November 11, 2014

When God says your name...


I am a writer.
Writer Print by Kathi Denfeld                     

More than that, though... I am a journaler, a diary-keeper, a list maker, a recorder of all the things. I have stacks and stacks of notebooks filled with notes, things God has spoken to me in prayer, in His Word, in sermons... filled with prayer requests and answered prayers... with memories both heart filled and heart broken. 

My life is in words, scribbled out on pages... visions and dreams, goals and lofty ideas... hopes and fears. 

I am a believer of writing things down, of keeping a record of all He has done.

November 8, 2014

That Thing I Do Now - Volume 69

I hope today brings with it a bit of a break for you... a pause, a moment to just breathe, to unwind, to relax.  Our weeks can be so hectic and often, our weekends are just as bossy... I pray you have carved out a bit of space and time to Rest and slow and feed your soul.


#iphoneonlyphotography Copyright by ~Karrilee~
November 2014, Leavenworth, WA

Featured today are posts by Lori Harris, Mary Geisen, Kris Camealy, Deidra Riggs, John Pavlovitz, Colleen Mitchell... and - of course - a video!

Happy Reading! 
(Ya'll know to click on the authors' names to read their whole posts, yes?)

November 5, 2014

I blame/thank The Nester... and now my hubby does, too!


So last year at the Allume Blogging Conference, I attended a workshop with Chad and Myquillyn Smith.  Sure, I had visited her gorgeous blog, Nesting Place and I knew who she was... to be honest, mostly I knew she was Emily Freemans' sister and I am nothing if not the most non-threathening stalker, ...no, fan-girl, ...no, reader of All Things Emily.

No big deal: I got to pray with Myquillyn before the workshop and then I fell in love with her because of her... not because of her sister, or her awesome decorating mojo, or anything else other than the fact that she is awesomely real.  Like, bravely, boldly real. (Maybe shaky-kneed, sure - but nonetheless, honest!)  Included in all the Swag was a teaser for her new book, The Nesting Place and so the wait began.



November 3, 2014

Enter with Giving Thanks... (Hello November!)


Hello November...
(read: Goodbye October & all your Bossy Posting Every Day!)  

In other words:
Hello Breathing Room...
and Grace... and, you guessed it, Rest!

The decision to participate in The Nesters' #Write31Days Blogger Challenge for the month of October was not made lightly.  After a long drawn out summer of silence, I wasn't so sure that I had words in me for 31 days straight. I didn't know if I could do it.  I had backed off a bit from all the bossy but the thought of not being part of the Community made me a little sad.  So I had a brilliant idea of winging it with a photo a day or counting blessings... something easy and low key... sort of like phoning it in...

But instead, God very clearly (after so much silence) gave me direction and in the writing of the series, I could see hindsight over the past several months! I was having myself some serious Ah Ha moments as I tapped in front of this screen... I pray you had a few while reading it as well!

Part of the hard work of writing on one subject through out October is my lack of posting all about how much I Love Autumn! (I know, right? Oh the sacrifices!)

But I am here, now... along with November! And we welcome you to join us in creating a bit of space... for Rest, yes... (for less posting, Amen!) but also for breathing and grace and giving thanks...

In my love of All Things Fall, one of my favorites is the sense of Warmth and Home that comes with him... Autumn is all flirty and fancy, with glory all around and he nearly begs for fellowship... for gatherings over coffee or tea, for meals around a table... for huddled hushed conversations in cozy corners at home or in a cafe...  

My desire now, is to open my door and invite you in! 



November 1, 2014

That Thing I Do Now - Vol 68

We made it, ya'll! We made it through the #Write31Days Challenge, and the posting every. single. day. and you stuck with me... or you didn't... but either way, rest assured - we will get back to posting way less often... 2-3 times a week, maybe less even... who can know with nothing bossing me around in November?

Well, all of that to say this: I will write when and what He tells me to write and I can pretty much assure you that it will not be all day, every day. No, I think He wants us all to actually live out what we learned here about Resting in Him... it takes time and intentionality... and grace!



It takes grace!

