{ Blogtober 2026 - Day 21 - This Wasn't the Plan by Kenz Durham }

About This Wasn’t the Plan: How to Surrender Your Stuck and Set Your Soul in Motion

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Publication date: October 6, 2026

Have you ever looked at your life and thought, I thought my life would look better than this by now. This book is for the woman who feels stuck—in her career, relationships, emotions, or calling. It’s a guidebook for the one who feels like she’s just enduring rather than embracing life to start moving toward the life you really want.

If you’ve ever felt lost between the dreams you had freshly post-grad and the reality you’re living now, you are not alone. Mac Bridges and Kenz Durham get it. They’ve been in your shoes and walked through their own journeys with chronic illness, unanswered longings, and prayers that never seem to be answered in the miraculous way they’d envisioned. But in the midst of those seasons, they’ve also seen transformation.

It begins with a question: What if God is getting you ready? What could He be preparing in you and for you in this season? Readers are invited to imagine the great plans God is setting in motion for them, even when everything around them seems stuck in place. Through quizzes and powerful reflection questions, readers will name the areas in which they feel stuck, identify the root of those feelings, and get honest about the ways those feelings are manifested in their everyday lives.

But Mac and Kenz don’t leave readers there. Using the scaffolding of Jesus’ instructions to “ask, seek, and knock,” they challenge the reader to:

• pray without having an answer in mind;
• seek out clues about what God is up to;
• take bold but faith-filled risks that unlock transformation; and
• believe that your stuck place isn’t your final destination.

It’s time to stop waiting on the sidelines and start moving with God, trusting that He is inviting you to take the next steps into a story where every detail matters.

About the Authors

MacKenzie “Mac” Bridges is the passionate co-founder behind Delight Ministries, an organization that provides Christ-centered community for college women at 200+ universities across the United States. As co-host of the “For The Girl” podcast, Mac, alongside her best friend Kenz, brings warmth, wisdom, and big sister advice to women in their 20s seeking to follow Jesus. She’s also the author of several beloved Bible studies, including “In My Feels” and “The Wild Invitation.”

Mac currently lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband, Tyler, and their daughter Myla. Outside of ministry, Mac is a proud connoisseur of chain restaurants, pickleball, and home decor. She’s never left a TJ Maxx without a knickknack in hand.

Mackenzie “Kenz” Durham is the passionate founder behind Delight Ministries, an organization that provides Christ-centered community for college women at 200+ universities across the United States. As co-host of the “For The Girl” podcast, Kenz, alongside her best friend Mac, brings warmth, wisdom, and big sister advice to women in their 20s seeking to follow Jesus. She’s also the author of several beloved Bible studies, including “In My Feels” and “The Wild Invitation“

Kenz currently lives in Vero Beach, Florida, with her husband, Josh, and their two kids. Outside of ministry, Kenz is health guru, self proclaimed baker, and lover of the sun! Catch her on the beach soaking up the sun 80% of her days!

 

{ Blogtober 2026 - Day 20 - Reading }

I have loved watching the morning sun starting to rise.  From my spot on the bed, I have the perfect view, right as it comes over the horizon and starts bathing everything in it's path, with the most glorious orange glow.

 

It's moments like these that I thank God for being the beautiful creator that He is, I mean, the colors, the details, the textures, I still feel complete awe when I see what is around us. 

It's been a very slow day, just like I enjoy.  After getting my daily homemaking chores done, I have started a new book.  Before I talk about the book though, can you see the kitty cat in the picture above?  The crochet one?

 

Well I have completed it and just need to embroider on some eyes in black yarn.  It is not perfect, and I did struggle a bit with the Toft pattern, I find that it's pretty much a pattern for advanced crocheters or anyone familiar with the way she writes her patterns, which is not me.

 

There weren't very clear instructions, and I found myself kind of like a fish out of water, flapping about, turning to Google and even AI to try and figure out how to continue certain parts of the pattern.  I am hoping as I get more familiar with the Toft way of crochet, I will enjoy it more.

