I have felt inspired to share a few ways that I am challenging myself to be productive during this time of precaution. Whether you are on spring break like me, are working from home, or are simply weathering the storm in your area, I hope this list inspires and encourages you to take action, too.
Are these novel ideas and concepts? No, of course not, but they are things that we often neglect in the busyness of our everyday lives. While we are forced to slow down, let's use this time wisely and for good.

• Start a gratitude journal. 

Start simply. Write three specific things you are thankful for today, and be amazed at how your mindset will change. This is such a good practice to begin, and there's no time like the present.
Three things I am thankful for today: the timing of my spring break, hope in Jesus, time to rest and be still.

• Crack open a new book.

You know, the one that's been sitting on your shelf for a while, or that textbook you've been meaning to actually read? Or, how about finishing the one you cracked open weeks ago? I'm so guilty of this, and I never want to start something new until I've finished what I've already started.
Here's what's on my to read list:

You could try to order these on Amazon, Thriftbooks, or try a digital download from your local library. If books aren't your thing, try an audio book.

• Read the Bible or start a devotional.

I can't tell you how much comfort and peace this brings me, but I know it's more than all of the information, or the news, or social media ever will. Currently, I'm walking through the Psalms and reading prayers of praise, sorrow, thanksgiving, fear, and triumph. Sound familiar?

• Watch a cooking show.

This is one of my favorite pastimes, but for those of you that it isn't, try it! You might just learn a few new tricks or feel inspired to make a delicious meal.
One of my all time favorites is Ina Garten - The Barefoot Contessa.

• Make said delicious meal.

All that food you've got in the fridge and pantry--put it to good use. Cook, bake, saute, experiment. If you make something delicious, you could even share it by bringing it over to a neighbor. Just make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before and after. Yesterday, I made a tasty blueberry coffee cake for breakfast and Mongolian Pork Medallions for dinner! Follow me on Pinterest for some more ideas.

• Spring clean.

Clean out your closets, clean out your garage, get organized, make a deep cleaning schedule for the house and cross one step off the list each day. This will make you feel better too! Not just to have a clean and refreshed home, but to also know everything has been sanitized.

• Get outside.

If you're feeling isolated or getting stir crazy, get outside and go for a walk or jog. Take a hike. Have a picnic in the backyard. Take a photo walk, enjoy nature, and see if you can capture the wildflowers blooming. Stretch.
It is so important to enjoy the sunshine while you can and get your daily dose of Vitamin D. It works wonders for your overall health. Seriously. It's been scientifically proven.

• Start a DIY project.

​I'm sure you've got one in mind or maybe a few. We have a long list of projects to finish at our house (surprise, surprise) and this is a great time to try to cross some of them off our list. A few projects we've successfully completed lately are installing our shutters and finishing our fireplace mantles. Now, we are building and finishing our new kitchen shelves. I can't wait to get these shelves styled and the kitchen finished! I may even tackle painting the accent wall I envision in our hallway. If you're in need of some suggestions, let me know in the comments below and I'd be happy to help.

• Connect with your loved ones.

We get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of our busy, every lives, that days or weeks can often go by without talking to our families or long distance friends. Take this time to reach out to them, write them a letter, give them a call, FaceTime them, rekindle an old friendship. Want to take it a step further? Tell them how grateful you are for something specific they did for you, then tell them you much you love them. You never know how much longer you'll have them at any given moment, so don't take any moment spent together, even virtually, for granted.

• Find a way to give back.

​This could be a small token of appreciation for a neighbor like running a quick errand for them, or donating to a hospital, children's or women's shelter, or your local food bank. Let's use this time to not focus only on ourselves and our well being, but let's look after those that are more vulnerable or less fortunate than us. Bless them, and you'll be amazed by how much it actually blesses you.
​Lastly, take this time to pray: pray for your loved ones, your community, your city, our nation, our world. It's really not hard and it doesn't have to be complicated. Talk to God by simply sharing what's on your heart and on your mind. I promise He's listening. I promise He's there. He might not answer all our questions right now, but He is faithful, and He is always good.

Love,

​Kimberly

Two months have passed since I last sat down to write a blog post, and quite a few things have happened since then.
We started tackling bigger house projects again, we celebrated my sweet husband's 30th birthday--complete with a surprise party surrounded by many of our friends and loved ones--and I started a new job!
I had been feeling like it was time to make a change. While it was sad to leave something I became so comfortable with, and nerve-wracking to transition not only to a new company, but also to a new position, I know this was an answered prayer and a part of God's perfect plan for my life. Now, I am much closer to home, have a better work life balance, and can continue to learn and to grow, both professionally and as an individual.