Featured today are posts by Amber Cadenas, Glennon Melton, Kris Camealy, Jacque Watkins, Logan Wolfram,  and the #Write31Days blogger who is somewhat new to me: Meredith Bernard... and - of course - a video! (Or FIVE... Whatev's!)

Happy Reading! 
(Ya'll know to click on the authors' names to read their whole posts, yes?)

October 25, 2014

That Thing I Do Now - Vol 67

Hey ya'll!  How are you doing? I pray your week was great, but that your weekend ahead is even better, because - of course!  You know the drill here... I read all sorts of amazing things all week long online and then I hook you up with A Gathering of Awesome, just in case you missed it!


Hello Fall & #iphoneonlyphotography                    
taken on a Family walk down by the river...    

Featured today are posts by Lisa Jo Baker, Deb Wolf, Kelli Woodford, John Pavlovitz, and the #Write31Days blogger who is somewhat new to me: (only not techinically... but she's not been featured here until now!) Erin Salmon... and - of course - a video! (Oh yes... and the Winner of the #WordsMatter Giveaway announced, too!)

Happy Reading! 

(Ya'll know to click on the authors' names to read their whole posts, yes?)

October 18, 2014

That Thing I Do Now - Vol 66


Happy Weekend, everyone! My Honey and I are celebrating twenty-two years of wedded bliss this weekend! Yes, we got married in glorious October! (#Swoon!)  I hope you are enjoying some Fall celebrating of your own... even if it is just something yummy to drink while enjoying something good to read... oh wait, I can help with that! 




Featured today are posts by Sarah Bessey, Robin Dance, Jennifer Dukes Lee, Lisa Gungor, and the #Write31Days blogger who is somewhat new to me: Renee Ratcliffe... and - of course - a video!

Happy Reading! 

(Ya'll know to click on the authors' names to read their whole posts, yes?)

October 11, 2014

That Thing I Do Now - Vol 65

So - first off, if you are a subscriber and I forgot to mention earlier that it is October... I apologize!  By "October" I mean #Write31Days and so that means way more posts than usual! I promise it will get back to normal in a few weeks! Until then, I hope you are reading along and diving in to Resting in Him with me!

Last weekend, on a whim - and keeping in line with Resting in Him, my Honey and I took a Sunday Drive.  Like, for real... we headed up to the mountains in search of Autumn!  It's been a hot, long summer and the trees around here are just starting to change... but still - we had to look, real slow-like, because - Hello Sunday Drive(r)!




With all the writing I've been doing (#sorrynotsorry) - I haven't had as much reading time, but I can't bring myself to let you down! So here... the Gathering of Awesome for this week... Enjoy!


Featured today are posts by Kris Camealy, Cara Strickland, Lori Harris, Brian Dolleman, Alia Joy and the #Write31Days blogger who is somewhat new to me: Aliza Latta... and - of course - a video!

Happy Reading! 

(Ya'll know to click on the authors' names to read their whole posts, yes?)

October 9, 2014

When You Are Two Weeks Overdue and God Tricks You...

...you know, because He loves you!

My friend Sarah is hosting some pretty fun birth stories over at her place for her 31Days series... all part of a brilliant plan to keep her blog active while they welcome a new little one in to their family! She asked me to share my labor and delivery story over at her space today!  Hop on over and reminisce with me! Even now - over nineteen years later, it's still one of my favorite stories! Because, of course! But also because, God... He is so smart and loving and sometimes, in order to get us through things, He has to trick us. (Or maybe that's just me!)



Click on over and read the rest of the story HERE...




If you are visiting today, looking for DAY NINE of 31 Days of Resting in Him, please click HERE for todays post!

October 4, 2014

That Thing I Do Now - Vol 64

Happy Weekend, ya'll! I hope you are enjoying Autumn in all her slow unfurling!




I had a friend Vox me pictures of the trees on her walk around her neighborhood and they are all already showing off Autumn Glory... here, the leaves are just beginning to change! I did make my first batch of Pumpkin Spice Chocolate chip cookies though - so Fall has arrived... and I am hoping to have all my Harvest decor out by the end of the weekend!  

