A Saturday in three chapters. Beautiful coffee dates. Beautiful birthday girl. Beautiful voices raised.

Another incredible show and wonderful performance @sarah.berry.writes!!! You bring everything to every role you've had and you were THE perfect French feather duster ❤️👏👏👏 Love watching you shine, my dear friend! We love you Berrys! Love our local theater community!❤️ #conroetheater #stageright

I. Adore. You. ❤️💍❤️ Every year another chapter uncovering what a strong, beautiful soul you are. #threeyears #happyanniversary #smitten #grateful #humbled #justgettingstarted

Excited to use this gem to read through the Bible this year. Anyone want to join me? ❤️❤️ Message me! @jennazint also has Bible Habit Facebook group you can join with others going on the journey (I’m in it already!) #gracefilledjourneys #dailybread

Silent night, holy night Son of God, love’s pure light Radiant beams from Thy holy face With the dawn of redeeming grace Jesus Lord, at Thy birth Jesus Lord, at Thy birth When all the instruments quiet, and it’s just voices lifted and candles lighting the room…I always get choked up. My weary world rejoices in His pure love and redeeming grace. Merry Christmas. You are loved and treasured beyond measure. He came to reveal that. ✨⭐️ #silentnight #oholynight #jesus

With Christmas just around the corner, here's a little reminder that The Restlands makes a lovely, refreshing gift for loved ones!! Grab a few to spread around this season and give the gift of REST and LOVE! Still a few more days to get orders in and have delivered before Christmas ❤️🎄! Also...this is a little hush hush...but I've been busy rebuilding my website and though there are more bells and whistles a comin' - you can definitely see a sneak peak NOW, cause it's already live. 😁 😁 😁 And there's more fun books in the shop you might wanna swipe for gifts! Fun Restlands facts: 🎄 The size of the book is the same as an ipad, cause I thought that would be kinda unique and cool. 🎄 The book has 12 chapters and is full of beautiful color photos and some fun drawings - I wanted it to feel like a picture book for adults. 🎄 Some people have read it all in one night, in one sitting. 🎄 Some people have shared they read a chapter a night to make it last longer. 😊 🎄 There is an ebook version of the book. 🎄 There is an incredible audio version of the book - it has a full-length musical track composed and performed by Michael and Sylvia Woelfel. I read the story in a dramatized manner and it's a whole vibe (as the kid say these days) 😂 🎄You can download the audio and ebook version from the site today. Blessings abundant over each of you this season!

Happy engagement-versary (yesterday) to my love. So thankful you asked. So thankful I said yes. So grateful for all we’ve learned and all the growth in the midst of some pretty hard stuff the past few years. ❤️❤️❤️ I am no marriage guru. Lol. Just another human on the journey of learning how to love. Humility and forgiveness are pretty solid tools, we’ve found ❤️ and laughter. I’m thankful for many belly laughs with this beautiful human!! Fun facts about our engagement: 💍 I knew it was coming, we bought the ring together. 💍I didn’t know how or when, but definitely felt the trip to Fredericksburg might be it, so I for sure got myself dolled up. 💍 The ring is the same shape as one my grandmother left me, which I had planned on using until we discovered the stone wasn’t real (I still feel bougie about it) but I love that it was inspired by Nana. 💍 He proposed in his dads truck. He was going to take me to a hot air balloon festival, but we got so caught up in this moment of talking about our journey and love for each other, he parked the truck and proposed! 😆 💍 It was perfect- the balloon fest was canceled because of weather and so crowded, the truck ended up being such a sweet private moment. Additionally, we’d spent most of our dating journey in the car because of Covid, and the best part was it was Mike’s dads truck (who is with Jesus) and it felt like he got to be a part of it. 🥹🥹❤️❤️❤️ #engagementstories❤️ #r&r #roadtoreyes #remembertolaugh

Happy Thanksgiving from the Reyes! Our faithful hosts were resting after bringing our beautiful new niece into the world yesterday congrats to Trish and Albert and - Happy birthday Emma Joy! ❤️❤️ so we hosted a Reyes Thanksgiving in our sweet little apartment with an incredibly yummy non-traditional Taco Bar 😃😃🌮🌮. The homemade tortillas and frescas should be new turkey day staples, 🤤🤤😋😋❤️❤️🙌🙌. A lovely afternoon of games, crafts, family, and antics. #sothankful❤️

A lovely mother daughter day at the Montgomery Quilt walk. ❤️❤️❤️ So many stories and labors of love. And so much value for the time and artistry of each piece, especially now that I know a little more of what it takes. 🥹❤️🫶 #novicequilter #quilter #creativehands #walkerwomen #motherdaughteradventures❤️

The continuing journey of my first quilt. ❤️ I can see how this becomes so therapeutic and addictive. It’s so fun to watch the pattern come together. My mom’s a wonderful teacher. Stay tuned for the finished piece! #firsttimequilter #create #chaostoorder #quilt #inheritance #fallvibes #porchandstory

Happy Fourth! And happy hand-holding-aversary to Mike and I 😂❤️🫶🤝🥰. He asked to hold my hand for the first time on the fourth on a fishing trip. I will always remember. The little things I cherish. Enjoyed the day with homemade scones by my Dad, neighbor parade, and meeting our new pup-nephew, Sully. 🇺🇸❤️ #4thofjuly #dayinthelife #holdmyhand #familytime

Wonderful time this weekend at Pages from His Presence workshop! Such a joy to get to know and to serve all who came. What an amazing group!! So thankful for a perfect partner in @sarah.berry.writes who released such gold and hope from heaven! Stay tuned for more writing workshops and adventures! Porchandstory.com

It's been a long time coming. Fresh locks for a new season. I may miss his hair swirling when He worships wildly, though. 😍😆♥️ I love this man.

Planning and scheming for our upcoming writers workshop. 🙌🙌🙌♥️ This one is such a treasure trove of creativity and publishing prowess. I can't wait for her to share the nitty gritty about birthing a book. It's liquid gold, ya'll.🔥🔥🔥 If you are in the area, registration is still open for Pages in His Presence writing workshop on March 4th!! Link in bio. #authors #writingworkshop #itstime #releasethestory

Such a fun local adventure! Coffee tasting @copancoffeeroasters ♥️♥️☕ Highly recommend, we had the best morning! Learned so much and took a bag home of our favorite roast! I asked Mike for "experiences" for my birthday, we saw the season finale of the chosen in theaters yesterday and enjoyed this fun coffee tasting this morning. ♥️♥️ #perfection #coffeetasting #tomballtx #thewoodlandstx #conroetx #dateday❤️

I love when he says, "Let's just go for a drive." #lakelivingston #januaryjaunts

A little family outing to @wilderlovecoffee. Tis the season ♥️🌲

Holiday jaunts with the family ♥️♥️♥️ #walkerwomen #familychristmas #beignets #beforethefreeze #chrisrmas2022

Our second annual Walker women Christmas brunch! Mom, Aunt, cousin and sister ♥️ love these women and the laughter that ensues when we gather! #brunch #family #walkerwomen #makinggrandmaproud #apartmenthosting #christmasdecor

From our home to yours. Merry Christmas! #christmasdecor #christmas #wonder #awearyworldrejoices ♥️

I love this little addition to our Christmas decor! #christmastree #christmasdecorideas

Remembering December 5th from two years ago. It was a big, beautiful day. ♥️♥️♥️ Waited a long, long time for this moment. #engagedat39 😆😆 But, for real, y'all. I would've waited longer if I knew it was for him. ♥️♥️♥️ He's my best friend. It's been a whopper of a year of fire, and brokeness and grief, but God draws near to the broken hearted and gives beauty for ashes. Our home is full of so much laughter these days and I'm so thankful.🙌🙌🙌 Mike's laugh is my absolute favorite. 😍 Jesus is so good!!

