A rhubarb custard pie new-baked, because my friend Ellen said, “I’m going to get some rhubarb while it’s fresh and pretty. A dollar fifty a pound. Want to come along?”
Yum. Are you a rhubarb kind of person? Sit down and have a slice.
So now I am fresh out of Short Things to say, for the time being, and – did you know I was going to say this?
It is your turn.
I can’t help feeling like some of you have Things to say, but you are not sure you want to say them. Some of you have never commented before, and some have at one point but feel more shy now, and some don’t even know where to start.
You can start right here, telling me a Little Thing about you.
Every once in a while on this blog, we get into a strange holding pattern of inertia, and we have to start speaking out again to break ourselves from the habit of Who Talks (I love you guys) and Who Doesn’t (I love you too) (at least I think I would if I knew you).
I know you’re at a disadvantage – It’s not your space and you don’t know who’s listening and you don’t get to add a photo to do part of your talking for you. Also, maybe you feel tongue-tied with all you want to say, and does it really fit here? Or you know me in real life, and you hate joining the crowd like a stranger – Do you know that you matter most? Or maybe you feel like an intruder because you don’t really know me, and you wonder if you belong here – Would it help if I tell you that outliers are my favorite people, next to my best homies? And that all of us are outliers, somewhere?
I can feel you hovering on the outskirts, words on the tip of your tongue. It’s strangely unsettling, feeling your presence but being unable to see you. It’s harder for me to talk, too, when I don’t know who you are.
The wonderful thing is that I can feel my curiosity about you coming back. For a long time I was just drowning in my own goo, watching the vultures circling, and that’s no fun.
The Things in your head are worth saying, even though you worry they are not. As Milne says in The House at Pooh Corner: “When you are a Bear of Very Little Brain, and you Think of Things, you find sometimes that a Thing which seemed very Thingish inside you is quite different when it gets out into the open and has other people looking at it.”
Truly. Let it be a Little Thing. Let yourself be seen for a moment.
Would you like if I told you I’d answer your comment? Sometimes I do that, though it’s a little hard. I think I can do it this time. It’s a more friendly meeting place when we’re both talking.
Here are some questions for you, to get you thinking. Just pick one, or make up your own.
- What do you want to be known for?
- What are three things you can see right now, that tell me something about you?
- What is a fun activity you did recently?
- Who do you love most?
- What did you cook today?
- Have you changed your mind lately? Was it worth it?
- What are you worried about?
- What’s the last photo you took with your phone?
- Is there a crazy story you have to share?
- What have you been wishing to ask me or tell me? I’m here.
This is only a Short Thought, not a Public Presentation, okay? No stress allowed. The first one’s always the hardest; after that it’s clover.
And if you’ve been here a long time and said a lot, you’re good too, to speak or to listen. I’m glad you’re here.
If I get five comments on this post, my star rating as a decent salesman will plummet considerably, but I think I can handle it. If I get fifty, I’ll host a giveaway. How’s that?
I’m here.
Listening.
Update, May 10: Okay, I’m done listening now. Lol. Just kidding – I am still listening, but no promises to respond to any further comments. I am finally caught up!!!! Yay for me! And thank you all for talking!
One more update, May 12: Comments are closed. My OCD got out of control and I HAD to keep replying. 🙂
As Milne says in The House at Pooh Corner: “When you are a Bear of Very Little Brain, and you Think of Things, you find sometimes that a Thing which seemed very Thingish inside you is quite different when it gets out into the open and has other people looking at it.” It’s funny I just read that recently and absolutely loved it too ???? I love books. We recently moved, and I realized once again that it doesn’t quite feel like home until the books are on the shelf. They’re such friendly things.
I enjoy your blogs. You have a beautiful way with words. I do better with the reading than the writing of words so I’m a silent follower most of the time ????
I love Winnie the Pooh too. And books that find words for all the things. Thank you for breaking silence with me. 🙂 Good to have you here.
I loved your list of questions…. Some answers would be too personal for this space and some too long, so I will answer the safe question, “what was the last picture you took on your phone?”????
The last photo on my phone is a screenshot from a video call with my oldest daughter who is living in Greece serving with I58 for three months. I miss her like crazy. She’s my best friend, my right arm, and my biggest source of encouragement. I feel her loss deeply when she’s gone from home. She’s been gone six months out of the last year doing mission work.