 

But, it is done, I just need to make the cape and the boots and the tail, now that I think of it, it's missing it's tail.  Hahahaha  I can't believe I forgot that important detail, dear me. 

As for the reading.  I have been putting off reading The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion, mainly because as you know me, the more people go on about a book or a movie or whatever, the less I want to try it.  I've always been like this, since I was child.  If everyone is loving yellow I will immensely dislike it.  

 

So everyone in the book world has been going on about this series by Beth Brower.  I held off for quite a while but decided to just get in there and see what the fuss is about.

 

I went in full expecting to not like it, or find it overrated.   

The truth?

 

I'm quite enjoying it and I'm not even very far, I'm only on the second entry of her journal, but it's already caught my attention.  Guess I'm going to become a fan too.  

 

Other than that, it's been a quiet day, the temperatures have sat in the high 70's, which is quite alright with me.

 

What else have I been up to?

 

I got my groceries today which is always a good thing.  I love seeing the fridge and freezers full when the food first comes in.

 

I will be making a Baked Salmon for dinner with a vegetable Quinoa and some brussel sprouts. 

 

The rest of the evening I will be working on my crochet blanket a little more now that I have the yarn I needed to continue.  I will also obviously watch something on the telly while I do that too.

 

Oh and I am so excited.  I just purchased some yarn and a pattern for a cabled jumper that I want to make for myself for winter.  It's beautiful and I just can't wait to get started.

 

It is the Clarendon Cables Jumper from Lottie & Albert.

 

 

 

The yarn I will be using is the Lion Brand Two of Wands Hue + Me and I've gone with the sunflower color which I think will be gorgeous.  Also, I don't tend to wear yellows so I'm a bit hesitant but I want a change and I think it will look great with my dark hair. 

 

I'll of course show you the progress as I make it.  Well that's it for today, I better get things organized for dinner.

{ Blogtober 2026 - Day 19 - Happy Homemaker Monday }

Good morning everyone, welcome back to my little blog.

 

It is a cold Monday morning, very much a Fall day.  The light, the air, there is something about Fall that you can't quite pinpoint but it's a different vibe from summer, know what I mean?

 

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend, and I wish you all a blessed week ahead.  I am finally going to be able to get some time to start visiting you all, leaving comments and devoting more time to blogging.  It's been crazy and I mean crazy busy around here, as summer usually is, so I am very much glad that the slower time of the year is upon us.

 

Now, let's see what is happening around our homes.  

  

 

 

*** The Weather *** 

Quite a few cold mornings but we will be in the 70s and 80s this week, as the cold front moves out.     

 

Monday - Sunny, 75

Tuesday - Mostly sunny, 78 

Wednesday - Sunny, 81

Thursday - Partly cloudy, 82

Friday - Partly cloudy, 83 

Saturday - Morning cloudy, 82  

Sunday - Mostly cloudy, 79

 

 

 *** Right now I am ***

Sitting at my desk.  I am listening to a video on the TV, working on this post and trying to remember what I need to look up today or get done today.  I really should be writing this down.

 

I am sipping on my second cup of coffee, lately it's been two cups of coffee a day to keep me going, and if it were up to me, it would probably be more, but I need to control myself.       

 

 

*** Thinking and pondering *** 

Holidays.  I am wanting to start making some Christmas gifts, and also buying some.  I don't want to wait until the last minute and this year I really would like to have everything done, by the beginning of December.  Will that actually happen?  Probably not, but I will give it a good try.    

 

 

*** How I am feeling *** 

I'm feeling pretty good.  Just have a lingering congestion and a bit of a tiny cough.  My allergies have also been the worst the past two days, but aside from that, I am good.  

 

 

*** On the breakfast plate *** 

I just finished my breakfast which was some toasted Cranberry Orange Bread with butter.  I've been really bad with carbs lately and especially bread, I've been eating way too much bread and that is going to change soon, but I am trying to finish this bread that I got at Market Street.  It is so good.  I am actually going to find a recipe to make my own.  

