On time management and other worthwhile ideas

Four days into this month and I’m calling on all of my time management skills—sometimes better than others.

Yes and No

I’m currently reading  Present Over Perfect from Shauna Niequist, which seems to be affirming the choice to nurture introverted practices, and the piece of me that craves coming home to re-fuel. She too is a lake girl and speaks the language of my heart so eloquently. She also speaks of the value of saying both “yes” and “no” and the appropriate time—for the right reasons.  Maybe her words are resonating because essentially she is talking about time management as well—being accountable and present to the events of our lives.

Along these lines, I’m privileged to be putting together a retreat with a friend of mine which is stretching me in new ways. It’s a great excuse to be plugging into some letters from Dorothy Day and finding great spiritual resources for folks preparing to share their own stories. Sitting with this task, has caused me to take a long look at my own story, and the ways that God has permeated its ups and downs. It’s been work, but really good work all around.

Recently, the bees have copped an attitude and humbled me and my bee-keeping wisdom. Ever since I harvested the honey, they have been less than welcoming—almost like they don’t trust me. I’m still trying to determine if this is seasonal or if they’ve lost their queen. *I did try to give them a new queen and they promptly killed her, so I gather that wasn’t the problem. If there are any beekeeping readers out there, I’d love to learn from you.

This Is Us started back up for season two. I’ve never been a show fangirl before, so this is a new leaf for me. *Needless to say this is doing wonders for my time management issues! Kate is touching my heart right now in big ways if you’re following along—October is infant and pregnancy loss awareness month. If you know someone who is struggling, my friend Laura and her husband just published an amazing resource for couples called Grieving Together: A Couple’s Journey Through Miscarriage. Such a tender, important topic.

Speaking of self-care, I’ve been participating in this local Camp Gladiator that is kicking my butt (and I would absolutely recommend). A friend of mine invited me to preview ‘boot camp’ which had me pretty concerned from the get-go, but it was free so naturally I went. It meets outside all the time, which is a nice spin on working out especially as the temps drop and the sunrises get more colorful.  I have to say, five weeks later and I’m feeling like a much healthier person than when I started. This, too, is new territory for me and it seems like a move in a positive direction.

Two dear friends have been in town visiting for work and for fun. This is always a great reason to play tourist in our own town. The first visitor, our daughter’s Godmother, the second, my childhood best friend and her son.  They came bearing gifts of quality time & wild rice from my homeland—who could ask for more?!

Crocktober

Instead of participating in #write31days this October, I’m checking out a new idea called “Crocktober”—meaning I’m unleashing my inner Midwesterner and we’re looking to test some delicious crock pot recipes that I don’t have to touch all day—all month (recommendations?)! *Biggest discovery yet has been stuffed peppers in the crock pot!

Good things & comfort foods for which I’m grateful, alongside of the world which seems to continue to spin wildly out of control.

In other news, I’m excited to share that I am now, officially a monthly contributor to the Blessed Is She Blog. I am really excited about this! I have been haphazardly contributing for years, and it feels good to have a steadier voice in such a vibrant women’s ministry. If you haven’t already, head on over and peruse—if you sign up for their daily devotionals, you’ll receive quick, thoughtful words on the daily readings, as well as a ton of resources like Advent reflection books/Lenten reflection books, as well as regional groups to get to know women in your area.

I am sharing my debut piece on the Blessed Is She blog today on the Feast of St. Francis—in conversation with Pope Francis through Laudato Si. Hop on over to read.

Peace to you and all you are invested in today.