Around here I love being outside in the evenings – even when it’s hot. The golden hour is pure soul rejuvenation for me. And speaking of which…
Around here I am reading Whispers of Rest by Bonnie Gray.
Whispers of Rest is a 40-day spiritual journey to refresh your soul, guide you to greater peace, and help you discover who God truly made you to be — His beloved. Renew your spirit with powerful affirmations of God’s love through uplifting words of Scripture, soul-stirring devotions, journaling prompts for reflection, and practical challenges to spark joy. Bonnie will lead you to places of rest, where you can deeply experience the Savior’s presence in your everyday life.
For the past few weeks I have been starting my day with Bonnie’s inspired words. For this self-proclaimed busy-body, her book is a reminder to take a step back and care for myself…tend to my spiritual, emotional, and physical needs.
Around here, my dahlias are blooming! This my first time growing them and oh my goodness they are amazing! So tall and stately. And such beautiful bold blooms! (Say that three times fast!) Honestly, my garden is constant source of joy and wonder in my life…all the hard work has been so totally worth it.
Around here it’s all berries all the time! I went berry picking with my friend Ann a couple of weeks ago and since then, I swear we have berries with every meal – we’re like the Forrest Gump of berries! Berry cobbler, Berry salads, Berry smoothies…or smoothie bowls if you want to be like all the cool kids. The great thing about berries is that they are super easy to freeze – just put them in a single layer on a sheet pan and freeze for several hours. After they’re frozen I like to put them into smaller zip-top bags, then when it’s time to make a smoothie you can just dump them in your blender/food processor with a banana and some yogurt. We like to top ours with a little bit of granola. It’s really quick, easy, and nutritious…plus like Tripp says, “It’s like having ice cream for breakfast!”
Around here the pool is the place to be. I don’t know who looks forward to Tripp’s nightly pool dip more – he or Daisy. Every night when Tripp gets in, Daisy brings him the ball and they spend the next hour playing fetch, drop ball in the water, watch it float to Tripp, throw, repeat. Last night was especially fun because we had two very special little visitors who came to play. My heart pretty much melted into a big puddle watching Tripp with Annabel. Meanwhile Lucas and I were busy taking pictures. Because EYELASHES! And can we please talk about Annabel’s curls??
Around here, summer is in full swing. Which also means that while I’m enjoying all this summer goodness, my blog ends up taking a backseat. But I am OK with that…it’s a natural ebb and flow that I have come to appreciate after almost seven (!!!) years of blogging. My hope is that you too are able to enjoy all of the fruits – in every sense of the word! – of this wonderful, magical season.
Love, Kelly
I’m also reading Bonnie’s book Whispers of Rest! Are you following the podcasts and weekly videos as well? How about the Facebook Closed Bookclub? It is a wonderfully supportive and encouraging group of women who are all seeking to find the elusive rest, peace of mind if you will, that distracts from fully enjoying all that God has in store for us.
Love your dahlias! I enjoy gardening and photographing my flowers, too. Have a blessed weekend!
Hello Diane! I haven’t been following along with any of Bonnie’s other offerings, but I am sure that they are as inspiring as the book! Love knowing that I’m on this same journey with so many friends! xoxo