Enjoying a night out in our sweet little Conroe♥️. Celebrating my nephew's performance at the Creighton Theater! 👏👏👏 #bravisimo #theaterfamily #hotdate

Such a joy to return to VSSM and share this little story called The Restlands. The story is a whimsical tale of a woman on a hike with God through a place called the Restlands. The tale packs a punch and warms the heart. The journey to understand and experience true rest is one worth taking. 🌲🌲🌲 Grab a copy of The Restlands and my other stories at porchandstory.com or Amazon. ♥️

A few sweet moments from our Thanksgiving. #family #thanksgiving #treasurethesmallthings #sothankful ♥️🦃♥️

My favorite Thanksgiving recipe - If I'm bringing a dish to share, this is my go-to.😋❤️ 1 can of corn 1 can of creamed corn I box of jiffy corn bread mix 1 melted stick of butter 1 cup of sour cream Mix everything in a bowl, pour into casserole dish and bake at 350 for 1.5 hours until top is golden brow! This is definitely a once a year dish in our family, but a yummy holiday splurge. ❤️🦃❤️ #recipe #corncasserole #thanksgivingdish #crowdpleaser #definitesplurge

Cyber Monday is just around the corner and I want to send everyone on my mailing list a FREE AUDIO STORY!! 😁🤩 🔔 Use the link in my bio to sign up - check your spam and make sure Porch and Story emails come to your Inbox! 🔔 Next Monday, grab your favorite warm beverage and snuggle up for this family friendly holiday tale - I hired voice actors and wove in music and sound effects - ya'll, it's like an old timey radio show! 😀🎄 I'm EXCITED to share 2023 life updates, retreats, workshops, resources, stories with my mailing list family - ya'll will be the first to find out, and get my freebies and discounts! There might even be some Mike and Sara collaborations coming down the bend! 😍 #staytuned THE BOOK MAKER is a charming and mysterious short story. This wintery tale will capture your heart as you too try to unravel the riddles of the library in the woods. Grab some hot cider and enter in! The door is surely open and the Book Maker is eagerly waiting, but remember not all is as it seems.

Happy Friday!! Note- it actually has Prebiotic fiber 😊 #tooquickonthereel 😆

Better sleep, better mood, better skin, losing inches. My daily dose of nourishing my endocrine system and balancing my hormones. ♥️♥️♥️ #dohealthdifferent #hormonebalance #nourish #buy1nourish1 #organichealth

This is my life. 😆😆😆😍 #reyespartyof2

Monday nights be like. #essmtx

Sleep is everything.😴 If someone had asked me a month ago if I slept well - I probably would have said, "Yeah, I guess so." 🤷‍♀️ To be honest, I just figured having a hard time getting to sleep, being up multiple times at night, and dragging in the morning was pretty normal. Life is crazy sometimes, or I have a lot on my mind, or bodies do this at this stage in the game. So whatevs..you know? 🤦‍♀️ I realize I didn't know GREAT sleep was available for me. As I walk a journey of healing and nourishing my body - my ❤️ has always been to help my body operate as it was created to - help it heal itself. I've added some supplements that do just that and one is simply a spray I use at night before I go to bed. And for the past month: 😴 I've begun to fall asleep easily! 😴 I almost never wake up in the middle of the night - for real! 😴 I sleep like a BABY and actually have many dreams at night (that's new for me)! 😴 I wake up feeling rested, ready to go and like a refreshed Sara! I didn't know sleep could be this sweet! 😭 ❤️ And because my body is finally sleeping soundly, it is able to do what it was created to do in sleep so much better - restore, repair, and and heal! 🙌🙌🙌 If you struggle with this too, comment below or message me!! Rest is your portion!! ❤️ #nourish #healingjourney #sleepandrestore #dohealthdifferent #notoxins

This weekend I painted this award winning pumpkin 😆😆 Thanks @Janie for your fun creative ideas. I haven't painted in forever, and I really love dabbling in art stuff. Not necessarily because I have mad skills, but I just enjoy playing. It feels like deep breathing. Anyone relate? ♥️♥️♥️ What was the highlight of your weekend?! 🔽🔽🔽

Something you may not know about me is... I didn't grow up in America. I spent most of my growing-up years living overseas. We lived in Cartagena, Colombia and Cobham, Surrey, England for a total of 10 years. 🇨🇴🇬🇧 The expat life can be challenging, but I did love experiencing other cultures and places as a kid! I still crave Colombian empanadas and long to be fluent in spanish (I can still understand a fare bit, but very out of practice!). I love tea with milk and sugar, going to the theater, Malteasers by the pound 😉 , visiting castles, and putting on a very convincing british accent. I loved attending an international school and growing up "with the nations". I still love learning about other cultures, world history, and watch far too many travel vlogs on youtube.lol. What's one thing people may not know about YOU?! 😀😀😀⬇️⬇️⬇️ photocred:@molliejanephotography <3

What sparks light in you?

Mike and I are praising God for our new supplement routine! 😭 Many don't know this but for a while now I have been on a healing journey. My body has been through a lot this year, I've been praying that God would help me figure it all out and show me how to ignite healing inside. God met me in the frozen food aisle, like for real 😆😆 (I'll share that story soon). This moment led me on a crazy journey. 🏃🏼‍♀️ When I saw a friend of mine post about how amazing she was feeling on a supplement that supported healing hormone balance, I knew I needed to get more info and what I discovered about what she was using spoke exactly to what God had spoken about what my body needed! Well, it's only been two weeks since Mike and I started adding some nourishing products into our day to day, and we are feeling like new people!!! My mood and energy have done a complete 180, my lingering cough disappeared, my cravings are down, and Mike has LOVING how much focus and energy he is feeling all day. God is so good!! ♥️♥️♥️ We're passionate about sharing what we believe in and are looking to help a few others along our journey too!! Would love to chat with you if you are needing some help like I was! #healingjourney #nourish #abundantlife #loveyourbody #dohealthdifferent #transformation #healinginsideout @healingintheleaves

Happiest wedding day to Koby and Camila!!! We love you so much!! 💒💍♥️♥️♥️ #happilyeverafter #weddingbliss #favoritedateever♥️♥️🥸