It is October, and in Blogland that means a plethora of 31Days series to read and so these lists will be a little shorter, but I will also feature a new (to me) Blogger and one of her 31 Days posts each week! With all the busy and reading and writing, I still managed to gather up some great reads for your entertainment! I would hate to have you miss these posts!


Featured today are posts by Sarah Bessey, Jennifer Dukes Lee, Ann Voskamp, Alia Joy, Rachel Haltiwanger (#Write31Days) and - of course - a video!
Happy Reading! 

(Ya'll know to click on the authors' names to read their whole posts, yes?)

September 30, 2014

31 Days of Resting in Him...



October is where it's AT, ya'll! Along with All Things Autumn (#Swoon!), the month of October brings with it the annual #Write31Days challenge, hosted by The Nester, aka Myquillyn Smith.  This is the third year that I have played along, although by about October 18th, it doesn't feel like playing anymore... at. all. But it's always a great challenge and there are so many amazing series to read along with or bookmark for later!

The Challenge goes out to bloggers everywhere, and the idea is to pick ONE TOPIC and write about that one thing, - Every. Single. Day. - for 31 days (aka October).

My first attempt at this challenge was back in 2012, when I was answering the call to write in this space consistently! And what is more consistent than writing Every. Single. Day. ... you can read that series at your leisure HERE (31 Reasons to Fall for Autumn).

Last year in 2013, I wrote 31 Days of Encountering God, both in ways that I do and that you can!  You can read that series HERE...

But mostly, I am hoping that you will join me this year, 2014, for a series that - to be honest - I was reluctant to dive into.  I was wanting something easy, something fun, something - slackerish?  Instead, I asked God if He had something that He wanted me to write and I heard ever so clearly, this:

September 27, 2014

That Thing I Do Now - Volume 63

Hey there!  Happy Weekend, my friends! We actually had days of rain and overcast days. For this desert dweller, rain is a welcomed treat... but only for a day or two, and then we need our sunshine again! (Yes, we are quite spoiled!)



I am praying for a long, long Fall - filled with all the bounty of all good things. (and then a short, short winter - because - cold!) But I digress... with the rain, came more reading... so settle in all cozy like and enjoy this spread to feast on!


Happy Reading! Featured today are posts by Sarah Markley, Shauna Neiquist, Emily Freeman, Micah Murray, Andrea Levendusky, Christie Purifoy, Jessica Hoover, and - of course - a video!  Enjoy!

(Ya'll know to click on the authors' names to read their whole posts, yes?)

September 25, 2014

Because... she asked.


What a fun night over on Twitter for the #fmfparty... lots of great encouragement, fun hashtags, prayers, and of course - talk of food!!!  I love love love this Community of Writers who go all out in a FlashMob frenzy and write for Five Minutes flat on one word... it's so much fun! (Ya'll should join in!)

Anyway - here we go: Five Minute Friday - Our Word Prompt is: BECAUSE

{GO}

I missed out on yesterday.  All day long I was out of it... battling a painful headache and not able to get to anything on my Bossy List of Things To Do.  


September 20, 2014

That Thing I Do Now - Vol 62

Happy Fall, Ya'll!  (Wait... what? Too soon?)  Our little town hosts a State Fair and this weekend we are kickin' it County Fair style! Small Town Parade? Yep.  Midway rides, and corn dogs, elephant ears, 'concerts'... you betchya!  We even offer up some Deep Fried Prayer! (We rent a booth and offer prayer and blessings through out the fair! This is the second year a group of us is doing it and we have such a blast showing people that God is in a good mood and that He loves loves loves them - no matter what!)





Happy Reading!
Featured today are posts by Jennifer Dukes Lee, Nish Weiseth,  Kelli Woodford, Shannan Martin, Lisa Leonard, Ashley Larkin, plus a book review of Holley Gerth's new book and a video by Steffany Gretzinger!  Enjoy!

(Ya'll know to click on the authors' names to read their whole posts, yes?)

September 18, 2014

The Anchor Holds... a Five Minute Friday post

I made it, ya'll! I finally made it over to Twitter to party it up with the amazing Five Minute Friday Community of writers. It is always so much fun and I had been hit and miss for way too long! I wasn't sure if I would make it because I was setting up the Prayer Booth that we work at at the Fair, but I snuck in with plenty of time to chat it up! Now... on to the writing part...

