Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah. ~Acts 5:42
I'm a homebody. Yes, I do like occasional outings, but these days, I'm happiest and most content when I can be at or close to home. I actually enjoy the simple, dependable routines of the day to day.
My Circadian rhythm wakes me with remarkable accuracy upon which I can depend. My first task of the morning is to push the start button on our coffee maker that's been prepared the night before. I'll cursorily check my email, and once I have coffee in hand, I'll read, delete or comment as I see fit.
I listen to the morning news on my headphones because Danny likes to sleep in whenever he can. After my coffee while my program is still running, I'll get up during commercials to prepare Danny's coffee and possibly work a few Jumble puzzles.
I wait until 9:00 before I shuffle back to our master bath to take my shower. Once that's complete and I'm dressed, it's back to the kitchen to prepare my breakfast. Believe it or not, I eat, and enjoy, the same items every morning.
Once Danny is awake and taking his shower, I'll slip back into our bedroom to brush my teeth, dry my hair and, of course, make up the bed.
Mornings are never off to a good start if I don't accomplish that particular chore.
Mid-mornings find me visiting blogs, leaving comments, completing my Five Across word puzzle, and most importantly, spending time in devotions, Bible reading and prayer.
Lunch? If it's a wonderful stay-at-home day, my go-to repast, as boring as it seems, is peanut butter on toast piled with actual peanuts and a small glass of whole milk. The protein in both of these foods really holds me for a good long while.
The remainder of the afternoon is usually spent in reading books and blogs writing a new blog using my mini-bike, and doing other necessary chores like laundry and dishes.
Now that the weather is cooler, though, both Danny and I want to make a point of walking at our local city park which is what we do last Sunday. The air is brisk and refreshing, and the outdoor exercise is a welcome change for the both of us.
Once I've cleaned up after dinner, it's backgammon time!
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I'm off to a fairly strong start this wee, but Danny is known for his winning unless his dice decide to go south on him. Win or lose it's always great fun and a pleasant way to unwind at the end of the day.
And don't worry about me not leading a more challenging life, friends. We've juggled countless doctors' appointments over the last two years, and it's simply a relief to have a normal, non-eventful day here and there.
I'll be the first to admit that in light of the apostles preaching day after day in the temple courts, and going house to house spreading the Good News of Jesus, my day after day sounds trivial and, dare I say, a bit selfish. Oh, just imagine the joy the message of the risen Jesus, the Messiah, brought to them and to all who heard their testimony and believed!
But even in my quiet, uneventful days, God still calls to me, inviting me to meet His miracles in the mundane. And that's what this blog is all about.
Amen!
I like reading how people spend their days. Is that bacon on your breakfast plate? Backgammon is fun. And the leaves on the ground are so pretty. Yes, a normal day of no appointments is a good day for me! I always like to say that nowadays, a good day is a day when nothing happens!
ReplyDeleteYes, indeed, Ginny, that's bacon! We cook it up ahead of time, so all I have to do is heat it in the microwave for 10 seconds to warm it. I'm glad to know that you play backgammon, too, and you appreciate those days when nothing happens. They are glorious!
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Sounds like you have a great routine which brings you joy and comfort.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly does, Bill. And you know all that Danny and I have gone through these past two years, so you can see why a "normal" day is so valued by us.
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We're all creatures of habit. And I think there's something in us that longs for quiet.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Glynn, that we all long for those times of peace and quiet. Yes, I'll be the first to admit that I'm a happy creature of habit.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
It's good to develop a good routine we are happy with. One suggestion: have you tried peanut butter on toast with raisins on top? I saw Colombo do it in one of his TV shows - great idea, very tasty.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
I've never tried that combination, Victor. I just might have to do that one of these days. Yes, routines can be soothing because they are predictable in this unpredictable world.
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Jo would be right alongside you with this kind of day. She has become a creature of habit. She loves sitting and doing jigsaw puzzles on her iPad. She does the Power Point for me on Sunday. She also, until December, gets the material for the Pre-K class together for the teachers. She wants me to slow down and be home more but I find that difficult. Not that I don't like my slow days but staying home is not in the cards yet. i agree with Glynn's comment. We are creatures of habit. I will share mine somewhere along the way.
ReplyDeleteJo sounds like a kindred spirit, Bill! I do hear you about wanting to keep working, but that's a routine, too, isn't it? Yes, Glynn was so right about saying we are creatures of habit and some of those are difficult to break even when we need to.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
You have a great life Martha, I am a homebody too.
ReplyDeleteGreat to know that you're a homebody, too, Christine. Isn't it just the best?