We took a drive to the hill country to celebrate our first year of marriage. I turned to Mike and shared how thankful I was that things were normal now. What I meant, was that a year ago there were things that were unknown to us then– that now felt like normal life. We didn’t know what it would feel like to live together or share a bed or share a space, or cook, or buy groceries or what a typical evening would be or a chill Saturday morning. In some ways marriage felt to me like moving to a new country. I grew up moving quite a bit, so this experience of moving to a place where the culture, language, social norms, and rhythms of life were different was familiar to me. I would always note how awkward things felt at the beginning of the new move, but I knew there would be a time where things would start to feel normal – things would start to feel like home. And as we drove through the winding roads of the Texas hill country I began to fill with gratitude for how life with my Mike had grown to feel so normal and so much like home. I remember a comment Papa Dan, our pastor, had made during premarital counseling about how Abraham and Sarah’s marriage essentially birthed a new nation. The comment really stuck with us both and I’m reminded of it today as I consider the “early settlement days of Mike and Sara”. It seems too cliché to say marriage is work. It seems somehow more befitting to my heart to consider marriage is like forging a new nation. In some respects, I think marriage requires a revolution of sorts. A holy uprooting. Two lands merging to become something new. Two vines grafted together to produce a new wine. And the uprooting, the merging, the grafting is not often comfortable. We faced each others pain, and triggers, and disappointments, and choosing love when its hard. We’ve laughed until we cried, served until it hurt, and “believed for the rain when there were no clouds in the sky”. Our first year has felt like living in a construction zone, trying to adjust to life and transition as so many parts of us were going through “remodeling” by God’s love and the love we have for each other. (Continued In comments)

Happy Anniversary Babe! We're leveling up. 😆 Ready for round two! Love you too the moon! Photo cred: @molliejanephotography ♥️ #1yearanniversary #marriage

Merry Christmas from the Reyes! 🎄🎄♥️♥️♥️🎄🎄 #firstmarriedchristmas #letearthrecieveherking🎁 #celebratingemmanuel 🙌

//And as the world tries to tell us it's unraveling – it seems something very wonderful is being woven together. We are living. We are standing. We are fighting. We are trusting. We are believing. And we are creating. Because that’s how we respond to chaos. We create. It’s like our DNA is coded with this desire, derived from the one in whose image we were made: The One who creates from chaos. In Genesis it says that the earth was “without form and void” The meaning in Hebrew is more akin to “chaotic nothingness” – as if you put nothing in a blender and gave it a good swirl. (A fascinating nugget I learned from The Bema Discipleship Podcast.) This was God’s canvas for the creation of the cosmos.  His nature as a creator and a life-giver involves dipping His genius into the pallet of chaos and nothingness and articulating mountains, oceans, stars, life, love, wonder, and family. Only He knew what beauty could be brought forth from ashes. So here we walk in the swirl pandemic and contradicting information, of lost jobs and lives, and life unsettled and freedoms stolen. And the whole earth is groaning for you to remember who you are and whose you are and pick up your paintbrush.  Because you were made to create beauty from chaos, just like your Father. There is nothing small about a new song sung, a new story told, a new business created, a new friend made. And I can’t shake this very deep sense that there are things waiting to be uncovered in this season – gifts, talents, ideas, solutions, inventions, relationships that will bring forth life and healing and hope to those around us. Compassion and creativity await your voice to tell them how to revive a world in need. It’s time to rise, sons and daughters, and remember. There is nothing small about walking in God’s nature. -from "When Chaos is your Canvas", September 20, 2020 Read more at porchandstory.com Link in bio. #Writer #blogger #sonsofgod #create #revive #therestlands #hope #choas #creator #lifegiving #author #jesus

Such an honor to celebrate Sam and Matt! Such a beautiful wedding and gorgeous day♥️♥️🌄💍💒 . Perfect date and carpool gang. #squarah #dosmikeys #hiphipjanney

Had such a sweet time with the Jones a while back. The last time they were shooting a movie we met up in Dallas and Tiffany and Chris had just gotten married. It was such a joy meeting with the newlyweds then. This time they brought an adorable new addition and another on the way ♥️ and I got to be the newlywed ♥️♥️♥️😁. Love my sweet @tiffanne08 and your beautiful family! Time with you always feels like a refreshing adventure. Thinking of you. 🌻🌼🌺

On June 4th a fella named Mike asked me out for coffee. ☕️ On December 5th a fella named Mike asked me to be his bride. 😍 I will forever be grateful I said YES to both invitations. <3 The moment was sacred and simple, beautifully raw and unscripted and drenching with Papa's love. It was nothing I expected and everything I dreamed of. To the beauty of this next chapter... #engaged #R&R❤ #readytoReyes😍 #promiseland #worththewait💯

RESTLANDS RETREAT It's almost time! Join us at 7pm CST tonight! Use the link below to register for the zoom call: You are invited to a Zoom meeting. When: Dec 1, 2020 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada) Register in advance for this meeting: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEtduuvqjgvE9z7j0GyYAlSaxPWKvstREWV After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Register through link in bio. ♥️

This feels like home. I would not have pegged 2020 as a likely contender for the backdrop to my great love story.  But I will always be humbly grateful for the mercy of this year being framed with love.  This journey will graciously remind me that there is always a great Love Story at play, with a good Father who is always inviting me to participate, despite the narratives of the world around me. I've kind of wondered if I should have taken more pictures on our adventure, but honestly, I relish the fact that I rarely wanted to pick up my phone in your presence. You easily had my whole attention. And it has been the sweetest gift discovering who you are and growing in love. You are a marvel and a wonder, Sir.  You say you are not musical, but the way you communicate your heart and have drawn out my own is a complete symphony.  You are this wild compilation of childhood best friend, radical Jesus dream partner, adventure buddy extraordinaire, and my greatest romance.  I love laughing with you and learning from you and loving others with you by my side.  I love our families.  I love how sitting in a car talking with you for hours feels like such an extravagant date ♥️ I'm in awe of the wisdom and revelation you carry - and how you can articulate it so beautifully. You walk with such honor, such patience, such grace.  You celebrate others so well.  You are such. a. freaking. MAN. I love the strength you carry and desire you have to protect and take care of me while empowering Wild Sara to come alive and take territory for the King. I'm so thankful this journey wasn't a hallmark movie or a fairytale.  I love the raw. The vulnerable. The brave.  The way it broke love free from being a concept, to being a reality that grows best when allowed into the broken, imperfect places.  I love you to life, Reyes.❤️ You are my most precious love letter from Papa, and I can't wait to read every page.   #alittleR&Risgoodfortheheart #unapologeticmushypost #mymike #forevermancrush #adventureswithholyspirit #redeeming2020 #ourlovestory

Rest is Calling! Join us for this special, online version of the beloved Restlands Retreat - a storytelling encounter into the wilds of REST. Refreshing and inspiring, this hour-long retreat is a deep breath for the soul and spirit. And let's face it. It's 2020. You deserve a little R&R. Also - don't miss this chance to walk away with a $200 AirBnB gift card to splurge on your own refreshing gettaway! Spaces are limited, so invite your friends and register today! Register in link in bio. #onlineretreart #r&r #rest #therestlands @therestlands

Join us for this special, online version of the beloved Restlands Retreat - a storytelling encounter into the wilds of REST. Refreshing and inspiring, this hour-long retreat is a deep breath for the soul and spirit. And let's face it. It's 2020. You deserve a little R&R. Also - don't miss this chance to walk away with a $200 AirBnB gift card to splurge on your own refreshing gettaway! Spaces are limited, so invite your friends and register today!  Link in bio.