Anyway - here we go: Five Minute Friday - Our Word Prompt is: HOLD

{GO}

I keep talking about it, I know. Talking of how I have been in this season of Waiting and now, seemingly suddenly, it is starting to feel like it is nearing an end.

It's like I have resisted it for so long... I just recently let go, and let Rest find me like the gentle rocking of a boat on evening waves -a rhythm that ebs and flows without fear, because the Anchor is holding somewhere, tethered down deep.



September 16, 2014

What Your Heart Needs for the Hard Days - a Book Review


There is this woman... she is amazing, and loving, and just overflows with encouragement, and oozes Jesus in all the best ways. And there is this book that arrived on my doorstep during one of the hardest weeks of Days so far...



September 13, 2014

That Thing I Do Now - Vol 61


Good morning! I pray you are enjoying a weekend that is filled with just what you need, whether that is rest and peace, or adventure and work... maybe a divine mixture of both!





September 11, 2014

"Get Ready! Get Ready! Get Ready!" - Five Minute Friday

Once again... I had plans, ya'll! I had cleared my schedule and planned an easy dinner and I was going to be sitting right here in this chair at 5ish to chat and party it up with the #fmfparty crew... but you know how it goes. The day gets away from us and your All Growed Up Girlie stops by and plans are pushed aside to catch up and hang out... I mean, I love you all but come on? You get it, right?  So - it's later now, and I missed most of the party... but here I sit... ready to write!

Anyway - here we go: Five Minute Friday - Our Word Prompt is: READY

{GO}

So, it's no secret really. I have written about it several times over the summer...


God has had me in a season of waiting... a season of silence...
(apparently, until -well, soonish!)

September 9, 2014

The Mighty Power of a Simple Shift in Perspective


Perspective is powerful.

When it is even just a little bit off everything I see is tilted, off-center... topsy turvy, askew, uncertain.

Uncertainty is powerful too... and it can freeze this planners' heart and stop all forward motion.  I find when I am uncertain, I stop all the things. It's not that I need to know every detail or have a color-coded mapped-out plan (although... ) but I find when I am uncertain, my perspective starts getting all out of line and I can fall for the same old lies.

I can feel small. Insignificant. Unimportant.



I can make excuses or put things off... ignore promptings of the Spirit or hesitate long enough to miss an opportunity. 

I can forget that it's not all about me or that it should always, really, be all about Him.

September 6, 2014

That Thing I Do Now - Vol 60

Happy Weekend, Everyone! Can you even believe we are in SEPTEMBER already? Gah... every time, I feel old - but still - time is just slipping by so quickly!



Ya'll... you can't even know! Last week into this week was... just hard.  It caused me to be unplugged and MIA a bit more than usual which was both good and necessary! And yet... you know how I love you and how I would never leave you empty handed, with (gasp!) nothing to read! So here ya go:


September 5, 2014

I Can Find You In the Whisper...


Good morning! What a concept, right? Writing a Five Minute Friday post on a Friday!  I have so missed the routine of jumping in to the party on Thurdsay nights over on Twitter (at #fmfparty) but last night was the NFL season opener and, well, I DO live in #HawksNation and it's a pretty big deal around here so it was a given that we would all be gathered around a different kind of screen, cheering on our team - to victory! #GoHawks

Anyway - here we go: Five Minute Friday - Our Word Prompt is: WHISPER

{GO}

Sometimes, God thinks He is p-r-e-t--t-y funny!

I have been not writing (much) this summer.

He has been calling me to sit... to wait... to be Silent.
(Like - actually Silent.) 




September 3, 2014

What I Learned in August...er... well, over the Summer.


Here we are, in SEPTEMBER! 

SEPTEMBER, ya'll? For the love... how did that even happen? Honestly?



It is now the beginning of a new month, and a whole new season! With Summer wrapping up and Fall making his glorious appearance just around the corner, it's time for my favorite link-up where I share a random Gathering of Awesome things that I have learned... attempting to once again remember

So, here we are: What I Learned in August -well, let's be real... it's been since May! 

