“Ash Wednesday arrives with a whisper—a call to stillness, reflection, and grace. As we step into Lent, may we embrace the small, sacred moments that draw us closer to Him.”
Ash Wednesday arrives not with fanfare, but with a whisper—a quiet call to step away from the rush, to still our hearts, and to remember what truly matters. It is a day of simplicity, a return to the essentials: dust to dust, grace upon grace.
A Season of Reflection and Renewal
Lent is often viewed as a time of sacrifice, a season of giving things up. But what if it is also an invitation—an opportunity to embrace the small, quiet luxuries that bring us closer to God? Not indulgence, but the simple joys that create space for reflection and renewal.
Consider these gentle practices as you step into this sacred season:
A slow morning—letting the warmth of coffee or tea settle into your soul.
Stepping outside—listening to birdsong as a prayer, letting nature remind you of His presence.
Lighting a candle in the evening—watching the flame flicker as a quiet reflection of His light.
Keeping a journal nearby—jotting down simple blessings, whispered prayers, or moments of gratitude.
Reading a passage of Scripture or poetry—allowing it to stir something deep within.
Preparing a simple meal with intention—savoring the nourishment and offering thanks.
Less Noise, More Grace
Lent is not merely about giving things up—it’s about making room.
Less noise, more grace.
Less striving, more resting in Him.
Less of the world, more of His love.
As the ashes are placed upon our foreheads, may we enter this season with gentleness, welcoming its quiet call. Let us embrace the small, sacred moments that draw us nearer to the One who is always near to us.
What Brings You Stillness?
What little joy or quiet luxury helps you embrace the stillness of Lent? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear how you are making space for grace this season.
Two years ago, I stepped into Adoration for the first time, not knowing what to expect. My sweet friends from work had invited me, and though I had always loved the Lord, I had never leaned on Him as I should. At the time, I was moving forward the best I could after my husband’s passing earlier that year, but inside, I was not well. I carried a guilt so consuming that it overshadowed every step I took. I put on a smile, a brave face, especially for my daughter, who was deep in her own grief. But I could not let go of the weight I carried.
My husband and I had a difficult life together. He was a good man, but he struggled deeply with addiction and his own demons. Over the years, I grew resentful, exhausted, and emotionally shut down. I hated the life we were living, but I felt responsible for him. Even though he was a grown man, he couldn’t function as such, and I bore the weight of holding everything together. I hid things, covered wounds, and did everything I could to protect our daughter, even sacrificing my own well-being in the process. My life on the inside was nothing like what people saw. My pain and guilt were not because of a marital love, that had been lost years earlier due to broken trust and the damage of addiction, but because of a deep sense of responsibility—for the person I had shared 24 years with, for my daughter, and for the man I had always wanted him to find in himself.
I prayed for him for years, but addiction had such a tight grip on him. Eventually, in a moment of courage, I told him I wanted to separate. I had hoped with all my heart that he would seek help and turn things around, but instead, he sank deeper. His anger toward me grew, and the addiction worsened. Our daughter was now being hurt by the fallout. After months of agony, the unthinkable happened—he died of an overdose. It was ruled a suicide.
The grief was unbearable. I didn’t want this. I never imagined this would be how our story ended. My heart shattered in a way I never knew was possible, but even more crushing was watching my daughter suffer. The guilt consumed me. I questioned every decision I had made. Had I done enough? Could I have saved him? These thoughts tormented me.
Then came that invitation to Adoration. I went, not knowing what else to do, only knowing I was desperate for something, anything, to lighten the burden I carried. I sat in stillness, my mind replaying every painful memory. I prayed the Our Father over and over because I didn’t know what else to pray. Then, in the quiet, something happened. The weight—the one I had been carrying for years—lifted. It was as if His presence wrapped around me, breaking the chains of guilt that had bound me for so long. I sobbed harder than I ever had before, yet I left Adoration renewed, free from the crushing pain and guilt. From that moment, I never felt it again.
Now, Adoration is a sacred part of my life. It is where I go to lay everything before Him, to rest in His presence, to listen, to heal. Miracles have happened since that first visit, and one day, I will share those stories with you, too.
If you have never been to Adoration, I encourage you to go. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
1. **You don’t have to know what to do.** Just go and sit with Him. There is no pressure, no expectation—only an invitation to be in His presence.
