This morning I came to the book of Acts. I had not been here in a while, but a scripture touched my heart and I wanted to read more. I was personally inclined to focus on Paul’s wrapping up of ministry in one area; he would not see them again and knew it, and he was explaining that he’d been obedient, but not he had to move on to the next step the Lord had for him, which would ultimately bless others.
“But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God….for I did not shrink back declaring to you the whole purpose of God” (Acts 20:24, 27, NASB 1995).
By Candlelight Creative
He preached the Gospel, worked hard, and stayed generous (Acts 20:33-35). Paul’s perseverance encouraged me. When we are doing one thing, it can be easy to be so focused on it, we cannot see anything else. But here in this chapter amidst humble service, trials and evil schemes of the religious leaders (Acts 20: 19).
Paul did not let any one thing become everything but continued faithfully plowing forward toward the goal being sure to keep himself in check and fit both for the kingdom and physically too, which benefitted himself and others then and eternally (1 Corinthians 9:27).
This morning, I am summing up this reading time with encouragement for those who are wearing multiple hats, as most of us are: Sharing the Hope of our Lord Jesus, working in some way while experiencing the normal wear that the body goes through when being pushed, and serving tangibly however we are being led at that time.
By Candlelight Creative
If you are weak and weary and just need a hot cup of something and to be reminded you are not alone on this journey where our bodies at times fight fatigue, our minds their comfortable fantasies, and our hearts their yearnings for a pain-free life, it’s okay to admit.
Then we say, “Oh, God, we are thankful for this life, for it is not without purpose! Forgive us for when our eyes come off of You. Keep us on your path, and remind us when we are weary that you are actually very near. Pour on us joy overflowing, which sabotages evil schemes of the enemy like faith as a shield does. In Jesus name we pray, amen.”
Spring has past arrived but only in the recent days have I felt it brushed against my skin, bestowing my eyes with its graces and beauty, sending wafts of fragrant honeysuckle soaring through the air. Everything within me wants to bask in it all day long; to press pause on tasks and be as still as possible so as not to miss a thing.
By Candlelight Creative
Even the not-so-pleasant wasps came out to greet us as we ate our lunch on the bottom deck after church this Sunday. Hummus, pickles, and spread with crackers. The craving for a picnic-like feast had begun, so I was happy to grab some items from the store last week. Ones that suited my fancy. Hopefully we will enjoy another Sunday afternoon like that one again very soon. It was pleasant and I imagine a chore probably either got pushed back or didn’t get completed all-together that day.
By Candlelight Creative
I’ve been enjoying other little things too like sipping my morning coffee while watching this YouTube channel. Silent vlogs with easy morning routines, a day in the life of a writer, or out in nature or creating art are relaxing to me. I do not hardly watch anything else anymore. I think it started two years ago when I found Trout & Coffee. Real life stories without news anchors involved began to appeal to me until everything else washed away. Most early mornings I do not prefer to read first thing, though today I actually did in 1 Corinthians. I needed time in the Word. I always do. Maybe not every follower is Christ is so needy, but I surely am! I can feel it when I am not in my Bible as often. And on the days when I am not, I try to meditate on the scriptures that will help me but reading it fresh is always best for me personally.
By Candlelight Creative
We went on a little getaway this past weekend. This past two seasons we have worked so hard, and really the past few years. Through this time there has not been much time for breaks, and I think that is why my body is weary and I am craving slowness and stillness this Spring much like I begin to do in the fall and winter months.
By Candlelight Creative
It has felt like such a long, cold season to me this is recent warm weather is almost a shock. To be able to shift my work life soon is a prayer, so I can spend more time with my family, swim in the creative flow, and enjoy God’s creation beauty: reasonable and worthy goals, I believe. Have you ever been dually thankful for your reality while also seeing it as more? It is not that I am not content, but like I am on a train ride, and every so often at stops, I find treasures that help me make sense along route to said destination.
I try to use these treasures wisely, and always have, except the past few years felt like the driver of the train was mistaken. My treasures did not make sense concerning the way of the tracks, and the map I was looking at. But I learned I can not stare out the window to compare so much as I need to enjoy the ride, trust the process on the tracks, and see what life is bursting within the train itself. If that does not make sense, I don’t quite know how to put it otherwise. My mind thinks in pictures and stories, and my guess is, when I am fairly healed, they come out brighter, full of hope. Because if you would have had me retell the journey six months ago, it would have looked more like a long, dark tunnel.
Someone at work asked me a question that prompted the answer, “I am not sure. It’s like I am starting over all over again. It’s like I just got here.”
So what if I did? Than I would step foot off the train and smile. Coming soon (below).
In one of my college courses, we’ve been talking about the different ways to read the Bible, including the zoomed-out way where you read it just to read it, getting the bigger picture, hopefully. After I pondered the scriptures I read this morning, I began thinking about how significant it is to do this: to take in the whole thing and digest it.
This isn’t something that can be done overnight. When I was a small child, I adored my Precious Moments Bible, and as I grew into my teen years, I would sit on my floor reading for hours. I think I can recount seven times in my life that I have ever read the Bible cover to cover, and just as recent as today, I felt like I had read none of it.
There is always something new that seems to pop out. Some treasure I had not noticed before. When pondering on the grand scope of the redemption message–the true Gospel of Christ–I pictured the Israelites on this long, arduous journey to the promised land, and how it resembles our lives here and now.
We go through so many things, and sometimes the hard parts of the path can cause us to forget where we are going in the first place. Sometimes the dips, potholes, sharp turns, and sink holes along the way try to get off our eyes off of the Master.
In Deuteronomy chapters one and two there is a recounting of the great exit from Egypt. When they were told they’d be going up into a land that was good for them, but let an evil report overwhelm them rather than trusting in the Lord, they wound up wandering in a wilderness for forty years. The younger generation would be able to live in the land, but not those who knew trusting in the Lord was right yet let fear of man take over in their hearts.
20 I said to you, ‘You have come to the hill country of the Amorites which the Lord our God is about to give us. 21 See, the Lord your God has placed the land before you; go up, take possession, as the Lord, the God of your fathers, has spoken to you. Do not fear or be dismayed.’
22 “Then all of you approached me and said, ‘Let us send men before us, that they may search out the land for us, and bring back to us word of the way by which we should go up and the cities which we shall enter.’ 23 The thing pleased me and I took twelve of your men, one man for each tribe. 24 They turned and went up into the hill country, and came to the valley of Eshcol and spied it out. 25 Then they took some of the fruit of the land in their hands and brought it down to us; and they brought us back a report and said, ‘It is a good land which the Lord our God is about to give us.’
26 “Yet you were not willing to go up, but rebelled against the [a]command of the Lord your God; 27 and you grumbled in your tents and said, ‘Because the Lord hates us, He has brought us out of the land of Egypt to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites to destroy us. 28 Where can we go up? Our brethren have made our hearts melt, saying, “The people are bigger and taller than we; the cities are large and fortified to heaven. And besides, we saw the sons of the Anakim there.”’ 29 Then I said to you, ‘Do not be shocked, nor fear them.
30 The Lord your God who goes before you will Himself fight on your behalf, just as He did for you in Egypt before your eyes, 31 and in the wilderness where you saw how the Lord your God carried you, just as a man carries his son, in all the way which you have walked until you came to this place.’ 32 But for all this, you did not trust the Lord your God, 33 who goes before you on your way, to seek out a place for you to encamp, in fire by night and cloud by day, to show you the way in which you should go.
34 “Then the Lord heard the sound of your words, and He was angry and took an oath, saying, 35 ‘Not one of these men, this evil generation, shall see the good land which I swore to give your fathers, 36 except Caleb the son of Jephunneh; he shall see it, and to him and to his sons I will give the land on which he has set foot, because he has followed the Lord fully.’
37 The Lord was angry with me also on your account, saying, ‘Not even you shall enter there. 38 Joshua the son of Nun, who stands before you, he shall enter there; encourage him, for he will cause Israel to inherit it. 39 Moreover, your little ones who you said would become a prey, and your sons, who this day have no knowledge of good or evil, shall enter there, and I will give it to them and they shall possess it. 40 But as for you, turn around and set out for the wilderness by the way to the Red Sea.’
41 “Then you said to me, ‘We have sinned against the Lord; we will indeed go up and fight, just as the Lord our God commanded us.’ And every man of you girded on his weapons of war, and regarded it as easy to go up into the hill country. 42 And the Lord said to me, ‘Say to them, “Do not go up nor fight, for I am not among you; otherwise you will be defeated before your enemies.”’
43 So I spoke to you, but you would not listen. Instead you rebelled against the [f]command of the Lord, and acted presumptuously and went up into the hill country. 44 The Amorites who lived in that hill country came out against you and chased you as bees do, and crushed you from Seir to Hormah. 45 Then you returned and wept before the Lord; but the Lord did not listen to your voice nor give ear to you. 46 So you remained in Kadesh many days, the days that you spent there.
