My Doings

Hey, my lovely friends! How are you doing? I hope your day is blessed and that you are filled with the joy of the Lord so that you can bless others too! ^_^

I myself am a bit tired today, among other things, so I'm finding myself being irritable. Eek! Trying to speak with a happy tone and calm heart to my five-year-old sister and two-year-old brother. They're home with me right now as the rest of the family is out working on our new house.

Speaking of the new house ... it's coming along! We're doing a lot of renovations, so it'll be awhile yet before we move in, but it's exciting to see all the work that's been done so far!

We ripped out all the carpets the first day we went there. Then we had to take a break while my mom ordered an asbestos test and got all that done. No asbestos in the ceiling paint! We were able to go work again!

Yesterday, we spent the better part of the day working there. I vacuumed most of the house, which was covered in dust, dried paint, etc. from sanding down the ceilings. Then I spent most of the rest of the time dusting & priming trim and walls for painting. We had two of our cousins helping out that day, and it was fun to work and eat lunch/snacks together. The more the merrier! ^_^

By the end of our work day there, I was sitting on the kitchen floor, surrounded by painting supplies, sanding tools, and bags of lunch food, holding my two-year-old brother as he drifted off to sleep. It was a good day. I drove home with half the kids, and my mom with the other half.

Last Saturday I was cleaning houses with my family. That was a very busy day as well. (One highlight was I got to go to Chick-fil-A. *grins*)

And ... overall, it's just been busier than normal. Besides spec house cleaning and working on our house, we have been trying to sort through all of our possessions before the move - getting rid of things and figuring out what we need.

I now have Bible study on Sunday nights and a few Christian Living books I've been working through.

And continuing to form friendships! *smiles*

Plus, I'm trying to set my priorities straight. More time spent in God's Word and in prayer ... perhaps cut back on some other things.

It's been good to just reevaluate. Breathe. Organize. Toss out the junk. Put aside things I don't really need to be doing. Focus on what's important. Growing closer to my Lord. People.

• Writing.

My "writing progress" has gotten a little pushed into the background. I'm 61% through Silver Rose, and have come to a bit of a standstill. But that's okay. Sometimes we need to just step back from something and breathe a little before going back to work on it. I'm still hoping to publish it fairly soon! Because writing/putting out books is a blessing to me and my desire is that it would glorify God and speak life to the world!

I am blogging though! Here, and getting more efficient with Lady Grace: Embracing Light, True Womanhood, and God's Perfect Path - I'm trying to post there every Tuesday and Saturday.

• Reading.

Besides Proverbs, Bible study reading, and some Christian Living books, I have two review books on hand. Jane of Austin by Hillary Manton Lodge. And The Captivating Lady Charlotte by Carolyn Miller. Hopefully I'll get to them this month because they both seem lovely. ^_^

• Listening To.

I've been listening to a lot of songs, haha! I talked about this on Lady Grace, actually. *smiles* I also just discovered I really like young Christian artist, Hollyn. Some of my favorite songs by her are:

STEADY ME

MINE

LOVE WITH YOUR LIFE

CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT

• Watching.

I've been watching Matt Chandler's series, TO LIVE IS CHRIST, TO DIE IS GAIN. Also, just random videos from Joseph Solomon, Girl Defined, and other Christian Youtubers. One such video I really liked was:

I don't think I need to add anything to that. Perfection. ^_^ Live and love God where you are!

• Moments.

When I don't fall asleep until 2 or so in the morning, and then am awake at 5:30 AM, unable to sleep. So I pray awhile. Listen to some music. Get up and read my Bible and study books. Wander into the kitchen and do the leftover dishes, put some wash going, fold a batch of clothes ... feeling real efficient. Ha! Peoples, I am not a morning person. I told my mom she better hope I never go back to sleeping normally, so I'll get more work done around the house. XD

That went on for about a week, and I didn't feel exhausted even though some nights I was only getting 3-4 hours of sleep. Now I think it's finally catching up on me. I was feeling pretty tired today, so I decided it would be best to stay home from working at the house and give the little ones a break too.

Anyway, I am sleeping better! But still staying up fairly late with my headphones on, listening to Hollyn - just to relax and dwell on resting in the Lord's love.

I've been doing some other exciting things, (for me, anyway!), such as driving to Cracker Barrel with my sister on Memorial Day to meet the rest of my family for a fun evening. Truthfully, it was only like the second time ever that I've driven on a freeway. :p

• Looking Forward To.

• Family Reunion
• Seeing my brother in a few months (Lord willing)! <3333
• Going forward with Silver Rose
• Moving into our new house
• Just seeing what awesome ways God works in my life and the lives of those around me

I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever;

    with my mouth I will make Your faithfulness known

    through all generations.

I will declare that Your love stands firm forever,

    that you have established Your faithfulness in heaven itself.

Psalm 89:1-2