In the New Normal::Lessons from Lil Man and Dabee

He calls Dabee, 'Bubbee' lol

April 28th was my 5 month marker for adapting to our new normal. It has me looking around at all that has been changing. How much smoother the transition is occurring. Embracing the slow flow and constant rest. My heart lens has focused on the sweetest change lately. Our grandson has latched on to David.

I love watching Lil Man and Dabee together. He can hold a two way conversation now. He even lets us know when we aren't understanding him correctly. He still doesn't speak all clearly. Watching them helps me to learn new things about communication.

I'm seeing how Lil Man can best understand us - hand motions with words for example.
I'm learning a new side of David. An attentiveness and slowing when he's with Lil Man.

I see them both giving the time and paying attention to each other on purpose. The gift is sweetness. Their bond is rooted in accepting each other right where they are at.

Yes, indeed. I am learning life lessons from a soon to be 3-year old and my 'becoming' hubby.

Any sweet changes going on in your tribe? I'd love to hear about it and connect with you.

Hugs across the ocean,
Jeri

Too big for his car. Time to go shopping.

Joining in with a few friends today. Come on over ...

You're invited to join me, my sweet friend Holley

and a few other ladies for coffee every Wednesday.

Sometimes I stop by a day or two later *blush*

Come have coffee with Bonnie over at her place

 For a good 'shot' of Faith. 

She starts on Thursdays and pours all week long.

Come and join me with Jen over at I Believe in Love once a month my wonderful friend Jenn from StudioJRU comes over too

'Gasa-Gasa' to Slow Flow

We use a Japanese slang here in Hawaii, gasa gasa. Usually, it is said of a child who can't keep still. Sometimes, in someone who tries to do much. I guess it could mean overactive and rushing.

Well, all the above would completely describe me from childhood until about 8 years ago. My health changed and my lifestyle was forced to 'slow flow'.

My family regularly hears me say ~ slow down and breathe, be mindful, close your eyes and stop for a minute.

I am now so into encouraging everyone to pause and breathe deeply. Only because as I practice the slowing to pause, I realize its total goodness. Seeing what I might not have if on the move. Taking notice of things and people around me. In the mindfulness, moments are thoroughly processed and gratitude celebrated.

It is so relaxing and refreshing there. We are worth that goodness.

First my body was forced to. But as I settled into the forced rest with Jesus, I learned a new rhythm. My mind was eased. My soul soothed.

This journey has become and adventure with God. The treasures discovered are joys and wonders in my everydayness. I truly pray the same and more for you.

Hugs from Hawaii,
Jeri


Thursdays are for coffee and jamming with Bonnie.

Onward Ho :: Springing Forward

We are 3.5 months into our new normal.

The patterns are becoming familiar. Yet, new challenges arise in between the ones we settle into. We have found that an 'onward ho' attitude keeps us nourished and encouraged.

We're taking lots of white space breaks in-between to refresh for the next challenge. It really helps us to process through and renew.

Team work is challenging, but as long as we move forward together the mistakes and falters will help us find our flow.

We have people who surrounding us, listening through and lifting us. It's humbling to reach out and learn to need others. We are grateful.

May we all spring forward 

knowing that we are permitted balanced down time. 

May we also surround ourselves 

with ones, even just one, who will listen through and lift us.

Know that we are on this adventure with you in prayers, love, and constant remembrance. 

Hugs from Hawaii,
Jeri


2 Peter 3:14 ~ Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all sideshow distractions.
Watch your step, and the road will stretch out smooth before you.

Psalm 23:1-3 ~ God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.

Isaiah 45:2 ~ I'll go ahead of you, clearing and paving the road.

You're invited to join me, my sweet friend/life coach Holley

and a few other ladies for coffee every Wednesday.

Where I Belong ~ PhotoJournal {video}

The day before Thanksgiving I was diagnosed with Thalassemia Alpha (a blood disorder). A firm diagnosis after 7 years of not knowing.

The past few months have been a mix of emotions and thoughts. Slowly, praise and gratitude resonate for the answers that now explain lifelong symptoms.

We have navigated very choppy waters in our ocean of life changes.

This month, I can feel God anchoring me into my new normal.
My word to help me navigate smoothly is {be}:: Be in response to God for my moments needs.

I can now joyfully invite you, to join with me, in celebrating the life I can live. I pray you begin to celebrate yours as well.

Psalm 118:24 speaks to me that God has made this day too. Joys or chaos. So let us find something/someone to celebrate!


Hugs from Hawaii, 

Jeri

Music by Jenny Simmons - Where I belong

On Thursdays I Join Barista Bonnie where she brews up shots of faith. Come share a cup.