Dear You,
At first, this blogging series of letters was going to be one post. Then three posts. And now I don't see an end in sight. I think sometimes God laughs at our plans, because He has something in store that's so much bigger.
But although I can get busy writing these posts, I don't want to miss out on what's more important - you, dear reader. I don't want to just write. I want to write something that's going to pull you and me closer to Jesus. That's hard to do if I don't know who or where you are or what's going on in life.
So let's chat!
How can I be praying for you? How is life? What has God been teaching you? What writing, reading, art, or other projects are you working on?
How can I serve you better through these posts? Is there a letter you would be blessed by reading?
You girls are amazing and beautiful and treasured. Even if I don't know you personally, I am so thankful for your friendship. And I know that there is a God who is crazy in love with you.
I hope to have a vlog post soon to update you on some exciting writer-ly things coming up in my life. But for now, I want to hear what's going on in your world.
I'll leave with my favorite Bible verse (and I'm curious - what's yours?).
The Lord your God in your midst,The Mighty One, will save;He will rejoice over you with gladness,He will quiet you with His love,He will rejoice over you with singing.
- Zephaniah 3:17
~♥~
I don't have one favorite Bible verse... how could I choose? But a few of my favorites are Psalm 63:1-8, John 16:33, Isaiah 53:1-6, and Philippians 4:8.
ReplyDeleteWith writing then besides journaling, blogging, and writing an occasional poem then I'm attempting to write a book. I'm about half way through the first draft, but recently I took a writing break from it so now I'm trying to get back in the groove of writing it.
This year so far then I feel like God has been repeating to me to live for Him with my all.. which I struggle with doing. I need to let go and let Him take over. I also need to work on patience. And I think God's been trying to remind me of what prayer really is... not just telling Him my requests but just talking to Him.
I've enjoyed this "blog series" you've been doing :). I'm sorry but I can't think of any suggestions for others... just try to let God take the lead.
How can I be praying for you?
Oh! Another one of my favorite Bible verses is Psalm 42:5
DeleteOh Sarah! Those Bible verses are so beautiful and strong. I needed to read them today. ♥ Thank you for sharing their timely message.
DeletePhilippians 4:8 is a verse I was thinking about today. I'm facing a situation in school where I'm studying things that aren't noble, pure, etc. So is it our responsibility to remove those areas from our life? Or can we learn but keep our eyes upon Jesus even in the midst of the ugly sin of the world? Something I'm praying about. What would you do?
You're what?! Writing a book? Ah - I'm so excited! Let me know if you need any writerly advice or encouragement, girl. (or beta readers...) =) Are you willing to slip a bit of info about this book? Fiction or non-fiction? =)
I would appreciate prayer for the same - to live for Jesus with my all. It's hard, isn't it? Letting go...ouch. But He's been so good. Just before writing here, Jesus reminded me of His faithfulness, and I'm very thankful. What can separate us from the love of God?
Thank you for your sweet words, Sarah. Praying for you... ♥
I love those Bible verses.
DeletePhilippians 4:8 is a great Bible verse, with a truth all of us need to remember. With the situation at school then I’m not sure. I’m not sure what you’re learning about besides the fact that it isn’t pure or noble. Sometimes in life we’re going to see/hear things that aren’t pure and noble - this is the world we live in. If we can remove those things that aren't noble and pure then I think we should. If we can’t avoid it then we just need to keep our eyes on Jesus and make sure that it isn’t effecting our lives. We live in the midst of a sinful world, and as hard as it is we need to try to cling to Jesus. What are your thoughts on the subject?
I know! I’m excited about this book. I’ve been working on it for a few months and am hoping to finish the first draft this Spring if everything goes to plan - but with books you never know :). Thanks for the encouragement!! With writing advice and encouragement I’m always open to it. With beta readin I’m going to wait and finish the first draft and go through and edit it - which will take a while. Thanks for offering! It’s a fiction Christian book... kinda a mystery almost.... that’s all I’m going to say for now :).
Living for Jesus with our all is hard... especially since it requires letting go. But yes, He’s so good. He is so faithful as well. I’ve been reading in the Psalms recently and one thing that repeats often is telling of His faithful love. Yes, what can separate us from the love of God?
Thank you for your encouraging words which made me smile :). Thank you for your prayers! I’ll be praying for you as well.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I agree. Many times we do need to remove things in our lives that aren't pure and noble so that we can focus on what's most important. It's easier said than done. ;) Yet I think God can also use those un-pure and un-noble things sometimes. For instance, a class I took last fall seemed dark and had lots of negative influence in it, but God used it to bring me closer to Him and open my eyes to how broken the lost are. I think it all comes down to prayer... how is God leading me in this area of life? (something I need to do more of - pray!)
DeleteYour book sounds exciting! Keep up the good work, Sarah. I know God can use anything you do if you do it to bring Him glory. =)
Yes, the Psalms are a good reminder of that - despite our brokenness, His love is faithful. I'm so thankful for that. ♥
Press on, Sarah!
This blog series you're doing is such a beautiful thing. <3 The word selfless keeps coming to mind. You're giving your time and words to serve others through your posts, and I trust that the Lord is faithfully keeping you filled.
ReplyDeleteI would be interested in reading a "Dear Friend." I want to be a better friend, particularly those who are hurting and I don't know how best to be there.
As for my favourite verse, it changes according to the seasons, but currently, I am delighted by Psalm 84:4. I specify a verse, because you *did* ask about single verses, after all, but the whole Psalm is so delightful to me. I also love Psalm 16.
This morning, I mediated on Psalm 16, and what a beautiful passage it is! The last verse especially seems so strong, "You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore." He's life. He's joy. He's pleasure forevermore. ♥ Thank you for sharing those sweet promises. The Psalms are so powerful.
DeleteI wish I was selfless - that's something I'm praying for more of. But yes, Christ has kept me filled! Today I was feeling stressed and overwhelmed by things of the world, and He pointed me back to Himself. And what's more wonderful? He's always faithful.
I'll keep that in prayer, Jordy. I also wish someone stronger and wiser than myself would help me in the area of being a better friend. =) That's an area I need to seek Jesus in. What verses in particular stand out to you in the area of friendship?
I love you. You're a very special, encouraging friend to me. ♥
Hi, sweet friend, I'm finally responding to you. Psalm 16 is a delight indeed. I love the Word of God! It uses such rich vocabulary that the Psalmist's delight is deeply contagious.
DeleteSpeaking of the love of God's Word, that's a good question to contemplate. What particular verses stand out to me in the area of friendship... Currently, I would say Hebrews 10:24-25.
'And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.'
What an act of selfless friendship it is to spur the other on toward love and good deeds, knowing that they will reap the rich and eternal benefits of the Lord if they hold fast and persevere. It doesn't mention 'friend' by that name, but I get the feeling that that's what these verses are really about. What about you? What verses come to mind as you consider friendship?
Well, I put together my thoughts on friendship, but I failed to read the passage you shared from Hebrews beforehand. =) It's a good reminder now that I'm remembering that truth. Today I read 2 Timothy 3 where it speaks about the attitude of men during the last days, and several descriptions stood out to me including "lovers of themselves." That, coupled with the passage from Hebrews, reminds me of the importance of selflessness in relationships. We can do or say all the right things, but, if we're focused on ourselves, how deep can a friendship be?
DeleteI'm very thankful for friends like you who do spur me on towards love and good deeds in Christ. Thank you, Jordy!