He makes all things new

I married my husband again this past Saturday and our special day was everything we wanted it to be and more so.

My cup runneth over.

It’s hard to decide where to begin. How could I possibly describe our day from start to end in one post? Maybe it does not need to be one post.

A little side note: it feels strange to return here with it being so long since I last wrote. But now is not the time to talk about the uncertainty of this blog's future. I shall continue to leave it in God’s hands.

When my husband and I first met with our Executive Pastor to tell him of our desire to renew our wedding vows, we expressed how we wanted the day to be all about God. The renewal of our vows was not about us but about what God had done in our lives and in our marriage since we accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior. All praise and glory for the twenty-five years we celebrate together must go to Him.

And all praise and glory did go to Him.

He shall even receive all praise and glory for working out every single detail as we planned for our special day. As I look back, I see how He filled the gaps by sending just the right person at just the right time to come along side of us to think of the one detail we had not yet thought of. He guided us in the decision making process and kept us free from worry… with Him at the center our day would be everything He wanted it to be. It would be what He always intended for this day was written in His book long ago.

I realized the evening before we would marry again that we were about to do the very thing Satan had tried to prevent for twenty-five years. Satan decided to step up his game, friends. But our God is stronger.

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

After a difficult night, on the morning of our vow renewal day I gathered our family around an oak table in the living room with our hands held tightly together and declared to Satan, “You are not welcome here. You will not steal our joy. We know how the story goes… God wins. And He wins here today too.”

A few hours later I stood in the dressing room of our venue in a wedding dress God had chosen specifically for me with my eyes closed and listened to family and friends in the room next to me join our worship team in singing:

“Let our praise be Your welcome
Let our songs be a sign
We are here for You, we are here for You

Let Your breath come from heaven
Fill our hearts with Your life
We are here for You, we are here for You”

Here For You, by Matt Redman

We welcomed God into that place. His presence filled the room. It was all about Him, just as it should be.

Then our two children, now young adults, each put an arm in one of mine and together we took the walk I had been anxiously waiting to take toward my husband. As we walked across a lovely white runner, which included the words from Mark 10:9 thanks to my mother, our voices continued to give Him praise as we sang:

“For all Your goodness
I will keep on singing
Ten thousand reasons
For my heart to find”

10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord), by Matt Redman

Oh yes, God. There are ten thousand reasons and more for my heart to find.

How do I describe the emotions which came as I reached out my hand to take my husband’s hand in mine with our boys standing beside us, with family and friends surrounding us and with God in our midst? I loved my husband so very much on the day when we first said “I do” but never did I imagine how my love for him would grow over the next twenty-five years. Only God could write such a story.

There is so much more to share with you. Isn’t that so like God? With Him, there is always more. And I will share the “more” with you as time allows and as we receive photos from our photographer.

For now, can you guess how our ceremony ended? From the moment we decided to renew our vows, we knew the ceremony could end only one way. We turned toward our family and friends with joy overflowing and sang, “How Great is Our God!”

Our special day was much more than a renewal of our vows. God gave us a new marriage; a transformation only He could do. All praise and glory went to Him and will continue to go to Him.

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My hope is found in Him

In many ways it’s a beautiful season for me. I see His goodness bursting forth in all things. I adore this time of being more intentional in my relationships with my husband, children and friends.  The days seem to move at a slower pace, a delightful pace of cherishing each and every moment.

This season isn't absent of sorrow. My heart mourns the loss of someone I love deeply. I have learned that a loss can come in many different forms; it does not only come with death. I pray daily for the person I love to choose differently. I pray daily for God to teach me to extend love, even if it goes unseen, no matter how this part of our story unfolds.

God takes us through different seasons. I believe in every season He seeks to reveal truth about Himself, give us new wisdom for our spiritual journey and leave us with a promise for more of Him.

I see it in His letters to the seven churches in the province of Asia (Revelations 1:4) as I read the Book of Revelation. Each one begins with a picture of Him, then gives a warning and ends with a promise.

It begins and ends with Him.

It’s all about Him.

I find myself wrestling with God at times over this season of less writing He has brought me to. The wrestle comes in the form of jealousy and comparison as my Facebook news-feed fills with beautiful posts written by others whom I adore. Jealousy and comparison is an ugly thing. It absolutely steals your joy. But He came to give us life to the fullest (John 10:10).

So God doesn't leave me in the wrestle.

He reminds me of who He is and who I am in Him.
He extends gentle warnings through His Word.
He promises more of Him if I choose to trust and obey Him.

I trust in you, Lord. 
You are good.
You are faithful.

I was asked recently to describe what made me fall in love with Jesus and what makes me follow Him. My response came with ease but it also came with wet eyes. Love stories are usually told with wet eyes.

It's for two words: redemption and transformation. I witnessed how He redeems and makes all things new. You can read our story here. And His work of redemption and transformation never ends. There's always more: more ways we need to surrender to Him and more ways He wants to transform us.

He is my hope . . . the hope for better. A life without Him would be a life without hope. A life without Him is one I will not choose.

Maybe what I love most about this season is how I have fallen in love with Him all over again. As He becomes greater in my life (John 3:30), through devoted time with Him and In His Word, He performs new miracles. His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). I come before Him with my fears, doubts and thoughts of unworthiness, and He says, "I'm not finished with you yet, Beth. Look, I am doing a new thing" (Isaiah 43:19).

I have come to a place of knowing this season He has me in is the very place I need to be. I can see so clearly His love and goodness, even in the midst of sorrow. He will not waste this. There will be beauty on the other side. There will be a transformation. I know this with every fiber of my being because I have come to know Him.

This is the hope I profess: He is faithful. He is good always. His love is never-ending. His arms are far reaching—nothing is too far off for Him to redeem and transform.

It’s the hope which keeps my eyes and heart set on Him always. When He comes to my door He does not need to knock because the door to my heart remains wide open (Revelation 3:20).