New American Standard Bible. (1995). The Lockman Foundation. (Originally published 1960).
Not only did they disobey by not trusting the Lord, but they tried to prove their sorriness by basically trying to take matters into their own hands after that, to which the Lord warned them, “Don’t!” This next part is my favorite, probably because as a reader I didn’t have to travel the forty years with them but get to glean from their journey.
Wanderings in the Wilderness
“Then we turned and set out for the wilderness by the way to the Red Sea, as the Lord spoke to me, and circled Mount Seir for many days. And the Lord spoke to me, saying, You have circled this mountain long enough. Now turn north, 4 and command the people, saying, “You will pass through the territory of your brothers the sons of Esau who live in Seir; and they will be afraid of you.
So be very careful; 5 do not provoke them, for I will not give you any of their land, even as little as a footstep because I have given Mount Seir to Esau as a possession. 6 You shall buy food from them with money so that you may eat, and you shall also purchase water from them with money so that you may drink. 7 For the Lord your God has blessed you in all that you have done; He has known your wanderings through this great wilderness. These forty years the Lord your God has been with you; you have not lacked a thing.”’
New American Standard Bible. (1995). The Lockman Foundation. (Originally published 1960).
I need to do more research on it, but just reading the first verses of chapter two makes me wonder if part of their lesson to be learned after this came by “way of the Red Sea”. They must’ve remembered the great parting of it, where they walked through on dry ground.
But the sons of Israel walked on dry land through the midst of the sea, and the waters were like a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.
New American Standard Bible. (1995). The Lockman Foundation. (Originally published 1960).
I would imagine upon much self-reflection, regretful agony accompanied them on this painful trek. I say I cannot imagine going through such an experience and forgetting how powerful and good God is, but in my own life has He not provided constantly, yet my flesh has attempted to overpower at times, highlighting every difficult, painful, scary part of the journey?
We must trust the Lord, even if it looks different than we imagined. Fear of man and circumstances is not the way He intended us to live.
If you want to stay in touch, just follow this blog by clicking the WordPress “follow” option in the left sidebar or dropping your email. WordPress will show you a snippet for the first option (within WordPress) and for the second option, they should send you a notification email about it. – MW
“By prayer and determination we have to form the habit of keeping ourselves soaked in the vision God has given….The difficulty with the majority of us is that we will not seek to apprehend the vision; we get a glimpse of it and then leave it alone.”
– Oswald Chambers, Prayer: A Holy Occupation
I’ve been away on various notes, one of which I write about at Turn the Page Cafe. It’ll give you a glimpse of the season as of late, and we are very thankful for it all. Our schedules have been ambushed this week due to the teenagers coming down with what’s apparently Type B Influenza. Please keep the kids in your prayers. They’ve finally eaten something substantial for the first time in a few days, but before that the nurse was kind enough to have us drive around to the back of her building and test them in the car so they didn’t have to get out again.
We were thankful to get proper meds right away, though I wished we could have gotten one of them seen sooner, but she was not able to get out of the bed much and I gave us a deadline that if she wasn’t better, we were going even if I had to have another person help me carry her up the stairs.
Local, raw honey just in time
Tay and I are watching BBC’s Little Women tonight and I just thank my Father for going out of His way all the time, for us. He has been ever present, providing just what is needed each day as His Word says He’ll do, even holding my position at work so I can be here with the kids for a few days. They are strong; the past few years has given us all a different kind of grit than I knew possible, but being at work while your child is texting you knowing at one time their fever had read almost ER-worthy heights, I felt it was best to be available. That and, M2’s spike was near time for me to leave and I couldn’t do it.
That’s when the nurse said to bring them, so I had thirty minutes to get them ready and out the door, sweat drenched down my son’s back not long after I slipped a shirt over his head. It was only a couple days before La could barely sit up to take anything, much less get her legs to cooperate.
Matt had been here at the beginning of the week thankfully, after having worked nine days straight, he needed it too, so this time we are switching spots to make sure everyone gets their liquids and meds on time. My own body is sore, and Tay is experiencing some symptoms, but my prayer is, neither of us will catch it, or if so, that it may be extremely mild so I can keep going.
Virtual rain sounds for relaxation. ^_^
I can usually tell when I’m not myself. The energy slips away, and even simple things become tiresome in the mind. Thing is, this is where I am tonight. Even hearing chatter of others was beginning to wear me out, and things I desired to tick off my list are still invisibly there, waiting for me to figure out and face them.
It’s okay. If there’s one thing I’ve set roots in, it’s that the world will only stop spinning if God allows it, and it most likely won’t happen because Meg was ill, or taking care of someone who was. Guilt removed, stress halted, problem solved. Matt has been wonderfully helping where he can, and I’ve learned to do what I can, applying these same graces for living to everyone else.
I read a post recently about not having a scarcity mindset. It’s not a new topic or fear—but I think it’s something we have to continue to guard against as it limits God, who is unbound completely.
His mercies are new every day and we say this but it’s because He is author of the day and time in which we exist. Where His throne is, time is of no constraint. It’s all the same to Him and nothing scares Him ever. What better God, Father, Brother, and Friend than One who is unbothered forever by things temporal?
Though visions, goals and chores seem to take longer than we like, it is part of adventuring with Father to trust He knows best, and that nothing derails us from the ultimate Prize. This February night in is needed anyway since I have been going non-stop, now with homework due, cafe prep, transitions with children, working outside the home, and as always…being a dog mom and getting involved locally.
When time and its boundaries seem to limit, then we add sickness on top of that, we can see that slowing down can be for our good. It teaches us to appreciate both sides of a coin. And in case anyone thinks I like running, no! This is a season of pure obedience again, working hard for the future payoffs, Lord willing.
Isn’t this an eternal perspective too? Think on it.
“But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day.”
2 Peter 3:8 NASB1995
“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord gives grace and glory; No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.”
Recently, I learned to make cafe’ de creme. I have quite the taste for all things coffee, but there is something, Someone rather, whom I adore and cherish more. No matter where we move, what I put my hands to, or where my mind travels or imagines up, nothing fills like the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Nothing fills like my Christ Jesus who died and rose for me. Nothing fills like His Holy Spirit who indwells within.
I long to be with Him. I thirst for His presence and hunger for those moments to sit and read His Word. My favorite Bible thus far is the Grace and Truth Study Bible. Have you heard of it? Its editors are great, and the commentary is by far one of the best, and I have had many Bibles. Tonight, I am hungering for dinner as well but must throw out a whole batch of food since I discovered soy milk just can’t replace cow’s milk in some things. Yuck. Onto the next dish…
– Meg
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We cannot make it this faith journey on our own. We may not realize we try and attempt it on days we are frustrated or weary, but the sly darkness has a way of attempting to find doors.
We must refuse to open them.
Sometimes it seems the harder I try to do things right, backfiring shots are blown my way. It is then I must breathe and remember we are not battling flesh and blood, but principalities and forces of the world’s darkness. The battle is the Lord’s.
Stand firm.
My Golden Doodle, River, laying on my concordance last night
You can be tearful and be most joyous. There may be things going on in your life that don’t look a lick lovely, but you may be trusting in the Lord more than you’ve ever been.
Or maybe you are on a mountain top, humble in your gaze toward Christ, as you ponder Him and how you could not be there without Him.
It’s beautiful.
You may be having a normal day and guess what? You can radiate beauty by shining God’s light and love.
Who we are inside will come out. I am thankful God knows us deeper than any human, because what if sometimes what comes out is not full of beauty, but it saddens us, and we hope to change?
This is still something I think is beautiful: a person who hopes to do better, and you can see it little by little, their effort, and continuation to persevere in growing.
Christ has paid the full price for our redemption, but our walk with God on a daily basis will cost us much. Are we willing, cheerfully, to pay the cost? – A. W. Tozer
Today’s word as you might have guessed is, cost.
Start:
It has to cost something to follow Christ. If He died for me, I live for Him. It is a trade that is not obligatory but natural to my Spirit man who longs to see Him face to face. The flesh doesn’t get it, but that’s okay because it does not rule anymore. It has to listen, and daily I must tell it to. When it starts to act up, I say, “Shhhut it. Listen. He has you. Do we need to go over this again?” And of course it may be that we do, but the Spirit man will win because the flesh has to be subject to Christ. At the end of it all, the cost of following Christ may be that our flesh has to die so our souls might live. This is not a peious life, nose in the air way of living. Rather, it is a humble, loving surrender prayerfully given to glorify God, though we know our righteousness is as filthy rags in comparison to the One we cannot fully understand or describe. What is the cost today? Ask yourself this and maybe you will find His ways really are lighter as you lay inward parts prostrate at His feet, unburdening yourself, so He can burden you of the right things. – Meg
More than a few people in our church have been on diet transformation journeys this year for health reasons and to switch up from the chicken salad, and to give my daughter something warm to heat up at school, we tried Salmon Poke Bowls this week.