Ya'll it's almost Christmas time!! And the perfect time to snag one of these titles for a truly special gift for someone you love (or you)! These pages really DO carry more than words... "I have bought 10 copies of this book to give to my family and friends. I absolutely love this book!!! Sara leads the readers into a love encounter with Papa God. There is no better gift I could give my loved ones then their own personal encounter and relationship with Papa God." "This book hooked me the moment I opened it up. I had ordered it to read with my book club as I often open up books and began to read the first few pages to get a feel of the energy of them but this one I could not put down. This book was such an easy read but also made my soul feel good." "I can not express enough how wonderful this book is!! I am so glad I purchased, just in time for my holiday break!" "I was reluctant to buy it at first since I generally only enjoy non-fiction, but it blew me away and brought me to tears at one point. It’s a beautiful, adventurous journey and was so revealing of my own heart!" ❤️❤️❤️ Grab a copy on Amazon! Link in bio. #author #writer #giftideas #lifegivingauthors #lifegivingstories #theinvitation #basileia #therestlands @therestlands

Hello all! I've been pretty quiet on this page for a while. Needing a bit of break from social media ❤️ and working on some projects in the meantime. I am SO excited for what's brewing for the next several months. I have something VERY special unrolling in the next two weeks... I'll leave ya hanging on that - until Wednesday. Come back and discover what I've wrapped up as a special FREE gift for anyone in need of a deep breath and great refreshing as we finish up 2020! Love you all! ♥️ #porchandstory #deepbreaths #giftsandsurprises #thepowerofrest #therestlands

PART TWO Swipe for more musings. ➡️

PART ONE Hello, friends. It's been a while. Perhaps like so many of us, I wonder what to say in this season. Truth be told, I've been busy working on graphic design and websites (check out @porchandstory ) for the past little while. It's been good and needed - but I admit, I miss my storytelling time. Life ebbs and flows and I know it will ebb back to allow this soon. We are all experiencing this season differently, I'm sure. We are sad or frightened or confused or waking up or resting or fighting or energized or dreaming or longing or weary... We are all the things. Though the world around us may feel like it's swirling, there is one WITHIN us that is steady - but growing. Full of peace, and joy, and hope, and healing. And it is available to experience 24/7. A very present help in times of trouble. I feel often that in my life, I play too small in light of Who dwells inside of me - and what that gives me access to. Do you ever feel that way? I've felt led this last little while to focus on what it means to be God's friend. Simple, but it's actually a pretty wild adventure. And this little journey led me to begin to dig in and marvel at the gift of Holy Spirit in a new way. I was sharing some of my thoughts at our young adults meeting at church this week and I wanted to share them here with hopes to maybe encourage you too- that remembering who walks with us - and within us has the power to change the narratives in our minds and lives. Narratives created by TRUTH that release life and hope - peace and rest - and steady the deepest parts of us with love that is as present as the breaths you are taking in this very moment. You are not alone. Hope is rising. Healing is real. God is moving. Don't give up. You are bigger on the inside than the outside. More than a conqueror. And we are always heading towards victory in Christ. Always. "God always makes his grace visible in Christ, who includes us as partners of his endless triumph. Through our yielded lives he spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere we go." - 2 Corinthians 2:14 #hope #sonsanddaughters #holyspirit @therestlands #writer #lifegivingauthors

I wrote this little diddy back in January, but thought it was time for it to come out to play... It’s always okay to take a deep breath and start again. I love learning. Like – really, really love learning.  I love understanding how things work and teaching myself how to do things. So when I ventured out to release a book and start doing more of an online business, I ate up every resource I could. I spent hours watching videos on best practices and went to work designing all the pieces and parts to start to get this wheel rolling. But after a year of “leaning on my own” newly begotten understanding about how to walk this walk, I got tired and I got real.  And I asked God for help. Now, I honestly had already been including God throughout the journey, but there was a unique kind of surrender this time around: one that said, we could throw everything away and start from scratch if you just teach me where to put my foot next, Lord. I imagine He is always excited to be invited in to lead us. In His kindness, the next step began right where I was as He began to show me in a myriad of ways how He –  and my own heart, had been trying to get my attention. One of the questions God asked was simply, “What has your attention?” I feel like I’ve often heard this question in the church world and it’s often intended as a rebuke – as in, you aren’t focused on God enough. But God wasn’t spanking me with this question. This wasn’t some kind of heavenly lecture about watching too much Netflix. [On a side note, My experience with God suggests He is more interested in inspiring than lecturing his children- when I focus on His love and character it has a unique way of disciplining my heart and transforming me. Not that He doesn’t correct or bring truth, but His ways of fathering me into maturity are miraculously void of shame and condemnation. He leads with love and life through intimacy. End of side note.] I felt like God honestly wanted me to be keenly aware of what had my attention, because He had something to say about it... Continue @ Link in bio. #blogger #payattention #instagramwriter #faith #restlands #fathering #dreams #hideandseek #seekandfind @therestlands

Always head for the light.⁠ ⁠ ⁠ "This is the life-giving message we heard him share and it’s still ringing in our ears. We now repeat his words to you: God is pure light. You will never find even a trace of darkness in him. If we claim that we share life with him, but keep walking in the realm of darkness, we’re fooling ourselves and not living the truth. But if we keep living in the pure light that surrounds him, we share unbroken fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, continually cleanses us from all sin." 1 John : 5-7⁠ ⁠ #lightoftheworld #unbrokenfellowship #Heisperfect #Heislove #Heinvitesusin #nodarkness #gatherbythelight

The greatest thing you will ever have...⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #fromthemouthofbabes #christinyou #hopeofglory #kidstheology #keepitsimple #childlikefaith #rememberwhoyouare #union #communion #writer #blogger #author #pauseandconsider @therestlands

"This crazy, quiet, but pivotal moment of my life was preceded months earlier with a conversation with God in which he asked one simple question: What rhythm of life feels most like home to you, Sara? Isn’t that an interesting question? Not – what is your dream job or career? Or where do you want to live? Or even – what are you dreaming about? No. He asked about rhythm. It was like he was asking what I wanted my life to feel like when I put it on every morning. Have you ever thought about that? Your rhythm. I love this question, because it invites us into a conversation about who we are, what brings life, and how big God might actually be. In that moment when I was dreaming about my rhythm of life, my mind was mostly flooded with kitchen tables..." Continue reading: link in bio. 🤓 #rhythmisgonnagetyou #findindyourrhythm #leapsoffaith #trustthelead #instagramwriter #author #blogger #conversationswithPapa #instawriter #instablogger #newblogpost #fredastaire #dance #grace

Whether you set your eyes on discovering the mysteries of stars or molecules, the journey is limitless. ⁠ ⁠ So too is the exploration of the goodness of God - infinitely present in the big picture and the single moment.⁠ ⁠ Can you see Him in both?⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #livefascinated #bepresent #seethegrandstory #becurious #discover #uncover #askquestions #followTruth #welcomemystery #breathe⁠