 

 

*** On the lunch plate *** 

Not really sure.  I haven't been very hungry at lunch time lately, so we will see. 

 

 

*** On the dinner plate *** 

Slow Cooker Pork Chops, Buttered Noodles, Sauteed Mustard Greens 

 

 

*** On the menu *** 

I have to work on the new meal plan, so this is what I have left on the last meal plan.

 

Monday

Slow Cooker Pork Chops, Buttered Noodles, Sauteed Mustard Greens  

Tuesday 

Oven Baked Salmon, Curried Quinoa, Squash and Zucchini Casserole

Wednesday 

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

 

 

*** What I am wearing *** 

Pajama set, pants and short sleeved shirt.  Will change into black leggings, black tank top and a checkered black and white shirt over, when I get dressed for the day.     

 

 

*** On my reading pile *** 

2 Samuel in the Bible, I am almost done with it. 

 

Finished The Familiars by Stacey Hall and will now start the first book in the Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion series.  I have put this off for a while because I'm not a huge fan of books written in diary form, but everyone talks about this series and it's an era that I love so I decided to grab the first book, and give it a go.      

 

 

 

*** On my TV this week *** 

Vlogtober on Youtube.  

Great British Bake Off on Netflix.

I am a Stalker on Netflix.

 

Turkish series. 

 

 

*** Looking around the house *** 

I need to give it a good clean today, the typical Monday morning usual.  Also want to hang some Autumn lights above the big windows in both the living room and dining room.  

 

 

*** To do list *** 

Bible and Devotional time 

Daily homemaking chores 

Water inside plants

Embroider the eyes on the crochet cat

*** What I am creating ***

Universe in Bloom Blanket by Look at What I Made.  

 

Puss in Boots by Toft Crochet.

 

 

   

*** From the camera ***  

Started putting this one together on Saturday.  I just love doing things like this, they bring me so much joy.  

   

*** Devotional, Prayers, Bible Verses *** 

Continuing to pray for my brother Paul as he is now 6 weeks post triple bypass surgery.  He is recovering amazingly well.  

 

{ Blogtober 2026 - Day 18 - A cold Sunday }

 

 

Woke up to 39 degrees.  I don't understand how we went from triple digits about three weeks ago to this cold.  What happened to the transition between summer and Winter, you know the season called Fall?  Oh Texas, always keeping us on our toes.

 

We started the morning with a walk for Kaia around our neighborhood, which I will say is so stunning, there is nothing quite like living in the country. 

 

 

It didn't last as long as usual because it was bitterly cold and I am still not 100% person over this flu.  

 

The rest of the day was spent indoors, I took the day to start my Gingerbread Christmas Book Nook, watch TV and finish my 44th book for the year.  The Familiars by Stacey hall. 

 

{ Blogtober 2026 - Day 17 - Saturday }

 

 

 A quiet Saturday spent with family.

 

We started the day at the farmer's market where I got potatoes, peppers, lettuce, mustard greens, squash and zucchini, and some Cajun Ranch and Spicy Dill Pickle Ranch.

 

After the farmer's market we came back home with Jasmine, and she spent the day playing computer games with her dad and brother, while I worked on my crochet.

 

For dinner I made a Chipotle inspired Burrito Bowl and for dessert we had a delicious cup of Christmas tea with a Cranberry and Orange Muffin.

 

Perfect Saturday! 

{ Blogtober 2026 - Day 16 - Rainy Days }

 The past few days, we have had constant rain.  Sometimes with strong winds and storms that seem to turn everything a haze of white, so strong is the rain that we can't even see a foot in front of us. 

And other times, a soft pitter patter, constantly drumming on the roof.   My favorite kind of rainy day, where the days are dark, the clouds are a deep shade of grey, and the rain drops fall at a constant pace, a rhythmic pattern that lull you into a quiet, relaxing mood.  

As I type this post, the rain is coming to an end and pops of blue are starting to spread across the sky.  I would have loved a few more rainy days, but I will take the cold temperatures after a scorching summer.

 

It is currently 54 degrees with a real feel of 37.

