A monthly newsletter on living our seasons well, living in the moment, living our calling, and ever deepening the intensity of our relationship with God. Reflections, Updates, and Freebies.
Shall we get controversial???
Happy July, Reader!What is the month of July about? Independence? Vacations? Festivals and farmer's markets? Maybe all of the above... however, the deeper question is, why? How are we choosing to spend our time? Every choice is a statement of priorities.Our priorities say something about us. Let's have a slightly controversial conversation really quick (feel free to reply and dialogue with me on this point if you so desire)... Everyone agrees that negative pastimes are bad, and everyone agrees that Godly pastimes are good, but what about "neutral" pastimes? What about all the parties and parades and picnics? Because they are not inherently bad, oftentimes we assume that they are inherently good... which is precisely why they are such an effective distraction. We do not resist them. But, I ask you, if something distracts us from our purpose, then how is it good? Does this mean that they are inherently evil? Not necessarily. I take picnics and vacations and lake days with my family all the time! The difference is why I take them. I don't take them to survive or escape, in fact oftentimes they are a great deal of extra work. I take them because my calling as a parent demands that I teach my kids how to live a healthy, balanced, and joyful life. This doesn't mean I can't enjoy the time there, it's just lived differently. The point is - prioritize God and He will give you the festivities you so desire... but prioritize festivities and your life will have no room for God. Scary thought... Here's to constantly redirecting ourselves back to God when everything in the world is trying to pull us away 🥂 This month's freebie is another chapter from the new book I told you I was working on called COFFEE FOR YOUR CALL: 365 themed reflections, quotes, and verses to re-center, encourage, and motivate you as you strive to persevere in living God’s will for your life (subtitle is a work in progress 😆 but at least it tells you what the book is about). This particular chapter is all about busyness, priorities and strength. (Just ignore the fact that it is technically the June chapter in the book, it just goes best with today's email. Also note that this is the version before final edits and does not reflect final formatting or complete eventual content.)
I pray you have the courage to prioritize God this month and every month for the rest of your life, and trust that "all these things will be given you besides" ​ See you soon! <3 ​ |
ParticularlyCALLED
A monthly newsletter on living our seasons well, living in the moment, living our calling, and ever deepening the intensity of our relationship with God. Reflections, Updates, and Freebies.
Most people use suffering as an excuse not to believe in God because modern religion has told them that if suffering exists, God is indifferent, cruel or evil. At best, many find solace in believing that He will bring good out of it so they should "praise Him in the storm".... But, what if it goes sooooo much deeper than this!? Happy July, Reader! This may sound like a weighty topic for the middle of summer, but unfortunately it seems this topic is resonating lately. I was talking to Brian...
Happy Tuesday, Reader! It's officially June and we are starting to think about Summer! The dream is all about barbeques, relaxing pool/beach/lake side, and having more time for all the things. We will, of course, enjoy all the summer activities, but in my experience, somehow that summer to-do list never quite gets accomplished. Why, I wonder? Could it be that somewhere there is a disconnect between what we know we need to do and what we are willing to do? Who we want to be and who we are?...
Happy May! The month of mothers and flowers and springtime! I hope you are looking forward to it :) For me it has always been a controversial month... the month where I should be joyful but really I'm just stressed out. It's too busy. Too many expectations, too much schoolwork, and muddy laundry, and ticks.... Mother's day should be a day of celebration and gratitude and yet for me it only serves to remind me of all the ways I fall short as a mother. Nobody should have a day that celebrates...