In cleaning up my computer files recently I ran across this story that I’d saved years ago. I can’t remember why I saved it but apparently I liked it then and I still like it now. I’m still pondering this fresh start that 2016 has brought me. Peter’s story reminds me to be careful to not rush through and wish my days away, not even the hard ones or not so fun ones. I should like to savor the moments and the memories of each day. “I should like to live my life again as if for the first time…”
On March 4, 2015, this blog was officially birthed. I’m not sure I smiled out of fear of being vulnerable but I’m quite sure God smiled. And He has continued to smile over us here at EPFH throughout the last 99 posts. This is post 100. Wow! Immeasurable blessings!
My rockin’ sweet daughter in love joins us in our STAGES series. I’m so happy to get to share a piece of her heart and her beautiful words with you. Be filled, Andrea
Today is FRIDAY!! That alone is a highlight for so many of us. They (Ann Voskamp & Jesus) tell us that the happiest people are the grateful people. That joy is found in the mundane. That peace is found in the chaos. That strength is found in weakness.
This post brought to you by happy, grateful, joy, peace and strength! All of which are very high five worthy!
1. HAPPY!!
Anyone who knows me will not be surprised that this is my #1 High Five. Our grandson IS definitely my happy! He has been spending the week with us. His mommy is here too which is the cherry on top!. We take as many naps and selfies together as possible. Everyone should get to be a grandparent. It’s just the best!
2. GRATEFUL
I have so much to be grateful for, but one thing that has risen to the top lately is a writing group I’m in. As a result of being on the launch team for Jen Hatmaker’s new book, For the Love: Fighting for Grace in a World of Impossible Standards (yes, this is a plug and you should preorder it before July 15th to get some cool freebies) there have been several groups spin off of the main launch team group. One of them is a writer’s group that I joined in on. There is so much wisdom, encouragement and selfless sharing of tools, tricks and tips in this group. I am so grateful to be on my writing journey with so many gifted and genuinely kind-hearted people who share the same passion of putting words together to form thoughts and inspiration.
3. JOY
All the kids came home for the holiday weekend. I can’t think of anything that would bring me more joy than for all of our kids to want to come home and to have them all in the same place for any amount of time. It’s also quite joyful that they can go to the store on their own and get all the supplies for S’mores. I do miss them being little, but there are definite advantages and blessings to them being all grown up.
4. PEACE
I love our back yard. It’s so peaceful in the morning when the world is still sleeping and the ducks are waking up to begin their day. I generally always take my camera out with me when I take the dogs out and it never fails that there is something peaceful to capture through the eye of my lens. I mentioned in the intro that peace is found in the chaos. This is true but often we have to look very hard for it. It’s sure worth finding, though.
5. STRENGTH
I started something this week. Something that is over my head, a major stretch to my skillset, something that has huge potential for success or disaster. I’m kind of counting on the success part. I’ve thought about this quote a lot lately. I have to try.
“The thing you never try, always fails.” Jon Acuff
So I’m trying. I’m going for it. I bought a domain! I also bought a website theme and did the big girl thing and paid someone else to install it for me. Now I just have to start gathering content. I’m in the process of creating a new website and facebook page that falls in line with a strength and passion of mine in the area of hospitality. But I also feel fairly weak in it all. Isn’t it true how our biggest strengths are also our biggest weaknesses? My vision is big for this project, but my technical knowledge is lacking. The thing is, is that where I am weak, someone else is strong and I’m hoping to use another of my strengths, making awesome cashew butter, to help me out in my shortcomings. Will trade techno skills for cashew butter. Anyone???
So you’ve made it to the end of this post and you’ve also made it to Friday! This deserves a big ol’ HIGH FIVE! Find someone to high five today. Even if it’s just for getting out of bed and being a person.
~Andrea
Click on the cute blue frog to SHARE AND VIEW other HIGH FIVE posts! Link ups are fun!!
Empty Plate . Full Heart 