When we were TTC, I used to imagine that birth was the “end” of the story. It was the “Happily Ever After,” I longed for. Perhaps birth was the end to my “infertility” story. However, birth is never the end of a story, rather, it’s always the beginning of another story. And sometimes, I think those of us who have…
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Because no matter what else happens this crazy year–Jesus already knows about it. And whether the sky comes crashing down in giant flaming pieces, or the mountains burst apart and fall into the heart of the sea, or world war breaks out to the ends of the earth, or (I could list A LOT of my worst case scenarios here…but I will spare you the details of my own crazy mind.) The point is, no matter what happens, Jesus promises this:
“I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.” John 10:28
No one will snatch them out of my hand.
Ann Voskamp says, “Gratitude precedes the miracle.” Just like the breeze precedes the rain.
Because as we thank God for what He has already abundantly given, we see and remember what He has already given us. And we see that He is enough. He does something in our hearts. He prepares us to receive His rain.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, more moms (than ever before) are wondering what their options are for next school year. Because of the possibility of children being required to wear masks, and other “restrictions” and guidelines, some parents feel the school “system” will become an even more “systemic,” and sterile environment. (Not the vibrant, hands-on enivronment we are used to in the younger years.) Some parents are wondering, deep down, “Would it be better (would my child thrive more) at home, than at school?” Here are 5 unexpected joys I discovered through homeschooling.
I didn’t know that we’d be inside for days on end while it rained, and snowed, and it felt like Spring itself would only tease us, but never actually come.
And the days would all bleed into eachother, and so would we.
I didn’t know just how desperately I would need this one thing:
Hope.
It’s a Hallmark-y sounding kind of word. At least, it was. To me.
But now hope is something else.
Something more. Something alive.
Something like these tucked-in tulips. Withdrawn and inward. But quietly getting ready to bloom.
Separate, yet together.
![🌿
and now my soul needs to put into practice my sole ambition: to know Him.
today I will begin a 40 day [break] from social media.
the thing is, I like it here. I like reading everyone’s beautiful posts. But there is something that happens when I hear too many voices, even good and beautiful ones. I stop craving His.
His real, living, breathing Voice.
I’ve learned scrolling affects my soul. I don’t understand the science behind it. I don’t know why, but I know it does.
I need to take measured breaks. For me, that looks like deleting social media apps for set dates. 📅
I lay them down, to behold Him. I withdraw from the crowd, to seek Him in the quiet place.
You’re welcome to join me.🌿
From now, until February 18.
That’s 40 days.
Yes, I did this in the summer. It was so restorative.
Right now, it’s quiet midwinter. But I think there’s life here. In Him.
My husband wrote a song with these words 10 years ago, and I still hold them in my spirit:
“Let Your voice be all I hear,
Let your words fall like fire.”
I want to draw near to His fire. Not only His light, but His warmth.
I pray you find respite in Him, too. A warm glowing brightness that only comes from Him—and cannot be found in a thousand of the best posts, or books, or videos, or people—but only in Him.
To find Him.
To know Him.
Brandon Lake sings, “I lay down every treasure, for us to be together.”
Amen.
Maybe for you it’s not social media, but something else. Would you lay it down, to know Him?
To solely seek Him, and Him alone.
To be satisfied in Him, and Him alone.
May we sprint, towards Him, with the cold winter wind blowing in our faces, and the tears burning in our eyes, to know Him.
To know Him. 🌿
Becoming like Him in His death, so as by some means, becoming like Him in His resurrection.
He is worthy.🌿
#toknowHim #soulcare #jesus](https://barrentobeautiful.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png)