Well, hello there, friends!
It’s always such a treat to get to actively touch base with you after a long plan – to kind of reflect on our time as a whole together, to look ahead, to look around at what God might be calling us to after having our heads down in a season of prayer and study. We have a little weekend break ahead of us to catch-up/wrap-up James, and if we’re already finished – to get our hands dirty doing the good work of living what we have learned!
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Can we spend a little time today just being real together? (I mean, not that we’re not real together all the time – but doesn’t it sometimes take a natural break in routine to sort of look each other in the eyes and do a heart check?)
So… how are your hearts?
I mean really. Where are you? How are you?
Me? I’ve found myself caught up a lot in life lately.
Our family has experienced some sadness this past month. My heart has been heavy and achey.
I’ve done a lot of traveling this fall – fun things, but very real routine-breakers.
We’re in our first semester of our first year of homeschooling our 7-year-old. I’m feeling a little overwhelmed and overbooked.
It’s dark outside super early (like before 5:00!) and it’s throwing me off and making me feel unproductive. (I know that doesn’t sound like a heart thing, but it is when it means I want to put off Jesus time in favor of my heated blanket and the television.)
That’s how my heart is right now. Even as one of the leaders of this God-given ministry, I need a restart sometimes. I imagine I’m not alone.
And truly? That’s why we keep our plans as short as they are – or break up the longer ones into sections. We like to give lots of restarts – lots of grace! SheReadsTruth began as a handful of women wanting to read the Bible together every day – wanting direction and accountability – and that’s what we always want to be not just for y’all, but for us, too!
So tell me – what is throwing you? And what is buoying you? Has this been a season of faithful study, or are you in need of a restart as much as I am?
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And speaking of fresh starts, we have such a great schedule of plans coming through the end of 2013, and we’re really, truly geeked about it! Can I give you the rundown?
- Next Monday, November 11, we’ll start a happy little 5-day plan simply titled “Five Favorites“. As writers (who are also readers!), we sat down together and picked five of our favorite days from the past year to create a little “best of” plan to revisit some of the days we think are absolutely worth going back through. This plan is short, but powerful. We’re excited to see you there!
- Following that, on Monday, November 18th we’ll start a plan titled “Give Thanks In All Circumstances“. You guys. I mean, we’ll tell you more about it later, but it’s one of my favorites yet. Also, we’re doing a brand new thing with this plan – to give an added layer of worship to the Thanksgiving season, each day will be paired with a hymn. Again, more details soon, but it’s really going to be special.
- And of course, following Thanksgiving is a new Advent plan. That’s what we’re writing now and I won’t say anything else about that one for now since we’re still puzzling pieces and praying over what The Lord has for us to write.
And, WHOOSH! That’s what’s ahead to round out 2013.
Girls, we really (but really!) care about you. Like sometimes (lots of times) we get weepy when we think about you and your struggles and joy and pain and crazy passion for our Father. I know it’s smushy to say, but y’all are loved and cared and prayed for by four little writer girls spread all across this country. We’re thankful for you!
Blessings, y’all. Grace and peace and mercy be with you on this Fall Friday.
xoxo,
Raechel
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113 thoughts on "heads up, heart stuff, schedules + getting smushy"
Hello, Is your “She ReadsTruth/ Women In The Bible ” series still available? I know it’s no longer on the Bible app, is there somewhere I can download it or read it? It was a blessing to me once and I wanted to redo the series again. Thank you so much !
I just want to take a minute to say that I stumbled across your page on Pinterest. I looked through the different studies and God led me to this Daniel study. Most days you guys pointed out just what I needed to hear. I am excited to go through other studies, but I wanted to say thank you for allowing God to use you for this purpose!
Dearest Rachel, may The Lord bless all the days of your life… thanks you so very much for “being real”
In Jesus love and service,
BellaD
Hi ladies. I have been doing “She Reads Truth” since last year. How every this is the first time I have come to the conversation side. Reading the description of what is ahead for the rest if the year makes me very happy. I am super excited about the new study plan. I would like to thank you writer ladies for the dedication in this study program. Thank you from a very new disciple of Jesus Christ. Saved by grace in January 2013 and baptized June 29, 2013. Again, thank you for my lifeline in this life. Love to you all, Hope Williams.
Thank you so much for these studies. As a stay-at-home mom with young children, I love how the plans are so manageable, yet full of content to meditate upon and grow. Love the comments too. They always add more content to think and pray about.
Grateful!!!!
This is my first day joining. I recently finished the plan to read through the bible in a year and I have struggled to find the right study for my since the plan ended. My heart has been going under some major surgery the past few months. I have been working through the lesson of self-discipline. Honestly… it sucks and I am far from perfecting it but I know I have come a long way. I am learning the importance of taking care of my body (physical health and wellness) and my heart (continual constant time with God). It has not been a season of fun nor full of life, but it has been a very important season for me with growth. I'm ready for it to be over – or maybe I should say lessen – but I don't think it will ever be over for me. I am being reminded through this season that life is a journey and I will never be able to reach the destination (pure holiness) while here on earth.
My comment got only 1/2. It has been a challenge for me & a culture shock to be around non believers all day. My heart breaks for them because the do not know the truth, and seeing how they make decisions on what only feels right to them. It is said to see how satan can cripple a family from individuals who make decisions on what just feels "right" to them or their "gut". I struggle to be loving when the ones I work with are not. I work hard to keep my thoughts on Him when the language used around me does not glorify or build up anyone. However I know without a shadow if a doubt God has placed me here. So I focus on loving others and living out my faith while being watched & observed by others who know about my faith & are unsure what it means.
