Lately, I’ve been eating too many Fun Size Almond Joy candy bars. Stupid Halloween.
Lately, I’ve been trusting God that He has a plan for me and I just need to enjoy the ride.
Lately, I’ve been slowing down and remembering one word with my children: grace. Not always. But more than I have in the past.
Lately, I’ve been so thankful for a core group of about eight heart sisters that walk with me through the twists and turns on this side of heaven.
Lately, I’ve found that I can start to overlook this because he so often says “Mama, you booful” with drool rolling down his chin while he leans over and plants a sloppy kiss on my cheek. Now THOSE are germs I’ll keep.
Lately, I’ve been really content. For truly the first time in my life.
Lately, I’ve been realizing that I function on far too-little sleep and I need more.
Lately, I’ve been realizing that trying to go to bed earlier when you’re a night owl is tough stuff.
Lately, I’ve met so many more sisters in the online world and they are beautiful people with amazing ministries and they humble me.
Lately, I’ve started to think about exercising. (See above)
Lately, I’ve been wishing my father was alive to roll around on the floor with my boys and be wrapped around the finger of my daughter.
Lately, I’ve been thinking that I really like the “hunting” beard my husband has been sporting…
This is the kind of stuff we do for fun around here. It doesn’t take much to amuse us.
Lately, I’ve realized that though I miss my hubs every time he leaves, I don’t mind being a deer widow as much because it’s so good for him.
Lately, he’s been teaching our kids about the “Goat Boy” from the good ‘ol days of Saturday Night Live and will bust out with a “baaaaaa” mid-word to the delight of three little gigglers.
Lately, I’ve been praying about what God wants me to do with this space here.
Lately, I’ve been praying for Him to reveal the next step of my ministry.
Lately, I have so enjoyed a little girl who is loving her horseback riding lessons and is excited to read Misty of Chincoteague with her nerd of a mom every night. Snort. It’s one of my very favorite books from childhood.
Lately, I’ve just found myself so very grateful. And yes, I know everyone says this at this time of the year but it’s true. Abundantly blessed by His unfailing grace and love.
I’m joining in with precious Christy from Critty Joy for “As of Late”…
Sigh. Being a night owl can be tough…. I so enjoy it but I also know if I don’t get sleep I am not at my best. What a quandary ;)
This week I have thought so much about this life I have and how grateful I am to have it…even on the hard days there is beauty. He is so good.
Beautiful list my friend. <3
You are correct, my dear. I had one of those crazy, tough days today. I’ll be visiting this weekend to read everyone’s posts – missed reading them today.
Thank you for this wonderful meme, my friend!!
I’m a deer widow too and a fishing widow. But you’re right its good for them.
Have a great day!
Blessings,
Cyndi
WOOT for us – who cares? As long as they come back refreshed, we know they will be even better husbands for it!!!
I have the hardest time with my Dad being gone also. He would have had 5 girls (mine and my brother’s) and 1 little (soon to be 2 more) helpers in the garage. In the past I missed them every moment now as it gets farther away it only hits every once in awhile which can be bittersweet at times. You know I’m completely biased but your writing gets better all the time! Love ya sweet friend!
Thanks, friend. I hear you.
Oh honey
Misty of Chincoteague! How many times did we read that special book! I have Strawberry Roan waiting on the book shelf when you’re finished with Misty. I am so grateful for my healthy, beautiful and spirited grandchildren! The special parents that guide them are pretty darn special as well:)
I just looked in to vacations on Chincoteauge Island – did you know you can go??? We just might need to do this…
Thank you, my very unbiased mother…:) Love you!
It sounds like much of your ‘lately’s’ are much like mine. And I have a husband who came back looking like your husbands twin even the red in the beard~hahaaha!
Lately? I am grateful beyond as well.
Love this Natalie, Marlece
Lately…I am thankful for you. Lately…I am not liking the wooded man beard my husband is sporting…can you teach me how to have a change of heart on that one?
Thank you for using your gifts as you do, and for listening to Him as you continue to walk in…here it comes…obedience!
And I’m thankful for YOU!!!!
I haven’t seen Cory’s beard…The key is keeping it trimmed!!!
Yes, obedience. Sigh.
LOVE it! What a blessing that you are so at peace with all that surrounds you! You are a beautiful blessing to me.
Thanks, friend. Very much likewise.
I am so with you on the night owl thing. I try to go to bed early. The problem is I just can’t seem to get to sleep, so I may as well come down and be productive until I am tired enough for sleep. As of late,I have been contemplating more how to be more productive and less wasteful in how I spend my time. But it is never a waste when I come read your blog!
Thanks, Amy. I know what you mean – I have to really watch my time, too. It’s crazy how at a premium it is! I’m going to bed early tonight though…Really – I AM!!!! (I’m convincing myself – can you tell?)
What am I thankful for? Well, a hundred-bazillion things. [Just ask your children. That *is* a real number.]
But most of all – I’m thankful for Divine Grace!
Romans 5:1-2
‘Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. …Christ has brought us into this place of UNDESERVED PRIVILEGE where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.’
[And I’m thankful for friends that will even stand on the kitchen counter in their PJs to take a picture if it will help spread the Good News!]
LOLOLOL …. even the Grace that covers blunders like my posting what I’m thankful for on the Wrong Doggone comment page.
You continue to crack me up, Betty Berg..
Misty of Chincoteague! We went to Chincoteague Island on a family vacation a couple of times when I was little (my Mom’s cousin had a house there) and I LOVED it! Can’t wait to take my family there one day. Love your blog!
OH MY WORD – you can GO there? I must talk to you about this…How fun!!
Lately, I’ve also been learning to trust God’s new and unfolding plan for my life. I’m also a basketball coach widow, but don’t mind because it’s good for MY husband! :-)
Yes, it’s actually good for us as well because I’m learning what’s good for him is what’s good for me, too. :) And vice versa, of course. I’m a much nicer wife when I get some “me” time and he’s a much better husband when he gets home from hunting…It’s completely worth it to me!!! Thanks for reading, Kristen!
I’m a reforming night owl too. My goal now is to be IN bed no later than 11pm. 10 is even better. And it’s hard because I do most of my writing in the evening/night time after the kids go to bed. But I also have a husband who wants my… attention… at that time of night. Ahem. So I’m working on it. I’m also a deer/elk season hunting widow, but he loves going hunting, he takes the boys sometimes, and of course we DO get the benefit of a freezer full of meat if he’s lucky! :)
Oh, man. Love that sometimes our hearts beat at the same rhythm.