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Martha, I'm with you, friend. Today is one of those days at home, alone, quiet, doing the things I love to do. In no rush, time to putter and tend and organize, read and write and cross things off that list on my desk.
ReplyDeleteThese are the good old days, aren't they . . .
These are most definitely the good old days, Linda! Nothing like being able to take our time in doing things around the house or writing and reading. So many days demand otherwise, so having the times that don't are like a breath of fresh air.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Another 'homebody' here! There's something so comforting about routine. Safe!
ReplyDeleteI really like the looks of your 'nutty' sandwich and may have to try that!
Thank you for inviting us along your day!
Alright, yet another homebody on board, Myra! Getting onto the MAHA track, I'm using Smucker's organic peanut butter and peanuts that only add peanut oil and sea salt. Yum! I'm glad you enjoyed traveling through one of my typical days with me, too.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
I’m a homebody as well. I enjoy being at home. It’s comfort for me as well. If I don’t get enough “home time” due to too many appointments, I feel out of whack. My husband is opposite - he enjoys activity and getting out every day. So we both have to do some yielding at times. ⚠️
ReplyDeleteYour day sounds delightful, Martha.
Wow, Debby, I wasn't sure how many homebodies were actually out there in Blogland, but it's an overwhelming amount! I have the same reaction to having too much on my plate on any given day. Yes, of course, Danny and I need to get out to shop for groceries, etc., but that's okay. Yielding makes perfect sense at times; it's just those doctor visits that drive me a bit nuts.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Your day sounds utterly lovely to me. I think I will have to pull out our backgammon again. Sounds like a fun end to the evening.
ReplyDeleteAnother backgammon fan? Wow, Carrie, that's great to hear! Not too many people play these days, but Danny not only taught me to play over 20 years ago, but we've also taught my daughter, her husband and our eldest grand, Virginia. Wish they lived closer so that we could all play more often.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
I'm a homebody, too, Martha. 😊 I do better physically when I don't depart from a quiet home routine. It's just how it is. And sometimes I feel like I'm not doing any good to others, but God reminded me to just be who He made me to be and be loving and kind to whatever person is put in front of me. Thank you for sharing and for this encouragement - "But even in my quiet, uneventful days, God still calls to me, inviting me to meet His miracles in the mundane." Love that! Love, hugs, and blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteOh, Trudy, your comment here means the world to me, knowing that you, too, are a homebody who is in love with routine. Your affirmation of being able to be loving and kind to all the people we do encounter when we are in public or writing blogs to encourage others to acknowledge the love of God in their lives might be all we need to do in order to spread much needed kindness into this hurting world.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
I'm joining right in with all your other routine-loving friends and fans, Martha, and I especially resonate with what sometimes seems like a doctor oriented lifestyle. Thankfully,, our medical constraints haven't been mandated by life-threatening issues, so I try to be to keep my complaints corralled within reasonable limits and to balance them with gratitude that we've been so blessed with the incredible medical resources that God has allowed us to have.
ReplyDeleteAnd as I've mentioned before, when my routines get trashed for.a few days, it seems to take twice that long to catch up and feel normal again. One of the objectives I'm working on currently is building praise and worship into every routine without lapsing into refundant, repetitive expressions that lose their meaning. Anyhow, dear sister, I'm once again sharing territory that is heartwarming and uplifting. Diane and I dont to the games and puzzles, but we're on board with all the rest, exceept that my coffe maker comes on automatically at 5:45 every morning and by the time I'm out of bed, it's hot and ready. Praise God for blessings my parents and grandparents never even dreamed. May God bless you as you enjoy your routines and may He let you win at backgammon tonight. :)
Oh, Ron, I had to chuckle where you said your coffee maker is not only ready ahead of time, but set by a timer to brew when you want it to. The conveniences we enjoy today could not have ever been imagined by our parents and grandparents, could they? I wonder how many times we simply stop and give thanks for the advancements in technology that we enjoy in the 21st century thanks to the gifts God has bestowed upon so many creative people.
DeleteI'm not fond of the medical interruptions that plague our smooth sailing, but I'm so grateful for the medical capabilities we now have in this modern age in which we live. If it weren't for those, Danny would not have been given the great treatment he needed.
Grace and blessings!
With all that said, I
I'm another homebody - seems all your friends are homebodies too. I am more now than I used to be. Maybe it is age - but I am happy in my home. I keep busy.
ReplyDeleteI loved hearing your day - I feel like I know you a lot better. I do a lot of the same things - except the Backgammon.
I never thought of putting peanuts on peanut butter - I might check that out - it looked good! So, did Danny's pot pie!!!!!!!!!!!