I can not begin to tell you how excited I am to the upcoming/rest of the year studying Gods word with all of you!
thanks for the refresh and reflect time! And the peek into the journey to come for the rest of 2013. I admit I have always tried to be faithful in my devotional time with the Lord, but have often gotten “too busy” or distracted with life. But SRT has the added benefit of hearing others take on things that helps keep me wanting to stay on track. Thanks for all the time, effort and insight y’all put into leading us thru our studies! God Bless and thank you again!
Thank y'all for All you do! God works & speaks through y'all's writing. I am in a season of being worked on. After being a stay at home mom for 16 years I have re entered the work place around non Christian. It has been an all day challenge for me to be loving
I am so thankful for the “she reads truth” community. I’ve been here since early summer and can’t tell you what a blessing this has been.
I have a heavy load in my heart. My husband is living in Texas and I live in Florida. We are going through a financial struggle, causing us to temporaraly be apart until my husband gets situated so that we can reunite as a family should be. Please pray for us. Thank you Lord for all your Blessings
oh how i desperately need a restart!!! i missed this most recent plan as it coincided with the launch of my new business. i spent months and months preparing for the grand opening, including so much prayer and Jesus time. i have been so wrapped up in me, that i have completely dropped my most needed God time. a change in routine, and a complete LIFE change has left me feeling so far away from Him, when i need Him most. i know He is there, it's ME who needs to RUN back to Him. i have missed my SheReadsTruth sisters + the readings so very much. i pray that i can make my daily readings and time with Jesus a routine once again.
This is my first time here and I am very grateful to have found y’all. Thank you for your dedication and love for OUR HEAVENLY FATHER and his call on our lives.
This has been such a great find for me! After being left by the man I loved more than anything and trying to have a family with him- I went into a terrible dark state of depression and anger- changed everything in my life so get rid of all I could that reminded me of that life… Found a great church and friends and dedicated the last two years to make my life right with God again and learn to love and forgive and rid myself with the anger and thoughts I had collected. I have been thankful for this way of meeting with God each night and spending time reading his word and praying for another chance at love and opportunity for a family. Been single over 4 yrs, mid 30's, I'm a babysitter for all my friends so they can have date nights with their husbands… I have had to pray hard to not be jealous of the things they have but be thankful that God has something spectacular planned for me and right now is allowing me the opportunity to do a lot of traveling that I wouldn't have been able to do being married with kids. There is a greater plan and it may not be the plan I have but He knows me better than I do and I am to follow
Thank God for this community. We couldn't be thankful enough with your commitment and dedication. I pray to God that He bless You all with whatever your heart desires for yourself and your family.
What an inspiring little "intro" to what's to come next! Thank you for your genuine, warm words. Today marks the ONE MONTH mark of my husband's deployment- he's in Afghanistan with the Army for eight more months. I've been adjusting to life as a semi-'single' mom to two little boys. Let me tell you, it's been a roller coaster…but Jesus is never far and I'm very excited about getting back into a routine of following the next studies with you here. THANK YOU for providing such short, sweet, yet powerful daily studies. As a busy mom, this is PERFECT for me. I was so blown away by James Day 20/ "The Waiting Season" that I posted an excerpt from it onto my blog (www.sarahkeller.com). I also have a big link to you guys on my sidebar to get as many women involved as possible. So, thanks again! Praise God for His provision through you!
Words can't express how much she reads truth has changed my relationship with God. Through the good and the tough it has been amazing. It is incredible to read so many other testimonies of how God has used srt as well. At the moment suffering awful morning sickness but in the bath for relief for a bit is a huge answer to prayer!
I definitely need a restart, please pray for me guys that my heart will be for God, and to be a woman of prayer. God bless you all. Xx
praise God for your diligence and faithfulness amidst the changes. You are loved right back sister!
my heart: i don't want to grow in the things God wants me to grow in. i'm afraid of what i have to do…that's why i don't want to grow in them. i feel too called out and too invested when i see other people around me not that invested. i wish i had a person in my life that truly invested in Christ that i could call a friend. that's what i wish for. i feel like i'm thinking too highly of myself at the same time, i feel like i'm going crazy because i feel like what i'm angry about is valid. so…i feel like i'm being judgmental but i also feel justified. i don't want to do anything basically and i just wanna hide. that's where my heart is at. i love these studies…i love being called out by the Lord because He does it so graciously and lovingly…but i dont wanna do anything. *sigh*
I am fairly new here but have found, like you mentioned, fresh starts daily that are VERY encouraging. I have felt a shift in priorities and a refocusing on the Lord. I shared about you guys on my blog today and have heard several women who want to join in as well! Thank you all for what you do. It is making a difference!
Thank you so much for sharing this, Helen. Blessings, sister in this season of heart change!
i love the accountability of this site! i love that you guys love what you do for this site! thank you so much for caring so much, and for being there when i have no idea where to turn to in my devotionals. <3
This blog means so much to me. Look forward to it every day! I am also experiencing a great heartchange! Illness with my adult special needs son has really gotten my priorities in order!
Yes I need a restart! I’m onto a new chapter of my life! Moving across the us without my family and starting school! It’s so scary but I know everything is in the lord’s hands and wilL provide ❤️
I too, love this #Srt community and cannt wait to get up, grab my cup of coffee, and get into the devotional for the day. I have found so much wisdom and grace here, and all your comments are so insightful — I am learning so much.