It was a nice change up, though I am sure we won’t do it everyday. I have attempted to copy what others are doing but also find myself liking to experiment, so it comes naturally now to try new things or combinations.
A new favorite in 2023 has been the sweet potato. Do you have any favorite healthy recipes or menu items this year? If so, how did you come about them?
“Sometimes it’s not about speaking, having all the answers, or teaching a lesson. Sometimes having a friend by your side is about the joy of existing at the same time on the planet, feeling the sun beam through dirty paw-smeared glass, past the sheer curtains and onto the life around you. Sometimes the most unexpected can be the bestest of friends, close to you, simple, and present. Be a friend today. Don’t shy away, but draw in. Consider how you are, and how you can be a blessing. Maybe you won’t share a bone (pun intended), but maybe you will share a precious moment that will never be regretted.”
This was a five minute free-write with a group of writers for #Write31Days.
I used to participate regularly in this popular writer’s challenge called #Write31Days. Some writers in the group I am a part of have generously offered to host it since the main host is stepping away for a short break. I had been wanting to get back into a regular habit of writing, even freestyle writing which I first learned with FMF.
It brings me joy to write and my desire it only to honor God who is the reason I am alive and sane today. He keeps me in every way, and is the One who always walks with me, lighting up the next step.
Having said that, below you will find my meager word offering. First, you must scroll past cute puppy photos to arrive at your destination. I know, how could I, right?
Those photos are from a trip to the park after church. What a blessed day. We went over Proverbs 6 twice since the new way of doing things is hearing the initial message/study in Sunday School, followed by a more in-depth breakdown from pastor on the same scriptures.
I believe it will be very beneficial for everyone.
In a #Write31Days Challenge, you can write what you want but our group will continue in #FMF fashion. Here goes with today’s prompt.
#Write31Days #SPACE
“The space to write cost something. I must give up another thing to say yes to it. In a thousand other offerings, the main one rings true and will not leave. I did not pray for it, nor wish it upon myself. It is God-given, yet I have found myself trying to run, hide, or becoming doubtful of it. It is as if all forces of nature comes against what is most beautiful, delightful, and uplifting to this clay vessel. Becoming trapped in pits of the past, I plead for air, and the moment is now. Though I never want to leave it, tomorrow Lord willing will come, and again my heart will beat waiting to alone again once more with my Savior, in Spirit, so I can pour back unto Him what He has poured into me.”
The days I awake surrounded by light externally are magnificent. You know, as we approach summer where I am located, this is a reality before 6am.
I must remind myself that even on the days when light seems to stand afar in the distance, it is still there, I just can’t see it yet.
Life at thirty-seven is like clay. Every year prior I have held fast to plans I so thought were from God Himself that I desired to assist Him in making them happen.
I still believe that He has made me who I am–implanted those things in my heart, but the striving and focus on doing certain things and being certain ways…
“By being faithful…”
“By being consistent…”
“By being obedient…”
…steals the strength He gives if we only surrender the process to Him.
Over and over again He is teaching me to surrender anything of myself, I believe, so that He may get the complete and total glory.
I tell myself I do not want any of this glory but maybe glory is less about the shiny pure white light manifested by His presence, and more about how holy, absolute and in control He is.
There is no hardship in accepting He is in control and we are not; there is only hardship when one doesn’t.
There is only hardship when trust is lacking. This is when striving to make things happens comes into play.
But thirty-seven is the year of softened clay.
Traveling across state borders, breathing in a spiritual wilderness air, laying down my plans in surrender to His…
My faith has been challenged. My faith has been tested. I feel honored to be His child and cannot claim any glory for being here at this point in my life where though darkness appears to surround me, I am stronger and more hopeful and full of life than ever before.
At times it has looked like the sun wouldn’t come up.
I’ve noticed something about despair and hopelessness, and I’ve noticed something about faith and hope.
They can come from the same mouth in a short amount of time, yet God doesn’t change.
How good is He that He would have such mercies on us!
“Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.”
Helen Keller
The trail / Missouri / Spring 2023
I was just telling my friend last night I am in a season where it hasn’t been as easy for me to just sit and soak in the Word.
Not because I do not desire to, but because I believe God is teaching me it is already and has been written on my heart.
In the hardest of times I have not been able lately, to pour over the words as I used to, but I find myself getting things done rather than sitting and laying.
Not that rest is bad, and boy I love to write about rest–but I used to have a hard time getting up from that rest.
I used to have a hard time getting up out of the bed at all. Look how far He’s brought me, that His Spirit is empowering me from within to take the scriptures I have read since I was a little girl, and to live them out.
“…to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise…” 1 Peter 1:4-7 nasb 1995
Where I am, I cannot see the end result, but I have faith that as long as I stay on God’s path which is a daily relinquishing of myself to His plans and purposes for my life, that I will continue to experience life to the fullest.
I wish people could see how miraculous He is daily, in every single thing. That we do not have a hand in this thing called eternal life, but it is by His breath we exist, and by His mercy we get to live.
No matter where you are, keep your trust in the Lord. It is He who determines the day, but how great it will be when we let ourselves be guided and strengthened by the peace that comes when we let our grip on the wheel go.
What To Do with Bulbs in Pots When They’re Done Blooming was the title of the video I watched as I moved from sipping tea to a cup of coffee before getting ready for work.
Beyond being mesmerized at the beauty and obvious skill required to create such a superior garden layout, I leaned in when the woman compared two seedling trays as she prepared to thin the thicker, more lush tray.
Both trays had sprouts but the fuller tray needed thinning so the sprouts would not begin to fight for the nutrients. She hovered over them and began to snip, going a step further for others by popping them from each cell to gently shake the roots loose in order to separate so the sprouts could grow apart.
“Pruning requires the cutting away not only of what is superfluous but also what appears to be good stock. Why should we be so baffled when the Lord appears to cut away good things from our lives?
He has explained why. “This is my Father’s glory, that you may bear fruit in plenty and so be my disciples.” (John 15:8 NEB ). We need not see how it works. He has told us it does work.” – Elisabeth Elliot, Keep A Quiet Heart
You can not bear fruit if there’s too much going on. Your head will swim and spin, your heart will be weary and drained. You will do no one any good, especially yourself. Repeat.
This week I let a domain and its email go that I have for years (the magnitude of this is so great I would need to share in another post/what it entails/what it truly cut out of my life).
It seems there’s always a trim, trim, snip here and there as I go about, but maybe too the reality is that my thirty plus years so far my garden has been overgrown and I did not know it until….
A passerby commented.
I couldn’t find what I was looking for.
All the good things fought for energy.
Enjoyment eluded, which was the initial point.
Reclaiming Rest, YouVersion Plan
I can usually tell when something is off because I am no longer myself, irritable, and crave time to recoup but instead of resting I do another thing and read a Bible plan ABOUT resting.
Um, no and no. Not good enough!
What is the point of reading scriptures and plans if we have no intention of asking God to help us learn to walk them out?
We need not feel guilty for being obedient when God says to sit and rest for more than a few minutes at a time. It’s no wonder we get frazzled, angry, and irritable. It’s time to finally listen and stop trying to hold the world up as if we are its Savior.
When needs show themselves, it is also important to remember we also have them ourselves. I was gently reminded these past years to not forget in my praying, to pray for God to help myself too.
Friend, if you are in need of rest in body, mind and spirit, it is okay to admit it and take some time to rejuvenate. This is not selfish, especially if the Lord tends to use you to outpour into others, He knows you regularly need to be refilled so you can continue to be used for His glory, and that refilling may not look how others get refilled because we are all made differently.
Take some time this week to reflect on God’s goodness and faithfulness as you go about your tasks, and remember that He will provide proper time for you to rest when needed, but do not turn it down and run to things when He does.
This may mean slowing down our responses to others so we don’t get ahead of God. It will mean giving up some good things for His best.
I am thankful God has been patient with me through weeks of what feels like walking through a firey trial, and I can say He has never failed me and I am only able to share this by His strength, grace and glorious majesty.
This poem is dedicated to a leap of faith I made recently, and how I feel right now about it. Have you ever stepped out on a limb because the Holy Spirit kept nudging, and you are just so glad you obeyed?
I will have more to share when I get details!
It’s super exciting; something that has been on my heart for years, and to God be the glory! Thanks for hanging out here for a bit. I took off last week, and am glad to be back as the Lord sees fit. Praying for you writers!
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. This week I am summing up life with captured moments from the office and home. Before uploading I compared blog post titles since I’ve been back in this space, and it was quite interesting to me how about every three posts there was a slope, then back up it went.
