5 Friday Favorites: December 15, 2023

It's time for my Friday link up with  A Little Bit of Everything and Momfessionals. 

On Fridays I share things that made me happy from the week - a photo, a song, a quote, a beauty product, a recipe, a pair of cute shoes, etc. If it's a product, sometimes it's something I actually own and sometimes something I just saw online that gave me a smile. Sometimes it's serious and sometimes it's silly. I suppose I believe that God is in the simple details of life and yes, I can even find Him in a tube of lipstick.  

I've been in Texas this week because I have to attend my fourth funeral this year. My mom's brother, my wonderful, funny, generous and gracious Uncle Tom, passed away. We are here to celebrate his amazing life. It will be a beautiful time to be with my family once again, but still, this is what I have to say to 2023:

I guess there are always some things that aren't the absolute worst and I had to try really hard this week, but I got some. Here we go.

1. Fine'ry Body Mist in Sun Phoria

I've spent the entire week with my sister which is a major bonus and she had this body mist fragrance spray which I have hijacked from her. It's from Target, is only $15ish  and smells amazing. 

2. Margaritas from Velvet Taco

I had never heard of Velvet Taco, but my sister and I grabbed dinner from there the other night and the margaritas were FIRE. In full disclosure, we thought we would just split one, but then we went back for two more. We also recommend the Flank Steak tacos.

3. I've Always Loved You by Third Day

I was having a hard time believing Jesus was paying attention to me the other day, so my husband sent me this song which he knows is one of my favorite songs by the Christian rock band, Third Day. It's the truest thing and I needed the reminder. He has always loved me. Even before there was time.

4. The Joy of Funerals by Alix Strauss

I heard Kelly Corrigan read a passage from this book on her podcast the day I heard that my uncle had passed away. This passage is from a story of a woman who attends funerals of people she does not know in an effort to find connection. Sounds weird, but I suppose if I'm going to go to so many, I should try to find out what God might be trying to teach me through each one. This quote from the passage got me.

"Mostly I'm envious of sisters who sit so close together, they look as if they are trying to become one body - a mush of memories and history congealed like a thin strand of popcorn hung purposely on a Christmas tree."

I will sit by my sister again this weekend and mush our memories together. There is always beauty in the ashes.

5. Another Quote that I found Helpful

I feel very ill-equipped and quite shocked at the load that this season of my life has required me to bear. It's a little foolish of me. And I suppose, fairly selfish. Everyone warns you how hard it is to manage the onslaught of needs that come with aging parents just as your kids leave home. I keep reminding myself that so many others have and are doing this. I was not adequately prepared for it. And I'm fumbling around trying to make sense of everything with this look on my face most of the time:

There is some deep and highly delusional thought in my head that makes me think I should be able to go back in time and/or leap over this season of life and avoid all the pain and anxiety it is causing. I feel like I'm consistently whispering/yelling "God, I cannot do this. I am not capable of this. I don't know how You think I can do this. If You could have consulted me first, I would have told You a better way, 'kay?" 

Then just recently I came across a quote. I don't know where it was - could've been TikTok or Instagram or maybe someone said it to me? Anyway it was this:

"Sometimes the most skillful thing to do is to recognize that this is just how it is right now."

It's not very heartwarming or encouraging, but it is the truth. I can't escape hardship. Jesus told me straight up that in this world I would have trouble. So I guess I'll keep walking forward trying to remember that He does not end with those words. The entirety of the verse from The Message translation says this:

Jesus answered them, “Do you finally believe? In fact, you’re about to make a run for it—saving your own skins and abandoning me. But I’m not abandoned. The Father is with me. I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.”

Have a blessed weekend, friends. Take heart.

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