Well, here we are headed into month two of self-isolation/quarantine. I shared some encouragement and resources in a blog post last month, as well as what I’d been up to/into lately, and I really enjoyed your emails and DM’s sharing your own encouragement and what you’d learned/been up to, so I thought maybe we could make this a monthly thing. Yes?
Staying connecting with others online and seeing all of the encouragement, hope, help, and humor everyone is sharing all around the world is truly a blessing. I’ve been encouraged by so many great Christian articles and messages, but I’ve also enjoyed a lot of the humor that’s been going around, so just like last month, I tried to provide a variety of things here and trust there will be something to help you, either by comforting your heart or by making you smile.
Also, this month I’m sharing what some of YOU have been creating lately! I’ve been blown away by how you’re using your gifts, skills, time, and energy in providing hope and encouragement during this time, so naturally I just had to pass it along!
Please be sure to leave a comment and share what you’ve been loving lately, or feel free to DM me on Instagram. I’m so excited to stay connected with everyone during this time!
Disclaimer: I am not in any way affiliated with anyone or anything on this list. Just sharing a few of my favorite things!
Spiritual Encouragement:
Footsteps of Peace - A powerful sermon by Dr. Tony Evans on peace in anxious times.
Don't Mistake Your Comfort for God's Goodness - A great (and very convicting) read!
Trusting God in Difficult Times: a Meditation on Psalm 91 - I’m loving this series by Tim Keller, but this one was especially encouraging to me as Psalm 91 is one of my Scripture passages for this year. Hope it encourages you as well.
No One Ever Cared for Me Like Jesus - I’ve had this song on repeat lately. You too?
And if you need a little more encouragement, I’ve got a few posts that may help:
How to Encourage Yourself in the Lord
How to Surrender to Your Season
Get Involved:
There are so many needs right now, and it can feel overwhelming to even know where to start to help. Please remember it’s not all about large financial donations, there are other ways to help: prayer is obviously highly needed; other ideas: send a care package to a loved one, venmo a small amount to a friend in need, text encouragement or Scriptures to others, etc.
Boxes of Hope - Love this idea!
Show Up Now - “When we show up for each other, Jesus gets to show off.” Get help or give help. Love this idea, too!
How to Serve and Stay Sane When the World Is Falling Apart - More great ideas.
Know another way to help? Share it in the comments!
Community Creations:
Love seeing all you’re creating! Keep it up! (By the way, I want to reiterate what I said in my disclaimer: None of these people asked me to share their stuff; I’m just sharing what I’ve honestly loved and been encouraged by!)
If God Is Good, Why Isn’t Life Fair? - This is an excellent post by my instagram friend Tiffanie Butts! She shares truth in an easy-to-understand and very uplifting way.
Daughter of Delight Podcast - YAY! Elle Cardel has put so much love and energy into creating a truly helpful and inspiring podcast for women. It’s a must-listen!
Evla Studio - My ridiculously talented (and very funny) friend Sara, whom I’ve known since college, has created a Youtube channel to teach art to all ages. She’s an art teacher and a mom, so her videos are fun and easy to follow at home - even if you don’t have paint!
Fearlessly Fit Faith - My insta friend Airriaunte Mercer is back on Youtube! She’s sharing her heart and gifts through Scripture studies, personal testimonies, and vlogging. So excited for where God’s taking her!
Random and Fun:
The Enneagram Types as Roommates in Quarantine - Loving all of these videos!
Here's Exactly How to Send a Very Good Voice Memo - As someone who has moved around a lot my whole life and thus maintained long-distance friendships since childhood, I thoroughly enjoyed this. A couple years ago, I started sending my nearest and dearest voice notes as opposed to texts or emails, and it has really been not only helpful at keeping in touch, but also just a wonderful experience to be able to talk and listen back and forth like an on-going conversation.
Real Time Journaling - I love Aileen’s content, and this idea of real time activities that I’ve seen everyone doing is so cool.
Apple Loaf - I shared this in my Instagram stories last week and wanted to share the recipe here too because it was so unbelievably easy and delicious! If you’re not a baker (like me), but you’re wanting to get in on all the baking action going on, this is the recipe for you.
What I’m Reading:
Created to Be God's Friend - This is book by Henry Blackaby shares how God built and maintained a friendship with Abraham through the good, the bad, and the ugly of Abraham’s life. I’m really, really enjoying this and it’s making me think a lot about my own friendship with God and how He’s used circumstances in my life to help me get to know Him better.
If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat - I read this book by John Ortberg a long time ago, but I’m thoroughly enjoying re-reading it at this point in life when everything seems uncertain. I’m learning to recognize my own “boat” in this season, as well as being challenged to step out of it in order to walk closer with Him.
Violets for Mr. B - If you can find a copy of this gem by Margaret Jensen, it’s worth the read! Very slice of life, very inspiring, and full of charming stories of a day gone by. I first read it as a college student and am really enjoying going through it again as my unwind-before-bed book.
What are your favorite things right now?
Drop a comment below and share!
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Hi! I'm Abigail, your real-talk Christian life coach and faith mentor. I believe we're on this earth for a reason, and I LOVE helping people realize and live that truth so that they can reach their God-given potential in all areas of life.
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