Here’s what’s filled my Living Room this August. I pray something I share would make good company in your walk.
GATHERING
Las Vegas Aces
Now, have I suddenly become a devoted WNBA fan who knows everybody’s stats? No. But I’m thinking about becoming one. That’s how much fun I had.
One thing I’ve been trying to do more of lately is actually go places. I’ve been very busy at work, and so I can be, and have been very content being at home on the weekends but there’s something so good about getting dressed, going out with a friend, and participating in life outside of you.
Work will be there. The at home to-do list can wait. That show can be paused. The time we get to spend with good friends, doing fun things is limited, and Gabrielle is one of those friends I can do just about anything with, so an Aces game was an easy yes.
WEARING
Sidenote: I remain deeply committed to making oversized T-shirts look like an outfit.
One outfit I especially loved was this cream skirt with a simple white top, neutral sandals, a head scarf, and my little beige bag. It’s kind of giving high-end-house-on-the-prairy vibes, and it turns out that I like that.
WATCHING
YouTube
This month I found myself very distracted and somewhat overwhelmed, and this 3-part series shed light and spread a message that I needed to hear, you need to hear, everyone in Christ needs to hear. Because we need constant reminders of who we are in Christ, and alway will. Will Jackson delivered a powerful and on-time message here.
I’m kind of obsessed with these relocation videos. And Croatia has been on my bucket list for a while now. What inspired that? I’m glad you asked.
Last year my friend planned a trip to Costa Rica, and for whatever reason, when speaking to her, though I meant Costa Rica, Croatia kept coming out of my mouth. I’d known very little about Croatia, only that it was beautiful in the pictures, but because I kept making the same mistake over and over, I figured that that destination must be coming soon. Ha! If the Lord allows it, I will be visiting!
listening 🎧
I’m actively working on having Christian playlists for just about every mood. I have R&C (get it? You get it.), AfroChristian, Christian Rap, and a couple other playlists I’ve created that I like to rotate through. Lately, I’ve been listening to my Christian hip-hop, “Heavenly Bop’s” playlist more than anything.
at home 🏡
This month, I invested in something I desperately needed: a walking pad.
My days are usually long, and once I get home and sit down, there have been more than a few times this month (and the last, I’m afraid) that my quick “let me take a few minutes to decompress” extends until it’s too late for me to go and get a workout in. So I wanted to remove as many excuses as possible.
Since making this purchase I’ve been walk in he mornings while I listen to the Bible, watch YouTube, or listen to an audiobook. I also recently made a rule where during the weekdays I cannot watch TV unless I’m walking.
I’ve been thinking more about stewardship—not just of my time, money, gifts, and opportunities, but of my body.
This body is a temple.
And this temple needs more cardio.
CONSIDERING 💭
I know, so dramatic.
But why does this sound kind of nice?
I have reached the portion of adulthood where every few months I look around at my carefully constructed life and think:
What if I sold all of this and traveled through Europe, Turkey, and Africa?
Do I have a plan and am I moving toward this? No.
Have I researched countries? Yes.
Have I watched cost-of-living videos? A ton.
Have I pictured my life as a digital nomad, that travels all over the world and explores historic Christian cities and sites? Absolutely.
I am not announcing an international relocation. Don’t start praying for my safe travels just yet. 😂 But there is something about the idea of living somewhere for 3 months, then another place, then an other that sounds so good to me.
Is this wanderlust? Is this just part of the process of transitioning (out of one season and into the next)? Or do I just need a vacation?
We’ll see.
PRAISE REPORT 🙌🏾
All credit and glory goes to God for any good thing that’s ever happened/is happening in my life and I want to take a special moment to highlight something He’s done this month.
I’m in the process of transitioning out of my almost 11-year active duty Air Force career, into the Air Force Reserves and the public/civilian sector. This is a major shift that’s been in process for a long time, and this month God opened a door that I wasn’t expecting, but one that I’m extremely grateful for.
Not only am I transitioning out of active duty, but I’m also leaving behind the job I’ve done for the last 10 years, and moving into a new field. One that feels much more suited to who I am today.
I’ve desired to move into this small, tight-knit field for a long time, and the path I had in mind was not guaranteed—in fact, it’s felt like a long shot. Now, pairing that a sped up timeline of separating due to unforeseen circumstances, things felt like even more of a longshot! But God. Has parted the proverbial seas, and has/is creating space for me in this field. I don’t want to chat too much here, because things are still in process—but two verses come to mind in relation to what’s happening in this season of life:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straightProverbs 3:5-6 NIV
&
A man’s heart plans his way,
But the Lord directs his steps.Proverbs 16:9 NKJV
These are the things I’ve allowed into my Living Room this month. They’ve shaped thoughts, strengthened my faith, and nudge me a little closer toward Christ.
Thanks for spending some time in my Living Room this month. 🤍
Now I’d love to hear from you.
What does your Living Room look like lately?