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Not Writer's Block [and God's goodness]

The fewer posts are not a result of writers block. It has nothing to do with not having anything to write about. As I wrote in my last post, there’s a wrestle that happens when I write but maybe the wrestle will always be there. Maybe it has to do with how God created me. It simply takes time for me to process my thoughts.

That’s okay. What God creates is always good.

There's a wide range of topics I could cover in a post because life is full these days. The days are filled with good and hard stuff. In the midst of everything my heart still sings of His goodness. There are truly ten thousand reasons (and more) for my heart to find.

Yet, I do not feel prompted by God to write. Well, there are words still written. Bits and pieces of my heart scatter around me in different forms. These things on my heart though, sometimes they are more sacred and not meant to be shared.

Some of the writing happens via prayer requests; there's a big one circling right now. Thank you to those who are praying. You are teaching me the power found in gathering with sisters and brothers in Christ in prayer. Prayer does works.

A friend wrote to me today and left words which encouraged my heart. Her words remind me of how God puts people in our life for a reason. We are called to be the body of Christ and this body has many parts. And every one of us is a vital member of the body (1 Corinthians 12:27). I am also reminded of words from Jesus in in Matthew 18:20: "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." He created us to gather with others. The way we gather is not limited. Oh, how unlimited the ways we gather can be.

For example, online friends are real friends who gather together via the web. Online friends continue to bless me daily. They give me at least a thousand reasons, likely many more, to sing praises to God.

The friend I mentioned above wrote the below in her email to me:

"I love how you write - truly from the heart and I miss your more frequent posts, but am excited to hear what new things God is calling you to?? So tell me...what is new...what are you up to?  In what direction is God tugging your heart?"

It was Christ that bound us together across the interweb as I read her email.

As I pondered my response to my friend, I thought I might share with you at least one thing I am up to these days. It's all kinds of exciting. It has everything to do with Him becoming greater in my life.

One of the best yeses I have given to God since becoming a Christ follower is joining a local Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) class. Every Monday, since September 2014, I gather with 200+ other women to be in God’s Word together and have meaningful conversations. Every day of the week, since the first meeting I attended, I wake early to be with God and study His Word.

This time has drawn me closer to Him. You do know it’s what He wants must from us, right?

The above has led me to give God another yes. Last weekend I started training to be a Group Leader for BSF. Oh friends, I have wobbly knees over this yes but I am also super-duper excited to lead other women in going deeper in their relationship with Christ.

I happen to be writing a lot these days as I give daily lesson questions more thought and attempt to figure out how the heck to do homiletics. More hours per week are devoted to my studies but it’s so worth it.

God’s Word is indeed alive and active (Hebrews 4:12). It’s rocking my world!

There are other new things to talk about but until we make the rounds with family I am holding off on talking about those things here. My husband and I both come from large families so give us time.

Oh, by the way, the friend of mine who so encouraged my heart today has a beautiful blog. I would be most grateful if you would hop on over to say hello to her. You will love her, I promise. Meet Beverly of Walking Well With God

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God with us

I have drafted a post similar to the one you see many other bloggers publishing this time of year. It’s the post where I take a look back at 2014. The post does not share my top viewed posts because I have no desire to look at numbers. If I were to look at numbers, I think it might be more fun to share the least viewed posts. Maybe those posts were simply over looked.

Instead of the top viewed posts of the year, or least viewed posts, my intention was to highlight the most profound moments from 2014. Calling them moments doesn't sound accurate as they are not singular moments. Maybe they are more like themes?

The year came with many challenges. It was a different kind of year. Yet, still a good year.

As I look over the various themes I have captured from the year I see one primary theme which encompasses all the themes.

God is with me.

“Where can I go from your Spirit?
    Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
    if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
    if I settle on the far side of the sea,
 even there your hand will guide me,
    your right hand will hold me fast.”
Psalm 139:7-10

That’s a pretty wonderful theme. Do I need bother sharing the others? This one . . . it’s what matters most.

It was a year of trials but God is faithful.
There was still much joy because of God. 
He is the source of our JOY.

His Spirit dwells within me.
He’s always present.
Immanuel, God with us.

My cup runneth over.
It is well with my soul.

At the same time, I find myself somewhat melancholy as the New Year approaches.

I find myself stuck between two new normals: the new normal I found without my husband and the new normal I teeter-totter on with him now home.

The season of waiting continues on. I am waiting for God to reveal His plans. He might be waiting for me to move.

My mind is a jumbled mess. It feels a bit like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle scattered about and I have never been good with puzzles. I cannot stay focused long enough to make the first move.

I need to give God more credit for the way He moves.
He's revealing where change is needed.
Some things will stay the same.
But mostly God’s in the business of transformation. 

And He does not work on my time schedule.
He has His own and it’s far better than mine.

My previous new normal included lots of time and space for writing and connecting. I grew as a writer. I believe our friendship grew too. I hope you see me as someone who sees you and someone who shows up. I hope you know you can count on me.

I desire less and less time on social media these days though.

I want God.
I want time with my husband.
I want time with my family.
I want time with friends . . . more tangible connections.
I want time just to be.

But I miss connecting with you too.
I am trying to find a balance.

And I still want to create. Oh, how I want to create.

The waiting happens here because I sense the creating will be different.

Donald Miller tells us in his new series, Start Life Over, that we are designed to change. He writes, “Every healthy thing God created changes.”

I realize I’m not so much between two new normal; I am still navigating to a new normal. I am changing.

This is okay.

God is changing me.
And I’m glad.

Not really the post I intended to write to wrap up 2014 but God’s ways are always greater. How great is our God!

Happy New Year, friends.

