Friday Prayer Request

 To my blogging friends....

I am not sure how long I am taking a little break here from posting.  I have experienced some trauma in my life last weekend and am deep in sadness, confusion and lonliness.  I ask for your prayers for me. I am sorry to sound vague at this point, but may be able to share at some time in the future.  In the meantime, you can pray for these things mentioned above.  

I plan to still read your blogs and respond as I can.  As much as this blog is an outlet for me and I so enjoy my twice a week posting, I feel like I need to take a least a few weeks away from posting.  

Thank you and I will try to respond to any emails I receive.

Thank you for praying if I cross your mind.

Marilyn

Inspirational Talks & Music

 Today I wanted to share a little bit about some things that have meant a lot to me recently.  Some of you are probably familiar with Lysa TerKeurst, who is president of Proverbs 31 Ministries.   I was able to hear her speak recently on her book tour of The Good Boundaries and Goodbyes.  This was such a powerful night of teaching and worship too.

Loved spending this time with my bestfriend here.

After Lysa's talk and reading from her book, she and two others on her team sang a fun song that got the crowd on their feet.

I have been fortunate to spend the past 2 weekends with my oldest daughter and after a talk about some things, was able to share this verse with her:

This has always given me comfort the Lord has us in the right place at this time. 

I also want to share today two songs which have really meant a lot to me lately on some hard days.

First, is the song Goodness of God by Jenn Johnson.  This was my most played song of 2022.  I listen to it a lot and it always calms my soul in the hard times.  It's so good and I encourage you to listen.  I have this on a few Spotify playlists.

I love You, Lord
For Your mercy never fails me
All my days, I've been held in Your hands
From the moment that I wake up
Until I lay my head
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God

And all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God

I love Your voice
You have led me through the fire
In the darkest night
You are close like no other
I've known You as a Father
I've known You as a Friend
And I have lived in the goodness of God (yeah)

And all my life You have been faithful (oh)
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God (yeah)

'Cause Your goodness is running after
It's running after me
Your goodness is running after
It's running after me
With my life laid down
I'm surrendered now
I give You everything
'Cause Your goodness is running after
It's running after me 

'The second song is Jireh, by Elevation Worship.  I have heard this song for the past few years, but just a few weeks ago, the words really spoke to me.  I have most of the lyrics listed below.  

I'll never be more loved than I am right now
Wasn't holding You up
So there's nothing I can do to let You down
It doesn't take a trophy to make You proud
I'll never be more loved than I am right now, oh

Going through a storm but I won't go down
I hear Your voice
Carried in the rhythm of the wind to call me out
You would cross an ocean so I wouldn't drown
You've never been closer than You are right now
You are Jireh, You are enough

Jireh, You are enough
And I will be content in every circumstance
You are Jireh, You are enough

Forever enough
Always enough
More than enough
Forever enough
Always enough
More than enough

I don't wanna forget how I feel right now
On the mountaintop
I can see so clear what it's all about
So stay by my side when the sun goes down
Don't wanna forget how I feel right now (Jireh)

I'm already loved

I'm already chosen
I know who I am
I know what You've spoken
I'm already loved
More than I could imagine
And that is enough

That is enough (that is enough)

Jehovah, You are (that is enough)
El Shaddai, You are (that is enough)
When I have You, I have everything (that is enough)
When I have Jesus, I have everything (that is enough)
That is enough (that is enough)

'Cause You are enough (You are enough)
You're my portion (You are enough)
More than enough for me (You are enough)
You are enough (You are enough)
So I am enough (so I am enough)
Jireh, You are enough (yes Your are)

I will be content in every circumstance
Jireh, You are enough, oh-ooh (You are)

If He dresses the lilies with beauty and splendor
How much more will He clothe you?
If He watched over every sparrow
How much more does He love you?

