The Sunday Wiggles

In retrospect, we shouldn’t have been running late to the evening service. And we probably shouldn’t have squeezed a family of five onto an already tight pew near the back of the church.

But the early summer day had been pure magic—mild, sunny, and a glorious playground for the afternoon. The girls had expressed reluctance to end their time of play and to prepare for the late worship hour. But mom and dad had insisted, and here we were.

Mid-way through the sermon, I’d had enough. With an official mom-look, I dared them to fidget in their seats—again. More than once, I placed a hand on a shoulder or touched my foot to theirs. Lord, if they would just be still and quiet.

A few minutes later, one daughter did get still and quiet—and nodded off, hitting her head on the back of the pew loud enough to make me give a little squeal. Answered prayer? Not sure.

Click here to read the full article on Just18Summers.com!

Blessings and joy,

Leigh Ann 🙂

Where Do I Run?

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Father God, when the world seems to shift beneath my feet, thank you for being my anchor and my fortified tower. I know my only righteousness is in Jesus—in His sacrifice on the cross. When I’m frightened and overwhelmed, and everything in me wants to run, may I fly to You. Thank you, Father, for Your love and for the sacred safety of abiding with You.

Have a blessed week as you take soul-rest in the righteousness of Christ.

Joyfully,

Leigh Ann 🙂

Unsearchable

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        Behold, God is exalted, and we do not know Him;
            The number of His years is unsearchable.
For He draws up the drops of water,
            They distill rain from the mist,
  Which the clouds pour down,
   They drip upon man abundantly.
           Can anyone understand the spreading of the clouds,
    The thundering of His pavilion?
           Behold, He spreads His lightning about Him,
            And He covers the depths of the sea.

Job 36:26-30

Inspiring Reads

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Yay, spring! Finally.

The season’s beauty beckons us to leave winter’s hibernation behind. We’ve entered that most exquisite of times—the days grow a touch longer and warmer, yet summer’s heat remains a few weeks away.

Outdoors is the place to be.

But after a busy day absorbing our quota of vitamin D, the evening awaits—and so does a lot of great reading.

Check out the following links to articles and sites I continue to enjoy. Some are new discoveries and others are regular go-tos.

And if you have sites to recommend, let us know in the comments.

Happy reading! Continue reading

The Thread of Hope

God in the Dark Template no copy

As you go about your day, each step is weighted, and placing one foot in front of the other requires intense effort.  A smile may graze your lips, but it fails to reach your eyes.

Your heart carries the burdens of life—disappointment, loss, betrayal. You want to reach for the light. You want to feel healthy and whole.

You long to live. To breathe.

But you feel mired in a never-ending river of muck. Life seems…dark. And no matter how hard you search, you can’t find the blasted light switch. Continue reading

Gentle Rain or a Hailstorm?

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I gave the last of three kisses goodnight to the sweet objects of my exhaustion and shuffled down the hallway toward freedom. My evening plans centered on a bowl of popcorn and a few hours of mindless television.

The day had been a whirlwind of errands, mounds of laundry, sibling squabbles, and endless cleaning. This mama was clocking out.

As I slipped into my end-of-day sweatpants and t-shirt, my gaze fell on my Bible and devotional journal. With a groan, I surrendered to the stab of guilt and settled in for a few minutes of “quality” quiet time.

(Click to continue)

I’m thankful for the opportunity to write an article for the Just 18 Summers parenting website. Hop on over to Just18Summers.com to read more!

Have a blessed week!

Joyfully,

Leigh Ann

A Reminder of Our Worth

valueGod’s idea of our worth is vastly different from the world’s view. If we’re to believe the messages that pour from print and social media, we need to be smart, strong, thin, successful, and wealthy to have a place of value.

I’m so thankful to serve a God Who loves and treasures us like we are!

When we’ve gained a few pounds and we’re doing a great job of self-recrimination—God sees the deepest places of our hearts and draws us to Him.

When our lives never measure up to someone else’s Facebook highlight reel—God whispers His love and faithfulness and calls us to seek Him only.

When we wonder if we matter, if what we do ever makes a difference—God reminds us that we are His, the apple of His eye, His cherished one, here for moments such as this.

Need more reassurance? Meditate on these verses and see if your heart doesn’t quicken with hope: Continue reading

Merry Christmas!

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For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end (Isaiah 9:6-7).

***

Have a blessed Holy Season as you worship the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

Great Reads (and Gifts!)

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Ah, the written word.

There’s nothing like the combination of a good book, a cup of java, and a quiet corner.

Books are my favorite gifts to give (and receive!). I love short stories and novels that exercise my imagination, volumes that make me think, study, and ponder, and everything in between.

This week I’m highlighting four 2017 releases.  Jess, The Mess and The Wish I Wished Last Night are exciting reads for middle school and early high school, and Renewed and Still Waters are adult non-fiction and fiction respectively. Something for everyone!

Enjoy a preview of each book and meet their talented, Christ-honoring authors. Continue reading

Happy Thanksgiving!

Fall Arrival

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
     Worship the Lord with gladness;
    come before him with joyful songs.
 Know that the Lord is God.
    It is he who made us, and we are his;
    we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
    and his courts with praise;
    give thanks to him and praise his name.
 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
    his faithfulness continues through all generations.

(Psalm 100)

Happy Thanksgiving from Heart Undivided! Have a blessed week in worship of the One Who gives all good things.

Joyfully,

Leigh Ann 🙂

Fun fall links:

Make a Thanksgiving tree! https://inthequiver.com/2017/11/16/diy-%C2%B7-thanksgiving-tree-free-printable-blank-leaf-template-scripture-leaves/

Unplug and Get Creative! https://inthequiver.com/2017/09/28/unplug-this-fall-and-get-creative-by-cathy-baker-%E2%80%A2-guest-post/

Thrive Through the Holidays! https://inthequiver.com/2017/11/06/fail-proof-ways-to-enjoy-the-holidays-of-our-dreams/