A new Friday series...maybe. We will see. No promises. I've been feeling prompted to replace Five Minute Friday with something new.
I love FMF but I never come close to writing for five minutes and I'm battling to keep up with link-ups these days. I do not want to be someone who links up but does not visit others who have linked up. I do not want to be someone who only comes to your blog to link up. I do not want to participate in a link-up because everyone else does or because it may help build my followers.
What I'm trying to say — I want my heart to be in the right place.
I need it to be about God. I want what He wants and to be going in the direction He is leading. I want this for you too. It needs to be Him leading you here. It needs to be Him who is leading you to keep returning.
Am I making sense? I hope so.
If I continue with the series, I'm not sure what it will look like other than me randomly sharing my heart with you. We will wait to see what God has in mind. Sound like a plan?
Scripture I'm meditating on
What I'm trying to say — I want my heart to be in the right place.
I need it to be about God. I want what He wants and to be going in the direction He is leading. I want this for you too. It needs to be Him leading you here. It needs to be Him who is leading you to keep returning.
Am I making sense? I hope so.
If I continue with the series, I'm not sure what it will look like other than me randomly sharing my heart with you. We will wait to see what God has in mind. Sound like a plan?
Scripture I'm meditating on
"Search me God and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting." ~ Psalm 139:23-24
Instructions for living
I spent time in Matthew 5-6 and Ephesians 4:17-32 this week and can not help but to wonder why we would turn anywhere else but the Bible for instructions on how to live a good life. After reading from Galatians 5:22-23 last night I'm reflecting on what fruits have showed up in my life recently and what fruits are missing. What fruit has popped up in your life recently?
Inspiring quote
“The willingness to be and to have just what God wants us to be and have, nothing more, nothing less, and nothing else, would set our hearts at rest, and we would discover the simpler life, the greater peace.” ~ Elisabeth Elliot
More from Let Hope In
"When somebody loves us, when they put their arms around us, when they give us a hug, it's literally life-giving." ~ Pete Wilson
Seriously, you need to read this book. It is SO good.
Brighten someone's day
Jenn of Running This Thing Called Life is doing a series on 31 Ways to Brighten Someone's Day. She shares simple ways of how to be the light in someone's day. As Jenn writes in the first post of her series, "...little acts of kindness are not little."
Love Others
Have you clicked on the Love Others button on my home page and wondered why it continues to say "Coming Soon?" Oh my. I do plan to do something with this page soon. I really do. I've got thoughts on having others contribute to the page and have a few words from a dear friend that will eventually be shared there. In the meantime, come visit this dear friend of mine as she recently wrote a fabulous post on words we all need to hear. Love you, Bev.
A servant heart
A servant heart
There are three ladies who are planting a desire in my heart to write more about serving. I'm always inspired when I come to their place. Thank you, Alene, Amy and Lisa.
One of these days I hope to share more about my time in Guatemala and my passion to serve our military and their families. In the meantime, would you be willing to sponsor a wreath for only $15.00 to have placed at the grave site of a fallen hero this holiday season? Visit my fundraising page here.
I'm grateful for
I'm grateful for a friend who graciously gave to me this week the book The Whole Bible Story by Dr. William H. Marty. I can't wait to dive in to this book.
It's party time
I've got a party to plan for a growing number of guests. I pray I remember this isn't about food, decorations or any of those typical party things. It's about family and friends coming together to celebrate a man's heart (that would be my husband!) to serve and protect his country. That is all. Nothing more.
God is with us
The days are flying by. I'm currently doing okay with this. Our oldest son will come home next week to see his father before he leaves and my heart beats with excitement over seeing him in the house again. I can't wait to simply watch him sleep at night.
God is with us. He will be the strength of our hearts and our portion forever. (Psalm 73:26)
Thank you my dear friends for all your prayers.
Oh Beth! I love this idea. I think my life could use a little randomness. I know the pressure of running a link up and feeling the need to respond to each one. I know the pressure of having a blog that is just surviving on link ups, and I'm not really writing. I do love FMF, and have missed it since my series started, but perhaps every other week I will join you for Friday Randomness? I will have a little surprise coming your way soon? I know I've said that before, but this time for real! Have a blessed day!