I have also been having trouble with these dark days, with winter fast approaching (my least favorite season). But the gift of spring always follows, and He is using this season now, to deepen my faith. I find myself immersed in prayer and reflection — I feel God filling me and then teaching me how to walk in His beautiful grace daily. I am learning to be thankful in ALL circumstances (I can't wait for the Thanksgiving devotional!), and slowly but surely, He is teaching me that His strength is sufficient. Most of all, I am overwhelmed by our God's massive love for each and every one of us, and I am trusting in Him to teach me to love like this.
Love the idea of the short plans for a restart. I feel my mind wanders, alot, and I like the shorter plans and then the ability to restart and to not get bored or tired with one thing for a long time. Loved studying James. I did the Beth Moore study of James last year, about this time, with a ladies group from my church and loved it, so it was fun to go through it again and have a refresher.
Excited for the next few plans to end out the year and excited to see what 2014 has in store for all of us. Thank you ladies for giving us this everyday! Love you all
I love srt. I’ve met many different sisters in the Lord who has encouraged me in the lowest times in my life. I’m in need of a fresh start as well. I look forward to the rest of the studies as well. My heart is so full but even through this season of trials be will be there.
I have been a part of SRT for at least a year and a half. I have loved every minute of it! These last few studies have spoken to my heart and many have brought tears to my eyes. This year has been the hardest year and yet oddly, the year of the most growth in my life. It has been full of pain, tears, unemployment for my husband, good news then bad news right after, valleys and mountains, unanswered prayers, waiting and waiting for God to show up and struggling with doubt if things will ever get better. But through it all my husband and I have gained the strongest relationship we have ever had. We have leaned upon His promises that He will never leave or forsake us. That His ways are good, that His timing is perfect, and that He is far more interested in our character than our happiness. These circumstances and this pain has made us more like Jesus, and I am starting to realize that that is what I truly need. I still struggle with asking God “Why?” but now I don’t rest in that. I counter it with His promises. He is faithful and unchanging and His plan for me will unfold in His perfect time.
I continue to be blessed by this community of women :)
This is a season of change with my family and I'm so glad to have found She reads truth! Love you guys
I check in here often but rarely ever write. I want to say thank you for your commitment to this ministry. It had blessed me so much! I will admit that I fell WAY behind on this study of James. Like, I’m on Day 7 today. I’m kind of embarrassed admitting that but that just shows where my heart had been lately. Not focused on The Lord and so easily distracted by the things around me. I’m working a full time job, a part time job, and back in school so my schedule is pretty hectic. I’m struggling with prioritizing my time with the Lord because it doesn’t always feel “productive” when I have a whole to do list waiting for me…not a right attitude, but an honest one this morning…
I’ve prayed for each of you that God’s perfect plan is manifested in your lives and that He fills each of you with strength, love, faith, humility, courage, peace, joy, wisdom, understanding, revelation and confirmation! AnnaLee, thanks your situation and words are exactly what I’m going through as I wait on The Lord.
Goodness gracious, I think I could have written practically every single post above. You all are feeling so many of the same feelings I am, even though our reasons and circumstances are different. Pain, despair, scattered, hurried, unfocused, wondering, anxiety, waiting for unanswered prayers, trying to be patient, trying to keep hope & faith alive despite the struggle… I'm there with you. I'm so thankful for and blessed by this community. I've never experienced anything like this and truly don't know what my life would be without it. It would be a very, very dark place that's for sure. Don't have time to write more right now b/c I'm at work but looking forward to re-reading Raechel's post and all of your comments tomorrow. Love & prayers sent up for all of you (and me!) that today, despite our circumstances or hardships, we feel a greater sense of Jesus Christ our Lord and His enormous love, grace, and forgiveness for each and every one of us. Let's just live in today, in Him today, and let tomorrow take care of itself!
Ah, God has been so good to me through SRT in this season! Praise Him for this fellowship and for every word I've needed to hear!
Lately, the changing of seasons (and that early sunset) has been throwing me off. Fear, anxiety, and depression tried to wedge themselves into my life (I've always had bad anxiety issues and some depression, and the season intensifies it). For a while, I was trying to have a sober mind; God, in His time, has taken away a lot of irrational anxiety and has replaced it with the message "I am your strong ally; I am your friend against this."
It's been a huge transitional time. Having to deal with tension and romantic issues in my life has been tough; preparing for and thinking about what I want to do in this next season has been interesting to think about, and I still don't have many real answers on the things I've been seeking God about; yet, I know they will come in time. I can feel his faithfulness. Trying to find a true church home is hard, and though I haven't found one yet, I'm getting closer. I believe He is here.
I quit facebook and twitter until Christmas just yesterday, and though I'm feeling it's pull, I'm really thankful for making that decision. I know that getting away from that online persona will help me to more fully and clearly live the life that God wants for me. I can see where God is working, here, and I'm excited about what He'll bring to more to completion in the next couple of months. I'm starting to dream of moving to different cities or even states, and though I can't quite put my finger on what's lofty and what's the beginning of something, I know that it's there for a reason. I love it, and it gives me hope. The possibilities are there. I'm just waiting for God to sort it all out.
I thank you all for your prayers and support! SRT has been what I've looked forward to since I started following along in March/April, and it's been a platform for some sorely needed fellowship! I love you all and I can't wait for what God will bring to us next!
Girls, your life has blessed my life in so many ways! This blog now is my favorite and the studies are precious, God is working a lot in my life and I'm glad that this ministry exists because is letting me draw closer to Him. I'm looking forward to keep reading with y'all and I'll keep you in my prayers! Have a GREAT weekend. God bless!
