And so, in an attempt to ignore my feelings and not process through such weighty things, I think another post on the good things in life is in order because we could all use a little happy today, am I right? In no particular order, here are some things I am loving lately:
Gifs. Oh my word, I think these have been around a while but they are my new best friend. I try to respond to as many of DJ's texts as possible with them, and even then I usually respond with multiple because there are too many outright hilarious ones to choose just one. Also, I love my children but let's not pretend I haven't sent this one to DJ on multiple occasions when he asks how my day is going:
Atypical. Have you guys seen this show? It is the most endearing thing ever. It follows the story of an 18 year old boy on the autism spectrum as he pursues love and dating and the show gets you all entangled in the personal lives and dynamics of his family as well. If you liked Max Braverman's story line on Parenthood, you will love this show too. DJ and I watched the entire first season all too quickly and I am so sad it's over. Season Two needs to hurry it up.
All You Do Is Good. This song by Nathan Partain is the cry of my heart lately. On repeat. All day, every day.
Of Mess and Moxie by Jen Hatmaker. Why do I even feel like I have to make a disclaimer here? I know that Jen is a hot topic button in the evangelical world right now. I know the controversies and there are a number of really important issues that I personally do not agree with her on. But a wise friend once told me to eat the fish and spit out the bones, and I'm honestly proud of myself for not doing away with Jen altogether just because we disagree on some things. I would have done that in the past and I think it's possible that you can miss out on a lot when you throw the baby out with the bathwater. When it comes down to it, I still think she is hilarious and a great story teller and she even has some really valuable things to say and challenge me on when it comes to Christian living. And, I read this book on the heels of a real snoozer so I appreciated her ability to make me laugh out loud and keep me engaged all the way through. I still encourage it as a fun, light hearted, LOL kind of read.
My husband. I think I adore him too much, ya'll. I often joke that if he ever dies and I get remarried, that next guy is screwed because there is just no way another man could add up in my eyes. DJ is just the best and here are just a few reasons why as of late: He values my girl time and makes sure I get it. We might not be rolling in the dough and yet he didn't think twice about getting me a plane ticket to go see my best friend this week. He knows it's important for me to get away and maintain one of my favorite friendships and he works hard to make it happen even when it would just be easier not to. And, even though I was created to be his helpmate, goodness he is such a helper to me. This man surprised me by taking off work tomorrow to follow me to the airport, get our luggage on the shuttle, get the suit case and car seat checked in and get me and the boys through check in and off to security, not because he thinks I can't do it on my own but because he recognizes that it will be hard and he just wants to come help and serve us. What a man, ya'll. He's not afraid to load us all up in the car and take us to Target IN OUR PJ's because everyone is stressed and losing it at home and we just need to get out of the house stat without bothering to change before we go. He makes sure my kids get things like fast food and ice cream and hot wheels and he sends them hilarious Snap Chat videos and if it wasn't for him, I'm convinced that my kids wouldn't know what fun, junk food, or the internet even are. He does the dishes every night. He is more lenient than me on some things with the kids, and yet he supports me, parents alongside of me, and goes at my pace, always patiently waiting for me to take the next step without hurrying me along. He sacrifices the things he loves to do to be home an extra amount of time while our boys need their daddy and I need his help, and he is all around just the very best one. And he does all of that while being so dang good to look at. Even when he's in his PJ's at Target.
Desiring God's Here We Stand daily devotionals on the Reformation. I am loving learning about the wise and brave men who paved the way for such an amazing, massive, difficult and beautiful movement and am grateful for the opportunity to understand more of what happened 500 years ago to shape the Church into what it is today. It's a fascinating read and will only take up 5 minutes of your day. Check it out.
There's still of good and beautiful things that God is doing and a lot to be thankful for and to enjoy even in this heartbreaking and messed up world. So let's hear more of it. What are some things that you are loving lately?
much love,
courtney
