August 2016 Favorites

I thought it would be fun if I took a moment each month to let you know what things are currently striking my fancy, so here goes the August installment! Current favorites:

Book: Anne of Green Gables and Anne of Avonlea, by L.M. Montgomery. I read these books when I was younger and held onto my copies of them, thinking I might reread them or pass them on. I'm so glad I picked them back up this month. I love the sweetness and innocence of Anne, coupled with her quirks. I identify with certain aspects of her personality and like getting a look into life during a different era. Definitely a classic.

Song: Keep Your Head Up by Andy Grammer. I've had this song on my running playlist for a long time, and it always encourages me to keep going. But I also have come to appreciate the motivation when my plate is overflowing with to-do lists, tasks, plans, and chaos.

I've been waiting on a sunset Bills on my mindset I can't deny they're getting high Higher than my income, income's bread crumbs I've been trying to survive The glow that sun gets right around sunset helps me to realize This is just a journey Drop your worries, you are gonna turn out fine You'll turn out fine Fine, oh, you'll turn out fine...

But, you gotta keep your head up And you can let your hair down But, you gotta keep your head up And you can let your hair down

I got my hands in my pockets kicking these rocks It's kinda hard to watch this life go by I'm buying into skeptics Skeptics mess with the confidence in my eyes I'm seeing all the angles thoughts get tangled I start to compromise my life and my purpose Is it all worth it? Am I gonna turn out fine? Oh oh, you turn out fine Fine, oh oh you turn out fine

But, you gotta keep your head up And you can let your hair down But, you gotta keep your head up And you can let your hair down

Only rainbows after rain The sun will always come again and It's a circle, circling around again It comes around

But, you gotta keep your head up And you can let your hair down But, you gotta keep your head up And you can let your hair down

Verse: Isaiah 40: 29-31: "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." I've always loved this verse (I may have already included it in a Favorites post, but it warrants another one!), at least since high school. But especially in this season of chaotic running from one thing to another, draining myself of all my strength and energy, I love the reminder that I don't have to do it all myself; I can lean upon God and rely on His strength to accomplish all that is before me, climbing mountains and soaring above obstacles.

Food: I've been eating a lot of quick meals lately since we've been so busy with moving prep, but I made some tasty pita bread and have been loving nighttime snacks of stovetop popcorn and trail mix (especially when I find discounted nuts in the bulk section at HyVee!).

Blog: Avocado a Day Nutrition by Rachael Hartley. I stumbled upon this blog this summer, and I've really enjoyed reading more about health, nutrition, and food. I like Rachael's approach to mindfulness and intuitive eating, and her posts are upbeat, knowledgeable, and relatable.

Memory from this month: This past month has been full of preparations for moving, but the best part was an extended family get-together that my grandparents hosted. I didn't know until a couple days before that it was a housewarming party for Jackie and me. It was so sweet! And of course, it was really good just to spend time with family, giving myself a break from the chaos of moving and packing plans.

Now it's your turn. What are some of your favorite things? I'd love to hear them!