“Live full lives, full in the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:19 MSG)

It started with a DARE {Day 25: #write31days}

I shared a link to a post written by Lisa Whittle yesterday and I can’t seem to get the story she shared out of my mind. She shared a personal story from her marriage. A story she said in many ways is the story of her life. It’s a story of wanting more and of things missed because of her want for more.

“I need something. I want something. But I choose something I want in the moment, and it gets in the way of what I really want more.” ~ Lisa Whittle

Lisa released a new book this month titled, I Want God

Her story has rung true in my own life.

For most of my life there resided a desire for more. I wanted more of something; usually more stuff. I would get more and then want more again. It became an endless cycle of a want for more. And more was never enough. 

My husband wanted me to be happy. Most of my requests for more he would fulfill. “Maybe then she will love me,” may have been his thoughts. Instead of my love he received accumulated debt.

I loved him. I really, really did. On the other hand, I relied on feeling love to show him love. He did not receive an unconditional love from me.

There's a secret about love you may not know. I once did not know either. The secret is this: an unconditional love is not possible on your own. But with God, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26).

An online friend I had yet to meet took a dare. She dared to point me toward the more I had been longing for all along but missed because my wants in the moment got in the way. She pointed me toward the One who is love.

I then took my first dare. I dared to BELIEVE.

And then I dared to accept His LOVE.
And then I dared to EMBRACE who I am in Him.
And then I dared to find JOY no matter the circumstances. He is the source of my joy.

And then – the dare that continues to transform my marriage – I dared to love my husband with God’s kind of love.

A love dare journey began. {read my Love Dare Journey here}

It started as my own love dare journey during my husband’s deployment to Afghanistan. By God’s grace, my husband has returned home safely.

What started as my journey is now our love dare journey.

God's love, the One who can only change our want for more to enough, changes lives. It changed ours.

And now I keep on daring to share His love with you.

It started with a dare.

Will you take a dare? Maybe your dare is pointing another to Him. If so, please don’t miss out on that dare.

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I am joining in for the Five Minute Friday fun (on a Saturday) because the prompt word is DARE. The prompt word was chosen by The Love Dare so how could I not? The post took me more than five minutes; it was more like twenty minutes. But twenty is the new five, in my opinion, when it comes to writing.

P.s. The words BELIEVE, LOVE, EMBRACE and JOY have been my One Word for the year (respectively) since joining in on this popular blogger thing to do in 2011. As my friend Kristin put it, it's "like a trendy resolution."

He's Home!

My husband . . . my hero . . . returned home Saturday evening! 

Thank you, friends, for all your love, encouragement and prayers these past ten months. We could not have done this without you. Our hearts rejoice for God is good ALWAYS! 

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" Philippians 4:4

We are blown away by the video our Executive Pastor created to document the homecoming. I cannot watch without tears flowing. Please don't leave without watching. It's a joy to share with you.

"How great is our God – sing with me

How great is our God – and all will see

How great, how great is our God."

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Because it has been a while and I love this community, I am sharing this post with Barbie for The Weekend Brew.

Friday Randomness (Vol. 24)

Scripture speaking to my heart

"And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." ~ Ephesians 3:17-19

#JoyDare #1000Gifts

"We give thanks to God not because of how we feel but because of who He is." ~ Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts Devotional

Favorite quote

"Even when our tears slip we know His hand never does. His creation says it all. He goes deep like the ocean. He stretches wide like the sky. He reaches out like the sun." ~ LysaTerKeurst #incourage

The Love Dare

Before my husband departed for his deployment I mentioned to my pastor one evening during a Bible study class that I was actually excited to see how God would grow our marriage during the time we would spend apart. Every part of me believes this love dare challenge was all part of God's plan. It has awakened my soul to seek Christ with a renewed passion and I'm falling deeper and deeper in love with my husband. It has God written all over it.

What am I reading?

I have so many unread books and spring is apparently the time for new releases which has made it hard to choose what to read next. My friend Kristin of 152 Insights to My Soul hosted a giveaway recently at her place and I ended up being the lucky winner of the book Chasing God by Angie Smith. After reading the introduction and a portion of the first chapter I've made my decision on what I'm reading next.

     "Stop running like mad because you don't 
know the music; lay in the wild grass while the 
stars dance instead.
      Forget what they've told you about me and
stop thinking it's something you have to perform.
You could spend your entire life doing that and
never know any more of Me at all. You'll miss
the point, miss the beauty, and miss the sky I
painted above for you.
      It's a beautiful night to realize what it's
really like to be loved.
      Stop chasing the song, child, and let Me
teach you to sing." ~ Angie Smith, Chasing God

A few of my favorite blog reads from the past few weeks

"This is the petition I breathe, the Psalmist's heart-cry that courses through my veins whenever these fingers hit the keyboard in this online space." ~ A Blogger's Prayer, by Linda of Creekside Ministries

"Choosing joy through little things, will teach you to choose joy in the big things. The life-changing, I-don’t-know-how-to-survive-this things." ~ How to Learn Acceptance With Joy, by Natasha Metzler

"The more grace we show ourselves, the more grace we’ll be able to show others." ~ Learning to Love Yourself Just As God Made You, by Emily Wierenga via The Better Mom

A few of my favorite blog reads on marriage

5 Qualities of a Kind Wife, by Courtney of Women Living Well

5 Tips For Keeping a Marriage Strong, by Jeanne Tekenaka

Sharita of 7 Days Time is doing a wonderful series on Building a Christ-Like Marriage which I recommend catching up on.

Online friends become INRL friends

I'm incredibly grateful for the many opportunities I've had recently to meet writing friends in real life. Last weekend I met Cindee Snider Re of Breathe Deeply for lunch and we had a beautiful afternoon together. I simply adore her and love that we live close enough to meet again . . . hopefully soon.

A blog makeover

A blog makeover is in the works. The process will most likely move at a slow pace but I've decided to be okay with this. I would love your thoughts on a new tag line I'm considering: Scattering seeds of His love

Yes/No? I've received a couple yeses so far but I would love to hear your thoughts.

