A Contented Life

Contentment is peace and a daily choice I have to make to foster a meaningful life. Because contentment is found in the way that one thinks not in the way one feels because our emotions fluctuate.

We were never promised a life without trials and even then we may complain why we have to suffer through them. We know that God is in control of everything, the only thing we do have control of is how we respond to these trials.
What has helped me when going through trials is to immerse myself in biblical studies/reading and be in constant contact with nature and things that bring joy into my life. Knowing what those things are is important in order to be able to handle life's challenging circumstances and still have contentment.

Being around water brings happiness into my life and is a great distracter for several reasons; The scenic aspect of it is so beautiful and one can't help but to admire God's creation. The sound and smell of it is very relaxing. The coolness of the water on a hot day is such a gratifying relief. And being out by the water in stormy weather is an amazing experience. Not to mention there are several health benefits to being around sea water. (The Puget Sound is part sea water and part fresh water.)
Thankful to know what works best for me, plus it helps me to stay positive.

If they're not skipping rocks they're looking for baby crabs during low tide.

I like watching geese especially when they have their little goslings with them. Super cute.

Being out in nature is not only for my enjoyment alone, Riley benefits from it as well. He's a homebody so when we're about to leave the house and asks where we're going he tends to complain, once we arrive out in nature he can't wait to explore it. I'm glad we're parents that like to be out in nature because it helps Riley, first, to experience nature and how cool it is and second, I do notice a positive change in him, he's engaged, he's in better spirits and he gets exercise all while having fun.

After all the years we have lived here I barely found out about the Half Price Books Outlet in Olympia. This is crazy. How could I have not known! You would think that regular half price books stores would advertise their outlet store but I don't believe I've ever seen signs about it.
The outlet is not really that big (bummer) but there's still a large selection of everything to choose from. Besides the prices already being slashed more than half off, every day has a different discount on top of that. I got 12 books for only $6.25! I couldn't believe it. Amazing!! I always feel like a little kid at a toy store whenever I find books I really want for such great bargain prices.

After the book outlet we drove to downtown Olympia and had a pastry and coffee at the Bread Peddler. Unfortunately we got there after 12 noon so half of their pastries had sold out.

I ended up getting a raspberry filled almond cake. I enjoyed it. Jacob had a bite but wasn't a fan. He's not really into the fruity type desserts.

Here are the 12 books I scored at the half price books outlet. I like to collect old mysteries and western books.

I like seeing my home book library grow. It would be amazing to have an entire room with wall to wall bookcases and filling it with my cool finds. Maybe some day.

Being able to experience life's simple pleasures is something I make an effort to obtain on a regular basis. I see these simple pleasures as gifts and knowing that the real effort I put in reading and studying Scripture is what cements my love for Jesus and am filled with His Truth. That is where I obtain guidance and the true meaning of how to live life. Once you put Jesus at the center of your life there is no void.

Contentment comes when we grow in the 

knowledge of who God is and how He is always enough for us.