Friday, December 6, 2013

Friday Randomness (Vol. 7)



Scripture speaking to my heart

"When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I’ll listen. When you come looking for me, you’ll find me." ~ Jeremiah 29:12-14 (MSG)

Let the truth of those words soak in. Call on Him. Pray to Him. Seek Him. He is waiting for you.

Devotional Love

"Choose to worship God. Choose to serve others. People will be encouraged. God will be glorified, and you will receive the most benefit as you grow in character and love for God." ~ Faith Deployed...Again (pg. 79)

Advent Season

I've been so incredibly blessed by Ann Voskamp and her Advent devotional The Greatest Gift.

"And the heart that makes time and space for Him to come will be a glorious place. A place of sheer, radiant defiance in the face of a world careening mad and stressed." ~ Ann Voskamp

I was also recently introduced to Christie Purifoy of There is a River by Shelly Miller of Redemptions Beauty. Come follow Christie as she writes through every day of Advent season.

What am I reading?

I'm back to the dilemma of trying to read too many books at once. I really need to focus on reading one book at a time. Maybe if people would stop writing such amazing books I'd have an easier time. (Giggling.) Seriously, have I ever told you as a young adult I hated to read? That surely is not the case anymore.

But what am I reading?

"We love our earth. We love our people. We love our stuff. We love our schedules. We love our short lives here. And God is saying, Look up. This is going fast. Your life here is barely a breath. There is more, way more." ~ Anything, by Jennie Allen

I know I'm way late to read Jennie's book but God's timing really is always perfect! I may need to give away a copy at some point too. Don't you love giveaways? It could become a habit of mine to giveaway a copy of the books I really, really love.

Be sure to come by on Monday (or Tuesday possibly) as I will be sharing a review of Barbie Swihart's new book Coffee Talk with Jesus. And well...there will be a giveaway too! To read what others have said about Barbie's book click here.

From Day 5 of her book, "You feel as if you don't belong. You could be in a room filled with people and still feel as if no one truly sees you. But I see you there, restless in your chair, cradling that cup of warm tea in your hands."

You honestly do begin to feel the presence of Jesus as you read this book.

Circles of Faith First Friday Books Favs

The first Friday of every month the contributors of Circles of Faith share what they are reading. Come take a look and discover books to add to your must read list. If you have recently written a review, you can also join in by linking up your post or share in the comments section of their post.

Favorite blog read from the week

I visited Jennifer of A Heart For the Home for the first time through a link-up at Woman to Woman Ministries and her post Embracing your Season felt as though it was written specifically for me. Thank you, Jennifer! I love the new people I meet through link-ups.

Favorite new song (I have two favorites this week!)

Jenn of Running This Thing Called Life shared on her Facebook page a link to a video that really does put you in the holiday spirit. Watch and listen here: Little Drummer Boy

You must listen to this new song just released by David Crowder called I Am off his Neon Steeple album. I heard it for the first time while working out this week and the lyrics blew me away.

"There's no space that His love can't reach
There's no place where we can't find peace
There's no end to amazing grace"

It's SO good!

Favorite Internet find

Looking for cute and meaningful stocking ideas or inexpensive gifts for a dear friends? Come see what you can purchase from Dayspring for under $5.00. Oh my! I had no clue.

Favorite Facebook post

I'm being selfish again! This is my son receiving a "Flag Letter" for a job well done on funeral detail. We are very proud of him for all he has done to honor and remember our fallen. Isn't he handsome too?


I'm finding blessings in a deployment

~ Books filled with encouragement for military wives. 
~ LHC responding quickly to my request for copies of sermons to send to my soldier.
~ Photographs. When I'm missing him I can stare at pictures of him.
~ An amazing few days in San Antonio together before our last good-bye.
~ A Thanksgiving brunch on the patio of a restaurant along the San Antonio River Walk.
~ My younger son now cooking dinner for us every evening. Super yummy!
~ Lots of phone calls from friends.

17 comments :

  1. I love your Friday Randomness list! I'm reading Barbie's book, too and love it! Isn't it wonderful how in addition to the "chats with the Savior" seeming so real, she adds recipes? I have the Kindle version, but I want to order her soft bound edition, too!

    So glad you had a nice Thanksgiving and congrats to your son for receiving the Flag Letter!

    Blessings, Joan

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    1. Thank you, Joan. I really enjoy doing this Friday post. I do so love Barbie's book!! What a blessing it is.
      Wishing you a beautiful weekend.
      Beth

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    2. Joan, the print book is so much more prettier on the inside! :)

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  2. I read Jennie's book this summer, and it has rocked my world. Hope you have a wonderful weekend full of sweet surprises. :)

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    1. I know Lyli. It is SO good!!
      You have a wonderful weekend too.
      Much love,
      Beth

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  3. Aww love this, I must look into that book your reading, I feel the same, I am reading too many books, I need to finish what I have started! AND thank you. Isn't that song wonderful!!

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    1. If you are referring to Jennie Allen's book, oh Jenn you must read! You will LOVE.

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  4. A great recap! Thanks for sharing the things that have blessed you this week! You continue to inspire me with your courage and strength while your husband and son are away serving. You must be so very proud!

    Christy @ A Heartening Life
    www.ahearteninglife.com

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    1. Thanks for stopping in, Christy. It's always a delight to see you here!
      Many blessings,
      Beth

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  5. Beth,
    So glad that God is bringing you blessings in your husband's deployment!! Have I told you lately how much I admire you and your strength? Well I do!! Praying for you dear friend...as always I enjoy your randomness :)
    Love and ((hugs)),
    Bev

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    1. You always bring a smile to my face! Love you.
      {Hugs},
      Beth

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  6. As always- I enjoy your Friday Randomess so much! The books, blogs, blessings:) I just finished a book- amazing! So now I get to start 2-3 new ones, right? ;) have a wonderful weekend.

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    1. You have me laughing! Yes---time to start 2-3 new ones. Glad I'm not the only one struggling with this. I hope you had a wonderful weekend.
      Love you,
      Beth

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  7. Hi Beth! ♥ I've been thinking about you a lot lately! I've been horrible with keeping up with my blog reading, but I've been sending prayers your way - glad to read you're handling the deployment so well :) And as always: your post is so thought-provoking! That Jennie Allen quote is just so, so powerful. Hope you have a wonderful weekend! xo

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    1. Hey there sweet friend! So good to hear from you. I'm sorry I haven't been by your place either recently. We will need to both catch up.
      I hope you've settled in and are loving your new place and job.
      Much love to you,
      Beth

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  8. I hope to read Jennie's book soon. I think of you every day. I have a little something coming your way! Soon and very soon.

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Much love to you.