Savoring Time and Memory Keeping
Sorry I have been quiet here this week. And that this post is a bit of a brain dump.
I have been giving myself time to pray and mourn.
Sara is still with us. That girl is a fighter. She is getting weaker and is very quiet. Though she hasn’t spoke in a few days, she can still hear everything. We sense that it won’t be long…
If you haven’t been reading the posts about Sara that have been linked up, I encourage you to do so. Sara’s impact has been incredibly vast. It is a remarkable testimony to her faith and spirit.
…………………………………………………
Today I have a post on (in)courage about savoring time together. I wrote it right after my friend Alyson moved away.
Now with Sara on her way home, the idea of savoring time seems even more relevant.
…………………………………………………
Also, October 1 (next Saturday) starts a special series here on the blog.
I started working on content THIS SUMMER and these last few days it has been a great distraction. There is going to be something for everyone, from the obsessive scrapbooker, to the person who likes the idea of memory keeping, but doesn’t know where to begin.
Last year, eight ladies teamed up to bring 31 days of change and inspiration, and this year, I’m one of the eight. Here are the eight ladies and their fabulous topics:
Jen – 31 Days to Balancing Both Beauty and a Budget
Jessica – 31 Days of Memory Keeping
Melissa: – 31 Days: Inspired Holidays
Sandy – 31 Days of Warm Connections
Darcy: 31 Days of Photo Tips
Emily: 31 Days of the Little Things
Emily: 31 Days to Change the World
Nester – 31 Days of Charming Imperfection
The fun part is that this year, you are invited to do host your own 31 days series. Have a topic you want to blog on? Join the fun! On Oct. 1, we will be hosting a big linky for you to link up to. 
…………………………………………………
In closing of this all over the place blog post, I hope that today you will do three things:
- Pray for Sara and her family
- Savor time with loved ones
- Take a photo or jot down a memory from today
I’m a newbie to your blog–and love it. I’m an obsessive photographer (well, a “wanna-be” anyway) and scrapbooker. I’m looking forward to the 31 days–I need something to kick start the creative juices!
I have read Sara’s blog for about the past year–and, though I don’t know her personally, am very sad for her family but rejoice that she will soon be dancing in a brand new body. Her writing affected me very deeply. I felt a connection with her. I am an above the knee amputee (have been for 26 years; lost my leg at 16 to cancer) and deal with much chronic pain (though nothing like Sara’s). My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you walk this journey.
Thank you for the update on Sara. Its been hard not hearing anything and just wondering. Do you know how Riley is?
I agree. I check more times than I should on Shannon’s, Sara’s and this blog. I’m trying hard to remember Sara would want us to enjoy the days we have, to see the joy in the simple, too choose the joy even when we are in pain of the physical or of the heart. I have been on verge of tears many times these last few days, grief of the heart and yet I’ve also chosen to notice the joy and feel it even when my soul doesn’t seem to want to. We are venturing out to our favorite place today, farms and town from the pioneer days, a place I had hoped to video tape so Sara could travel along with us yet time got away from me. We will hold her in our hearts as we experience the joy and beauty God has given us in this day, This sun filled beautiful fall day…this day full of SONshine!!
No need to apologize Jessica! My heart is sick with grief, and I’ve not known her in any way as you have. Allow yourself grace as you walk through this weary yet joyful time. Prayers and love.
This sounds inspiring! I am hoping I can prioritize memory keeping for my four little ones and even my own enjoyment. I am a first generation believer and I want to document the beauty of Christ in our lives. And the changes He has made in mine… I will be reading the post on savoring time with loved ones as well. Thank you for this beautiful post, I am praying for you, Sara and her family.”I can only imagine, what my eyes will see, when your face, is before me… “
Thanks for the update on Sara. I’ve been praying for her and her family daily. I’ve read her blog here and there, and her posts at (in)courage. She took the time to respond to a comment I left on one of her (in)courage posts, gave me a “virtual hug” and let me know she was praying for me. That one simple act in a very difficult period of my life encouraged me SO much; I have a feeling she’s one of those people you meet or speak with ONCE, and you want to be her best friend!
Praying for you, too, Jessica! (((hugs)))
Praying for Sara and her family…and for you and Matthew, too.
Praying for Sara, her family and all that love her, Jessica. Sending BIG hugs to you and your family.
Jessica–read your post this morning about Alyson–made me teary and thankful for many crucial, key, family-like friendships. Thank you.
Your husband’s?? post about mourning and giving room for grief was so good…so needed…as I commented there, stopping right after I hit “submit” to pray for you both and Sara’s family…I’m so sorry for how much your hearts are hurting right now.
~Kara
Thank you for the update on Sara. I have been checking her blog and twitter for any kind of news. I know this is a hard time for her family and for you….thoughts are with you.
Sara, indeed, is a joy.
Thank you so much for sharing an update on Sara. I have been checking her blog and facebook page multiple times a day in hopes of finding out how she’s doing. I’m keeping Sara and her family in my prayers.
I am hoping to join in the 31 Days posts. For over a year now I have been wanting to do a series on joy. The 31 Days challenge is just the encouragement I need to get started. I think I will be dedicating one of the days to writing about Sara and how she has been such an encouragement to me as I seek to live a life full of joy in the midst of suffering.
No need to apologize for the quiet, this is a tough time for you. Thanks for the bit of update on Sara, I have been wondering and checking all the blogs I know of that might give an update. I continue to think of and pray for Sara and all those touched by her.
Thank you for the update on Sara. I will continue to pray her home, and that God’s peace and strength will surround all those who love her.
I will be linking up my 31 Days of Abiding beginning October 1st. Should be fun!
Hi Jessica,
You are in my thoughts and prayers, so is Sarah, what she is going through right now, I went through with my dad 8 years ago, I am so fortunate to have you and Sara and all the other ladies to go through this with. Sara and her posts have made a big impact on me and my relationship with God. I am choosing Joy and finally am realizing it is not about me. I am so cherishing my family and my friend here and on the computer.
Love and God Bless,
Amy
Thank you for bringing for bringing Sara and your thoughts of her here.
It is very eye and heart opening.