emily p. freeman

Creating space for your soul to breathe so you can discern your next right thing.

2018 is the New 2009

This morning I woke up and was compelled to write a blog post like it’s 2009. But maybe that’s not quite right.

I’m convinced in the power of letting things go, of hushing up for a while, and giving not only our souls room to breathe, but our practices, too.

I haven’t written in a free-form kind of way in this space for a while, but there’s no need to go back in time to invite back into our lives what we loved about the past. We can do it now, in whatever way we like. We can do it in 2018, too.

I can’t fully account for the compulsion I woke up with to write here. Maybe it’s because I read Emily’s post about her family’s vacation the other day or maybe it’s because I’m a writer, after all, and a blog is still the best place to practice writing and see what connects, if you ask me.

It could also be that this week I’ve been combing through my iPhotos to delete duplicate, terrible, and oops images and in the process I watched my life scroll by in pixels and it reminded me of the old days of blogging where we shared the little things and the ridiculous things and sometimes the big things, too.

We still do that, I know. Just in different ways and different places (hello my beloved instagram! I see you and never plan to leave you.)

My compulsion to write a personal blog post this morning could also be because of this: it’s the end of April and the twins are in 8th grade and their little brother is in 5th grade and that means in the next few months, we will be transitioning from elementary school to middle school for him and from middle school to high school for them and I’m starting to feel some kind of way about that.

That was a four line run-on sentence and I don’t even care.

I started this blog before our youngest was born and having him go into middle school in the fall, well. It’s enough to force a mama to write on a blog again is what I’m saying.

So here I am and here you are and look at us! Writing and reading blogs still! Sometimes it’s good to do things just because you want to.

To be clear, not writing as often in this space is not a strategic decision for me. It’s just been a natural evolution of life, of simpler platforms, of easier ways to communicate with you, and of time.

Also, I’m in grad school, finishing up my second semester and preparing for summer term. Being a student again has a way of clearing the decks and honing in priorities, not to mention if I’m sitting down to write a thousand words, it’s going to be for a school assignment and not a blog post.

By the way, because I know some of you will ask, I wrote about my school decision here: How I Made A Hard Decision. If you’re curious, I’m getting my Masters in Christian Spiritual Formation and Leadership and I’ll be finished with it next spring.

So these are the days of required reading, of spiritual theology, of looking and re-looking at what I believe. With each new chapter, lecture, and conversation, I am more curious, more in awe of the mystery, more grateful for our friend Jesus, and more convinced than ever that His kingdom is strong and unshakeable – to borrow the phrase from my friend and teacher James Bryan Smith.

These are the days of teaching, encouraging, and co-leading a group of over 1,000 hope*writers in our membership community, a space we decided to make priority during the first quarter of 2018.

We spent countless hours building and re-building that space that we’ve run for two years and now in what will be our third year, we’ve caught a fresh vision for how we want to serve our writers and how the whole thing fits into our own unique calling and, though it takes up more time than ever and is fast becoming a huge part of my job, I’m grateful everyday I get to do it. What a gift.

Last week I traveled with John to California to serve at our friend Jamin Goggin’s church. We met Jamin two years ago when we traveled to Italy for the Tuscany Writer’s Retreat and had a near instant connection.

Here he is in one of my favorite photos from our week together, he and Jenni Burke (they led the trip together) serving the pool goers. Only in Italy.

So we had a connection and because of that, he invited me to come serve the women at his church last week, to lead them in retreat which now ranks up there as one of my most favorite events I’ve been a part of in recent years. But my point is, several California hope*writers drove hours to come to this retreat simply because I was going to be there.

I almost cried when I saw them – familiar, kind, writerly faces. These are my people and again, I’m grateful.

And so these are the days of probably working a little too much, of watching Cedar Cove on Netflix because it’s non-threatening and doesn’t make me think too much, of discovering Louise Penny books and Chief Inspector Armand Gamache.

These are the days of watching the new American Idol with the kids and remembering how much I love duets and seeing Katy Perry in a new kind of way that I like.

These are the days of almost seventeen years of marriage to John and how is it possible that I still learn new things about him and just want to spend all the time with him still? After all these years? May that never change.

These are also the days of discovering new apps for photos that help us time travel and manipulate space and erase the existence of people. For example, the photo above? Is a lie. The one below is the truth.

Tell me you see the difference. The app is called Retouch and it has powers is what I’m saying.

But back to the point. I have one. I think.

With all the transition in this space over the last twelve years, a few things remain solid.

I believe more than ever that I’m called to a ministry of listening which feels like a weird thing to say when I’m doing so much talking. But I continue to work to create space for your soul to breathe in whatever way will both serve you and sing well with my own current life stage.

For now, I do that through The Next Right Thing Podcast, instagram (and stories!), and my weekend email and monthly letter.