It's more than you ask, think or imagine

According to His power working in us
It's more than enough
It's more than you ask, think or imagine

Jireh, You are enough
Jireh, You are enough (You've always been enough)
And I will be content in every circumstance
Jireh, You are enough

I hope this encourages you in some way today.  There are so many storms in this life.  Some are longer and harder than others and we need hope and encouragement in the midst of these.  Jesus loves you.  He is good and faithful.  Jesus loves me, this I know.

Hello Monday ~ March 20, 2023

 Good morning & happy 1st day of Spring!

I am joining up to share a weekend update as we say goodbye to winter.  It actually still feels a little bit like winter with temperatures below freezing tonight.  It looks like spring weather though by mid week in our neck of the woods.  

Thursday night of last week, both of my college students came home!  My oldest left by mid-day Saturday, but my youngest is home all week on her spring break.

First up, a ride on an electric scooter my daughter bought....College student purchases!

My youngest is our artist and she painted this on a 5x7 canvas for a friend who loves Dr. Pepper!

When our girls were young, we always made green pancakes on St. Patrick's Day. Since they were both home this year, we brought back the tradition!

After we finished breakfast, I found my St. Patrick's Day plates and napkins.  Oh well...I will save them for next year!

Friday morning consisted of a dentist appointment for one and I took one of their cars for an oil change and filled up both girls' cars with gas.  These are the little ways to care for them that I am happy to do. Friday afternoon, I drove the girls to run several shopping errands on their list.  One of those was the Grizzlies gift store & I was just happy to be their chauffeur!

My youngest had plans with friends that night, but my oldest went with us to meet my parents for dinner then we went to watch the Memphis Hustle play basketball.  They are part of the NBA G League.  My best understanding is that this is like minor league NBA teams.  It kind of felt like being at a high school basketball game, but in a much bigger arena.  It was still a fun experience.

When Be Real goes off while at the game.....

Saturday, we all reconvened for a few minutes and the oldest got on her way.  I put out a few spring/Easter decor items, which I will show on another post. We snacked during the day, so to avoid more unhealthy snacking, we had an early dinner at 5pm.  The rest of the night was pretty chill inside. 

Sunday, we went to church, met for lunch (we just joined a different church, so our daughter is still at our old church), and went to see the movie Jesus Revolution.  I thought it was a great movie.  The rest of the day was pretty lazy as it was cold outside and little motivation inside.  

I am back at work today, but hoping not too work any more than I have to this week while my daughter is home.

Enjoy this first day of Spring!

Friday Favorites ~ March 17, 2023

 

Well, another week has come and gone, but I am checking in with an update and some favorites.

First, Happy St. Patrick's Day! I am a lucky mom reporting that both my girls are at home for a few nights together!  This for sure is a favorite.  Here is a touch of St. Patrick's Day decor:

After returning from the women's retreat last weekend with my daughter, I headed out of town Monday for the night with my sister.  We went to the Marriott Muscle Shoals and enjoyed a night away.  The area is known for their music history and this hotel is known for their spa.  We both got a facial and also enjoyed the sauna and hot tub.  At 52 years old, this was my first facial and it felt great.

We stayed onsite after our spa appointment and ate at the hotel.  We had this amazing salad with pecan crusted chicken salad that included grapes, pineapples, strawberries and blueberries.

We enjoyed live music while we ate.

We shared this piece of cheesecake for dessert.

The next morning, we went to a local diner and I had the grilled chicken omelet which also had bell peppers and onions inside. It was delcious.

We went to a few stores and then were back home late on Tuesday.  So thankful for time away with my sister!

After being gone almost 5 days in a row, I headed out to the grocery store to re-stock and got this piece of red velvet loaf from the Starbucks in our grocery store.  I had a reward for a free bakery item and this seemed like something I would not find most places.  Needless to say, I've been indulging too much lately, but at least have been sharing the treats I've had.

I worked from home Wednesday and Thursday and hope to enjoy my girls this weekend.

