Musings – March 2017

Posted on by Michele Morin

We’ve known for quite a while, so . . . what a relief to finally be able to share with the world the wonderful news that our second grandchild will make his/her appearance in September!  For this blessed grandmother (“Bam”), this also means that I get extra time for painting and baking and reading stories with big brother while my daughter-in-law goes to her doctor appointments.

Capture
This picture was taken before the blueberry stains had found his chin or the molasses had streaked a brown smear over his eyebrows.

After that headline, all other news in this monthly recap will pale, but it’s been a busy and productive month in other ways as well . . .

On the Nightstand

While I’m sure that Krista Tippett and I would not agree, point for point, on a few matters theological, I devoured Becoming Wise for its respectful and listening tone, elegant sentences, and broad scope of voices.  Since I won’t be reviewing it on the blog, I’ll tempt you with a few quotes:

“As love crosses the chasms between us, it likewise brings them into relief.  Stand hospitably before those who offend and harm and drive us crazy.”

“Western Christianity lost some of the cleansing power of mystery when it became a bedfellow with empire and later, again in its headlock with science.”

“Hope, like every virtue, is a choice that becomes a practice that becomes spiritual muscle memory.  It’s a renewable resource for moving through life as it is, not as we wish it to be.”

I’m also working my way (slowly) through Nancy Guthrie’s Seeing Jesus.  Each evening I receive a reminder from its pages that the Old Testament and the New Testament deliver one glorious message, and that this message needs to be at the foundation of all my writing and teaching.  And by the way, Nancy’s podcast, Help Me Teach the Bible, is currently one of my favorites.

On the Blog

It’s always a privilege and an adventure to be invited into another writing space, and this month one of my posts appeared at (in)courage, the online community that is the vision of DaySpring (the Christian subsidiary of Hallmark Cards, Inc.).  The (in) means that we are in Christ, connected, and in community with each other, and that was certainly my experience as I interacted with readers on the topic of hospitality and friendship.  I’d love it if you joined the conversation over there.  If you are looking for a community that offers life-giving tools to equip you right in the midst of the chaos, you’ll want to subscribe.

Another community that is less well-known, but vibrant and growing is Ruby Magazine.  They shared one of my reviews in their March issue — A Glorious Dark by A.J. Swoboda, a book about believing which confronts the loss and defeat of Friday and the awkward silence of Saturday with Sunday morning resurrection truth.

Earlier this month, we wrapped up a ten-week long on-line book discussion group that featured C.S. Lewis’s Till We Have Faces.  Not only did we survive the process, but we also enjoyed the weekly sharing of insights and great input from people who approached the book from all kinds of perspectives.  If you love Lewis’s fiction, you’ll be challenged and inspired by his last (and, in his opinion, his best!) book.

The most-read post at Living Our Days in the month of March may possibly have been my most-read post of all time (and someday I’m sure I’ll figure out enough about the backside of my blog to actually make that comparison with confidence . . .).  Start Where I Am.  Use What I Have.  is my commentary on change and the following life; on children leaving and grandchildren arriving; and on my cranky relationship with technology and mud season.

Just for Joy

It’s not every day that I get into my car and drive away from this country hill with no husband and no children, but that’s what happened on the next-to-the-last Friday of March, and the welcome I received on the other end made me wonder what all my angst was about.  The women of North Uxbridge Baptist Church in Massachusetts invited me to teach at their spring conference.  We met over the Word of God three times that day, and the smiles and nods of that group of godly learners, the sound of all those voices lifted in worship, and the warm fellowship over coffee, around the table at lunchtime, and between sessions mirrored the welcome that God extends to all of us in the Gospel.

It occurred to me on the four-hour drive home that, although I cannot see your nods and smiles, you, my faithful readers, extend that same welcome to me here each time you visit, and so, I thank you for your continual encouragement in this tiny gathering place.  

Grace and peace to you, and may your celebration of Christ’s resurrection be filled with joy.

//

As usual, I’m joining the What I’m Into party over at Leigh Kramer’s place.