I can’t say for sure how I’ll continue to do that in the future, but I can say I’m sticking around to find out.

I still love photos.

I still love talking with writers about writing.

I still love writing words I can’t take back, discovering what I think about things by writing my way through it, and listening as a loving discipline for myself and others.

This is turning into a list post, isn’t it? I didn’t mean for that to happen. I have to save some things for our What We Learned link up at the end of May. We still do that, by the way – share what we learned at the end of each quarter.

Here’s what I learned in Winter 2018 if you missed it. List posts are my favorite.

But that was not my intention here. Instead, it was simply to say hello, to document a few things happening these days, and to give myself permission to write on a whim without an agenda.

Thank you for receiving the words and for always being a safe place to come back to. Would love to hear from you in the comments as proof that some people still read blogs!

But listen, if you are a forever lurker and only comment on Instagram or just don’t like commenting in general because it’s a pain, I’m here for that, too. We’re running an introvert friendly gig over here, lurkers welcome, no need to raise your hand.

If all you ever do is skim, nod, and go on your way, you’re always welcome back.

However you show up, I’ll take it. Thanks for doing the same for me.

P.S. Of course I still write regularly, just not always here. You can get my monthly letter by signing up below.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Well this was lovely!

    I just bookmarked Cedar Cove. And your twins are in EIGTH GRADE?? I’m dead on the floor right now. I can’t even. How does this even happen to us?

    Also, when you get to Inspector Gamache book #7– A Trick of the Light– I would love to have virtual tea and talk about all the things.

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    • You’re on! I will take you up on that tea and negotiate for a hopeful in-person gathering in the not so distant and forever away future. Miss you, girl. Also not sure what’s up with my ghost avatar today. I’ve forgotten how the Internet works!

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      • Since I’ve been unable to navigate to an active comment button, I’ll just respond to both of you. Emily, please, please keep reassuring me that “some people still read blogs,” and that “….a blog is still the best way to practice writing and see what connects.” Very important to me since I’ll launch my first blog soon! To both you and Lisa-Jo, if you enjoy Louise Penny, I highly recommend Deborah Crombie,an award winning author of British mysteries, 17 in the series so far. She is a close personal friend to Louise Penny and a former neighbor of mine. She is personally delightful and a brilliant dtoryteller! Though Texas born and breed, she has lived in both England and Scotland. Her Scotland Yard detectives, Kincaid/James, and characters are rich and complex. Check her out.

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        • I’m so glad to know this!! Thanks for the recommendation. Congrats on your almost-blog, Anna. Way to go!

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  2. Yes! Thank you for this. I, too, wrote this week just for the heck of it, and it was a gift to my soul and encouraging to remember my blog doesn’t need to be about anything more than that.

    Grateful for your voice and your heart!

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  3. Saying hello. Here reading a blog post. Love the gentle touch…staying in touch…no defined agenda. Mostly a lurker so back into hiding I go. ?

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  4. I loved reading this! Actually, I love pretty much anything you write 🙂 I do miss the write-on-the-whim style of blogging too! I guess we still can…?

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  5. Instagram has definitely become my reading place of choice, but I am always so encouraged by your words, Emily, that I will read them wherever you decide to write them ? Time moving on does have a way of taking us back. Enjoyed reading your thoughts here. And God is definitely using you as you follow His calling. The softness and gentleness with which you express your words whether on the written page or through your podcast has encouraged my heart many, many times ❤

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    • Totally agree with these words: The softness and gentleness with which you express your words whether on the written page or through your podcast has encouraged my heart many, many times ❤

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    • yes! To be clear, the acting is — you know, fine I guess. But the setting and the stories are gentle enough to ease some end-of-day anxiety. If the need for that arises 🙂

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  9. I’m always encouraged by your words. You’re my favorite! And even though I LOVE your podcast (your voice is perfect for listening to) I do miss you writing in this space!

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  10. So many things to comment on about this post — all of them good — but I will leave it at this: that retouch app!!!!! What in the world? How have I never heard of such a thing? Do you use it a lot? Do you feel guilty about using it because it deletes reality a little bit (but oh, it makes everything look better – no random people in the background…no jutting buildings!). I have feelings about this.

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    • In reality, I hardly use that app ever. Only when I like a photo and I don’t want strangers in the background. Sometimes to take out other kinds of obstructions. That’s the purpose of it I think – to help the photo reflect the intention of the photo in the first place which in this case, was me and John. The people were a distraction. The building a casualty I didn’t mean to erase but couldn’t get around. Oh well.

      And NO I feel zero guilt about this. Are you kidding me? There are enough things in the world to feel guilty about. This is not one of them in my book.

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      • Ok, so I’m glad you explained the pictures – I’m from Encinitas (just south of Carlsbad and west of San Marcos) and your first beach picture confused me! I recognized the place but had no idea what was going on over Jon’s shoulder… There’s not a hill of sand there… hmm, what? And then I scrolled down and laughed out loud. If only the app worked in real life and we could create an empty beach whenever we wanted!

