Tuesday Talk...a heart condition

 

Happy Tuesday, friends! Welcome to my Tuesday Talk post...it's been a while since I've gone deep, so settle in today, because I have something to share. 

Because I was away this weekend, I got behind in my Bible reading plan, so as I got dressed for work yesterday, I listened and got caught up again. Yes, I listen to the Bible being read to me; it's life changing! I'm kind of between books in the Bible right now, and am flipping between 1 Chronicles, 2 Samuel, and Psalms. It was in the reading of Psalm 73 that I was literally stopped in my tracks. I'm going to share the part that made me draw in a breath.

Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. I was so foolish and ignorant—I must have seemed like a senseless animal to You. Yet I still belong to You; You hold my right hand. You guide me with Your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in heaven but You? I desire You more than anything on earth. My health my fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever. Those who desert Him will perish, for You destroy those who abandon You. But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign LORD my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do. (Psalm 73:21-28)

This is a Psalm written by Asaph; many things could have been happening as he wrote this, but it's definitely a Psalm that was written out of bitterness. He was struggling at the time that this was written, and he was bitter towards God. That bitterness was probably the result of a deep wound, but that's what he wrote this out of. And it dawned on me that I don't want to be like Asaph was at the beginning of this Psalm. His proximity to God dictated how he viewed things; he was very self focused. 

And that's where this whole post idea comes from today. I have been like this recently. I don't want to write one more word about my life prior to the finality of my divorce last year, but in that year's time, I have taken my eyes off of God. I don't really know how or when this happened, but it was probably a slight shift in perspective. And this is where it becomes a very slippery slope. I'm not saying that what I've shared here isn't validated, but enough is enough. I want my focus to be off of myself from now on, and I want to be focused solely on the Lord (and all the good things I have going on in my life, all thanks to Him!). As Tara Leigh Cobble stated in yesterday's podcast, proximity gives us perspective, but the opposite is true. This is me starting fresh with my eyes fixed dead ahead.

So once again, I'm done sharing negative things here. I know I don't always share posts like that, but I have changed and I feel like I've lost a little of myself. This is me hanging on by a thread and fighting my way back. I know that the Lord has had His hand on me, and I know He will continue as I walk forward starting today. Right now. On another note that's also a little bit tied in with all this maybe is that I have made a very difficult decision, and I put words to it yesterday to back it up so that I don't change my mind again. 

I've decided to start visiting other churches. I resigned from the praise team at church, and when I emailed this to my friend and worship pastor Joshua, he immediately called me while I was still at work. I texted that I'd call him back later, and I did. I wanted to make sure he knew where my heart was in this, and it's not that anything happened to make this seem like a last minute decision. It's something I've been wrestling with for months and months, and I've been back and forth. It's based on the memories that I have there of being a family in that church. Though part of those are wonderful, it's very painful for me. I'm tired of running into people who ask me things about the demise of my marriage, and who lament with me. As sweet as that gesture is, it's exhausting, and it's prohibited me from fully moving on. 

I won't be out of my church all at once; this will be gradual, but I think I may start looking this weekend. There are two that I have in mind that I want to visit, even if I go alone. I'm okay with this! I assured Joshua that I would be in and out as these weeks go by. More than anything, I feel so excited about this much needed change in my life! I want you to be excited with me and for me...I don't consider this a sad thing at all, but just another necessary move due to this new life that I'm living. So many other things have changed...what's one more? 

Alright well, this is where I would love for you to chime in. Please feel free to leave me honest opinions here! I welcome them all; I'll also reiterate for the thousandth time how much I love my family and am thankful for them. I need truth spoken to me! Thanks for reading here today, friends. I'll see you back here tomorrow for the Hodgepodge. Love to all!

Jenn 

Hello, Monday (4.27.2026)

 

Happy Monday, friends! I hope you had a great weekend! I can't wait to hear from you at the end of today's post. I'm linking up with Holly and Sarah for today's blog post. I'll jump right in, starting with Friday. 

I was all packed and ready to go by seven thirty Friday morning! The plan was that I was going to meet him at my house right after work; we would leave from my house together, drop Reese off with his friend for the weekend, and leave. And that's what we did! 

And a couple of hours later, we arrived! We stopped to take pictures first, then we went to our cabin to drop things off before dinner. 

Look at our adorable tiny cabin! It was essentially one room with a tiny bathroom/shower, but it was all we needed for a two night stay. We walked to dinner from the cabin so that we could stretch our legs. He ordered catfish, and I ordered some Monterey Jack chicken that was smothered with mushrooms. It was amazing! We had leftovers to take back with us.

On Saturday we found a cute little breakfast place with a view.

We used his phone for pictures all weekend; he has a Samsung (which I hate) with the best camera. That feature on the iPhone is terrible! After this we explored the area and walked around a bunch. The town of Tiptonville, where the lake is located, is very small and widely known as a fishing community. Everything there is geared for fisherman; never in my life have I seen so many men in one place! 🤣

We had dinner reservations at the Blue Bank Lodge that night. It was both beautiful and delicious! 