ReplyDeleteThank you my dear friend. I do love FMF and my randomly decide to participate still but also knew God was prompting me to do something a little different. While the "surprise" is not necessary, I'm looking forward to it! Love you.
DeleteI really enjoyed today's post. Getting another glimpse into a heart that is hungry for God is just refreshing when the rest of the world seems to be seeking anything, but Him. Prayers for you as you write, and live, and plan, and read! God bless you!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lauren. Your comments bless and encourage me. I'm so grateful for you.
DeleteI love this idea too! It's so encouraging to read your heart. I love discovering new people and writing. I'm praying for you... it's hard to imagine all you feeling. I hope your writing community can hold you up in prayer and love.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lisa. I'm really doing okay these days. God has given me a peace about this new season to come. Your prayers and your love is appreciated. {Hugs}
DeleteBeth--I tried Five Minute Friday. About 45 minutes into polishing my masterpiece I realized I'd defeated the purpose and deleted it. Why was I doing it in the first place? I had to look at my heart, too. I love your comment about God's word. Indeed, why consult anything else? Just to let you know I'll be tending to a project until late Nov. and so won't be posting for awhile. Blessings until then. Diane
ReplyDeleteI'm smiling Diane as I can't tell you how many times I've spent 45 minutes plus polishing what was to be written in five minutes. I do love how the prompt words can inspire my writing though which is why I kept joining in. I may refer to them randomly in my Friday post (which is why I love the idea of sharing random thoughts). I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers as you work on your project. Look forward to seeing you when you return. I'm grateful for our new connection. Blessings.
DeleteBeth,
ReplyDeleteYour heart is so in the right place! May all of us bloggers pray that God would do the leading to our site and not our human interference. Your humble heart inspires me! Thank you for the reference to my post...may we together encourage people to Love Others!! Love you and your random thoughts!!
((hugs)),
Bev
Oh how I love you...let me count the ways! :) I can not wait for the day when we can finally have a cup of coffee together.
Delete(((hugs))),
Beth
Hi Beth,
ReplyDeleteLove what you have shared here and I echo many of your sentiments. Hope you enjoy the time of fellowship with friends and family.
Thanks for stopping in Wanda. I hope you are having a blessed weekend. {Hugs}
DeleteI agree with your thoughts on link-ups. If I can't take the time to read the posts of others, I feel guilty linking up. Therefore, most of the time I don't participate. I don't want to be that girl. Also, these kinds of posts are my favorite. Maybe it's because I feel as if I'm having a conversation or maybe it's because I feel as if I am getting to know the person better. Whatever the case, love them. Lastly, honored to be included in your list. Made me day!
ReplyDeleteLove randomness! I'm beating myself up because I am not following through on my 31 days. There has been so many great God things and that's what it is all about. And then sometimes in the midst of feeling like you need to write or post -- you feel guilty because you aren't. Randomness sounds fabulous -- I'm living in randomness. Thankful I stopped today -- even more thankful I find myself mentioned in your post. Just love your heart sweet girl -- love it!!!
ReplyDeleteThe quote by Elliot is just perfect for me right now. Came across your blog through a tweet and am so glad to be here. Thank you for this post!
ReplyDelete... my FMF Fridays were turning into hour Fridays... then I would link and feel totally overwhelmed at where to start reading. I could never just read the one before and after mine. And, as you can tell, I am a terrible commenter... I read so many great blogs, but then see a bunch of comments and think well they don't need my comment, ugh! I kind of really LOVE this randomness idea!!
ReplyDeleteOh, totally got sidetracked, thanks for the shout-out... I am so feeling all blushy :-)
ReplyDeleteHey Beth! I LOVE your "randomness"! Thanks for sharing and I totally agree with you about the whole link-up thing. My desire is to find true blogging friends to connect with, not people who stop by for a link-party. Blessing to you sis! Hope your party turned out wonderful...enjoy the precious time you have with your family! ;)
ReplyDelete