        I was in Michigan visiting my Calvin College Freshman when you were here in my backyard – I was sad to miss you. Love the podcast, books and blog all. I was on campus for FFW too – but didn’t get a chance to go – next time for both things!

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  11. These are my favorite kind of posts to read (I loved the other Emily’s, too!) ❤️ I’m so grateful for your words, whether typed or spoken, and for your heart for people.

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  12. You got me. I’m usually a lurker. I have read your blog (after being directed here by the nester) for at least a year now, and your post “How I made a hard decision” and the link to the podcast about your husband’s job change are still bouncing around in my head.

    Thank you

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  13. Well, look at you writing like it’s 2009 and me commenting like it’s 2009!

    My daughter and I watched Cedar Cove for the exact reasons you mentioned. And solidarity from me to you for having 3 kiddos transitioning to new school stuff next year. It’s no small thing on the ol’ mama heart.

    Love you, Emily, and always grateful for all the ways you light up the world–here, there, and everywhere. xo

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  14. Just reading this made me happy inside. Yes, 2009 had some good blogging days.

    Also, I legit had to look 8 times to see what that retouch app did. Duh. Don’t ever hire me as an investigator.

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  15. Oh, these are still my favorite kinds of blog posts. Maybe it’s because that’s how I wrote for so so long. So long until someone criticized and Instagram became easier. I miss it too. Maybe I’ll wake up one day soon with the same desire.

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  16. Oh my goodness, loved reading this blog post and LOVED driving to see you! You are a blessing, a gift, a cup of cold water and these days The Next Right Thing and your Instagram posts are places where my soul can breathe. Cheering you on as you continue to grow and learn in your Spiritual Formation program and I’m here for you as your kids transition into middle and high school (mine are 17 and 20)! ?

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  17. This was so refreshing! I sometimes miss the old days of blogging or just being able to write pretty randomness. Thanks for sharing your words and your hearly.

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  21. Yep, I’m still reading blogs, still writing posts, still doing community. Since way back in the day eleven years ago.

    Truth be told? I’m loving it more than ever …

    Always good to see you blog, Emily … and your podcasts are the only ones I carve out time to listen to.

    ;-}

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  22. Well that was refreshing! I am a newbie hope writer and loved Simply Tuesdays so, now I am reading (listening on audible actually-toddler mom) to a million little ways. Thanks for the encouragement, I am definitely a blog reader (design for mankind) and podcast fanatic every Tuesday I look forward to the next right thing, decision fatigue is one of my main hang-ups-I hate the toothbrush aisle.

    Thanks for providing the arrows to hope

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  23. This post was a wonderful surprise! I’ve been following your blog since 2009ish, and this definitely took me back to the days when yours was a favorite place of retreat in my day. I do love getting your emails by the way. But this was really nice. With the way so much online interaction has shifted to social media, a friendly, chatty blog post feels like a blissful moment of slowing down and reconnecting. 🙂

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  25. This so encourages me because I have just started a blog this year ,so let’s blog! Yes to being real. Yes to not always having a point but to sharing oneself. Yes to being a mama and pausing to see how much your kids hav grown. And I only like light tv watching so I may have to check out cedar cove…???❤️

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  26. I was so excited to see a new blog post from you! I have been LOVING your podcast but it’s also fun to read some good old fashioned blog posts. 🙂
    Thanks you for this “introvert friendly space” you’ve created that helps my soul breathe!

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  27. Oh I love Instagram as well but give me a long leisurely blog post that I can take my time reading anytime. Write away – no agenda required – I’ll be here reading.

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    • Yes! Well first, hello and welcome and how do you do. And next, yes! You should write a post like it’s 2009 🙂

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    • Me too! I know podcasting is the new thing, but I find it is so much more time consuming to listen. The Next Right Thing is not too long, but other podcasts are just too much time. I can take a quick break at work and read some blogs, but there’s no way I can sit at my desk and listen to a podcast. Thank you Emily; this was a refreshing post.

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  32. I’ve been reading for years and years here and it was so fun to see this little surprise! Just raising my hand like Hermoine, no need to call on me (or reply)! <3

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  33. Reading this was like receiving a bonus newsletter- a gift! ? Your podcast is so calming and affirming- and I always save the episodes for when I know I’ll have time to really listen and reflect on the wisdom you’ve shared.
    P. S. I too loved Cedar Cove … and I devoured the book series (as well as the Rose Harbour series that takes place in the same town)! The books are cozy and inviting, perfect for a rainy Spring day.

