Friday, September 3, 2021

Five Loves on Friday // Encouragement, Fall Fabulousness, Songs of Comfort, and More!


Happy first Friday of September, friends!  This month has been a lifelong favorite for me.  It's my birthday month and it ushers in the best season of all, fall!  What's not to love?  Speaking of loves, let's get to a handful of 'em from this week!


One  //  Encouragement

The past few weeks my heart has been heavy with grief and concern as the world's current events have weighed on my mind continually.  I've also grown weary of seeing the hot topics of these times dividing people and destroying relationships.  It's heartbreaking to see a world in turmoil in so many ways.  Truthfully the last several times I've prepared to put together a blog post I've debated whether or not I should even continue on talking about lighthearted matters in such a heavy time.  A couple things brought me a good dose of encouragement to carry on this week and for that I'm thankful.  One was a sweet text from a dear friend telling me how much she's been enjoying each of my recent blog posts.  I'll take this opportunity to say, never underestimate how a kind word can impact someone's day or life.  If you think something kind, I'd encourage you to say it.  Whether it's noticing someone doing their job with excellence and letting them know it's appreciated or a simple compliment to a stranger in passing, I think we could all use a day brightener.  Kindness from another sure does add sunshine to dark days!  

Another bit of encouragement came from a post I saw online...


This is so true and brought such helpful encouragement.  Let those of us whose hope is in the Lord carry on and "...whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31)


Two  // Fall Fabulousness


One of my favorite small shops, Lily & Val, had a 70% off sale last week.  Pairing that with free shipping, I scored some fantastic deals!  The chalkboard print above is one of my favorite things I've ever purchased from them.  It was love at first sight and looked even more beautiful in person than it had online.  Don't you love it when that happens?  I thought this rustic frame that had previously been hanging in my dining room would work perfectly for it.  I couldn't love it more!  It now adorns my living room wall bringing me a smile each time I see it.  I also ordered a darling gingerbread print for Christmastime, a couple gifts, and some cute new greeting cards.  I hope they'll add joy to the days of their recipients soon too! :)


Three //  Cooler Temps and Cute Companions 


The weather has been cool and rainy this week, which may not be everyone's cup of tea, but after the heat of the summer I'm welcoming it with open arms.  I adore this time of year!  This week I've thoroughly enjoyed deck time with my youngest daughter and our darling doggy, Toffee, as well as swing chats with my handsome hubby too.  These have been some of the best bits of my week.  I'm incredibly thankful for time with my family, both these wonderfully refreshing moments outdoors as well as late night kitchen chats with my firstborn.  Hearing what's on the hearts and minds of those dearest to me means so much.  I hope the weekend ahead finds you connecting deeply with those who mean the most to you too!


Four  //  The Thrill of a Win


Each Tuesday I open my T-Mobile Tuesday app that offers perks, deals, and giveaways for their customers.  I haven't seen many things that interest me, yet being a lover of bargains I continue to check each week.  This Tuesday I played one of their games where you spin a wheel of potential prizes and surprisingly won!  I scored a $5 Amazon gift card.  Winning something that I'll happily put to use was a bright spot in this week. :)  


Five  //  Comforting Compositions

As previously mentioned, I've been struggling with a heavy heart lately.  None of us enjoy feeling that way.  When I notice myself sinking, feeling like I'm drifting into negativity or upset, something that always lifts my spirits and brings me comfort is listening to music that shifts my focus, reminds me of truth, and brings opportunity to praise my Savior.  I created a playlist back when we were dealing with job loss and uncertainty.  Listening, singing, and crying as I clung to my mighty and unchanging God felt like balm to my soul.  I've enjoyed it regularly since and have found it to be such a healing and helpful playlist throughout this week, so I thought I'd share it with you today.  I hope in doing so it will bless you and glorify God. 


Direct Link to Playlist:


Thank you so much for spending some of your day with me!  You are always welcome here and I'm glad to have you in my nook of the blogosphere!  Wishing you a wonderful weekend ahead!



Earlier This Week on Chatting Over Chocolate
:

Direct Link to Post: 

Trip Report Tuesday: Throwback Edition // 20th Wedding Anniversary WDW Trip Day 4 | Animal Kingdom, Rainforest Cafe, Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail & Raglan Road



Join me in the adventures to come!
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4 comments:

  1. I love what you said in the first one about offering a kind word. It can definitely make a difference!

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  2. Happy September, sweetest friend! I'm so grateful for your friendship and YOUR encouragement! Enjoy this long weekend with your loves!

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  3. Wow, thank you so much for that playlist. I'm adding it to my faves! Also, thank you for always offering encouragement. The world has definitely felt troubled lately. I'm clicking over to check out Lily and Val - had never heard of them. Have a wonderful weekend!

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  4. I love the first love- I've been listening to a Bible in a year podcast this year and the other day was a reading similar to this (I think it was in Jeremiah?). But knowing that we have a wonderful life waiting for us after this one definitely gives one hope in these troubled times :)
    We had a cool, rainy day on Friday and I loved it! After the heat and drought I will take any cool, rainy day to snuggle up on the couch with my family and have a cozy day :)
    I hope you and your family have a wonderful long weekend!

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