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Archives for October 2014

A Single Word that Gives a Double Dose of Encouragement

A Single Word that Gives a Double Dose of Encouragement

in DaySpring· Friendship· Giveaway

Last weekend I attended the blogging/writing conference Allume, and each speaker there offered meaningful content in his or her own distinct voice. I brought…
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When Putting God in a Box Is the Best Thing You Can Do

When Putting God in a Box Is the Best Thing You Can Do

in Fun Stuff· Military

I read a beautiful book recently that detailed stories of the author’s life in a Middle Eastern country. On a particular day of a difficult…
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Why You Don’t Need Countless Friends (and What You Need to Count on in a Few)

Why You Don’t Need Countless Friends (and What You Need to Count on in a Few)

in (In)Courage· Friendship

My voice rings throughout the house, Faith! Cora! I hear nothing in return from my daughter and her friend. I walk…
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For the Times You Feel Straight Up Awkward in a Room Full of People

For the Times You Feel Straight Up Awkward in a Room Full of People

in Being a Woman· Confidence· Faith in Action

For the umpteenth time, I prop my hand under my chin and stare out the window at the spectacular view….
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Fresh Air on a Friday

Fresh Air on a Friday

in Authors Extraordinaire· Fresh Air Friday· Fun Stuff· Military

As you go about your day, I pray that sparkling joy finds you in unexpected places. If disappointment finds you, I…
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On Giving Yourself More than Leftovers

On Giving Yourself More than Leftovers

in Authors Extraordinaire· Creativity· Seasons

The busy, no-wiggle-room weekend started before the sun pushed back the dark skies. Both boys had to be up and out of the house…
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On Instagram

Trusting God with the ones you love ~ I found this Trusting God with the ones you love ~ I found this easier to do when the ones I love lived in my house full time. It turns out that having them move out from under my roof is a real lesson in seeing the holes of my trust.⁠⁠⁠
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You might say learning this has been A WHOLE THING. ⁠⁠⁠
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I first saw this book on @annvoskamp's instagram feed, and since Ann never steers me wrong, I promptly bought it and am now halfway through it. ⁠I skip some chapters as they don't (yet if ever) apply, but those that *do* apply have been a real help and comfort. ⁠⁠⁠
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In short, author @jodie_berndt's prayer prompts and stories reflecting an array of circumstances and outcomes has been a real gift to my mama heart. ⁠⁠⁠
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⁠Being a parent is hard no matter the age of our kids, but I'm so thankful for books like this that ease our trials and deepen our trust along the way.⁠⁠⁠
#fromthebookstack
This verse came alongside me like a friend not onc This verse came alongside me like a friend not once but twice in two days:⁠⁠
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"The angel of the Lord encamps⁠⁠
 around those who fear him, and delivers them.” ~Psalm 34:7⁠⁠
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I don’t know what hardship you're encountering today, but I hope you also encounter this message:⁠⁠
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As God surrounds you, may He deliver you *to* a better place, yes. But may He deliver you *from* anxiety, loneliness, fears, and wrongdoing.⁠⁠
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And along the way, may He give you a friend who prays for you and walks with you from where you are to where you will be. ⁠⁠
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#whereIbelongWednesday⁠⁠
#backroadstobelonging
Yesterday, I read a gorgeous newsletter-y type ema Yesterday, I read a gorgeous newsletter-y type email from another writer. I proceeded to cry because yes, her writing really is that good, but also because I felt badly for all my newsletter readers who aren’t treated to that kind of prose and pertinent repartee. 

Oh, I bring good gifts to the table, I know. But this gal is next level, and I know that, too. 

This isn’t a plea for you to say nice things to me, I promise. I’m just admitting how it can be awfully easy for me to get stuck in the ditch, to veer myself off track because I’m so busy craning my neck to see the next lane over. (I’m speaking figuratively, but one time as a new 16 year old driver, I did this literally with my Grandma in the car and probably knocked 5 years off both our lives. So, it’s all together a bad idea!) 

Another writer friend who’s ridiculously talented, @lisajobaker, said this recently, 

“Just write one true thing at a time.” 

So, here’s one true thing from me: 

I don’t have my act together, but I can illuminate how truth holds me together—because in Him all things hold together. 

Just writing this helps, too. 

Do you follow @LisaJoBaker? She’s a beautiful writer who consistently puts me in the path of God’s say-so—to use Oswald Chamber’s verbiage. Thanks for the guard rails, Lisa-Jo. What a treat you are for those of us who read you. 🍬
Suzanne Stabile (@suzannestabile) quoted Eugene Pe Suzanne Stabile (@suzannestabile) quoted Eugene Peterson last week on instagram when she posted, “Stories are verbal acts of hospitality.” As an enneagram 2 herself, Suzanne loves to teach using stories. 

I can relate, Suzanne. I can relate. 

A love of stories was passed down from my dad, who for most of my childhood told stories to my sisters and I before we fell asleep each night. He worked rotating shifts at the Conoco refinery, and I know he must’ve been dog-tired much of the time. Still, he rarely told us “no” to a story every night he was home. 

Daddy went home to heaven three years ago today. Since arriving, I like to think he regularly eats the best pecan pie, convinces Johnny Cash to sing “Ring of Fire," and still shares plenty of stories with others there. 

Our loved ones leave, as we all will one day. But I’m thankful their stories stay with us and their lives carry on in their children and grandchildren. 

Photo description: My dad as a young’un in the foreground, with my son James—his namesake—in the background. Swipe to see Daddy and me.
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