Life Update and Favorites
Hey friends, I cannot believe how long it’s been since I did one of these. If you subscribe to my emails, then you probably have an idea of my life recently, but I definitely did not plan for it to be almost a month since I last posted! And here we are, already in the middle of fall. I’m loving the season, as always, but it’s definitely been on the busy side. Without further ado, here goes on my update and some random favorites from throughout the year.
If you notice that the “what I’ve been reading” section of this post is missing, don’t worry. I’ve decided to do something a little different this time around, with a year’s-end roundup of my favorite books I’m reading this year. I’ve enjoyed some really great reads, and I can’t wait to share them with you in a couple of months.
Life Update
Although I dearly loved the babies at the daycare where I was working, I had to resign in March of this year due to the fact that my health could not withstand the constant sickness I was exposed to. It was a hard decision, but it’s also been amazing to see God’s provision in my life since then.
Over the summer, I really sought the Lord as to what He would have me do next. He brought me to a point where I was willing to consider whatever He would bring next, even if it didn’t fit in with my plans. I was not expecting His answer, but again, He has provided perfectly. I’m now working as an administrative assistant in a property management office, and I’m really enjoying it! However, this is the main reason I haven’t posted much recently, since the past few weeks have been adjustment time as I figure out a good balance for my life.
Bible school is in full swing! My classes this semester are Prophecy 1, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, and How to Read, Study, and Teach the Bible. I’m especially enjoying the prophecy class, since I’ve always felt that this was a weak area in my understanding of Scripture. I appreciate that the viewpoint in this class is not based on current events, but rather on what the Bible says about the future.
Some highlights of this year thus far include celebrating my parents’ 35th anniversary, our church’s missions conference in May, a classical concert (look up Brahms’ Symphony No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 68—my favorite piece they played that night), lots of cooking and baking fun, three camping trips and a week at a cabin, Bible conference in July, my brother’s graduation and party (the last one of us five to graduate! My mom is officially retired from her 29-year homeschooling career, and I think she deserves a big round of applause), babysitting, and thrifting. I also had so much fun growing a little herb garden this year. The basil did great and we used that a lot. I also got some dill, rosemary, parsley, and oregano. I’m excited about planting even more next year!
One of our favorite things we did this year was a short trip to the Adirondack Mountains in September. We climbed a mountain, did a little kayaking, rode the ski-lift to the tope of McCauley Mountain, shopped in the little towns of Old Forge and Inlet, played mini golf, and enjoyed the slower pace in the area during the off-season. The colors were just starting with a lot of purple and gold and some splashes of red. As I stood on the top of the mountain, Psalm 121:1-2 came to mind. “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.” His creation inspires a song of praise in my heart!
I love Old Forge. The views here are from the top of Bald Mountain. I didn’t climb the fire tower this time, though.
Below: Golden Hour on Moose River.
Right: The view from Mount McCauley Ski Lift.
Below: Old Forge Pond
Favorites
Recipe: My Big Fat Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies from The Girl Who Ate Everything. This is one of my new favorite recipes to make (and eat, lol). My cookies always seem to come a little flatter than the recipe says, but that’s okay since I prefer a thinner cookie. The key is to take these out before they look completely done. So delicious!
Recipe: Baked Cheesy Bacon Ranch Chicken from Wholesome Yum. This. Is. So. Good. And also super easy to make. Plus, if you follow a gluten-free or keto diet, it fits the bill with those. I usually throw in some canned potatoes, right in the same pan. Be sure to follow the cooking instructions properly. I like to garnish with fresh parsley, but dried is fine too. The main thing I change is to use cheddar cheese instead of mozzarella, just because we prefer that taste.
Because I deal with dry skin, especially in the winter, I was on the lookout for a natural facial moisturizer. A friend introduced me to tallow, and I’m hooked. It really moisturizes my skin, leaving it soft and hydrated, and it’s totally natural. A little goes a long way, which is nice.
Devotional: When Faith is Forbidden: 40 Days on the Frontlines with Persecuted Christians by Todd Nettleton. Okay, I did have to include a book! This is my last devotional of the year, and it is so convicting. This devotional contains 40 stories of believers whose names we would never know if they weren’t in here, but their humble Christlikeness and faith is incredible and challenging. They really live out New Testament Christianity. I would only recommend this one for adults.
Blog Update
November will mark the 2nd year anniversary of Upheld by His Grace! I’m thinking about something fun to do for celebration. So stay tuned! I’m hoping to return to a more predictable posting schedule, and ideas for future posts include recipes, interviews, and a few more posts in our practical skills series. And I’m really looking forward to bringing you some holiday content.
This tree is behind where I work. It was aglow with color and I just had to get a couple photos.
How has your fall been so far? I’d love to hear your favorites or some fun things you’ve done lately to enjoy the season. Until next time, friends, I hope you have a wonderful week. Stay strong and keep serving Jesus!
Love,
