One Thousand Gifts

I have been reading a book by Ann Voskamp called One Thousand Gifts.
A friend told me it would change my world and my perspective. I shrugged off that comment because I hear that all the time with books and I don't necessarily always feel like my world was rocked.

But let me tell you, my perspective on life is being altered while reading this one.

It sounds cheesy to my own ears to write that sentence, but it's true.

This book is reminding me to be thankful for what I have, to be thankful for where I am, and to live fully right where I am.
There is joy in so many of the little (and big) things in life and God blesses us with gifts that remind us of those joys. But, going even further, God also blesses us with gifts with which to extend joy to others...and this is something I want to apply and remember.

Empty to fill

Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out of the darkness and the darkness around you will be as noon. The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.

Isaiah 58:10-11

a momentous occasion!

today I slept in...until 11:30am.
yes, that is the momentous occasion. I hope you aren't disappointed?
this doesn't happen often. in fact, I'm fairly certain it only happens once every 3-5 years. I am a morning person so eating breakfast at noon and going for a 1pm run doesn't sit well with my poor confused body.
but it happened.
clearly my body is telling me to slow down.

t-minus 9 days until school starts back up and I have to wake up and be responsible.
I may be in trouble...

new music

I would like to play music in a meadow like this...
also, they have a beautiful sound. even after listening to it 3 times in a row.

Book on Tape Worm - "Shadow Puppets"

oh, the joy of summer.

while the humidity might be giving me a run for my money in terms of patience, stickiness, and sweatiness, I am attempting to stay positive because...it's summer and I'm freeeee!

I posted my summer list a few posts ago as some kind of accountability factor.
and I think it's working.
having it posted on my closet door where I see it more than a dozen times each day doesn't hurt either.

Botanical Gardens? it was the first thing I did and it was beautiful.
Monday hikes? check.

Night Moves? wonderful.
Bike Moves? SO fun.


Paddle-boarding (aka: facing my fear of the unknown, below-water world)? um, yeah...hopefully getting checked off this weekend.

I just wish I had more time to blog. sorry. time flies when you are having fun.

fruit.

revelation: eating fruit that has been cut up is way more exciting than eating the fruit whole.
who knew?
I've always been one to grab a banana and eat it out of the peel, or bite straight into an apple or pear...until now.
yesterday it was strawberries and peaches cut and combined in a bowl.
today it is banana and peaches cut up and combined in a bowl.

and perhaps the whole slowing down to cut it up and put it in a bowl is part of the novelty. it makes me eat slower (which is a great thing considering I eat way too fast).

sorry, whole fruit, but this summer I am cutting you up and enjoying you slowly.

SUMMER

my "DO" list.
it's all happening...
ah, the sweet freedom of summer.