clarity

My goodness its been awhile. So many things have happened in the last several weeks- I am utterly exhausted just thinking about it! If there was one take-home lesson from this year it would be: God is so very faithful. At all times. In every way. Even when I am not. Perhaps especially when I am not. How undeserved we are of his grace and provision in our lives! Yet He is faithful to grant it over and over again. This year I have spent a lot of time on my knees, asking, pleading for answers, direction, writing on the wall- anything really. I was becoming very weary, wondering if anything would ever come of my requests. Then out of nowhere-seemingly-some clarity was provided. Sweet clarity. It is saddening how much I depend on clarity. What will happen tomorrow? And the next day? And in 5 years? I can't seem to rest unless I know these answers. How much more carefree my life would be if I could rest in the unknown- knowing that God has my back! Circumstances are so trivial and truly insignificant when it comes to the bigger scheme of things. I hope to learn and practice trusting and choosing peace even when I don't feel peace.

Fall in WNC has been absolutely gorgeous. The leaves are vibrant this year-although the mountains in the distances are already beginning to look bare. I will enjoy it while I can! I went into Target today.... dangerous mistake. They are in the process of putting out Christmas decor. I always think fall is my favorite time of year, until this very thing happens. Its just too exciting! We will be out of town for Thanksgiving this year- visiting my hubby's family. I'm wondering if I will break my own rule of getting out my Christmas stuff before Thanksgiving is over? I don't think I can contain myself this year. It is approaching much too slowly!

 Last pick of vegetables from a friend's garden. Yum! 

 Beauty.

 First time cooking with butternut squash. This recipe, found via Pinterest, was delish!

 A group of us chopping firewood for a single mom from our church. I love community :)

 Spice cookies. Easiest recipe ever. Perfect for fall. 

What are you doing to enjoy the fall season this weekend?

another "currently"...

Wait, is it really September already? The older I get the faster time goes by. Pretty amazing that summer has come... and almost gone. Fall awaits with open arms. It welcomes us with crisp mornings, local fresh apples, pumpkins, hot cider, leaves changing and falling....oh how I love fall. I've decided its my "grown-up favorite season". As a kid summer was always my favorite. That's a given right? I mean, for about 22 years of one's life summer indicates a break from school, vacation time, beach trips, camping weekends, an entitlement to basically sit back and...be lazy.  But, for the most part those days are over. Real life is 24/7. Not to say summer isn't still crammed with fun. In fact, as an adult, I suppose I appreciate it all the more. But in all honesty, my grown-up favorite season is indeed blessed autumn. :)

With a new season awaiting us, here's a glimpse of what is happening in the now...

Currently loving...new recipes. Specifically, this whole wheat chocolate chip muffin to-die-for recipe from a dear lady who even grinds her own flour. Um-azing. I could eat one for breakfast-lunch-and possibly dinner, too.

Currently reading...nothing... to be quite transparent. I have so many books on my "to read" list. In fact, I believe it grows in length each day. Unfortunately, I have not disciplined myself to finish several books that I'm currently in the middle of. Officially adding it to my to-do list. You know I'm all about lists.  

Currently waiting for...assurance. peace. contentment. clarity.

Currently excited about...the leaves changing colors which will result in probable Saturday hiking on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Currently missing...Nicaragua. Smiling orphan faces. Joy unspeakable even in the worst of circumstances.

Currently trying...to get up in the mornings earlier than I have been. I find that I accomplish so much more and feel more energized even without that extra hour-or-so of sleeping in.

Currently enjoying...evenings at home. It may be small and not where we thought we would be at this stage in our marriage and lives but its home for now and I know some day we will look back and remember what a difficult yet sweet time this is.

Currently wearing...nail polish by Essie in "cute as a button". One of my new faves!

Currently listening to...Parlour's new album All Is Here. Click here for a listen!  

Currently needing...to pick up my Pampered Chef business again. Its been too long and there are too many things on my wish list to give up altogether. If you're interested in placing an order or hosting a show contact me! 

Currently processing...the new very part time job I started this week. Its more of a volunteer position/ministry opportunity and I'm still figuring it all out in my head...and my heart. More on that later.

Currently wishing...I knew all the things then that I've learned and know now.

Currently dreaming of...starting or joining a book club. How lame but awesome would that be?! I hear and read about so many who are apart of one. So I figure there must be some one out there who would be up for diving into some spiritually-challenging books and occasionally a heart-sick novel or two while sipping coffee and swapping recipes with me?

I would love it more than anything to know what you're currently up to! Post a comment or link!