Enjoying the Blessing of Someone Else's Labour.

    Part of the opening remarks on a podcast I listened to at work today talked about enjoying the blessing of someone else's labour. It wasn't the topic for that episode, just her small talk about the beginning. But, it was the message that God had for me that morning. I don't remember the rest of the episode. She was referring to two new trees that she recently planted in her front yard. They were both big trees, and she was saying how she bought them that way. She didn't have to put any work into growing them herself. She was able to purchase them as fully-grown trees and started enjoying them right away.

    This opening thought got me thinking about the times when I got to enjoy someone else's labour. The first thought that came to mind was dinner at my in-law's a few months after hubby and I married. I believe it was for one of hubby's step-siblings' birthdays. The meal was chicken alfredo. A dish that I do not traditionally enjoy. But, because it was made by someone else and in someone else's clean home, it was delicious. Years later, I was talking with my stepmother-in-law about that meal. She had no memory of it and was surprised by the menu choice. Looking back, I think The Holy Spirit was blessing and teaching me about enjoying a meal in someone else's home.

    Hearing these opening remarks on the podcast also got me thinking about blessing others with my labour and that I don't always have a good attitude in the process. You see, I struggle with selfishness and don't necessarily want to bless others if it's inconvenient. It mainly occurs when trying to bless my hubby, not all the time, but sometimes. It's something that God and I are working on. I also want to bless myself with the fruits of my labour. Such as sitting back and enjoying the look of my clean home or finishing a sewing project. I usually think about our apartment being cleaned as more satisfying, but I could also look at it as a blessing.

    The idea of blessing someone with the fruits of my labour sounds great in theory, but it can be hard to act on. Mainly when I am tired, which I expect would be most people's answer.

    Today, (several days later) Blessing, and I went for a walk down a trail near our friend's house in Toronto. It's a beautiful trail that Blessing enjoyed running around off-leash. The trail was paved, and the grass on both sides had recently been mowed allowing Blessing to run around the trail with less concern for ticks versus long unkept grass. I was blessed to enjoy the labour and maintenance of this trail and blessed Blessing with off-leash time. God also stopped the rain and brought the sun out allowing me to get some beautiful photos. He did the labour, and I enjoyed eating the fruit.

Have you enjoyed the fruits of someone else's labour or blessed someone with your labour, friend?

I pray this post blesses, encourages and challenges you today, friend.

God Bless

~Hannah

Finding the beauty in the ordinary.

Counting My Calories

    On and off over the years, I have counted my calorie intake for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it's to lose a few pounds, other times it has been out of curiosity to see how much I actually consume, and every so often, it's secretly to freak out my hubby.

    I started counting them again recently. I never make it very far. It's kind of annoying logging everything you eat. But as I was contemplating my decision to count again, I started questioning myself about why I was doing it. I'm not sure if my next thought was from myself or The Holy Spirit. But my next thought was, "You log your exercise and water intake, why not log your food too." Instantly I had peace over the situation and wanted to share. It makes sense. If I'm already tracking two out of these three health factors, I might as well track my food intake. Yes, there is more to food logging than simply the number of calories you are consuming, but one step at a time.

    I'm reminded, that counting calories does not have to be a negative thing that is only for those trying to lose weight. Yes, stereotypically, it's for those wanting to lose weight, but it's time to break that stereotype. It can also be used to help you ensure that you are getting enough of all the right nutrients and help keep you in check with the bad stuff too.

    Simply put, I want to break the stigma that counting calories is only for those who need to lose weight. It's for everyone and anyone. It's no different than maintaining your spending or avoiding certain foods due to allergies or other health issues. It can also help to ensure that you are eating enough as well. Some people struggle with under eating, which of course is a whole other issue in and of itself, but the point is that if you are tracking your intake it can help you to keep track.

    Anyway, I'm no health expert on any level or a doctor. But I do feel that it's important to break the stigma around this topic. Just like mental health struggles. Counting calories is not just for bigger people, it's for all people.

    I know that by myself I probably can't change the world and how it views calorie counting. But I know that by encouraging just one person to think differently or maybe even change your mind, you will share it with someone else, and we will cause a domino effect, and eventually we will change the world.

I pray that this post blesses and encourages you today, friend.

God Bless

~Hannah

My Grace Is Sufficient For You.

    On Wednesday morning, as I entered the sanding booth to start my work day, I prayed. I asked God for strength and energy for the day. The Holy Spirit responded with, "My grace is sufficient for you." Referring to 2 Corinthians 12:9. "But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." To me, at that moment, it meant that it was going to be a tiring day. But I would be okay.

    I then decided that I could take it easy that evening. You see, I woke up that morning a little exhausted. Monday night I worked in the evening and therefore didn't get to bed on time. Then on Tuesday, I had Small Group through my church which also led to a late night. Neither of which I regret attending, but by Wednesday morning, I was exhausted and dragging my feet. I quickly decided that morning that it was likely going to be a fast food for supper kind of night because I knew I wouldn't have the energy or strength to make supper. I was giving myself grace. Or at least trying to.

