unearthing the gems


This week was one of those weeks. Those initial pull-up-your bootstraps I'm going to do it myself that leads to I can't do it on my own and now I'm flat on my face in surrender type of weeks.

So when Thursday night came around {because I do write this post at night so it's ready to go Friday morning} I was actually feeling a bit of dread and overwhelm in having to think of favorites. As soon as I felt the resistance the more I knew I needed to actually start re-examining my week and unearthing gems scattered amidst the rocky soil of life.

friday favorite things | finding joy


my Samuel


taking Samuel to the doctor and developing a plan

laughing at Samuel's 80th percentile head -- despite seeing other numbers drop

rejoicing over Samuel's progress

sitting on my front porch and praying for Samuel

my candles on my front porch table


unexpected moments with friends in Caribou coffee
{thank you Amy}

spending time with Hannah at Target while waiting for Chloe to finish pointe class

my conversation with a random lady at Noodles and Company about Celiac Disease

the pat on my shoulder and encouraging words that the same lady gave when she left

Gracie's birthday pictures




buying bird seed at Lowes

having moments in my day where I can watch the robins enjoy that bird food

lawn fertilizer

not seeing stripes on my lawn from fertilizer -- at least yet

green grass starting to grow


talking with my five year old, Caleb, about different jobs he might do when he grows up

Caleb's prayers

and this prayer of his -- "Jesus, what job do YOU want me to do?"

being taught by my children about surrendering to the Lord

{that's Caleb at the cabin last summer -- thinking so hard -- }

folded socks
{I'm adding that because hopefully at some point this week they will actually all be folded}
{and, if any of my children are reading this post take this point as a not so subtle hint to fold socks}

moments spent chatting with my friend Maria

playing lotto with Elijah in the morning

empty tomato stems left by little boys who love tomatoes


cell phone chargers for the car
{seriously -- my phone would never be charged otherwise}

old hymns

words from old hymns that speak to me today

like these
 I looked to Jesus, and I found in Him my Star, my Sun; 
And in that Light of Life I'll walk Till trav-'ling days are done.
{from the hymn -I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say}

and

being reminded about the joy in life in all times

good days and bad

and

in those surprised moments when I decided to bring the outside gym inside.



I'd love to have you join in unearthing your own beautiful gems for this week.
If you do, grab a button, link up, and leave some sweet comments for others who linked.

Have a joyous Friday!

11 comments:

carissa said...

beautiful, precious pictures. Gracie girl is such a gorgeous 10 yr old. green grass is such a sweet little blessing. i'm enjoying it too. and caleb's prayers... he gets it!

Joanna said...

I just love your pictures. They are always terrific!

I think you figured out a great list of favorites!

Have a great weekend!

Kelli said...

Your moments are priceless. Thanks for sharing and keeping things focused on Him and uplifting.

Momma Bug said...

I'm SO glad you visited Rachel!

And I'm so blessed by these kinds of lists - and yours are pretty wonderful:-)
It seems like making a list of this nature changes perspective just enough to get heart and spirit back on track about what's important.
All of a sudden, one doesn't feel so flat on ones face!

My heart aches for your recent battles for Samuels health. How precious is the knowledge that the Lord provides the strength we need just for today - sometimes just for this one moment.

Love to you,
Analene

Kelley said...

So I'm loving the socks comment! Socks and towels! What is it about socks and towels?!?

May God heal Samuel, and while He is (because there is coming a day when there will be no sickness...), may He give you the strength to be the momma He has for you to be. He will. And you can.

Thanks for hosting this link-up. I look forward to it every week - even when I don't get a post up - at least I'm purposely thinking it - Phil 4 - and the God of peace will...

Blessings~Kelley

Jami said...

What great perspective! Love the b-day pictures and thank you Jesus for the car charger!

myletterstoemily said...

adorable, beloved images, impressions, and
childlike thoughts!

Heart n Soul said...

I Love that you unearthed such beautiful gems...thanks for your kind comments on my post. We do have so much to be thankful for even amidst the rocky soil.

Cinnamon said...

Rachel,

You capture your dear Samuel's innocence and beauty of the Lord in each photo.

Isn't it funny who you find to have a conversation with about Celiac, gluten, foods etc... I find myself wanting to go up to people who display food allergy symptoms and tell them they can feel better :-0 Good thing for my children, I never have!

Your children are blessed to have a creative, diligent, fighting for them and loving Mama.

~Have a super week~ Cinnamon

BARBIE said...

Another beautiful list. Our socks are hardly ever folded. Poor kiddos have to go sifting through the clothes basket. Have a beautiful Monday.

Blossoming Branches said...

I love old hymns.
You seem like a very awesome mom :)

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