Life is like that, isn’t it? Unpredictable. Ups and downs. We act shocked sometimes as if this is not common, but ups and downs are, even if we are spiritually grounded.
These photos tell me that even when things are what sometimes seems like a low point, there is beauty to be found. What will we focus on?
We can focus on lack, or abundance in Christ. Lack (we are moving and leaving people and familiar places, oh no!). Lack (where will we go?) Or, abundance (God must have a plan, and it’s better than mine no doubt!) Abundance (we will meet more people and they may become as family!)
The abundant outlook changes darkness to light. People we were once unsure of can be seen in a new way. Possible brothers and sisters. Instead of fear, potential is birthed from hope in Christ. It’s all about perspective.
Perspective matters, and this is something I thought about one night after a long day when I still had to run to the store, but decided to swing into a drive-thru for a snack, which I never do alone. I said, “Why not?”
Perspective can be beautiful. Those whom we love but hurt for, or are celebrating with for different reasons, is a gift. It’s a gift to feel. They should not rule us no, but I firmly believe the rawness of life was something Christ didn’t shy away from.
Christ displays abundant life for us, through the Word and in those who shine His light. Maybe some of us need more practice, and that’s okay. Father, we pray, help us. And thank You for it. We can’t do it without You. Life, that is.
The dead-end road had me hitting that pavement on the daily, and I’d gasp in a fresh-air breath, soaking in Father’s homemade vitamin d, the way He’d intended; those five years in our first owned home might have been simple, but some days I’ll admit the way I handled hardships seemed wiser than the recents, and I ask Him how come in life sometimes it seems like we go backward before moving forward?
The hard things come in waves, they say, and I am in a place where if at all possible I’d rather not grin and bare them anymore and can you blame me? I got used to holding my breath before the dirt roads beckoned truth from my heart.
Like a poncho-wearing warrior, I squint my eyes in the storm, pushing forward through unknowns and sometimes confusion. Yes, even sometimes when I’m in my flesh, want the easy way out of whatever thing I am facing.
It’s easy in my head. To run away and do things like the way I envision it, between my ears, where long roads and unnecessary sweat are bypassed. But any way that is not His will not profit me. I’d wind up running in the dark, back into His arms, so why not stay here where it’s safe, though I can not captain the ship?
201620162016201520152015
the joy of expectation (gardening and things coming soon)
I am not where I was then. Physically, or any other way for that matter. The woman in that house does not live here, where I am now. But sometimes I want the tenderness the other version had. Has strength made me hard?
Help me to remain tender. Tenderness can be painful because you say yes to things that keep you tender, on purpose. It goes against the flesh, and the way the flesh would have them.
stop comparing your past to your present and be grateful for every little thing
It wasn’t my plan to write about this. I had something else typed out but I’m saving it for next week. All I can think about right now, is being tender, like my #OneWord2023, clay. Workable, like clay.
Like workable clay, I surrender to the way He wants things. Does that mean I understand everything about that? No. Mostly no. He takes time to bend my edges and add deep designed cuts in places I wouldn’t choose.
My girls getting their nails done last week. A rare treat.
Having fingers pressed into your clay-sides, moving things this way and that, is not pretty. And then, at some point, you see this beautiful work of art at the end of it. Do you know what it went through? Not typically.
Typically, we are buying the end product, but Father delights in our process. Sometimes, getting reworked is what’s needed; to be balled up in lump-like fashion is a method of mercy. You are full of promise in His hands.
I will carry His presence with me from the bed to the filing cabinet. From the register to the door. To the door to the sink. From the mirror to the church. From the church to home, repeat.
Here I am, not longing to go back, but glad to feel again minus the saga of the apologizing woman. And I am not even sorry for not having the answers as to why life is not linear in how we go through it all.
If you are looking back wondering how you are still here, rejoice!
If you are looking back wishing you had something from then, now, stop wishing and ask!
If you are looking back in regret, STOP!
Be fully here and thankful for every minute of goodness He gave when nothing is what we deserved.
Sharing here in this space, I want to make it clear I am not a Bible teacher by any means–though I know a few of you bloggers and spiritual mamas are, and it blows my mind how God’s Word seems to download in your brain and exit through a lesson so naturally.
In the past I have often read the Word, seeing a lot of “I” in the story; the pulling out of certain scriptures I need or want, and longing to dig deeper but not really knowing how, or I might make some headway but got quickly distracted by another “story” only to jump there, thereby never really gaining concrete knowledge in areas.
This past season at church we’ve been learning about how much of modern Christianity is made up of bits and pieces, rather than context of the Word. I always knew each story was written “back then” in a certain culture and sometimes for a certain crowd.
But now more than ever, I’ve been slowing down marinating in the scriptures, even if it seems to take F-O-R-E-V-E-R to get through a chapter. I may read and reread the same one many times before moving on. I am also learning reading the book as a whole and going back through each chapter slowly is another great way to sift and glean this valuable information exuding God’s love.
This year our Pastor had us starting in Genesis and rotating to Matthew. We are going through each book from that order, switching up each week. With taking turns reading and added discussion, it may take us a year to a few to make it through, but we really desire to know the context and understand even more.
I love how as a child of God you can never stop learning, and each phase has purpose.
In this space, I hope you hear my heart. I’ve always been a sharer more than a direct teacher, though years of Sunday school, VBS and homeschooling may say otherwise. I by no means want to downplay what these seasons of obedience did in my life or my kids.
I guess I felt compelled to reiterate what I am doing here, and that I am not claiming any role, title, or even a pursuit of scholarly proportions. I am simply a learner at heart with a passion to share what I learned; in case it could bless someone else.
This was my second full week back to the workforce, so I am still trying to find a new rhythm. As I get better, I hope to slightly expand what I am doing here, but I never want to speak to soon, so with prayer, we will see.
Love and blessings.
LOYALTY TO JESUS
Air Date: February 8, 2023 » Listen to Leading The Way (Michael Youssef) Audio Archive » On the next Leading The Way, Dr. Michael Youssef begins a series of messages taking you up-close and personal with the REAL cost of discipleship.
What a joy it is to have worked a full day, be able to come home and cook, and still have some energy left to tend to other things. It is the little things that are so big to me. You are seeing the fruit of transition. It’s been a long time–about 2015– since this lady worked outside the home on a regular schedule.
Last night we enjoyed roasting veggies with our frugal choice of meat…fish sticks! My family likes them, but I ate an entire bowl of the veggies. I could not help myself.
Tonight, I am making chili. Two different kinds. One with pasta like goulash, and the other without the pasta. I like them both. What about you? I wanted to make it like mama does with the log but where we live, they are fresh out.
It’s always nice to wrap up a long day set up in the bed with a fresh journal page, scriptures, and whatever else I can find that I want beside me, haha! How do you end your days?
Hopefully, I will have more for you next week. This past week was my first week down at the new job! I am loving it and feel extremely blessed to be so close to home so I can let my Judah and Chloe out on my break.
Love you all. I look forward to reading your words.
“What is this rest toward which my heart yearns?” The Sabbath points to the day when God will remove all our restlessness and when He will welcome us into His eternal rest.”
R C SPROUL / GROWING IN HOLINESS
Yesterday we moved our entire living room around. If you know me at all, you know I love light and nature, so windows are a big deal. If there is something to take a photo of, I’m on it. Staring out the window, I consider God’s majesty. Daily, I am in awe of His handiwork and mercy on our lives.
To me, this is an act of worship–one of my favorite ways, in fact. Using my mind to glorify my Maker. Normally, I prefer to ponder and create, or sing or pray while cleaning. But it was a snow day, and I was feeling frisky. I knew the following week would, Lord willing, behold changes restlessness would give birth to.
My internals came alive in one fell swoop. “Do everything you can to prepare, and while you’re at it, renovate the house.” Because yes–I not only deep cleaned, but some things I had been putting off finally unfolded as if the whole time *this* was the perfect day for it.
My husband had a brilliant idea that I tried to claim as my own when we first moved into the cozy cottage-cabin, as we call it. He suggested we swing the couch around once we moved the fireplace across the room against an opposite wall. We had tossed up the idea before but assumed it would be too much for the entry as soon as you opened the door.
Mind you, our space is c-o-z-y. It’s perfect for us. I’ve been watching Tiny Home episodes off and on lately to get new ideas for organizing small spaces. It blows my mind the things I would never think of doing, but that work great, and some of which, I hope to try one day.
It matters how we manage what we’re given. That’s another topic for another day; something I’ve been studying on, and hope to share when the Lord allows. Obviously, I am no expert and also want to practice what I am saying first, though I realize my best might seem a morsel to some. He knows the density of my mustard seed–He made it!
Anywho. Having a beloved sectional in such a cozy space can be challenging. So here I was thinking only the one way would suffice, but Matt was certain I would like this other design better.
