Thursday encouragement-sick edition 9/25/25

This week has been something else. We left for TN last Friday for my family reunion. It has been over a decade since all my siblings and mom have been together. It was important for us all to be there. Before we left the kids I was working were sick and I just kept praying I didn't get sick. Saturday was the reunion and I praise God I was not sick, and to my knowledge, neither was anyone else. It was a fantastic day. Sunday morning I woke up feeling like I had the flu. Thankfully, I didn't, just a nasty virus, but it knocked me out all day on Sunday, I slept most of the day. We got back from TN yesterday evening and this morning I woke up with a fever and my cough is worse.

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Things I am thankful for today:

• the family reunion and seeing everyone
• I was not sick on Saturday!
• I didn't run a fever when I was with my extended family
• we have two house showings today, so at least there is still interest on our house
• our house was still clean from the open house last weekend, so I didn't have to do much cleaning today
• I am almost done with the laundry
• Matt and I went to McKay's on Tuesday and I got a nice little book haul
• I also got a super pretty edition of Little Women last Friday at Barnes and Noble
• we have gotten some rain this week (it has been a while)
• I have a boss who is flexible and doesn't want me to work when I am sick
• I am off work until Monday, so hopefully I will be over this virus by then
• the sun is out

My entire family: all my siblings and their spouses, children, and grandchildren and my mom 

Me with my mom and siblings

Made an impact:

This one really got me. I was a stay at home mom and I was treated as less than because I didn't have a job outside of our home. Even when I worked part-time and homeschooled our kids, I was told I needed to get a real job and put my kids back in "real" school.

This one is from my personal trainer, Chrissy! I am so thankful for her and the encouragement and motivation she gives me to keep taking care of myself and get stronger.

Made me laugh:

I saw this Strawberry Shortcake and Rainbow Brite (pictured below) at Cracker Barrel. I loved these as a child and appreciated the glimpse into my childhood. And, yes, Strawberry Shortcake still smells like strawberries.

Some places I find encouragement:

BOOK HAUL!

Now it's your turn! Share something you are thankful for, or where you find encouragement, or what has recently made you laugh, or whatever else you feel like sharing that could be an encouragement to me or others. 

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Psalm 150:6

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11