Good morning, my friends. Today is cloudy, rainy, and cool here in Pennsylvania. It is the perfect day to stay inside and do the typical daily activities I sometimes take for granted. With the Ukrainian people being displaced and attacked, I feel helpless here, being one woman on the other side of the world. What could I possibly do? Of course, I pray. Always pray. And in addition, I thought that perhaps if the only thing I can do is my daily chores, I will do them with joy in my heart. How could that help? I suppose it can't. But when I begin to complain about unloading groceries, I will think about a Ukrainian wife and mother who has fled her home in fear. The same home where she arranged food items in her cupboards just a few weeks ago. When I sigh because I have yet another load of laundry to fold, I will do it with joy in honor of a woman unknown to me that would be so very happy to be in her own home doing laundry but is now scared and alone in a foreign country. And when I become impatient because my husband is late from work and dinner is on the table, I will think of the many women who said goodbye to their husbands who remained to fight and preserve their beloved homeland.
This past weekend we spent some time at our camp, unplugged from the Internet and all the chaos it brings. We played games, watched movies, ate takeout food, and took naps. It was good for the soul. I showered and put on my cozy clothes when we returned while Steve took Flynn out to dinner. He does that often with our kids, and I am always so thankful for the bond he forms with each one.
Kirby enjoyed the view from camp.
And because camp is near my old hometown, we stopped and visited with my dear daddy, who I miss every single day.
Flynn with her yummy sundae at dinner last night.
I hope you have a nice day today, my friends.
I promise I will be around to get caught up with you.
Thanks for visiting!
Billie Jo
Such a great reminder - thank you. I'm so glad you had a nice, restful weekend at camp and were able to unplug and really just be in the moment - something I need to do more often. Flynn's sundae looks amazing! I know she enjoyed every bite. Have a great Monday! It's extremely windy here today.
ReplyDeleteI love your attitude about having joy in our hearts over the mundane tasks that we here are still privileged to do. The evacuated Ukrainian women would LOVE to be home doing "boring," homemaking chores!! The cemetery where your daddy is looks beautiful. I absolutely love cemeteries and have since I was a little girl. They are calming and peaceful.
ReplyDeleteUnplugging from the internet for a few days is SO good for all of us!!
Blessings,
Patti
I agree about living our life with intentional joy and gratitude.
ReplyDeleteLife stress...d. in l. worried about family in E. Prayers
ReplyDeleteI know, intentional joy is exactly what we can offer the world and it is our gift. So glad you had a weekend away to reset and recharge.
ReplyDeleteSounds like such a relaxing weekend, particularly spending quality time with each other. Intentional joy and gratitude along with prayer will certainly help.
ReplyDeleteThat is a great attitude my friend. We all need to be grateful that we can and that we have. I too feel helpless and pray constantly for Ukraine.
ReplyDeleteWonderful perspective. And I must say Flynn's sundae looks delicious! Hope you have a great week.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard. Everything you do or post seems frivolous in comparison. But we pray and donated, spread awareness and then just keep swimming.
ReplyDeleteI love your attitude of being grateful, and also of thinking about and praying for the brave people of Ukraine. So glad you guys could unplug and get away for abit. That can be so refreshing and helpful when times are stressful. I always look forward to your posts. I am going to look for that app you mentioned. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI like what you wrote! Exactly true as I get disappointed with things I need to do when I get home from work, get tired and prefer to go to bed but stay up longer than I should. I am grateful for what we have and love from family, even though I don't always get in touch with our son who lives 45 minute drive from here. Hopefully we'll see them soon. I have been staying off my phone after 9 p.m. and not always on my laptop. Have a good week!
ReplyDeleteHi Billy Jo~
ReplyDeleteI so agree with you, we all need to be very grateful for the freedoms that we enjoy here. Like you, I am trying to live each day with gratitude and a prayer on my lips for the people in Ukraine. I know I can't do anything to help them, but I can pray...and be thankful for the peace we enjoy. Thank you for sharing, your week-end, it just looks beautiful!
Hugs,
Barb
I agree that we all need to be mindful of how much we truly have.
ReplyDeleteLove your attitude and post. So thoughtful. You're right, we have so much and my heart goes out to the people of Ukraine. Such brave people.
ReplyDeleteThat sundae looks absolutely perfect!! Hope you have a good day there.
I think you're so right Billie Jo... and I have been having the same thing on my mind and feelings in my heart. Doing extra prayer time and adding rosaries for Lent. My heart hurts for our world. We need more Jesus and Golden Rule attitudes everywhere. What a different place this world might be.
ReplyDeleteYour camp looks like a wonderful place to refresh. Blessings xo
Billie Jo! I went on etsy and searched Ukranian sellers - then placed my orders with instructions not to ship and a note of encouragement. (Read this somewhere, not my original idea) Every single one of those women responded directly. Such a small but personal way to show your support from one woman to another!
ReplyDeleteForgot to mention - this gets money directly to the women immediately.
DeleteWonderful idea! Thank you! I have passed it on.
DeleteOh, Flynn has highlights in her hair, how cute! That was nice visit with your Dad. That is the one thing I miss back home, seeing my Mom and Dad at the cemetery, but my brother reassures me that he puts flowers on their site often. Your words are wonderful, and I don't think they could be said any better, "I will do it with joy." Thank you for the gentle reminder, Billie Jo.
ReplyDelete~Sheri
It really is all about perspective these days, isn't it? I refuse to complain about higher gas prices when people are fleeing from their homes, right? Working with joy- it's simple- yet an important thing to do- I've been joining you in that effort.
ReplyDeleteI'm playing catch up and I'm so glad I read this post, Billy Jo. I will take your perspective into consideration as I go about my day. I think it will also help me to remember to pray at various times for those who are suffering and afraid. Thank you!
ReplyDelete