My husband and I recently lost our first child to miscarriage. I found She Reads Truth shortly thereafter and went through the James study. My husband is on staff at a pretty large church here in Texas, so I found it difficult to be in so much pain while doing so much life (and feeling a little bit on display). I'm so so SO incredibly grateful for the She Reads Truth community and the writers of these awesome devos. I have had some real moments with the Lord. Thank you for being sensitive to the Spirit and real with us, I know I'm not the only one who is so thankful for you.
If you could also keep my husband and I in your prayers as we are trying again to have a child. Pray for a healthy baby and an uneventful pregnancy! God bless!
praying for you!
God Morning SRT,
My heart has been heavily burdened with not finding work and the constant flow of bills…mortgage, car note, assessment fees, ect..
But in the midst of it all, I am prayerful & hopeful that although the bills are late, GOD WILL BE ON TIME!
I’m encouraged by the stories of other women of God who are over comers…After all we are more than conquerors
Feeling very much in need of a restart. just feeling awful tired physically and emotionally lately. would appreciate prayers.
praying!
Praying too.
I’m in a season of blah. Just blah. With some fear and anxiety sprinkled on top. So a restart would be lovely. The time change is hitting me hard too. I’m not a fan of winter. I work at home and recently had to move my office into the basement. It’s cold. It’s dark. It’s isolating. Ugh.
Heart stuff. That's been a thing for me for a few months now. I almost want to cry every time I think of it. This is the first lesson I've completed. Being pregnant and having a little one can make someone a bit crazy. I'm so much more emotional/angry when pregnant that I get frustrated with myself when I don't keep that in check. My husband and I have had rough times as well and I'm fighting with mild depression (my own diagnosis). I can't seem to kick it. If you saw my life from the outside you'd probably think I had it all together. But if you saw my heart you'd see there were problems. I love this group. I started doing regular bible studies with my church, doing a monthly group with ladies, and this. My heart needs a God attack badly and needs to be re-started to a new beat. I worry about everything and worry that I'm not enough for God sometimes…..but I know that foolish. The song "Lord I Need You" by Chris Tomlin is my anthem right now. Because I truly need Him every hour of every day right now. Because I know if I let go I will fall….if I allow myself to coast right now I'll fall. Thank you ladies for working diligently for His Glory by providing us readers these wonderful quite time moments. :)
My heart feels quite a mess right now. I look at that empty room, knowing we have our foster to adopt license. And it's just empty.
So tell me – what is throwing you? Vanity a chasing after the wind. (Studying Eccelesiastes right now) Trying to live each day with the joy of the Lord, when the people I love are struggling with cancer, loosing babies, loosing jobs, dead vehicles, medical expenses beyond reach, church splits. lt's hard not to become unfeeling. It's hard to live out "count it all joy". I can't imagine trying to live life without Him. He truly is my rock.
And what is buoying you? Serioulsy, it is my daily times spent in the word and prayer. I have caught myself more than once weaving what I've learned on a particular day into one of my conversation, and for this I am thankful.
Has this been a season of faithful study, or are you in need of a restart as much as I am? Very faithful season, but I'm concerned where the next two months will take me. After being off work for five weeks, and having plenty of time for long lingering prayer & devotion, I'm about to jump into a new physical (on my feet lifting etc.) seasonal job. I'm sad that my devotion time will dwindle. It won't go away — it just won't be so deep. But I'm thankful for this short season of extra time.
My heart in this season is anxious. I have been having doubts about my salvation…maybe my faith is not strong enough, my love for Christ not as great as it should be, my devotion not pure enough. I know all that is needed for salvation is to trust in Jesus Christ finished work on the cross, but my anxious heart still accuses me. Please pray for me sisters that the love that Christ has for me will become anchored in my mind and soul, so I can stop doubting and start honoring him with my life. I don’t want to be like the person in James who asks with no faith and is double minded and drifting like the sea. I am so thankful for the sisters here at SRT.
Joy, I am right there with you when it comes to anxiety. You are not alone! I've struggled off and on with these doubts and really irrational fears- sometimes, it's hard to know if it's God's guidance or my anxiety talking, but the Lord has worked in that area of my life and given my firm ground to stand on. These scriptures have helped me most:
-"I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." -Ephesians 3:14-19
-Jesus' words of affirmation for those who believe in Him: John 5:39-40, John 10:9-10, John 10:28 (NO ONE can snatch you out of God's hand!) John 11:25-26, John 12:35-36, John 12:46-47, Psalm 28:9
-God is not a fickle God: James 1:17
-He wants to conquer your fear and anxiety; wants you to be strong: Daniel 10:19
-Have a sober mind! Hold onto these truths! 1 Peter 4:7 and 5:8
-BE STILL and know that He is YOUR God. He is FOR YOU. He LOVES YOU. Matthew 11:28-30, Psalm 46:10.
Be Blessed, Joy! Jesus is a friend of sinners! He is your ally against these fears from the devil!
My dear Joy – "to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to be called children of God!" If this is true of you, you are His daughter – the King's daughter! Rest in that. Walk tall in that. View the world through that truth. I encourage you today to talk to Him about your fears and your questions – the benefit of being His is relationship, after all!
Blessings, sister! xoxo
Joy N. This kept coming to mind as I read your post, your name is beautiful and very much a word used in the bible…. Neh:10:8 says The joy the Lord gives you will make you strong…
Lean on him..you are already there…salvation is yours BELIEVE it. You are loved. Bought and paid for. Believe. God loves you so so much. I love you my sister. X
Oh how I love this community of women! I look forward to starting every day curled up under my blanket on the couch with a cup of coffee and my iPad, getting into the Word with all of you. The honest sharing and prayers for each lady's struggles reminds me of just how big our God is, and that this community spans the world, just as His loving arms do.
