Welcome to the porch! Let’s chat, shall we?
This week hasn’t been the best for me. Now that we’re getting settled into the new home, I’ve been feeling a little down. I haven’t been able to get out of the house so I’m stuck inside 24/7, which isn’t good for someone with depression.
I miss my morning walks with my friend Amy, where we talked about everything under the sun and laughed over stupid stuff.
I miss being able to be at my mom’s house in 3 minutes whenever I just needed to talk.
I’m starting to feel somewhat isolated and lonely up here in the “city”. I’m sure I’ll start feeling better once I can find a good walking spot and be able to tour the city a little. Whenever that may be. My husband spends every weekend out so he knows the place better than I do. Meanwhile, I’m stuck at home cleaning up after everybody and making sure everybody has what they need.
My friend Bridget shared a post this week with links to her wonderfully written articles on praising God. As I read through these posts it just hit me that it’s exactly what I needed this week! She may not know it, but God led her to bring me some peace this week and I thank them both for that.
Honestly, not a lot has happened this week. My husband has been setting up the Ring Alarm home security system he purchased during Amazon Prime Day.
We’re still waiting to hear back from the contractors about when work can be started. “Hopefully soon” is the latest update. (Insert eye-rolling)
The weeds kicked my butt, so my husband bought some weed killer and sprayed them. Now they’re just sitting out there turning brown, looking like an even hotter mess.
My plans for this weekend are to start cleaning and preparing our other home so we can list it immediately. I also plan to visit with my mom for a few hours (even though she doesn’t know that yet!). She’s been nice enough to stop by the house and get my mail for me since our mailman just lets our mail fly all over the road and yard apparently.
This week’s dessert: Chocolate Chip Cookies (my daughter made)
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This month is Plastic-Free July. I’ve seen a lot of amazing ways floating around on Pinterest about how to go plastic-free to help the environment. Grove Collaborative is helping us go plastic-free this month by giving away a free plastic-free set!
The free set includes:
I came across this photo this week and thought it was a great reminder to praise God for what He has given us. And not let distractions ruin our lives.
In case you missed it, this week I shared a list of 65 places to get free food for your birthday. If you have a birthday coming up soon, be sure to check out the list and sign up to get free food!
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Life is definitely a journey and the twists and turns are sometimes joyful and other times stressful. Buying and selling a house and moving to a new area are big challenges for everyone. Take care, enjoy your visit with Mom, and I hope you find a perfect walking trail because a little outdoor time walking is good for the body and the soul. The weeds will always be there. :-)
Thank you for your encouraging (and much needed!) words! I'm definitely going to start spending more time outside and just enjoy the sunshine. :)
Hi Michelle! I wish I lived closer to you! My walks with friends are my therapy so I know how you must feel. And boy can I relate to the weeds ... my husband sprays that stuff and it is so ugly. xoxo
It would be so nice to take a walk with you! I'm sure we could share plenty of stories. :)
I'm so tired of those ugly weeds! LOL
We would definitely have lots to talk about! xoxo
Thank you for such a positive blog in the midst of a not so good season for you. I am transitioning too and I sympathize. Even though you may have wanted to make that move, there have been a lot of hurdles. On top of that, change is hard! It will get easier. I did a print screen of your Adam, Eve, and focus quote. Very timely!
I'm glad you understand that it's not the easiest thing to do, no matter how exciting at first. I'm happy you liked the quote! ?
Sorry to hear it but I’m sure as soon as you’ll go out and survey the neighborhood you’ll feel better ? All changes bring their challenges but you can do it ?
Thank you so much for the encouragement!! ?❤️
Oh Michelle… I am so sorry you are feeling down. You have had a lot going on so it’s understandable to feel a let down of sorts. Getting out for a walk may fill you with a bit of joy just seeing nature. Walking and kayaking does that for me.
I’ll pray for a better week for you my friend.
Thank you! I've been able to get outside more this week and it has really helped. Thanks so much for your prayers! ❤️
Sorry to hear that you're dealing with depression. :( As one who suffers from PTSD, I know that mental health is so important. God bless.
