Good Sunday Morning and Happy May! I’m writing again today from my favorite lakeside retreat. With the weather being absolutely incredible this past week, I had the opportunity and felt inspired to take quite a few pictures on my beloved iPhone (what would I do without this oh-so-handy technology?!?), so I’ve decided to share some of those moments I captured as my post for today (from left to right)… Enjoy!
1) I went for a two mile hike at a nearby park after work on Monday. After being inside all day and busy with various projects, my soul was in need of a break. As I was on my way back to the parking lot, I found this little wonder of a tree alongside the trail.
2) May is National Runner’s Month! This ad was in Runner’s World magazine and upon seeing it I took pause, reminded of the reason I run: for the freedom it gives me. What do you run for?
3) My girlfriends and I started our Girl’s Night Out Bible Study on Wednesday. This time around we are journeying through the Book of Malachi. At the end of Week One’s homework, Lisa Harper writes, “My hope and prayer is that…you’ll become more convinced than ever before that our Creator Redeemer is sovereign, merciful, and absolutely enamored with you!” I’m totally up for that…and alongside my sisters…what could be better?!?
4) On our way up north yesterday, the hubby and I made a stop in Holland to visit the Tulip Time Festival. We walked through the downtown area – perusing shops, the art gallery, and visiting the arts and crafts fair. Tulips were in full bloom everywhere we went. It was lovely!
5) While in Holland, we stopped at Crane’s in the City café/bistro and ordered a Turkey Apple Jack Panini for lunch. Sliced turkey, bacon, swiss, and red onion dressed with apple butter and honey mustard, grilled to perfection on wheat bread. Oh.my.goodness. It was AMAZING! I will definitely be making this at home!
6) Last night, my dad and I caught the sunset together at the beach across the street from our marina. Is this not glorious?!? I feel so lucky and blessed to have grown up watching scenes like this every summer weekend and appreciate that I can continue to enjoy this alongside family and friends even now.
7) I finally finished this dandy of a book last night before bed and wow was this book ever convicting, but in the best possible way. It reminded me that because I have been given much, much is required of me. It has served as the inspiration behind my recent “purge” of all the excess in my life: clothes, possessions, etc. If you’re in need of anything, let me know because I probably have it and can stand to part with it (LOL!). In all seriousness though, this book made me think more about where I place my desires and those things I treasure most. Honestly, I want my first love to always be God and to live my life from that, but oh how I do fall short of this goal more often than not! I was encouraged by what Jen Hatmaker wrote toward the end of the book: “Believe it or not, God can still change us. Not just our habits but our hearts.” I am thankful for His love, compassion, mercy, and grace that are at work in my heart, mind, spirit and soul to change me into the woman He has called me to be.
8) The sunrise over our marina this morning. I stand in awe of God’s beauty and goodness as He ushers in this brand new day.
9) And yes, life is good, ALL the time. Amen.