A restart, huh? That pretty much sums up my life right now. I'm in a period of transition. Our youngest went off to college this fall. My husband and I are working to re-kindle/mend our relationship, as it was a rocky few years getting that last one through high school. I am also coming to the end (hopefully!) of a long educational journey myself, and should be completing my doctoral work in the next few months. Between finishing that and having an empty nest, we are looking toward the future, and making plans for this next season of our lives. I can truly see how God's promises are unfolding for us, and frankly, it's a little scary! Living with so much uncertainty and anxiety for so long, I guess it's hard to learn to trust the peace! I'm praying for all your struggles today, sisters. I think of many of you throughout the day, and lift you up continuously.
Blessings to each of you!
Oh, Lori! I absolutely loved this! And the picture of you curled up under a blanket sounds so wonderful! Truly, thank you so much for sharing your heart about this season of your life – I don't know that empty nest time yet (mine are 3 and 7), but I do look forward with you in this next step toward what God might have in store for you and your husband! Blessings, sister! Thank you!
Couldn't wait to wake up today to see what we were reading next. I joined a little over a week ago and got through all of James…couldn't put it down,.I have been looking for "companionship" amongst other readers of the Word. I go this alone as my family is not saved. My mother who is 88 is and we have some pretty good discussions. I too, had the anniversary of my daughter's passing on Nov 1. I try not to dwell. I feel human here….no one is perfect, I have read admitted sin and God given Glory. I feel I have a place here, a sense of belonging. SRT will continually be on my prayer list and the wonderful writers who make this place possible for me and us. God bless each and every one and have a good day in The Lord. :)
Thank you so much for sharing this, amberglows. Praying for companionship for you and for peace in this anniversary time.
I am so thankful for all of you ladies in this community!
I only recently started reading along with these studies after a friend recommended it to me. After a bit of burnout this summer I started into studying abroad, & for the majority of the last 3 months I haven't been to an English speaking congregation. That was more than enough to add up to needing a serious restart. When it was suggested that we find something to study ourselves when the other language worship services caused us to lose total focus, I started into these plans.
This community has totally helped me revamp my faith while I've been gone, & I can't wait to continue to study with my sisters here. Thank you for being the community I needed to get my faith back on track.
Hi all you sweet ladies!
I have never posted before but I have been studying along with you all since the beginning of the Daniel study. Words cannot describe what God is doing in my heart through these studies. He is just awesome!
Rachael, I sit here with tears rolling down my cheeks because I feel we are in s very similar season of life. I have four little ones and I am homeschooling my eight and six year old amongst a lot of your same circumstances of life. It just really resonated with me this morning that I am not alone in where I am. We moved away from family three years ago and loneliness has been my biggest struggle. I am so thankful for She Reads Truth and cannot wait to see what’s next!
I pray you all have a blessed weekend!
Amanda, your heart is beautiful! I'm in the same spot with loneliness, though it is a different circumstance. May God be with you and may He keep showing you that you are not alone here!
Thank you so much for this awesome God-given ministry! It’s really helping so many women.
I know for me, I’m currently struggling with the dark early thing, and an absolutely terrible work environment. That’s enough for me to need a serious restart. This community has been such a blessing & motivator!!
Big thanks to all of you from SheReadsTruth. You have such a wonderful ministry going here, allowing women from all over the world to worship the Lord together. It is a means of accountability and fellowship for everyone involved. Thank you all so much.
I have really enjoyed your study from James.
Some of my favorite lessons from James:
1-When I ask God for wisdom, I can be confident that I will get it.
2-I want no "Gap" in my life!
3-I need to do uncomfortable things.
4-My sins are just as bad as everyone else's sins.
5-There is no need for me to wear myself out doing good works-I should rely on God's strength for that.
6-My offline life is more important than my online life.
7-I am not the Holy Spirit and I don't need to feel pressure to save people-God will do that!
8-I need to tame my critical heart and my critical tongue.
9-Telling God about my problems is a form of worship. He likes it!
This study has occurred at the end of a pretty dark period for my family. My 8 year old nephew Sam came home from the hospital last night after his LAST round of chemo. I shared with you all back in March that he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. He has been through surgery, radiation, and chemo. It has been a long year for everyone involved, but we have arrived at the holiday season, which is what we have been waiting for since spring. We said, "We just have to make it to November." And we did, and Sam will be fine. We are all changed, but only for the better. God has worked on us, let me tell you. I wish I had the words to describe it to you ladies, but I don't, and I know that you all understand, anyway!
There have been other illnesses and things going on in my family as well and I have been dealing with some personal issues, but God's presence has been so strong to me during this past year. You guys have been with me all along.
I look forward to the next studies that are planned, and to finishing out the year with you girls! I love every one of you. I read through the comments above and I don't have time to comment on each one but I am praying for each one of you.
And you can read more about Sam at http://www.facebook.com/prayersforsamholt. It will be a blessing to you.
Laresa, praise God for bringing sweet Sam through surgery, radiation and chemo. I'm praying for all our SRT sisters. Looking forward to studying our next devotionals with all of you. Be blessed!
Laresta, thank you for your prayers and love. Thank you. Bless you. X
i need a restart, so bad! so thank YOU! I know his GRACE covers all! <3
Yay! Sometimes it just feels good to call it out and know it's there! Looking forward to the days ahead, sister!