I’m sorry you miss your daughter! Sounds like such a bittersweet gift, having the wonderful relationship – but from afar – yet while being delighted with her choices, I’m sure. God bless you both for this sacrifice and gift.
https://everydaywords976946570.wordpress.com/
As a decent self respecting woman I will advertise my blog at this time????
And I will say that I love yours and I hear you about drowning in one’s own goo and Lord Jesus how long!!
And you don’t really want to see the last photo I took with my phone.
I mean, really.
Well, I do. But perhaps I would not If I Only Knew. 🙂 I take some weird ones too. A lot, actually. Thanks for saying hi. 🙂
Good morning, Sheri, Here are three things I see right now that show something about me.
1. A pink and green bouquet my sister received for her birthday and passed on to us because she went on vacation.
2. my planner open to this week with a pencil on top.
3. my morning cup of tea.
How beautiful and peaceful! Thank you for letting me look into your space for a moment.
I’m a silent follower ???? I really enjoy your blogs, Sheri.
Something fun I’ve done recently is planting seeds! Planting digging in the dirt is calming therapy for me! My onions and garlic are growing ???? the peas and potatoes aren’t up yet hopefully they didn’t drown! Radishes are coming and the lettce.
Does it work to say I made cinnamon rolls yesterday that we had for breakfast today ????
I’d have a lot of questions for you! But only one on one.
Hi Esther. I think we should schedule that one-on-one, at least once! ❤ Your gardening sounds delightful and invigorating. Thank you for this fun glimpse.
I want to be known for being kind and interested in people.
Right now I can see my baby and seven-year-old playing on the floor, my morning coffee, and many small messes that need to be tackled today.
I love your beautiful way with words.
Oooh good wish. I like that. And thank you for your kind words. Bless you in your mothering!
Wow! I actually read this post before a week went by, which tells you something about me right there.
The last photo on my phone is of a quote from one of the books I’m reading right now (The Late Scholar, a Lord Peter Wimsey and Harriet Vane story by Jill Paton Walsh). The quote is “‘All the world is mad, save thee and me,’ said Peter, ‘and even thee’s a bit odd.'” Delicious!
I got to meet you at your book signing in Pennsylvania a few weeks ago. That was cool.
A fun activity I’m looking forward to is going away with my husband for the weekend. It’s in honor of our 20th anniversary, which was in April, and it’s rather surreal to realize we’ve been married that long.
I’m looking forward to reading others’ comments!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Hi Tabitha. It was so nice to finally meet you in person. I loved that introduction to your sisterhood. And now, happy anniversary!
It’s been a while since I read Lord Peter Wimsey – that quote is too good. 🙂 I would like to use it quite a lot with the beloved people in my life. Hehee.
I see a train passing on the opposite track, my trusty tennis shoes, and my very practical brown bag.
You sound like a practical person who is peacefully at home in this earth, in the best possible way. Thank you for sharing. 🙂
I want to be known as a loving, caring person. Encouragement from others can brighten a dreary day!
I love reading your blog! And even more, I enjoyed the few times we were able to talk in person!
Hi Rose! I always like when our paths cross too. God bless you in all your days. Your desire to be known as loving, caring, and encouraging is coming true in your life already. ❤
I want to be known as the friend, sister, wife, daughter, Mom, stranger – who stayed even when things got hard and messy. Someone who believes in a person even when they don’t believe in themselves. Someone so full of Jesus there’s no room to be filled with myself.
I’m a silent follower, but I’m here because I love your writing and your honesty ❤️
Ooooh yes! I’ve been talking with a friend about People Who Stay because they’re anchored in faith and love – one of my personal goals too. I really love the vision you crafted here. Thank you for your words.
I love your blog by the way. That’s not what you asked though:) Yesterday I took new bubbles outside with my careful 5 year old and carefree 3 year old. And we blew bubbles. And our new puppy named Butterscotch ran and smashed those bubbles happily. That was fun. End of story. My baby is crying on my lap…
Why thank you. 🙂
Butterscotch and playful children sound delicious… and then that reality check of a sweet baby in tears… Aw. God give you all you need as you nurture a house full of littles! May your joyful spirit carry you.
I want to be known for loving well and freely.
I’m worried that I will get buried in the little things that must get done – housework, for instance – and forget to lift my eyes to see the things that truly matter.
I heard you speak at REACH,and I’m still pondering it. Thank you.
Yes, yes! to your wishes and worries. Me too. Thank you for putting this into words… Sometimes it helps just to be reminded.
