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Beauty on the Backroads

Stories of grace for life's unexpected turns

writing

I'm bringing smiles back

March 23, 2013

This regular Saturday post where I tell you what has made my week has been MIA for a few weeks. Partly because I was feeling sorry for myself and didn’t want to take the time to try to come up with a week’s worth of smiles. (Because truly some weeks it is harder than others.) And partly because we had this BIG event–a 5 year-old’s birthday–and family were in town and life was not ordinary or routine.

So, I return, somewhat reluctantly, and if you missed me, then accept my apology for the absence.

Here’s a short list of what makes me smile this week.

Illustration by Billy Alexander/courtesy of Stock Exchange (www.sxc.hu)

Illustration by Billy Alexander/courtesy of Stock Exchange (www.sxc.hu)

Spring. It’s here, officially. Even though the weather hasn’t played along, I know it’s only a matter of time before walking outside with the kids becomes bearable again and the world bursts with color. It’s my favorite season.

God kept me calm when my son’s head was bleeding profusely. And He kept us safe while driving in the snow to the emergency room. And He’s given us a daughter who jumps in to help and isn’t freaked out by other people’s pain. When we told the nurse that Izzy wanted to watch any procedure on her brother’s head, the nurse asked if she was going to be a nurse or a doctor. “Actually, I’m planning to be a teacher,” she says. And Corban’s head is fine, no stitches required.

I read two great books this week. I can’t wait to tell you about them in April. Watch for the reviews.

I signed a contract for a magazine article I wrote. It’ll be published in an upcoming May/June issue. I’ll share more when the time comes.

We officially own our car. The title came in the mail last week. Getting out of debt feels good, even if it’s hard work in the process. One down, too many more to go.

While calculating our expenses for the upcoming month, I was relieved to realize we might be able to pay them without too much extra help. That’s a relief when lately paying bills causes anxiety.

I applied for a job.

Homemade hot chocolate mix.

Friends who bring a bag of coffee beans to your front door.

A catch-up phone call with an in-town friend.

Okay, maybe the list wasn’t as short as I thought. Guess that’s what happens when you start listing the good. You think of more.

What was good about your week?

 

Filed Under: Children & motherhood, Saturday smiles Tagged With: count your blessings, first day of spring, getting out of debt, peace in the storms of life, reading good books, things that make me smile, writing

5 on Friday: Blogs I read regularly

February 15, 2013

5 on Friday is a new weekly feature on the blog where I’ll share five things I’m reading, watching, listening to, enjoying, thinking about … you get the idea. Read the first one here.

There’s a lot of stuff to read on and off the Internet. Here are five blogging friends I visit regularly. blog note

  1. Abby Frye, blogging about her life with a chronic  kidney disease, transplant issues and her very real feelings about being sick
  2. Carol Cool, blogging about social justice  issues and how ordinary people can make a difference in their worlds
  3. Courtney Walsh, blogging about books and writing and trusting God with tough stuff
  4. Kristen Hershey, blogging about deals for families, craft ideas, adoption and motherhood
  5. Michelle Roberts, blogging about life “in the fish bowl” as a pastor’s wife.

Who are your regular reads on the Internet?

Filed Under: 5 on Friday Tagged With: adoption, bloggers, books, crafts, faith, families, friends, health, ministry families, motherhood, social justice, writing

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Hi. I’m Lisa, and I’m glad you’re here. If we were meeting in real life, I’d offer you something to eat or drink while we sat on the porch letting the conversation wander as it does. That’s a little bit what this space is like. We talk about books and family and travel and food and running, whatever I might encounter in world. I’m looking for the beauty in the midst of it all, even the tough stuff. (You’ll find a lot of that here, too.) Thanks for stopping by. Stay as long as you like.

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Occasionally, I review books in exchange for a free copy. Opinions are my own and are not guaranteed positive simply due to the receipt of a free copy.

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