Writing in the Fall

I realize it's been quite a while since I last posted on this blog. The empty nest years are busy and productive for my husband and I--he in construction, and I with writing. With five kids and six grandchildren, we always have a lot going on and we love life.

Summer seems to be the busiest of all. I am spread between my indoor work--writing, keeping the household running and helping with the business, and my outdoor work in the yard and garden. I love it all, but it can get a little crazy.

garden harvest

Today was probably the last warm, sunny day we will see for a while and I savored being outside. I picked the last zucchini, beans, beets, raspberries, and peppers, closed down the garden and did some yard work. What a joy to breathe in the scent of fresh cut grass while feasting on fresh produce for lunch. It was even more enjoyable knowing I can soon turn my full attention to indoors and give more time to writing projects. And I have a few!

Kelly and I teach a Sunday morning small group and we've been studying Revelation. It has been a tremendous and exciting challenge to dig in with hours of study and write these lessons. We love our church family and the fun times we share whether we're at church or elsewhere.

all church picnic

I'm also writing a special 31 day series on Prayer Walking on my blog: Epiphany. Our church has been prayer walking our community and surrounding cities every October for the last three years and it has been an incredible blessing. This year, God impressed me through the book of Joshua to post a blog every day of the month. It has been exciting! I am learning how to walk in faith and in constant communication with God (whining doesn't count).

There are also a couple books in the works, but nothing in print yet. But stay tuned!

Just for fun, I thought I'd show you a few glances of my summer in photo form. I hope you've had a delightful summer and are ready to turn to winter pursuits of work, study, and play.

power washing the deck

soccer ball sized hornet's nest finally destroyed!

anniversary trip with Kelly to see the Terracotta Warriors

Sunday afternoon hike

evening bikeride at Black Butte Ranch

surprise visit with a college buddy at the Voice of the Martyrs conference

trip to Idaho to visit kids

Kelly and our son in law felled about 40 trees on our new property

I stacked wood while our granddaughters played

so thankful for the blessings of life

I hope you are grateful for the people around you, the work God has given you to do, and the beauty and bounty of creation. God's blessings are rich and abundant. I can't stop praising Him for His lavish love for us and the delights of every day life.

#thewritinglife #gettingbackinside #doingwhatyoulove