Friday, January 17, 2014

Friday Randomness (Vol. 11)



Scripture speaking to my heart

I had the privilege of listening to Lisa-Jo Baker read from James 3 this week on an (in)couragers Spreecast. She read from The Message translation and the words (and her beautiful voice) have been on my mind all week. (The link was provided above instead of me sharing the entire chapter.)

JOY-filled scripture

"I’m thanking you, God, from a full heart, I’m writing the book on your wonders. I’m whistling, laughing, and jumping for joy; I’m singing your song, High God." ~ Psalm 9:1-2

What am I reading

I'm still working on finishing Jennie Allen's book, Anything.

I shared a quote from her book on my Facebook page earlier in the week and I'm still at the same place reflecting on her powerful question. "What if we wanted what God wanted most? What if we wanted, like Jesus, God's glory above every other thing?"

And it's time to giveaway a copy of her book. I won't make you wait for me to finish since I'm moving at a snail's pace.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Featured #ThreeWordWednesday Writer

Our featured writer this week is Kristin Taylor of 152 Insights to My Soul.


What do I love about Kristin? I love how she opens her home and family to us. She loves to tell stories and her stories always reflect her faith in God. She is just real and an absolute delight. I'm also incredibly grateful for her continual love and encouragement.

Me: What do you like most about Three Word Wednesday?

Kristin: I liked the Three Word Wednesday idea from the beginning because it reminded me God's truth could be simple. It was refreshing to have a few words as the focus of a deeper concept. Expanding the concept of Three Word Wednesday to a link up helps me focus on truth this way. You're such a sweet encourager that it only makes sense for your to lead something like this link up. {I love you, friend!}

Me: Why did you start blogging?

Kristin: I started blogging long ago because a friend told me I'd like it. Back then it was a journal type thing a few friends read. As I continued writing through different seasons of life, God used documenting life this way as therapy for my soul. As a former newspaper reporter who is now mostly a stay-at-home mom, blogging gives me a way to document life so I don't forget the details of life, connect with others who love stories, and process what God is teaching me.

Me: You all need to get to know her.

Link up

"What Words of Life encourage you as you listen to the soft gentle voice speaking to your heart in His written word?" ~ Rebekah Hughes

Come share with Rebekah of A Soft Gentle Voice on Wednesday's for her Words of Life Wednesdays Link up.

A Soft Gentle Voice

In real life meet ups

I get to meet two blogging friends this weekend for the first time (on separate occasions). I can't wait to meet you Jenn and Amy.

Favorite blog reads


When You Need To Hear You Are Amazing from Karin at Sunrise with a six pack. Yes, she is one of my favorites again. Love my #milspouse friend.

Favorite new song (not new to me but new to you)

It's a song you've never heard because it was written by the worship leader at my church. Plans are in the works to record his song but in the meantime I hope you take a moment to reflect on these beautiful lyrics.

"You see me in the midst of sin
You accept me, You invite me in
Though dirt stained hands and wandering heart
You wash me, You make me whole

Overwhelm me, overwhelm me
Overwhelm me with Your grace

Motivation Changed, life rearranged
Eyes unveiled through Your mercy Lord
This grace so sure, unmerited
It causes me to run to You

Sovereign
Free to all
Everlasting
Unconditional"

Overwhelm Me
by Pastor Celby Hadley

I'm finding JOY in a deployment #JoyDare #1000gifts

#22 ~ A new coffee mug from a friend. I think of her every time I have a cup.

#23 ~ Time with my small group family and a discussion that was "just right."

#24 ~ Friends who come over with letters and gifts to mail to my husband.

#25 ~ The fitness center in my office building... easy access which doesn't require me going back outdoors or getting in my car to get there.

#26 ~ Courage to do scary things.

#27 ~ Seeing beauty in chaos.

#28 ~ God providing the funds to attend the Compel Conference

#29 ~ Friends that encourage.

#30 ~ My new One Word necklace and the one I purchased for my sister-in-law

#31 ~ Three beautiful scarves received in the mail from my husband.

37 comments :

  1. I love the way Jennie Allen writes. If you have not done her "Chase" study, it is wonderful! Have a great day, Beth!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am truly loving her writing. She challenges you in a wonderful way. Blessings to you.

