Small Thoughts & Big Leaps

What I’m Loving

The start of summertime – open windows, birds singing, caring for flowers, porch sitting, parks, play and getaways. 

The walks I’m loving. I remind myself, “emotion needs motion.” All the delights and joys in my life, and all the broken places, need a place to work out. I’m loving my Praise&Prayer Walks. Bonus – it gets my creative juices flowing.

The books I’m loving.

I’m loving my 2025 goal of a book-a-month extra-reading. It encourages me to read different genres. June’s book is on the life of James Hudson Taylor, a pioneer missionary to China in the 1800s. This book is landing, a stirring of something fresh in my walk with God. A takeaway I’m still learning – take God at His word. Chuck is waiting for me to finish so he can “read my enthusiasm!”

The other two books are ones I plan to spend my summer with. Anchor of My Soul is a treasury of readings on trust and hope. It has beautiful artwork and makes me feel a bit more cultured after reading a selection. It brings me smiles and makes me think deeply.

The second book will take me all summer. It was on a discount rack for $5. I’m unfamiliar with the author, but it looked worthy. Satisfied: Finding Hope, Joy, and Contentment Right Where You Are, by Alyssa Joy Bethke. I’m a pretty satisfied person, but the chapter headings and beautiful, stunning photos closed the sale. I feel relaxation hitting just placing the book in my hands. The last chapter is Recipes, which will be my reward for finishing.

I’m loving my tiny hummingbird feeder, which we added this spring. The Baltimore Orioles even visit it before heading to their jelly snack. There is a lot of flights of fancy in our Japanese Snowball Bush.

“Great is the art of the beginning, but greater is the art of ending.” ~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 

Summer is off to a great beginning. My goal is to make it a great ending. Slow my pace, energize what Jesus has called me to, and chase delight.

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalms 16:11

A treasure trove is unfolding at the Inn.

What are your summer treasures?

Margi

P.S.  Update: The kale salad has made my ‘I’m loving it’ list!