Anyone else feeling the grind this week?
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Wordless Wednesday
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This Woeful Wondering
To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore.
Jude 24-25
We live in a broken, fallen world. Every day, I wake up and struggle with that. As a wife and mother, most days I wrestle with feeling overwhelmed by my daily tasks. There is always something that needs to be done, but this season is precious! How do I savor the sweet moments with littles while also keeping the house clean? Sleep doesn’t feel restful, because there is too much to be done, and when I actually close my eyes it seems brief. On top of everything, there is this gnawing anxiety in my stomach regarding the future. Where will we go? What will our nation be like? What is going to happen to my children? What will their years as parents entail?
51/2 years ago, I became a mama. It was—apart from marriage—the most sobering transition I’ve faced so far. I carried this tiny baby in my womb, and suddenly, she was out in the world and we were magically parents. Did this mean I would know how to meet her needs? Not necessarily. I had to figure it out.
Now, almost 6 years later, I have two more precious babes and life has been a whirlwind. I have loved every minute—even the messy, disorganized, smelly ones. But, some days, admittedly, I feel like I am barely surviving…barely hanging on by the thread of my last cup of [insert caffeine-infused drink here].
Recently, my heart has felt heavy. In just a matter of decades, this country has rapidly changed. In my heart, it feels like things continue to get worse. And I am grieved. I walk around daily wondering how we could ever move into it. But then I realized: it may not be that this world has gotten worse. Maybe I’m just noticing its fallen nature more. I remember years ago crying out to the Lord regarding my own heart:
Father, I want to do this well. Show me. I don’t want to feel drained of energy constantly, and discouraged because my heart is finding hope in the temporal. Help!
In a [rare] quiet moment that day, He whispered,
I am here. I am for you. I love you. I am holding you. In every season, in every transition, whatever the circumstance, I do not change. Embrace my fearless love. Rest in my unchanging ways. Cling to me as your hope. And remember that in everything, I am God. I am in control. You are not meant to merely survive. Run to me each morning. Lay your burdens on me; I can handle it. In doing that, you will flourish.
The truth is: this world is no worse than it was after the Fall. Hurting people have–and always will–continue to hurt other people, ultimately because they have lost sight of (or never saw) their need to be whole. But the beauty of beholding brokenness is found in the grace of recognizing our need for rescue. This world and its desires will continue to deteriorate around us–and believers may suffer–but there is hope in knowing Christ! He alone is our solid Refuge and Strength(Psalm 46:1), and He is in control. No matter what happens, we can rest in His sovereign will. We can stop, fix our gaze on Him, and endure well–prayerfully engaging in opportunities to point others to Him.
Beloved friends, do not lose heart! Wherever you are this morning, however you feel, whatever you face, stop and take a moment to meditate on who God is(Psalms 103-104)! He is the Creator, the Holy One, the perfect Redeemer. As we fix our eyes on Him, the wearying circumstances of earth will surely grow strangely dim, and our hearts will press on in encouraged certainty. Oh, to have a heart fully fixed on his face! Oh, to rest in who He is! May our fickle hearts find peace in Him alone!
Other helpful avenues of encouragement:
1. Seek out community. Specifically biblical community through a local body of believers(Hebrews 10:23-24). God has not called you to live out this purpose alone. Find a friend or a group of friends to walk alongside and pray with you. It helps, I promise. Plus, you’ll meet some wonderful people. In every season, God has provided faithful friendships that have spanned our marriage, despite many life transitions. Just recently I was thanking God for providing godly and goofy friends–those people with whom I can breathe and life feels a little less lonely. It has been a rich blessing and I am grateful.
2. Pray. By yourself. With another woman. Both. You will be reminded of what God is doing and how to continue praying to that end. Plus, you’ll become more aware of your daily dependence on Christ (2 Chronicles 7:14, John 15:5)
3. Memorize the Word. Find a passage to claim over this situation and know. Chew on it daily until it is burned in your mind. That way, when the Enemy tries to attack, you can fight him with the inerrant, infallible, sufficient promises of God. Let this very word counsel your weary, restless heart. (Psalm 119:23)
4. Pour out. For me personally, when the hard days come, I ask the Lord for opportunities to serve Him—whether through checking in on a friend, writing a note, making a care package for someone, etc. I’m learning there are many ways to creatively love people even when you’re tied down by a busy schedule. Psalm 126:6 is one of my favorite promises–the Lord will be honored when we seek to invest rather than isolate.
