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what i learned in august

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What I Learned in August

When the calendar page flips over to a new month it’s time for “what I learned”, linking up at Emily P. Freeman’s. By the way, Emily, has a new book out called, Simply Tuesday, which is getting rave reviews. It’s on my winter stack of books to read!

August was a good month. Not sure I learned anything monumental but I know there is a lesson in one of those 31 days for sure!

  1. The best laid plans are sometimes delayed! In this case, cancelled. (Proverbs 16.9) I was scheduled to attend my first-ever blogging retreat with the tribe from Five Minute Friday, in Nashville TN. My daughter and I were to have a mom/daughter weekend. But, daughter had to make an unexpected trip to South Florida. I was going to go alone, but I felt such a nudge in my spirit to stay home and I did. There is no outward evidence of why I stayed home but sometimes trust is blind. Amen?
  2. It is always good to spend time with my sister, my one and only sibling. My sis and her friend made a trip to South Charlotte and hubs and I cancelled our already-made plans for the day and went down to spend the day. Nothing (much) better than sister time! (1 Samuel 18.1)
  3. Redeem the time – every single moment. I don’t want to waste a second of my time. Every day is a gift and I want to live believing that. Shift your schedule, re-assess the to-do’s at hand and experience a moment you can never take back. (Ephesians 5.16a)
  4. Summertime is a wonder. We live in the mountains so we don’t have scorching temps to contend with (but we don’t have A/C either) and there are so many things to love about summer. Hummingbirds, picnics, worship service at the Lake, gardening, fresh veggies, TOMATOES, dinners on the front porch, girlfriend’s, and creekside chats. (Psalm 74.17)
  5. Journaling can be done in quickhand. I am as faithful to my daily journal as the sun is to shine, but in August? It just seems to not get done. August entries are short and sweet! (Habakkuk 2.2)
  6. I become a slackard. Summertime swipes away my morning time with the Lord. It is bright outside at 6:30 and there are weedeaters and mowers calling my name. I do a lot of yardwork hardwork to maintain almost 2 acres of yard and grounds. I read something the other day, to pray without ceasing means to never say “amen.” That’s me, one continuous conversation with the Lord all day long! (1 Thessalonians 5.17)
  7. My nesting instinct gets strong. I’ve learned that August finds me thinking about being prepared. Call the propane company. Check the pantry. Order new linens if necessary for warmth. Do you nest? (Proverbs 30.25)

Here are some summer pics. Enjoy!

August collage 1

August Collage 2
August Collage 4

August Collage 3

August is over but my zinnias are still blooming, a few hummers are still humming, the rotten yellow jackets are attacking, the grapes are ripening, the wine is brewing and my most favorite season of them all is almost here!

What I Learned in August!

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What did you learn in August?

xo

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  1. I always love your writings…..every single word. I really embrace the #3 on your list. Yes, I do. Big time. It is something I talk about often with my Curt. He doesn’t share that “feeling” or “passion” (whatever it is)…….but, he does listen and we do talk. *smile*

    What did I learn in August? I’m not sure there was anything that “stuck out” in a prominent way, but, the son of one of my closest friends committed suicide and that set me to thinking even more on the #3 on your list, Susan.

    Thank you for sharing!

    Love,
    Kathy

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  2. And I should have added………….I LOVE the pictures! Any time you share pictures it is “extra wonderful”!!!!

    K

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  3. My sentiments exactly! Summer is winding down….always sad to me. I wait all year to run barefooted and wear shorts and it seems to go by so FAST! Slowing down a little now…canning and freezing and pickling, etc. almost over….getting ready to do our usual fall traveling…and eventually getting back to hunker down for winter. It’s all good….thank you Jesus. I have almost learned not to fight the natural flow! Haha love you Sus….always enjoy your sweet words…

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  5. I love summer….yes, it certainly is hot….yest. I went to the beach, sat with feet dangling in the ocean and reflected all the Blessing’s I had from an early age up to yesterday. Bumps along the way but all in all, God’s beauty as I sat peacefully looking out into the ocean so deep and wide. I was getting sunburned, it was time to leave. Up and wash the bottom of the folding beach chair off I forgot the cell phone in the top of my swim suit. As I watched the cell phone roll off into the ocean’s water all I could think of was all the many photo’s I had lost of loved ones and a list of contacts that I would have to input into a new phone as they can’t access any of my old information from a salt, sand filled phone. Even the rice hasn’t helped…. A chore for today but ya know what….I was mad, sad but I will get over it. I had a fantastic chat with God and that is all that mattered, thanking him for all the wonderful things in life he has given me. September is here and we will have a “new season” to reflect. Happy winter!!!!!!!

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  6. I love your #3! Morning is my favorite time of day and, when I start my mornings well, it seems like it is so much easier to redeem the rest of the day. I have also learned that the occasional nap is a good way to redeem the time. My mind and my eyes work so much better when my body is rested!

    I love the pic of the butterfly. Okay, I love them all but especially the butterfly.

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  7. We are semi-neighbors on Holley’s place today and I was drawn to your title. Maybe it’s because I’m looking for redemption of my own time and hoping to get insight into others’ observations.

    I just wanted to tell you thank you for your words. They will leave me thinking about much this morning. And that puppy dog is adorable!

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  8. I believe in listening to the quiet still voice that tells us it is okay to be still and rest. Good for you for having the courage to stay home. I never regret it when I obey those promptings though I often wrestle in the decision.

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  9. Hi Susan. Stopping by from the link-up. Sounds like our lives have crossed a bit. We live in South Florida but spend week of August in the Carolina mountains where the temperatures are much more pleasant and the scenery a different kind of beauty. Enjoyed reading your August ‘report’.

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  10. Gorgeous summertime photos. #1 still makes me a little bummed out but I totally understand. There have been a couple of times when I have felt the nudge to stay home so I have. But then after the fact, there doesn’t seem to be any apparent reason why I was to stay home. Sometimes trusting is blind for sure. I love that I got to spend time with my sister last month too. Cherished memories. And by the all caps on TOMATOES in this post, I am guessing that you LOVE fresh tomatoes as much as I do!

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  13. Some wonderful ponderings and beautiful pics. I am at the end of winter and heading into spring here in Australia so everything feels like it is gearing up for the warmer weather which is always an incredibly busy season here. Embracing each moment and frequently re-assessing my schedule are key right now. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

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    • So, you are getting excited about summer and all the season brings! I don’t think I’ve ever had a visitor from Australia before – so good to have you stop by!

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  14. I find myself longing for fall during August, but yet, I want to hang on tight to the schedule that summer always allows to grace my days. I am not yet ready to jump headlong into busy that always come with the start of a new school year but once it is here, I enjoy it as usual, and I wonder why I hang on so tightly when beauty abounds in the approach of every new mercy He brings? 😉

    You learned some valuable and lovely lessons.

    Blessings!
    Dawn

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  15. We did have a great visit and I am learning from you enjoy the moments! I have a birthday coming up and the reality of “it” has struck me this year. I can’t do what I used to do: can’t jump during praise and worship, can’t wear a size 8, can’t see as good as before….blah blah. But I am going to have fun with my family every opportunity I can! NC you may see me before the snow starts flying! I gave away my winter clothing so it can’t be too cold.

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