The whole world is groaning. I’m sure we all feel it in some manner or another. I find it interesting as our manmade world spins seemingly out of control, how much I have run to the very creation that groans - asking it to steady me with its simplicity and normalcy. Something about creation feels nourishing right now. So I go for walks and leave the podcasts and playlists behind, only desiring to hear wind and birdsongs and the happy beats of my heart. Netflix is replaced by night skies and patient stars. My neighborhood has been filled with family bike rides and old couples walking and chirping along as they get their fresh air. Even the digital landscape is changing. A month ago we were a captive audience to influencers, celebrities, sports arenas and million dollar productions – we willingly consumed whatever they dished out. But now. Now we tune into families dancing in their kitchens, kids singing on their driveways, friends sharing new songs, neighbors making bread for the first time. We garden. We cook. We dance. We sing. We pray in hospitals. We pray outside hospitals in cars while our hazard lights flash. We celebrate our medical workers, and honor them for the heroes they are. We understand now, more than ever, the challenges our educators face and the gratitude they deserve for how they’ve completely changed their entire approach to their job on a dime. Parents band together to support one another with long days and homes full of kids. We are moved by our stories – our real stories. And as the world tries to tell us its unraveling – it seems something very wonderful is being woven together. We are living. We are standing. We are fighting. We are trusting. We are believing. And we are creating. Because that’s how we respond to chaos. We create. It’s like our DNA is coded with this desire, derived from the one in whose image we were made: The One who creates from chaos. ... Continue reading @ link in bio. #blogger #writer #author #chaos #carona #creativity #create #unleash #madeinhisimage #romans8 #hope #powerfulpeople

I see you.⁠ You are safe with me.⁠ ⁠ Love, Papa⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #wordsoflife #peace #abide #hesgotthewholeworldinhishands #steadyon #shilohfarms #jazzbreakfastcollection #instawriter #therestlands @therestlands #papa #jesus #peaceinthestorm

"Heaven will come and invade earth and bless earth and earth will become heaven material"⁠ ⁠ Guess that about sums it up. ❤️⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #innocence #kidstheology #keepitsimple #thingsthekidssay #greatwisdominsmallpackages #heaventoearth #wisdomoftheages #slowdown #listentothelittlepeople #redeemingallthings #creationgroans #sonsanddaughters #teaching #thirdgrade #bcs

Anyone else reach "pull out old slides" stage of quarantine, yet? #loveagoodstory #slidesaretrending #oldskool #smallmountainsara #restlandseeds #rockymountainnationalpark #coloradosummers #familycamping #wildflowers #instagramwriter

Staring at Papa was like remembering a childhood I had forgotten.⁠ ⁠ -The Restlands⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ The trail is always open to go on a hike with God. ⁠ Grab a copy of @therestlands from amazon or link in bio.⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #adventureswithPapa #PapaandScribe #returningtoinnocence #wonder #likeachild #goodFather #gonehiking #walkswithGod #trailtalk #therestlands #writer #authorsofinstagram

What makes your heart come alive?⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #mystery #discovery #adventure #unchartedterritory #strawhousecafemusings #trinityriver #organiccoffee #drivestothecoast #memorylane #whattheblankpageholds #therestlands @therestlands

The very first sound ever heard by mankind was the breath of God. ⁠ ⁠ If you close your eyes,⁠ take a deep breath,⁠ and release...⁠ you will hear this ancient song resound within.⁠ ⁠ We are sustained, known, and loved by a God whose nature has always been to give to us the life that resides in him.⁠ ⁠ Selah.⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #remembertobreathe #calm #peace #Heiscloserthanyouknow #lifegiver #sonsanddaughters⁠ #befilled #belove #spreadlife #whidbeyisland

Hey, guys. Wanna play? ⁠ These quarantine gas prices have me dreaming of contraband road trips. 💭🚙⁠ ⁠ Missing good friends and epic journeys.⁠ Confessional: Living in the "city" of greater Houston, I'm not the biggest fan of commuting (it's kinda nice to have a break from it #honesty #silverlining) ⁠ ⁠ BUT I love the open road. ⁠ ⁠ So, spill the beans, my peeps - where would you go if you could take a road trip right now?! ⁠ ⁠ Drop me a place in the comments below! Tell me why it's your dream journey/ location and we'll enjoy a virtual road trip together 🥰 🚗🏞️🌄 ⁠ #wherewouldyougo #roadtrips #ohtheplaces #vintagegasprices #beepbeep

Once upon a time I was a teacher.⁠ ⁠ One day I took my class to a nursing home on a field trip to love on the residents. We sang songs and played games and did art. My favorite was watching the kids listen to God then draw or write what they'd hear from Him on a long strip of paper on a table surrounded by residents: ⁠ ⁠ You are more than you think.⁠ Capable of more than you know ⁠ and loved more than you can imagine.⁠ ⁠ Just one in a million ways God moved my heart through my kiddos. ⁠ ⁠ Here's some additional good news...⁠ ⁠ There is room at the table for you to pull up a chair ⁠and see He says the same about you.⁠ ⁠ #fromthemouthofbabes #lovedbeyondmeasure #nolack #kidstheology #seen #heard #loved #valued #createdformore #createdwithlove⁠ ⁠

Restoration begins with rest.⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ #terraform #restored #reconciled #enterintorest #communion #everthingmadenew #trust

Scribblings. Dreaming of wide open spaces.⁠ .⁠ I’m a strange kind of wild, I think.⁠ A quiet kind of wild, perhaps.⁠ Freedom is my natural habitat,⁠ And discovery is my nature.⁠ .⁠ I’m really not convinced there are borders ⁠ to what you can see or hear, learn or uncover.⁠ So my heart postures like a pioneer, ⁠ With eyes that glimmer at the sight of the unknown,⁠ For it strangely feels like home.⁠ .⁠ I wonder what kind of wild are you?⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ #wildandfree #pioneering #adventuresawait #newfrontiers #storyteller #writers #igwriter #therestlands #findyourwild #banff #canada⁠

"We talked for a while that morning. I asked Him all kinds of crazy questions about theology and life. Three of which made Him spit out His coffee. What I loved the most about asking Papa questions was He never seemed to think they were stupid. There was no condescension, no "how could you ask that, the answer is so obvious," no -"you should know that by now." Every question was fair game with Him. His eyes would light up and He’d lean in with His fingers trilling the sides of His coffee mug with the enthusiasm of a Dad teaching his kid about the family business. Even with all the mystery of the Restlands, truth remained a topic of great passion for Papa."⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ - The Restlands ⁠ @therestlands⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ #therestlands #conversationswithPapa #livingbytheWord #sourceofLife #comeasyouare #divedeep #askquestions #goonthejourney

