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Share Four Somethings ~ November

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Share Four Somethings ~ November 2021

Time…. The days can feel as if they fly by and yet, minutes also feel like they last forever. So here we are at the end of another month and believe it or not, almost another year. There were parts of it that ticked on by and others that had me waiting for what felt like a long time. I think that’s why I love “Share Four Somethings” so much. It is a way to capture bits of our month to share. Here are a few moments from my November:

Something Loved

“Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, ‘We have seen remarkable things today.'” Luke 5:26 (NIV)

After being away for a month, I counted the days until I was able to return to visit my daughter and family. Was it ever worth the wait! The hugs, the laughs, the adventures, all balm for my soul! What fun it was to be there to help put up their new Christmas tree. I loved every minute! As I looked back through the pictures I took, I realized that I’d captured the pure wonder only a child can bring. And isn’t that exactly what the Christmas Season is all about?

Something Read or Said

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NLT)

Lament. I’ve done my share of it in the past few months. I know many of you have too. When I came upon these words this month that Lisa Appelo shared on her Instagram page, it felt as if time stopped for a moment while I caught my breath. “Wrestling with the paradox of pain and the promise of God’s goodness” is exactly what I’ve been experiencing but just couldn’t put into words myself. What a gift when God uses someone else’s to encourage and reassure me!

Something Treasured

“A friend loves at all times” Proverbs 17:17a (NIV)

I’ve talked about them before, my heart friends that I couldn’t do life without. This month we gathered for a delicious brunch and lively conversation. When we took our seats at the table each of found a keepsake at our place. The framed photo may remind us that we’ve aged a bit, but it’s also a treasure that shows that true friendship is timeless.

Something Ahead

“I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!” John 15:11 (NLT)

There she stands, waiting. Waiting for Christmas to fill each branch and change her. I’m looking forward in this Advent season to spending time in Scripture and readings, preparing my heart to celebrate the Babe in the manger, letting the pure wonder of Christmas that only He brings, change me, too.

Well, that’s it for another month. How’d you spend your time? I’d love to know your Four Somethings for November! You can share them with me in the comments. I wish you a Very Blessed Christmas. Let’s not forget to cherish every minute!

Share Four Somethings ~ April 2019

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Share Four Somethings

There’s just something about April! The first weeks feel as if we are on pins and needles just waiting for those first signs to tell us that Winter is over and Spring is on the way.  April toys with us though, raising our hopes with higher temperatures and sunny days but then dashes them again with the return of cold and snow. Finally….as the month progresses the birdsong becomes a symphony accompanying the daffodils bursting forth and dancing in milder breezes while trees bloom and the mountainsides become covered in more shades of green than anyone thought possible.  April is a good reflection of life isn’t it? Days that can be cold and dark  but are followed by bluer than blue skies and gifts of bloom all around us. What seemed dead escapes the tomb of hibernation and shouts “I’m alive!” And we feel alive, too!

It’s hard for me to believe that April is leaving us already and making way for all that May will bring and yet, here we are on the last day of the month.  That means it’s time for me to “Share Four Somethings” with you once again.  If you enjoy reading mine hop on over to http://www.heathergerwing.com  to read what others are sharing this month.  And as always, I’d love to hear your four somethings if you’re willing to share them with me in the comments. Here’s what the month brought me:

 Something Loved

“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.” Proverbs 3:27 (NIV)

I have a very special group of retired teacher friends and we try to get together as often as possible. We eat. We laugh. And we usually do a simple craft.  I love everything about our visits! This month we decided to make these cute bunny cups, fill them with Easter candy, and then deliver them to some of the residents at our local nursing home.  We had so much fun making these little treats.  As you can see,  we all use the same supplies but our finished products always turn out totally unique, just like we are! Don’t you just love when that happens?

Something Said

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

Everyone’s abuzz about Emily Freeman’s new book, “The Next Right Thing”  and I too, have it in my stack to read; but this month I finished reading her earlier book, “A Million Little Ways”. I actually started it last month, however her words to me, are so profound and inspiring that I had to read a little then stop, letting them sink in, and then read some more. Underlines and highlights of the “million things” Emily said that touched my soul fill the pages of my book. I only wish I now knew a way for them all to saturate my heart and mind so I can fully live them!

Something Learned

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

Our nephew recently enlisted in the Army! It was a big step for him. We wanted to send him off to boot camp this month knowing we were all behind him, so we gathered as a family.  And what better way to celebrate than with cupcakes? Now, I’ve been making cupcakes for years and years but this was the first batch I ever frosted using a decorating bag and tip. What took me so long???? I quickly learned that frosting with this technique was so much quicker and easier than frosting them with a knife and it made them just a little fancier looking for such a special occasion!  So we ate together, we shared stories, we prayed over our nephew, and we ate a few cupcakes. It was difficult to say goodbye but we couldn’t be prouder!

I tried a new frosting recipe for these cupcakes.  I learned it was not only tasty but it was also the perfect texture to go into the decorating bag.  Want to try it for yourself?

1 stick of butter, 3 and 3/4 cups powdered sugar, 4 TBLS milk, and 2 tsp. vanilla. Combine all ingredients and beat on medium-high speed until well blended and fluffy. Add food coloring if desired.

Something Read

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.’ ” Matthew 16:24-25 (NIV)

Advent was a more meaningful journey for me this year because of the devotional, “In the Shadow of the Cross”  by Stephanie K. Adams. Stephanie leads her readers through the last days of Jesus in a personal way.  She offers insights, scriptures, and prayers that helped me see things in the Gospels I’d never noticed before and new ways to apply them to my own life. It made celebrating the Resurrection on Easter morning a richer, deeper experience for me than ever before! It was a perfect read for April!

Well, there you have it: a month wrapped into Four Somethings! I pray you found special somethings in your month too! Wishing you many blessings in May! Cindy