Something Read

Oh my goodness! This study has come at just the right time with just the right words I need! Here’s the thing, under normal circumstances I wouldn’t have been able to join in.  Originally, the ladies at Faithfully Following Ministries had planned to study Gideon locally, in North Carolina, where I do not live. But, because of social distancing, they were unable to gather so decided to offer it online. Lucky me! And on top of that, unexpectedly, the publisher has offered the usually costly videos that accompany this study to everyone for free! Everything came together and now we’re about half way through the study. Have I learned so much already! I’ve added it as another “Pandemic Positive” on my list!

 

“I will remember the works of the LORD; yes, I will remember Your wonders of old. I will reflect on all You have done and ponder Your mighty deeds.” Psalm 77:11-12 (BSB)

Something Treasured

As I wrote in my last blog post, I received a note from my mom in which she included two letters I’d written to her in 1985 right after our county was ravaged by a deadly flood. Reading them took me right back to that scary, uncertain time and reminded me of all the emotions that accompanied that devastation. Unexpectedly, those letters have been an encouragement to me in this crazy time we’re in. They showed me first of all, how much better off I am now than I was back then. Rereading them has also helped me remember how God saw us through that time when we didn’t have any idea what the other side would look like. That’s why I’m treasuring these letters today; because, they reassure me He is at work, seeing us through this pandemic, too! 

 

“Children are a blessing and a gift from the LORD.” Psalm 127:3 (CEV)

Something Ahead

As an ole retired teacher, my heart has been heavy thinking about all the students who are out of school, especially the Seniors and the very young children. Keeping my two and four year old grandsons entertained is challenging under the best of times, but now their mom and dad are trying to work full time from home too. Needless to say, it’s rather stressful! So, I’ve been trying to help out (long distance) a little. I must admit it’s been fun for me to search out and mail activities for the boys to do.  I’ve even found a few that we’ve been able to work on together via FaceTime. Those are my favorite, of course! The most recent is this little greenhouse we made. Now, even though theirs hang in a window four hours away from mine, I’m looking forward to all the discussions ahead that the three of us will have as we watch our beans sprout and grow! I’m not sure though, which are growing faster, the beans or the boys!

Well, there you have it! My Four Somethings for the month of April and while it’s been an unusual month, I have been blessed in many ways! How about you? What are your Four Somethings? I’d love for you to share them in the comments.  I hope you know how much I always appreciate you being here with me and if you’d like to read what others have found their Four Somethings to be, just click over to http://www.heathergerwing.com God Bless you and be well!

Share Four Somethings ~ March Gifts

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Time is funny. It seems Christmas was just yesterday and yet it also seems we celebrated it long ago.  So much has happened since then. And March? Goodness what a month! But here we are on the last day and as I’ve pondered on my Four Somethings, I realized something important! March has given me many good gifts:

Something Loved~Unexpected Gifts

“Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” 1 Corinthians 13:7 (NLT)

In the midst of this unstable, uncertain, un-anything time, I’ve been trying to be aware of all the good things happening which wouldn’t have, except for the fact that “normal” life has come to a standstill. And guess what? I’ve found many wonderful things occurring in my family and in families across the country! One of the most special to me so far, is our first “Girls Zoom Meeting”. My mom, sisters, nieces, daughter-in-love, daughter, and I all joined together for a coffee chat that lasted over an hour.  Stories were told, lives updated, memories shared, and we laughed…..A LOT! I loved spending time with these women and it would have never taken place if everyone was immersed in their regular day to day lives. Unexpected gifts….what a blessing!

