If you’ve been reading my posts you know by now that I’m writing all over the place. It’s been quite a ride already and if you are actually one of those wonderful people faithfully navigating the twists and turns with me, THANK YOU! We exceeded 900 views last week – that’s just crazy talk and I know that’s only possible because of your shares. Please keep it up.

Over here where I live, it’s still hotter than blazes. In Central Florida summer lasts until, I don’t know, late December? Maybe not, but it definitely outlasts its welcome well into November. Don’t get me wrong. I love that I can swing through Dunkin’ Donuts for a pumpkin latte on my way home from the beach. How great is that? In the style of my BFF (in my dreams) Jen Hatmaker, thank you Southern Living magazine for delivering the Fall issue this week. In the name of all that is holy and sacred, how do you people not know what the weather is like in….well, the south? It’s a cruel tease when our air conditioners are cranking at full capacity and if not for the daily thunderstorms every living thing in the lawn would be dry and shriveled. Fall is what happens in Northeastern Indiana. I know this because I have been there and it’s glorious. While I wouldn’t trade for their winter, right about now I’m pining for their fall weather. So thank you from a Florida girl who mostly loves the climate.

Dock on the St. Joe River in Leo, Indiana

Until it cools off enough for spiced cider and lattes, I’m exploring all sorts of cool refreshing beverages. My current favorite is LaCroix Coconut water with a splash of lime. While sweet tea with lots of fresh lemon is my standby, this is a wonderful sugar free alternative. Another new favorite this summer is iced coffee from Chick-fil-A. This treat is worthy of nomination as a comfort food.

On other fronts, I just have brag on God’s faithfulness in the little things. We have a sweet little grandchild who is getting some therapy to help with developmental issues. The therapist was excited about a toy that he really responded to in therapy and recommended it. Unfortunately, it is no longer sold in stores. While it could be located through an online channel, it was expensive. That evening, my daughter shared a picture on her Facebook page, hoping that a friend might have one or see one at a garage sale or resale shop. Early the next morning, someone reached out. There was a brand new post on a local resale board, offering a menagerie of infant toys. And in the midst of them…the very toy that we needed for little guy! So often I want to swoop in and make things happen on my own when often our God, Jehovah-Jireh (literally, the LORD will provide), has already provided. Ask, wait and receive.

Nobody’s Cuter Than These Sweet Things!

My tribe of young moms (I’m obviously the elder) reads a book together every summer. I can’t talk about summer without mentioning this year’s read. It’s a new release by one of our favorite mom bloggers, Melanie Shankle. “Nobody’s Cuter than You” celebrates friendship. We laughed and cried over the honest stories of developing friendships and learning how to be a friend along the way. We give it a big thumbs up.

Last week I wrote about marriage. On a recent weekend Hubby knew I needed a mental health day and he declared that we were going to “look at water” on Saturday. Honestly, the very best thing ever for my soul. It was a little mini vacay and I love him for knowing when I need this.

And finally, you have to see the new movie “War Room”. From the Kendrick Brothers (“Fireproof” and “Courageous”), this one stunned the box office watchers over the weekend with its $11 million debut. I know nothing of Hollywood and critics, but I bawled my eyes out. It is a beautiful story of mentoring and the power of prayer…two of my favorite things. My favorite line? “Submission is ducking so God can hit your husband.”