Wednesday, July 9, 2008

WFW~~~A Time to Rest!

In my last post I told you how much I love to run and how God is blessing me through it.

Today I want to tell you about my new-found way to relax.

Last week I discovered a hammock on sale at KOHLS. It came with its own stand and the whole thing fits perfectly under two shade trees in our backyard. It is big and cozy and if I close my eyes it is almost like being on vacation!

The shade and gentle breezes make even the hottest day feel comfortable and with the summer flowers in full bloom the view is almost tropical.

A couple of days ago I went out to the hammock with a book and I didn't get up for 3 1/2 hours! It was the most wonderful form of laziness I have ever experienced!

I read, I prayed, I slept and I read some more.

The kids would come out and say, "Mom, you've been out here a really long time!"
I just smiled and nodded.

My husband called and said he would be working late.
I told him it was no big deal and to take his time.

Eventually I forced myself back into reality and returned to the demands and disorder waiting for me inside my house. However now I know that whenever I need a quick escape, paradise is waiting for me in my own backyard!

Who needs Calgon? Hammock, take me away........


Now, for the Word-Filled Wednesday part of my post I would like to use a photo of the lilies I can see all around my backyard. I am praising God today for His grace and His abundant blessings, including giving me 3 1/2 hours of "me time" this week!!

For more WFW posts click here.


35 comments:

RefreshMom said...

Hmmm...maybe I need a hammock! The kids are always wanting me to come outside while they play, but there really isn't anyplace comfortable to sit and it's hard to just hang out when there's stuff I should be doing inside. But maybe if I had a comfy spot to supervise them...

RefreshMom said...

PS--I like that your Wednesdays have words.

Yolanda said...

Delightful!

megs @ whadusay said...

Ahhhh - sounds wonderful! :)

luvmy4sons said...

We used to keep a hammock out in our front yard that has like 50 trees in it. We put it between two trees. When the boys were small I would lie there with them swinging and singing. We never replaced it after the third one rotted from being out in the rain. But they ARE wonderful...very peaceful nd soothing swingin in the breeze! Glad you had a restful time! Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Darlene said...

Great picture and verse! It is so clear and beautiful. I just love flowers!
So glad you have a place to relax and read. I love hammocks...they can just sway you away to places when you sleep.
Have a fabulous day!
Blessings,
Darlene

Kristi said...

Okay, now I want one! Thanks for sharing your WFW, both of them are such blessings.

Debbie said...

What a wonderful way to relax!!! I have thought about getting a hammock too! You are an inspriation!!

Debbie

Joyful said...

This reminds me of an old MacDonald's Restaurant jingle, "You deserve a break today, so get up and get away...to your hammock." Hope you enjoy many more relaxing moments in your backyard retreat. By the look of those lilies, you have a beautiful oasis at your back door.

Love & hugs,
Joy

Kelly @ Love Well said...

I've lusted after a hammock in the shade for years now.

This only intensified that lust.

Get thee behind me, Kelley.

(Someday it will happen. Someday.)

Jamie said...

We've had our eye on a hammock too. It sounds wonderful! I'm glad you got in some "me" time.

Kim@Seasons of My Heart said...

Sista~
Now that's what I call relaxing!!!

See...God finds simple little ways to BLESS us....in special little ways, even when our plans fall through.

Enjoy your "new found" form of relaxation.

I've thought about getting a hammock too...as I LOVE them...BUT..we don't have any shade tree's in our backyard....boo..hoo...

Loved the WFW....great photo.

Blessings to you sweet friend.

Kim~

Christina said...

Oh that looks so relaxing. WOW 3 1/2 hours of me time, Praise God. I love these little blocks of time God gives us on occasion. They sure do refresh us and prepare us for the world. Glad to hear you are all enjoying the hammock, I would love to have one. I have a yard swing that is ancient which I love to sit and read on, but has been squeaking the last couple of months and not even oiling it works. So It used to be relaxing and now it's kind of annoying. Well at least one of us is relaxing in peace.

Denise said...

Such an awesome way to relax sweetie. I love your verse, and picture.

Tracy said...

You're right...who needs a vacation when hammock = sweet bliss! (A visit to Kohls might just be in my future!) ; )

Don't you absolutely love all those gorgeous summer flowers?! I've been taking photos like crazy. Love the one you shared, along with that great scripture!

Blessings,
Tracy

P.S. Yes, I did change my header...I've been wanting to for some time, so I worked on it over the long weekend. = )

Leaon Mary said...

