Inspiring Reads

May 3, 2018May 3, 2018 / Leigh Ann Thomas / 2 Comments

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

March 27, 2018April 2, 2018 / Leigh Ann Thomas / 8 Comments

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?

March 1, 2018 / Leigh Ann Thomas / Leave a comment

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

January 16, 2018 / Leigh Ann Thomas / 2 Comments

God’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!

December 20, 2017 / Leigh Ann Thomas / Leave a comment

Gift Rapt1

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!)

December 12, 2017 / Leigh Ann Thomas / Leave a comment

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!

November 20, 2017 / Leigh Ann Thomas / Leave a comment

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/

Slow Down and Breathe

October 31, 2017October 31, 2017 / Leigh Ann Thomas / 2 Comments

We stand at the threshold of the busiest time of year. Holidays beckon with their whirlwind of extra everything—shopping, spending, running, eating, gaining…well, you know.

When this happens on top of our typically busy lives, life can be um, crazy.

Sometimes we need to simply stop and breathe. In… Out… Continue reading →

Happy Fall, Y’all!

October 17, 2017 / Leigh Ann Thomas / 3 Comments

img_2688edit I know, cheesy title. But this time of year is simply wonderful! Especially for southern gals.

Bright yellow mums, cotton fields, cooler temps, less humidity, pumpkins, football games, and our favorite cozy sweaters beckon us to jump into the new season with joy.

Perhaps my favorite thing about autumn is the explosion of color. God paints the earth with myriad hues of red, orange, yellow, brown, and gold. Enough to make us breathless with wonder. Continue reading →

To a Quiet Place

August 29, 2017 / Leigh Ann Thomas / 4 Comments

…He said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest” (Mark 6:31).

It’s that time of year—a time to step away from regular responsibilities and to seek rest and renewal. Heart Undivided will take a brief hiatus, but I look forward to returning in a few weeks with new perspective and fresh creativity.

In the meantime, I invite you to hang around and explore Heart Undivided and then to hop over to intheQuiver.com for fresh and insightful articles on parenting, home arts, recipes, devotionals, and more! Continue reading →