Hi Sheri!
I only stumbled onto your blog in the last year or so, and subscribed for two reasons: #1- your words REASONATED with me! Ive been jealous at your bravado to speak things that are true, but are hidden deep in my heart because I’m scared to be so honest! #2 – we live only about an hour north of you and so you seem like home folk…virtually.????
The main focal point for my week has been sewing a dress for my daughter for her school program. The fabric is great; the fit is not. It agitates my perfectionistic tendencies to see a dress with character flaws….anyway, this is one area I changed my mind on: changed from “this pattern gotta be adjusted!” to “its gonna be ok….the program is Fri eve!” Has it been worth it? Im still trying to convince myself it was.
I don’t want to be known as someone bogged down with small things of insignifigance…. But sometimes its the insignificants that bog me down and keep me from doing the things that matter…like patience with my family, and being the hands and feet of Jesus in my home, neighborhood, and church!
Blessings to y’all….
Ooh, you are not far from me! And this line made me grin – “Has it been worth it? I’m still trying to convince myself it was.” 🙂
I’ll be honest – what you called the “bravado to speak” comes at a cost. Most days I do not regret it because the alternative of silence is (for me) a stronghold of Satan, and I stand against it in my heart. But there are things I can’t say, too. I know what that feels like.
I’m pregnant with twins, and hoping they keep growing appropriately so they can stay inside me a few weeks longer. Also, today is my birthday and yesterday my husband blessed me by spending the afternoon/evening with me – yard saling, shoe shopping, taking me out for supper. ???? It was lovely! ????
Happy birthday Marlese! ????????????
Heavenly Father, please bring these twins at exactly the right time and not a moment too soon. Nourish them and care for them as only you can. And hold Marlese in your arms as she waits.
Oh, Amen to Julie’s prayer!! Yes Jesus wrap your arms around Marlese and her babies. Keep them in your care. How delightfully exciting! Cheering and praying for you.
And… Happy birthday! 😉
I see a fresh bouquet of lilacs (love the beauty and smell), the cookie jar with cookies made for the Wednesday night meal when 2 single fellas joined us for dinner. Also shared them with daughter’s family who are enjoying a week and half old baby girl after 3 boys (the youngest being 14 months old). Then there’s the computer in front of me ready to order birth kits for 2 clients due to have babies in the next month. I love sewing quilts and just got away from the sewing machine sorting some patches for the next row. I love being busy! (usually)
Wow, your hobbies are varied and your interests engrossing. How wonderful!
I am trying to figure out if you are the Esther Mae I met in person, in which case – thank you again for buying the book I accidentally signed with your name… And if not, this comment is free of charge although entirely misguided. Hahahaha. Thank you for this fun picture of what makes your life tick. Lovely!
You might not want to see the last picture I took with my phone if you’re squeamish! It is a pic of the foot of my 5 yr old who was riding his bike barefooted last evening with his toes wrapped down over the pedal “like Curious George does”.. Unfortunately his foot scraped n he is now missing several patches of skin n 1 toe nail, tho it was still dangling there connected at the 1 corner! He thinks there must’ve been a little hill right in the middle of the driveway where he was biking, n that next time we move to a new house (no plans!) we should check out the driveway before we buy it!
Oh poor baby! I don’t like that moment of realizing there’s been an injury and assessing how bad it is, what we have to do to address it, and what’s underneath the blood and crying… He makes me grin though, riding his bike like George and plotting “the next driveway” which will be safer! Lol. Hope he heals soon.
Good morning! Three things I see right now is my 18 month old snuggled on my lap, my 3 and 5 year old emptying the dishwasher, and my house looking like a “before cleaning” Friday morning!
A fun thing my children and I did this week was go to a greenhouse and get some beautiful blooms and put them in dirt (that was more like mud) and loved every minute of it!
Your blog is one of my favorites…. even though I am a silent follower!
You are a busy lady… and look at those children trained in their chores. Good for you!! I can’t wait till we can plant flowers here. We will probably still get a frost or two, but I hope to get some annuals soon and pot them for my porch.
What did I cook today? It’s 8:43 AM, so not much yet. I spread cream cheese on a bagel for one child, and then hastily packed a lunch of a peanut butter and honey sandwich, several mandarins, a cheese stick, and chips. After taking her to school I heated up oatmeal, bacon, and rice and beans for the rest of us (in separate containers, of course). Breakfast was well-received by one child, but not the other. It’s okay. I think we have enough calories and love to move on to the rest of our day.