Memorial Day Weekend

I plan to post on Monday as there is a message on my heart to share but I am praying for the right words to come. Until then, may we all stop this weekend to remember and honor the brave heroes who laid down their lives for you and me.

Friday Randomness (Vol. 22)

Scripture speaking to my heart

"The joy of the LORD is your strength" ~ Nehemiah 8:10

I'm sure this appeared in a previous post as the scripture speaking to my heart but God has been using it to speak to my heart again.

Favorite Quote

"O believer. Let gratitude be awakened; let humility be deepened; let love be quickened." ~ Charles Spurgeon (Shared by Lisa Buffaloe)

Joy - My One Word

"As we've all heard time and time again, life is about celebrating the small things and relishing in the uncomplicated pleasures. These moments will stay with us long after the stress has settled. To spark your own love affair with life again, here are 50 simple ways to welcome joy back in..." ~ 50 Ways to Love Life from Darling Magazine // I was going to pick a favorite but I loved all 50 ways.

"The thing is: we only repeat the sounding joy, re-joice, re-joy again and again, when we remember to give thanks — and again repeat." ~ The Best Gift for the Overwhelmed: Sometimes You Need Joy-in-a-Box, by Ann Voskamp // I just want to meet her and hug her to say, Thank You.

"We need to fight for joy and be joy-warriors." ~ Ann Voskamp || Watch a moving video with Ann Voskamp and Tara Jenkins from IF : Equip here.

I love that God choose JOY as my one word for the year.

Circles of Faith + Three Word Wednesday

On Monday I shared with Circles of Faith and on Wednesday one of the co-founders of Circle of Faith shared with us for Three Word Wednesday. Read here and here if you missed these posts.

I truly love the hearts of the two ladies behind Circles of Faith. If you have not already, come meet them here and follow them on one of their social media outlets. You will be happy you did.

A few of my favorite blog reads

"Create your art and continue to put it out there! God is the one who makes a place for your talent." ~ Pursuing Passions and Experiencing Rejection by Diane Bailey // I thought a quote from Jennifer Duke Lee's new book Love Idol went well with this post: "She risked failing, for the sheer joy of trying."

"The feeling of not being included, not being valued, can hurt us whether we're five or fifty five. It can strike us when we see on Facebook that a group of friends had a get together without us. It can strike us when there's a conference or retreat that everyone's going to except us. It can strike us when our gender, or our skin color, or our age is used as an excuse to exclude us or make us feel devalued." ~ When you're feeling overlooked and left out, by Elizabeth of Just Following Jesus // Encouragement for something I know we have all felt at one point in our life.

"Be awed by His unlimited, unconditional love, His unmerited, undeserved favour ~ poured out freely." ~ Calling for hush, by Joy Lenton @ Poetry Joy // A beautiful poem.

"I am praying for God to help us find joy in our reflection. We are made in the image of the One who is Beautiful and He, God, delights over our bodies the way He has created them to be." ~ Delighting over our significant image, by Tracy of One Degree Ministries // Don't skip over her video. She gives a beautiful message.

Just for fun

Have you ever photobombed? Alison of Embrace the Struggle had me smiling with her post Enter the Photobomber.

A giving opportunity with a giveaway

Head on over to read this post ~ Clothed in Love Matching Gifts of Love Opportunity, by Kristin Smith via God-Sized Dreamers. // Because I want to contribute I've decided I will pick a winner from those who leave a comment and send you one of the $20 priced items from Delonna Gibbs' Etsy Site. Winner will be announced on Wednesday, April 16th.

Online friends become #INRL friends

When you mention you are headed to a particular city there is surely a writing friend who will chime in saying she lives in the area. I just think that is SO cool! Don't you?

I had the opportunity to meet my friend Satin of My Heart, His Words while in San Diego. We had breakfast at a lovely place called Sulaluna Cafe. Their coffee is SUPER good. My son and his wife joined us too. Afterwards we did what girls do . . . we went shopping (my son went golfing)! It was a delightful morning. I adore this lady even more than I did before we met in real life.

Song of the week

"And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known."

~ In The Garden

One of my grandma's favorite hymns . . . she is missed dearly.

Hymn Radio on Pandora has me inspired to pick up the piano again — time to make use of the beautiful one sitting in my living room. Oh, how I'd love to use the gift (even if rather rusty) to worship Him.

Finding JOY in a deployment #JoyDare #1000gifts

#234 ~ Canvas and Cocktails night with friends
#235 ~ Finding my inner artist
#236 ~ Blending colors
#237 ~ Adding stars to my painting
#238 ~ A painting made by me (oh my!)
#239 ~ Seeing the inner artist in others
#240 ~ A day of shopping with one of my best friends
#241 ~ Buying a few new outfits with a gift-card from my boss
#242 ~ Finding a beautiful dress made for an evening in Hawaii
#243 ~ Sharing bread and wine with a dear friend
#244 ~ The love of a brother-in-law and sister-in-law
#245 ~ A warm and sunny day; perfect for an extra long walk
#246 ~ Singing praise to Him while I walked
#247 ~ Spring . . . it's surely here
#248 ~ The American flag held by my husband while on the other side of the world
#249 ~ My plane touching down safely in San Diego
#250 ~ Being able to hug my son again
#251 ~ My sons willingness to listen to me talk about my faith
#252 ~ A quiet morning in San Diego
#253 ~ Stories from others . . . seeing pieces of you in their stories
#254 ~ Coffee ~ always coffee ~ really good coffee
#255 ~ The joy of meeting writing friends in real life
#256 ~ Thrift stores
#257 ~ Sexy shoes . . . high heels
#258 ~ A girls day
#259 ~ Cocktails on Coronado Island by the fire
#250 ~ Game night
#251 ~ Sunday morning church with my son, DIL and their friends ~ Glorious!
#252 ~ Fish tacos. Yummy!!
#253 ~ Relaxing by the pool
#254 ~ A walk ~ a cute cage ~ and delicious sangria
#255 ~ Movie night . . . time alone with my son and DIL
#256 ~ A delightful partial family photo
#257 ~ Grandma to a cute little puppy
#258 ~ Good-bye's ~ they only happen because we are together again
#259 ~ A new ability to sleep on the plane
#260 ~ Daily evening walks again

