It’s hard to believe we’re getting close to the end of May already! Despite the weirdness of the last couple of months, time has been flying in. It’s time to join with Heather Gerwing and friends once again for Share Four Somethings.
Something Loved
One of the hardest things about lockdown for me has been the limitation on outdoor exercise. In normal life, I walk a lot, so six weeks of being limited to an hour a day was tough.
One of the best presents I received on my birthday this month was the announcement that, as of the next day, the limit was being removed.
Over the last week or so, I have made the most of it. I was meant to be spending a few days in Austria, and, while it’s not quite the same as visiting the Austrian hills, I am fortunate to have quite a few hills within walking distance, so my goal has been to explore them all!
I am blessed to have so many beautiful places to walk nearby and I have loved discovering some new walks that I definitely want to do again!
Something Read
I had been wanting to read this book for a while. A friend had recommended it as their top book of 2019, so it had a lot to live up to, but I’m almost certain it will make my top 10 at the end of 2020. (I choose a top ten in no particular order as it’s much too difficult to compare different types of books.)
It’s an interesting book to read at a time when much of the normal hurry has been ruthlessly eliminated in such an extreme way, but surely this is a good opportunity to stop and evaluate life.
John Mark Comer gets to the point quickly, describing hurry as “the great enemy of spiritual life”. He explores the “history of speed” (how the pace of life has got faster and faster) and looks at some of the consequences for our emotional, mental and spiritual health.
Then he moves on to look for answers. His conclusion:
“The solution to an overbusy life is not more time. It’s to slow down and simplify our lives around what really matters.”
He points us to the example of Jesus to look at how to do this, as well as sharing some practical advice, and his own experience of practices such as solitude, silence and simplifying that have helped him to live a less hurried life.
It is a great book – full of wisdom, and very thought-provoking. It was this book that began the train of thought that led to this blog post and helped me gain a fresh perspective on a challenge I was struggling with during this time.
You can find The Ruthless Elimination Of Hurry on Amazon at these links: UK, US, and, at the time of posting, it is on special offer on Kindle – just £0.99 or $1.00!
Something Treasured
As I mentioned, it was my birthday this month. A lockdown birthday was always going to be different, but it was a lovely day with lots of cake, flowers, cards, and time with family and friends through the magic of Zoom!
Something Ahead
I feel the uncertainty over what lies ahead has only increased over the last couple of months, and, honestly, trying to look too far ahead scares me right now, but I am hopeful of something positive to look forward to in the next week or so.
There’s a good possibility that on Thursday we’ll take the next baby step towards easing the lockdown restrictions, which will mean we are allowed to meet with someone from another household as long as it’s outside and we keep a two metre distance, so I’m really hoping I can have a short visit with family next weekend.
And, as for looking further ahead, I’ve begun re-reading one of my favourite books of all time – The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom, and as always I’m comforted by her words.
I love the description of a childhood conversation with her father when, on experiencing death in the family for the first time, she became overwhelmed with fear that her father would die.
“Corrie,” he began gently, “when you and I go to Amsterdam – when do I give you your ticket?”
“Why, just before we get on the train.”
“Exactly. And our wise Father in heaven knows when we’re going to need things too. Don’t run ahead of him, Corrie. When the time comes that some of us will have to die, you will look into your heart and find the strength you need – just in time.”
How has this month been for you? Feel free to leave a highlight or a prayer request in the comments.
I’m grateful to Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for access to a complementary digital copy of The Ruthless Elimination Of Hurry. I only share books here that I genuinely believe will be beneficial to my readers.
Amazon links are not affiliate links, but simply provided for your convenience.
The scenery where you live looks beautiful. I’m glad you will be able to spend more time outside soon.
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It is beautiful and the weather has been unusually good (apart from today) which makes a big difference!
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Belated happy birthday! Your area seems much more locked down than ours. Our state hasn’t had restrictions on how long you could be outside or meeting with someone from another house. They’ve just started opening up restaurants here, but with fewer people, tables set 6 feet apart, etc. Our church is suppose to reopen in a couple of weeks. My husband and I are hanging back a bit since we both have health issues.
But I am glad things are easing up for your area and ours! You have some beautiful scenery. Love the Zoom greetings for your birthday! I read The Hiding Place years ago, but need to do so again some time.
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Thanks, Barbara! I’m glad things are getting more back to normal for you too, and that’s amazing that your church will be able to reopen soon. I think we’re at least a couple of months off that here.
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Lovely Lesley, thanks for sharing. X
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Thanks, Fiona!
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I love cats and we now are living at my daughters in Mn. and our grand daughter has four cats which I get to love on a lot. AND, her and I are looking for two baby kittens to raise together.
Something read is my devotional book by Paul Tripp, New Morning Mercies. It’s like a bible study every day.
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I’m glad you’re enjoying the cats! And the devotional book too – I’m sure it’s a good start to the day!
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Wonderful words from The Hiding Place!
I’m glad you’re birthday turned out so well despite the lockdown. Lovely photos. 😀
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Thanks, Lesley!