Lol. I make a rule for myself about not cooking before the hour of 9 am. Okay, I just made that up – but I am not the big hot breakfast kind of mama, unfortunately. My children do know how to make their own, which is a gift. Most mornings a few of us make oatmeal and someone makes an omelet, and someone else eats toast or cereal. Easy. Your last two sentences made me laugh – thank you. I know you’re one of the readers who have been here a long time, and I appreciate you.
Another silent reader that enjoys keeping up with your posts. ????
The most recent photo on my phone is a picture of the most adorable 8 month old riding on his Daddy’s back. We made the delightful discovery that the Horseshoe Trail goes within half a mile of our house, so we bought a better carrier for our baby and have been having so much fun exploring.
I LOVED carrying my most recent baby in a good carrier! Walking that summer, when she was 3 – 6 months old, was my favorite activity ever. I loved the bonding time mixed with nature time mixed with exercise time. So fun!
I want to be known for kindness and compassion. One who lends a listening ear and a caring heart. Three things I can see are sweet potato plants that we’re growing for our garden, gluten free dark chocolate oatmeal cookies, so delicious! And glass dishes from my mother-in-law, she’s going through her stuff and downsizing since Dad died a year ago.
I don’t know what all shaped your beautiful desires, but I see that grief has been part of your story, and I know that undesired journey can soften the heart significantly for relating to the griefs of others. God be near you and grant your wish.
I would like one of those cookies. 😉
I wish I could be known for knowing how reach people’s hearts and having empathy. But I’m afraid I’m more known for being dramatic and impulsive. Sigh.
I read your book and loved it. Never have I seen words that expressed my heart so much. Now I know I am a real human. Thanks.
🙂 This makes me happy. Thank you too.
I’m not sure the two options you named are mutually exclusive. Seems like the heart-alive people might be good at both pieces… theoretically…? 😉 And I like impulsive people. They are a really good checkpoint for us overthinkers.
Sheri, love your posts , love gut honesty, loved your book and hated it because the hard didn’t stop ????. I love reading , ! I love music , love to write but only in my journal where no one ever sees it. The most funnest ????thing I did this week was call a friend last minute, go to a greenhouse together and go to tomatoe pie cafe for lunch . Btw I love hanging out with friends too .
Yeah, I’ve been waiting for the hard to stop for a while now. Lol. Hopefully my next book will be something like “How It All Turned Out Fine and We Lived Happily Ever After.” One can always dream… Your day out sounds right up my alley. Splendid!
Who do you love the most? As a grandmother I have been blessed to live enough years to see them! So outside my husband and children I am blessed to love my grandchildren. My own mother’s life was cut short due to a vehicle accident, so she never saw any of her grandchildren! Maybe that is why i consider it such a privilege! Besides praying for them I love to shower them with good books to read. My goal is to write a short note to all of them each month.
I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth.III John 1:4
My mama had cancer and prayed she would live long enough to meet her first grandchild. Her request was granted but she passed at the age of 44.
I had an accident that very easily could have been the End, so I, too, am very grateful the abundance of Life and grands!!
And that is one of my favorites verses too!!! ????
I love when you people talk to each other! ????
So grateful to know our children and grandchildren walk in truth. As grandmother I’d find it hard to write a note every month to all 47 of them! ????
Aw Lois – so good to hear from you, and to hear this perspective on the gift it is to stay in our loved ones’ stories. The word-gifts you are giving those grandchildren – books, prayers, and notes – must mean the world.
I just recently finished your book Peanut Butter & Dragon Wings and it’s definitely become a new favorite. Absolutely loved how relatable, honest, encouraging, and humorous it is! Thanks!
On a personal note, my husband and I are leaving for our 1st anniversary trip to RI today. We love to travel.
Happy travels! We want to get to Rhode Island this summer too. And thanks for your kind words about my book, Kristi! I appreciate it.
The last picture I took on my phone was a (awful looking but special anyway) selfie with my 15 year old brother last night. It was such a beautiful evening and it was one of those rare times when I actually had time to go on a bike ride. My bro actually stopped in the middle of mowing the yard to go with me, so that was really special.
I LOVED spending time with my brothers while I was still at home. It’s harder to do at my current stage, and while separated by more miles, so I love that you are treasuring up those good times and special memories. Joy to you!
What are three things I see right now?
My firstborn son, 15, tall, and handsome bringing me a cup of coffee!
