The Longer Version

Hey, friends!

What a beautiful week with great weather outside.  Yaaaaay, Fall!

I was being pulled toward a depression spiral last month, but I rejected that party invite, and October is already off to a much better start!  At this very moment, I am caught up on transcripts, caught up on school work, caught up on scrapbooking, and caught up on BSF homework.  That's a rarity, and I know it won't last long, but I love feeling on top of things - like I've totally cleared the to-do list!

I am covering the phones and the office today, then I'm off work and get to sleep in before my appointments tomorrow.  Huzzah!

Here's a random pic from my lovely lunch walk today.  And the Thankful Thursday pic was from yesterday's walk. lol  I kept that post short, but now that I'm caught up on all the things, I'm slowing down to write a bit more.

In a good way, I was caught off guard seeing my reflection in a random store window today - on so many walks last year, I would look at my (larger) reflection and pep talk myself about how the window might be distorting things and how I would totally be in a smaller size soon.  Today, I am down 70 pounds from where I was on my 40th birthday... which feels a bit surreal.  Today, I'm on a good health trajectory, and I'm so thankful to have more energy and to be regaining my strength and peace.  I'm also thankful that my reflection is starting to feel more aligned with how I've always felt inside and how I've viewed myself and desired to look - I'm deeply aware it will always be partial and incomplete before heaven, but we're getting closer (and now I'm singing Christina's Reflection in my head - lol).  And I fully acknowledge that I would not be here without the help of the surgery, so I'm just really thankful for all the things that lined up to make that happen!!  If I'd signed up for the Oklahoma clinic, I would still have a month or so to wait in line before having my surgery... and I would almost undoubtedly have talked myself out of it by now.  Grateful for God's timing and opening of doors!

In other news, I'm loving my very cozy loungewear/PJs from Target (thanks to the Big Boo Podcast) - I spent most of my weekend  in this casual vibe just scrapbooking and listening to audiobooks. =)

(Speaking of, this was another fun one from Clare Pooley, but The Authenticity Project is still my favorite!)

Without getting into political opinions here, I watched the Vice Presidential debates on Tuesday, and it was incredibly refreshing to see two opposing politicians having a respectful, professional, civil debate.  So I'm thankful for that glimmer of hope!

Mom and Dad got their silver bathroom tile redone (the original tile was turning orange for reasons unknown) -- but yay, the new tile is really pretty and classy!

This verse was part of the BSF homework... it hit me in the face as if I'd never read it before (which I know I have).  God reminding us that Scriptural prophecy is "completely reliable," then SO DIRECTLY saying, "you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place..."  because it did not come from human will, but was carried by the Holy Spirit.  I *LOVE* that.

I also love that they keep pointing out that Revelation is "a treasure trove of HOPE," drawing our attention to the victory, restoration, and renewal we are promised by our God whose word is completely reliable.  It's the hope that anchors our souls and strengthens us to be faithful and endure all the chaos and hardship that comes between now and then - I'm grateful to be studying it and trying to really soak it in!

Chet called me out with this meme, which feels very ME! lol

I said I would ask for a group pic (and promptly created this ridiculousness with the Canva app). lol

For real, though, what an absolutely freeing GIFT to know that Heaven awaits us - I love thinking about what life will be like there... basically the whole and complete and unending version of all the VERY BEST things we've ever experienced here! ❤❤

My new scrapbook arrived last night - even though I'd just seen it online, it made my day to see the printed pages in person - always fun!  This three-year season involved SO MUCH questioning, prayer, wrestling, and change - a lot of memories written on my heart.  I may be paraphrasing, but Chet recently said he would have me go through what we lovingly call the "Malori 2.0" season again (meaning he would not remove that painful narrative from my story) because it led to so much inner growth and positive change.  I'm always grateful when others see and affirm that, and I love it when I can look back at something that felt hard and like hopes being crushed... and truly see how God's plan was higher and better than mine.  (Which it always is - I just don't always see it this clearly).  There was also the very memorable pandemic year and hundreds of fun photos and events worth preserving! ❤

Speaking of memories, here is this double-stroller gem from 10 years ago today!
Babies... CUTENESS!!

Also on my mind today: one year ago (10-3-23) was my first time leading a counseling session.  Another vivid memory that's written on my heart and that I cannot share much about here!  I'll just say I'm very grateful for that initial experience and for growing in my counseling skills and my walk with God over the past year.  He's been good and kind and faithful in opening the right doors and closing the wrong ones, and I'm reminding myself of that every time I feel worried/confused about the path ahead!

Finally, 90 days from today will be January 1, 2025!  I wrote about my 4th Quarter Focus earlier this week.  Aligned with that, the two *daily* goals I am setting for the next 90 days are 30-minutes of daily cardio (walking/riding/etc. - it can be broken up as needed) and 5 minutes of Scripture meditation - (choosing one verse or passage per day and really sitting with it and meditating on it - eyes closed, focused thinking and prayer - starting with the prophecy verse above).  Both goals feel doable and very worth doing!  I don't have a daily career-focused goal, but I believe healthier choices and staying close to God will help me with direction and mindset there!

Alrighty then.  Happy Mean Girls Day (which now makes me think of Babah and her Veraden friends).  And in case no one else tells you today, here's a friendly reminder that I love you and believe in you, and that you would do well to pay attention to God's future prophecies and promises, "as to a light shining in a dark place!"  Seriously, yay for BSF tonight - and what a phenomenal verse of hope for people living in dark times!

❤ ❤ ❤