2. **Pray however you can.** If words fail you, repeat the Our Father, whisper His name, or sit in silence. He hears the prayers of your heart even when you cannot speak them.
3. **Bring your burdens.** Whatever you are carrying, lay it before Him. He will lift what you were never meant to bear alone.
4. **Expect nothing, but be open to everything.** Sometimes, He speaks in peace, in clarity, in a weight lifting off your shoulders. Other times, He simply lets you rest in Him. Either way, it is enough.
5. **Make it a habit.** Whether once a month or once a week, Adoration is a refuge, a place to be still and know that He is God.
If you are struggling with guilt, grief, or burdens too heavy to carry, I invite you to try Adoration. You may find, as I did, that in His presence, even the heaviest weights become light.
Happy Friday, friends! I’m so glad you’re here! I’m thrilled to invite you into this new tradition here on Birdsong & Blessings. Every Friday, we’ll pause together for a moment of joy and gratitude. This space will be a place to savor simple pleasures, share what’s been filling my heart, and reflect on the grace we can find in the little things of life. Whether it’s a book I’m reading, a dish I’ve cooked, a show that’s lifted my spirits, a nurturing touch that’s become a favorite, or a home piece that’s adding peace to my space, I hope this weekly post gives you a little boost of positivity as we head into the weekend. Let’s take a moment to gather, reflect, and find grace in the ordinary.
A Moment to Savor This week, I took an extra moment to enjoy my morning coffee, letting the warmth wrap around me like a hug. In the stillness, I found peace. Life moves fast, but there’s something about a quiet cup that reminds me to slow down and just be.
What I’m Reading Lately, I’ve been revisiting The Road to Le Papillon by Shannon Ables. I’ve read all three of her books and loved them so much that I’m diving back in. This one is structured as a day-to-day guide, and I often find myself reading several days at once. It’s filled with gentle wisdom and reminders that joy can be found in life’s simplest moments. If you’re looking for something to bring a little light to your day, I highly recommend it! I typically read a mix of books—for both wisdom and enjoyment. Next on my list is Liberation by Imogen Kealey, inspired by the true story of World War II’s greatest heroine. I’m excited to start this one, as I’ve always been drawn to stories set during this time period. I can’t wait to share my thoughts with you soon!
Nature’s Blessing Spring is gently making its presence known. This week, I spotted fresh buds on the trees and heard the sweet songs of birds returning, adding their joyful melody to the warm breeze. I’ve also been enjoying a peaceful moment watching the birds dining at the Birdsong Café—what I affectionately call the bird feeder outside my window. It’s such a simple pleasure to see them flitting about, a reminder of nature’s gentle rhythm. I find peace in these little moments, as if nature is reminding me to pause and take in the beauty around me. Nature, in its own way, teaches us the beauty of renewal and patience.
Something to Enjoy Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the pleasure of watching a couple of shows that really lifted my spirits. The return of Sweet Magnolias for its 5th season was such a treat. It’s a light-hearted series that, while it doesn’t shy away from the characters’ struggles, it presents them in a way that doesn’t feel heavy. The people of Serenity feel like old friends! I’ve also been watching The Chosen, which has been deeply moving and impactful. While it’s an uplifting portrayal of Jesus and His journey with the Apostles, it doesn’t shy away from the immense sacrifice and the challenging moments of His story. It’s an incredibly powerful show that has opened my heart to a deeper understanding of His life, and each episode leaves me reflecting on both His love and the very real suffering He endured. It’s a beautiful mix of inspiration and reverence, and I can’t wait for the next season! Some stories just have a way of deepening our understanding and lifting our spirits, don’t they? What have you been watching lately?
A Taste of Comfort Living in Florida, I usually skip the warm comfort foods like soups and stews, but when we had a brief cool spell, I couldn’t resist making Taco Soup. It was the perfect cozy dish for that rare chilly day, and just what my soul needed. Since my daughter sticks to her chicken nuggets and pizza, this is a solo treat for me, but it’s super simple and comforting if you’re in the mood for something hearty. Here’s the recipe if you’d like to try it! Taco Soup Recipe Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
1 onion, chopped
1 packet taco seasoning
1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can corn, drained
1 can chili beans (optional)
1 cup beef or chicken broth
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste Instructions:
In a large pot, brown the ground beef (or turkey) with the chopped onion until fully cooked.