I had been feeling restless for a while, desiring change, and the last time we felt this way we only wound up talking about it, then running out of time. I was determined to not let that happen again. We had an hour or two at our disposal and I wanted to make it count.
I was worried not facing both the windows would annoy me, but it turns out the other aspects were so great, it didn’t matter, and technically, the smaller window was to anyone’s right who now sat on the flipped couch. Everyone in the family loved it, even my sister who popped in for a second, agreed.
I can’t imagine going back to the way it was before. The moral of this story is that we are sometimes restless and desire change. Most times, we must realize this restlessness is not for no reason.
The Lord gave us bodily signals that go off for a reason. Sometimes I think our bodies know something is going on before we may want to admit it. In any case, I had been feeling restless for quite some time but could not pin-point which way Father wanted me to go.
Sometimes, I put so much pressure on myself to try and figure things out, when the fact of the matter is, I failed to realize I forgot what trust was all about.
Wow, oh wow.
Me?
The person who adored faith and named a blog after it?
Yes–yes.
It’s okay. It’s okay to realize anxiety and frustration and fear and resentment and a lot of other ugly things can happen over time with a slow downgrade down a slope of worry.
How had I let my brain get to this point? It’s not like I set out to sit, stand or walk while my mind attempted to hold up weights only God intended to carry. Worry is sin because it misses the mark of what He wants us to do with our minds. When we go against how He created us to function, we’re going to feel it somewhere.
And I did. So, as my story seems to go, I am back to prioritizing living at the pace He created me for, and I just have to let go of what others might think–namely my own high standards for myself which I only and forever should hold up to God’s. Daily mercy is needed.
A new favorite study on YouVersion. Check it out.
So, about that restlessness. I am thankful for the changes taking place. They are not only external ones but internal. The kinds you pray about for years and when you finally start to see growth, you almost want to rub your weary eyes.
But no matter what changes we undergo here in the temporal or even how satisfactory they seem it will always feel a bit like unfinished business.
This is on purpose! We were made for Christ–we were made to exist with Him eternally! But one day, we will actually see Him as He really is. We will see Him face to face.
And when that happens, we will be entering into His rest, truly and wholly, and will not even be able to imagine going back to the ways things were before. Before, you know, when every waking minute we yearned for rest that doesn’t seem so short-lived and yearned for the “rest” of the story.
We have a hope where we get to wake up looking forward to what the day might bring and must understand trust is a thing not made of jewels this side of Heaven.
I would like to imagine the journey of trust is one in the trenches, feet muddied and marred, learning the best routes so we can share them with others along our way to glory. So, in our restlessness, in the changes that may come, in the waiting or the finally unfolding, let us remember it is all with purpose as we live for Him.
May the void we feel today as we yearn to see Him face to face never be attempted to be filled by any other. Embrace the internal pain of being engaged to One you love but cannot yet behold entirely. It is this, which is a treasure. It is this, that proves our faith is real.
“…but just as it is written, “Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, And which have not entered the heart of man, All that God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Corinth. 2:9 nasb1995
It will all be worth it and entirely better than we can fathom.
No matter what news you may be facing today, hold onto the Hope of eternity with Christ Jesus. And if you don’t know who He is, know you were made on purpose by a God who loves you, and you can call to Him for salvation of your soul. That’s just the beginning…
RELATED SCRIPTURE
“I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’ Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth— everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”
All these photos were taken by Meghan Weyerbacher in January 2023 (no filter!) I love the teals. God’s beauty takes my breath away. Such a refreshing little venture this weekend.
Would you please lift up my teenage son who is applying for a program at the high school this year? Pray God’s will be done and His continued guidance and teaching in my son’s life. I am so proud of him. He is musically inclined and writing stories seems to come naturally to him as well; he is on chapter nine of a book that he has been fleshing out for two years and he recently asked me to critique/edit what he had so far. He has ideas for beyond this project, and it sounds neat. My prayers as a mom is of course he does all things for God’s glory. I love him so. All my kids are special in their own way, and I take joy in having them in this nest for now.
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.”Romans 5:1-2 NASB1995
Over the past couple of days some of my prayers have been answered. And as I prepare to publish this I am amending to add, another prayer was just answered today. I am thankful that crossroads are not too big for God.
Being a naturally curious person, when what feels like a multiple-choice test presents itself, I want to circle them all, or knock on the preverbal door of my prayers to see if the Lord will choose for me.
What I sometimes forget is that I cannot mess up my life unless I am not seeking Him. Even when the prayers are answered, I praise Him; for without Him I would be nothing. Even beyond the answered prayer, He deserves my praise and worship wholeheartedly.
“Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face continually. Remember His wonders which He has done, His marvels and the judgments uttered by His mouth…” Psalm 105:4-5 NASB 1995
While I do not think God is genie-like at all, there are so many testimonies of His hand on people’s lives, revealing His deep generosity and Fatherness of His children. Just today a writer friend dropped by, and she was telling me about her family’s story, and it was only God that could have given them such a story.
Our Pastor says that’s when you know it’s a full-fledge miracle; when man didn’t have a part except for being there to receive.
No matter what the answer would have been of said prayers for direction which are the ones I am referring to in this post, I would still…
“…do all to the glory of God.”(see 1 Corinthians 10:31)
I hope if you find yourself in extra need in a certain area, or feel you are at crossroads, you will not faint but let faith kick in to do its job. We have been learning about the sovereignty of the Lord in church.
Voddie Bachaum says, “God is sovereign. Man is responsible.”
We move our feet–He directs our steps where they should actually end up!
Last week we enjoyed our second snow and celebrated my daughter’s eleventh birthday. We have a great women’s Bible study at church that has turned into multiple parts, and the men also; it is great to see people growing and stepping out.
Having coffee and tea with my son last week. Talking about life, and history (one of his favorite topics besides music.)
Taking the time this week to bask in how good God is whether we feel great about the outcome of things, our current circumstance, and taking the time to be with each kiddo in a unique way was a blessing.
I pray over each of you that you will have His peace going with you this week, no matter what. I am glad we get to talk aloud on the page about Him. It is a way to glorify Him over what may seem like unending trials. How we talk about things matters.
Link up below from 1/17 at 7PM CST to 1/23 at 7PM CST
I took a long break from regular blogging because we’d been going through some super trying times and extreme darkness that required me to step away from the screen. It was the opposite from the trying times in previous years that God used blogging to process through.
Then when I came back last year and adorned my beloved Wix site I realized all the fancy touches could not replace the community I had missed from before (no matter how hard I tried to get the comment feature to work–it would not).
Now that you have a bit of backstory as to my return–and I mean the skeleton version, haha–without further ado, I am jumping into FMF this week to kick off a new season.
Our word for this week is “RECEIVE”. I made a reel for next week and the word Kate gave us nailed it.
If you’re not familiar with Five Minute Friday, we take a word given and set a timer for five minutes, then stop when it’s over. Here goes!
Start:
I read Kate’s story about receiving and was shocked to see such similarities. I too had surgery (gallbladder removed) on Dec. 20th and could not do the normal tasks for a bit. I required assistance, which meant, at times I felt utterly helpless. I am thankful for a God who sent me a husband to help, and family and friends who care. Just yesterday I was chatting and admitting to my sister I find it hard to ask for help.
I am a first-born child and also just a helper in general, sometimes I overthink about others because I wonder what else could be done, though I know prayer is key. Intercession comes naturally. It courses through my veins. I want to give. But I also need to receive. This is not easy. It means I cannot put up a pretense as if I have it all together, not that I try.
Maybe being strong has even become a habit, eh?
I don’t like to be broken. To feel sad. I have overcome so much. I wonder if I let others in more than I’d like to, if they might think I am broken when I am not, so I keep a lot to myself and desire to receive from God straight from Himself, because the Word tells me man fails but He cannot. But to receive, maybe I need focus on the fact since He won’t let me down, even when I am vulnerable.
STOP.
Speaking of receive.
Today marked five years since this memory and then tonight my sister in Christ surprised us with extra from her kitchen. God is so good. I don’t feel like I deserve His love, but I know it’s not about me and how I feel, but about Him, His purpose, and that HE loves perfectly.
Have you ever battled with something as a believer in Christ, and wondered, “Why?!” You are not alone. Lately, I have been in Proverbs. I have bounced from chapter 14 through 20 and back again. Repeat.
As I sat and looked at the subtitles after reading and rereading, “Contrast the Upright and the Wicked” and “On Life and Conduct”, I kept coming back to the reality that we cannot do life without the help of the Holy Spirit.
It’s so important to come to the realization we were not meant to do life without God.
If we ever try and attain these traits, fruits, etc on our own we will fall, but I also think it’s safe to say even with His help we must feed our Spirit what will keep us strong because we can still be susceptible to falling since we are in these flawed human bodies.
I will admit, even with “doing all the right things” I still have battles in some areas, and I think this is the one fact that bothers me, is that until I receive my glorified body in Heaven with Christ there will always be things I want to better.