A trashcan in need of help. (!!!)
My trusty little fan, keeping my hormones cooled. Ha Ha!
Does that tell you anything about me? 😉
And, Oh, I love your blog! 🙂
Thank you, Darlene! Yes, that tells me a few things about you – hehee. Sounds like you trained your son right. 🙂
My craziest story would be the story of my life, but sharing that would no longer be a Short Thought…it would quickly turn into a Public Presentation!
Who I love the most?… Jesus first, and then all the people that live with me! My hubby, and eight children, five of whom we just got finalization on their adoption paperwork two days ago. God is so good!
I’ve been a silent follower, but I love hearing from you, so I’ll return the favor.
I do love long stories! Maybe sometime I will get to hear yours. Hurray for your adoption news, so fresh, and I’m sure an answer to prayer. Bless you for loving on children in this way – and thank you for your kind words to me.
I am a silent reader of your blog, but I devour your words, and I loved “Peanut Butter and Dragon Wings”
The last photo on my phone was taken last evening. It is of my youngest daughter, with a mile wide grin, and her big sister at a gym. Due to a change in custody schedule, I was able to finally take her to watch her hero sister play volleyball. There are a lot of layers of emotion in this photo, and I do not take it for granted… this unexpected gift in the midst of the hard.
Oh wow – layers of emotion I am sure! In whatever circumstances you find yourself, may Jesus and his angels fight for you and your precious daughters. Blessings. Thanks for your words. ❤
Good morning, Sherri! I also am one of those quiet followers..☺️ I’ve often felt we could share a cup of coffee (or tea) and talk for hours! The honesty of your experiences has made my heart ache, yet also gave me courage that we don’t walk alone..By Gods grace, I want to be known as a lady that chose truth, and was tender and courageous.. I want that my life reflects Jesus in such a way that others have courage to press on in their own journey.
Hi there. Talking with real humans over coffee or tea is my favorite. I don’t know which parts of my story overlap with yours, but I pray buckets of grace poured out on you and yours.
Shari where do I start?
I’m Vicky, wife & mom to three littles ranging 9 – 3.
My world started to change when I read your book. I was in a bad place mentally & spiritually. I immediately booked myself into the El Roi retreat to hear you speak in person (I live in northern Alberta so it would be quite the treck, but worth it.)
The Lord had other plans, at the time I was suffering intense morning sickness. I ended up canceling.
Fast forward a few weeks & my morning sickness seemed in our earthly minds for nothing. We lost our precious baby at 15 weeks.
Since then I have grown in ways one can only imagine. I have been amazed at how such immense pain can come hand in hand with such great peace. Gods grace has been immeasurable!
So I guess I felt lead to comment, to maybe be of some encouragement to the hurting out there.
God truly has purpose for your pain & it will all be worth it. Just don’t give up….. just when you think it’s the worst it can be, it can get worse yet! But in the process you may be amazed at what beautiful work God is doing in you!
Bless you all!
Thank you so much for being vulnerable in sharing these painful experiences, Vicky. Wow… that is a lot to walk through, a miscarriage when you are already depleted mentally and spiritually. But the words of faith and praise you have to offer afterward are remarkable. Thanks for encouraging others. I would have enjoyed meeting you, but meanwhile I am praying redemption for all the hard places of your journey!
Oh, Vicky, I’m so, so sorry. I felt so much empathy for you in the middle of your morning sickness, when you cancelled your retreat registration. Now my heart breaks so much to hear of your loss. God hold you close.????????
I see:
-My newborn feeding in my arms
-Calla lillies growing on the windowsill, waiting for warmer weather
-Clean, folded laundry on the island
You know I love your words and this place on the internet. ????
Yes. And I LOVE having you here, dear Jenn. Your littles all seem extra precious, but that baby even more so. Joy to you while you love on him!
I want to be known as gracious and wise but I struggle to be real/honest sometimes because I want to be liked and don’t want to come across as being judgemental or a know-it-all.
My baby is pulling my hair and picking my nose and babbling because I’m not nursing him to sleep. I guess he gave up on screaming for now. My last picture is of him because he was 11 months yesterday.
Aw, he sounds like a busy one. 🙂
Do you know I get it wrong All. The. Time? That mix of real and honest but not TMI or invasive? Yup. If we had to get it right to do it, I’d be sunk. 🙂 Grin. We learn stuff by trying and failing and trying again. But it sounds like you are already on that path. Courage!