August 30, 2014

That Thing I Do Now - Vol 59

Happy Weekend, Everyone!



So last week, I snuck away for an overnight trip to meet with friends... writers... sisters.  It was a quick trip - but somehow we enjoyed time lingering and relaxing and enjoying each others' company with no agenda or timeframe to boss us around!

It was wonderful and more needed than I knew.  I pray that when you read through these Gatherings of Awesome, you find just a taste of what good company writing can do! Make you slow down, breathe deep, reflect and refuel, and maybe even laugh out loud...


August 29, 2014

Reach up and over and, for the love, out of your Comfort Zones


So I had a fairly open day yesterday and woke up thinking about the #fmfparty over on Twitter! I had the best of intentions in making the party last night and somehow completely lost track of time! I miss ya'll and can't wait to get back into some sort of rhythm and routine because, well - Fall is approaching (#Swoon!) and that usually brings a balance back to my days! Usually...

Anyway - here we go:Five Minute Friday - Our Word Prompt is: REACH

{GO}

"Reach!  Reach Up and Over and Break on Out of your Comfort Zones!"

God has been speaking this to me a lot lately...

"Reach!"  I hear Him whisper it softly, over and over... almost as if it's an anthem, with a rhythm of its' own.  I hear it again and again, like the beating of a drum and the thrum of it all holds a promise of Freedom.


August 26, 2014

When Community needs to have voices...

...and hugs, and risotto...


   Goofy girls!  I love them so!  

I just returned from a much needed get away.  It was only an overnighter, but somehow it felt like so much rest and refreshing unfolded.  It was one of those times when it wasn't like God showed up tangibly and knocked our socks off or blew us over, laid out... and yet the Holy Spirit was there and all about filling and refilling and refilling some more.  It wasn't as if I could even feel Him doing it as much as when I finally felt full it made me realize just how drained and empty I had been.

August 23, 2014

That Thing I Do Now - Vol 58

Happy Weekend, ya'll!  I can't believe that we are already nearing the end of August... the end of Summer... (which, if you are somewhat new around here you may not know this - but Fall... #Swoon! Fall is my favorite!)


There have been a lot of great things going around the interwebs this week but I have to admit, I have tried to stay a bit more unplugged lately. I've been on a semi-bloggy break all summer, yet still reading all the things both in book form and in screen form... this week I am unplugging a bit more and connecting face to face, heart to heart... plus - I just joined a gym so... Priorities, people! Still, you know I wouldn't leave ya hanging! Here are some of my favorite finds this week!


August 18, 2014

You Guys... Interrupted to Change the World!


There's this woman that I stalk follow because I just know that if we met in real life, we would be friends.  We should hang out and do life and live boldly for Jesus.  I mean that in the most non-religious way... I mean it, like - for real - live our every day lives for Him, loving all willy nilly and being about the expansion of His Kingdom. 

It's not that I am already nailing this... it's that she is doing it on a far more consistent basis and I so want to rise up to living my life like this! She shows me a better way... the way of Jesus - all wrapped up in real skin and real issues and real life.



August 16, 2014

That Thing I Do Now - Vol 57

Can you even believe people are talking Back. To. School. already? I mean - do you remember when back to school happened in September, not August?  This is the first year that we have had no real 'investment' in the whole back to school ordeal! Oh - don't get me wrong... we fully anticipate our college girlie to need a little 'help' covering books, but as far as the back to school ritual of shopping for clothes and backpacks and supplies... we are free. Free, I tell you! (There are benefits to this whole Empty Nester gig afterall!)



I hope you were able to read through last weekend's TTIDN post because it was crazy good! This week is off to a great start as well so buckle up and read on, my friends!


August 14, 2014

On How It Turns Out We Are To Blame...


Can I start out with an apology... as lame as that may be?  

Here's the thing - I am sorry. I am sorry about a lot of things and what I absolutely do not want to be doing right now is jumping on any sort of bandwagon or trend. 

I mean, honestly... for the love.  
That is not what this is.




