The first Friday of December already! I am so not ready for that. But here it is whether I want it to be or not. So the best way to kick off this busy season is with gratefulness for the good things God brings our way. Join in with us as we pause and look for those blessings big and small that come into our everyday lives.
~ Good advise ~ I have a wonderful friend who's calm in the midst of unexpected change always really amazes me. As I face changes in my own life, I just knew I needed her calm and faith to speak into it. So we had a good conversation over a nice cup of tea. She gave me some great advice for "next steps", which I couldn't even see through the haze of uncertainty. And now at least I can stop being a deer in headlights, frozen to the spot and start making some steps to find information that can help me make a decision. I'm so thankful for good friends willing to share their gifting and wisdom.
~ fall packable coat ~ I had a puffy coat that I finally gave away last year because the sleeves had always been too short for my long arms. This fall I came upon on a great fall weight down foldable, packable jacket for a great price and nabbed it. This coat has paid for itself already this year. It's light weight yet can be warm without being stifling, it folds into a little tiny bag that I can throw in a backpack if going to the mountains or hiking, the wind doesn't go through it which is important around these parts. Love it.
~ a little extra Christmas cash ~ one of my families asked if I could take an older sibling just for this month and because I did have an open space I said yes. Came at the perfect time allowing for a little extra money in the Christmas season.
~ vanilla chai tea ~ I found some tea I had forgotten I had at the back of my tea cupboard and it was a nice treat to have some delicious chai tea this week. I really miss the specialty shop I used to buy this from. They had some awesome teas there that you couldn't get anywhere else.
~ shopping local ~ this year I'm trying to Christmas shop a little more locally and it has been fun finding out what is in my city. There are so many more local shops than I knew when I just started looking for them. They have some unique ideas and I'm slowly finding something for everyone on my list.
What have been your favorite blessings this past week?
A little extra Christmas cash is always nice. I always try to keep my shopping local as well. I will end up ordering some things on Amazon though. I am going away to the Berkshires this weekend and will probably do some shopping while I'm there as well. Small local stores.
ReplyDeleteHi Susanne. So glad you have a friend who is helping you stay calm and focused while navigating changes. It is so important to have someone in our lives who can give us a little different perspective. Shopping local and supporting smaller stores is important. You new coat sounds great, as does the Chai Tea. Yea for getting to earn a little extra cash for the holidays. That is always a good thing! See you again soon. Have a good weekend. :-)
ReplyDeleteSometimes it really helps to have someone outside a situation be able to help you gain perspective. That coat sounds perfect, and how nice to have an opportunity to make a little extra this time of year. I see some little boutiques around town and keep thinking I need to stop and explore, but haven't yet. I do like the idea of supporting local busnesses.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you have such a good wise friend to help you sort through options and fears. As Barbara said, it helps gain perspective.
ReplyDeleteI need that jacket! Details please!
We too like to shop local as much as we can.
Can you get teas shipped from the US? The tea shop in CA where I used to lived is amazing. Maybe you can find your favorites online.
Yay on a little extra income.
Have a good weekend!
I'm glad you have someone who can keep you calm and focussed as you navigate the changes you're facing. Yay for the extra cash and the coat. I think a lot of my shopping will be done online. Have a good weekend.
ReplyDeleteGlad you could hear that good advice from your friend. A blessing for sure. Yippee for extra cash during this time of year. I've enjoyed some purchases in some small local shops here, too. Happy weekend to you!
ReplyDeleteIt sure does help to have a close friend to have tea or coffee with and run things by.....especially if you need a different perspective or if you need a dose of hope and faith when it's depleted in your self. Glad you had that friend this week!
ReplyDeleteYAY for chai tea. I just started drinking it this autumn and I LOVE it for the chilly, dark evenings after dinner. in fact, it's 8 pm here and I'm cold so downstairs I will go to put the kettle on.
I love shopping locally. I've done a little of that this year.
Extra money at Christmas time is always a huge blessing.
HAPPY WEEKEND!
Oooh, I like the sound of that packable coat!
ReplyDeleteSuch a nice timely bonus as you take on that additional child.
Uncertainty and new situations are definitely challenging. What a blessing to have a wise friend come alongside and help you think through what needs/should/could be done.