 

My bedroom windows are open, the kitchen window is open and the freshest crisp air is blowing in, spreading through the house like a mist and cooling everything in it's path. 

I've got a chili in the crockpot for dinner, my Best Chili Ever, which you can find over on the food blog.  I will make some biscuits later to go with the chili.  I was going to make something else and the chili would be for next week, but with the cold temperatures today and the cloudy skies, I figured it was the perfect day for a hot bowl of chili with a fluffy biscuit.

In the meantime I am going to get busy with my projects.  I currently have so many waiting for me:

 

• Universe in Bloom Crochet Blanket
• Puss in Boots Amigurumi
• Paint by number canvas
• A few Christmas inspired projects from my advent calendar two years ago
• A booknook
• A big gingerbread house nook

 

I have a book I'm currently reading and I also have my Daily Grace Bible Study to start, so a lot to pick from.

 

I hope your Friday is going well and winding down to a relaxing weekend. 

 

{ Blogtober 2026 - Day 15 - Cinnamon Rolls }

  

The weather has been perfect Fall weather, which means I start craving certain things, like pumpkin bread, cinnamon rolls, chili, soups and anything apple flavored.

 

I had been craving cinnamon rolls for a few weeks, and this morning I just knew I had to stop putting it off and just get them done.

 

 

I used a bread machine recipe and the result were super soft, yummy cinnamony flavored bundles of joy. 

{ Blogtober 2026 - Day 14 - Wordless Wednesday }

{ Blogtober 2026 - Day 13 - New crochet hooks }

Ever since being diagnosed with osteoarthritis, I've had a hard time crocheting.  All my old hooks are uncomfortable, hurt my fingers, hurt my hands and after a while I have to set the project aside.

 

It's frustrating and disappointing, and I thought that I would be left with no recourse, when it comes to doing this hobby that I love. 

 

I had heard over the years about how certain hooks help but hadn't yet gotten around to purchasing new hooks, mainly because I wasn't really crocheting as much the past two years.

 

Now that I have gotten back into it, I knew it was time.   

While at Michael's this past weekend to pick up my yarn for the blanket I'm working on, I saw a hook from Loops & Threads which is actually the same yarn that I'm using.

 

It looks so comfy to use that I decided to grab it and just see.  Oh my goodness, what a change in crocheting, it was life changing, really.  I know that sounds super cheesy to say, but for me it truly was.

 

I wanted to get a few more, and I found this set at Amazon, not the same brand but it was only $7.00, Ergonomic soft grip, and shipped overnight.  I just got them and love them as much as the other hook.  I think the soft grip is definitely key when you suffer from arthritis. 

I keep all my hooks in these two Cath Kidston pouches.  I used to have them all over the place and sometimes it was hard to find what I needed, now I know where they are at all times.

I also ordered these binder clips which I find very helpful when I'm working on a crochet pattern from a book.  It keeps the pages open and where I need them.  They were also really inexpensive at just $8 for 180, with different sizes.  Just perfect.

{ Blogtover 2026 - Day 12 - Happy Homemaker Monday 10/12/2026 }

Good morning everyone.

 

It is a beautiful morning with a cool crisp wind coming in through the windows.  It feels glorious.

 

I hope you're having a good holiday weekend, we've had a quiet one since we're all right at the tail end of this flu, so didn't want to do anything but rest and get better.

 

We will be going for our daily morning walk with Kaia soon, and then I have no clue what we will do today.  

 

Anyway, let's see what is going on around our homes for the week ahead.  Have a wonderful blessed week.  

♥♥ The Weather ♥♥
We are finally feeling Fall temperatures.  Mornings are even a little cold which means summer has left for good.  Yay for that!  

 

Monday - Sunny, 93
Tuesday - Partly cloudy, 96
Wednesday - Scattered Thunderstorms, 88
Thursday - Thunderstorms, 79
Friday - Mostly Cloudy, 64
Saturday - Partly cloudy, 66
Sunday - Mostly Sunny, 73


♥♥ As I look outside my window ♥♥
The sun hasn't come up yet, it is not even 7am.   The back porch light is on so I see the patio but that's pretty much it.    