5. Be vulnerable. Share your struggles. The more open and honest you are with others about how you have been challenged, the more opportunities you have to share about what God has done! As a dear friend and mentor once told me, “We’re all in this boat together. We just need to know we’re not alone”. And chances are(as I’ve learned) you aren’t.
What about you? What is your calling today? This week? In this season of life? Who are your “people”? What is your burden? Surrender it to the Father.
He is more than able to keep you from falling…
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Why Bother?
Gather. You’ve seen this word a million times. Hanging over the dining room table at your friend’s house, on the wall of the fellowship hall at your church, painted on artfully arranged coffee table blocks at your favorite cafe. And yet, I think we’ve all taken it’s meaning for granted. The chaos of this past year has somehow managed to seep into 2021 and we’re losing steam, aren’t we? For most of us, the idea of starting fresh held so many promises. But as so often happens, the shine of the new year is already blemished, and that lofty thought of starting over has lost its appeal.
This past Sunday, I was reminded of the need–my need–to be with people. This is a confession, of sorts—one that this introvert never imagined making. But here I am, admitting my dependence. I–the one who is very easily “spooked” by people–need people. But not just anyone and everyone–the people of God. And this is something I feel in my bones especially now. Over the past year, we’ve seen violence, death, sickness, fighting and everything in between. It has taken my breath away more often than not. But a surprising grief has overcome me–trickling in carefully and consistently the longer I push it down. This is a sadness that can’t be realized until it becomes deafening. It has moved me to my knees, and given me a longing for home.
When I consider what the people of God have endured throughout history, I am humbled at their perseveration through perseverance. The ancient heroes of the faith were not unfamiliar with suffering. They knew it well. It surrounded every breath, step and thought. Yet they were unafraid. Some experienced the loss of family members and friends–some even suffered unto death. But this was not a reason to cower in fear. In fact–it prompted a renewed vigor to remain steadfast, to pray without ceasing, to rejoice and to be thankful.
This is not so today. As I’ve observed the people of God–my own heart included–I sense a heartbreaking spirit of fear and apathy. Those words are not often linked, but here nothing pairs better. 2020 was horrendous. I never want to relive it, and I recognize that so many have suffered loss in ways I could never understand. I am familiar with my own demons, and understand the weight of hard days. There have been seasons where hopelessness drags on within and I have to fight to consider whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, commendable, lovely, excellent and worthy of praise.
But the truth that continues echoing in my mind–particularly in those dark moments–is: are we not meant to suffer? The King of Kings emptied himself that He might bring us into complete communion with God. In His perfect goodness, Jesus came, suffered and died. Isn’t it a gift to endure suffering well that He might be glorified? And yet I see fear encircling everything we do, threatening to overtake our lives. We do not serve. We do not meet together. We do not look for opportunities to gather and worship. All because we live parlayzed. I confess that I have even avoided opportunities that I could have taken because of this very thing.
But on Sunday I was gently reminded that this is not who we are. I recognize that every circumstance and conviction is different, so please do not hear me condemn. I realize that wisdom must be at the foundation of every decision; we must live cautiously(please don’t do anything foolish)!
But I am pleading: if at all possible–could we make it a priority to be together? To worship together? To serve together?
redeemingthemundane
Isolation is not healthy, nor is it really necessary for everyone. As far as it depends on you, could you prayerfully consider joining your local Body of Believers?
This year has already left us feeling defeated and discouraged. And this world is full of brokenness. But this is not where we place our hope! The Gospel was, is and always will be enough. And the Lord promises that–although we will suffer–He will hold us fast.
We can rest in who He is, and we can lean into the promises of His word alongside biblical community as often as we’re able. We will suffer, but we don’t have to endure it alone.
redeemingthemundane
7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. --Phil. 3:7-11
23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.---Hebrews 10:23-25
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.---1 Thess. 5:16-18
9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit,[a] serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
--Romans 12:9-13
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Wordless Wednesday
Over here missing Christmas already…🎄❄️🥰 What about you?
