I am not quite ready to fully return to this place here. The below, which I shared on my blog Facebook page, comes from my heart on where I stand with writing for now.
"Go into the day today with confidence, and with a heart aligned with the One who knew your name before time began. He sings songs over you and quiets you with His love. If you are brave enough to listen, you might hear the sounds of your own name echoing back from the great I Am." @angiesmith19 #incourage #perpetualcalendar
I'm thinking God's asking me to do more listening these days than writing.
This blogging break of mine may last longer. I have grown tired of the wrestle to find the words for all the thoughts twirling around in my head.
On my drive to work this morning I considered taking a stab at yet another post. This attempt would be to tell you how I have always wanted one thing that I am good at. And I thought writing was finally my one thing.
But maybe placing my hopes on one thing I am good at is still me finding my worth in the wrong place. What if the one thing is simply this: to completely embrace that I am His.
He gave up His own life for me by dying on a cross. Shouldn't that alone tell me just how valuable I am to Him?
So yes, I will go into this day with confidence and with a heart aligned with Him. And I will be brave enough to listen..
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But a desire remains to connect with you, so I thought I'd carry on with the Scattering of Love series I started a while back. And really it goes with a desire I always have to share what others write that so encourages my heart.
Here are a few recent faves:
Courage Is A Heart Voyage (or an Eastern Bluebird) by my dear friend Tammy who has done so much to encourage this heart of mine. I just love her. Don't miss her presence in this beautiful online world.
Let's Lay Down our Swords by Michelle DeRusha. Just Yes and Amen to all of this. And ditto the "Yes and Amen" to A Quiet Appeal to Us, in the Spirit of Matthew 18 by Deidra Riggs
The Golden Rule - Loving Myself?? by Sharon. I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Sharon in real life last week while in California. What a delightful time we had. She really truly spoke to my heart with this post because loving myself . . . yes, that's still a wrestle.
Four Choices That Will Improve Any Marriage from Refine Us Blog. I couldn't agree more with these four choices. Especially #4 because I witness it often and it makes me sad.
Grace in the Neighborhood: A Promise, A Dare, and a Turquoise Table from Grace Table which happens to be one of my favorite places to pull up a chair these days. I'm so getting us a picnic table and painting it turquoise before the warmer temps fall upon us.
And this by Denise Hughes because it's truth us bloggers need to remember: How to Blog with Focus via Allume.
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If we are not "friends" on Facebook or you do not follow me on Instagram (@SimplyBeth3), here are a few pictures from my time in California. God . . . well, He pretty much left me in awe once again of His love and goodness.
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On Monday we will celebrate this guy's birthday. One of these days I really need to write a post fully devoted to what a delight this youngest child of ours is to the world.
He's rather talented too. Juggling is only one of his many talents. Friends of the hubs call him "the talented one." But he's so much more than that.
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Watching our sailors ship return home with HIM on board . . . all kinds of goosebumps!
Oh, how my heart continues to burst with joy. There are no words. Just joy. Lots and lots of joy. Praising God for returning him home safely to us.
"For all Your goodness I will keep on singing, 10,000 reasons for my heart to find."
Good and hard things lie ahead for me and my family. But with God as our anchor, we move forward one step at a time knowing He holds all things in His loving hands. He holds us. And this much I know . . . we can trust in Him.
I love all of this friend! Your pictures are glorious and so beautiful because of all the light and shadows! I love visiting you on this page but I do know and understand your journey right now. Please know I will be popping over whenever you are here otherwise I will see you on Facebook.
ReplyDeleteHave a happy Friday and a blessed weekend! Love you!
Love you much, Mary. So very grateful for your friendship. xoxo
DeleteI am always excited to read words from you. Thank you for sharing the links, many of which I had not yet read. I am so thankful your son returned home safely and that your family is reunited. God is so good. May He continue to give you grace and strength for your journey. Love you dearly.
ReplyDeleteGod is so good, indeed! Love you, Barbie. Always in my prayers. xoxo
DeleteBeautiful photos, friend! And I love when God leads you to lean into this place to write. Even in small snippets He always shines encouragement and truth through you.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Becky. I truly appreciate your kind words. I appreciate YOU! Much love. xoxo
DeleteSo excited for you to have your family all home (and safe). You are full of HIS joy - I radiates through your words.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jill. So much JOY to have everyone home safely. Much love to you. xoxo
DeleteBeth, those are stunning photos! Surely you're having a great time there.
ReplyDeleteI struggle in listening to God too. I always talk, but seldom listen. This is a wonderful reminder for me.
Hope you're enjoying your weekend!
Praying for you, as you continue to seek His love and guidance in all situations. Blessings.
DeleteBeth,
ReplyDeleteYou are a good writer and I always enjoy your posts. My greatest prayer, however, is that God would enable you to "scratch that itch" that constantly asks, "Am I loved? Am I yours?" Life is a journey in growing in that knowledge...praying that, in whatever form, He would reveal that truth to you in a big way!!
Much love and ((Hugs)),
Bev
Bev, I am so grateful for the ways He uses you to encourage my heart. You are such a blessing to me. Much love. xoxo
DeleteThose photos! Love seeing your life in pictures. You have such a heart to encourage, I know you'll be back to writing (in good time). Sometimes, we do these things. But when it's right, you'll know. And most likely, you'll be popping with some words to say, or a whole plethora of ideas that'll pull you so hard, you will NOT want to resist. :) Love to you. (And thanks for the share! See, how you encouraged me by your generous soul???)
ReplyDeleteThank you, sweet friend. You lead the way in the encouragement, Tammy. You truly do.
DeleteLove you much.
xoxo
So good to see you back even if it's temporary, Beth! You will be back in full when the time is right. These pictures... definitely goosebump creating. I just followed you on Instagram and am loving the rest of your trip pics in San Diego. We went there a few years ago and it was one of our best family vacations ever!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the follow on Instagram, Candace. It's fun to connect in these various ways. Blessings to you. xoxo
DeleteThe pictures are so beautiful, as is your heart. I love that you share a scattering of this love abroad, it is a gift you have... to share love... and it is appreciated. I am blessed by you, Beth. Happy Birthday to your dear one.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Dawn
I adore you, friend.
Deletexoxo
Beth, my dear friend. First of all, thank you for the mention - it's an honor, and I truly appreciate it. Second of all, a most Happy Birthday to that young man of yours! It was a pleasure meeting him, too, when you were here in CA. And, that other son in uniform?? Sigh.
ReplyDeleteAs to your thoughts about that one thing? Well, God has been saying this very significant thing to my heart for a few years now - "Sharon, is it really just Me?" At the end of the day, more than anything else I want, I want Him. And that is really and truly all that matters.
GOD BLESS!
Sharon, I'm wishing we could have another coffee date. Our time together blessed me in so many ways. Thank you for the ways you encourage my heart.
DeleteMuch love.
xoxo
Hugs and lots of love from you. Thank you for sharing your heart, great links, and inspiring photos. You are loved.
ReplyDeleteYou are loved too, Ginger. xoxo
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