I once spent a day at the Oregon coast. Oregon is one of God’s beautiful ideas. I love the landscape and personality of this state. The Pacific Ocean is endearingly framed by this land.⁠ .⁠ I had some time to spend standing on a beach, watching colossal waves crash against rocks, then peter out near the shore where a group of carefree children were jumping and splashing and dancing in the white tides. The Lord was speaking to me of His goodness.⁠ .⁠ Do you see the ocean, my daughter? You can not fathom it’s depth or it’s breadth, and greater love have I for you than this. My goodness towards you – my delight in you is like the waves, crashing on the shore, a rhythm with no end. You think you have missed out, but look there again – another wave is coming. And another one follows.⁠ And another.⁠ And another.⁠ My love towards you is unrelenting.⁠ .⁠ A young girl dancing in the waves caught my attention. She was running to and fro in the tide, giggling with glee when she stopped and smiled at me.⁠ .⁠ “Is it too cold?” I asked wondering if the Pacific Ocean’s frigid temperatures had given her toes a jolt.⁠ .⁠ “No,” she she proclaimed, “I’m laughing because the waves are so BIG.”⁠ .⁠ I smiled in agreement.⁠ .⁠ Jesus, open my eyes to see the goodness that pursues me. And may I giggle with delight at the Truth that the love you have aimed at me is bigger than I could imagine.⁠ .⁠ “And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is.”⁠ .⁠ Ephesians 3:18 ⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ #noloveisgreater #unending #betterthanyouthink #letthewavescome #therestlands @therestlands

This leap year kinda snuck up on me. I always look forward to them, because they remind me that God can do incredible things at the 11th hour. I'd been thinking of this story for a while and thought I'd share it. It's a story of His goodness and humor and I hope it encourages your heart. It also involves a cow. And maybe some bacon. This is the story of how God provided two year's worth of income in ONE DAY. #sooee #callinyourcattle #heisgood

Celebrating a beautiful soul today. ❤️❤️❤️ . . . #berrytalewedding @sarahelizabethspeaks @mike_d_berry #bridalshower #love agoodlovestory

Stop. Pause. Take in all the twinkles. . . . . . . #rulestoliveby #twinklelights #wonder #wisdom #hygge #hyggelife #stayforeverlittletree

Tendrils and tea. . . . . . #moments #dreaming #2020 #storiestotelll #letwildthingsbrew

When you wanna snuggle, but she's got to work. . . . . . . #Annabellethegray #faithfulfriend #ijustwannabewhereyouare #mutt❤️ #writer #edit #hyggelife #hygge #mylair

🌻🌻🌼🌷🌸🌸🌺🌻🌻 Need to up my humor game. . . . . . #flowers #joy #hyggelife

//NEW BLOG POST⁠ .⁠ We sat at a coffee shop in Banff, Canada. I nibbled on a simple salad with walnuts, beets, and goat cheese. Gotta eat granola when you’re hanging in the trendiest national park in Canada, eh? ⁠ .⁠ Actually. ⁠ .⁠ I love beets. There I said it. Don’t judge.⁠ .⁠ My dinner companions were a bit of a divine miracle. We had met the week earlier in Calgary at an incredible five-day deep dive into the beauty of communion and the gospel. I was excited to meet them after overhearing their accents. They were from England, which is where I lived growing up.⁠ .⁠ I introduced myself and we shared our British-in-common-ness. They had been to this program before, and were excited to be back. They loved the teaching on fasting, in particular, and quickly mentioned they didn’t really come for the Jesus stuff, but loved what was shared about the science and health benefits of fasting. I enjoyed my conversation with them and loved their honesty and openness. ⁠ .⁠ Over the course of the week together we discovered we were all heading to Banff for the weekend and attempted to make plans to meet up and have dinner while we were there. Unfortunately, despite exchanging numbers, neither of our foreign phones would call the other in Canada.⁠ .⁠ So off I went, figuring God would have to sort it out. My first day in Banff I made repeated attempts to visit Lake Louise, and in the midst of wandering around trying to find a shuttle bus that would take me to the lake, my British friends’ car just happened to pull up right beside me as I was exiting a parking lot on foot. I knocked on the window and said, “hello.” ⁠ .⁠ My friend in the passenger seat was undone, “How in the world? I can’t believe this – we tried to call –“⁠ .⁠ [for the rest of our journey...head off to the blog. link in bio]⁠ .⁠ .⁠ #areyoulistening #divineconnections #lovelistens #bestillandknow #globalnomad #british-ish #thirdculturekid #Godlistens #leanin #blogger #instablogger #writer #author #ohCanada #Banff #granola #beets #dwightschrute⁠ ⁠

How's your heart, friend? ⁠ .⁠ .⁠ For those of you who have heard my story, you're familiar with a season I share about where I felt like my heart was dying.😔⁠ .⁠ .⁠ Busyness is the perfect hiding place when you are hurting in the very deep places. And when you feel pain, there's nothing a little more work won't do to cover that up. Can anyone relate? . .⁠ Rest called me away in the midst of that season, like a lifeline. . .⁠ My passion for rest, though, has very little to do with self care, can I be honest? I love self care. Naps are good. Go for a walk. Journal and stuff. It's good for us. It's good. The wading pool is beautiful. ⁠ .⁠ .⁠ But there is something deeper. ⁠ There is a rest that comes from knowing who you are⁠ and that you are loved⁠ and that you are free. ⁠ A rest marked by a cease-fire within and a peace seeping without. ⁠ A rest that challenges a world to step away from its hamster wheels, and awaken to abundant life. ⁠ A rest that says "no, thank you" ⁠ to the need to perform, ⁠ or be enough, ⁠ or satisfy the world's hunger for fruitless toil ⁠ or satisfy the church's hunger for religious toil 😲⁠ - exchanging it instead for being a part of the divine renovation of the world, so that everyone can know this kind of rest.⁠ . ⁠ There is a rest that transforms us and the world around us. This is a very real rest. . . It's a gift and a promise - and it came at a great price.⁠ .⁠ .⁠ The Chinese join two characters together for the word rest. Do you know what they are?⁠ .⁠ .⁠ Man and tree. ⁠ .⁠ .⁠ #theway #thetruth #iwillgiveyourest #comunnion #overcome #enterthepromiseland #sons #restforall #newcreations #promiseland #rest #therestlands #theEarthgroans @therestlands #writer #blogger #author

|| NEW BLOG POST⁠ .⁠ The last few months have been a trip.⁠ .⁠ Actually there’ve been multiple trips, as some of you may be aware. And in the midst of the journey, lots of fine-tuning from the Father’s heart as I shift and move to walk with Him in this season. Lots of letting go and saying “no” in order to say “yes” to the ways He leads. That feels very fluffy to write. Let’s just say it’s been a trip.⁠ .⁠ Part of the journey this last year has included getting to speak to various groups, which is a strange mix of terror and exhilaration. I love it, actually. But the experience has been, shall we say, “fraught” with teachable moments.⁠ .⁠ Like one time, for instance, I almost melted a gathering of humans by having us sit around a campfire in the middle of the summer during a Restlands Retreat.⁠ .⁠ Yeah.⁠ .⁠ I figured we were up North, so no biggie. But summer came out to play that day.⁠ .⁠ Note to self: scratch campfires for summer speaking engagements⁠ .⁠ Another time I had to stop mid-speak so that the group of us could quickly get buckets of water to try and stop an overreaching campfire from burning down Colorado.⁠ .⁠ Note to self: But for real about the summer campfires, Sara⁠ .⁠ You could say my summer was on fire.⁠ .⁠ I was burnin’ it up.⁠ .⁠ Keepin’ it lit.⁠ .⁠ Sorry, I’ll stop.⁠ .⁠ For me, the fact that every step of the journey was accompanied by the unexpected actually proved a welcome lesson on loosening up and letting go. It didn’t have to be perfect for God to be powerful. I can sometimes get stuck in my head and overanalyze every. little. thing. So, to be in moments where you have to roll with it is probably a really good thing for me.⁠ .⁠ The groups I’ve spoken to vary in size, but each has been very special to me. There was one particular night, however, that moved my heart in a unique way:⁠ .⁠ That was the night only one person came to hear me speak.⁠ .⁠ [For the rest of the story, check out my link in my bio]⁠ .⁠ #blogger #writer #bloggersofinstagram #stopfortheone #bestthingscomeinsmallpackages #speaker #retreats #loveinterrupts