Darcy Lynne (love the name, by the way), I am experiencing the same thing. Although I read this whole plan, there were many days where it was a struggle to not just feel encouraged by, but even comprehend what was being said, because my heart wasn’t there. I can always tell that when I am distracted by worldly things my heart is less open/less pricked by Truth. I am thankful that God said His Word never returns empty, so that even when my heart and passion aren’t fully there, there is still a work being done. I’m so thankful for a graceful God, the gift of prayer that allows me to pray for that passion, and this community that makes the discipline of reading scripture so much easier and provides so much encouragement.
Darcie! Name sister… :) So appreciate you sharing your heart and giving me some sweet encouragement through your comment. We are definitely feeling some of the same things. Thankful for your words!
my heart has been undergoing major renovations this past month following my daughter's diagnosis. i have been processing through the good bad and ugly of it all on my blog and have been amazed to go back and see the work God is doing in our lives despite all the heartbreak and suffering. excited to move into this fresh new season {with a fresh new approach!} with you all!
Praise The Lord that I found this study through Instagram back in February. I started with Soul Detox and have been blessed every day since! It has kept me in the word and excited about waking up every morning to see what I’m going to learn! I have been a Christian a long time and this is the first plan I have stayed with so long and so motivated to read everyday! The SRT community comments are such a blessing too. I went through some spiritual warfare a couple months ago and knew I would make it because of standing on the truth I have learned and memorized. Also, knowing I could ask for all these ladies to pray and they would. Thank you for your time and effort! God is Faithful!!
I started the James study, not sure if I would finish – and I didn't, but for a good cause for celebration and praise – I was married just two weeks ago! With all of the planning as the date got closer, and then having my schedule so thrown off with days off from work and my honeymoon, I took some time off from the plan. I'm not sure if it was necessarily a wise choice to stop something like that, but at the same time I believe God asks us to rest outside of plans, to show faithfulness without always feeling like we have to check a box. The little break I've had also made me realize that I truly do need these devotionals, this community, in my daily life, each morning, to give me guidance in my studies and to challenge my thoughts on my Savior.
I cannot express how gracious I am to have been part of this community for the past year. One year ago, I was looking for a devotion on gratitude & thankfulness, as it was around Thanksgiving, and I knew I needed some sort of structure & community with my quiet times. Of course, I came across the Thanksgiving devotional (which, I think, changed my faithfulness and gave me so much direction). Now I'm so eager to start these next plans you've outlined for the rest of 2013. Thank you all so much for the time and heart you pour into your writings and the sacrifices you must make in order to keep this community of women up and running. Blessings to all of my sisters!
I am so so so looking forward to the upcoming plans. Thanksgiving and Christmas are such wonderful holidays that have turned into crazy shopping holidays so I look forward to sitting down with my Bible instead!
I am so moved by all of my beautiful sisters in Christ. Tina I’m praying for you … I watched you pray for all the girls and then read your post and my heart Felt your pain. You know He’s with us always just like it says in Matthew 28:20. I’m lifting each of you up in prayer comfort strength during peace and serenity and I include myself in that. I pray that you’ll help me find wisdom to know which direction to go with my life at this time. Be blessed sisters for we have an awesome God!!!
Thanks for a great study! I've been doing the plans now for a about a year and each and every time I get so much out of them. Right now my heart is a period of letting go. It's really hard right now because there's a situation where I care deeply but for now I feel God saying let go and trust me. And it's hard! But I'm praying a lot and I know that eventually I'll understand everything. I wrote about it here: http://agirlwhoisageek.com/2013/11/06/clenched-fi…
The SheReadsTruth devotions have been great help for inspiration during these time periods. Thanks so much again!
I'm in the same place! I understand you. Praying for you!
Great study! I have enjoyed every bit of it. It has and is making me look in the mirror at myself spiritually. It has been an interesting season for me and this particular Shereadstruth study really has truly been a blessing. Reading the struggles and victories of others helps to encourage and strengthen me for the road ahead. Thanks SRT family and you truly are a family to me. Be blessed and have a God-filled day!
Thank you so much for pouring your heart out Raechel. Praying for you and your family. The book of James study has blessed me and (in most days) convicted me to grow into being the follower Christ that He wants me to be.
Where is my heart right now… A lot of things has been going on for the past months… still waiting for so many delayed answers to my prayers, but I've seen the hand of the Lord working to change me and my husband's hearts.. I'd say that he is the one who is really going through so much right now with the Lord, seasons of discipline and revelations that led him to some crossroads and major decision making. I've been praying that the Lord may give me the heart to be the wife that He wants me to be during this season… To pray & listen more… and talk less. That my words may only be full of grace and encouragement to him.. and that he may feel my wholehearted support in whatever decision/direction that he wants for our family (despite my own preference).
I'm excited for the "Give Thanks in all Circumstances" plan. I've been seeking for a study on Gratitude, I really want to grow more on seeing the mighty hand of God in the middle of difficult times. SheReadsTruth has helped me know God more and understand how solid is the Rock that I am standing on that is why despite of all the trials that we are facing right now, I have peace in my heart. Thank you so much for all the hard work of our beloved SRT writers, and also to all my SRT sisters… you have been such a blessing!
PS: Please continue to pray for my countrymen who are being affected by the strong typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda). Please specifically pray for my grandfather who is living alone in the mountains where the storm is passing through today. Thank you so much and God bless you all!
Will be praying for peace and protection.
Thank you so much for sharing all of this today, Misce!