My friend Deidra Riggs has been #GoingThere for quite some time now and in the past couple of weeks some other friends have 'gone there' with her.  I have so appreciated her voice... their voices... but can I just say: Oh my goodness - I didn't even know how vital this was is... how much of an emergency was is at hand.  

How could I not know? But honestly, I didn't.

August 11, 2014

When Words Bridge the Gap...


They say a picture is worth a thousand words.  



Sometimes, though, it's the words that are most valued... most necessary... most longed for. 

It's the words, whether spoken, typed, or written out old-school style, that bridge the gap of the lost and the broken, bringing hope to stand on and faith to walk right on through!

August 9, 2014

That Thing I Do Now - Vol 56

Happy Weekend, peeps!  I trust and pray that August is unfolding in all the best ways for you! All the wonders of Summer (and of summer coming to an end) can mix together and make us want to squeeze in all the living that the sunlit hours will allow! (Then again, a shady lounge chair and a pile of good books works wonders, too!)



I somehow managed to collect a Gathering of Awesome early on in the week, and slowly added a few more.  Be prepared... these posts today are such a blessing!


August 7, 2014

Get Your Fill... Five Minute Friday


I have been painting all. day. long. (I blame The Nester... wait? "Blame" or "Thank"?  Mostly Thank!)  Still - I couldn't not come hang out on Twitter for a bit on the evening of the kick-off of Five Minute Fridays' new host home over at Heading Home (Kate Motaung's blog!)

It was hopping and oh so fun, even though I am exhausted, ya'll!  So - here goes: 

Five Minute Friday - Our Word Prompt is: FILL

{GO}

I have been slowing down and laying back a bit more than is normal for me but it is all part of the gracious way the Lord has been reminding me, over and over, again and again, of how much I need to let Him fill me!



How I can go and go and do and do and even sit and 'be' but if I am not coming to Him, and waiting for Him to refresh me... I can oh so quickly move out of Pouring Out of an Overflow to simply Burning Out on Empty!

August 4, 2014

The Slow Unwinding Gift of Island Time

"Island Time" ...some would say I operate on it all the time.  



I am, for whatever reason, time challenged. 

I used to blame it on my girlie.  I felt confident that it was all her doing, because before Motherhood I could get to places on time.  Early even. (Sometimes.) 

But since her arrival... well, not so much

Here's the thing though: She moved out and I am still not on time.  I am always running about 10 minutes behind schedule. I am working on this flaw.  It helps that I am an Artist. There seems to be grace for the way we tend to let things capture our attention for moments at a time.  Still, I really WANT to break this bad habit.

The difference between being late, and being on Island Time is that when you are on Island Time - there is no late!

August 2, 2014

That Thing I Do Now - Vol 55


Hey there, everyone! It is August!  Can you even believe it? Well - I couldn't take it... with yet more days in a row strung together in this desert, tipping over into triple digits - I headed for the sea! (Well... you know... -ish! The water anyway!) But part of staying cool this week for me consisted of painting and sealing furniture, reading "Interrupted" by Jen Hatmaker (Oh. My. Gah!) and of course, scouring the interwebs for all kinds of Awesome! (You're welcome!)



As I am pre-writing this, I am now imagining myself seaside, walking along a marina or sipping a latte on the boardwalk come Saturday morning! 

I will leave you with these - which are great, but not as great as what I am doing! (#sorrynotsorry!)

August 1, 2014

Between End & Begin - Five MInute Friday

I am on vacation... on an island... mostly unplugged - which is, well - glorious! However, I could not bring myself to stay unplugged on this, Lisa-Jo's last week hosting Five Minute Fridays!  I'm not a fan of goodbyes... more of see you laters... and we will.  We will see her later!  And if I have learned anything in these past few years it is the value of leaning in to change and not kicking against it! Change happens... it is necessary... and Lisa-Jo is nothing if not gracious and welcoming and aware of what God is saying.  If He is calling her to step aside... we bless her (and will, you know, continue to stalk her in the most friendliest of ways!)  We love and trust Him in her and we also love and trust Him in Kate... our new hostess to this link up starting next week!

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