Thank you for understanding! It's good to know we're not alone. ?
No, we are in good company. I believe mental health issues are rampant.
I'm so sorry you're stuck inside and feeling down. If last year taught us anything, it's how important it is to get outside, breath in some fresh air, and feel the sun (assuming it's out!). It's so important to both mental and physical health. I hope you can start to get outside soon!
Thank you! I completely agree about last year. This week has been a lot better. I've been able to get out more, which has helped me sooo much!
So glad!
I love your new blogging of hospitality and that pie, wow! All goes so well with your new home. Any will have to visit. Pls excuse dup comments. ☀️?
Thank you so much!! ?
You are welcome dear. You are a marvelous inspiration!??
I understand moving and losing my most favorite walking partner. I’ll pray another one appears. ??
Your enchilada casserole looks delicious, btw.
Thank you for your prayers! :)
Thank you! It was delicious!
Dearest Michelle, I am so sorry to hear that the week you wrote this was so tough! I am sending you my prayers and BIG hugs.
My friend, it's understandable. When we are moving or entering something new - our bodies are flooded with adrenaline, and our 'feel good' hormones. It keeps us on a 'high' that increases our productivity and helps us keep going, even when we're tired. What happens when things begin to slow down a bit is that your adrenaline and feel good hormones begin to level off again -- which makes you feel kind of lost, fatigued, and sad. I promise, as you rest (please do!), everything begins to even out again and you see the joy and excitement in the new adventure again. Go easy with yourself, my friend. It's a BIG change! ? Plus, as you well know, our adversary Satan loves to make us focus on what we left behind instead of allowing Holy Spirit to reveal to us all the amazing stuff in front of us. It helps to remember that your dear friend Amy and your mom are still just a hop, skip, and jump away. ♥
Look up Lake Lanier in Martinsville. That was my spot to walk/jog, sit quietly on the benches and just watch the waterfowl. Beautiful, beautiful spot. There's also another great walking park in Collinsville called Jack Dalton park. Jaycee Park is another one to consider. I promise -- there are so many *amazing* spots around there to let go of stress, walk, and enjoy nature. You're going to love them!
I loved the quote graphic too. Amen! The Christian faith walk can get dark sometimes and it becomes very easy to get discouraged. I feel your heart, Michelle. I get it; you know that I do. Heck, it's why I'm reading this so late unfortunately. :( Life got a bit tough here too. I'm so sorry for being this behind!
I pray that our awesome God would wrap you under the shadow of His Almighty wing, comfort you, protect you, and help you to rest in Him. I ask in Jesus' name that your heart would be restored to full joy and that each day would bring new happy memories full of promise for the BEST THAT IS YET TO COME! ?
Thank you so much for your advice and support. What you said makes perfect sense and seems to be exactly what happened to me. After a few days of resting and focusing on me, I started to feel better.
Thank you so much for telling me about those spots to walk! I'll definitely check them out. I've heard a few people mention "the lake" but I didn't know what they were talking about. Now I know. :)
I'm sorry that life has been tough for you recently, too. Please know that I'm here if you need me! I'm sending prayers up for you!
Thank you so much for your prayers! They mean so much to me!!!
I am so grateful to hear that you are feeling better Michelle ♥️ You’ve been going through a stressful time. Rest is much needed and well deserved!
When people talk about “the lake” there, they could be referring to Philpott Lake (which is nice!) or Smith Mountain Lake. Both are fairly closeby and nice getaway spots. Lake Lanier is more like a large manmade pond tucked away in the middle of a community. It’s quiet and private usually. ?
Thank you for your prayers sweet friend. This too shall pass! Praying big smiles are your new norm and happy memories to be enjoyed each day. ♥️
My daughter and I used to go to the beach area at Fairy Stone Park. I completely forgot about that until you mentioned the lake. I'll definitely be checking out Lake Lanier soon because it sounds like a nice quite place to go.
You're welcome! Praying the same for you my friend! Hugs!