Raechel. Just to echo Heidi. What a heart, and thank you for this time to bear our hearts …. I woke up this morning thinking I.'ll ask for prayer when and if I should post today…
I have had the worst season…… in a long time……holding on to the Lord God has been hard…not so much to walk away,but looking to Him…..for answers….to say "I.m with you", to feel his arms around me, carrying me……I have held on by the skin of my teeth….but somewhere within me I know He is there….
Here we are today…. a date etched on my heart til the end of time….the anniversary of my beautiful daughters death…..Lord, you have collected my tears in a bottle… you have counted them…you know how broken this heart and I are at this time….. mend me Lord, I won.t even ask for perfect, patchwork will do…. just to be able to hold my head up and praise you, would be a start….the emptiness, the void, the hurt …..it's not that I don.t BELIEVE or have faith, it's been knocked sideways, help me Lord. All I need is you, Lord….waiting here for you…find me. Fix me..please Lord..
Tina, your words have really touched my heart this morning, and I know that they have touched God as well. He hears you and Jesus is crying alongside you. I will be praying for you today. You are not alone.
Praying for you Tina.
Aww Tina, there are never the "right words" here, but there is love. And I am lifting you with love today, as God does every day. xxx
Definitely praying for you Tina. The Lord has his arms around you and is holding on to you. He just wants you to lean into him and focus on his love rather than the pain. Like a hurt child that runs into their father's arms, the pain doesn't go away right away but it's much less important when daddy is there and you lean into his loving arms. I pray that you feel the overwhelming love of God poured out on you as it restores you. The Lord can turn our mourning into joy, he comforts us and gives us gladness for sorrow. -Jer 31:13b (paraphrased) Stand on His love for you. and let it restore and refine your heart. You are loved.
Oh, Tina. I'm so sorry. Praying that you would feel true Emmanuel today – God with us. I know the knocked sideways. I know the waiting. And I know that you and I aren't alone. Oh sister, I am so sorry for your loss and your sadness and I pray God's peace and presence with you today.
Oh Tina, my heart aches with yours. I have been knocked sideways. I didn't lose a child, but my brother in an accident a little over a year ago. Even though losing a child is a very, very different kind of loss, I have seen and felt my parent's agony. I have also seen and felt the agony that my sister in law, niece and nephew have endured. Nonetheless, my heart has been in a million pieces. I lost my baby brother, my playmate, the one who knew all the silly inside jokes, I lost my friend who loved me, always took my side and stood up for me, encouraged me, gave me perspective and inspired me. When I was sideways, like you, I cried to The Lord over and over. He picked me up, and He strengthened my faith. He helped me focus my purpose and desire to be in the center of His will. I pray hat you will experience these things, also. I pray that Jesus will fill all the space between the broken parts of your heart at the very instant the pain is felt. We serve a God who restores ALL things. Even though we can never replace those we love, God will replace the heaviness with joy and there will be a beautiful richness there that only can come from Him. I am seeing the healing hand of God at work in my family, too.
I look forward to the day I will see my Bubba in heaven, but until that day, I will serve The Lord with Gladness (psalm 100:2) . I will be lifting you up and praying for your deliverance through this heartache. So very sorry you are hurting…..
I haven’t really been reading the devotionals with you ladies but I do read some… they are good and I know I should read them but I dont…. *shakes head* My life is sooo numb! I feel like im just going through motions… not realky feeling anything, not really doing anything (please dont take that wrong… im a full time college student and i work 25-30hrs a week plus i do hair on the side)and it is driving me crazy. Through out my twenties (im 26) ive always felt I was missing something and im feeling that again maybe in a different way then before but that same feeling is there. I feel like I should be doing more, but I dont know what more is. Sooo yess a restart/refresh would be great but ill need all your prayers to help me get through this season… I want to read,, study, and pray more. I really want to seem growth in myself.
I'm praying for you to find strength and peace and a feeling of accomplishment through our Father. He accepts us and loves us where we are there is nothing we must "do" but say yes to Him. Rest in His amazing Word.
I hear you, Rocsi! Some seasons (and boy, especially college + working!) are like that! It's hard to take time to eat, let alone sit quietly before The Lord. My prayer for you is that you would find pockets of time and that you would seize them as moments to talk to your Savior – even if it's just about how overwhelmed you feel! He sees you and He loves you, girl!
Thank u Tina God bless you
I feel that I am very scattered and hurried lately. As a mother of 7 this is pretty usual, but lately it's been more than that. I did get through the reading of James, but often I felt I just did it in a hurry and didn't really pay attention to the texts or devotions. I need to pause, slow down, maybe get up earlier – before my family – to actually get to spend time with God without being rushed. And to really commit my day to God and ask His wisdom on how to handle the seemingly endless todo lists and complicated family schedules. Above all, I need peace. Sometimes I feel as though I forget to breathe :) My One word for 2013 is Balance and I feel I am not doing such a great job with living it…..thank you for this study and all the encouragement.
Blessings, talyq. I get the scattered and hurried things, and I only have two little people to keep track of :)
You have such a sweet spirit! Thanks for this encouragement!
I am currently very fearful. We’ve had a lot of infertility and pregnancy loss experiences, but I’m thankfully 36 weeks pregnant with a little boy. They told me today I might have pre-eclampsia, and I’m terrified something will happen and we’ll lose him before he can be safely born. Pregnancy stuff is hard for me even when there are no complications, so I’m trying not to let my fear run away with my mind right now.
