unearthing the gems

This week was one of those weeks. Those initial pull-up-your bootstraps I'm going to do it myself that leads to I can't do it on my own and now I'm flat on my face in surrender type of weeks.

So when Thursday night came around {because I do write this post at night so it's ready to go Friday morning} I was actually feeling a bit of dread and overwhelm in having to think of favorites. As soon as I felt the resistance the more I knew I needed to actually start re-examining my week and unearthing gems scattered amidst the rocky soil of life.

friday favorite things | finding joy


my Samuel


taking Samuel to the doctor and developing a plan

laughing at Samuel's 80th percentile head -- despite seeing other numbers drop

rejoicing over Samuel's progress

sitting on my front porch and praying for Samuel

my candles on my front porch table


unexpected moments with friends in Caribou coffee
{thank you Amy}

spending time with Hannah at Target while waiting for Chloe to finish pointe class

my conversation with a random lady at Noodles and Company about Celiac Disease

the pat on my shoulder and encouraging words that the same lady gave when she left

Gracie's birthday pictures




buying bird seed at Lowes

having moments in my day where I can watch the robins enjoy that bird food

lawn fertilizer

not seeing stripes on my lawn from fertilizer -- at least yet

green grass starting to grow


talking with my five year old, Caleb, about different jobs he might do when he grows up

Caleb's prayers

and this prayer of his -- "Jesus, what job do YOU want me to do?"

being taught by my children about surrendering to the Lord

{that's Caleb at the cabin last summer -- thinking so hard -- }

folded socks
{I'm adding that because hopefully at some point this week they will actually all be folded}
{and, if any of my children are reading this post take this point as a not so subtle hint to fold socks}

moments spent chatting with my friend Maria

playing lotto with Elijah in the morning

empty tomato stems left by little boys who love tomatoes


cell phone chargers for the car
{seriously -- my phone would never be charged otherwise}

old hymns

words from old hymns that speak to me today

like these
 I looked to Jesus, and I found in Him my Star, my Sun; 
And in that Light of Life I'll walk Till trav-'ling days are done.
{from the hymn -I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say}

and

being reminded about the joy in life in all times

good days and bad

and

in those surprised moments when I decided to bring the outside gym inside.



I'd love to have you join in unearthing your own beautiful gems for this week.
If you do, grab a button, link up, and leave some sweet comments for others who linked.

Have a joyous Friday!