Something Read~Gift of Words

“Listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to my instruction.” Proverbs 22:17 (NLT)

I read several blogs, but I have a couple that are my favorites.  I eagerly watch for each new post  on those, so I’m sure not to miss their wisdom. This past month, I’ve been especially inspired by the encouragement written by Julie Lefebure! She recently shared that she’s felt God leading her to offer hope to others this month through her writing. And has she followed His lead faithfully! Julie’s relatable, creative, faith-filled words are a gift to her reader! They truly have touched my life in a most positive way! You can find her at http://www.julielefebure.com

Something Treasured~Gift of Hope

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 (NIV)

In the process of building our new house I lost all my spring blooming plants, that is until NOW! Last summer as I was packing up and getting ready to head home after visiting my family, my sister came along and with a swing, she plopped a big (and I mean big) bag of daffodil bulbs into the back of my car. I asked her what I was to do with all those bulbs and she simply answered, “Plant them.” I thought it a little extreme at the time, but plant them I did. Fast forward to March. Green leaves began emerging from the ground, pushing their way up between the dried, crunchy leaves of winter.  Soon, stems with buds joined the new leaves. Before I knew it, sunshine bright, yellow blooms began opening up all around my yard. Am I ever grateful I have a sister who goes to the extreme for me!  I treasure each beautiful golden gift; gifts of hope, promise, and renewal.  Something I think we all need right about now!

Something Ahead~Gift of Life

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139: 13-14 (NIV)

March has given me many gifts; but the biggest, most wonderful one of all, is learning I’m going to be a MiMi to a third grandson in August!  Talk about something to look forward to! I can’t wait to see his little face and personality! The gift of life is so very precious and honestly, I think that’s what March has been trying to teach me all along!

“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)

What about you? As you look back over the month what gifts have you received? I’d love for you to share them in the comments! You can find others sharing their Four Something over at http://www.heathergerwing.com  And I always want you to know what a gift you are to me!  Thanks for joining me here today!

Looking Back~Share Four Somethings

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Labor Day weekend is upon us! How can it be that we’re already looking back on August? I don’t know about you, but for me this summer has passed in a blink of an eye! One good thing about month’s end though, is joining with others at http://www.heathergerwing.com to look back at our Four Somethings.  It also just so happens that today’s prompt at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com is “Back” thus, I’ve decided to do double duty with this post.  So sit “back” and relax as I share a bit of my month with you. And then…I’d LOVE for you to share your Four Somethings with me in the comments.  Here are mine:

Something Loved

“Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God.” Philippians 1:3 (NLT)

My heart’s been happy this month because I’ve been able to spend time with some of my favorite people in some of my favorite places! It’s always an adventure when I’m with my grandsons. Just after this photo was taken the entire jug of bubbles spilled onto the patio. I immediately got the hose to spray it off but looking back now, I realize it wasn’t my best idea.  I’ll just leave it to your imagination to figure out what happened next!

I’ve recently returned from a trip back to Michigan to visit my mom and sisters.  We aren’t able to get together as often as we’d like, so each visit is a true blessing. There’s something special about being with those who’ve known you the longest and love you anyway! Whether it’s spending time watching my grands growing up or spending time with those I grew up with, I’ve loved making memories that I’ll now look back on and treasure!

Something Said

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” Philippians 4:6 (NLT) / Pixabay

There are several things about myself that I’m working on to change. One big one is the amount of time I spend worrying. Looking back, I’ve realize just how much time I’ve wasted “rehearsing disaster” that’s never happened! As I’ve already said, time slips by in an instant and I don’t want to spend what I have on worthless worry.  It’s time for a wake up call!

I love it when right at a time I need them, just the right words are shared. How appropriate that my need for a wake up was met with words said about an alarm clock! I’d never thought to compare worry to an alarm clock but it resonates with me and maybe it will with you, too. The idea is that we can let our worry work as an alarm clock, warning us that there’s something we need to pray about.  AND…..we certainly don’t let an alarm clock keep ringing once it’s done its job of getting us up, so we shouldn’t let the worry alarm keep ringing after we’ve taken our concerns to God, either. I love that visual and hope to apply it from here on out and to not go back to letting worry take up all my time!