Heidi, hey. Just wanting to pray psalm 91:4_5 over you…. God will cover me with his wings, I will be safe in His care. His faithfulness will protect and defend me. I need not fear any dangers at night or sudden attacks during the day…
Psalm 23:4 yea, though I walk through the valley of uncertainty , I will fear no evil for you are with me……
Spirit of fear..BE GONE IN THE NAME OF JESUS…
The Great creator, Lord of all, is with you.
Blessings and love to you. X
amen and amen! praying in agreement!
Thank you for this prayer and verse! I'm going to write it down and refer to it!
I can relate that pregnancy loss is not easy.. I had one miscarriage exactly a year ago, and still praying (for almost 3yrs now) that the Lord may give us babies. A SheReadsTruth sister referred this book to me that totally changed my perspective about pregnancy and childbirth:
"Supernatural Childbirth" by Jackie Mize.
In this book, she gave out Scriptures that revealed God's will and promises that we can hold on to as His children. One of the promises that I am clinging to and praying back to Him is:
Exodus 23:26 "There will be NO MISCARRIAGES or INFERTILITY in your land, and I will give you long, full lives."
There are so many Truths in the book that you can stand on so that Satan's attack of fear to you may become powerless. I am sure the book will help you… If you haven't read it yet, I'd be happy to send you a copy through your e-mail. Praying for peace, comfort, and safe pregnancy to you..
Thanks so much! I'm familiar with this book but haven't read all of it yet. Thanks for the reminder!
I had preeclampsia and hellp syndrome with two of my three pregnancies. Praise the Lord, it developed later in the pregnancy, like you, and although delivered early, they were beautiful and healthy babies with no problems or complications after birth. My daughter had to be induced at 36 wks but was just fine. Praying for you and your precious little one and hoping my experience is an encouragement.
Thank you for sharing! Yes, it is definitely an encouragement! :)
Hey Heidi!
I absolutely get the fear in pregnancy thing. We have lost five babies to miscarriage and one to stillbirth. It's a scary time and we begin to think that the "secret place" is a dangerous place. But we know that's not true – He sees your baby in there – He has your baby's days written, every one of them! Don't fear the secret place, even if it feels like it's "betrayed" you in the past. Christ has never betrayed you, so no matter what happens, we know He is sure.
Blessings, Love. And prayers for a safe delivery and a whole lot of newborn snuggles and sniffs! xoxo
Thank you! You hit the nail EXACTLY on the head. The "secret place" feels like a very dangerous place, much more dangerous than out here! I met you at Influence – was the one who bought Hazel's Gracious May boots :) – and read your blog post about miscarriage while I was there. I'm so sorry for your recent loss – and all your losses! – and I hope you're feeling gentle healing and careful mending of your heart!
Oooooh… heart stuff. Where do I start?
I totally feel you on this 5:00 darkness thing. That, coupled with crazy busyness this week, has really been hard for my routine.
Also dealing with some health-related trials in my family. It forces the question of how much I really TRULY trust the Lord, not just in a spiritual sense, but in a very real, tangible, physical sense.
Lately I've been struggling, not so much with the discipline of reading Scripture, but with the passion and desire for it. I shouldn't really say "lately." It's a lifelong struggle. But for a while, it was so much better. Now I'm feeling that numbness to it again.
There are so many distractions have come up. Sometimes it's things I HAVE to do… other times it's things I CHOOSE to do. But I can see my priorities starting to re-slip into old orders.
So there's my heart. I also need a restart… a renewal… a refreshing. Grateful that God is very much in that business!
Darcy Lynne, morning. It's hard isn't it…….to keep up our hold on the Lord, when life happens….. guilty as charged….but praise God, he never gives up on us…..he walks with us through it all to come out the other end.
At least today, as we chat let us bow down and confess ….He is Lord over all….everything!
I pray today you will know his grace, love and faithfulness as you go through your day. Be bless friend and sister in our Lord. X
Amen to this tina! Praying for you today Darcy…
Darcy Lynne, I am so there with you on the lack of desire & passion! Busyness & distractions seem to have taken over my life. Praying we both get a restart..renewal..refreshing.
Barb
Thanks for being so honest, Darcy! I understand the pull of things we HAVE and CHOOSE to do for sure – we have all the distractions we want, don't we? Let's restart together! xoxo
I have truly been blessed by this study and all of the studies. My heart is in pain. This season have been very rough for me and my family. A lot of questions and no answers. Lots of prayers delayed. A one year old who cries constantly because there’s no peace in our atmospher or while I was pregnant with her. I cried a lot. My heart feels overwhelmed at times. But the bible says that the heart is desperatly wicked who can know it? But even through this trying times God is greater and bigger than my heart. I know God will bring us out. I may not have the words to pray but our tears say a lot.I thank God for the encouraging words and support. But my heart will be okay because Jesus is the big God that I serve and he will fix it. Please send a quick prayer for my family. God knows our real names. I love you all. My heart will heal and mend together again:)
Free, Good morning. I just want to lift you and yours up in prayer…..for God's peace and arms around you all. Trust that He is with you, even when it may not seem like it. Hold on to his promise never to leave you nor forsake you. His love endures forever…..Will be praying ……God bless you. X
Praying for peace and comfort to you and your family…
praying for you! we love you!
Praying right now for you my sister! Claiming His word that He binds up our wounds and heals the brokenhearted! He gives strength to the weary. He is your mighty warrior. Your peace, your strength, your joy! Love you so and praying for peace in this storm.
Yes, praying, Free. He is good and He is steadfast, even when life keeps us from being able to catch our breath.
amen. i hope things get better. i know they will, though.
Glory to God for this awesome ministry! Keep up our Fathers Business your changing lives & winning souls!
Thank you, Ahsli! Blessings!