Sunny Sunday

Over the past few days, I stumbled upon some well-timed words, all seeming very fitting and personal as I settle into my new "bachelorette pad" here in German Village. With sunshine pouring into my uncluttered living room, a cup of fresh Starbucks before me on my new table, and the bells of St Paul's Lutheran church literally ringing in my ears, I attempt to share them, hoping you find yourself inspired, much as I did! 

1. From a lonely Friday night, a diamond from my devotional, just perfect for when you are a little lost in your current state:

Philippians 4:8: (TEV)

 

"In conclusion, my brothers, fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honorable."

2. From Homegoods (why don't I shop there more?) on Saturday:

I liked this poster so much that I bought it. Total impulse purchase! When I got home, I researched the poster. Turns out, it's a reproduction from WWII-era British propaganda. Its 1939, British citizens were facing Nazi invasion, and this poster was supposed to make them feel all snugly in their beds at night. Fortunately, it was never used. Flash-forward to a second hand store in the year 2000, where it was discovered  and mass-produced for everyone's enjoyment. There are also parody posters, which display an upturned crown, and read, "Now Panic and Freak Out." So funny, those Brits!

3. From Mass this morning...I learned about being a watchful servant, among other things:

Luke 12:35-40 (NAB)

"Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like servants who await their master's return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival. Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself, have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them. And should he come in the second or third watch and find them prepared in this way, blessed are those servants. Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour when the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come."

Be alert, be waiting for God's commands. Be LISTENING. In my humble opinion, it sounds like its not enough to just do what God asks...we have to be ready and in anticipation for it. This was great -- our priest said, (paraphrase): "If your aging parents and grandparents call you, needing for you to do some task, like getting their groceries, because they physically unable to do at this time...do you drop what you are doing to help, or do you find some excuse and weasel out of it? Much is the same here, are you prepared to get God's groceries?" I just loved that.

I think its a lot easier to be "ready for God's call" when we are fueled up with 16oz of Starbucks Gold Coast blend. :). In all seriousness, its hard to be ready for any more tasks, divine or otherwise, when our lives are bogged down with work, families, commutes, fitness regimens, lists, and wants. True as is may be, my living room is uncluttered because I've no furniture, but we can squint our eyes and pretend the cushions on the floor are "Asian-inspired" seating. My delightful coffee this morning is served upon brand-new, cute, cheap, PATIO furniture, and I'll just turn a blind eye to the fact that the wicker is already crumbling below the weight of Lappy. I am hopeful my new shoes, special ordered from Saks, are going to feel MUCH better after I break them in a bit more (yesterday I napped in them!) 

So after all of the work moving in and on, I really feel a lot better, renewed and excited and prepared for the months ahead. Most of all, I know I'm listening and awaiting for God's call (which can be a little scary!), I'm calm and carrying on, and focused on what is lovely. 

At least for today. ;)

Good mood is also supported by a wonderful weekend with Mom. We toured the Dublin Irish Festival, ate the tasting menu at Barcelona (Hello my little chorizo friends!) and had lots of girltime. She is the bestest, that lady! Here are a few highlights from the DIF:

New friends!

An Irish wolfhound! The festival had a "Celtic Canine" exhibit! Not sure if Peanut would have fit in...

 

The girl from St. Patrick's and her parish namesake.

Happy Monday, all!