Today I will just make a simple post. This time of year is so busy with many things pulling me in different directions. I am sure you feel it too.
I have found these to be helpful. I hope they bring assurance and uplift you in this season.
Spring Inspiration
#1 – video devotionals
Leah Boden talks about making room for growth in this beautiful Monday devotional. I enjoyed her garden analogies and I always appreciate her gentle spirit. Modern Miss Mason Devotional – Making Space for Growth
“What does it mean for you right now to make room for growth?”
“Let’s let the longings of our hearts be to know Jesus more.”
(from Leah Boden- Making Space for Growth)
#2 – Blogging help
Nakisha Wynn is my go-to expert on blogging for quick and helpful advice. I have been watching these YouTube videos from the archives of her amazing channel to help me in my writing/blogging. She is such an encouragement and very practical!
Build Your Blog with Me by Nakisha Wynn
#3 – Real life advice for when life feels hard.
Kate Bowler is vibrant, funny, and real. I have really enjoyed reading her latest book GOOD ENOUGH: 40ish DEVOTIONALS FOR A LIFE OF IMPERFECTION.
Recently I listened to this podcast: GRETCHEN RUBIN: CAN WE BE A TINY BIT HAPPIER?
It is fun to hear people who I listen to separately have a conversation. I felt like I was with two friends having coffee at a fancy downtown coffee shop. (Even though I was just folding several loads of laundry in my “at home” clothes.)🙂
#4 – For remembering the simple things that are beautiful
Brené Brown shared so much beautiful wisdom in this YouTube interview. It was just what I needed to hear the other day. Brené Brown’s Life Advice Will Leave You SPEECHLESS
“This world is tough because we shame and diminish ordinary. …We chase extraordinary moments instead of being grateful for ordinary moments… until hard shit happens. Then what we are begging for is ordinary moments.”
– Brené Brown
#5 – A recent podcast about peace
Emily Ley is inspiring and very practical. I relate to her so much. Her books are beautiful to look at and I reference them often. (Here is the link to her books.)
The podcast that inspired me recently was: Peace Is a Practice (with Morgan Harper Nichols)
They talked about finding peace in our lives like a river hidden in the woods. Not as a task on the to-do list that we can manufacture. There were so many things she talked about that I resonated with.
“Peace is something we have to practice going out into the wild and seeking to find on a regular basis.”
“We have to slow down and listen for peace.”
– from Morgan Harper Nichols
#6 – Beautiful seasonal homemaking videos
At the end of a long day, the YouTube channel Farmhouse on Boone reminds me that my ordinary life can be beautiful. I always enjoy her seasonal homemaking videos. They help me see the beauty in serving my family, making meals, and cleaning my home. These days are precious. What I do matters even if it gets undone tomorrow. I do not watch her videos with a spirit of comparison. I look for inspiration.
- Keeping the Home | Hanging Art, Baking Sourdough, Planting Roses
- Cook, Clean and Decorate with Me | Sourdough Brioche + Sprucing up the Cottage
- Making a Beautiful Home | Spring Homemaking
What is weather the like where you live?
What’s your schedule full of these days?
How are you getting inspiration for your ordinary lovely life?
What do you need to hear to encourage you right now?
What is uplifting you on a hard day?
A Prayer for us in this season of spring, growth, and change:
Lord Jesus,
Meet us God. Show us what we should be spending time on right now. Show us what truly matters for our lives. We know that true balance does not actually exist, but give us days that are full of variety.
Help us invest in our homes. Stand along side us as we care for our people. Give us extra patience as we deep clean, organize the pantry, and wash dishes once again.
I pray for the one who is reading this blog post. Help us to feel you close. To feel loved and seen in our ordinary days.
Amen.
Have a beautiful day! – April
Photos are from Alex Seinet, Dillon Shook, Melanie Pongratz, Sixteen Miles Out, Annie Spratt, Andy Holmes,
and others on Unsplash
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