Friday Randomness (Vol. 21)

Scripture speaking to my heart

"You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you." ~ John 15:16 (NKJV)

Ann Voskamp - One Thousand Gifts

"These are for you — gifts — these are for you — grace — these are for you — God, so count the ways HE loves, a thousand, more, never stop, that when you wake in the morning you can't help turn humbly to the east, unfold your hand to the heavens, and though you tremble and though you wonder, though the world is ugly, it is beautiful, and you can slow and you can trust and you can receive each moment as grace. Eurcharisteo. Eucharisteo. Eucharisteo."

Joy-filled quote

"A life of intimacy with God is characterized by joy." ~ Oswald Chambers

Featured Three Word Wednesday Writer

I'm doing the happy dance over sharing my friend Satin of My Heart, His Word with you. She is a sweetheart and soon (very soon) I will meet her in REAL LIFE. I just love when writing friends become in real life friends. I've only known Satin for a few months but our friendship has blossomed quickly. I adore her and can't wait to give her a hug.

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

Satin: I love the community that comes with Three Word Wednesday. Having a place to come on Wednesday's and share my heart with a community of people doing the same thing, is pretty amazing. Encouraging each other, sharing what God is doing in our lives — it's a gift and something I look forward to weekly!

Me: Who or what inspires you?

Satin: At the moment, I think the one thing that inspires me the most is watching God move in mighty ways, through my obedience. Watching Him take the impossible and make it possible, turn ashes to beauty and bring life to seemingly dead circumstances is inspiring. I'm inspired to live each day to the fullest, trusting God as He leads me along this journey. I am daily reminded of my need for Him and His keen ability to meet me right where I am!

A few of my favorite blog reads

"Here’s to the girl who never thought she had a voice…" ~ Here's to You, by Lauren of Marked By Grace // Another one of those posts you just need to read. It's beautiful!

"I have a choice. I can cooperate with the grace of joy that fills me, or ignore it. How I choose will not only make my life a dance, but it can also bubble over to everyone I meet." ~ The Grace of Joy, by Ceil Ryan // My heart is won over when one talks about my one word JOY.

"We need to decide whose opinion of us ultimately counts, because a multitude of sources will tell us what we should do or how much we should weigh to be beautiful or accepted. But Jesus’ opinion saves, forgives, and sets us free." ~ Whose opinion counts? by Tracy of One Degree Ministries // Jesus' opinion is the only one that counts!

"Don’t change just to be someone else. Be your beautiful, unique you." ~ Cut from the same cloth – embrace your uniqueness, by Amelia Rhodes // Let's embrace our uniqueness, shall we?

"And I’m not a people person. At all. I struggle with small talk. It actually makes me sweat. I can carry on a four-hour conversation about something that touches me deeply, but put me in a room where I need to converse casually and there is suddenly not a thought in my head. Not one." ~ The Currency of Zero, by Cindee of Breathe Deeply // Cindee appears again this week as one of my favorite reads.

"Whether you are dreaming of world change or a silly bicycle, there are four types of dreams — Those that are fulfilled, those that are delayed, those that are denied, and those that are suppressed." ~ Where Did That Dreamer Go–Because We Need You, by David Rupert via Outside the City Gate // May your dreams become fulfilled dreams!

My favorite, favorite blog read

"Over and over again, my fellow speakers shared stories of our God who sees and knows us better than anyone else has or ever will. Stories of God showing up and showing off His great love for us in ways only He can. The way He uses clouds and running and notebooks to say, 'I see you. I love you.'" ~ A Gift from the One Who Sees Me, by Erin of Home with the Boys // A truly beautiful God story.

Ways to show love to your family

Jennifer of Scribbling Fresh Words gives you 39 ways! Read them here. She just turned 39 too!

Online friends become #INRL friends

She posted a message on Facebook wall on Tuesday saying, "This week? Appetizers? I will make it work. YOU pick the day and time!" And on Thursday we met for dinner. What a delight it was to finally meet my online friend Angie Ryg and to now be in real life friends. .

An inspirational video and a super cute one for fun

What do you long for? Watch this video by that pastor and author I admire, Pete Wilson. I highly recommend reading his book Let Hope In.

I cannot help myself—this kid is adorable. If you are in need of a pep-talk be sure to watch. Actually, you should watch no matter.

Song of the week

A beautiful joy-filled song shared with me by my #milspouse friend Anna.

Center of My Joy, by Richard Smallwood

"Jesus, You're the center of my joy
All that's good and perfect comes from You
You're the heart of my contentment
Hope for all I do Jesus,
You're the center of my joy "



Finding JOY in a deployment #JoyDare #1000gifts

#212 ~ My youngest son making his first turkey
#213 ~ Homemade biscuits
#214 ~ Footloose video celebrating 30 years...good memories
#215 ~ Friends who get you.
#216 ~ Rejoicing because my name is written in heaven (Luke 10:20)
#217 ~ A two hour drive that allows time for listening to the book Love Does
#218 ~ St. Patrick's Day belated celebration with Army wife friends
#219 ~ Sharing highs and lows from our week
#220 ~ Coffee with a young Navy recruit to give her encouragement
#221 ~ An online friend who creates pretty images for you
#222 ~ Not letting the cold keep me from welcoming spring
#223 ~ God's never ending love
#224 ~ An encouraging email from my mom
#225 ~ Discounted study Bible's
#226 ~ Being told by a friend that I'm one of her 1,000 gifts
#227 ~ For failures because they have taught me how much I need him.
#228 ~ A tub that finally drains properly
#229 ~ My Three Word Wednesday writing family
#230 ~ More snow...it's okay, spring will come
#231 ~ A fresh haircut and color
#232 ~ Meeting an online friend
#233 ~ News from my son that he was hired as a full-time chef. Yippee!!

