❤️ Lil Treasures #53: Small Business Love and a Thank You
A short but sweet Lil Treasures this week: we are halfway through our quarantine and all my time is going to breaking up sibling fights and setting screen timers. But I would be remiss if I did not at least mention how grateful I am for all of you who show up here: whether you drop in every week, you’re a sporadic commenter, or you lurk in love, what you have built here is nothing short of wonderful. There have been weeks this year when knowing you would be here got me out of bed. So thank you. You never cease to make me laugh or think (sometimes both), and I can always count on you to bring the goods. And if it’s too hard for you one week, someone else is always there to fill in until you’re ready to come back. Thank you for the ways you’ve encouraged me this year: even just watching your conversations with one another is the absolute delight of my heart. Just…thank you.
Okay enough of that. Let’s get to treasures.
🎁 I’m trying to shop locally as much as possible right now in light of the dumpster fire of a year it’s been for everyone - but especially small businesses! Many of you so graciously sent me some excellent recommendations of small businesses that you love in your area or online. This calls for a beautifully organized spreadsheet, just in time for the biggest shopping week of the year. Shop here to support small businesses across the country! And remember that We’ve Got You Club is still active, if you’re looking for a place to give back or stick up a hand!
🎄 My friend Bethany Barr Phillips just came out with a new single called “Heaven & Nature Sing” that is SO BEAUTIFUL and should definitely be added to your Advent season playlist. She also released an Advent Worship Devotional if you’re looking for another great Advent resource!
🕯 Another great Advent choice is Sarah Bessey’s meditations on her newsletter. I’m a subscriber to Sarah’s paid version, and it’s worth every penny. Other Advent resources I love are in previous volumes of the newsletter: just scroll on down!
😍 This video of a complete and total review of all things Zac Efron is the kind of dedication I’m looking for.
Let’s do the tweets!
Let me be clear: I am pro-Diana, but this is just a good tweet:
Have a great weekend, pals! I’ll see you in the comments!
Because I am still waiting for my middle of the night Melatonin (that I took at 6am) to kick in,
I heard my phone ding with the newsletter gracing my inbox! I have been lurking for several weeks. It’s fine. I’m fine. Tbh, I’m toes in to a new time in my life where I’m leaving a season of hardship and pain, (physical hardship and pain, two foot surgeries in 6 months, knee scooters, 😱) and taking some walking boot-free steps into becoming stronger. After I was foot hardware free, it’s like my back became ferociously angry word me for trying to walk normally and the sciatic pain has been really rough. But it forced me to think: I’m done being a victim to this granny body of mine and I’m going to do something about it.
I reached out to a PT friend and got stretches to do twice a day. I reached out to a high school friend who does personal training and I’m meeting with her twice a week. We aren’t doing anything super hard, just trying to ease me into fitness and away from months and months of seeing how big a dent my arse could make in my couch. It’s slow progress, but the pain is getting better and my hope is coming back and bringing some joy with it. I even bought an Air Fryer so I can eat at home more. I DON’T KNOW WHO I AM! But in the best way possible. And the best part of this whole working to get better thing is that for the first time in a long time, I can see Jesus reaching for me. He’s reacquainting me to his presence. To feeling his love and being ok with it— being grateful for it. I’m seeing the gifts, as Ann Voskamp would say. And I’m so happy that I had Treasures to share today and not just turds. They are still there, those turds. But I’m stepping purposefully into a place where, for the first time in a long time, the turds aren’t all I see. 🙌🏻 Love to you all!
Couldn’t have said it better myself, Erin. This community is such a bright light. Who knew just how much we’d all need each other - this eclectic group of Internet strangers. Superfans of all of you. 💗
And my other treasures from this week:
⭐️ My husband & I spent a few days away earlier this week in the middle of nowhere PA in the sweetest little Airbnb cabin. His parents took our two boys - praise the Lord for grandparents in our bubble. The timing couldn’t have been better. I was so burnt out, you guys. Like, the day before we left, I was so tired that I felt ill (which is, you know, NEVER NOT ANXIETY-PRODUCING THESE DAYS), and I disappeared upstairs to nap in the middle of both my sons melting, leaving my husband to his own devices. 😂 We do our best. And then sometimes the best we can do is nap.
Anyway, the cabin was so wonderful. I read a whole book from start to finish (“My Name is Lucy Barton” by Elizabeth Strout). We caught up on GBBO, & then binged The Queen’s Gambit (loved it). We walked around in the woods & built a fire in the firepit. We haven’t gone away, just the two of us (without friends or an event to attend) since before our first son was born, so this was lovely.
Of course, a few days away doesn’t cure everything, but it sure was a good reminder to be more intentional about rest. Also, (spicy take?) give me the mountains over the beach any day.
⭐️ Ummm, The Bachelorette?!? Tayshia is a delight. The Popcast recaps are a delight. It’s just been an all-around good time.
⭐️ The one-year-old is starting to choose walking over crawling and my heart just about can’t take it. He’s so cute, you guys. I know I’m biased, but gah. It’s a good thing too, cuz he’s getting molars, and well... it’s a situation. 😂
⭐️ My husband’s Christmas gift to me that I was totally not in the middle of purchasing when I asked if it could be my Christmas gift is a ticket to Penny & Sparrow’s “Neat Christmas Party” and this adorable campfire mug: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2298/5625/products/ChristmasMug_280x420.jpg?v=1605124722
That’s about it for this week. Again, grateful times a million for you all. Can’t wait to dive into the comments later! 💗
PS - prayers for you & your fam, Erin, as you finish up quarantine!