I can’t make up my mind what to answer.lol
I see an issue of Daughters of Promise magazine which is part of my TBR( to be read) pile of other issues of DoP magazines and books. I see an empty coffee cup that needs refilling. I see the I outside wishing it would snow again.
I wish we could meet in person for coffee or tea.????
I want to be known for loving the Lord and being kind.
I was only going to answer one question but changed my mind. I think it was worth it .????
Now I’m going to fill that empty coffee cup now.
Regina, you have a talent for making me laugh. “I was only going to answer one question but changed my mind. I think it was worth it.” Lol! I love what I see of your path in Jesus, and I am often blessed by your words. Thank you!
I just recently discovered your blog while reading your book and feel like you are a kindred spirit, Shari. ???? I wish I could invite you to my house in Thailand for a cup of my favorite Thai tea and get to know you in person.
Three things I see as I sit on my little balcony:
-a torrential tropical downpour
-palm leaves glistening with raindrops in the light of street lamps
-a mosquito buzzing by my face
Thank you! Our worlds sound far removed, yours novel to me and so different from mine (except for those ubiquitous mosquitos) (and possibly one or two other commonalities 😉 – ha) – but I can easily imagine a kindred spirit on the other side there, sitting on a balcony with tea. That’s a happy thought. Thank you for commenting! I’m so glad you’re here.
A fun thing I did recently:
walked into an airport Starbucks and spent $8+ on an iced coffee and a slice of lemon loaf—a deliciously impractical and out of character thing for this penny pinching lady to do!=)
Also, I loved your reference to Pooh. The Bear of Little Brain is just so relatable!
The occasional splurge outside the guardrails of a frugal life is a joy all its own. 🙂 I bet you savored that moment thoroughly. Sounds heavenly!
This post was too good to read and remain silent. The last photo on my phone is a collage of random book stacks and shelves for today’s photo challenge #can’t live without. . . I just rocked my fussy baby to sleep, am expecting my school children home for lunch because !hooray! it’s the last day of school and the closing program is tonight plus my oldest son is graduating so we have family staying overnight. This was a delightful little fresh breeze in my morning.
Wow, your weekend sounds like a preview of mine a week from now. My oldest will be graduating as well, with family staying for the weekend. I’m excited! Thanks for this picture into your life. Congrats and joy to you!
3 Things I see
Your bravery with words blesses my life – even though I am mostly a silent reader, so you might not know it. ????
Now I want to know what sagebrush smells like. 🙂 I grow garden sage, but I understand that’s a whole different family. Thank you for your words of blessing to me!
My favorite line from this post was watching the vultures circling. You may not have meant it to be funny but I laughed because that is so accurate in real life some times.
Something fun I did lately was take my one year old to market for fruit, and donuts and of course soft pretzel sandwiches. Last year this time it felt like the little fussy baby stage would last forever (I knew it wouldn’t).
I want to be remembered for being a good listener and caring deeply about other people. And for laughing a lot.
And I didn’t cook this today but I made fish tacos last night that were so delicious I couldn’t believe I made them.
Well yes, sometimes it’s better for me to laugh at my own drowning and wallowing and vulture watching, instead of taking it so seriously that it makes itself come true. Humor often saves me, though it’s been a bit MIA this past year.
Beautiful picture of a good life. I want some of those fish tacos!! 😉
I do want you to hit 50 comments so here goes…
This morning I made caramel french toast and it was a success for both the egg and the pancake lovers.
I enjoy your blog. Thankyou for sharing in this way.
Thank you for contributing to 50 comments! I appreciate the effort. 🙂 I’m glad you’re here. Your breakfast sounds stunning.
Okay. So honestly I don’t talk 1. I don’t want to be a cheesy Christian. 2. I am dubious of salesmen. I don’t like the feeling of being conned into some crazy theory that “Awww— You’re so sweet.” When my insides stink.
Palm trees are swaying, my grading books rest the table, Grandpa (the ebony one) just hobbled past.
I hear ya. And I am sorry if I am sometimes that salesman who makes you feel conned. I hope not, but I might be. Thank you for being honest… I am regularly overwhelmed by the difference between who I want to be (or who people think I am) and who I actually AM. Maybe that’s where humility can be born, if we allow it. And grace. I would like to sit with you beneath the palm trees. Thank you for talking.
From a silent follower…Today I made a strawberry milkshake for my son. He had his wisdom teeth taken our yest.