Who needs a trip "away" when you can relax and STAY!
And your lilies?... I am so nodding in approval.
You are a runner? Since we just met; I am learning new things about you. I want to run, but to run... I better not have ANYthing to drink if ya know what I mean ;) I would WOG with you coz I like to walk fast and throw a skip or two to my Lou in there.-- Seriously, the health thing.. I am starting a new journey to live well.. so will take all your advice from being a fitness junkee! LOL -- And you wrote about having a hard time losing the last weight?... YOU are beeeautiful, and wonderfully made- if Jesus said so...Beeelieve it!
Miss Kelley.. be BLESSED today and ENCOURAGED. I love reading you: your light is shining!
Much Love
Lea
<*)))><

Kristen said...

Sabbath yourself dear sister! What a wonderful day you must have had! His blessings never stop!

2nd Cup of Coffee said...

Oh dear. There is serious coveting going on in Muncie, Indiana, right now. (Hi, Girls!)

Melanie said...

Oh, Kelley.. you make me want to go out and purchase a hammock of my own! That just sounds heavenly... 3 1/2 hours reading and praying outdoors in God's beautiful world.

Happy WFW!

Paula V said...

Yes, indeed coveting your relaxtion, your hammock, and that precious picture with your girls. Wonderful.

Enjoy some more!

Anonymous said...

ohh my the hammock looks so nice and inviting. you know i have the perfect for one at my house :)

loved your WFW. Thanks for sharing and making me want to find a nice quite place and just spend time with God!

Anonymous said...

ooooooooo that hammock looks like fun Kelly!

God Bless and enjoy th eR&R!

Angela Baylis said...

I think there is just enough room on there for me to squeeze in and join you guys! You look SO relaxed! Did you take your run today, Missy?
Love to you,
Angie xoxo

Krista said...

You go girl with your big bad hammock and your "me" time. I think I am going to make that little purchase myself!

Relaxing too long to,
Krista

lori said...

Well I'd say that after a RUN....that hammock looks mighty fine!! I LOVE it! It makes me think that we need one....and on sale at Kohl's huh...I know how to get there!!

I see that mostly EVERYONE (including me:)) is coveting that hammock...me I'm coveting the fact that you RUN! I walk...tried running, these knees can't take it anymore....:(

RUN Kelly, RUN!!

Your flowers are GORGEOUS too!!! I just got carried away with the hammock and the running! ;)
Have a great afternoon swaying in the breeze!!
peace, lori

Lelia Chealey said...

Sounds fun!! Save me a spot on the 21st!!!

Just remember to NOT lay on your stomach! ;)

Runner Mom said...

I think our Kohl's is out of them!!! :(

How lovely!!! I am so proud of you for taking some time for yourself! I actually took a little "me" time also this afternoon in a friend's pool. We stretched out on floats..shooed all of the kids inside (Didn't they want to play video games??? Heehee!)...and relaxed!! I just loved it!! This friend is precious and such a joy to be around. I think that God pumps HIS fist and says "Yeah!!" when we actually take the time to relax and enjoy His creation.

Your flowers are lovely! Our dog, Scarlette, is pulling up all of my flowers!! They are scattered all over the backyard. Bless her heart!

Love ya!
Susan

Addicted to Beadz said...

Kelley,

Kohl's is just a hop*skip*jump from my house. I might ought to check into this hammock. It seems just perfect for me. Love your flowers as well. I just love flowers.

Blessings!
Cheryl

Laurie Ann said...

What a lovely flower and verse. I love it. The hammock looks inviting, too! I hope you have many mini-vacations in it this summer and continue to enjoy it. Happy WFW!

LynnSC said...

Boy, am I jealous of that hammock. I love to relax and read. What a blessing it would be to me and my children if I could that outside where they are playing.

Thanks for sharing.
Lynn

Jami said...

Oh my that looks wonderful! Quite wonderful!

Love you Kelley!

Nancie said...

Ah, that is so relaxing! Glad you found such a wonderful way to relax. Love your WFW! Thank God for every blessing in Him. Thanks for sharing!

Kaytlynn said...

Kelly,
I came across your blog from another blog, and I must say I really enjoy it. I read several of your other post, and they are good. I'm sorry that you had to cancel your trip to Florida. I know from being in the Midwest how nice it is sometimes to just go to the beach (they don't have to many of those around here). On the bright side you won't get sunburned.
In Him,
Kaytlynn

Jennifer said...

Boy! What a treat! Funny how the kids kept reminding you how long you'd been "hammocking". :)

Tricia said...

I love the lily, it is gorgeous and what a wonderful verse to go with it!

And I am so glad you got to have some "me" time in your own back yard, it makes me want to go to our Kohl's and see if I can find one, but we have no trees...

Blessings!