It has now been 30+ days since the government shutdown and it has not been fun (my office has been affected by this). Sighing….. I really don’t know what to think anymore. It’s been so frustrating to watch and hear the news. I have been trying to take everything in doses. I don’t want to overwhelm myself or become engrossed with what’s going on yet I do want to still be informed.
During this shutdown, I have been trying to keep my life in order and trying to keep the right perspective. It is so easy to get caught in other people’s life frustrations and situations. Sometimes you will find yourself absorbing other people’s emotions and I don’t want to do that. I am crazy on my own thank you very much! So what I have decided to do is remain grateful and enjoy as much beauty as I can.
First things first I have made it a point to enjoy flowers. The real and faux. In my office and at home. I really love flowers and have always used them as a source of joy and contentment. This is my faux arrangement at home. I love it next to my blue and white ginger jar.
The second thing has been enjoying my breakfast in the mornings. I love coming into my office having my pumpkin muffin, fresh pear and a hot cup of ginger tea. Since the shutdown, I have been making sure that I take my time sipping my tea.
I have also made a point to enjoy my lunches. This fabulous salad was created by one of our attorney’s in our office. It is a spinach salad with apples, feta, almonds, and cranberries. Absolutely delicious and it was free! So glad she wanted to share this with everyone.
This past weekend my husband and I went furniture shopping. Now, of course, we did not spend anything but I think that it is okay to “window shop”. I was able to find a nice dining room table that I wanted and was able to get a list from one of the sales reps. So when we are ready to purchase I know exactly how much we will spend. I love the table legs on this!
Love these host chairs that I picked out too.
( see my dining room inspiration post here)
I have also been trying to find new delicious and inexpensive recipes too. I just shared my spinach eggs recipe this week and I have loved cooking that as well as eating it. Enjoying my meals has been another way to be grateful and create a beautiful life. This dish is actually from a restaurant. It is called the Napa Chicken dinner. I talked about it
here.
And the last thing that I have been doing is continuing to dress well. In spite of having limited funds and not receiving pay, I have made it a point to continue to dress well. Just because things are bad it does not mean that I should not continue to work and dress well. I am still working in my office giving it the same amount of effort as I would if things were normal. I believe the Lord will honor that. Keeping the right attitude during trials is just another part of our faith walk. I just keep telling myself, “the Lord has a plan”. I don’t know what it is but I am doing my very best to trust it. I remember a quote that I heard a Bible teacher say some years back. He said, “this is God’s universe and God does things his way. You may have a better way but you don’t have a universe”.
I chuckled when I heard that. I thought, “yeah you are absolutely right”. This is not my universe. So just wait patiently. I hope that you all enjoy your weekend and continue to be grateful.
(photos via Mrs. Shockley)
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Dear Mrs. Shockley,
I am so impressed that you are keeping your spirits high and your attitude positive. I hope it 'rubs off' on others you work with. It seems you are all pulling together.
Although my husband works in a government facility, his position has not been affected. We have been donating to the Coast Guard families through a food bank especially set up for them. I am praying….and like you, trusting that there must be a plan.
Take care of yourself.
Warmly, Kathleen
Well Hello Kathleen!
Thank you for stopping by on a regular basis. I tell you my positive attitude was not rubbing off on my co-workers. There were some very frustrated people and rightfully so. We all were. And some people we making comments like, "well just go and get a second job". Here is the thing about that we have to get approval from our office to get second jobs so it's not as seamless as people think. I am glad that President Trump has signed an extension. I only hope that goals and negotiations can be settled before the 15th. Thank you for your giving. People appreciate any support they can get.
I really admire your spirit and attitude in this situation. To me, being elegant and gracious is part of taking the high road regardless of circumstances, and you are certainly doing that. Character counts! I so hope and pray the shutdown is resolved soon for the sake of the families affected.
Hi Arabella,
Thank you for stopping by! I was trying very hard not to get upset and worry. I am a worry-wart by nature so the last few weeks have been a challenge. I so agree with you about being elegant and gracious. It is apart of taking the high road and rising above things. I hope that the budget and goals of the White House can be met before the 15th.
Good morning Mrs Shockley. I have just read your latest post & am a bit confused to what has happened. It does sound like your in a bit of a bad situation, being in the UK I'm not sure of the news in the USA. I hope your not going to lose your job .xx
Hi Maria,
I am not losing my job but since I work for the U.S. Government; the White House has to pass a budget each year for spending. Since I am a federal worker if the budget is not passed we don't get paid. The U.S. just experienced it's longest "government shutdown" in history. It's when parts of our federal government are closed until a budget is passed. It is "pearl clutching" every fiscal year but the Lord has been faithful thus far. Thank you for reading the blog and for your concerns.
The whole situation sounds really unfair. Especially after Christmas, how are people expected to live & pay bills etc…thinking of you. Maria XX ??
We hear your news everyday …. I do hope something comes of it and everyone can go back to work.
Thank you LadyJicky! Today is the very first day that we are open so we will see how things go.
You are such an inspiration! Always trusting God in everything is the best way to get through difficult situations .♥️ Life seems to have many challenges in store, but having steadfast faith that God is good ALL the time and will always protect us is such an encouragement! May the Lord bless you!
Katrina Ariana
Oh my gosh Hi Katrina!!!
Thank you for visiting my blog! Thank you for the kind words as you know it is not always easy trying to live by faith. It can be quite challenging but I want God's best. I always have. Thank you again for stopping by and you are quite an inspiration yourself. Designing your own clothing line is quite an undertaking but I am sure it is so rewarding. Keep up the good work!