Friday Randomness (Vol. 13)

Scripture speaking to my heart

"And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." ~ Matthew 28:20b

Actually, the last few chapters of Matthew have been speaking to my heart. I really do wish it felt easier for me to explain why.

After listening to my Executive Pastor preach the past two Sunday's on the Pharisee in us, all I can say is Jesus has quite a bit to say to the Pharisees in Chapter 23.

"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!"

It really has me thinking about the Pharisee in me.

JOY-filled scripture

"He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of Joy." ~ Job 8:21

More from Anything, by Jennie Allen

I shared the ending of Jennie's book on Facebook this week here, but she also leaves us with another powerful question shortly before the end,

"Wherever you are, there are people in need both spiritually and physically. Where does God want to take your plenty and and pour it out?"

And then this...

"We love because he first loved us.
We die because he first died.
We give because he gave everything."

I could easily return to the first page and read this book again.

What's up next

I'm joining my friend Kristin of 152 Insights to My Soul in a 10-week study of the book Storyline, by Donald Miller. I hope I can keep up. If you have been following along for the past few months you know it takes me much longer than 10-weeks to finish a book. I'm remaining hopeful.

A few of my favorite blog reads

I love when similar messages are shared within the same week. God apparently had a message He wanted me to hear on fitting in:

#1 ~ Not fitting in by Alison of Embrace the Struggle
#2 ~ Stones by Barbara of My Life As An Adventure

Sharita of 7-Days Time blew me away with Haters gonna hate (Jesus gonna love).

I love Rebekah's (from Three Bees in a Blue Bonnet) honesty in her post Embracing My Anger.

Mari-Anna Stålnacke of Flowing Faith gave me goosebumps when sharing How to Live to the Max.

My favorite, favorite blog read

Melanie of Only A Breath stole my heart with this... How do we thank our military and their families?

Three Word Wednesday Featured Writer

This is one of those times when I randomly decide to skip because I didn't have time to reach out to one of our writers. But #16 and #31 are NEW friends who linked up this week for Three Word Wednesday so would you visit them and say hello?

Favorite moment

My favorite moment remains the time spent with my friend Lauren. I've used my Sweet B mug every morning this week and it always makes me think of her.

Favorite new song

Okay, not a new one but surely a favorite.

And what a great song to then take us to...

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

#60 ~ A prayer board at church that is filled with many heartfelt prayers for our heroes serving.

#61 ~ Friends who have me over for dinner.

#62 ~ Two precious little girls who stole my heart while playing Old Maid and War.

#63 ~ Bitterly cold days that keep you inside where it's warm.

#64 ~ Dinner alone with my son. He find so much joy in cooking for us.

#65 ~ A text from my DIL saying she heard from my son. It's always a blessing to know he is safe and well.

#66 ~ Dinner out with two #milspouse friends and their children.

#67 ~ New coasters -- pretty blue ones in different patterns.

#68 ~ New opportunities to grow.

#69 ~ Cold days that end up closing the office early.

#70 ~ Running into a high school friend at the post office.

#71 ~ The fun gift I purchased for my friend Lauren who gave me that Sweet B mug.