This is a great mindset to have but being one who is hard on oneself, I’ve had to stay near the cross knowing I need His help, that all things are in HIS time–including the lifelong process of sanctification, then visualize His ascension afterward to go out LIVE.
How do we faithfully live in imperfect bodies? It’s a daily march!
So please, don’t let yesterday’s issues flow into today, and know His Word is true. We can focus on what we’ve done wrong, how far we have to go–which can bog one down and make you feel like you’ll never get there–or we can focus on what Christ has done for us, who He is, what His way means and offers, and share our lives with this truth in love.
I don’t know about you, but when I write and talk about His goodness, I feel good. It’s like preaching to myself that hey, “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6 NASB1995
If you read the non-1995 version of the NASB it reads…
“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work among you will complete it by the day of Christ Jesus.”
So, either way, we see that we do not need to be afraid that we will “never get to the finish line” because it is not us doing this work within us but the Holy Spirit.
What I am writing is for those of us who thirst and hunger for Him daily.Do not be dismayed of your daily need of Him but rejoice that you know and walk in the path of the Truth.
If you are looking for more Word in your life but don’t have as much time to read, I encourage you to check out the podcasts below hosted and co-hosted by Brother Nii Tsakle from our church, and our Pastor, Pastor Artae Washington. If you find them helpful, please share with others.
Also, if you have not, check out Pastor’s wife’s book, Broken Control. Alisa shares her journey as a young girl through adulthood of how God and God alone can heal even the deepest of wounds.
PODCASTS TO CHECK OUT
We are a reformed, Bible-believing Christian podcast that seeks to provide listeners with a deeper understanding of the teachings of the Bible and the foundations of the Christian faith. Each episode features engaging and thought-provoking discussions on various topics, including theology, church history, and the application of scriptural truth to our daily lives. We offer a welcoming and informative space to grow in your faith and understanding of God’s Word. Join us as we seek to be transformed by the renewing of our minds through the study of God’s holy and inspired Word. Click here to listen to The Authentic Brew.
Brother Nii Tsakle also has a solo podcast if you want to check it out below.
Welcome to Practically Unashamed, a podcast where we explore the life, teachings, and transformative power of Jesus. We invite guests to share their personal stories of how faith in Jesus has impacted their lives and how they’ve experienced his love and grace. We also delve into the teachings of Jesus and how they apply to our modern world, discussing topics such as forgiveness, compassion, and living a purpose-driven life. Whether you’re a seasoned Christian or just starting to learn about Jesus, this podcast is for anyone seeking to grow in their faith and relationship with him.
Have a great week!
WRITERS LINK UP BELOW 1/10 at 7pm – 10/16 until 7pm
Recently our internet went out and I know we weren’t the only ones as various storms swept through the US.
It turned out okay and perfect timing for this topic that I had prepared for specifically for the #WinteraryMonths series (Jan-Mar. 2023).
There’s only so much one can do in the cold season when not on a farm or near places to hike (yes, those are the top two reasons that come to mind for me to outside when I can see my breath…)–I will be sharing some fun and relaxing posts about things we are doing around here.
The things I will be sharing promote:
1) rest
2) learning/trying new things
3) something other than screen time (minus me sharing about it initially)
4) generosity
5) well-being
This idea of creating a no-internet fun basket didn’t come to me right away. I started off in Hobby Lobby trying to find a cross-stitch pattern so I could gift something handmade to someone I want to bless.
I really have desired to be able to step away from screens more, to fill my time with more meaningful activities, or nothingness for a chunk of time.
I don’t know about you, but when I free myself a wedge of time–not for being productive but solely for relaxation or enjoyment–I feel human again.
If there is some frazzledness going on, it seems to be a nice reprieve to have some peaceful activity to tend to. One that’s not demanding but slows down the time.
What started off as an idea for creating gifts to give away through the year and/or holidays turned into “how can we organize this and make it something desirable to reach for”?
We stopped at the Dollar Store recently and found tons of cute cards and a whole isle of stickers. Did you know they had one of those?
Needless to say, we spent the majority of our time in that isle. We saved a lot by checking there first rather than the mart, if you know what I mean.
I was shocked at how many quality stickers they carried. I won’t necessarily use them all for scrapbooking, but for mailing cards. A decade ago, this was something I wanted to do, but one of my character flaws is how much I think versus actually doing something I really want to do.
On Facebook recently I wrote about how this was–Lord willing–going to be the year of living outside of my head.
At home that night, my eldest daughter and I unwrapped each package and tucked them into an unused planter rather than a “basket”. It’s what I had and matches the nature-y theme in our home.
We wrote letters to someone on our hearts and prepared them for the mail this week. It was super fun and relaxing and took me back to before texting when things felt slower and more appreciated.
As you can see, we plan to do more of this, since one of my goals this year is to not only continue to take better care of myself for the sake of my family, but love others better in a way that touches them not necessarily elaborately, but more meaningfully.
Why is this a goal of mine?
Because life is short, I am realizing more and more, and as one who has never had a strong suit of watering relationships–yet wants to be a giver and less of a taker–I realize how I pour into others creatively and emotionally is another version of this, not just materialistically.
Some might say, well what about Spiritually? But I think as a disciple of Christ, that is already a given. Because when I meditate on scriptures like, “Do all you do unto the Lord,” life as a whole and the daily gems that make it up, are under this umbrella.
If my life is dedicated to Him, then everything I do is unto Him, and there is no categorical separation where this is over here, apart for Him and “that part of life.”
Rather, my Heavenly Father breathes on all I do, I pray, encompassing the temporal minute things with His eternal favor and beauty so that I can be “a city on a hill” wherever I am by leaving a trail of blessings where I tred.
My goal in life is to build others up, though I am not perfect in this and still catch myself when I am thinking or saying things that do not line up with this personal conviction.
Thankfully, I realize now this is not a weight to cry over but a reality to praise Him for, that I feel deeply and would rather choose to be movable clay than solid stone.
Christ Jesus is the only rock I want in my life, and I need Him daily. Even my wonderful-in-my-mind goals and doings are filthy rags compared to my Savior. I am okay with this and fully accept it.
Well, that’s all for today on the blog. If you want more content like this but something you can watch instead of read, consider subscribing to my new Youtube channel below by clicking my newly released Warmly, Meg Vlog Trailer. (Have mercy on me. I am newer to video editing, but I enjoy it so much and figure this is the best practice).
Have a great rest of the week and happy #Winterary.
Back when I first began blogging in 2015, like actually blogging, not the barely-knew-what-to-do-with-the-internet in 2008 when Facebook was being born and MySpace felt like an outer darkness chat room for bored people….
Many writers participated in a world-wide event. I always enjoyed these #OneWord posts because each person had a story behind how the word came about. I still to this day do not know any of you writers who came up with a word on a whim. Everyone has come to their word most thoughtfully, many prayerfully.
This is not a meaningless event nor a religious ritual.
#OneWord2023 is merely another way to tell His story through our fingertips.
How He is moving in our lives.
We do not limit Him to this #OneWord but through the year we see it, not because we are only focused on this, but usually because in the prior year, we saw it then and it has been confirmed a thing.
Allow me to dive into how my unplanned One Word post came to me from last’s night baking party at the Weyerbacher house.
We are so excited to be able to go gather with our church family today and eat after. Last night, we prepared the dessert and eggs for deviling, which my husband jokes is so unChristian. I would an emoji but I need more coffee and I am short on time as I need to still do the pigs in a blanket.
We bought an extra cookie sheet, Pioneer Woman of course because it was copper and more affordable than the others. Our cookie mix did not spread enough–we really needed two bags but used what we had.
The girls had a blast cutting the thick, cake-like cookies into shapes after they mixed their hot cocoa and got settled at the table.
Judah waited patiently for crumbs, but the story goes, later he jumped up where I had the tray of scraps from the edges and knocked a few down. Silly pup.
Meanwhile, I boiled eggs and after the girls balled up the chocolate chip cookie dough in batches, we swapped the trays out. It was a lot of juggling but very fun.
As I prepared this post, I thought about how we are continually being molded by the Lord into His purposes for us vessels. I thought about how I want to stay workable for Him–and be a vessel of honor that carries His light in a dark world. Don’t worry-Tay washed her hands after this scene.
A certain word has continued to pop up in my mind over the past couple days, even before making the cookies. I want to stay humble. Stay His, forever. I never want to think I know it all. I never want to try and erect myself as something I am not, or project myself larger than the One who made me.
I want to stay at His feet, knowing He saved me, and I cannot do life on my own without Him. I am in His hands. I am clay.
“…Shall the potter be considered as equal with the clay, That what is made would say to its maker, “He did not make me”; Or what is formed say to him who formed it, “He has no understanding”.
