Lola

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?

The Best

Blog friends are simply the best. Thank you to everyone who commented on my last post. The encouraging words mean the world to me and I will definitely be revisiting them when I have writer’s block or feel discouraged. It’s truly wonderful to be able to “put myself out there” and receive nothing but love and support in return.

Speaking of writing, I received a few questions about my book and the way I’m writing. I was thinking about doing a separate post to answer the questions and explain my process. What do you guys think? If you have any questions, let me know and I’ll do my best to answer them 🙂

Other things that are the best…

Lola

Lola wearing Jimmy’s t-shirt. I don’t know what prompted me to put it on her, but she looked incredibly adorable. I posted a video of her modeling it on my Snapchat, which reminds me to tell everyone that I’m on Snapchat. My username is allieksmith. Let’s be friends!

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Visiting Jimmy at work. His family’s welding shop has been extremely busy lately, which has resulted in Jimmy working some late nights. Lola and I brought him and my father-in-law dinner last week (my father-in-law even shared some with Lola!) and hung out for a while. It’s always amazing to see Jimmy in action.

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Spring has officially started. Though it’s currently snowing in Pittsburgh, I couldn’t be happier it’s actually spring. I’ve been thoroughly enjoying the extra daylight lately. I also adore seeing daffodils poking through the ground when Lola and I go on our daily walk.

Well, I better get going. I have cookies to bake for a church fellowship tonight (I’m making these) and want get our house cleaned up for the coming week.

I have a dental appointment on Tuesday to have an old filling fixed. Not fun. We also don’t have dental insurance. Not fun. I’m glad Jimmy and I are blessed enough to afford dental care, though, because it’s important! I’d appreciate prayers that the appointment would go well 🙂

Do you love or hate going to the dentist?

I don’t mind getting my teeth cleaned, but any procedures beyond that make me want to cry.

What are the best things in your life right now?

My faith, spending time with my husband, practicing being present in my everyday life, snuggling Lola, writing, my church family, amazing blog friends, coffee, and the fact that spring is here.