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Published by Michele Morin

Michele Morin is a Bible teacher, writer, reader, and gardener committed to the truth that women can become confident Christ-followers and students of God's Word. She has been married to an unreasonably patient husband for thirty-plus years, and together they have four sons, four daughters-in-love, and five adorable grandchildren. Michele loves hot tea and well-crafted sentences, poems that stop her in her tracks, and days at the ocean with the whole family. She laments biblical illiteracy and advocates for the prudent use of “little minutes.” She blogs at Living Our Days, and you can connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.

76 thoughts on “Musings – March 2017”

  1. Dear Michele, what a God filled life and ministry you pursue! Congratulations also on your new grandchild, love wrapped up in baby powder and soft, sweet baby kisses. There seems to be one God-link you didn’t mention, your outpouring of wisdom and encouragement to others through your blog comments, well-meaning words with a rippling effect of strengthening others. I’ll bet God grins with each reply. I posted about your impact on my writing last week (Joining the Conversation). Prayers and blessings as you increase the Kingdom.

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    1. I really enjoyed reading that piece about your blogging life and learning curve. It’s nearly vertical, isn’t it? I am also blessed by Anita’s ministry. Often she has written words with unique connections or great insights that would never have occurred to me! We need each other!

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  2. Congrats on the new grand baby 😊 Looking forward to adding Help me Teach the Bible podcast . I’m always looking for new podcast because I listen as I sew and seem to absorb so much more when my hands are busy

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    1. I listen while I wash dishes or prepare meals. And I agree about the busy hands. If you do any teaching at all, you’ll find Nancy’s guests to be very helpful and enlightening!

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      1. I already listened to two of her podcasts in the past few days! What an amazing find😊 I learned so much from both of them! Thank you so much for the recommendation💜

        Liked by 1 person

  3. Your ‘start where I am’ post was one of my favorites that you’ve penned, Michele … I shared it on my LinkedIn page where I happily tell followers about the top posts I’ve read.

    Fabulous!

    😉

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    2. Thanks, Linda! I confess that I don’t know what a LinkedIn page is, so I guess that’s one more thing that you’ve opened up to me in this blogging life. Maybe I can look into it later today . . .

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  4. What a treat for those ladies and for you that you were able to speak there. Fun. 🙂 — Congratulations on the sweet little blessing on the way. What a joy for you and your family. Prayers for health and well-being for mom and baby. ((xoxo))

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  5. Congratulations on your family growing! It is amazing how great a blessing grandchildren are to us! How wonderful for you to be able to bless those ladies with your words. May God continue to extend your tent pegs, in every way 🙂

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  6. Congratulations! No one can really prepare you for the utter joy of grand-parenting but that’s okay – the incremental discovery is part of the blessing. Enjoy!

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  7. Great newsletter, Michele! Thanks for always being such an encouragement! Hope you have a wonderful day~ Melanie😄

    On Thu, Mar 30, 2017 at 4:04 AM, Living Our Days wrote:

    > Michele Morin posted: “We’ve known for quite a while, so . . . what a > relief to finally be able to share with the world the wonderful news that > our second grandchild will make his/her appearance in September! For this > blessed grandmother (“Bam”), this also means that I get ext” >

    Like

  8. Congratulations on your newest grandchild! How exciting! My sister found out that she’s going to be a grandmother for the first time and we’re all so excited for her. I loved your “Start Where I Am” post too!

    Liked by 1 person

  9. I want to congratulate you Michele, on your new grandbaby in the works (Ps.139) and to thank you for the encouragement you’ve been (though you may not know it) toward getting me to the writing (and publishing!) desk again. After a whole pile of thought and work my new site is up and running again at: ponderings.theskeltons.org I look forward to sharing life there. Oh, and I always love your monthly musings, so I borrowed that idea as well and it was just what I needed today to get writing. Thank-you!! –Linda

    Liked by 1 person

    1. You might be surprised to learn that I was recently praying that you would find your way back into a writing routine — so it shouldn’t have surprised me to learn that you are back in the groove! I am amazed at the detail and the amount of thought you have built into your site, and am looking forward to hearing from you.

