Verses referenced:
Matthew 18: 15-20
Proverbs 26:10
Romans 12:20
Colossians 3:13
I’m linking with Michelle from Lost in the Prairies and Rachel Ann from Home Sanctuary for Company Girl – go visit, go visit!
Some of your favorite posts…
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When We Think It’s Impressive to Be Busy* Friends, I’m in Book Launch Land. I’m feverishly working to prepare for the release of Heart Sisters: Be the Friend You Want to Have. I’ll be re-posting some oldies (but hopefully you’ll think they’re goodies!) now and then so I can focus more on the upcoming release. Thanks for understanding . . . Oh – and I so appreciate you taking the time share on social media. This is the way of the writer these days and will help get the word out about Heart Sisters! A few years ago, I was talking to a woman who was in ..
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For When You Wash Your Phone in the Washing MachineLast week, I found myself with an unplanned hour and a house of beckoning chores demanding immediate attention. So like any woman with a house full o’ kids and a husband that works long hours, I thought I would just cram as much as I possibly could into those precious 60 minutes. I arrived home, put on my running shoes and started to RUN throughout the house, checking this and that off my list. A few minutes into my Wonder Woman mission, I grabbed a load of dirty towels and, clutching my phone in my right hand, loaded them in ..
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Five Ways To Raise An Anxious ChildI know, I know . . . Who wants to raise an anxious child? Who would ever read such a post? Of course, none of us intentionally tries to raise a child prone to anxiety and stress. But many of us are. Myself included. I’m not preaching to you from the pulpit – I’m talking to you as a friend sitting with you in the same boat. And at times it feels like we’re wearing life preservers and praying for rescue, doesn’t it? The more I think about this though, the more I realize that perhaps parenting is really not ..
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Church Shopping: On Finding a New ChurchIf you’ve been hurt by the church, then it’s likely the thought of ever going back to church again is right up there with oh, say getting your teeth pulled (sorry, Honey.) (My husband’s a dentist. I have to watch dental jokes and comparisons.). I need to confess I once felt the same. Honestly, when those wounds were still raw, the thought of ever stepping foot inside another church again was enough to make me physically ill. We (Jason and I) talked it over incessantly. “Maybe we could just follow Jesus and just not go to church?” we asked each ..
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Why Christians Don’t Always Have to AgreeWe sat contemplatively around the table, speaking softly about the struggles of marriage. I complimented her on her courage because for some reason, we feel shame when we admit our marriage is in trouble. I know because I’ve been there and felt it, too. I begin to share some of my own heart and experiences with my ten year old marriage, wisdom attained through the really hard places. Unfinished wisdom that still percolates and wisdom I know but don’t always allow my actions and choices to show it. I then share some heart changes I had to make in order ..
Face to face can be so hard, but I have learned (the hard way) that what you have said is right. It cuts down on my gossipy “venting” and gives me the opportunity to live in a way that is pleasing to God.
.-= Jen´s last blog ..How Do You See You =-.
Oh! I just read your comment on my blog. I so want to get to meet you in person, too, although the vlogging is definitely closer! And, I was reminded that you are a Words with Friends girl. My user name is jenfergie. :)
.-= Jen´s last blog ..How Do You See You =-.
Thank you Natalie! I needed to hear what you posted today…it came at the perfect time.
Forgiveness, especially when it’s not offered by the other party, can be so difficult. I’ll be praying for your situation – that God would move in hearts and bring reconciliation. Thanks for sharing this difficult topic “in person”!
.-= Ashley Pichea´s last blog ..Caffeinated Conversations 111910 =-.
This is timely…especially for many who are traveling to be with family. Cuz, we all know that families often involve conflict…and the need for boundaries!
My husband and I have been through some horrible “church” conflicts in the past 3-5 years…and although excruciatingly painful…I can now say that the pruning process was worth it. I learned many important things, through my mistakes and the mistakes of others, and hope that if any similar conflicts were to arise today that I would be able to weather them in a much more God glorifying kind of way.
People at our current church tease me occasionally…about resolving conflict immediately and being the “gossip breaker”…I’m totally okay with both those titles. I want to be RIGHT before God…and pursue peace! AND, I want to point out gossip for what it is…every.single.time! Funny, people who really enjoy gossip don’t talk to me much anymore! HAHAHA!
Dear Lord, Please bless Natalie, and her husband, with wisdom and patience as they go through this storm. They know you and desire to glorify Your Name. Teach them and Comfort them Lord! Amen!!
.-= Bobbi´s last blog ..Caffeinated Randomness- Making the best of Migraines! =-.
I love how open you are. Thank you for sharing this. I too have been thinking about the whole process of forgiveness and unity of believers. There are places where God is leading me that I don’t know if I want to go down, but know eventually I will have to. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in our own hurts and biases and not seek reconciliation with others. I love how you said “do not wish ill will.” This really hit me in the head like a 2×4. this is something I’ve struggled with lately and need to work on. Thank you again Natalie for your inspiring and honest words.
.-= Michelle´s last blog ..Caffeinated Randomness – You Know Youre Old When =-.
Love your new vlogging series, Natalie. You are a really talented speaker!
And I also love these Colossians verses, they are always timely. (As is, well, ALL of the Bible, I suppose!)
.-= jennifer, playgroups are no place for children´s last blog ..Turn me inside out =-.
Great reminder! We’re dealing with a tough issue with a neighbor’s child. In this case the family is not a believing family. It’s been difficult to know just how to handle the “boundaries” and yet love so that they might in some small way see Christ in us. It’s difficult too when it involves your own child who has been hurt in several different instances. I’m praying the Lord will lead me as I make decisions on this one.
Thanks so much for the encouragement!
Love your honesty and little side note! It is awesome how God brings pruning in certain areas at the time that we need it most. Also love the part about boundaries….I am working on setting some healthy boundaries in love with a couple of people! Thanks for stopping by, I love the vlog!!!!!!
.-= Danielle´s last blog ..Now Discover Your Strengths =-.
This was so timely. I am dealing with a very sensitive issue and your vlog really hit close to home. Sometimes I find it so difficult to pray during times like these, it’s more or less just groanings of my heart and praise the Lord, He hears those and know where they are coming from. What a blessing you are and I’m thankful our paths have crossed. Hugs!
.-= Lea Culp´s last blog ..Welcome to My Kitchen =-.
I love this and your open reminder of how to deal with conflict and you being open yourself…very courageous;)
and thanks for your comment on ‘the way of mothers’. i love that you feel the same…and my hubby and i were just talking about ‘is it different for her a mommy with her son?’ and you confirmed that it is, but i don’t think i’ll like it with my daughter either…just different:)
and i love “Mommy on Fire” theme and i think you should start your own link up for Mommy’s on Fire! That would be awesome…but maybe that’s what Jen’s is?? just thinkin’ and sayin’…bless you friend!
.-= Abby´s last blog ..Gospel speaks Grace and Grace keeps giving away =-.