Indeed. 😲 💕⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ #beonthelookout #awe #wonder #keeplearning #moretodiscover #becurious #weveonlyjustscratchedthesurface ⁠ ⁠

"Wow. I just finished The Restlands. There are no words. I want to crawl into it and stay there. Forever." . . . What if you could stay there forever? . . What if rest really is your homeland? . . . Have you taken the hike yet? Trail's always open. Grab your copy of @therestlands today. (Ebook and audio available too) Link in bio. . . Seasoned hiker already? Leave a review on Amazon or Sara Rust - Author Facebook page. Let the other kids know we want them to come play. 😉 . . . #rest #therestlands #madeforRest #jointheTrail #loveEncounter #turnthepages #instagramwriter #blogger #author #sharethejourney

My two week adventure to Canada was a divine love song. Truly. ⁠ .⁠ .⁠ One of the joys of the journey was reconnecting with an old friend who had invited me to speak at a high school retreat. I used to lead mission trips for jr/sr. high students so the few days in the woods were all kinds of nostalgic. . .⁠ The focus of the retreat was hearing God's voice. During the last session we played some games to "prime the pump" of listening to God. One of which was a game where you simply paired up with a partner and thought about your favorite ice cream flavor. Then you asked God what your partner's favorite flavor was, shared it with them and discovered if you heard correctly. To be honest, most of the time, no one gets it right 😉. But the hope of the game is not necessarily to "win", but to take a risk and not be afraid to fail. When you're not afraid to fail, you tend to trust God to teach you to hear Him as you step out and practice. . . Well, during this game two fellas were paired together and one of them's favorite flavor was Cookies and Cream. His friend didn't hear that flavor and the fella may have been thinking, "this is so lame 🙄 ". . . We played several more games together that got progressively more engaged with simply asking God the question, "What do you love about this person?"⁠ The last game we played, we passed out index cards to everyone and told them to ask God that question and write it down on the index card, they could even sign it "love, God." . .⁠ Then we collected all the cards, shuffled them, and randomly passed the cards out to everyone in the room.⁠ .⁠ .⁠ Do you know what the card said to this particular fella?⁠ .⁠ .⁠ "Cookies and Cream. Love, God"⁠ .⁠ .⁠ You are known and you are loved. ⁠ And Someone wants you to know that very, very much. He will even use the "lamest" way to show you sometimes. 😂 🍨⁠ ⁠ #scoopsoflove #hearingGod #CanadaAdventure #retreats #cookiesandcream #doyouhearwhatIhear #speakingyourlanguage #youareloved #youareknown

A few weeks ago I was moving some of our kids church items from one room to another and found this picture. I had bought it in January for our theme this year. Our new room didn't really need it and I felt like I was supposed to take it home and put it in my writing room. It kept catching my eye, like it was speaking to me about a promise. Things that I've been dreaming about for years.⁠ .⁠ .⁠ I brought this little guy home, and within the week got a message from a dear friend wanting to know if I might have a passport available and want to come speak at a retreat at her school. 😲⁠ .⁠ .⁠ Well, retreats are my love language 😍, and getting to do one with her sounded like a complete dream. ⁠ .⁠ .⁠ But I didn't have a passport. I had meant to get one 5 years ago 🤦🏼‍♀️ but it always seemed like an indulgence when I had other bills to pay. So I put it off. In January I picked up an application, filled it out, and it had sat on my desk ever since. I had even looked up appointments to get it submitted a month ago and they were booked through the end of August. Until, that is, this invitation arrived, and suddenly when I went to look for an open appointment - there was one open. I just had 30 mins to make it there. ⁠ .⁠ .⁠ ⁠ Long, beautiful story short. In about seven days, everything came together for the trip. And so, in six days I'll be getting on a plane, probably in somewhat disbelief, while God takes me a on a wild dance around Canada. 🇨🇦 ⁠ .⁠ .⁠ #forlovessake #ohCanada #retreats #mountains #5DP #learningtofly #learningtotrust #learningtodance #returnoftheglobalnomad🌎 #travelawaits #adventureawaits @therestlands

❤️ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #madeformore #sabbath #selah #heavenonearth #rest #therestlands @therestlands

Often when I share about REST, I'll ask each one in the room to imagine themselves in the most restful setting they can. Imagine where they would be, what they would be doing, who would be there. What does rest look like to them.⁠ .⁠ And I love listening to their responses. It fascinates me. Because the more I ask and the more I hear, no matter what rest looks like for each one, they often have so much in common. Rest looks like freedom, no toil, no shame, no condemnation, hearts coming alive, childlike joy. ⁠ Every. time.⁠ .⁠ Rest always looks a lot like Eden.⁠ .⁠ It makes me think of the verse from Ecclesiastes 3 that says "eternity is written on our hearts". As if God inscribed our true nature and destiny deep within, like little time capsules waiting to be found and opened. And maybe when we dream of rest, those inscriptions simply bubble up. We think of them as silly day dreams when perhaps they are meant to remind us of something very, very real. Something that may be hidden, but worth the search. ⁠ A truth about who we really are. ⁠ .⁠ #thejourneyofrest #intotheheartofthegospel #childrenofGod #borntoreign #dreamalittledream #rest #restlands #deepbreaths ⁠ @therestlands

Enjoy the journey of discovering the Source of life. He knows perfectly how to lead and how to awaken.⁠ ⁠ Every dance is different.⁠ ⁠ But maybe every call is the same in the end -⁠ to discover you are sons and daughters abiding in His presence, releasing life and love and wonder and freedom everywhere you tread your feet. ⁠ ⁠ So dance wildly. ⁠ The whole world has been waiting for you to find your rhythm. ⁠ ⁠ #noOtherName #freedom #lifeabundant #WhatMakesYouComeAlive #Jesus #called #chosen #adopted #madenew #aWholeNewWorld #bapstismoffire @therestlands

I missed #nationaldogday. But throwing in my celebratory post for my trusted sidekick, Annabelle. ⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ She joined my adventure 14 years ago when a fella hopping on a bus couldn't take the stout little puppy with him. We took her in to find her a home, but the search didn't last long. I was smitten. .⁠ .⁠ I had also been really sick after a trip to Africa, unable to eat much for a good month and feeling off and depressed. But when Annabelle showed up, my focus shifted to taking care of the street puppy instead of thinking of how craptastic I felt. ..And somehow we both got better. She's survived getting hit by a car and eating mistletoe. Made two cross country moves. Lived on a farm and in the burbs. Lost her hearing, but not her heart. <3 ⁠ .⁠ .⁠ Forever thankful for my little street pup🐕 <3 .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ #belatednationaldogday #muttlove #blueheelermix #sidekick #Annabellethegray #puppylove