“…That men may know from the rising to the setting of the sun That there is no one besides Me. I am the Lord, and there is no other, The One forming light and creating darkness, Causing well-being and creating calamity; I am the Lord who does all these.
Drip down, O heavens, from above, And let the clouds pour down righteousness; Let the earth open up and salvation bear fruit, And righteousness spring up with it. I, the Lord, have created it.
“Woe to the one who quarrels with his Maker— An earthenware vessel among the vessels of earth! Will the clay say to the potter, ‘What are you doing?’ Or the thing you are making say, ‘He has no hands’?
“Woe to him who says to a father, ‘What are you begetting?’ Or to a woman, ‘To what are you giving birth?’
Thus says the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker:
“Ask Me about the things to come concerning My sons, And you shall commit to Me the work of My hands.”
The smell of cinnamon and barnwood filled the air of the house. The kids would walk in to a surprise in a few minutes–they were right behind us since we met mom and dad at my sister’s for dinner and were all piling up at the little “cabin”. We had not had a tree in two years and my friend helped us find one on sale.
It was the perfect style for our family, and really made the living room pop. I love trees, forests, the woods–whatever you want to call it–and evergreens are at the top of the list. When we talked of a tree, we figured we’d have to put it behind the couch, as our little living room has only so much room.
Little did we know, this would fit perfectly by our front door, next to the fireplace. The box did make it seem a bit larger, but I was thankful this time for the inaccuracy. We did not buy a tree topper but used my daughter’s top hat craft from the day she got to dress like a snowman.
So maybe you are behind like us, putting a tree up after Christmas–yay for half off sales–don’t sweat it. Do your thing as long as it doesn’t go against scripture or become an idol in your life. I’ve just now begun a chapter in my life and am very thankful to be thankful, joyful and peaceful by default now.
Sometimes it takes a lifetime to learn some lessons, and that’s okay. God doesn’t waste a thing. Isn’t Judah cute? He wanted a candy cane so bad….
We were so thankful mom and dad and the kids had safe travels, and that my parents got to stay the night. It was a special treat for sure that we will treasure. I enjoyed preparing blankets and pillows and making the area extra cozy. Coffee in the morning and taking dogs out to bark at birds in the fresh air was also enjoyable.
The kids truly had a good holiday break with their grandparents, and though it was so different without them for so long, I was grateful the Lord allowed them time during my surgery, and allowed my husband to be off for so many days so I didn’t have to rush the recovery.
God is in the details.
If you have family, treasure them. Make memories. Be thankful for each day, which is a gift. Don’t let mess ups and mishaps trip you up. Time does wonderful things with a heart postured at God’s feet.
Don’t compare, and don’t give regrets the time of day. Love big and forgive much. Create and contribute, share and dance. These are things that will teach louder than many words.
Thank you, Father, for those you put in my life and chose to raise me. May I be a blessing to others in return, to glorify you, ultimately. (This is Carrson, my new nephew whom I got to babysit last week…I am in love).
It’s Friday. The cold is here. Snow has come. My Judah is glad to be home with his mama. He loves the snow and wants to play but we don’t have a fence or anything yet so it’s hard to not want him to hurry up and get his business done when you’re just standing out there in the freezing weather, which is Matt doing of course since I am still recovering.
It’s been going well. My back is just really sore, and I don’t like to walk without my little pillow because it feels like my insides are going for a ride.
It’s been odd without the kids here as they are with grandparents, and sometimes it’s as if time is standing still. Is this what an empty nest would feel like?
This morning I read a few Proverbs, but I want to read elsewhere, I just don’t know where yet. This blog post is a great example of how I feel. A bit here. A bit there. A bit nowhere.
This is what it felt like as a child, with the whole day before you, no schoolwork due, no curfew–just time. What a gift, though I realize none of us know if we even have the next minute. Maybe that is why it still puts me in wonder. That God chose me to be alive, right now, in this section of time.
This section where so much is changing and trying to change, and yet His Word keeps me rooted in knowing He is the same yesterday, today and forever. This caused me to ask, where are we getting our news from? Who is our source?
The Most High is my source. He is over all.
This is comforting. To know our Creator exists outside of time, and time is His creation. And that all things are working according to how He wants them.
Nothing comes around the corner to shock Him. He just is.
I stopped watching the news about two years ago and don’t miss it. I don’t miss the anxiety it tries to dish out. I know it still tries with the same ol tactics because when I open a fresh browser, they try to get me with some gross headline.
Where is the good news at all?
They won’t offer good news, you have to hunt for it, because it won’t profit them anything. Recently, I watched The Biblical Response to the Great Reset with Charlie Kirk and Jack Hibbs.
To think we live in this time out of all times, is a bit otherwordly. I feel at peace so often, knowing God is in charge, yet the weight of responsibility as a child of His, knowing I know the truth, is at times strong.
I handle this differently than years past though. Not in worry. I have seen God carry us through time and time again when it didn’t make sense. When the numbers didn’t add up. When man and rules said one thing, yet He overrode those very things.
I believe He has continued to show us to depend on Him to build our trust. As much as I am grateful for the things given, I know our care is not in the hands of those things, but from His hands.
He is in every detail. I have story upon story, being down to the last ten dollars and someone gives us a gift card that gets us through the weekend. Little but big things, where no one else knew, yet God knew we were going to need bread.
The Cure for Anxiety “For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?”
Matthew 6:25-27 NASB1995
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Over two months ago out of nowhere one night I thought I was dying in bed. To the best of my knowledge, I thought I was having a heart attack. We dialed 911 and the first responders came out and did an EKG. The pain was fierce so they went ahead and took my to the ER but come to find out it wasn’t what I thought at all.
My gallbladder was inflamed.
Every other night for two weeks straight I had the most horrific pains that lasted up to six hours at times. I did have a couple more ER trips, but eventually fought through the pains, and then my regular doctor was able to get me some help to hold me over as needed, so I could at least sleep.
So needless to say, September and October were hard months moving from the townhome due to mold, followed by these excruciating pains that felt like childbirth that never ended. All the sudden, the pains let up when November began, and it was almost as if they’d never happened.
I found myself wanting to slide backward on healthy eating, but I knew good habits were worth keeping so I continue to keep away from the drive throughs minus a couple times for a fish or Panera’s signature chicken breast.
My wonderful primary nurse has helped me a lot. She is located at a place I can only describe as a heavenly doctor’s office. Not your typical set up. It’s a little log cabin and hardly anyone is ever in there, just her and maybe one or two others at a time, and she prays with me too. She said the doctor there lets her operate how she feels led; to take her time with each patient, which is why she wanted to go into that line of work.
She has allowed me and others to meet her there on off times as well. I remember the first time I went in and you could hear a pin drop. The smell of the wood and seeing the old timey gadgets. I felt like I might see Doc Baker from Little House walk around the corner. I linked there so you could read his story. I love learning about others. Stories are powerful!
Upon testing me, they discovered a gallstone .6mm. I had prayed there would be none, but I can say I truly believe if there had not been one found, I would not have had made arrangements for them to remove my gallbladder because the pain had subsided, and I felt normal.
I made the appointment for about a month out to accommodate various things and work schedules, and so here I am Dec. 21, 2022 recovering from yesterday’s surgery that I am in fact thankful happened. The surgeon did say he was glad they took it out when they did because it was pretty infected and if these things are not dealt with can lead to other problems.
They took my blood pressure and the nurse said, “Wow, you’re not nervous?” I just told her I trusted the Lord. I had been through so much and at this point I knew He was completely sovereign–nothing caught Him off guard. If it was happening, I was safe in His hands.
I sang the anesthesiologist a few lines to Psalm 23 and we talked about church for a bit. It took them a few tries to find my veins which are typically good but from having to fast water I guess, it was affected. They wheeled me away from sweet hubby and on the operating table I said prayers while the doctors were asking me about where I wanted to “go away to” and of course I enlightened them with my cabin on a mountain scene, haha.
I did not take too well to the oxygen mask and had them hover it over my face instead, but soon enough I drifted to sleep and awoke thanking God I was alive. All of us who have undergone anything like this out of our hands can say, it reminds you just how fragile life is.
I wake up every day thankful, but this was another level of gratitude and focus within myself, which He has been dealing with me about on a daily basis. Because it’s easy to get locked in on the outside world and all the problems, which can suck the life out of the one He has given us. Not that we aren’t available and giving. That’s not what I mean.
Just making proper time to reflect and feed my own spirit with Truth, rather than always trying to find it somewhere else. The best days I have had lately are in the stillness with my Bible open, dogs asleep beside me, and the fire crackle in the background.
It’s the little things like that. Or like the nurse giving me her personal gallbladder experience. Or my hubs taking care of me and sleeping by my side on the couch since our bed is up too high. It’s the little things like people checking in, or knowing my dog is taken care of. Chloe is here, but Mr. Judah would have yanked me down the hill!
