Simple Joys: Painting and Dancing

 Sometimes joy is found in all the simple things.

 The small things that maybe we take for granted.

 I'm attempting to notice those things more and more. 

Here's a few simple joys we've had around here lately. 

 

I know this one is a bit fuzzy....I still like it though :)

 

 

 

Gorgeous sunsets.

Watching Jonathan and Sadie 'dance'. Yes, she is huge! :)

Turning a summer dress into a multi-layered outfit for a chilly day.

Finally getting to paint the dining room.

Vintage doorknob finds at Hobby Lobby.

My ever growing glass collection. 

(Anyone have suggestions of what I could do with all that glass?)

And wearing Jonathan's hoodies for these cold days. 

And this verse, which has been a comfort to me lately:

"For He Himself is our peace, who made us both one and has broken down in His flesh the dividing wall of hostility,"

Ephesians 2:14

  Just life with the Rodgers, nothing too out of the ordinary or too fancy. But we know we're blessed. In big ways,

in supernatural ways, 

and especially in the simple ways.

Thank you Jesus.

Simple Joys: Sugar Cookies and Strange Kitties

Simple joys around here lately have included:

• Cookies and kitchen time with little Ciara
• Converting a $5.00 garage sale find into a giant chalkboard
• A bit of Christmas glow added to our bedroom
• Cozying up in our nest on the cold days
• And finally, watching the antics of our odd cat. Who, for some reason, has developed a hunting-like obsession for anything with a fuzzy texture. (This has included Ciara's jacket, a purple sock of mine, and also trying to murder the Elmo that we bought Gracie for Christmas.)

Thank you Jesus for all things, all the gifts. 

The hard things, the sweet things, and sometimes, the weird things :)

Simple Joys: Fall Style

 Simple joys for me lately have included:

 1. Expanding birthday cheesecakes, that still tasted just fine, promise :)

2. Fall outfits and shoes. Yay!

 3. The new amazing camera we are borrowing from Dad, it's been my best friend lately (just ask Jonathan....we're tight).

 4. Aaaand finally, learning how to incorporate bokeh into my photography!

ps. There's also something not pictured here that I want to mention. For privacy reasons I can't got into too much detail, but there is a situation in my family that, although it is heartbreaking, is truly beautiful. God is using it to teach us all to trust in His plan and thank Him for even the extremely hard things. And I'm praising Him for all the mercy He's shown us by hearing our prayers! He is always, always good. 

Simple Joys: Coffee and Scribbles

Another Simple Joys post about the little things that have been making me smile lately......

 Drinking all this carmel deliciousness. 

Adding this to said coffee makes it quite satisfying.

Finding this new coffee mug for only $6.00, can't beat that! Oh, and Jonathan got one too ;)

Seeing that our not-so-little-anymore Sadie is growing up. She's my lil' buddy that keeps me company when Jonathan works the dreaded night shift...haha.

Love her eyes! 

Being inspired again to take words and stories (that have been in my head for years) and write them out where I can see them. Writing is dear to my heart and who knows? Maybe a book will come out of all these scribbles ;)

   And finally, working on a little project for a friend of mine. It's not finished just yet but I'm excited to share it on here! 

Good reminder, right? ;) 

Oh, and of course watching our athletes compete in the Olympics. It's been a blast to watch it all. On to week two! 

I hope you let Jesus show You His simple joys today. I know I need to learn the lesson of contentment for sure!

Have a beautiful day :) 

Simple Joys: Tattoos, Playing Dead and A Bug

Sometimes I'll just post about simple joys that I find in the small, everyday things of our life. It'll be mostly pictures that I've taken with my phone so some of them might be lower quality. And my words probably won't be too in-depth. But overall, it's just me putting forth effort to be thankful for all of God's gifts. large or small :) So, here the first of my 'Simple Joys' postings: 

Don't get excited (or worried, Mom ;) I just drew this on my arm for fun. Not permanent, but I do like how it turned out. If I were the tattoo type of person, I'd probably end up getting something like this: 

We went to this place yesterday. And if you're not familiar with this restaurant than I truly feel sorry for you. Why? Because you have no idea what the true definition of a burrito is until you've had one from Chipotle. Seriously. 

 Jonathan went out to mow the yard today and Sadie waited by the door for awhile, hoping he'd return. She really loves Jonathan :) 

And we taught Sadie a new trick, playing dead. She's turning out to be such a good dog. She sure makes us smile a alot! 

And finally, this Praying Mantis that Jonathan spotted today. I don't like bugs, but if I did have a favorite it would be these guys. There's just something about their odd beauty that I like. But I'll admit, I was very creeped out while taking this picture. Just look at those eyes! 

I hope you find your own joy in the simple things today :)