Why Simple Days Are Often the Best Times

We didn’t do anything extraordinary over Labor Day weekend, but I’m sentimental so simple days are often the best times in my book.

I tend to file away every memorable nugget for safekeeping.

“Isn’t this wonderful? We’re making a memory!”

It’s somewhat of a running joke in our family.

Last Friday, I mentioned how I looked forward to some much-needed R&R. Because of our daughter’s tennis season and various commitments piling up, time constraints are tight. Downtime is a luxury just now so when it’s available we fully appreciate it.

If you’re a frequent visitor here, of course you know that comfort food is a huge part of our lives. (You can’t live in the Ozarks without it. It’s against the law. Or something.)

We kicked off the holiday with a little banana nut bread—our daughter’s first attempt—and I must say, it turned out beautifully!

And guess what? As she creamed together the eggs, butter, and vanilla… I discovered I was out of baking soda. Oops.

I prayed during the entire baking process. Teenage girls have the tendency to wear their hearts on their sleeves and heartbreak (especially) in the kitchen is not a pretty sight.

The good news?

The lack of baking soda didn’t even matter! I did have baking powder so the baking soda wasn’t even missed. Since the two have different properties, I wasn’t sure how the banana bread would turn out.

Well, blessedly, the banana bread was not only a feast for the eyes and a treat for our noses. It tasted deelish, too! (Daughter was particularly proud that the additional walnuts were ones she’d hammered out from our very own walnut trees.)

Hubby congratulated DD on her success and then it was Mama’s turn. I turned up the heat a notch with some nice smoky brats, barbecued baked beans, and pasta salad. We topped that off with a sweet seedless watermelon. Yum!

Simple days. But the best times.

Also on tap for the weekend were some household tasks and a few cleaning projects.

I managed to squeeze in a little writing time, too.

We then topped off the holiday with God’s Not Dead, a Christian-based movie starring Kevin Sorbo and several other notable actors.

Kevin Sorbo plays an atheist college professor who demands his students sign the declaration “God Is Dead” to receive a passing grade. One student refuses to do this, thus setting up the conflict for the movie.

Though this movie has been widely panned by the critics (as so often is the case with Christian-oriented material), our family liked it and found the message powerful.

It’s always curious to me when critics throw rotten tomatoes at wholesome and uplifting movies, yet glamorize curse-laden content.

And a side note… Monday night I tweeted how much our family enjoyed God’s Not Dead. Within moments, I had tweets from folks who were combative and wanted to argue.

I didn’t respond and I immediately blocked them—not because I’m not up to the challenge (because I will forever defend my faith.)

However, sadly, I’ve learned there are folks who simply have an agenda and really care nothing about the issue at hand.

Watch the movie, friends.

It’ll make you think.

What’s portrayed as fiction is already on our doorstep. Things are happening in this country that we said would never happen.

As a Christian I want to share the love of Jesus. It’s disheartening when that’s rejected, but because God grants free will, you get to choose.

Moving on…

I recently finished reading Ozark Sweetheart, a delightful début novel by Helen Gray. Helen is a native Missourian and fellow ACFW member who weaves a poignant, romantic tale set during the Great Depression.

Helen’s story-crafting and attention to detail shine as she brings Callie and Trace’s story to life. This book is the first in a series and my rating is 4 1/2 out of 5 stars. Well done, Helen!

I’m now reading Miracle in a Dry Season by Sarah Loudin Thomas. I’ll post a review later this month and host a giveaway. Fun!

And now, some mid-week encouragement:

Getting through a Creative Dry Spell via Mary G. Keeley

How’s Work? Setting Goals to be an Author. You Can Do It! via Jamie Chavez

And a reminder from me… Forget Mediocre. You Are Extraordinary!

Here’s to sunny, simple days.

The best times.

Cheers!

*clink*

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Life isn’t about wasting time on doing more.  Here’s the simple truth.

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What are your favorite family memories?

What simple things in life do you appreciate the most?

Blessings Always,