      Delete
  2. i hear you about a new mug quickly becoming your favorite go to sipper! me, too ...

    have a super weekend, my friend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A coffee mug is such a beautiful gift in my eyes. :)
      Blessings to you.
      Beth

      Delete
  3. Thanks for the reminder to seek Joy today! I'd been grumbling in my head about what a long day its going to be today and failed to even enjoy the fact that I was able to have my favorite breakfast this morning (oatmeal with fresh blueberries), or that my coffee smells super delicious (vanilla caramel), or that I'm down to 2.97 weeks until my man gets home!!!! (FINALLY!)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm so excited he will soon be home, Molly! Doing the happy dance for you. :)

      Delete
  4. Great idea to start a page on praying for our troops! God is using you to do BIG things, Beth!!
    And, oh wow, those lyrics, so good! Hope you have a fabulous weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Alecia. I really wanted a place where others could come and pray for our troops or leave a prayer request. It's always hard to try something new but I'm trusting God.

      Delete
  5. Again, I love all the information you leave here...the links to follow and the people to "meet"! Thank you! I'm also going to go check out your praying for the troops page. What a great idea!

    Blessings, Joan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm still smiling from the pictures, Joan. THANK YOU so much!
      Love you,
      Beth

      Delete
  6. I've heard several good things about Anything...I'd love to read it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's a WONDERFUL book. Jennie really challenges you but in a good way.

      Delete
  7. I've never read Jennie Allen. I think I need to change that! I love your new feature to pray for troops. You are making a difference. Oh, I hope I will meet you in person someday too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've been so blessed by her book, Lisa. I highly suggest adding to your must read book. And I will be planning on meeting you some day soon!
      Much love,
      Beth

      Delete
  8. I would love to win this book. I received her "Chase" Curriculum and loved it! I love you my friend. Let's connect soon :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thanks for the shout out here! I thankful for your sweet ways and faith that glorifies God so well here in this space.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are a blessing in my life sweet friend. I will be counting down the days until we get to meet. SUPER excited!

      Delete
  10. I can't wait for Friday to come so I can visit here and see all you have to share with us my friend!!! I love the prayer for the troops page... Love you so much dear friend! You are so special!!!! Natasha

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Love you too! :))) I'm so grateful God brought us together in this lovely blogging world.

      Delete
  11. Loved the post and words of encouragement you offer.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Yeah for meeting blogger friends in real life... that is so much fun!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know you will be blessed by the blogging friends I've shared here.

      Delete
  13. Thank you so much for visiting and linking up at Beauty Observed today! It is my first visit here but I am sure I will be back.

    I have not read Jennie Allen, but she is on my ever growing list. :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for hosting us, Elizabeth. I look forward to getting to know you.

      Delete
  14. Hi, I found you through the Beauty Observed link up.

    I'd love to win the Jennie Allen book. I haven't read anything of hers yet, but it sounds like it will be wonderful!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm glad you found your way here, LeeAnn. It's nice to *meet* you.
      Blessings,
      Beth

      Delete
  15. Beth, you are so sweet and generous with your space and heart. Thank you for sharing my link-up!
    A friend just gave me a copy of Anything this week. I am looking forward to starting it. She 'cautioned' me how it really stirred some deep things in her.
    Have a wonderful weekend,
    Rebekah

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I will be anxious to hear what you think of the book. It has surely stirred up deep things in me. It's a book I will need to read again...but I need to finish it first. :)
      Love you,
      Beth

      Delete
  16. I always look forward to the Friday Randomness, and I always meet new friends here! Thanks for linking up with Recommendation Saturday! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3

    ReplyDelete
  17. Thank you again, Beth, for the links:) I will have to head over to Lisa-Jo's and over to 152 insights as well! Sounds like my kind of blog. Things have been busy here. I have a new writing project that takes a lot of time and doesn't come easily:) Love you so much and always happy to read your blessings!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Beth, you have such a beautiful heart and BRIGHT spirit. Love coming here.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I love Friday Randomness. So excited that you are creating a space for prayer and support for our heroes! Awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Great post, Beth! I haven't read "Anything" yet, but I've started "Restless" and wow.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Beth, I love your thought... "what if we wanted what God wanted most?" That's the question... "what if?" That could radically change everything in our daily lives! I am going to ponder that thought today. Thanks for your encouragement and boldness to ask the question!

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for leaving a comment! I love hearing from you and I read every one. Be sure to subscribe to comments or check back as I try to respond to all comments. I also do my best to hop on over to your blog for a visit.
Much love to you.