I know, Sandie! I was somewhat surprised by how many homebody bloggers are out there, but why should I be? We who love to communicate through writing tend to be introverted as our core. And in case your interested, I'm eating organic peanut butter with peanuts that have only sea salt and peanut oil in their contents. It's so rich and so satisfying!
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Such a lovely day...spending the time with leisure. I would like to try peanuts on peanut butter sandwich.
ReplyDeleteIt's my way of adding crunch to my organic peanut butter and it makes it just that more delicious, R.B.H.! I enjoy these quiet, leisurely days simply to reconnect with God and who I am in Him.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Dear Martha, your breakfast looks scrumptious 😋
ReplyDeleteOne boiled egg, a half piece of toast and bacon (plus coffee) is all I need to get my day off to a great start, Linda. Mighty good!
DeleteGrace and blessings!
We're homebodies too, perhaps in reaction to a number of decades on the fly, when Steve was a pastor, I taught school, and we raised three kids. My breakfast and lunch plates look the same most days also, mostly due to dietary restrictions that offset health concerns. We share other habits too, Martha. I set up the coffeemaker the night before, wash and cut my breakfast berries the night before, have my quiet time in the morning, and then listen to the news while I work out. It's fun to learn what we have in common with our blogger friends!
ReplyDeleteIt is so much fun to learn about what we have in common with the blogging friends we've made, Nancy, I agree! I taught school, too, and as a single/divorced mother for a lot of that time, my life was NOT ideal for me. Danny has been studying a lot about nutrition, too, and he's found that a good dose of protein at breakfast, as is found in eggs, bacon and toasted buttered bread are much healthier than cereals of any kind. We certainly are well acquainted with dietary restrictions as you mentioned here. I know being a pastor's wife had to be so demanding, too, but so rewarding.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
I am tardy again, Martha, but enjoyed your post!! I look forward to days with nothing to do and relish each minute! Things have been a little too busy for me lately. You have a lovely place to take your walks!! Have a blessed week, my friend!
ReplyDeleteNever feel like you have to apologize for being late to the party, Terri. I cherish all your comments here! I know how busy you have been lately, but it's all been the good kind of busy with beloved friends and neighbors. That's the busy I'll take any time!
DeleteGrace and blessings!
I am also a homebody, l like being at home and I like my own company, I have never been a sociable person. If I have a shower I like to wait till Tim has left for work.
ReplyDeleteI can tell from you weekly recap posts, Jo-Anne, that you are a homebody, indeed. It is a rare blessing these days to be content within yourself, not requiring the outside world to afford you any affirmation. Yet, I know how much your family loves you as you always write lovingly about them.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Day after day, the apostles kept preaching...exactly what we are to do. I like routine as well.. I am a big morning person and I like to have everything done by noon so that I can enjoy my afternoons. One thing is a must...Making our bed!! This is a must around here and would believe that I even make the bed when we stay at a hotel? Crazy, I know cause they are just going to unmake it, but I suppose it's routine for me. Sounds like you have a great routine Martha and one that completes your day.. Enjoy!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Shug, for sharing your own routine with us here. I'm a morning person, too, and I love to get as much done in the mornings as I possibly can. I must admit, though, I've not made up a bed in a hotel room unless we are staying there again that night. You're not crazy, you're caring.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Hey Martha Jane. I enjoyed reading about how you spend your days. Funny how we get into our own routines and feel lost when something happens to change things. Dan and I are up at 5:30 every morning, take the dogs out first, let the cat in and feed him, then I put the coffee on. Once I get the bed made up, I feel okay. The un-made bed drives me crazy. :) isn't that funny. Your posts are always so nice to read. Oh, your toast with peanut butter and peanuts sounds and looks delicious. And so filling and good for you!! I am going to have that for lunch!!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you plan to try the peanut butter with peanuts on toast, Henny. You won't be disappointed! Y'all get up much earlier than I do (when we were both working, of course, Danny and I both got up even earlier than that!). But since we're retired, unless there is something we have to do earlier than usual, I simply let my body sound the alarm. Thanks for your kind and thoughtful comment here.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Hey Martha, I enjoyed reading what your day at home looks like. I'm also a creature of habit, so at my workplace, I normally have the same items for breakfast and lunch that I bring from home. And let me just say your blog is reaching people--encouraging us who are believers and those who may stumble your direction who need to hear the gospel. I love your closing lines, "But even in my quiet, uneventful days, God still calls to me, inviting me to meet His miracles in the mundane." God bless, dear.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your thoughtful words and encouragement regarding my post here today, Karen! That you quoted those lines means the world to me. We are creatures of habit, and knowing you, too, consume the same things at breakfast and lunch made me smile. I do hope my blog touches others for the Lord.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
I have found that the mundane, seemingly uneventful times are exactly the times that the Lord talks to me and refreshes me. My days are not dull or quiet lately. There are always challenges and problems to solve.