♥♥ Right now I am ♥♥
Sitting at my desk, listening to a video on YouTube and working on this post. 

 

♥♥ Thinking and pondering ♥♥
Nothing in particular, my mind is just filled with crochet, bills, things to do, and so forth.  

 

♥♥ How am I feeling ♥♥
I am about 95% when it comes to the flu.  Still dealing with some congestion but thankfully feeling much better.  

 

♥♥ On the breakfast plate ♥♥
I had a cup of coffee with cinnamon, a teaspoon of brown sugar and a little splash of maple syrup.  Haven't had any breakfast yet and don't really feel like anything in particular so not sure what I'll eat.  

 

♥♥ On the lunch plate ♥♥
Just like last week, it will be Tuna Chickpea Salad.  

 

♥♥ On the dinner plate ♥♥
Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans. 

 

♥♥ What I'm wearing ♥♥
Summer nightgown.  Will change into some leggings and a tshirt soon to go on our walk.  

 

♥♥ On my reading pile ♥♥
Reading 2 Samuel in the Bible.      

Started The Familiars by Stacey Halls.

 

Also reading What to Do in a Valley by Jabin Chavez. 

 

♥♥ On my TV this week ♥♥
Youtube - 

Homemaking and book vlogs

Vlogtober

Crochet and Knitting podcasts 

 

Netflix - 

I Survived a Serial Killer

The Great British Bake Off

 

Turkish Soap -

Mercan Kosk

Guller ve Gunahlar

Muhtemel Ask

Halef

Sevdigim Sensin

Gunesin Dogdugu Yer

Anne Yarisi

Sevdan Bir Ates

 

♥♥ On the menu ♥♥

 

Monday - Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans  

Tuesday - Baked Catfish Nuggets with Garlic and Parsley, Curried Quinoa, Roast Vegetables 
Wednesday - Dad's Favorite Chicken, Garlic Spaghetti, Salad
Thursday - Pork Chops Supreme, Rice, Cauliflower and Broccoli 

Friday - Layered Flatbreads and Garlic Yogurt Sauce

Saturday - Chipotle Style Burrito Bowls

Sunday - Baked Meatball Kofta with Potatoes

♥♥ Looking around the house ♥♥
I need to do a good vacuum and dusting today, and just the usual Monday pick up.   

♥♥ To Do List for the week ♥♥
- Carpet clean, vacuum, dust

- Normal daily cleaning, kitchen, bathroom, living spaces

- Finish working on the crochet Puss in Boots

- Continue working on the Universe in Bloom Blanket  

♥♥ What I am creating ♥♥

Universe in Bloom Blanket and Puss in Boots from Toft Crochet.  

♥♥ Something fun to share ♥♥
I love using Ambience and ASMR videos from YouTube while I'm cleaning or working on a crochet project, paying bills, or whatever it may be that I want some background music or sweet imagery.

 

This one is so sweet, it is Little Women Autumn Apple Picking at Orchard House.

 

♥♥ From the camera ♥♥

I love sitting at my desk, by the window, and working on crochet projects.   

 

♥♥ Devotional ♥♥ 

I have a new book from the publisher, to review.  It is called Midnight Hallelujah.  I just thought I would share something that is said in the very first page.

 

What do we do when the life we're living feels painfully out of step with the faith we proclaim?  When the silence of stagnant dreams and unanswered prayers makes us question if we've misunderstood God's heart altogether?  

 

I think a lot of us can relate to those thoughts, can't we? 

 

{ Blogtober 2026 - Day 11 - Sunday }

  

We spent a very quiet Sunday.

 

It started with a wonderful morning walk, right as the sun was starting to rise.  Then we made a quick trip to Lowe's for some material so that we can finish the chicken area in the back.

 

Came back home, and I changed into comfy clothes and spent the rest of the day relaxing, crocheting and watching TV.