Friday Randomness (Vol. 20)

Scripture speaking to my heart

"I am the way and the truth and the life." ~ John 13:6a

Joy-filled quote

"Joy is the infallible sign of the presence of God." ~ Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

Ann Voskamp - One  Thousand Gifts

"I turn my hand over, spread my fingers open. I receive grace. And through me, grace could flow on. Like a cycle of water in continuous movement, grace is meant to fall, a rain...again, again, again. I could share the grace, multiply the joy, extend the table of the of the feast, enlarge the paradise of His presence. I am blessed. I can bless. A life contemplating the blessings of Christ becomes life acting the love of Christ."

Featured Three Word Wednesday writer

This will surely be a monthly thing because I'm not doing very well with featuring someone every week. I'm hoping to share another fabulous writer with you next week.

A few of my favorite blog reads

"Your broken and small are big and mighty in the hand of Christ. You are salt that brings forth the richness of Christ into a hurting world.." ~ Why A Small Life Doesn't Mean Useless, by Diane Bailey // Oh, how I loved this post!

"Choosing love is always a success in God’s eyes–no matter the outcome or response." ~ A No-Fail Plan for Your New Week, by Holley Gerth // Holley speaks such beautiful truth. We never fail when we choose love.

"Then this one lie becomes like a weed in my heart. And it doesn’t need water to grow. In fact, it likes drought." ~ Hope In The Weeds, by Meredith Bernard // But there is hope in the weeds! I'm so glad God led me to Meredith. You may remember I shared one of her posts last week too. She has quickly one my heart.

"What if, for one day, Jesus were to become you? What if, for twenty-four hours, Jesus wakes up in your bed, walks in your shoes, lives in your house, assumes your schedule?" ~ A Heart Like Jesus, by Max Lucado // The 40 Days to Easter Devotional series over at FaithGateway is so worth catching up on. I've loved every single post.

My favorite, favorite blog reads

"Like a vapor disappearing and reappearing, floating aimlessly between here and then and when they see me, they see but for a second and then I’m gone and they’re gone and nothing has changed." ~ For When You’re Different From Others, by Duane Scott // Beautiful, beautiful post!

"Yes. Savor the hard stuff. Enter the deep. For that is where treasure lies. Where dross is drained away and love roots deep, where self withers and trust grows, and we learn to abide." ~ Savor the Hard Stuff by Cindee Snider Re // Don't miss this one. A beautiful and moving post by a friend I truly adore. There will be tears.

"Take that glint sharp edge of His Word and hack that snake creeping up the back of your neck." ~ The One Thing You Absolutely Must Do Today, by Ann Voskamp // Amen to every word she wrote!

One of my posts...Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

I guest posted over at my friend Rebekah's of A Soft Gentle Voice this week. If you missed the post would you come on over to her place and read here? I've shared Rebekah with you in previous posts and if you have not taken some time to get to know her yet you are missing out on a real gem.

When your husband hijack's your blog

Not my husband. LOL. But my friend Elizabeth's husband hijacked her blog and honestly his post is all kinds of loveliness. It's short and oh so sweet. Come read here.

A Mosaic of Sojourners

I'm speechless and do not know how to even begin to share with you how humbled I am to be included in an e-Book from the writing team of Outside the City Gate called Pieces of Faith: A Mosaic of Sojourners. Never could I have imagined my name and words appearing in the same book with these writers: Diane Bailey, Amy Breitmann, Tammy Hendricksmeyer, David Rupert, Duane Scott, Nacole Simmons and Kelli Woodford. I'm awe-struck.

The book is "a labor of love, a collaboration voices, is not us standing in our Sunday-best, but writers and artists gathering the truthful pieces of ourselves, our stories, and giving them away."

You can read more about the book here, here and here and subscribe here.

A spoken word poem

I promise you...if you have not seen this video you will want to be sure to watch and listen closely. From IF:Gathering ~ "Esther Generation" by Amena Brown Owen and Ann Voskamp

How do you spend time with God?

Guest writers from the Circles of Faith community (me being one of them) are sharing how they spend time with God. Come join the discussion here. I'd love to hear how you spend time with God.

Favorite new song

"Lord, today You know what I need to do,
But You can do more in my waiting than in my doing I could do.
So I won’t run anymore.
I’m waiting on You."
~ Those Who Wait, by Bethany Dillon

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

#182 ~ Traffic...for it allows more time for my audio book
#183 ~ A road trip
#184 ~ The boondocks (the word makes me smile)
#185 ~ 80's dance music
#186 ~ Spotify
#187 ~ An oh so quiet hotel in the boondocks
#188 ~ Reflections on a pond
#189 ~ A game of pool...time with family
#190 ~ A full moon
#191 ~ A night full of classical guitar music
#192 ~ Seeing my son on stage
#193 ~ Bagels and cream cheese
#194 ~ Weak coffee...it's still coffee
#195 ~ A much needed nap
#196 ~ Skyping with my husband and son within the same morning
#197 ~ Breakfast with a friend
#198 ~ Snail mail from writing friends
#199 ~ Poets
#200 ~ A Mosaic of Sojourners
#201 ~ Missed alarms
#202 ~ Sleeping in
#203 ~ Loved ones becoming U.S. Citizens
#204 ~ Security systems that keep you safe
#205 ~ A walk (you may see this one again)
#206 ~ Time on the phone with a sweet writing friend
#207 ~ Headphones
#208 ~ Scripture cards from a friend
#209 ~ Rain...more signs of spring
#210 ~ McDonald's biscuits...indulging myself
#211 ~ A message from my husband that says, "I just wanted to see your typed words before I head to bed." ~~so in love~~

Three Word Wednesday: I Take Joy

I have been in a strange place recently when it comes to writing and I’m trying to figure out why. I’m on the hunt for the joy I once found in writing. I cannot say writing has completely lost its joy. I would be lying though if I did not say I’m weary from this writing thing I do.

