Glimmers & Bursts

God is so good! 

Can I get an amen out there somewhere?

Our precious Lord is always giving us something marvelous to celebrate, isn't He?  Sure, when times are tough we might just have to look just a wee bit more diligently, but there's always a glimmer, a sweet blessing or two waiting to be discovered and claimed as our own.  Each burst of joy so undeserved comes etched with our very own names, a priceless unique grace-gift straight from His loving heart. 

I can't help but think it gives Him pleasure when we spread the word of what He's doing in our lives.  Even if the gifts are quirky.  Not especially jolly.  Or seemingly not all that important in the grand scheme of things.

I found my name on these graces this month . . .

1.  More than ever, making memories with my parents has been sheer delight.  Yes, even if we sometimes make each other crazy!  Thanks for your prayers for my Mom and for our family as we walk together through her illness.  No pity parties or tales of woe around her neck of the woods.  Her positive attitude and deep-rooted faith brims up and spills over, touching the lives of all who cherish her. 

She's still knitting an array of wonderful little hats for Operation Christmas Child.  Enthusiastically trying new recipes in her trusty crockpot.  Bravely breaking in a brand new computer like a seasoned pro.  And even when weak or weary, she's continues to be intensely focused on the everyday details in the lives of each family member and friend who gathers 'round to visit.

If I ever grow up, I want to be just like her.

2.  A rarity? A grown-up movie that you can take your kids or your parents to, an offering that's not cringe-worthy, obnoxious, or crude. The Hundred-Foot Journey was beautifully crafted, charming, well acted, and more than a bit thought-provoking. You'll walk away smiling, with your borders enlarged, and a fresh appreciation for the creation of a very fine omelet.

 

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3.  I finally got an e-reader.  I've downloaded a couple of books, a Bible, and a few games but haven't done much with them.  I still want to handle a paper-paged book that smells faintly of library.  I want to sit with my 25 year old Bible held together with layers of packing tape and crammed with margin jottings.  And the real life Bananagrams with wood tiles that you pull out of the scrunchy yellow bag and spread all over the table is so much more appealing than the slick screen version. 

Meanwhile, the man is ecstatic because he won't have to lug a huge tote overflowing with 50 pounds of books whenever we travel.  {He hopes.}

4.  If you've been around here for any length of time, you know I'm a big 31 Days fan.  {I penned these 4 reasons why last fall ... and showcased The Nester's brand new barn yesterday.} But this year, I've had to pass up that invitation to write each and every day for a month.  Instead, I'll be pulling together a little house party, an autumn nesting delights series that will run two, maybe three weeks.  Whatever.  The posts will be short and sweet, some a bit reflective and others just a tad challenging. 

And in honor of 31 Days, I'll be giving away two copies of Myquillyn's serendipitously creative book, THE NESTING PLACE to a couple of readers who celebrate the season's delights with me!  Consider this your official invite to join us.  Please?

5.  My friend Beth just welcomed home her man from his service to our country.  Grab your tissues and celebrate with her.  Because sometimes there .  are .  no  .  words.
 

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>  sharing life with  Kristin  *  Holley  *  Leigh  *  Emily