Meaningful Mondays: 3 Things, Sharing From the Heart

Isn't it nice to take a moment and think about a few things here and there to bring us back to what's imortant? Well, I have to thank Laura, from The Horton Family blog, for coming up the sweet idea to share a meaningful "3 Things" as a fun prompt to get our minds going. And what better day than Monday to get the ball rolling??

1. Describe one way you've recently shown love to others.

This is tough because we have opportunities to show love to others on the daily such as: getting up with older kids and making their sandwich when they can do it themselves, adding a dog to the family knowing there will be more responsibility on YOU, doing load after load of laundry and all those other household chores.  Of course there's more ways we pour love onto our loved ones, but then there's those "extras" that are fun, such as: surprise gifts for a friend, planning a date for that special someone or sending a timely note of encouragement.

Here's my fun extra for the month...While hanging at the boys flag football practice I worked on my goal planner for February. As I filled in tasks, days to celebrate, etc my eyes settled on Valentine's Day. How could I make this year special? I've worked at putting more thought into Christmas and the three birthdays that followed and I didn't want to lose momentum.

While the breeze comfortably tousled my hair, an idea occurred to cook a special meal that would include my family and maybe a friend or two that didn't have family around etc. So...that's coming up and I've already started a little decorating from Target Dollar Spot finds! That being said, a "special" meal may be an easy crockpot dish, making the special more about the time spent than the menu, but I'm going to give it my best! I'll be sure to share how the evening goes on my Friday Favorites!

Treats purchased from local bakers - So exited to be meeting people in the community! More on that in the next Friday Favorites.

What verse, song or quote inspires you in your current situation?

One way my word of the year, "devoted", is being lived out (so far!) is a daily block of time to myself to read or study the Bible while throwing in some journaling when I'm able. This is making a big difference on keeping a level of focus - I say "level" because I have "off" days where I felt unproductive but the victory comes in getting up the next day and trying again!

One verse in particular that has been resonating with me is Joel 2:25a:

"I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter..."

I know. Sounds a little out there, but the promise given to Israel encourages my heart for not only me, but for others that have suffered because of poor choices or on the account of others. There's peace knowing that when we look to Him, He is going to bring us to a place of healing, RESTORATION, safety and assurance.  Oh, how much I could write here, but I'll save it for another day.

The quality I admire most in others is?

Man! there's lots, but for today I'm going to choose sincerity mixed with a huge dose of humor. I can be serious, but it's fabulous to let loose and have a good laugh!

Ok, my friends. How about you? What's inspiring you right now? How have you shown love to someone recently? Quality you admire in someone? I'd love to hear from you! Be sure to visit Laura's blog to hear what she's been up to!

Chrissy