Something Learned

“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.” Ecclesiastes 4:9 (NLT)

What a great time I had this month working along side my daughter while learning to do something new! We were invited to attend a workshop at a new shop being opened by our family friends called “Board and Brush”. It’s a wonderful place where you can go to created fun and unique decor projects from scratch!  We learned how to assemble, distress, stain, and stencil. I was so thankful for the support and encouragement I received to help me complete my sign. The experience was so enjoyable that I hope we can go back and do it all again very soon!

Something Read

“Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” 1 Peter 4:9-10 (NLT)

Oh this book! Through stories of her homes, gardens, communities, friends, and family Christie Purifoy creates images of place and home which inspired me to reflect on the places that have contributed to bringing me where I am and helped create who I am. The emotions she shares and the knowledge she offers create a symphony of words and thought that made it hard for me to take my eyes from the page.  The subtitle: “Cultivating Places of Comfort, Beauty, and Peace” is exactly what this book does for the reader! If you desire to stay in the home you have, long for a home from your past, or dream of a new home in the future, this book is perfect for you! With her beautiful writing style (and beautiful it is….I might have a tiny or not so tiny case of writer’s envy) Christie takes us on a spiritual journey which reminded me that no matter where it is, God’s gift of home is meant to be shared. “Placemaker” is a book that I could read from front cover to back again and again and learn something new each time! I loved it!

Well there it is!  August was a good month but I must admit I am looking forward to September bringing some cooler weather and the introduction of Fall with it.  As you look back on this past month, I hope you too, can see many blessings.  Don’t forget to share a few of them with us! God willing we can share our September Four Somethings too so…….

Y’all come “back” now! Ya hear?
(sorry, just couldn’t resist)

Share Four Somethings ~ May

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Honest to goodness! Where did this month go? Granted, it was a busy month for me but it sure flew by fast! Maybe it’s my teacher friends wishing to make it to the end of the school year, the count down on my daughter’s phone telling us how many days are left until we head to the beach; whatever the reason, May was here and gone in a blink of an eye for me! How about you?

One good thing about the ending of one month and the beginning of another, is the opportunity to reflect and think about those things we loved, were said, we learned, and read during the month.  It’s so much fun to share them with each other! You can read what others have come up with over at http://www.heathergerwing.com Here are mine for May 2019:

Something Loved

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13 (NIV)

I was able to spend Mother’s Day weekend with this lovely crew! We left Indiana, Michigan, and West Virginia behind to meet up in Ohio.  We fit a lot of celebrating in one weekend.  Unexpectedly, we celebrated my 60th birthday (again…it was in March) with decorations and a cake, but the real reason for celebrating was honoring our Mom! We found fun things to do we knew she’d enjoy: dinner in an old train car, a carrousel ride (I’ll talk more about that in a minute), a walk through beautiful gardens that had peacocks roaming freely, and thanks to my creative sister we even had a proper Mother’s Day tea party (thus the hats above) with crumpets and everything! There’s just something about being with the ones who know you best! We shared stories, laughs, and lots of love.  And the greatest of these was love!

Something Said

“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)

Be still my heart! These are my precious grandsons playing train while watching a show about trains.  We’d already built a tent and played in it, raced cars on a track, read books, and so much more when “MiMi” (that’s me) had to come up with some new adventure; so we boarded the Dining Room Chair Railroad for a fun trip.  From my “reserved seat” in the recliner, I blew the whistle, shouted, “All aboard!”, and started chugging us down the track.  It was a smooth ride with lots of fun things being discussed when my oldest grand looked at me seriously and said, “MiMi? Are you on the old people’s train?” “Why yes, yes I am!”, I replied. “I thought so.”, he so confidently answered. There’s nothing said like the wisdom that is shared by children!

