Stories from the Porch in November

I know we have another month in this year, but my mind has been reflecting on 2019 and looking into 2020. I’m sure I’ll have more to say about all this, but this has been a good month in a hard year.

My counselor told me at an appointment earlier this month I was doing a good job taking care of myself. Honestly, it’s taken a lot of effort because, for me in this season, taking care of me meant pulling back from commitments on my calendar even when they involved people I enjoy being around. I had to let go of a regular commitment and say no to some invitations. I had to realize that my time at home didn’t always have to be filled with productivity.

My friends are my favorites, but this season of grieving and healing has been a time of drawing inward first and then going outward. Becoming a better me has meant I haven’t initiated as many plans with friends, which has meant I haven’t seen some friends as much because I’m usually the initiator. That brought a little more grief yet also has led to more healing. Life can be tricky.

I’m barely an extrovert, enough that I like making new friends and want to hold onto them all forever. But everything in life has seasons, which is a hard but refreshing reality. I’m thankful for my friends — the ones who knew to check on me, the ones who I can pick up with when we do cross paths, the ones who have kids for my kids to befriend, and the ones I miss.

So here’s to a month of gratitude and grace.

Highlights

We hosted a churchwide bonfire with soups and s’mores. It was a cold night, so people were in and out of our house. My favorite moments were singing some worship songs around the fire.

The same weekend, we had our 11th annual Friendsgiving with three other families. Through the years, it’s looked different and involved different families, but it’s a tradition we all love. I know some friends are for certain seasons of life, but I’m thankful despite circumstantial and logistical changes, Friendsgiving has remained. Here’s to traditions in a world full of changes and faithful friendships.

And then we had a Snow Day! On Nov. 12! It’s the earliest I remember that happening here in Kentucky. We enjoyed the day, of course, especially because it was also the day Disney+ started streaming, so we had so many movie-watching options.

My boy turned 10 last weekend! We had a fun basketball birthday party and went out for Mexican food with my whole family. (Yes, of course, I wrote my traditional letter to him.) Then they stayed around for an early Thanksgiving meal my mom and I prepared. I loved having my brother, his wife, their two kids, my sister, her husband, their three kids, and my mom here. We tied up some things with my dad’s estate and booked a house for a summer vacation in Michigan.

We are heading to Branson to celebrate Thanksgiving with Greg’s family, so I’m sure that will make this month’s highlights too!

Favorite things

Misfits Market – This fruit and vegetable delivery service is so fun! (Here’s a peek at my first box!) For as much as I like order and predictability, I like the surprise of discovering what’s inside the box and the challenge of using what is there. I decided this was the time to try out this delivery service because I needed some inspiration for preparing and eating healthy meals. You can save 25% with my referral link.

College basketball – Hooray for my favorite season that doesn’t involve in the pool! We plan our winter social life around the Murray State Racers’ schedule and love being fans of our alma mater. We keep up with the University of Kentucky and end up watching plenty of other games too.

#Gratitude30 challenge – It wasn’t really a challenge for me, but I loved the intentionality to share people, places and things from my life for which I’m thankful. There are a few more posts coming, so be sure to follow along on Facebook and Instagram.

From the shelves

I didn’t read much this month, but I’m in the middle of three books, which is actually pretty unusual for me. Usually I’m a one-book-at-a-time girl.

“The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” by John Mark Comer – I’ve listened to several podcasts with John Mark Comer, but “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” is his first book I’ve read and it’s a good one!

“Anger: Calming Your Heart (31 Devotionals for Life)” by Robert D. Jones – I know this book is only thirty-one devotionals, but I’ve been digesting it slowly. It’s been really important, convicting truth for my soul.

“Evvie Drake Starts Over” by Linda Holmes – I was ready to have a fiction read going. I started this one when I was early to school pickup and I’m looking forward to another pocket of time to read more. It’s classified as a romantic comedy, and so far I’m really enjoying the characters.

On the screen

I enjoyed watching “Dancing with the Stars” and made fans out of my kids too. Greg and I also have been into “Blacklist” and “Madam Secretary” too. Of course, we’re all looking forward to watching “Frozen 2” this week.

How was your November? I hope it’s been full of gratitude and grace for you too.

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