It has been awhile since I posted on my blog but don’t worry, I haven’t stopped writing. I’ve been writing some for a devotional magazine by Lifeway and I’ve been working on some other things I plan on sharing right here on the blog soon enough. There’s also daily writing I get to do for work, but that actually feels like work. I really want to make writing a regular part of my week (or day), so here we are. I’ve also been reading a lot, mostly fiction. It’s so fun to get back into reading and I so wish I never stopped, but I guess that’s just life.
Anyway, here’s a little bit that has happened over the last few months.
In March, Blake and I had a mini-vacation to Beech Mountain, North Carolina. We stayed a few days in a 2020-build cabin that was beautiful inside and out. My uncle died while we were away and so we went home to Kentucky as soon as we got back from the cabin trip. We also had our COVID-19 style birthday celebrations in March. Fun fact: Blake’s birthday is four days before mine, although not the same year. One of us is older, but I’m not saying who (OK, it’s me). April and May are basically a blur. Spring sports wrapped up and the baseball season ended. It was a busy time. Summer has been nice because Blake has had the chance to get organized and ready for the upcoming school year. He will be starting the year as not only P.E. teacher, but the Athletic Director at his school, which he is so excited about. I love seeing how passionate he is about sports. That was his first love I believe.
In July, we made our first offer on a house. This is the craziest housing market and we still have to pinch ourselves that we’re even looking to buy a house, but we are excited for that season. Whenever it comes for us. We are looking forward to having our own space. That first offer didn’t work out, but we are still looking and praying and dreaming. The inventory of houses for sale in our budget is slim where we live so we are just waiting for that right one.
We were also blessed with a vacation in July to Blake’s cousin’s beach house at Pass-a-Grille, Florida. Kinda crazy we have relatives with a beach house, but it’s like a completely different lifestyle down there. We love going because the beach is never too busy and the beach house is beautiful. It was also nice to reconnect with his side of the family and I even met some family from Texas as we were packing up to leave. The beach house is an escape and so relaxing. It’s a happy place, for sure.
I also chopped my hair and got it highlighted so it’s a lot more blonde and so short. It’s a good thing hair grows because it’s shorter than I thought it would be when I asked for it. But, it’s so easy to maintain, which is great.
As for work, I’m still working from home and don’t anticipate that changing since the Delta variant is ranging on and gaining traction in the Mountain State. Still praying about new opportunities. The Lord has been closing doors, but has been blessing me in other ways and areas.
Now, for some favorites. It has been months since I did one of these so this is what I offer you:
Resources:
The Village Church’s Revelation series
Have enjoyed listening to Pastor Matt Chandler teach on Revelation and how important context and symbolism is when studying this often challenging book of the Bible.
“Emotions and the Heart” study from The Daily Grace Co.
I enjoyed doing this study this spring and learning how emotions come from God and how they can be used for our good. It’s been eye-opening to learn how certain emotions lead us to sin with our reactions. Just a very interesting topical study. The Daily Grace Co. constantly has sales, so if you want this one, wait for it to go on sale before buying full-price.
It’s Not About You: How Biblical Theology Transforms Bible Study by Nancy Guthrie
This is a fantastic lecture/podcast from Nancy Guthrie that explains why it’s so important to study the Bible in understanding of the meta narrative (Jesus Christ) and how to do that. I know there are so many people out there (myself included) who has read the Bible looking for answers or guidance to something in their own lives rather than reading and studying it to learn about the person and divine nature of Jesus Christ and the Bible’s original intended messages or its original audiences and THEN learning how to apply it to our lives. We need to stop treating the Bible like it’s a magic 8 ball and study it humbly seeking the LORD.
Products:
S|M Water Bottle
I got me and Blake each one of these 24 oz. water bottles and we love them! They come with two reusable plastic straws and the water bottle keeps your water cold (or warm I guess if you’re into that…). They fit in car cup holders well and they have a little handle at the top. They come in different sizes and colors, so you can get whatever you’re feeling.
TRESemme Between Washes Style Refresh
I bought this at a local discount shop and had no idea what it was, but thought it was like a dry shampoo. That is basically what I use it for on the days when I haven’t washed my hair. I love the way it smells and there isn’t a white residue or anything. It’s easy to spray and clear. You can use as a heat protectant, leave-in conditioner or just a general product to style your dirty hair with. I have no idea if this is a new product or just something I’ve never discovered (likely the latter).
Old Navy Crop Jogger Pants
Since I’ve bought these, I’ve been wearing them all the time. They are high-waisted and comfy like joggers, and are cropped so they are a little airy. I’m still working from home, but bought these in solid black and a khaki tan color knowing I will probably wear them to work because they are versatile (in my opinion). They don’t really look like workout pants, but totally are. However, I think you can wear them for anything. They are not super tight like leggings.
Recipes/Food:
Blake and I have been loving this lemon capellini recipe from Ina Garten. It’s a simple dish and could be paired with a big salad and some form of protein. I baked some salmon with it once when I made it and the two paired well together. I think shrimp would be yummy with it, but Blake doesn’t like shrimp. We’ve also had grilled chicken with it. It’s a lot of butter (which you can adjust if you’d like), but very tasty.
We also recently tried buffalo chicken tortellini and Blake enjoyed it. Here’s a recipe, though not the exact one.
We’ve also enjoyed these vegetarian tostadas and this simple pantry chicken enchiladas skillet dish, but we do black beans instead of corn. This is great because it only uses things from your pantry, so it’s something you can use as a go-to.
Podcasts:
How do you know you’re growing as a disciple of Jesus? from Ask Me Anything with J.D. Greear
Searching for Control in an Out of Control World from Daily Grace Co.
This one was convicting!
Why Pray the Fruit of the Spirit? from Prayers of REST
This series is so good! Asheritah walks you through praying for each fruit of the Fruit of the Spirit each week. This is the first episode in the series and she speaks with a professor who was a large influence on her praying through Galatians 5. Hoping to making this a habit in my prayer life.
Does God Really Work All Things for Good? from Daily Grace Co.
A recent episode that I desperately needed to listen to.
Books:
“The Hiding Place” by Corrie Ten Boom
I read this awhile ago, but loved learning about the Ten Booms!
“The Great Alone” by Kristin Hannah
Again, read this one several months ago but it’s definitely a favorite book this year!
“28 Summers” by Elin Hilderbrand
This was a lovely escape to read at the beach. I especially loved the food and outfit descriptions and envisioning Nantucket.
“Gentle & Lowly” by Dane Ortlund
I’m still reading through this one slowly in some of my quiet times, but it’s so encouraging. It teaches on the heart of Christ and just proves how loving our Lord is.
Follow me on GoodReads to keep up with what I’m reading.
Music:
This is mostly Christian/Worship music, some have Country influence.
“Yahweh” by Elevation Worship
“Never See the End” by Mission House featuring Jess Ray
“Be Held: Lullabies for the Beloved” album by Christy Nockels
“Jesus Happened” by Baylor Wilson
“Truth Be Told” by Matthew West featuring Carly Pearce
“Trust” by Strahan
“God of Revival” by Phil Wickham
“Your Nature” by Kari Jobe
Articles:
Joy and Idol-Smashing by Glenna Marshall
I did not do a good job keeping up with things I enjoyed reading online over the last fews months!
Blog posts by me that you may have missed:
Thanks for checking out my blog! You can follow me on Instagram here.
Anna Moore 
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