I came across a quote last week that said, “You fail only if you stop writing.” ~ Ray Bradbury

When I first read the quote I thought, “Yes. This.” After another look I stopped at the word fail. Do I really fail if I stop writing? I pondered on it for a bit longer and the word fail simply didn't sit well with me.

I came across another quote by Martin Luther and he says, “If you want to change the world, pick up your pens.”

Maybe there is truth to the first quote I shared. I’m still struggling with the word fail.

But what I’m wrestling with is how writing has slowly become, for me, less about writing and more about the other "stuff" that comes with writing. If I’m called to write, could I simply write?

I've fallen into the trap of comparing myself to what other writers are doing and I am growing weary over believing what I am doing is not enough.

Be on all four social media outlets (Facebook, Twitter, Goggle+ and Pinterest). Like more pages. Follow more people on Twitter. Tweet more. Retweet more. Share more content on Google+. Add more people to your circles. Follow more boards on Pinterest. Add more boards and pins. And if I’m on Pinterest I need to have a pinnable image with every post.

When exactly do I write?

I do all these things to become bigger; gain more followers – right? To find joy in writing I need to try harder and do more? Do I find more joy the bigger I become?

Ann Voskamp writes in Chapter 9 of her book One Thousand Gifts, “The humble are laid-low and bowed ones, the surprised ones with hands open to receive whatever He gives.”

What if I’m okay with being small and want to simply be surprised, and give thanks, for whatever gifts He gives? Like maybe more followers.

Have I given thanks for the gifts He has already given me? Like the gift to write.

“And in that place of humble thanks, God exalts and gives more gifts and more of Himself, which humbles and lays the soul down lower. And God responds with greater gifts of grace and even more of Himself. And I ride the undulating wave of grace, this lifting higher and higher in grace, the surging crest of joy, and this plunging lower and lower in humble thankfulness only to rise yet higher in grace and this eucharisteo, it offers the ultimate joyride and I don’t think I ever want to get off.” ~ Ann Voskamp

The way to joy . . . Count His graces. Give thanks. Find joy.
Grace. Thanksgiving. Joy. Eucharisteo

Could God’s calling for me to write begin with writing down His graces? And if I stop writing them down? Maybe I do fail when I stop writing because I am no longer seeing God in my everyday moments. So I pick up my pen and I write...

Thank you, Lord, for the gift to write
Thank you, Lord, for pens
Thank you, Lord, for computers
Thank you, Lord, for my daughter-in-law who helped me to launch Simply Beth
Thank you, Lord, for Traci who gave Simply Beth a blog makeover
Thank you, Lord, for social media outlets to share words and connect with others
Thank you, Lord, for pretty images
Thank you, Lord, for each and every person you bring to my blog
Thank you, Lord, for their sweet comments
Thank you, Lord, for the friendships made through writing

And as Ann writes, “when we give thanks God responds with greater gifts of grace and even more of Himself.” And in “His presence is fullness of joy” (Psalm 16:11).

So I'm saying again, enough with the not-enough’s.

I give thanks. I take joy.

As for the weariness I feel with the other "stuff" that comes with writing, I'm going to give myself grace. I love the various social media outlets because it allows me to connect with YOU and to share YOUR words. The rest will continue to be a splattering of the words He has put on my heart to share . . . to simply share and not because I think I need to do more to be enough.

And I will pray if there is someone who needs encouragement and could quite possibly find comfort through the words I write, that God will lead them here with or without posts, tweets and pins.

I give thanks for this gift He has given me to write.
I take joy.

Friday Randomness (Vol. 19)

Scripture speaking to my heart

"If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you." ~ Luke 17: 6

JOY-filled scripture

"You direct me on the path that leads to a beautiful life. As I walk with You, the pleasures are never-ending, and I know true joy and contentment." ~ Psalm 16:11 (Voice)

Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts

"Isn't this the crux of the gospel? The good news that all those living in the land of shadow of death have been birthed into new life, that the transfiguration of a suffering world has already begun. That suffering nourishes grace, and pain and joy are arteries of the same heart -- and mourning and dancing are but movements in His unfinished symphony of beauty. Can I believe the gospel, that God is patiently transfiguring all the notes of my life into the song of His Son?"

A quote I stumped upon

""If asked whether I am finally letting God love me, just as I am, I would answer, 'No, but I'm trying." ~ Brennan Manning, All Is Grace: A Ragamuffin Memoir

This was enough to convince me to read Brennan Manning's book next.

I'm really, really trying to let God love me, just as I am.

A few of my favorite blog reads

"We are made to be together. Not just in the moments when our homes and our hearts are exactly how we’d like them to be. We’re meant to be together as we are. That’s how we live grace." ~ Holley Gerth, Hospitality Starts with Your Heart

"Without a compassionate heart there is no hope for love. Without love there is no hope.
Love is the tie that binds." ~ Meredith Bernard, Woman to Woman: Put It On

A post on FaithGateway, a site I recently found my way to, that you simply need to read. ~ Max Lucado, Leaving Nazareth

"The day the snow started falling, he packed his bags." ~ Duane Scott, For When You Doubt Your Life's Purpose. // I could highlight the entire post but I will let you read on from there.