I hope you all enjoy the weekend!

Hello Monday ~ March 13, 2023

 Hello Monday!  After last Monday, I was on the go so much last week that blogging took a back seat. I am back today with a recap of the weekend.

I left mid morning Friday to drive to meet my daughter for the weekend at a state park.  Her church was having a women's retreat and it was an honor to be there with her.  It was a beautifu setting and she is so loved by her friends and church family.

The lodge

This was the view from our room...a pool and a lake behind it.

Our room was very nice and we heard the lodge had been remodeled in 2020, so everything was updated, with a modern, yet cozy feel.

We had dinner and sessions in the ballroom each day and it was fun to be meet my daughter's friends and other women.

We took a hike Saturday to see the waterfall.  

We also braved this suspension bridge.

I came home Sunday afternoon to catch up a little, relax and then went to grab dinner since I have not been to the grocery store in a week.

I'm off to do something fun today with my sister & hope you all have a good Monday!

Hello Monday/Prime Purchases ~ March 6, 2023

 Happy Monday! I am joining up for Hello Monday and Prime Purchases today.

Friday night, I made taco soup and started watching Poker Face.

Saturday, I started my day by visiting with 6 of my 8 greats, which was awesome.  Later that morning, I attended a high school play to watch a friend's daughter.  I joined them for lunch afterwards & headed home for the evening.  I was pretty tired.  

Sunday, I went to church, did a little bit of yard work and some misc. organization in the house.  The weekend went by fast!

I have a few purchases from this month to share for Prime Purchases, but tried to stick to things I would have bought otherwise and not just frivously spending.

Moving bags

These are not the Ikea bags, but they are similar.  I have heard so much about these and found them at a discounted price.  These will help when moving my daughter out of her dorm and my older daughter will be moving soon too.  I may use these at my house just to store some things.

Julep eyeshadow stick

I am such a fan of these eye shadow sticks.  I have Stone Matte and Caramel Matte.  I have some powder eye shadow that I've had for a bit, but don't see myself buying any more of the powder type.

Shoelaces

This is not exciting, but I needed short shoelaces for my Tom's boots and couldn't find any that length at the shoe store. Thanks Amazon for having everything!

Dishtowels

After the holidays, I realized I didn't have many every day good kitchen towels.  I found these at a good deal and they are thick and absorbant.  These come in many colors.

Skillet

I purchased this skillet and have enjoyed using it.  My last skillet I had for 24 years probably.  It was to the point where the skillet was peeling and that was not good to see black flakes as I would wash it.  I did a little research and found this one below, which I have been pleased with and it was a better deal than similar ones at Wal-Mart or Target. 

Dress

This was probably the one thing I ordered that I really didn't "need", however, I do wear dresses a lot to work.  I have worn this several times and have been pleased.  It has plenty of coverage, but it has some style with the cut at the bottom and v-neck.  There are lots of colors to choose from and I love a dress under $40!

Book

Lastly, I ordered this book as this is the book we are reading in my women's bible study.  

That wraps up my Amazon purchases and now off to the work day!

Friday Favorites ~ March 3, 2023

 Happy Friday to all! Here are a few favorites from the week........

ONE

I received CPR certification this week and this was something I had wanted to do for a little while. 

TWO

I added some St. Patrick's Day decor to my desk while enjoying my Coke zero and a candy bar from Norway.  Our guest from Norway brought us this last week.  The milk chocolate was delicious!

THREE

This play by Jaren Jackson, Jr. of the Memphis Grizzlies Tuesday night was a favorite!  The first half of this picture is the basket shot and the second half is his teammates reaction.

FOUR

Like so many of us, the daffodils are blooming in the yard and I cut some to bring inside this week.  I am working on switching out decor and will post more of that soon.

FIVE

Well, it crossed my mind, but forgot to take picture, but another favorite was meeting my dad after work one day for a treat.

Wishing you all a great weekend!