Acts 20:35 – In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’

Gratitude Day 809

First, let me say that I am so sorry. You might have received multiple emails yesterday with the same blog post. I AM SO SORRY. I can’t explain what happened/didn’t happen. It is not my intention to clutter your inbox. Please accept my apology.

Several of you reached out to me after the last couple blog posts where I shared some of the things going on in my life. Thank you for doing so. We are SLOWLY getting settled into the new-to-us house. Yesterday, we put some new furniture in our living room. Honestly? The main living space now feels almost like we are living here.

Here’s one photo of some of the main living area. With some help, the kitchen cabinets have been completely updated. There is new flooring. Rick put up some open shelving for me. I still see the things that I want to be updated but it is also now our home.

Another lesson I relearned this week? Being spontaneous and doing something in the moment is far more important than unpacking boxes. Last Sunday, we unexpectedly spent the afternoon and evening with family. It was wonderful. Rather than thinking about what was getting done, I played hide-and-seek with two grandkids. Giggles abounded and memories were created. Worth. Every. Minute.

Then, a friend called me this week. Her father passed away just a couple days before we moved. We weren’t able to go the funeral because of a prior commitment. We committed to be in touch with each other in a couple weeks.

Well, Lisa called me this week. As it turns out, I was going to be in the area near where she lives that day. I had an empty hour. We met for a quick and early lunch. While we could have planned this lunch for weeks, we decided in about 15 seconds to do it. And it was great. My point? Be spontaneous. Let whatever is happening in the moment guide you. Yes, I like to plan. But sometimes? Embrace the possibility that simply shows up. Most times, you won’t be disappointed.

Looking for some inspiration for Valentine’s Day? Or least some quotes about love? Here you go.

These Truth for Today Scripture Cards. Emily Lex paints pretty little watercolor prints. She paired some of her paintings with a verse of scripture and turned them into little cards. Recently, she came out with a new collection of these cards that she calls her Hope collection. These cards are designed to give people hope. Check them out here.

Finally, I’ve been following my friend Mary Ann’s “Read Through the Bible in a Year” reading schedule. I’m trying to pick out a verse each week to share with you. Here’s this week’s:

This struck home with me. Jesus tells the people that sharing love with one another is far more important than following the required Jewish practice of sacrifices. Wow. I needed this reminder. Don’t get caught up in doing everything “right” or “perfect,” Jesus says. No, let love guide you. So. Important. For. Us. To. Hear.

Every day.

Last night, I took Ellie and her friend to gymnastics about an hour away. When we got there, we discovered gymnastics had been cancelled. So, what should we do? The tween girls suggested thrifting. After checking with their parents, we went to the local Goodwill store. The girls tried on all kinds of clothes. They picked out the first few things. Then, I brought them a variety of fun things to try on. We decided that neither of them is very good at walking in high heels.

On the way home, I mentioned that the night hadn’t turned out as planned. They assured me that they had so much fun. Trying on used clothing at a second-hand store. Plus, dinner at Culver’s. It was a good night. A very good night.

Friends – it is so easy to think about what we expect or think should be done. But maybe, we just need to play hide-and-seek and watch tweens try to walk in 4” heels to remember how to love. Let those things slide that are more about trying to be “perfect” than showing others how much you care for them. Love them. Let your actions speak louder than your words. Most often, how you handle yourself speaks more than volumes than the words we utter.

P.S. – the girls are already planning their next thrifting opportunity. And I was invited! (Or maybe, I’m just the driver? I’ll take it!)

This weekend, how can you show someone you love how much they mean to you? Where can you let an “animal sacrifice” slide and embrace a way to simply love another person. We can make life rather complicated at times. Jesus kept things simple: just love, he says. It’s pretty good advice for us as well.

Have a fantastic weekend!

For the simple lesson of remembering to love others, I am grateful.

Blessings –

Holy God – Encourage me this weekend to slow down and really think about the things that I do because I think they are “right” but really do not serve You or others. Help me release those things that no longer serve anyone.+ Amen.

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this blog, please pass it along to someone else who will also enjoy it