ReplyDeleteLove the account of your daily routine.
Hugs and Blessings
That is absolutely true, Jim. It is exactly in the ordinary moments of our lives that God can truly touch our lives. I do hope the challenges you are facing at this time can be resolved without too much distress, my friend. Glad to know you enjoyed this post!
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Great article and good blog. I like your daily activities. Success for you
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Vicky, for stopping by. So appreciated!
DeleteGrace and blessings!
How nice to have a look into your daily routine. We all have our challenges, I am sure. I still work, we travel a lot for our non profit, I help my dad with cleaning, and I walk! I love to sit in my God-chair where I meet daily with the Lord for communion, reading, praying, and listening.
ReplyDeleteMarja, I want you to know how sweet it is for me to hear about your routine at home and that your dad is still with you so you can enjoy his company and do chores for him. And I love that you have your God-Chair where He meets with you on a daily basis. What could be better than that? Thanks for coming by!
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I loved to read how you spend your days dear Martha jane, thanks a lot for sharing the wonderful photos, wish you a great friday.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your kind words here, Snobe! I'm so glad you liked the photos and the post, and I wish you a happy weekend, too!
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Boa sexta-feira, bom final de semana e um excelente mês de novembro, irmã Martha.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Luiz! May your November be a great month, too.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Martha your day looks wonderful and so peaceful. Like you I certainly enjoy just being home. Think a regular routine keeps one balanced and more prepared when something challenging does creep in. So enjoyed reading this post. Have a lovely day - hugs!
ReplyDeleteYes, Debbie, I do love days like I described here, especially because they are often too few and in between. You're right, though, about these times of calm and routine preparing us for the unexpected storms that we know will come.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
I think there is lots of comfort and peace in rhythms and you certainly have found a great one!
ReplyDeleteIt surely works for me, Jean, and I value these routines all the more because of all the constant interruptions our health issues have demanded of us. Getting older is tough enough without expending our energy on going to doctors and submitting to tests. I'm so grateful for all the goodness God has shown us in both the hard times and the rhythmic ones.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Martha Jane: I find myself becoming more of a homebody. I go to church on Sunday, if I can. I try to get to Bible study on Thursday morning. On the first Thursday, after Bible study, I stay for our women's group. I get to the pharmacy about once a week and to the grocery store also once a week. I need to pay more attention to my chores here at home. Jim is still not doing well, that's one reason I am staying home most of the time.
ReplyDeleteI do hear you, Cecelia, perhaps more heartfelt and compassionately than you could know. Since Danny had his pacemaker debacle, we have pretty much been joined at the hip in going everywhere together. That means sharing every medical appointment unless it's in downtown Atlanta and then his son, Nicco, fills in for me. He's been such a rock! Know that I'm praying for Jim and for you, dear sister. Thanks so much for coming by today.
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I enjoyed the autumn with your photos.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you did, RC.
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What a lovely post, my friend. Wishing you a lovely day. smiles
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you enjoyed it, Linda.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Hi Martha! I'm glad to see you and Danny are doing well. I'm very much of a homebody myself, and speaking of Circadian rhythm, this time change sure has mine messed up, but it always does. Thank you for the welcome back. It's so nice to reconnect. Have a blessed day!
ReplyDeleteOh, boy, it messes with me, too, Martha! Today has been a bit wonky ever since I woke up, but I'll simply have to deal with it as we all do. We've been through the wringer over the past two years, but we are hanging in there. So great to reconnect with you, too!
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Very nice visiting you both
ReplyDeleteIt's wonderful to see you here, Cloudia! You are always welcome.
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Olá, Martha
ReplyDeleteÉ tão gratificante encontrar uma rotina tranquila, gostei muito de conhecer o teu dia a dia, que bom que o Danny é um ótimo cozinheiro. O devocional é bênção, aprendemos muito com a Palavra de Deus. Faço pilates duas vezer por semana, e estou gostando muito, exercício físico faz um bem enorme, bjs querida.
I've never tried Pilates, Lucinalva, but I can just imagine how great these are for keeping you in shape. Right now, after all Danny's health scares, just getting out and walking in nature has such a cleansing effect on the both of us. Yes, I love routine when I can get it.
DeleteGrace and blessings!