dogs

Life lately

Hi there! Time for another life lately post. I love writing these and looking back on what I was doing at different times in my life. Here’s what’s going on in my life lately.

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I’ve been pet sitting, as per usual! I spent some time with one of my favorite clients this week and it left me feeling so happy. I truly enjoy how every animal I take care of has a completely different personality.

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I’ve been diligently working on the devotional I’m giving at my church this month. It’s on the lessons we can learn from the book of Esther. I have always loved the story of Esther, and working on this project has led me to a deeper understanding of the culture during that time period. It’s one thing to read the Bible, but studying it takes everything to a whole new level. Loving it!

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I just recently started listening to podcasts again, and I’m totally obsessed. My top two favorites are The Birth Hour, which is a podcast where women share their birth stories, and Daily Hope With Rick Warren. Daily Hope is a Christian devotional podcast full of encouragement and hope.

Edited to add I don’t fully agree with Rick Warren’s view on salvation because he doesn’t seem to believe baptism is necessary for salvation. I also don’t believe a preacher should be called a pastor. If you want to read about my faith and how it lines up with the Bible, please visit this page!

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I’m still chugging along with my book! Jimmy took this picture of me writing on the couch one night with Lola snuggled up beside me.

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The windowsill herb garden is growing with gusto! So far I’ve only used the cilantro (it’s in the container on the right) and it was absolutely delicious.

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Last but not least, I had to share this sweet picture! My mom just sent it to me as I was typing up this post and I was like “I need to add this to my blog post!” haha. My parents’ dogs are just too cute.

What has been going on in your life lately?

Marching into spring

I feel like I just posted about winter’s arrival, and now spring begins this month. Technically the meteorological spring began on March 1st, but most people consider the astronomical March equinox, which begins on the 20th, to be the official start of spring.

Enough of my nerdy weather research, though. I am ready for this new season! Not that winter has been particularly bad in Pittsburgh this year. I just love a fresh start.

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To me, spring symbolizes growth, and growth is a wonderful thing. I’ve been working hard on my goal of knowing what I value and keeping my priorities straight. Along the way, I’ve been learning a lot and having fun. A win-win in my book.

I’m learning that most of the choices we make in life aren’t between good and bad, but between good and great. I am trying to choose great every day. When I focus on what’s truly important, I feel a sense of purpose and true joy. I feel closer to God when I am being who He created me to be.

Looking forward to this new season, I want to continue to serve, grow, and learn. Here are some things I’ve learned lately…

Mountain Pie Date

Mountain pies are delicious. Have you ever had or heard of a mountain pie? Basically, you make a sandwich (I made peanut butter and jelly), put it in a mountain pie maker, and stick it in a campfire. A few minutes later, you have a melty, warm sandwich!

While mountain pies and campfires are lovely, spending time with Jimmy is what really fills me up. We ate our mountain pie dinner outside and then went to the movie theater to see Zootopia on Saturday. The movie was great, and I was so glad I got to have a date night with Jimmy. We like to stay busy, but the times when we just relax and hang out really strengthen our relationship.

Windowsill learning

Learning something new is gratifying. Jimmy has been making the windowsills and trim for our house and I’ve been helping as much as possible. He taught me to use a sander, and I’ve been painting like crazy. I really enjoy learning how to use tools to create things. The work we do together on our house is something I will remember and cherish forever.

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Time spent with family is time well spent. It’s not always easy to get together with family when everyone has busy schedules and lives in different areas. When we do see each other, though, it’s the best. Being there for my family and knowing they are always there for me is one of the biggest blessings in my life.

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Dogs make everything better. No matter what kind of day I’m having, it always gets better when I spend it with Lola or a dog I’m pet sitting. I would love to do something full-time with dogs for work one day. Ultimately, I think I’d enjoy running a kennel, but you never know! We’ll see what God has in store for me. There are so many things I want to do, but I’m leaving it all up to God and prayerfully following where He leads.

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Taking time to soak in a beautiful sunset reminds me that God is so good. The sun rises and sets every day, and we can count on God every day.

Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. Psalm 90:2

As we march forward into spring (get it, March… ;)), I am looking forward to many things. Getting outside as much as possible, hearing rain, starting a garden, more sunlight, and another season to grow, serve, and love.

What do you love about spring?