After dinner we walked around a bit before sitting at a table to watch the sunset. Aren't these cypress trees amazing? They're known for these roots that grow in the water like this. It was such a sweet, romantic night, and I wouldn't have wanted to be there with anyone else in the world. 

We got ice cream from the DQ after our walk, then we called it a night and went back to our cabin. We were up and at 'em pretty early Sunday. We packed it all up and headed home so we could get Reese from his friend, and so that we could both be home at a reasonable time so we could get ready for the work week. 

One last picture in front of our tiny cabin, then we headed home. 

So here's an honest recap of the weekend: It was fun! We definitely had our highs and lows, though. After almost two weeks of not seeing each other much, it almost felt a little awkward at first. We're not used to being together for two straight days in a row, either, so there's that. I feel like he saw me at my best and at my worst (when I was grumpy and hangry). Here's the thing about him that I love, though: he is patient, kind, loving, and gentle. He doesn't speak when we're irritated at each other, because he refuses to be tempted to say something he would later regret. I love his gentleness and the way that he handles my moods. He is calm and he is steady. And I love that he makes me laugh right when I need the most. I think I love that the most. 

I'm glad we had the chance to do this together; I look forward to doing it again sometime this summer! Thanks for reading my blog today, friends. Love to all. 

Jenn 

Share 4 Somethings--April 2026

 

Happy Saturday, friends! I'm so glad you're here today; thanks for linking up with me again this month! Today we're here to talk about something we loved, something that sustained us, something we're carrying forward from this month to the next, and something we're making space for. I'll jump right in!

I loved so many things about April!

I loved sunsets and sunrises...

I loved celebrating Drew turning 26!

I loved dining al fresco as much as possible...

I loved that Noah moved home...

And I loved that I got to start seeing his car in the driveway again! 

It's been a very full and busy month at work! Something that sustained me during April were the days when I was able to share laughter with my beloved coworkers and friends. 

And this Diet Coke from McDonald's helped, too. 

Something I'm carrying forward from this month to next is this feeling that I have right now, prayerfully. I've had a great week and I'm hopeful that it continues; not just the week, but this feeling. I have so many things to be grateful for that I don't want that to ever be lost on me. 

I have so many things to look forward to, as well, so remembering that helps! 

Something I'm making space for is time with the people I love. I feel like I've said this same thing every month, but I really do want to be intentional with my time. Things are changing some in May; Chris is starting the new job that he originally turned down, so I won't see him nearly as much. I'd like to have more nights with the four of my sons in the same place at the same time. I'd love to have more plans with friends, but maybe in my home? I'm hopeful that it will happen next month. 

Thanks for linking up today! I'll see you back here on Monday. 

Jenn

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Friday Favorites, 4.24.2026.

 

Happy Friday, friends! How's your week been? I hope it's been good; mine has passed by more quickly that I had thought it would. I'm glad for that! One never knows how fast/slow a week will pass with testing like we've had. I can't say that I'm looking forward to the additional four days next week, but I won't think about that now. I am so glad it's the weekend officially! I can't wait to meet up with Chris after work and then leave town for a weekend getaway. I hope this is the first of many for us! 

Here are a few of my favorites from the week...

My new favorite home away from home, also known as Marilyn's. I've stopped by there several times this week on my way home! I love that we're so close to each other now. 

The new Ella Langley album that released a week ago is my favorite music to listen to right now. I love her voice, and every song is gold! This one is a favorite, though...Butterfly Seasons.

Mexican and margaritas with Kendra Sunday night was a favorite! It had been way too long since we've had a good catch up session. 

New nails are always a favorite! I went back to an old favorite: Let's Be Friends by OPI.

My sweet friend and coworker brought me this sourdough breakfast sandwich from Dunkin Donuts on Tuesday; this was a favorite, delicious treat! 

Another sweet friend and coworker brought us both Diet Cokes from McDonald's on Wednesday! Is this a favorite for any of you? Their soft drinks are the most crisp! Also, how fortunate am I to work with such amazing people? I love that we try to do this kind of thing often for each other. We all seem to take turns. 

I think my favorite work outfit so far this week was the pink striped button down outfit. 

Sitting all cozied up next to this one is always a favorite. His ideas to take pictures with me will forever and always be a favorite! I love that he always makes plans to do this kind of thing with me, and that he knows we always need to take several. 

My sweet friend and coworker Heather gave me this adorable little knitted "plant" this week. How cute is this? I love having things like this at work that make me smile; the kiddos love it as well! I love that Heather knows that hearts are my favorite. 

My after work pedicure was a favorite yesterday; it felt so good that I fell asleep in the chair! I love this bright red; it's Big Apple Energy by OPI. 

Seeing my precious little first grade friend yesterday morning was my favorite! I haven't seen sweet little B all week, due to state testing and a wonky schedule. 

Last but not least, this is my favorite spot to sit while I sit and talk to Marilyn every morning before I go to work. I'm so thankful for her friendship and that she never minds my 7:30 a.m. phone calls. 🤣

What was a favorite of yours from the week? I'd love to hear from you! Thanks for reading my blog today, friends. I'll see you back here soon! Love to all!

Jenn 

P.S. Just a reminder that tomorrow is the Share 4 Somethings link up!