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      1. Thank-you Michele. I could not have pulled it off without my obliging techie husband. He seems to understand I need to write, even if he isn’t an avid reader of my ponderings ( :

        Liked by 1 person

  10. Congratulations on another grandchild!! They are wondrous indeed, my friend!! I so enjoyed this reflection about your month and the inviting books you make note of. I am not surprised by the response to your teaching in MA and only wish I could have been there to enjoy it. I do not always take time to comment, but never fail to be enriched, inspired, challenged, and delighted when I find something from you in my Inbox. You add to my life from hundreds of miles away by sharing yours!! Blessings and love, my friend!

    Liked by 1 person

  12. I’m so glad you were able to venture forth and share your wisdom with the ladies at North Uxbridge Baptist Church, Michele! I’m quite sure you blessed them as much as they blessed you! And congrats about the coming grandson … big brother is adorable! 🙂

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  13. Congratulations on a new grand baby! WooHoo. I think I need to go read your most clicked post, especially with everyones comments above about it being one of their favorites you have written. Technology and I are not friends either, so I think we may be related. hahaha and thanks for sharing your post at #TuneInThursday today

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  14. Michele,
    Congratulations again, Bam!! What blessings the fall will bring. Praying for health and safe delivery for all! I always enjoy your musings and it was so great to wake up and see you that morning at (in)courage!! Easter blessings to you, my friend!
    Always,
    Bev xx

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  15. Congratulations! Thanks for all you do faithfully following Jesus and sharing His message with the world! Blessings!

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  17. Dear Michele,
    Congratulations on the new Grandbaby! They are such a gift, aren’t they? And I wish I could have been a little birdie to hear your teaching last weekend. What a blessing that time must have been. I am so thankful that God led me here, and all of the ways that He has spoken through your words. Blessings to you and your family!

    Liked by 1 person

  21. Congratulations Grandma! That is some of the best news to share. I love the quote about hope above. The thought of it being a renewable resource really speaks to me. Your lovely end of the month musings always bring a smile to my face. Thank you!

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    1. Krista’s thoughts on virtues becoming part of our “muscle memory” really stayed with me. I’ve got a lot of thinking to do about the realism of moving through “life as it is.”
      Thank you, Mary, for your encouragement!

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  24. Hooray! Another little one to love : ) They’re blessed to have you Michele and us readers nodding along and smiling here are too. I love these monthly updates- and I’m a little jealous of those who got to welcome you to teach them. Glad to get to do that here.

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    1. I’ve been thinking (and lamenting) about the intangible nature of this wonderful on line community. My main consolation is that I’d rather know you at a distance than not at all!

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  27. Ah, I almost envy you the lifestage you’re in right now, haha 🙂 It sounds wonderful to me to be able to do all of the ministries and read all of the books, and enjoy grand babies. Just blogging and trying to write one book is a huge challenge for me, but I know that’s just life. Thank you so much for sharing this over at my new linkup!

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    1. Liz, I am amazed at women who can blog, crank out books (and manage linkups!!?) while there are littles in the house. I had all I could do to write in their baby books and keep a grocery list where I could find it.

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      1. Aaaah! I forgot all about those baby books 😦 that’s going on the calendar to get finished this… year. hahahaha 😀 Now that they’re 7,6, and 5. The grocery list is magnetized to the fridge, otherwise it wouldn’t exist. I only do as God leads, He’s the One that makes it possible! I’m sure He makes my sun stand still occasionally ;D

        Liked by 1 person

  28. Congratulations on your new grandbaby, your speaking engagement, your post over and (in)courage and so much more! Blessings on your ongoing ministry whether to family, readers, listeners, ……. You are a wonderful example of living a rich life loving others well and serving His name:)🙏❤

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  31. Congratulations on another grandchild. 🙂 Sounds like there are lots of blessing in your life right now! Thanks for sharing with us at Literacy Musing Mondays. Have a blessed week.

    Like

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