Something Learned

“They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green.” Psalm 92:14 (NIV)

While on our Mother’s Day Girls’ Weekend, I learned that the Richland Carrousel Park is home to the first new, hand-carved carrousel to be built and operated in the United States since the 1930’s. Now I don’t know about you, but it’s been a long time since I’ve actually ridden on the back of a carrousel animal.  Oh, I’ve stood alongside holding on to a little one as they traveled up and down but I can’t remember the last time I raced round and round, rising and falling with the beat of the calliope music! Until this month, that is!  There were bears, ostriches, cats, rabbits, a giraffe, lion, tiger, and of course horses. So, for one dollar I ventured atop a trusty steed and while we traveled together I learned an important lesson: it’s possible to feel like a little kid again even though I’m 60! And a fun lesson it was!

Something Read

“Then God said, ‘ Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so. The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.” Genesis 1:11-12 (NIV)

There’s lots going on in this little mind of mine, including ideas for stories to tell children.  I have a goal right now to learn all I can about writing Picture Books. A large part of what I’m discovering is coming from Picture Books themselves. There are so many great ones available and I learn something new from each one.  I was looking for stories about dirt to share with my grandsons since they love to dig and these two fit the bill! “Carl and the Meaning of Life” is the story of an earthworm searching for his purpose in life and it teaches us how living things work together in nature.  “Badger’s Perfect Garden” is written to remind us that life isn’t always perfect but that doesn’t mean it isn’t good!  I’ve enjoyed interacting with both these cute and beautifully illustrated books and can’t wait to pull them out for bedtime story time with my grandsons!

Well, that’s it for me, as always I’d love for you to share YOUR four somethings with me! Just leave them in the comments. I can’t wait to see what May has offered you and I pray that June brings you many blessings, Cindy

Share Four Somethings ~ April 2019

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Share Four Somethings

There’s just something about April! The first weeks feel as if we are on pins and needles just waiting for those first signs to tell us that Winter is over and Spring is on the way.  April toys with us though, raising our hopes with higher temperatures and sunny days but then dashes them again with the return of cold and snow. Finally….as the month progresses the birdsong becomes a symphony accompanying the daffodils bursting forth and dancing in milder breezes while trees bloom and the mountainsides become covered in more shades of green than anyone thought possible.  April is a good reflection of life isn’t it? Days that can be cold and dark  but are followed by bluer than blue skies and gifts of bloom all around us. What seemed dead escapes the tomb of hibernation and shouts “I’m alive!” And we feel alive, too!

It’s hard for me to believe that April is leaving us already and making way for all that May will bring and yet, here we are on the last day of the month.  That means it’s time for me to “Share Four Somethings” with you once again.  If you enjoy reading mine hop on over to http://www.heathergerwing.com  to read what others are sharing this month.  And as always, I’d love to hear your four somethings if you’re willing to share them with me in the comments. Here’s what the month brought me:

 Something Loved

“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.” Proverbs 3:27 (NIV)

I have a very special group of retired teacher friends and we try to get together as often as possible. We eat. We laugh. And we usually do a simple craft.  I love everything about our visits! This month we decided to make these cute bunny cups, fill them with Easter candy, and then deliver them to some of the residents at our local nursing home.  We had so much fun making these little treats.  As you can see,  we all use the same supplies but our finished products always turn out totally unique, just like we are! Don’t you just love when that happens?

Something Said

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

Everyone’s abuzz about Emily Freeman’s new book, “The Next Right Thing”  and I too, have it in my stack to read; but this month I finished reading her earlier book, “A Million Little Ways”. I actually started it last month, however her words to me, are so profound and inspiring that I had to read a little then stop, letting them sink in, and then read some more. Underlines and highlights of the “million things” Emily said that touched my soul fill the pages of my book. I only wish I now knew a way for them all to saturate my heart and mind so I can fully live them!

Something Learned

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

Our nephew recently enlisted in the Army! It was a big step for him. We wanted to send him off to boot camp this month knowing we were all behind him, so we gathered as a family.  And what better way to celebrate than with cupcakes? Now, I’ve been making cupcakes for years and years but this was the first batch I ever frosted using a decorating bag and tip. What took me so long???? I quickly learned that frosting with this technique was so much quicker and easier than frosting them with a knife and it made them just a little fancier looking for such a special occasion!  So we ate together, we shared stories, we prayed over our nephew, and we ate a few cupcakes. It was difficult to say goodbye but we couldn’t be prouder!

