How was your week?
I look back over mine, and boy, it was full.
It was full of life…
It’s Saturday, and that means it’s my weekly segment of sharing what I learned this week.
What did you learn?
A lesson? A skill? Something about you, someone else, or about God? A scripture that touched you in a particular way? I’d love to read it below.
Here’s mine:
Don’t take anyone, anything, or any moment in this life for granted.
I was reminded of this with the passing of a friend in our community. His death was a shock to all who knew him. The wonderful conversation I had with him just three days before he passed has prompted me to once again live this life I’ve been blessed in a way that honors God and makes an impact. I desire to notice and appreciate the little unexpected gifts throughout my days.
How we live our lives matters, and the impact we make will live on after we’re gone.
I had a face-to-face conversation with a dear elderly lady this week. I hadn’t seen 
her for years, but surprisingly, she recognized who I was. (It’s no mistake I’m my mother’s daughter. I see her every time I look in the mirror.) This dear lady was a friend of my mom’s. I hung on to every one of her words as she shared with me how special Mom was to her, and what a beautiful friendship they shared. She told me a specific story of how Mom helped her and her husband, and how she will be “eternally grateful” for her. As we parted ways, the tears came, as they do now.
God continually blesses me with stories of how my lovely mother impacted so many lives. Stories I never knew. Stories of the beautiful testimony of her life. She lived a life of love, and of serving others, and I’m finding her impact was bigger than I ever realized. A stay-at-home mom for many years. A woman who served her community. A woman of simplicity who often kept to herself. Her impact on this world was great. She passed away eight years ago next month. Her legacy still lives on. I’m eternally grateful for her, too.
Nine-year-old girls like to shop.
It was a blessing to take my nine-year-old niece out for her birthday on Wednesday. 
She is growing up to be a lovely young lady, and let me tell you, she can shop with the best of them. She’s gone from liking trinkets and little girl’s jewelry to now being drawn to makeup and clothes. It’s been fun to watch this happen over the last year. Shopping, pizza and pop music. We had fun together!
Guest posting at Sweet to the Soul blessed me.
The encouragement I received from being a part of their community was truly a gift, and something quite unexpected. If you aren’t familiar with their beautiful, life-filled home on Facebook, I encourage you to check it out.
May God bless you this weekend. Thank you so much for sharing life with me!
Much love,
Julie
Hi, Julie. This week I learned that when God is ready for you to do something, He compels you forward. Things I thought I’d do later in December, He helped me do this week. And it happened so quickly, I was a little shocked. He is putting plans in motion. (Well, at least from my view. I’m sure He’s been working on it all along.) So thankful for the work He does in my life. So thankful for the stories you share about the work He’s doing in your life as well. It is an encouragement to all of us. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, friend!
I’m with you, Sabra. I’m thankful for the work He does in our lives. That’s why I love sharing them, and I love reading them from others too. So encouraging. Thanks for sharing this, and may you continue to see God’s hand at work. Happy Thanksgiving, dear friend!
Your words about your mother remind me of Lloyd C Douglas’s book “Magnificent Obsession” (he also authored “The Robe”–another one of my all-time favorites). May God be with you this Thanksgiving and may the Holy Spirit comfort you as you remember those who aren’t with you around the table this year but whose presence will always be felt.
I should pick those books up, Anita. Thank you for the suggestion! Thank you also for your words of encouragement. May your day be blessed, friend! I appreciate you.