restful productivity to live deliberately & avoid overwhelm 

Finding Inspiration in the Midst of Ordinary Moments of Spring

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.


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


  • What is “Subtle Resistance”?

    What is “Subtle Resistance”?

    When we are surrounded by specific norms, we no longer see them as optional but as “the way life is”. I want to challenge a few of those… Let’s jump right in! Here is how I define these words in the beginning pages of my book: subtle –  (adj.) nuanced, delicate, skillful, laid back (verb)……

  • The Power of a Hygge Home: How Your Space Shapes Your Well-Being

    The Power of a Hygge Home: How Your Space Shapes Your Well-Being

    Keeping a home organized, clean, and cozy actually takes a lot of work. (Especially during the holidays.) Here are some tips to help you create a comfortable space for life to unfold. Homes are not naturally comfortable and relaxed. The nature of a busy home with kids is chaotic, messy, disorganized, and grimy. The activities……

  • Sweater Weather Mornings: Small Changes to Embrace a Calm & Productive Day

    Sweater Weather Mornings: Small Changes to Embrace a Calm & Productive Day

    Want mornings that feel more peaceful and less rushed? These fall-inspired habits will help you start your day on the right foot—without sacrificing that warm cup of tea or coffee! 🍵😁 We all have areas in our lives where we want to get things done quickly or “get in the zone” faster. Routines are the……

  • Feeling Like a Weirdo – Journaling in Public

    Feeling Like a Weirdo – Journaling in Public

    This pivotal moment taught me that intrusive thoughts don’t have to win. I can choose subtle resistance by shaping my productivity on my own terms. My Story – I sat alone at a table by the window in a local taco restaurant. I had just dropped off my daughter at dance class and I had……