Lately it seems, everywhere I look there is pain. My heart hurts for friends who just want to bring their baby girl home from the hospital, friends who had a massive scare last week and thought their son had leukemia, friends who are on their way to UCLA for a long stay and other friends who said good-bye to a beloved dad and husband. And that’s just within the last week. So much heartache. We have ours. Those close to us seem to be suffering more than usual. You might be struggling too.
And I look around and I see beauty. I see blessings. I see actual, real-life joy. It seems impossible, but there it is. God is at work even in the muck and yuck. Today I don’t feel happy, but I still believe there is good. I believe there is beauty to be found. It’s a new week, how about some hellos?
***Hello Monday is where I greet the new week with an open heart and a fresh perspective. It’s a new beginning–and there’s so much to be thankful for! Join me by leaving your own hellos in the comments section or linking up a hello monday post there!***
Hello praying, more than I usually do. And that’s a good thing. It’s good to need God.
Hello giving myself permission to feel sad and not have it all together. It’s real.
Hello making dinner for friends and loving them while they are recovering from a rough season.
Hello working out. It’s good for me. I feel better when I’m done.
Hello creating and sketching. I have some fun things to share this week!
Hello packing for the Dominican Republic. Next week we’ll be there with Compassion International. I can’t wait to tell you more.
Hello hugging and cuddling and sipping chai lattes and doing things that comfort me.
Hello tidying up my desk at work. Um, it’s a train wreck!
Hello thrifting. I’m on the hunt for inspiration.
Hello to YOU. I hope you are feeling joyful and whole. It’s a new week, leave some hellos in the comments or link your own hello monday post there!
Prayers lifted for you as you continue to spread much needed light and hope. Your writing is so honest, so beautiful, so touching! Infinite blessings to you and yours!
Hugging, snuggling and sipping chai lattes. My love language. Praying for you and your family this afternoon.
Thank you! I’m so grateful! xx
So much beauty.
Have fun in the D.R. Our two compassion kids are there, so I’ll be watching closely to see if I spy them in your photos.
We’re hopeful to someday meet them. Praise God for the work He is doing through Compassion, and Praise God for the work He is doing through you. Hugs!
Hello denise! If you email me and tell me there names and which center, I’ll try to hug them for you and get some pics! [email protected]
Hello Lisa. Keeping you and yours in my thoughts and prayers. You have beautiful perspective.
My hellos:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Long-Island-Trading-Post/613352772128957?sk=info&tab=overview
Hang in there.
Thank you Erin. sending you a big hug. xx
Just sat down with a cup of coffee and to check my email and there was my Lisa Leonard Design email. I enjoy reading your blog. Today’s post touched me as I woke with the exact same thought. Life is a struggle, but there is good to be found if you look for it. Thanks for the Monday morning guidance and perspective.
There is so much good. I’m looking and i’m finding it! xoxo
Lisa…hello to you and sending good thoughts with all the realness of what the week is for those in pain, and those like you who can comfort with small joys. Glad to hear you are taking care of yourself and in turn, taking care of others…friends in need. That is a great thing…hope this week you feel strong and able… xxoo Jen
http://earthangelstoys.blogspot.com/2015/02/hello-monday-and-hello-homegirl-akawhat.html
Thank you Jen! Hope you have a fab week. Wish we were heading your way this spring. xoxo
Hello, and thinking of you, and your friends having a tough time. I read all your posts, but don’t usually leave comments.
Thinking of you whilst walking around ‘Abraham Lincoln’s ancestors former village in the UK. We even have a ‘Bust’ of him in the church, where I will offer up a prayer.
Thank you Lottie! Sending you hugs all the way to the UK. xx
Yes, life is so full of sadness and heartbreak but thankfully our God is there in the midst of it all holding us up with His strong arm. Blessings abundant to you this week as you and your family travel. May you be blessed! I’m linking up over at http://www.ciciscorner.com
Thank you Lea! xoxo
Wish I could hug you right now, Lisa. I feel like those heartbreaking parts of life come all at once too. Nature can remind me that there is still joy (and maybe babies) probably faster than anything else, but just knowing that this isn’t home… our eternity won’t look like this… man, that’s comforting to me. Prayers for you today.
Saying hello to painted nails, time with sweet friends (even though I’m feeling super introverted), figuring out the spring line and a flash sale this week: http://happylittlelovelies.com/2015/02/09/hello-monday-friends-painted-nails-a-spring-line-and-a-flash-sale/
I long for eternity too! Hugs to you Dana! xx