My favorite, favorite blog reads

"We need more women who are proud of who they are, not trying to hide something. We need more women who will hold up some kind of sign, as if to say: I am preapproved. I am good, as is. I am done with "not enough." I am done with "too much."" ~ Jennifer Dukes Lee, When You’re Tired of a Photoshopped, Airbrushed, Instagram-Filtered Existence // I'm just in awe of this lady. God is using her to change lives.

"I must be beautiful in thought before I am beautiful anywhere else." ~ Lisa-Jo Baker, How to weed out the lie that you are not beautiful // Oh how I pray we can all weed out the lies that we are not beautiful.

An encourager with a new website full of encouragement

My friend Jennifer Peterson has a new website: Scribbling Fresh Words
Get her free e-book, 31 Ways to Brighten Someone's Day, when you subscribe to her blog.
You can also follow her here and here.

Favorite new song

"Breathe in
Breathe out
You will
You will find Him here"
Here, by Kari Jobe

A lovely image by a new friend

A GIFT IN WIND, IN WATER, IN WHITE: Bruce Barone, A Journal of Gratitude
I loved the colors!

Just think...

Check DaySpring Facebook post here. A nice uplifting message.

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

#149 ~ Last minute plans made to meet with a friend for coffee
#150 ~ Seeing my husband's feet while we Skype...it has been far too long
#151 ~ Audio books
#152 ~ A warm blanket to cuddle up in
#153 ~ Shelves to keep me organized
#154 ~ An evening at the play which brings much laughter
#155 ~ My son's laugh...he holds nothing back
#156 ~ Melting snow
#157 ~ Time with the birthday boy...my youngest son turned 22
#158 ~ A call from my oldest son who says amidst tears, “I need you, mom” 
#159 ~ Sorrow…I pray God will use his tears to draw him closer 
#160 ~ Another charm for my Pandora bracelet from my husband
#161 ~ Listening to my youngest son and his father catch up over the phone
#162 ~ Photos...memories that line up on my desk
#163 ~ Signs of spring
#164 ~ Smiles
#165 ~ A walk…rays of sunlight, birds singing and the promise of spring 
#166 ~ Beautiful sounds made by my youngest son as he strums away on his guitar 
#167 ~ Green grass
#168 ~ Puddles
#169 ~ MAIL DAY!
#170 ~ My son's strawberry blond hair
#171 ~ The way my son moves to the rhythm while he plays the guitar
#172 ~ Blessing church friends who are in need
#173 ~ Fresh covering of snow
#174 ~ Trees that sparkle
#175 ~ The American Flag waving as the wind blows
#176 ~ Early morning face-time with my husband
#177 ~ Shoveling away the white snow with my son
#178 ~ New beginnings
#179 ~ My husband's words showing up on my computer, "Good morning, my love"
#180 ~ Dreaming
#181 ~ A big yellow bow that hangs until he comes home

Three Word Wednesday: Grace. Thanksgiving. Joy.

For Lent I'm giving up my eating disorder. Obviously, it's not something I plan to pick back up once Lent is over. To find complete freedom from my disorder I'm in need of a transformation of my heart. I need to put an end to the not-worthy's and not-enough's that have infected my heart for so long. As my Executive Pastor preached this past Sunday, "The heart of the problem is a problem with the heart."

Thankfully, Jesus specializes in transformations of the heart.

I've realized this Lenten journey of mine cannot only be about what I'm giving up. I need to let Christ in so He can do the transformation in my heart that He came to do. For this to happen Christ must become greater and I must become less. Let's face it, when I'm caught up in the not-worthy's and not-enough's, I've made it all about me and not about Him.

My plan from the get-go for 2014—more of Christ, less of me.

I have two primary goals for the year: 1) read through the Bible for the first time and 2) count my blessings—His gifts—1,000 gifts.

More often than I’d like to admit I push these goals to the side.

I push Him and time in His word to the side to finish a post, catch up on social media or read other blog posts. Let me do this one thing first and then I will come follow you.

Pick up my gratitude journal and pen to write down the blessings found…did I find any today?

There is not enough time to do all the things I need want to do.

I'm beginning to notice familiar infections taking root in my heart.
I feel worthless.
There is no joy.

There I go again with the not-worthy’s and not-enough’s. If I let these infections take root I know where I’m headed. I remember those days all too well—the days of wanting nothing more than to stay in bed.

Even though I'm so darn tired, I cannot ignore the pull to sit with Him. 

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." ~ Matthew 11:28

So I start over again with my goals. I return to His word even when all I can muster up is lying on my bed while listening to a narrator read God's word to me.

"God saved you by his grace when you believed." ~ Ephesians 2:8a

By His grace I have been saved.

Grace. How do I respond to His amazing grace?

“Eucharist [thanksgiving] is the state of the perfect man. Eucharist is the life of paradise. Eucharist is the only full and real response of man to God’s creation, redemption, and gift of heaven.” ~ Alexander Schemann

I respond to His grace with thanksgiving.

"Grace, thanksgiving, joy. Eucharisteo.
 A Greek word…that might make meaning of everything"
 ~ Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are

Maybe Ann Voskamp is on to something with the counting of His gifts…His graces…and giving thanks.

#158 ~ An early morning call from my oldest son who says amidst tears, “I need you, mom”
#159 ~ Sorrow…I pray God will use his tears to draw him closer

#165 ~ A walk…rays of sunlight, birds singing and the promise of spring
#166 ~ Beautiful sounds made by my youngest son as he strums away on his guitar

As I count His gifts…give thanks…joy returns to my heart.
A transformation of my heart begins.

Christ becomes greater.

So, yes, I will start over again. No longer will I push God to the side. (Maybe that means there is more I need to give up...those things I put before Him.) I will give thanks, in all things. And in God’s presence I know fullness of joy will be found (Psalm 16:11).

Grace. Thanksgiving. Joy.

"All is grace.
 God is always good and I am always loved.
 Everything is eucharisteo." ~ Ann Voskamp