Gosh we’re tired, aren’t we?
Yes, Covid is serious, and we have serious differences over protocols, and there’s a lot else in the world that seems more defeating than ever. We need to pay attention, to do the work of mourning and mending.
But we also need to take a break, to get outside and look up, bake something yummy, take a nap, laugh out loud, celebrate the everyday graces of God.
I hope that one of the following will make you smile or lift your spirits.
Have we ever said “pivot” more times in a year? We’re all in this together!
When you’re having a bad day, be gentle with yourself.
When you have a little bandwidth, consider blessing someone else with a care package or note of encouragement.
This arrived from daughter Katy who knows I love fall and baking. The book, “My Life in France” is just delightful, and I think of Katy every time I use the spatula – see recipes below 🙂
This soup and bread arrived when my husband had surgery recently, and the card below came on the exact date I was speaking about Moses to the staff here at church.
One of my favorite Instagram feeds to follow is Kelle Hampton (aka ETST – Enjoying the small things) From her I got the idea of creating a “You’ve Got Mail” care package. It’s been so fun to assemble!
- A fall candle from The Grace Effect CALLED “Shop Around the Corner“! I ordered one and loved the scent to much I ordered two more!
- A Starbucks gift card (for a Tall Decaf Cappuccino)
- A bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils
- A copy of The Skating Shoes
- Daisy seeds (because “They’re the friendliest flower”)
- Twinkle lights (because, duh, who doesn’t need more twinkle lights?)
- A couple of “You’ve Got Mail” postcards and stickers
- A pumpkin and a “Be Brave” sign from Target
If you want a fun “You’ve Got Mail” movie night, check out this post.
In an attempt to bring Fall to California, I’ve been baking fallish things like
THE BEST ZUCCHINI BREAD EVER. (Note: I said best, not healthiest)
- 2 cups sugar
- 3 cups flour
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. soda
- 1 tsp. each: cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp. baking powder
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup oil
- 2 cups shredded zucchini (if large, remove seeds first)
- 3 tsp. vanilla
- 1/2 cup milk
Grease 2 8 or 9″ loaf pans.
Mix eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla.
Blend in dry ingredients, then stir in zucchini.
Bake about 45-50 minutes @350. Cool 10 minutes in pan, then remove.
Every day we pray this for our kids – that they would recognize some simple or dramatic evidence of God’s character displayed in their life before they go to sleep at night.
• Strength supplied in moments of weakness
• A text of encouragement
• A Scripture verse coming to mind at just the right time
• A sunset or seeing the power of creation
• A friend asking forgiveness
We want them to see Him just as we want that for ourselves.
How are you praying for your kids, your students, your nieces and nephews?
Share what you’re doing that’s bringing you joy or what others have done in the comments! If you get this in email, just click on the title and scroll down to the bottom. If you’re commenting for the first time, don’t worry if it doesn’t show up right away…it will!