I love reading your words, they express what’s inside my heart, but cannot say it in so nice of words!
Thanks for sharing your heart.
Thank you, Judy! I appreciate your words. I had my wisdom teeth taken out as an adult, and it was hard. I hope your son heals soon!
I had to smile as I read this post. On my own blog, I too feel empty of words at times. And at all times love the comments. 🙂
I love how you’re so relatable, Shari. Does my heart good!
Yes, comments are great motivators. 😉 Your blog looks lovely. Thanks for your words!
My last picture was taken just hours ago of some airline food. I feel like North American airlines could take some lessons from South American airlines. My husband and I are currently ‘laying over ‘ in Panama on our way home from Bolivia.
Well, I wish North American airlines took lessons on airline food from SOMEONE. 🙂 They have a ways to go, in my opinion. Your travels sound exotic and lovely, but maybe they are normal for you, or sacrificial, or unavoidable. Either way, I hope you enjoy!
I would much rather be doing a creative project than cleaning my house. That’s a thing about me.
And a thing I want to share that nobody asked for is an Idea for moms and teachers. We have a little tin with about 30 cards which have “categories” written on them. E.g., Bible person, tree, color, something to wear, country, fruit, object in this room, mammal, body of water, etc. Sometimes we go through the alphabet, drawing a card for the next letter, or use them for speech practice (think of a word with this sound). Recently it came in handy for focusing on things we could be thankful for.
Greetings from the PNW where it’s pouring rain today.
This is a fun idea and great conversation starter! Thanks!
Cleaning is my last favorite thing to do in my house. I dream of the day I will pay someone else to do it. 🙂 Meanwhile, I train my children to help, and pray one of them really takes to it. Lol.
Wow, so many things that don’t enter my head to pray for! Guess I need more practice. 🙂
Thanks for schlogging through the comments. When I saw you had actually started replying to everyone, I made a point to come back and see what you said to me. 😀
Blessings for your busy week and big events.
😉
Something I have been pondering lately (due to a podcast I listen to) is how we limit ourselves by our thought patterns. And how we accept a diagnosis as a label and it becomes our identity. I want to embrace my season of life and its challenges instead of wearing it as a label.
Thanks, Em! Interesting thought, how we can become consumed by ourselves.
Reading in one of the Peters recently (II, I think?), a verse that stood out to me was the one that commands us to have fervent charity, because charity covers a multitude of sins. Not just charity, but fervent. And to start thinking about my reactions and thoughts – ouch. I would that God could be glorified by the fervent charity He would give me the grace to have.
That “charity covers a multitude of sins” brings up so many questions. I do love it!
Hm great thoughts. It’s good for me to think about love as a fervent action, and redemptive for both myself and those around me. I wonder how often I am covered by the fervent charity of others.
………And yet another silent reader as of last fall. ???? Earlier this year I finished reading your blog all the way from the beginning. Thank you for your words.
The last picture on my phone is of the evening sky from last nights walk. Walking is where I turn to get out of my “goo” when the vultures are circling.
After the first comment it’s clover?!?!? ????
Oh dear, when I hear of someone reading my posts from the beginning it makes me tired. 🙂 Thank you for wading through that – I hope you made it out the other side safe and sound.
You’ll see. The second comment will pop right out.
After reading through the comments, this silent reader is wondering if you recently changed the spelling of your name. ???? A nod to my stickler-ism.
Lol. One of those types, are you?
😉 😉
I’ve been a silent listener for a few years. But enjoying your honesty with real life.
My favorite place is in the kitchen cooking for family & friends. Yesterday for supper I made a Mexican meal with home-cooked tortillas.
YUM! I love homemade tortillas. My friend Cynthia taught me how to make them the Belizean way, rolling out and dry-frying on a griddle. Now I am hungry for them again. Thanks for commenting, Martha!
Very new to this blog… I’m not so good at writing but love reading and enjoy your blog very much.
Didn’t cook much today other than grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch but I do love to cook.
As far as “projects” … we moved to another state about 4 months ago and are currently living in a small rental until we build a house on our new property. So we are trying to make a new place feel like home and also preparing for Baby # 5’s arrival in approximately a week and a half.
And I’m drooling over the rhubarb dessert and wondering where I could find rhubarb. ????
That’s a lot of changes in a short time! Bless you as you adjust to all of that and find a new normal with a new state, new house, and new baby. ❤ May Jesus hold you.