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Wordless Wednesday
Grateful to laugh even on the hardest of days 🤍 This is my reminder to count every blessing!
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[RESOURCE] Friday!
THIS is one of my favorite new resources out there—a new podcast about BIG truths for little ones! The first mini-series focuses on hymns of old, and the stories behind their authors! Each episode is filled with scripture, stories and songs—check it out and “subscribe” to hear more weekly! SHAMELESS PLUG: I started this show with my sister as a means of connecting our little ones to heroes of the faith and the God who inspired them. It has been SUCH a joy to produce and we’re having a blast! Our prayer is that it is a blessing to others, as well! Run and check it out!
Wordless Wednesday
Amidst the wonderful whirlwind of holiday busyness and travel, I’m forever grateful for the steadfast love of my two precious daughters-turned-best gal pals 💜
[RESOURCE] Friday!
2020-12-25T16:18:00
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Christmas!
Christmas is fast approaching, so I’m STILL sharing some of our favorites! This week I’m sharing a little bit of everything!
- Does anyone else like to track memories? I DO! But I’m really not the scrapbook-ing type. I needed something that would let me keep a concise, yet thoughtful record of everything we did over the holiday season, and this book hit the spot! Each page features a section on what you ate, activities, pictures, etc. But it won’t take you hours to fill out! I fill this one out every year and it has been so fun to look back over the years! Someone was thoughtful enough to gift us this one with our name engraved, and I thought it was the most sentimental gift!
2. Santa Claus is coming to…[insert birthplace of your kid here]!
This one is a GEM! Even though my babies know he’s not real, they still enjoy reading books about him(for fun) and these books personalize the experience perfectly! I make a point to gift a copy of this book(featuring the birth state of each child) on the first Christmas they celebrate with us outside utero 😉 It’s always fun showing the pictures and reminiscing(if you can’t tell, I am HERE for the sentimental stuff!) about where we were when they were born! There are pictures featuring familiar landmarks on each page! Your child will love it! I think this is also a sweet gift they can pass down to their own children one day.
3. Okay, THIS CD has been a HUGE hit with my family this year. Actually, I should say there are several. We are ALL about the Christmas jams around here! Straight No Chaser has been around for a while, but Rosebud(my eldest) and I just discovered this song and it is one of our favorites for post-dinner dance parties! The whole album is festive, but their version of the “12 Days of Christmas” is particularly silly because it features a medley of Christmas tunes + [my FAVORITE] a nod to Toto’s “Africa” but with holiday lyrics. You guys have to check this out!
4. This next album is a timeless classic. You’ve probably heard it many times over, but I have to share it because when the craziness of the season gets overwhelming I just turn it on and it soothes my soul! It’s particularly perfect for days spent crafting at home on a lazy snowy day! We have the vinyl, which is one of my favorite ways to listen to music! Plus the record is bright green, and that just tickles me!
5. This last one came to us last Christmas, and it was a personal favorite. Alistair Begg takes several key characters at Christmas and does an in-depth analysis on each. But he does it using the songs they sand! It’s a simple, short read, but there is so much goodness there! It really encouraged my soul and helped prepare my heart for the Advent season.
What are some of your favorite resources or traditions? Thanks for stopping by and MERRY CHRISTMAS season! 🙂
RedeemingtheMundane
[RESOURCE] Friday!
Today I’m sharing a few more Christmas gems with you all. Hopefully you and your families can enjoy these resources together!
1. Rain for Roots
These guys have produced several fantastic albums. In the last few years they’ve released an advent album and we LOVE it! They melodies are filled with timeless truth and soft rhythms to facilitate a peaceful atmosphere while also reminding the kiddos of rich truths found in scripture. This album is one of our faves. BONUS: it looks like this year they’re doing a sing-a-long!
2. Christmas Uncut
This one breaks down the character and context of the Christmas story in a way that is fun and interactive. We like to read this one every so often to help the kids understand the “who, what, when, where and why” of Christmas.
3. One Wintry Night
We just started this one the other night and the girls are HOOKED! Each beautifully illustrated section(the artist took 4 years to complete the pictures!) captivates the listener with intricate details following a story of a boy named Jesse who learns about the history of the Christmas story. It is a picture book, but broken down into 1-2 page chapters to be read over dinner, sitting by the fire or snuggled up at bedtime.
