Happy Tuesday, friends! I thought I'd share a few things that are lifegiving at this present moment in my life. I'm linking up with Joanne for today's post.
Music
Here are my current favorite songs that I have on repeat this week:
I love the song Another Time, Another Place by Natalie Grant. The guy singing with her in this song is Jonathan McReynolds, who happens to be one of my favorites.
Next is the song Sufficient For Today, by Maverick City Music. This song has helped me through the last eight weeks of my life.
Lastly is the song He Will Keep You by Sovereign Grace Music, which is taken right out of Psalm 121.
Around my home
I've been making changes in my home recently, to make it more mine and to switch things up. A couple of things I've done recently is that I bought myself new bath towels and a new comforter for my bed. I've also been keeping fresh flowers in the house, which is such a small touch that I love. I've been changing pictures around all over the place, and I have plans to start painting soon to freshen things up at home. These are small things that can be done that have a huge impact! None of the items were expensive, but they bring a smile to my face when I walk in the room and see the changes.
Mindset & Perspective
Life is still hard right now, friends. Most days I'm really great, but other days I am very emotional. Yesterday morning was one such time; I found a letter my dad had written to us kids before he died, that I'd put in my Bible. I opened the Bible to read yesterday and found it, so I read it and then just had myself a good cry for about fifteen minutes. I'm rolling with the emotions that I feel in the moment; I will cry (or be mad) and get it out, then I take a deep breath and move on with my day.
The mindset there is that I am going with the ebb and flow of emotions that are happening in my life. My perspective has changed greatly as well, and I have a different view on how I feel now about confronting someone. I've had to do a lot of confronting lately! I'm actually getting really good at it, and I am not afraid to speak up and say whatever is on my mind. That is a very freeing thing to be able to do! I have also learned to speak my mind with authority and kindness, if that makes sense.
Personality
I have always been an extroverted introvert, which means while I love being around people, I also love being at home alone. Well, the old me has died and there is a new person now inside of me. I've had to change my personality a bit by getting out more and not staying home so much all the time. As I write this, I'm in a hotel room with my sister; she invited me to spend the night with her, and though I wanted to turn down the offer, not only did she make me come anyway, but I realized how good it was for me to get away even for just one night. I'm so thankful for this! And Debi and I were up late last night talking, which is always fun.
We had another fun day together as sisters yesterday! This was us at Dad's house, because it had been years since they were there. This was their childhood home too! On the top steps left to right are Lisa, Debi, then Trish, and me. I've never been so grateful for my sisters! They've been wonderful to me and it was Debi that wouldn't take no for an answer for a sister sleepover last night.
What are some things that are life-giving to you right now? I'd love to hear! Thanks for reading my blog today, friends. Love to all!
Thank you for sharing. I would say what is life-giving for me right now is the ability to get out of bed every morning, the comforts of the life we have been afforded, and children who are launched. I, however, am “stuck“ and just journaled this morning about not knowing how to get out. However, I want to be careful that I am stuck and not being held back for my own good by the Holy Spirit. Does that make sense? I love your fresh flowers and music selections :)
ReplyDeleteI'm always glad to share real life here, my friend. I certainly have felt the same as you: stuck. I think it's common for all of us to go through phases like that, don't you? I know I've felt that way many times, whether in life, meal planning, or with marital or kid issues. I am so grateful that we have the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us every step of the way. That statement you made makes perfect sense to me, because I often consider that myself. I appreciate you sharing your heart with me! I'll pray that the Lord will show you your next steps. Take care!
DeleteOh I LOVE having fresh flowers in the house! I've been eyeing our curtains and bedding and am starting to look for some replacement ideas; hopefully ones I like without having to repaint because as much as I love how a fresh coat of paint can completely transform a room I really do not feel like painting anytime soon.
ReplyDeleteI do too! It's such a simple thing we can add to our grocery list, you know? Ugh. I don't actually feel like repainting either, but necessity is taking over!
DeleteThe death of a cherished loved one transforms us in unexpected ways. But your changes sound enormously positive. Being able to stand up for yourself is huge. Your home refreshing is looking lovely. Even as an introverted introvert, I find getting out is important even though I have to kick myself to do it. LOL!
ReplyDeleteYou are so right about how things can transform us in unexpected ways. I've gone through so many phases of grief in such a short amount of time, and I continue to do that almost daily. For instance, for some reason last Thursday, I cried off and on all day. I was excited about seeing my family that day, and looking forward to a fun weekend filled with family time, but I could not pull myself together. I just embraced it for the times I cried, and it would pass in ten minutes or so. Life and grief can be so strange!
DeleteGreat photo of you and your sisters! So glad to hear how you are coping, making adjustments and moving forward. And making some changes around the house. It is, indeed, the little things:) I got some fresh flowers this week as well. I've never been too much of a flowers girl but they really do make me smile. I know fresh paint will do the same:) Enjoy your day with your sister!!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I am coping and just taking things one day at a time. I hope you've had a good week so far, my friend!
DeleteWhat a lovely post and your flowers are stunning!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I love fresh flowers so much.
DeleteThanks for posting the music! I love the last one based on the Psalm and hadn't heard it before. It's amazing how small changes like flowers or a new item can freshen up your home and your mindset too. When Grace left, I switched some of the bedding around and feel like everything looks new! I know exactly what you mean about loving people but loving being at home too. Sometimes I need that little push to get out of the house...like when someone invited me to meet other bloggers on a trip to TN! ;)
ReplyDeleteI love that song! It helped me through when Noah moved, and now it's helping me for my current situation. I agree about how amazing a small change can make such a huge difference. I love doing that kind of thing! I'm so glad you took that little nudge that we sent your way and that you took a chance on us. It was such a fun little trip!
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ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteI am going to check out these songs! Worship music, flowers and my girls are life giving to me!
ReplyDeleteYes! I know they are, my friend.
DeleteI'm working on that, too - saying no about spending the night in the hotel when I have a perfectly good bed. So glad you said yes and enjoyed the extra sister time. The visit to your Dad's was emotional but also healing, I think?
ReplyDeleteYou are changing inside and doing the work. It's inspiring to watch how strong you are, friend.
I am really trying to say yes more! I used to say no all the time, to extracurricular activities, but now I have no reason to say no. I'm actually really enjoying my life right now! I don't even know who I am anymore. 🤣 I have changed so much that I barely recognize myself. I talked to someone (ahem...this is me not saying the name) Saturday night and said that the old me is dead and gone, and in her place now is someone new and unrecognizable. But you know what? I love this new version of myself! Someone said to me that this is the perfect opportunity to reinvent myself, and that's what I've been doing. I'm not mad about it and my life is full of fun and peace. Those things are life giving to me as well! Thank you! 🥰
DeleteOh this was wonderful to read- I can't imagine what you are going through but just know your faith and mission to find joy will carry you through! Love how you are making your home your own- go for it! XO
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to switch things up around your home. I love having fresh flowers in my home, they really brighten the place up.
ReplyDeleteSending love and hugs. Good on you for speaking up when you need to and getting out and about more. It sounds like you have had a lovely time with your sisters.