 

Some days are just like this, nowhere to be, nothing to do in particular, and those tend to be my favorite days above all.  

{ Blogtober 2026 - Day 10 - Early morning walks }

 

{ Blogtober 2026 - Day 9 - Working at my desk }

 

I am still trying to get over this flu, so I've spent a lot of time being still, or doing things that don't require too much energy in order to give my body the chance to rest and heal.

 

The past 3 days I have sat at my desk, with the beautiful Fall light surrounding me, and have slowly worked on this crochet project.

 

I'm really enjoying the process though I will say, if you've never made a TOFT Crochet Amigurumi, it is quite confusing at times.  It almost feels like the instructions to the pattern are missing key points.  I've had to resort to the internet and YouTube to try and figure out just what she is telling me to do.

 

Also, I have not used the yarn she suggests because I just wanted to use the scraps I had on hand, which tend to be the cheaper acrylic yarn, and that has produced a much larger cat than the one in the book.  This guy is huge Hahahah

 

For all future characters, I will be using her suggested yarn. 

 

With all that said, I have loved creating Puss, and can't wait to see him finished. 

 

I have just one front leg to do and then attach to the body, then need to do the head and tail and the finishing touches on the paws.  I should have it finished this weekend ♥ 

{ Blogtober 2026 - Day 8 - Turning the corner }

 

Well good morning dear friends!

 

It is a beautiful fall morning here in Texas.  Being able to finally turn off the air conditioner, open windows and doors and let the cool air in, is something I very much looked forward to for months.

Yesterday afternoon, the fever came back again and with it the body aches, the chills and the headache.  I threw dinner in the oven and then laid on the couch in the den in between checking on dinner and getting the table set. 

 

I wanted a proper meal but didn't have the energy or well being to be standing over the stove, so I made something quick.  I had some leftover rice in the fridge which I used to mix with some ground beef, made a nice tomato sauce and then instead of doing stuffed peppers I did stuffed tomatoes which turned out so delicious......even though I only had one small one because I just was not hungry.

 

After eating dinner, taking a hot shower and climbing into bed, Curt gave me a shot of the Jim Beam Whiskey with Honey and I went to sleep.  I sweated the fever out and thankfully woke up feeling so much better, except for the cough, drainage and the phlegm which has made my throat very sore this morning, but as much as I hate sore throats, I will take this over the high fevers and body aches, and truly I feel better aside from the runny nose and sore throat. 

While unwell yesterday, I tried to get as much rest as possible but also became a bit bored, and didn't want to just sit around, so I began my newest crochet project from my new book, as seen above.  

 

Crochet Fairy Tales from Kerry Lord.  It is filled with the cutest fairy tale animals and I will definitely be making them all.  But, I had to choose the first one, and I knew exactly which one it would be, Puss.  How adorable is that cat?

 

And the best part is that after making him, we also have the patterns to make his lettuce, the bag, his boots and his cape.   I can not wait.  I've already made two of his paws and just have two more paws to make today, which I will start as soon as this post is published.

 

On the ironing board, I have a pile of laundry that I need to iron.  I don't usually iron a lot of clothes, but Curt's work shirts and some of my dressed need ironing.  If you've followed me for a while, you know I love ironing so this isn't so much a chore for me, although while sick the past few days I didn't have the energy to do it. 

 

 

I also watched a Hallmark movie yesterday while crocheting.  It is one of the newer ones called A Knight to Remember, it was quite cute. 

 

As of this morning Nicholas is a college student and will be starting classes on Monday.  We are so proud of him and so excited for this new journey of his.   

 

He is going to do an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) with a major in Business Administration, and then will follow with a Bachelor of Business Administration. He has been waiting long for this so he is very excited to embark on this new journey. 

 

With that I am closing this very short post because I'm still not well.  Hopefully tomorrow I will be back to normal.

 

Have a great Thursday! 

 

 

{ Blogtober 2026 - Day 7 - Wordless Wednesday }

 

 

Day two of high fevers and body aches.  Just tried to rest as much as I can and worked on a new crochet project.