Hello, friends! Well, I don’t know if the weather cooperated in your area, but spring officially did arrive on Saturday. Our day was very pretty with sunshine and blue skies. Temperatures were warm, although they have been warmer in the previous week. I’m so thankful for spring and I wrote about it last week for the grace & gratitude series. You can find the post here.
I have had a hard time focusing on writing in the last couple of weeks. I was really excited about getting my new blog theme up and running and then I felt as though I crashed and burned. Every day cannot be on a mountain peak, but determining the rhythms of life and what brings those somewhat highs and lows is good to monitor. At this point, I have a lot of things I’m wanting to pursue and time {or maybe wasting it} appears to be my enemy. Working on getting my act together…again!
For grace & gratitude this week, I thought I would incorporate my word of the year, which is Restore. I’ll be linking up with Lisa Notes for this post. I have written previously about why I chose this word, which finds much of its focus on relationships. However, since the past two years have been a crazy show, I am also focusing on other areas for restoration. During this month, I have been listening to and reading some about finances, making memories, and slowing down. I will share more about these books in a later post, but some of what I’ve learned has caused my distraction from blogging.
Back in 2019, I became a certified coach for a health and wellness program which I loved. I have a healthy obsession with these topics coupled with fitness. It is a place where my passions come alive. I recently spent about eights weeks working through a fitness program and challenging myself. On the last day of the program, I felt a new confidence and purpose restored in me. I started to see little glimmers of hope that Carrie was being restored. Since then my mind has been focused on getting my little business off the ground to help others in this area.
During the last couple of years, I have neglected my own health and fitness. I haven’t eaten horribly but definitely not as clean as I have in the past. I have neglected exercise as well. Completing that eight week program gave me back some strength and resolve. I made appointments for the dentist, eye doctor, and for any annual wellness check-ups. All of which have been neglected in the last couple of years. I’m realizing how important it is to take care of me and feel restored to myself. In that way, I can grow into more of who the Lord has for me.
Interestingly enough…I had a focus of what I thought needed to be restored in my life during 2021, but there is always more. The Lord has plan that is always bigger and different than mine. Isn’t that true for so many of us? Can we not see this truth in Scripture? The plan for Abraham’s son took a different direction when Sarah got involved, but it did not stop what the Lord had planned. He brought his plan to fruition in his way and at his exact time.
Part of being restored means I must turn. Turn my eyes back into focus on Him. This Scripture comes to mind when I think in those terms.
Rend your heart and not your garments.
Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and abounding in love,
and he relents from sending calamity.
Who knows? He may turn and relent and leave behind a blessing ~ Joel 2:13-14
I also think of this verse from Joel when I’m pondering the graciousness of God’s restoration.
I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten ~ Joel 2:25
The Lord is good and he restores. I am believing that and trying to walk in it and into it in multiple areas of my life. He can fill and refill empty pots and give back more than I could ask or imagine. This is my hope! Even when it doesn’t seem like restoration will come in some corners of my life, it may come but be different, better, and even unimaginable from my perspective.
Friends, thank you for reading! I appreciate you stopping by each week and look forward to the posts you link up. I hope you have a beautiful week.
~grace & blessings, Carrie
Michele Morin says
I always find such goodness in this gathering!
Carrie says
I’m so glad to hear that, Michele! That was my hope. 🙂
Amy Johnson says
That is a great word of the year! Thank you for the party.
Carrie says
Thank you, Amy!
Lisa Blair says
Thanks for sharing your journey of healthiness through eating and exercise, Carrie. Restore is an awesome hope-filled word for the year.
Carrie says
Thank you, Lisa! Your words are encouraging to me.
Lauren Sparks says
I love that word for the year.
Carrie says
Thank you, Lauren! It’s kinda a big word with lots of facets.
Alexandra says
Found you at another link up. I love adding link parties to my weekly list so I can visit more. I found your “Restore” share interesting! I can totally relate. With recent health issues that arose, I purchased some roller blades a couple weeks ago, and have really been enjoying them, and the time spent in nature. The challenge of not falling, and getting distance is very rewarding. And this morning, I finally got results from my doctor that will help me get to a better place healthwise. It feels great to be in this position. I would definitely be interested in seeing future posts with meal/snack ideas, exercise ideas/tips and other similar posts.
Carrie says
Alexandra, I am so happy you found this link-up! I loved reading your comment and roller skating. I have not skated in years, but I remember the last time I did, it was a blast. I will be posting in the future about the very things you mentioned…working on getting my act together. Hope to see you again!
Theresa Boedeker says
The Lord always has a plan, and it is different than ours. Needing to keep this in mind.
Carrie says
Theresa, yes, it is so true.
Shelley Whittaker says
Hope you have a great week! It definitely feels more spring like here in York. #mischiefandmemories
Carrie says
Thank you for stopping by Shelley! I hope spring is blooming in your area.
Lisa notes says
I love how you share so much of your personal life in your posts, Carrie. I feel like I could sit down with you at our kitchen tables and chat for a long time.
“Interestingly enough…I had a focus of what I thought needed to be restored in my life during 2021, but there is always more. The Lord has plan that is always bigger and different than mine. Isn’t that true for so many of us?” Yes indeed! I look forward to hearing more of your journey next month at what route the Lord is taking you with Restore! Thanks for linking up with us at the One Word linkup. I’m grateful for you.
Carrie says
One of the things I love about blogging is the people who cross our paths. You are one that I would love to sit and have coffee with as well. We never know what the future holds. Maybe it will be here or in eternity. 🙂
Maree Dee says
I love your word for the year. I can see how this word could take you on a journey in so many areas. Thank you for linking up with Grace & Truth Liink-Up.