Thursday, April 30, 2026

I'm seeing the Light at the end of the tunnel

 


I’m not there yet, but I can see it. 

It's coming...

Yesterday was the last group discussion at BSF! I can’t wait for next week when we all get to kick back and listen to our ladies share their experiences from the past year and what God has been up to in their lives. 

We're starting bright and early, connecting with all the amazing leaders: group leaders, children's leaders, and admin! We’ll swap stories, enjoy some yummy food, and fellowship.  After that, we’ll gather in the sanctuary for the rest of the sharing from this year’s study on The Jewish Exile and Return to Jerusalem. 

And then, it’s summer break for me! I can’t wait! 
I was really starting to drag...

I’ll probably be posting more! 

After spending sometimes up to 20 hours a week preparing and then one morning on campus on Wednesdays from 8 am to noon, I’m left with the daunting question: 

What on earth will I do with all this
 free time? 

I don't dare say, or else I'm bound to disappoint myself. I'm better off with just saying - whatever strikes our fancy the moment we roll out of bed.

Yeah that works. No expectations! 







Okay, so I passed the background check. Guess I've been a good girl. 


 Once we finally make the big move to the new clinic that we’ve all been anticipating, I imagine the gears will really start turning.  I’m buzzing with excitement. By September, when BSF kicks off again with Romans, I should have most of my training wrapped up and be ready to roll.






The roses my husband planted at the clinic are blooming beautifully and looking really healthy!





He’s pleased. Before they set up the sprinkler system, he used to go over there and hand-water the plants himself.






He also picked up some daffodil plants on clearance. Mainly for the bulbs, but they’ll brighten up the garden with some color every January and February!







And speaking of flowers...


Oy vey! This Wax privet is really making things rough for me! As soon as I step out of my front door, that sickeningly sweet scent fills the air all around the neighborhood. I’ve had to keep my door and windows shut because it’s overwhelming. Even inside my house, I can smell it, and honestly, it’s not the best fragrance -  just too much sweetness! 

I’ve learned that for some flowers, the fragrant sensitivity can cause headaches, nausea, a sore throat, and some respiratory irritation. Thankfully, it doesn’t usually come with sneezing or a runny nose. The good news is that things improve when I can get away from it. But right now, they’re blooming like crazy!

I don't usually take medicine, but this season has been tough it gets into my chest and makes it hard to breathe deeply. So, I finally decided to grab some non-drowsy Allegra and the nasal spray, Flonase, that my doctor recommended last year. I sure hope it helps. 

Unfortunately, my morning and evening walks are on hold for now. I’m planning to test it out this weekend, and I really hope for some relief so I can enjoy the outdoors again! There’s just so much I want to do, and I really don’t want to resort to wearing a mask. 

Okay, that’s plenty for one post! I have things I need to do before my husband comes home from the college. I hope you're all savoring the little joys and vibrant moments that each day brings!

Now on to May! 

Until next time, 
Debby







22 comments:

  1. Beautiful ... even that smelly privet. Is it too late to transplant it to another side of the house, downwind?
    I'm looking forward to hearing what's next in your journey!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We don't have the privets in our yards. My husband pulled all of ours up years ago because of my allergies. They're everywhere in my neighborhood, along trails... Not anything we can do about it but medicate!

      Delete
  2. May is about as close as it can get with the close of April. Your title is very impressive! I enjoyed that. Debby..your roses look so healthy and are very pretty. Hope you enjoy the break and I look forward to more post...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They're not my roses, but yes they're looking good. My husband planted them at the clinic.

      Delete
  3. Beautiful roses at the clinic. Your husband picked wonderful colours.

    God bless.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I want some roses in the front of my living room window in pots, once the drip lines are put in.

      Delete
  4. The roses are gorgeous!
    I know that it seems like you'll have a lot of free time, but somehow, things always fill it up - plus I know you. You're not going to be sitting around. :)
    Enjoy that day hearing what everyone learned this year and then rest a bit!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It will be nice to hear from how the study impacted them this year.

      Delete
  5. I am looking forward to May!
    My daughter gets migraines from some flower scents.
    Your flowers are beautiful.
    Rest with some of your free time!

    ReplyDelete
  6. The flowers are so perfectly beautiful that they look fake! I have been using Flonase for maybe 20 years now. The only thing it does is help you to breathe better and keeps your nose from running. Without it, my nose runs almost constantly.

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  7. I know you will enjoy your summer break, but isn't it nice to know that something really wonderful was accomplished throughout the past year? I'm sure once the summer break is over you will be ready to get back at it again. And the clinic...are you going to be involved there on a daily or weekly or on call basis? Just wondering how that will impact your time, etc., but it sounds like something so very worthwhile. The roses are gorgeous. And I do hope the privet flowers are almost done blooming! You may have to find another route to take for your walks until they are done. I do understand about the overwhelming fragrance issue. I definitely have to avoid certain flowers as well. I hope you enjoy a peaceful and relaxing summer! But thank you for your ministry to the women of your community!

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  8. Love the roses. It's a bit early here for blooms. My allergies have been terrible this year too, so I've been brewing nettle tea daily. Question. Do you still write online for a site that pays? I could not recollect. I am looking for a place to be creative and work on my writing again. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Substack.

      Yes, but not lately. I didn't add the pay option but most do. Check it out. As with blogging it takes time. But consistentcy and good material will eventually pay off. Some actually make a pretty good income.

      Delete
  9. Beautiful roses. I wondered that, too, when I retired (for the 2nd time) what I would do with my free time...well....guess what?! There is NO free time. It filled itself. Happy 1st day of May. It is snowing here!!!! It's more like April Fools Day than May 1st. xo Diana

    ReplyDelete
  10. Those roses are blooming so gorgeous and spectacular. I wish I could have them here, but alas they track the dang snakes. Too much woody are here where I live now. I sure do miss my roses at my other house. Hope all goes well with the day of the hearing. Janice

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  11. Hooray for the sprinkler system at the clinic! What will your hubby do with his new-found free time????

    ReplyDelete
  12. The roses at the clinic are coming along beautifully. For me, you have to get just the right color of red, and that is a perfect red. The white ones look very nice too. I bet you're tired at the end of this season with the group discussions. I do hope your neighbor's sweet smelling bushes taper off a bit for you. No fun getting those allergies, especially if they are giving you headaches and respiratory problems, ugh.
    Have a blessed May week ahead, Debby.

    ReplyDelete
  13. That sharing should be very interesting. True, free time will be challenging but I'm sure you will find something to do. The roses look beautiful. I'm so sorry about the issues you are having outside the front door. ((HUGS)) Sorry you can't go for your walks. Take care.

    ReplyDelete

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