I tried a new frosting recipe for these cupcakes.  I learned it was not only tasty but it was also the perfect texture to go into the decorating bag.  Want to try it for yourself?

1 stick of butter, 3 and 3/4 cups powdered sugar, 4 TBLS milk, and 2 tsp. vanilla. Combine all ingredients and beat on medium-high speed until well blended and fluffy. Add food coloring if desired.

Something Read

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.’ ” Matthew 16:24-25 (NIV)

Advent was a more meaningful journey for me this year because of the devotional, “In the Shadow of the Cross”  by Stephanie K. Adams. Stephanie leads her readers through the last days of Jesus in a personal way.  She offers insights, scriptures, and prayers that helped me see things in the Gospels I’d never noticed before and new ways to apply them to my own life. It made celebrating the Resurrection on Easter morning a richer, deeper experience for me than ever before! It was a perfect read for April!

Well, there you have it: a month wrapped into Four Somethings! I pray you found special somethings in your month too! Wishing you many blessings in May! Cindy

 

Share Four Somethings ~ January 2019

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Can you believe that January is already drawing to a close and it’s going out with a polar plunge at  that!!!! I’m joining in on the fun of “Sharing Four Somethings” over at http://www.HeatherGerwing.com . I’d love to know yours, so please share them in the comments!

Something Loved:

 It doesn’t happen very often.  Everyone has responsibilities and busy schedules but I just treasure when my family can spend quality time with each other! January brought us all together for a few days and it made my heart so very happy! Meals shared, games played, stories told, love given. What a gift and a blessing! I cherish every single moment!

“Love is patient and kind.  Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude.  It does not demand its own way.  It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.  It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.  Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NLT)

Something Said:

It continually amazes me how God uses the words of others to speak to me! Whether they’re sung in a song, read on a page, or spoken from the heart, there are times when simple words said are a love note to our soul.This past month found me questioning and doubting (what’s new?) Then, at the right moment, just the words of encouragement I needed were said.  I can’t begin to tell you how much they meant! It reminds me how important it is for each of us to always say what’s on our hearts, even if it seems like a little thing, because we never know when God will use what we say as a note of love to a tender soul, exactly like He did with the words said to me.

“Kind words are like honey–sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.” Proverbs 16:24 (NLT)

Something Learned:

I am new to the world of Podcasts. I know, I know, I’m behind the times but I’m happy to say that in this new year, I’ve begun to listen to a few and have I found some gems!  The insight shared is inspiring and I’ve learned so much from the episodes I’ve heard! Another great benefit is hearing the actual voices of people I’ve admired from afar!  Now, I feel like a fan on the Red Carpet edging my way up, getting as close as I can to the Stars! 

“How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!” Proverbs 16:16 (NIV)

Something Read:

Oh my goodness!  This book! I am still in the process of reading it because I want to take in small amounts at a time and ponder them before moving on. Emily P. Freeman has such a reassuring way with her words both written and spoken. These pages have brought me to tears in such a good way.  If I were to write down all the lines that have resonated with me, we’d be here awhile! But….one that I’ve especially been holding close is this:

“Listen to what makes you cry.” Emily P. Freeman

The message in “A Million Little Ways” is a spiritual journey for me and I know I’ll be changed for the better as I continue to stroll through each chapter!

“Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.” Psalm 126:5 (NIV)

January has been kind to me, I hope to you, too!  As I said above, I’d love to hear your “Four Somethings” for the month.  Just jot them down in the comments and I will celebrate each one with you! Here’s to a fabulous February!