Find joy in the conversation⁠ As is whirls and twirls⁠ And prunes and polishes.⁠ .⁠ You don't have to follow a script, ⁠ or have the perfect words,⁠ and there will be interruptions,⁠ and rabbit trails,⁠ and commentary that stirs or breaks your heart.⁠ .⁠ But be encouraged,⁠ if the conversation that is unfolding through you,⁠ was not of infinite importance,⁠ you would not have been invited to speak in the first place.⁠ .⁠ You matter. More than you know. ⁠ Created with care and intention.⁠ The object of astronomical affection.⁠ .⁠ Don't be ashamed of a life that speaks love and receives it imperfectly. There is One who is fully engaged in the conversation and speaks with fluency. . And He is faithful to teach us our mother tongue.⁠ If we so desire it.⁠ .⁠ .⁠ #leanIn #listen #leaklove #welovebecauseHefirstloved #bornfromabove #freegift #nevertoolatetochangetheconversation #lettherebelight #divedeep #Jesus #makeusfluent #igwriter #instagramwriter #retreats #therestlands @therestlands⁠ ⁠

//Labor Day musings from the archives. 🙂.⁠ .⁠ .⁠ Could You really be so kind as to open a door for us to walk in humility, awakening the desires of our hearts?⁠ That even in serving You, we would be at rest. ⁠ Being a child in your throne room would be our labor.⁠ Laboring for more children in your throne room.⁠ .⁠ A 9 to 5 where I sit in my ever stretching tent awaiting your voice.⁠ Waiting for your instruction.⁠ To dance.⁠ To sing.⁠ To pray.⁠ To be.⁠ .⁠ To feed. ⁠ To cry.⁠ To help.⁠ To see.⁠ The unseen.⁠ .⁠ We have been given the ministry of mysteries.⁠ .⁠ And curiosity and love draw me in.⁠ So, teach me of the ways of your Spirit.⁠ That place of rest.⁠ Of timelessness.⁠ Of adoration.⁠ Of restoration.⁠ Where everything is made new again,⁠ as I simply walk with you.⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ #rest #Loveispursuingyou #abudantlife #adventure #lifeintheSpirit #noshamejustsonship

When was the last time you played?⁠ It does a mind, body, soul, and spirit good. Today's a great day to give yourself permission to PLAY.⁠ Goof off. 😜⁠ Have fun. 🤸‍♀️⁠ Dawdle. 🏞️⁠ Mosey. 🚶‍♀️⁠ Discover. 🔎⁠ Laugh. 😆.⁠ What if the Kingdom is fashioned by curiosity, creativity, discovery and play? ⁠ .⁠ What if maturity looks like childlikeness? ⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ #innocence #childsplay #enterlikeakid #findyourplayagain #permissiongranted #laughlikeyoumeanit ⁠ .⁠ @therestlands⁠ ⁠

Communion. Coffee. . . . . . #selah #pausing #gratitude #heartexpansion

Minnesota welcoming committee. Short, but sweet. ❤️❤️❤️ #14yearsoffrandship #cairofam #littleflock #reddingfam #youthworks #mollymoo #issaclove #commmunity #tworivers

Morning Musings. So much of my God journey is uncovering what has already been done for me and what has always been true. . . . . It's so trendy in the health world these days to say "we need to listen to our body" learn to rest and nourish, and tend and care for it. I love this and believe it. . . I think the same is true of the "body" (of humanity). If you pause and listen, you can hear what it hungers for: . To be loved To matter To know we have value To be free. . . . That's the end game of God's love, I think, that we would see Him truly and know our identity fully. He was so committed to this, so much love for the world, He joined us here to reveal who He really was - not a deity on a power trip ready to give humanity a good spanking - but a lovesick Father, ready to do whatever it took to eradicate every lie that prevented love from overwhelming our heart and mind. . . . Everything changes when you believe you are loved. ❤️ . . #godsoloved #goodnews #musings #onajourney #lotsofthoughts #writersofinstagram #authorsofinstagram #releaselove #sonsanddaughters

//NEW BLOG POST . . In honor of Father's Day, I was reminded of this shenanigan from back in the day. 🤸🤸 . . . This is the post in which you will learn that I grew up overseas. . . And that my family was split up when I was 9. . . And that my Dad is the sneakiest of them all. . . And that God is crazy about you. 💞 . #love #sneakylove #Fathersday #lifeinLondon #globalnomad #elevensies #theater #LesMis #blogster #writersofinstagram #authorsofinstagram #write #shareyourstories

Banded with 90s love this morning. I was gifted a homemade friendship bracelet 😍 and all the colors had meanings 💞 😭. AND my very own scrunchy. I knew you'd be back scrunchies. I knew it. 💁 . . . . . #feelinthelove #90s #blessed #belove #sundayfundays #gianna💞 @friendshipopportunity

Hey ya'll! I’m so honored to be teaching at the Abide School this summer. I'll be teaching on WRITING and REST. <3 Two of my favorite things. This is going to be an incredible school for people who want to dive deeper into living from His Presence and grow in creative expression. It’s not just for people in worship ministry, but for all walks of life! Entrepreneurs and 9-5ers included! There is per day available and payment plans as well! Also, there is NO MONEY DUE upon applying. Click the link and the application is at the bottom of the webpage! thepathwaychurch.org/abide

//NEW BLOG POST . My simpleton thoughts on changing the world. . . And the one place you MUST visit. . . . In my opinion 😉 . . #gather #loveyourneighbor #invite #pursue #community #heal #connect #shareyourstories #oldschool #facetofaceencounters

Take a moment on the trail. The Restlands is a story of a woman on a hike with God. It's a conversation. An experience. A transformation. A journey. What does it mean to rest? What does it mean to come alive? It is the trek through the deep things with moments that will grip your heart and let you breathe. Here's a little moment to enjoy. Feel free to linger. He's awfully fond of lingering. . . . @therestlands #therestlands #heartjourneys #rest #freedom #livingfully #conversationswithPapa #hiking #comparinglists #book #audiobook #ebook

"What if everything is extraordinary, and we just don't stop to notice it most of the time." - Every Moment Counts . . . Somehow in the midst of our family BBQ yesterday, four of us ended up at the kitchen table drawing. My nephew was drawing characters to a book he and I are working on for fun, my niece was drawing a picture of herself and a cat while directing me to draw a picture based on a book she read about a series of animals chasing one another. My sister-in-love sat down to join us while unveiling the fact that she's a bonefide artist ( um, hello, why you been holding out on us?! 😉). I love this crazy drawing. And I love that laughter was its theme song. And I love the magical things that happen when people gather round a table. . . #unplug #connection #laughalittle #creativefamily #create #tellstories #play #play #play #gather #kitchentablesaremagical