    Giving myself grace is not my strong suit. And on the days when I get home and don't have the energy to make supper or walk Blessing, I beat myself up and let the enemy tell me that I'm not enough and a failure. Thankfully God has other things to say. Such as, I am chosen, forgiven, redeemed, loved and His child. I'm allowed to be tired at the end of a long day. Being tired does not make me any less of a person. You could look at it as a good thing. Because it reminds me that I am human and that I need to rely on God for strength and not myself. Doesn't mean I like being tired. I don't like being tired. Makes me feel weak. Plus I'm not pleasant to be around when I am tired.

    But, in life, we have to take the good with the bad. Ying and Yang. If we don't have the bad stuff, like exhaustion, and any unpleasant emotion, we won't be able to truly appreciate the good things in life. Like enough energy to enjoy our hobbies ;) or the joy one can find in the community.

    So, I got through Wednesday, tired, but I made it. I didn't have the energy to walk Blessing and yes, beat myself up for that. I try to give myself one grace day a week where I don't have to worry about walking her. I'm sure someone out there is judging me, heck, I'm judging me. But otherwise, she gets lots of walks and runs every week. In fact, on Thursday, I meant to walk 5km and accidentally walked 6.5 km. I miscalculated the route we took. I stuck to my plan of take out for supper, and beat myself up the whole time for it, even though I didn't have the energy for it anyways. This sounds like one big pity party. Which is not my intention. I simply want to share that God gives us grace, so we should give ourselves grace too.

    I pray this post finds you well and resting up for the next work week ahead. I'm going to eat a piece of cake, sew a quick little project and call it a day.

God Bless my friend.

~Hannah

Overthinking

    It's one of my least favourite characteristics that make up who I am. Someone made a critical comment about my appearance a week ago, and I have been thinking about it ever since. They weren't trying to be rude or hurt my feelings. They were just being honest and blunt.

    At first, I didn't let it get to me. But then I talked to hubby about it and started processing it. I spent most of the next week obsessing over it and considering changing part of my personality to "fix this flaw."

    Finally, I looked at hubby last night and asked him if I was overthinking it. Without hesitation, he said yes. It was a relief to hear him say that because it helped me to move on from it.

    Today, I was at it again. I have an upcoming purchase to make and was overthinking how to make it all work. There is a very simple solution to it all, but first, I need to waste a whole lot of time and energy overthinking it.

    At one point, I wanted to make some adjustments to how and what I eat. I wanted to get rid of some of the junk and replace it with healthier food items.

    I spend way too much time overthinking way too many topics and items. And if you add tiredness to the mix, it's a whole other situation where I usually end up having a meltdown and cry. I also spent time overthinking the length of this post and whether or not it was going to be long enough. There is no right length of course. But, that's what happens in my brain when I overthink. I panic and have anxiety over everything.

    I wanted to share this story with you because I think it's funny how I spent so much time overthinking what someone said to me and that I overthink a lot of stuff. I suspect that those of you who overthink as well are sitting on your couch or wherever you are, raising your hands and saying, "Me too!" I hope this gives you a chuckle and puts a smile on your face, friend.

God Bless

~Hannah

I wrote this journal entry before my "My Gut-Wrenching Honest Prayer post. But I didn't get a chance to type it up last week.

My late grandparents cottage.

My Gut-Wrenching Honest Prayer.

     Lord, please forgive me for my bad attitude, pride, lack of self-control, and control issues.

    It has been quite the week. Season really, but also a particularly rough week. I allow my circumstances to dictate my mood so often that it has led me to have a bad attitude.

    Father, I've spent the last week thinking that I can't do anything about all these sin issues that I am struggling with. The enemy convinced me that the only thing in me was my human/sinful nature. And that only You can fix me. Which is true in part. Then You reminded me in this week's devo with hubby that I can be a part of the change and that I have a hand in this. You reminded me that I need to exercise self-control and that it will be a start for working through these issues.

    It's going to be a long road to work through all these issues, but I know You are faithful. You will never leave me nor forsake me.

    You reminded me of my free will the other day through our devotional and that also helped to remind me that I do have some control and can exercise correct control there. Control over my thoughts and actions.

    Thank you, Lord, for dying on the cross for me and my sins. Thank you to my hubby who is faithfully walking beside me as I navigate these issues. Amen.

    From our devotional on April 24th. "When it comes to the subject of self-control, many of us would like to dodge the issue. Maybe we would like to think there is a way to put our minds, will and emotions under God's "remote control." Instead of having to take responsibility for our actions and decisions, we think it would be easier for God to simply control us. However, God has a more creative plan in mind. He designed us with limited free will. This means we have the ability to choose right over wrong and self-control over emotional responses." From the book, The Daily Way. By Michael Youssef, Ph.D. That night's devotional hit me between the eyes.