Add the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, chili beans (if using), and broth.
Stir everything together, add garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then bring to a simmer.
Let the soup simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Serve with your favorite toppings, like shredded cheese, sour cream, or tortilla chips. Enjoy!
Nurturing Touches As I’m embracing the changes in my skin at 47, I’ve been enjoying a rich face cream that feels like it’s giving my skin just what it needs. With the way my skin keeps evolving, I find myself reaching for more of the good stuff, and this cream is definitely a favorite. It’s amazing how nurturing the right products can feel at different points in life—especially when our skin changes and asks for more care and attention. I’m also trying a new skincare line, but I haven’t started using it yet, so I’ll have to update you soon!
Home & Heart I’ve been adding a few new touches to my space lately. One of my recent additions is a cozy throw blanket for my couch, which is perfect for bringing a little extra warmth and texture to the room. I also introduced a beautiful glass oil diffuser with a refreshing mix of orange, lemon, and mint essential oils. This is new for me, as I’ve always been a candle girl, but I’m really enjoying how this diffuser fills the air with such an energizing, uplifting scent. It’s a lovely change, and the mix of citrus and mint is so recharging.
Grace & Gratitude This week, I was reminded of the beauty in everyday connections. A kind word, a shared laugh, a moment of stillness—these are the real gifts. As we step into the weekend, may we carry grace in our hearts and gratitude in our steps.
I’d love to hear what has brought you joy and gratitude this week—let’s share in these simple joys together.
Thank you for being here!
Love & Gratitude, Jenny
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Monday mornings come early. Before the world fully stirs, before the sky shifts from darkness to dawn, my day begins. The dogs need to be let out, their eager paws tapping against the floor, reminding me that no matter how tired I am, life keeps moving. My daughter needs to be roused for school, a task that, lately, feels heavier than it used to. The weight of our struggles lingers in the air, unspoken but felt. I take a deep breath and press on.
As I move through my morning routine, there is little time for stillness. The coffee brews as I mentally run through my day—lessons to teach, students to guide, responsibilities to carry. But even in the motion, I seek the quiet. I journal every day, whispering my prayers onto the page, knowing that He hears even when I cannot find the words to say aloud. Life can be tiring. My heart longs for the unhurried pace of a Saturday morning—coffee in hand, my journal open, my dogs nestled beside me. But today is Monday, and I must go.
Still, I find my moment. Stepping outside with my dogs before work, I breathe in the crisp air. The world is waking up. The birds, my faithful morning companions, begin their songs, and I greet them softly—”Good morning, birdie birds.” It is a simple ritual, but it anchors me. It reminds me that even when life feels heavy, there is beauty in the small things.
I whisper my gratitude, even on the hardest days. For the warmth of my coffee, the steady rhythm of my breath, the love of close friends who walk this journey with me. I find comfort in the quiet moments with Jesus, where no words are needed—just the stillness, just the knowing.
Mondays may not be slow, but they can still be sacred. They remind me to push forward, to seek the glimpses of grace, to trust that even in exhaustion, there is purpose. And so, I step into this day, heart open, hands willing, soul anchored in gratitude. A sip, a breath, a whispered prayer—and onward I go.
A Gentle Invitation for You:
If you are feeling the weight of a heavy morning, take a deep breath. Seek a moment of stillness, even in the rush. Here are a few simple ways to center yourself as you step into your day:
Pause for Gratitude – Before you dive into the day’s demands, whisper a simple ‘thank you’ for one thing, however small.
Find a Ritual – Whether it’s greeting the morning air, sipping coffee slowly, or taking one deep, mindful breath, let a small act anchor you.
Write a Prayer or a Thought – It doesn’t have to be perfect or long. Just something that reminds you that you are held and heard.
Seek Beauty in the Ordinary – Notice the birds, the morning light, the warmth of your cup. Small joys carry us forward.
Give Yourself Grace – Some days are heavier than others. Walk gently, knowing you are doing the best you can.
May your Monday, no matter how hurried, hold a moment of peace, a sip of stillness, and a reminder that you are not alone.
