Oh, hi! In case you haven’t noticed, I’ve been a bit incognito these past three days. The past few days have been filled with a whirlwind of emotions. We drove to New Jersey to help out my sister who has been taking care of my dad’s health needs and running him to various doctor’s appointments. I won’t get into too much personal detail but my dad’s health is declining. Since the month of April he’s been diagnosed with one thing after another. It was so heartbreaking to see my dad zone out, as he sat quietly processing all that he is facing and will have to endure. I know that feeling all to well with my own health issues that I continue to deal with. I believe that the familiarity of feeling sorrow and despair is what hurt me the most and why I was filled with such anxiety for my father. There are no words for how shitty this is but we are hopeful that with the right care, our father will be okay – in the best way possible.
“Worrying does not take away tomorrows troubles, it takes away today’s peace.”
I’ve mentioned here before that every morning, I sit quietly in prayer and read my devotional prayer for the day. The past three devotions hit me with such calmness and reminders that we are not alone. I shared the last two readings with my dad to give him comfort and hope. Sometimes we just need to feel a connection with God during the hardest of times. Here was today’s reading from the book, Jesus Calling…
Rest with me while. You have journeyed up a steep, rugged path in recent days. The way ahead is shrouded in uncertainty. Look neither behind you nor before you. Instead, focus your attention on Me, your constant Companion. Trust that I will equip you fully for whatever awaits you on your journey.
I designed time to be a protection for you. You couldn’t bear to see all your life at once. Though I am unlimited by time, it is in the present moment that I meet you. Refresh yourself in My company, breathing deep draughts of My Presence. The highest level of trust is to enjoy Me moment by moment. I am with you, watching over you wherever you go.
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. – PSALM 143:8
“I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” – GENESIS 28:15
For me, life at home always feels a little less chaotic when you’re surroundings are organized and cleaned.
When we arrived back home to PA yesterday, I looked at my desk and was done with the disarray I continued to ignore for so many weeks. Piles of papers, magazines, a collection of half empty water bottles – it was time to tackle life’s little mess on this desk of mine. This morning I took everything off my desk, wiped it down and made a few decorative changes.
If you follow me on Instagram, I shared in my stories this vintage condiments tray my mother bought for me recently. I thought it was perfect to use as a tray divider where I house my business cards, a scented candle, and paper clips.
I’ve been adding to my blue and white ginger jar collection. I love how it brightens the top of my desk and having it clustered in a gold mirrored tray, makes a grand statement. I didn’t have fresh flowers to add but these pretty faux ranunculus will do!
When the time is right, I, the Lord will make it happen. – Isaiah 60:22
On other news – here’s a sneak peek at what’s inside Design by Occasions’ shop (DO HOME)! What was to launch online earlier this year, I had to postpone due to my health. Now with my dad’s health and the need to go back and forth to Jersey, I will need to hold off on launching my online shop until some time in the Fall. I’m looking forward to sharing all the inventory we have curated for all your at-home entertaining needs!
Well, that’s life lately…still thankful for all we do have and are blessed with each moment of each day!
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