    The next night's devotional added to the previous night's lesson very nicely. "A person who has an undisciplined spirit or no self-control is like a city without walls. He or she is open to enemy attack at any given moment. When we fail to exercise a spirit of self-control, the wild animals of jealousy, rage, frustration, gossip, false witness, and more can enter our lives easily and unopposed. The lack of self-control is Satan's way of preparing us for destruction."

    My gut-wrenching, honest prayer this morning to the Lord. Hubby and I talked last night and this morning, and he forgave me for my sins this week. But I hadn't asked God to forgive me yet or forgive myself. While doing laundry this morning, I wrote out my prayer in my journal, and God lifted the heavy weight of shame off my shoulders. I'm not off the hook by any means. Now, I have to walk out what I believe and am learning. But with God and my hubby beside me, I can do it.

    I share all this because that's what my blog is all about. I write about my struggles and remind both you and myself that neither of us is alone in our struggles. God is with us. I also believe that more than ever God is calling me to share these particular struggles with you. I expect it to keep me humble and accountable.

    I pray this post encourages you that you are not alone in your struggles and that we all fall short of the glory of God. But we serve The God of mercy and grace and of second chances.

Happy Sunday, friend.

God Bless

~Hannah

Testing mom's blood at my sister Rae's Family and Friends Day at school.

Prayer Life Refresh

    The other day I was scrolling through Instagram and found a video of a stay-at-home wife/mother cleaning/tidying her home. In the voice-over audio, she was talking about her prayer/cleaning routine.

    Instead of viewing housework as simply a chore to be completed. She viewed it as an opportunity to pray over her family. As she picked up her son's socks, she specifically prayed over that child. If she picked up something of her husband's she prayed for their marriage, etc.

    I love the idea and decided to implement it into my life. I'm also adding it to every element of my life and not just tidying my home. While at work I will pray over the car parts that I am priming, sanding or buffing. Praying over the vehicles that those parts will go on and the families that will drive those vehicles. And other areas in my daily life. Like walking Blessing, doing groceries, and everything else in between. I believe what the Bible says about praying continually and I do my best but sometimes, I forget. "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV So it's time to hit the reset button.

    Praying over people, places and things as I go about my day. Because prayer is important it helps us connect to our Father in Heaven, and because it reminds us of His power and majesty.

    God doesn't need us to pray to work in the people and situations that I will be praying over. He doesn't need our help. But He wants to have a relationship with us and show us how prayer changes lives and situations.

    Sometimes our routines can get stale and need a refresh. Whether, that's your morning routine, commute to work, food choices and even your prayer life. I think my prayer life needs a refresh and God in all His wisdom has shown me just what to do.

I pray this blesses and encourages you in your prayer life today, friend.

God Bless

~Hannah

Lake Ramsey, Sudbury, Ontario.

God Provides

    A few weeks ago, hubby did an oil change on our car and with the help of his father and brother discovered that we needed a new tie rod. After work, he picked me up and told me. We scheduled the repair, and I headed to my evening dishwasher job.

    Once at work, I checked the schedule for the following week. I see that I have an additional shift for that week. The girl who works Tuesday and Wednesday now has my Monday shift, and I have her Tuesday and Wednesday shifts. I smile to myself and see God's hand at work.

    After work, I came home and told hubby about my new shifts. And that we can use that money for our upcoming car repair. We had other ideas of how we would pay for the repair, but this method sounded better.

    Hubby is also the first to jump and get extra hours at work when needed.

    So, over the next two weeks, I worked a few extra shifts at the restaurant that in theory would cover the car repair. Hubby picked me up from the restaurant one evening after fixing the car with his dad and told me what our bill would be for the parts to fix our car. We had both separately been expecting a bigger number and were excited to see that it would be half of what we expected. My extra shifts more than covered the bill.

    Last night I saw that the schedule was posted at the restaurant. I saw that I am returning to my normal schedule next week. Monday night.

    Again, I smiled to myself and thought of how God was providing. You see, not only was He providing for us financially, but He was also teaching me a lesson. I keep thinking to myself that I would like more shifts/should be able to handle more shifts. Hubby lovingly reminds me that I do not want more nor can I handle more. But I'm also very stubborn and don't always listen. So God in all His wisdom allowed me to see that I don't want extra shifts, nor can I handle them.

    So, God gave us a two-in-one deal. Gave me extra shifts to cover the bill and taught me that I don't want extra shifts. He is so good. He knows what is best for us and what we need and knows that sometimes we need to experience what it is we think we want for us to learn what God already knows.

    What is God teaching you, friend? I pray this post blesses and encourages you today.

God Bless

~Hannah

My parents and I attended my sisters "Family and Friends Day" at school a few weeks ago. Where they gave us a tour of her lab, took our blood and showed us how they test it. Once she graduates, she will be a Medical Laboratory assistant/technician.