How to Live the Little Way: 7.15.19

Welcome to How to Live the Little Way. A weekly post here at The Littlest Way where I gather all the ordinary things that happen or are happening in my day to day. Things like what I’m reading or listening to, eating, cleaning, and learning. These are the small moments that make up my blessed daily life and I want to remember them. My prompts may change depending on season and circumstance.

Thanking God for…
::laughing
::deep conversations
::not understanding everything
::roadtrip to Kansas
::hugging Veronica’s neck–multiple times while crying
::windows down, music up on the backroads of Kansas during sunset
::roadtrip snacks
::a needed break
::good dermotology appointment
::big breakfasts
::the fat baby at church who distracts me
::grace

Praying…
I’m praying for those grieving. Do not fault anyone who wakes up each day and puts one foot in front of the other while in the throes of grief; that may be all they can do. I’m praying for families to be restored–the enemy moves and breathes in division, especially in families. I praying for those pursuing their passion–that they have the clarity to take the next step, and then the next. I’m also praying prayers of thanksgiving for those who have made it through the other side of hell–physical, mental or emotional. Walking through whatever their particular hell was took everything they had–ask me how I know–and they did it and it should be celebrated!

Pondering…
This past Friday I had my first three months check up after having a melanoma in situ diagnosed and removed from my face. I had no idea how heavy this appointment was on my heart until topics of beauty, scars, fading, aging, etc. were a topic of conversation this week. I was surprised at how much stuff I needed to sift through considering all those topics in light of now having a noticeable scar on my face. Which by the way, I will NEVER complain about my scar, ever. If it ever seems like I’m complaining, you’ve misunderstood. I am grateful for my scar and would proudly wear one even larger if necessary.

Listening to…
A friend sent two songs via Spotify Sunday that I’m listening to. I’ve started a new playlist titled, “Devotional” for other songs like these that come along. Have I shared one of my favorite songs with you? It’s called Rise by Josh Garrels.

Reading…
Bible in a Year: Your Daily Encounter with God
This is my “quantity” Bible to make sure I get the Word inside me each and every day.

Catholic Journaling Bible and the Inspire Catholic Bible NLT: The Bible for Coloring & Creative Journaling
These are my study and journaling Bibles.

Mother and Son: The Respect Effect

* I’ve written an ebook to guide you through the whys and hows to get started with Bible Journaling, Bible Journaling Tips, Inspiration and Permission, and to encourage and inspire you in your Bible journaling!

Bible Reading…
Some notes from my Bible reading this past week on the YouVersion App–I use the NLT Version and am following the 90 day Plan. Find me over there and let’s be friends!

Psalm 56:4–Trust crushes fear.
Psalm 54:2–It’s ok to tell God, Listen to me, pay attention to me.”
Psalm 51:13–Obedience SO THAT…it’s not for my own sake
Psalm 51:12–Make me willing to obey
Psalm 50:2–God shines in glorious radiance…Shine through me God
Psalm 37:23–God delights in every detail
Joshua 21:45–Not a single promise was unfulfilled
Joshua 17:15–Not everything can be given to us, we gotta do some of the clear out work

Around the House…
I need to clear the office this week. It’s the place that probably gets cluttered the easiest. I still have to retexture the bathroom wall where the blue fingernail polish exploded on it and then paint it; yes, I am putting that small but bothersome project off, why do you ask? It’s only been since May. And I’m continuing to work on reviving our home–a place of joy, peace, and refuge.

In the Kitchen…
I need to go through the freezer, refrigerator, and pantry and see what meals look like this week; a fun little challenge don’t you think?

Use this link to receive $10 off your first Walmart Online Grocery order.

Self Care
My workout or training program is still going strong! Daily I am amazed at how I feel and look. I’ve been doing it long enough that others are starting to notice how my body is changing–which is always nice to hear. I always start with 15-20 minutes on the treadmill to get my heart rate up. Walking/jogging on the treadmill also helps me clear my head and think through some things. Staying on it for only 15-20 minutes helps me to keep my thoughts from wandering too far for too long. After the treadmill, I do my exercise set for the day–either a “Gym” or “Fuse” workout. This part of the workout lasts about 30 minutes.

And of course oils. I sent out an email last week explaining that it might seem like I’m using oils less since I’m talking about them less but in reality, they have just become a part of our everyday life so I forget to document them.

(I used to purchase my essential oils from Amazon or Edens Garden instead of a distributor. You can read my thoughts on why here, “Where I’m From…” I’ve since decided I don’t have the time or resources to properly educate myself on using the oils to their fullest potential. That’s why I signed up with Young Living under a former Family Practice Physician.)

The Littlest Way
Things were unusually quiet here this past week. That was unexpected but much needed. I have quite a few posts waiting to be written; a writing break here doesn’t equal a thinking break!

Captured…

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Today's scripture affirmation in our Online Bible Study Community is "I am made for God's glory" taken from Isaiah 43:7. Bring all who claim me as their God, for I have made them for my glory. It was I who created them. I've been thinking a lot this week about beauty, scars, aging, time, fading, etc. For the longest time I believed what others said about me or told me about myself. Spoiler alert, it wasn't good. Then I tried to define myself. That wasn't so great either. Humans are so fickle, changeable, emotional, and forgetful. A few years ago I started paying better attention to my Creator's idea of who and what He said I am. That worked out better for me…going to my source. I've held this idea the last few years that as I've aged, I've gotten prettier. The rough, jagged edges of trauma, hardship, and an innate self-defense and self-preservation instinct have softened with time. I've worked to strip away some of the accumulated grime that comes with life; that's made me kinder, gentler, easier, and taught me beautiful lessons in humility. And yet I still feel prideful describing myself that way. Recently though I've wondered if the world only sees an aging, older woman with a fresh cut scar on her face? And does it matter if that's all they see? 👉I challenge you to leave ONE word describing yourself in the comments. BUT, it has to be a word you feel a little prideful, a little selfish, a little uncomfortable using to describe yourself. Honestly friends, those uncomfortable words are probably closer to the truth of who we really are–who we really are IN CHRIST, than the easier, world-view words we let roll off our tongue all the time.

A post shared by Jenny (@jenny.thelittlestway) on Jul 12, 2019 at 6:25am PDT