Why ~ Day 4 ~ 31 Days and Share Four Somethings

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This post is part of the October 2018 Edition of 31 Days of Five Minute Free Writes. I hope you”ll join me in seeing where each prompt takes us.
 P.S. Just so you know, I’m finding it difficult to stick to five minutes (**) and it may take me longer than the 31 days to finish all the prompts. Not easy for this rule follower!
You can read more 31 Days entries at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com

Why Not?

Why not take care of two things at once?  The prompt for today’s 31 Days of Free Writes is “Why” and it’s time to post my September edition of “Four Somethings” so I’ve decided to combine them in to one! I love it when things come together!  Don’t you?

~Something Loved~

 

Do you ever find yourself asking the question “why”? I think we all do. It’s a question I don’t really like though, because most often there isn’t a ready answer. That was the case for me in September.  We’d been planning our beach vacation to our favorite spot in North Carolina for months; then Florence made her grand entrance and changed everything. Don’t get me wrong: I’m grateful to only have lost a trip and not my belongings or life but I wonder of all weeks, why the storm had to come then? Continue reading →

Share Four Somethings: Making Memories

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Can you believe we’re already in the month of September? Me either!  As a matter a fact, July flew by so quickly that I missed posting my Four Somethings for it.  So, here I am today ready to share with you my Four Somethings as I look back on August before they slip away too. If you enjoy this idea, you can read more over at http://www.heathergerwing.com Here’s a glance at my life this past month:

Something Loved

 I was blessed in August to spend a week with my mom and sisters in Michigan. I loved our time together but will share more about that later.  Leaving Michigan, I immediately followed that week with a week at my daughter’s.  My son-in-love was on a business trip so I was able to offer an extra set of hands with my grandsons while he was away.  We had great fun playing outside, having a pizza party, baking, reading books, and visiting the county fair. The pace was much faster than my normal day to day and I was one pooped MiMi when I got home; but I wouldn’t trade that time for anything!  I loved seeing all three of them first thing in the morning, tucking my precious grands into bed, and spending a little quiet time with my “little girl” each evening. It is such a gift to be part of their lives and I treasure making memories with them!

Something Said

It amazes me how God works things out!  It just so happened that the very week I was at my daughter’s, she gave her first Children’s Sermon in church!  I can’t remember too many times in my life when I’ve been prouder!  She’d prepared, practiced, and every word she said captivated the kid’s (and me) as she told them about the importance of staying close to God. It was a highlight of my parenting journey and listening to the compliments given to her afterward simply made my heart swell!

Something Learned

So now, let me take you back to my week in Michigan….My sisters are adventuresome. They try new things. They don’t let fear hold them back! Me? Not so much. Not at all, really!  For the longest time they have tried to get me to join them kayaking and I’ve politely turned down their invitations to enter the “death-trap” on water. This trip was a little different though: first of all they found a completely open kayak for me (there went my trapped excuse) AND they wouldn’t take no for an answer! My 59th summer will now be remembered as the year I (kicking and screaming) learned to kayak.  There could have been tears involved and a lot of trepidation but their goal was accomplished. And, if I’m totally honest, I actually enjoyed it….but shhhh, don’t tell them! Who knows what they’d plan for me next!

Something Read

Well, the whole kayak experience weighed heavy on my heart after I was home.  For as long as I can remember, I’ve been afraid to step out of my comfort zone.  New foods, people, and experiences make me nervous and uncomfortable. I wish I knew why I turned out this way. But I don’t. And I know there have been many things that I’ve missed out on because I was too scared to try them.  I’m not proud of it and its hard to share it here, but it’s been my truth. Enter God once again bringing me just what I need when I need it: My something read (and still reading) for August is the first step to “Being Brave” or at least a little braver me. I’m thinking it could be a slow process but I’m hoping that my 59th summer will also be remembered for attempting to tip toe a little out of my comfort zone and actually liking it! Stay tuned to see what happens!

Well, that’s all for this month! I’d love to know what your Four Somethings are!  Share them in the comments.  I’ll be looking forward to reading them!