I think it’s about time for a nap. I may read some scriptures first, or after. To all who have lifted me up in your prayers, thank you.
I ask that you lift up my sister in Christ and pastor’s wife as she will be undergoing the same surgery tomorrow. Ask the Lord to cover her as she has had to undergo other health things with it, and we know and trust God, but still ask Him to keep his hands upon her and watch and guide the doctors.
I’ve been trimming plants, overhauling a couple entirely. One long green shoot is flowing out one side of a large mug, and I have to educate myself on whether to completely get rid of the dead parts around it or let the living part grow next to it.
Plants remind me a lot of us. They need care and do a lot when in the right environment, but they still need an outside source to thrive. I am much like the plants I have been tending to lately, with pieces I see that would make Abba proud, and want to keep, and others not so much.
Since I am having surgery tomorrow and taking the next couple weeks off, I have been preparing myself for this time of reflection, rest and stillness upon me.
I pray as I learn to read the Bible slower and more methodically, thoughtfully, and with a meatier appetite that whatever the Lord would show me I can fully well take in and digest. I don’t want to just hear Him; I want to know Him!
I wanted to share something with you I have listened to over and over again lately. I can’t seem to get enough of learning how to truly be meek. Of course, this cannot be done without the Holy Spirit’s help. If you have time, I encourage you to listen below to dear E. Elliot.
I went back to my original intent with everything and now it all makes sense. Can you hear that? It’s the sound of peace. The sound of disclarity fleeing, life, vibrant and blowing.
All the things I tried to make it fell through, and I nearly lost my joy in a process of trying to create something deep, fulfilling and relational into an oiled, monetized machine.
And the pictures looked pretty but I lost community.
But it’s okay because all this only happened after I took two-year Sabbatical from regular writing on a blog, and I had to have that gap to not only heal from some things but also realize that I do hear from the Holy Spirit, I just had to learn He is ever so quiet and gentle compared to the clamoring world with all it “has to offer”.
What is the verse again? I don’t want to gain an entire world of things I don’t need and lose my soul in the process.
My original intent when blogging online in 2015 was to write through hard times because my husband had found a door open to his dream job, and yet I became wildly depressed.
It was no one’s fault, but I call it my wilderness experience where my family and I were not close as we are now, I was very much isolated while raising young children, but deep in my core I knew they needed to know Jesus, so I homeschooled and blogged, posting the photos I thought at the time to be extravagant.
And through this journal of hard days where I felt spiritually and emotionally pained yet numb, the darkness still did not win because I was pointed into the direction of a community I never would have thought could be mine, nor me a part of it.
This online place started here at WordPress as cookwipesweep.com and it morphed into faithadventures.me and then I learned I did not have what it took to mold my blog into spectacular for what my pocketbook could shovel out, so I eventually caved to another host only later to learn an invaluable lesson:
I beheld simplicity in the palms of my hands. But over time, I saw people transform what they loved into a career.
“Can I do that?”
I waded between waters. I tried this and tried that. No one was lost on my blog except me, because I became greedy trying to be someone I was not.
I traded what I had for an upgrade that offered everything, everything that is, except for tools of interaction.
The new shiny oiled blog was pristine but offered little to no customer service, and no simple options for others to participate, which is what a writing community thrives on.
For the memo, if you use Wix, that is great. It just didn’t fulfill for me.
Allow me to go on a writer-rant for a sec…
We know we don’t know it all.
We don’t have to undergo lectures on this.
We just want to get the words out because it’s how we process our thinking, so it only sounds like overthinking if we try to say it to you verbally rather than write it down (unless you are a speaker who writes – put your hand down, haha), because if we wrote it down first, we could edit it. Then you’d get the final draft, slimmed down, suited to your timetable.
A writer’s community, especially a blogger one, is one of slow-living-people. Yes, we know YouTube is all the rage. I just watched gardening videos earlier. I had to. I am educating myself.
We know we are a visual people and that statistics say the attention span of a human has shrunken down significantly from where it was prior to Netflix. Thank the Lord we left that land years ago…
We know this, but we do not fit the mold. We would rather take the road less traveled in a good book, or read a blog post, though video is nice at times for other reasons, and maybe yes–we want to garden.
Obviously, we are not all the same. I hope you can tell I am merely trying to make a point tonight. My point, if not made clear yet is that all the bells and whistles of upgrades and changes for me personally, turned out to not be worth the headache.
Come to find out, God had already given me everything I needed. I was so desperate to go back to “original” I decided for now not to even upgrade to a dot com. Maybe soon. But all this back and forth and changing bios/photos and sites/names has taught me I get too rushed, and I am quick to assume I have to do something.
At the beginning of blogging in 2015 I mentioned I loved to experiment. I was always testing graphics, links, wording and more. Well, this word scientist has finally come to this conclusion in December of 2022. It is that some things are best left alone.
Some things just require you to show up.
Just show up and let God do the rest.
I am only speaking for myself and my convictions. It’s not as if I did nothing in between. There were novels written, places gone, things enjoyed, tears shed…
And had I been called to Sabbtical away from the blog and did it right, I believe I would be on here telling a different story. Instead, during my blog leave, I spent uncalculable amounts of energy chasing the wind.
So remember in life, all that glitters isn’t gold.
Cherish the people God has put in your path, and like me, if He tells you to take a break, obey. But when you come back if He gives the go, don’t try to be someone you are not. Don’t get distracted by things that will only weigh you down.
Don’t lose your joy and mind over trying to keep up with the pace of the world. As a believer in Christ, a follower now, I can’t believe I fell for that trap. Yes, I am still writing books slowly, but chasing monetization and networking opportunities was too much.
Many things that were good and good for me, looking back, were things I never made happen but simply the providence of God. He really does know what we need.
I went back to my original intent tonight and now everything makes sense. Do you hear that? It’s the sound of peace.
We were thankful for the rain Monday morning. The dry ground was thirsty! I was glad the girls got their pumpkins carved the evening before, just in time. We don’t celebrate Halloween as its roots are not even close to God-honoring, and in my conviction, I cannot celebrate it, but I did wait for the pumpkins to go on sale for the girls to do their own little decor since God himself made pumpkins.
I started the day off early by cooking my husband a power bowl style breakfast with turkey bacon and blueberries. Tossed some black beans in the eggs for extra energy.
My youngest got off to school, and of course not too far into the morning once the sun came up all the way, the dogs were ready to go back out.
Back to the couch for some study in the Word. My friend loves to nestle up to me. He has these bouts a few times a day. It’s not all calm, trust me. This is round one, haha.
Since finding out I have gallbladder issues, I am only supposed to eat turkey, fish or chicken. I bought some ground turkey, cooked it thoroughly, boiled my green beans in a couple teaspoons of chicken broth, then combined the two and set on a low simmer. Once the pasta was finished, I combined all three. It doesn’t look the most appealing, but it tasted amazing. *Edited to add, this dish is actually from Tuesday evening I believe. I’ve been cooking so much I lost track.*
About midday while the littles I watch were napping, I went out to snap more photos because the beauty of fall is a gift to me, and since my birthday happens to be on its first day, I felt the Lord who created me, couldn’t have chosen a better time.
The evening came and I wanted to catch the coziness of our quaint space which I thank God for. We are merely travelers passing through this world, but I am thankful He allowed us to move here into this little pocket in the woods which reminds me much of our Kentucky house but with the four rooms we had always desired. This is the first time the kids have ever had their own bedroom.
Bye sun.
When I think of the beauty of autumn it only gives me one more reason to add to the countless others to be thankful to Jesus. He thought to make such things which blows my mind; I was glad to capture. The detail of creation is just another reason I can’t see how people might think there is no God.
He is obviously an on-purpose Creator…an on-purpose all mighty God!
“Yet hear now, O Jacob My servant,
And Israel whom I have chosen.
2 Thus says the Lord who made you
And formed you from the womb, who will help you:
‘Fear not, O Jacob My servant;
And you, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen.
3 For I will pour water on him who is thirsty,
And floods on the dry ground;
I will pour My Spirit on your descendants,
And My blessing on your offspring;
4 They will spring up among the grass
Like willows by the watercourses.’
5 One will say, ‘I am the Lord’s’;
Another will call himself by the name of Jacob;
Another will write with his hand, ‘The Lord’s,’
And name himself by the name of Israel.
There Is No Other God
6 “Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel,
And his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts:
‘I am the First and I am the Last;
Besides Me there is no God.
7 And who can proclaim as I do?
Then let him declare it and set it in order for Me,
Since I appointed the ancient people.
And the things that are coming and shall come,
Let them show these to them.
8 Do not fear, nor be afraid;
Have I not told you from that time, and declared it?
You are My witnesses.
Is there a God besides Me?
Indeed there is no other Rock;
I know not one.’ ”
Isaiah 44:1-8 NKJV
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warmly, meg 