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You have some lovely views within walking, Lesley! Thank you for sharing. 🙂 I love Comer’s conclusion – “The solution to an overbusy life is not more time. It’s to slow down and simplify our lives around what really matters.” Also the words you share from The Hiding Place. Love and blessings of peace and safety as you take the next baby steps!
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Thanks, Trudy! Yes, there are some lovely places to walk here. I’m glad you liked the quotes from the books. Love and blessings to you too!
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I love that quote from Corrie’s book Lesley & have used it in messages in the past.
Glad you are enjoying the great outdoors once again! 😀
Bless you,
Jennifer
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Thanks, Jennifer! Blessings to you too!
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Hope you had a happy birthday! Sorry about your canceled trip to Austria but you really do have a beautiful place to walk. What a beautiful quote by Corrie Ten Boom. So wise and true!
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Thanks, Laurie! Glad you liked the quote.
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Glad you will get more time outside! Those hills look beautiful! I enjoyed The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry as well! I journaled a lot of it and it gave me lots to think about. I definitely want to continue the changes I started after reading the books, such as limiting my social media, increasing opportunities for solitude, and creating space to rest and praise on sabbath.
Linking my recent post on Psalm 23, if interested!
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Thanks, Elena! Glad you found the book helpful too. Putting it into practice is definitely the challenge! Look forward to reading your post.
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I loved Comer’s book and I read it at the perfect time for me: I was on vacation, and came back to the beginnings of the pandemic shut down.
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Glad you liked it too and that the timing was right!
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What beautiful places to walk! We started out walking more during this quarantine, but we haven’t in several weeks. And now it’s turned so hot that we probably won’t.
I read the hurry book a couple months ago, and need to do a book review on my blog. I haven’t been in a hurry to do it (bad joke, I know, lol).
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Yes, there are some beautiful places round here. I look forward to reading your thoughts on the book when you do the review, but no hurry! 🙂
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Happy belated birthday! The book sounds very intriguing. I think I’ll need to add it to my reading list, as well.
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Thanks, Donna! It’s a great book and I’ve heard only positive feedback from everyone I know of who’s read it.
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Lesley, that book sounds like one I need to read. I didn’t realize you are a May baby. I am too. 🙂 I’m glad you were able to “be” with family and that God gave you the birthday gift of being able to get outside more!
Our family spent some of Mother’s Day together with my extended family. I can’t tell you how refreshing it was to see my family members face-to-face, to laugh together, to share food, and to connect after so much time apart.
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I’m glad you had such a lovely Mother’s Day and got to see some of your family again. The time apart from people definitely makes the reunions special!
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Happy belated birthday! I had a birthday just the other day! We managed to get together with the kids and grandkids except that each family came on a separate day so there wouldn’t be too many of us at once you. God blessed us with nice enough weather where we could all stay outside at a safe distance. I hope you get to go to Austria when this is all over! Blessings!
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Thanks, Rebecca! Sorry to take so long to reply. Hope you had a lovely birthday too, and I’m glad you got to see your family.
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That book sounds really interesting, I will need to check it out! Happy Belated Birthday!
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Thanks, Heather! Yes, it is a great book!
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I can’t believe it’s almost June! I’m a walker too (though probably not as avid as you are haha!) Praise God for getting to go out on long walks! The Hurry book sounds like a wonderful way to catch your breath. Happy birthday again too, so glad to see it was sweet even in all this weirdness. That Corrie Ten Boom story gets me every time. Take care my friend!
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I agree, time is flying! I’m glad you enjoy walking too – such a lovely way to relax!
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Hope you enjoyed your birthday – and that you make it to those Austrian hills soon! Sigh. I need to check that book out (literally check it out would be wonderful…but, I will settle for Kindle!) 🙂
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Thanks, Jennifer! Yes, I did enjoy my birthday. I hope you enjoy the book if you read it – and I hope your library is able to open again soon!
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Lesley, hi! And thanks for the lovely prompt not only to get out and walk, but appreciating the opportunity to do so!
Instead of something I HAVE TO do.
A gift.
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Hi Linda! I have always appreciated the opportunity to walk, but not being able to do it so much for a while has made me appreciate it even more!
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Those views! I’m ready for a visit. 🙂 Your May book selection sounds like the perfect book to read during this quarantine. I added it to my TBR list. Thanks of the recommendation!
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You should definitely come to Scotland one day (though probably not this year! 🙂 )
I hope you enjoy the book!
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I love what you shared. I am also glad restrictions are beginning to lift where you are. I’m praying right now you get to see your family even if it is at a distance. I have John Mark Comer’s book on my list to read. Thank you for sharing it. It sounds like a good one. May June lead to more freedom and the chance to get out more.
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Thanks, Mary! Yes, I got to see my family last weekend. We sat in the garden for a while and it was lovely. I hope you enjoy the book when you get round to reading it!
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Lesley, I’m so glad you were able to enjoy your birthday, despite the weirdness of life right now. And those hills by your home? Maybe I’m just a teensy bit jealous? 🙂 What an amazing place to walk! Finally, that quote from The Hiding Place really spoke to my heart … thank you so much for sharing it. 🙂
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Thanks, Lois! Yes, I’m definitely blessed with some beautiful places to walk! I’m glad the quote spoke to you.
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