What's Saving My Deep Mid-Winter Life
It's frigid cold here on Cape Cod. But there's more than enough going on inside to keep me content ... and I'm happily sharing these 6 little sparks of joy with you today.
Going to the beach
No, not with a chair, sunscreen, and a bikini. These days I’m all about sitting in the car with the heat going full blast … with an occasional walk thrown in. There’s nothing like spending time at a desolate windswept beach to clear away any deep mid-winter cobwebs that’ve been taking up residence. Or to grab a bit of an afternoon nap when the sun makes an occasional appearance.
House-hushing
My favorite homekeeping guru, The Nester, taught us this when we didn’t even realize how much we craved it. Right now my built-in floor to ceiling dining room shelves are bare. All my favorite eye candy is stashed away in the back bedrooms. I’m guessing only half of what’s been taking up space will be making a re-appearance and new favorites are being dragged out of hiding even as we speak. I’ll be sharing before and after pics with you in the next week or so.
Flinging open the window
I (usually) make the bed every morning. But before I do that, I push open the window wide. I don’t care if it’s 20 degrees out, I crave that cold, brisk air that floods quickly in. As soon as everything is smoothed, pulled up, draped over, and fluffed, the window is slammed shut. And so my day begins.
Meeting with the team
For three years I’ve been co-leading a group of Stephen Ministers. I love these guys. They’re my small group, they’re my life group, they’re my anchor to what matters most. Our monthly conversations are filled with the presence of God, shared wisdom, plenty of joy, and yes, some tears. Iron sharpens iron, for sure. And a box or two of tissues always seem to be in need.
Sharing food
My freezer is small and when I cook in bulk, well, lots of luck. Meanwhile I look around and there’s people I love who might not mind having something hot and yummy. So when I pack up the chicken soup or the pot roast or the spaghetti sauce and send it on its way, well … I’m guessing we’re all better for it. Even if I’ll never be Betty Crocker or Martha Stewart.
Waiting for the baby
I’m going to become a great-grandma in three months. To say I’m excited, to say that this is going to be the highlight of the year, to say I’m way too young to be called Great-Ma would all be understatements. I simply can . not . wait!
What’s saving your mid-winter life? We’re all leaning forward to grab the kind of inspiration that could only come from you.
‘As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.’
- Proverbs 27:17
Linda
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Porch #127⛄ What's Saving My Life
You’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse … do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.
Going to the beach,
and I'm gonna wear a Speedo,
and all the gals in reach
will think that's just so neat-o,
'cause I am over twenty
(that was a few years back),
but I still offer plenty
like a real good six-pack rack,
but the chicks are disappointed
that I have me a wife,
but I tell them Barb's anointed,
that they need to get a life
that's not keyed to my great hot look...
they need to read God's Holy Book.
Yeah. I have a six-pack. Drool on.
This was such a pleasant read. A visit with a friend. I would love to fling open the back door every morning (for just a few minutes) but my husband finds that preprosterous. Sigh. Going to the beach and sitting in the car with the heat fullblast? Now I know we could be best of friends! And congratulations, dear friend, on becoming a GreatMa! Unbelievable!!