Inside: I’ve been paying attention to the routines, circumstances and happenings that are informing my days and encouraging my heart. Here’s what I’ve noticed lately. ~

I spent most of September writing for at least an hour a day in my cozy upstairs nook.

I had every intention of keeping that going this month, but so far, my track record has been pretty spotty. Even on the days I make it up to the second floor with my trusty laptop, I spend more time spinning my mental wheels than I do putting words on the screen.

I share this for two reasons. First, to assure you that if you’ve been struggling to stay motivated or to accomplish your goals recently, you are not alone. And secondly, to remind us both that there’s no time like the present to begin again.

As I peck away at my keyboard this afternoon, there are still nearly three weeks left in October. Which means there’s plenty of time to write or—you fill in your blank here—before the calendar changes again.

And while I haven’t been very productive with my written words so far this month, I have been taking note of the routines, circumstances and happenings that are bringing me life this fall, including the following:

My Stationary Recumbent Bike

I started biking for exercise in mid 2024, when arthritis in my right knee forced me to give up running. After I was hit by a car that ran a redlight last year, I decided to replace my broken bicycle with a stationary recumbent bike.

I’ve been using it for more than a year now, and although I do miss running, I don’t miss riding outside at all. With numerous levels of intensity, the recumbent machine gives me a better workout (and more endorphins) than I got on my old bike route. And going down to my basement exercise room in the morning is so much more convenient than riding outside.

A Benefit of Biking Inside

Since recovering from the accident, I’ve come up with a new morning routine that is helping me use my time more efficiently. I used to check Instagram on my iPad throughout the day and read emails, articles and blog posts while I ate breakfast and lunch (which often took longer than my food lasted).

A few months ago, however, I started perusing email and looking at Instagram on my iPad during my first several minutes on the recumbent bike. When I come upstairs after exercising, I put the iPad in a desk drawer and don’t look at it again until after supper.

I still check email on my laptop, but I’m not distracted by the iPad during the day. Which is helpful for all sorts of reasons.

Finding Flowers in the Weeds

Several months ago, I shared that we were planning to get our swimming pool filled in and that rain delays kept pushing back the start date. The project was finally completed in early July, which is not an ideal time to start growing a new lawn in Kansas.

The pool contractor reseeded the site, and we watered faithfully for a while, but the lawn never really took off.

We decided to get it redone in the fall, and scheduling finally enabled that to happen last week. In the meantime, though, the backyard was a bit of an eye sore.

I knew it was temporary, but I got tired of seeing all the crabgrass and dandelions among a few blades of grass. But then, on two separate occasions, I saw something else: A lovely wildflower.

This could be a metaphor for something, though I don’t know what that might be right now. Maybe it’s enough to enjoy an unexpected flower in the midst of the weeds every now and then.

Quotes that Resonate

I love it when a quote from something I read provides the exact bit of encouragement I need at the moment. My friend Natalie Ogbourne, who shares information about Yellowstone National Park along with insights about midlife, made this poignant observation in her last monthly newsletter:

“I am thankful that seasons do not last forever. The next one is always waiting in the wings, often in ways that we do not see.”

That was a comforting reminder for me; maybe you too?

And then there was this quote, also about seasons, from a novel by Kit Tosello.

“Like it or not—and I don’t like it one bit—the Lord brings people into our lives for seasons, not for forever,” she writes in The Color of Home. “And the annoying thing about seasons is that they blow in and blow out on timetables over which we have no say. Only he who is sovereign over the seasons can give us what we need to carry on.”

I could write an entire blog post about that paragraph alone. For now, I’ll just say that every word strikes a chord deep in my soul.

Callbacks on Life’s Path

In recent weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to walk alongside friends who are experiencing various transitions or seasons of life that I have already been through. For example, I’ve felt the joy, excitement and uncertainty of moms who are preparing for their first go-round as mother-of-the-bride or groom. I’ve also felt the stress, unease and frustration of adult daughters who are helping parents navigate the complexities of getting older.

Once again, I’ve witnessed the life-giving nature of encouragement—to the receiver as well as the giver. Aren’t you glad God gives us opportunities to learn from our trials and our joys in ways that enable us to be there for others?

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One Year of Courage, Dear Heart

I’m not sure how this is possible, but next week marks the one-year anniversary of my subscriber-only, email newsletter, Courage, Dear Heart! And I’m so thankful for all of you who have signed up since last fall.

If you haven’t gotten around to subscribing yet, Courage, Dear Heart comes right to your inbox on the third Tuesday of each month. It typically features an encouraging note from me (like what you normally read here), along with a few meaningful links, a personal photo or family update and (usually) a song that’s been on repeat in my home lately.

If that piques your interest, I’d love for you to sign up here:

Click Here to Subscribe

As my way of saying thanks, you’ll receive a free copy of my 7-day devotional, Faith, Fear, and the God Who Goes Before Us.

If you fill out the subscription form and don’t receive anything in your inbox, check your junk or spam folder for the confirmation email. And be sure to add the newsletter’s email address to your safe list so you don’t miss anything else.

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What’s bringing you life so far this fall? Please share in the comments.

♥ Lois

P.S. I’m linking up this week with InstaEncouragements and Let’s Have Coffee.