August came and went. School has started and it has taken us a while to find our rhythm. While we haven’t had too many changes, it has been a challenge to make sure we don’t get disconnected from the Internet during a meeting or class. And with that, I haven’t been able to be online as much…and when I do get the chance, it’s a race to reply to messages and do quick tasks. Or I end up trying to do things at the end of the day when my brain no longer functions as well so everything takes twice as long. Anyone else? I know there are bigger problems in the world but sometimes the little things help make those bigger problems better.
If you don’t follow along on IG or FB, here are some snapshots from our month.
The Declutter Community
My decluttering challenge group is still going strong. My new members crushed their goals and made some serious progress in their piles. I’m so proud of them.
Here are some kind words from one of my new decluttering friends (in response to another comment): I saw those Marie Kondo’s [episodes] too. Reading her first book is what got me started decluttering. I was doing pretty well on my own but knew there was a missing link and Voila! I found Joyce. I had a phenomenal first session in August.
I’ve completed the game plan for my personal decluttering for the rest of the year so I can work behind-the-scenes with the feedback of The Declutter Community members to improve our group for 2021.
Work-in-Progress Yard
We didn’t get out to the yard much because of the hazardous air quality from the wildfires. We were able to finally get rid of all the piles since we didn’t cut, pull, chop, or trim for the past 2 weeks. It has helped us to be more intentional about what we want to work on once its better air to breathe since our time in the yard may be limited beyond this point. The weeds between the cracks are already regrown and plants from the neighbors’ yard are back in full force. If only the things we wanted to grow and stay alive would do so! :p
Food + Fun + Friends
Game centerpiece, an idea from my friend Jessica, has been a hit! We’ve always loved to play games but it wasn’t always a first choice of activities since we would have to get them out from the shelves. But having a rotation of games of out has filled in-between times with fun…sometimes for a few minutes and sometimes for longer.
We had our traditional Ice Creamery meal to kick off the new school year with 2 middle schoolers even though it looked a little different this year. We’re still drinking our green smoothies (more on this later).
Celebration
We’ve also had some good distanced/masked birthday gatherings. Mostly even if it’s just to see friends in person has been nice. Mr. Softee was definitely a bonus.
We were surprised to receive news from the other coast through email and a phone call that Melody had won first place in the middle school category in a national essay contest with Leadership LINKS, Inc. “Middle and High School Girls from nine states participated in this contest for our 1st Annual Leadership Essay Contest. They each chose from a selection of writing prompts on the topic of “Becoming a Leader” and what that means to them.” We took part in their virtual 5th-anniversary celebration where they announced the winner. It was encouraging to see people pouring their lives into young girls through mentorship.
ALIVE
Something new that’s happening is that I’m teaming up with my friend who started a nonprofit to equip and encourage K-6 students in the Oakland and Hayward school districts who have been impacted by foster care and homelessness. You can read more HERE.
Repost: There are still lots of hard and challenging and heavy things, bad news each day, people hurting and dying and hating and our soul is burdened. We pray and we press on figure out how to love well in the midst of quarantine and uncertainty. But isn’t there always uncertainty? We never know what the next moment may hold. So we can hold on to hope and that we serve a God of peace.
That’s our August! How was your August? Any highlights?
So some questions I’ve been reflecting on…
- How can we make the most of our current circumstances that may not be ideal?
- What do I need to do to shift my original goals so that I can create some building blocks for a successful rest of the year?
- Where does God want me to be doing His work?
What are some of your reflections on the month of August?
Note: You can find my daily-ish reflections over on IG and FB. Come say hi!