4. Come Let Us Adore Him
This is what I chose for our family to read around the table for the advent season. Each day features a short meditation by the author as well as a section of questions and activities for the kids. It is a great resource for entire families!
Happy family time!
redeemingthemundane
On Advent
2020-12-25T12:00:00
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Christmas
Does productivity make anyone else feel valuable? It only seems fitting that every year December finds me waiting for something. This time last year, I was [quite possibly] bigger than a [tiny] house waiting on our littlest love. I prayed he would come early, but as he wasn’t due until the beginning of this year I wondered if he would. And he didn’t. I was restless, achey, wobbly and harried. The robust energy with which I embraced the Christmas season felt forced and insufficient, which made me feel insufficient. And God, in his grace, met me with peace from every anxiety and rest in the waiting.
This year I find myself waiting, yet again. And there is a sense of goodness in it. At the beginning of the holiday season( literally ON Thanksgiving) I became ill. Not the 24- hour bug kind of ill, the virus kind. Which meant scary things like isolation and quarantine. Even for an introvert, nothing about staying inside appealed to me. I planned to go full-throttle Christmas Queen with my girls, and I was excited to not be pregnant so I could have crazy-mom-at-Christmas energy to go and do all of the things. But then it hit hard. And I was down for almost two weeks. Nothing about that felt productive. I couldn’t even hold my children. I could barely shower, and my fatigue left me feeling useless every hour. Yes, it was that bad. The Monday after resting for what seemed like an eternity(over 2 weeks, people!), I tried to resume normal duties. I couldn’t. I spent the day in bed trying to work on things I had put off, trying to clean, trying to do something–anything! But I just. couldn’t. do it. And I didn’t just feel crummy physically, I felt emotionally depleted. Nothing I did worked. Nothing was accomplished. I felt SO invaluable and SO defeated.
But I’m learning that sometimes the most productive thing I can do is allow myself to rest.
Redeemingthemundane
What is going on, Lord? Why doesn my heart feel this way? I wondered quietly. It wasn’t until yesterday, when I described my emotions to a new friend that something clicked. It was something she mentioned in passing, but as I listened I realized my heart needed it: “Susanna, I’m not enough. And I just needed to admit that. I need help. I need Jesus”.
There’s a sweet song by Rain for Roots that paraphrases Jesus’ words in Matthew 11:28-30:
Come to me. Walk with me. Learn the rhythms of my grace. Come to me --I have all you need. Learn to rest even while you are awake.
Are you tired?
Are you worried?
Worn out from the day?
Have you been in a hurry?
I will slow the pace.
The words kept running over and over in my mind like a gently babbling brook. And as I pondered my friend’s words, I made the same admission: I cannot do this. I cannot be enough. I need Jesus.
The lie were told as women is that we are enough. And in that, we can do it all. In fact, we can HAVE it all. We can juggle a million and one things. And shouldn’t we? This is the age of women! This is OUR time! What I’m realizing more and more-what God continues to impress upon my heart—is the truth that I am imperfect, flawed and fragile. The sobering truth for me—for us all-is that our bodies were designed to need rest. To be quiet. To weaken over time.
We’re restless, aimless people ever seeking fulfillment in our own pursuits. We need people. We need to do. But more importantly, we need to know that our neediness can only be met with peace by the One ordained it.
Redeemingthemundane
Last night I sat down with my mental “to do” list for today streaming through my mind. That same friend who was kind enough to let me see her imperfections suggested giving myself one goal a day. She said that it was something she had begun to do and it caused her to measure her days without feeling overwhelmed. So, today I tried it. And it worked! Less because of more and more because of perspective. It just happened to be a more productive day than the others. And I was tempted to glory in my flesh until I remembered this lesson.
And so this season, even though I’m humbled to be learning something I (in my pride) feel I should already know, I’m thankful. Thankful for the reminder to slow down and rest. Thankful for the grace given to remain steadfast(even if it’s only breath-by-breath). Thankful for the gift of waiting.
Dear friend, wherever you are, whoever you are, remember the freedom in admitting you are not, in fact enough. Run to the Faithful Savior who always is.
Redeeming the Mundane 