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  34. Always so fun to read your words, Emily! And your podcast, it’s my total FAVORITE. I even listen to some episodes more than once! 🙂

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  35. When we were 17 years old Dave and I attended the same church youth group event but didn’t meet each other. A few months later our families both changed memberships to a different church and we met in the membership preparation class. A couple years later we married. That was more than 50 years ago. Love can last a lifetime. I suspect yours will as well.

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  36. Your one of my favorites Emily. I love your podcasts, blogs, book lists, all of it! You have been a welcome friend in my inbox for years. You give me courage to write or blog “old style” even if my Mom and sisters are the only ones who read it. ?

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    • Totally get that. The actors aren’t super great. Sometimes they look like they’re acting. But I’m so easy to please I don’t even care.

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  38. I ? blogs! I blogged for the first time in two years this week. Must be in the air. Enjoy Louise Penny and start saving for the inevitable trip to Quebec….

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  40. It’s SO nice and refreshing to read things online that have no agenda attached. 🙂 I vote for more of this, please!

    (Also, every time I come to your web site and that “hold please” pop up, well, pops up, it makes me laugh. Just because I can hear you saying that in your voice, and I love it.

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    • Oh that’s super annoying I’m so sorry! I’m glad it makes you laugh but I totally thought we had it set to only pop up on your first visit and leave you alone after that. I’m the worst.

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  41. I love to “hear” what you have to say wherever you choose to say it. Akwats, always, a blessing.
    Having stepped into my 7th (really?) decade, I’m reevaluating the way social media fits into my life. I guess we tend to repeat seasons as we journey through this one life we’ve been given.
    So good to see you here again, Emily.

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  43. I love this! I always say you are my writing soul-mate… although I pretty much never comment because I take too long to think about what I want to write. But transition has definitely been a theme for me for quite a while, and I always feel like I can relate to what you share. I love your podcast, too, and never miss an episode!

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  45. I’m always grateful for your offering of space and fresh air. Thank you. 🙂 It was fun to read a 2009-esque blog post again!

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  46. Hi, I’m here and still reading. I loved this post.

    I also love the podcast too, I listen to it on my early morning walk as a way to start the day right before I deal with kids and crazy.

    Thanks for all you do. While we live on opposite sides of the world, (and have never met), you are a great encourager for my journey.

    Jodie

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  47. I have beeen following you for 7+ years and I always enjoy listening to you in your writing, on a blog, in your news letters, books, podcasts. If you are communicating, my heart hears Jesus. Jesus in you is beautiful. And my ears hear Him clearly as well lovely through you. Thank you for following your heart and sharing your soul.

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  48. Oh Emily! This was just right! Thank you sharing your words, for reminding us that we can do the thing we want to without worrying if that’s what everyone else is doing. (Speaking of run-ons!)

    I love the bit about listening. I’ve recently felt deeply the importance of listening, of allowing others’ stories a safe place to be spoken.

    Thanks. I adore pretty much all the words you share!

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  50. I always read blogs, but I never comment. But I thought I’d go back to 2009 too, since I didn’t know about blogs and commenting then? also, just wanted to say that as a hope*writer since almost the beginning, you’ve been simply amazing and this year is the best ever. Your hard work shows. Thank you.

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  51. Thank you for writing. I am a reader, first and always. However, for the record, your podcast is the only one that finally convinced me I could listen to podcasts and even audio books, but only occasionally and I am extremely picky. 🙂

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  52. I enjoy reading your posts as much as I enjoy listening to your podcasts! Between the tone of your voice and the grace of your words, my soul does more than have space to breath, it rests! Thank you for all you do to share your heart and encourage people on a regular basis. Thank you for being real, open and honest. Thank you for letting your soul breat so you could hear what God was calling you to (ultimately Himself) and how that draws others to do the same. I look forward to more of what you are able to share, when you are able to share it. In the mean time I will continue to read “A Million Little Ways” and breath ?

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  53. >And this is why you’re still my favorite.
    >I don’t think I ever stopped writing like it’s 2009 which for me was 2012. Thanks for making me feel okay with that.
    >One time you said, “Chase the love.” It’s on a sticky note on my bathroom mirror. That’s what I do every single day.

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    • Well that’s so fun! That must be a derivative of “chase the fun” from Annie Downs. I quote her all the time saying that about fun 🙂

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  55. Long-time blog reader here. Love to hear from you this way! Of course the “What I learned” posts will always be some of my favorites. The little time I spend online is either here, with your sister, or at one of a very few other spots that have come through the link-ups. ?. Thanks for sharing over the years!!!
    Oh, and a PS- I got hooked on the Louise Penny books and can’t wait for the next one to come out!

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  57. I think you’re a pretty special lady, and I ADORE ADORE ADORE tnrt podcast! ADORE! Yes, I can tell the difference in your retouch photo, super cool! And I will read your freestyle blog any.day.if.the.week! You are rad, emily p Freeman! Thanks for being you!

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  58. In 2009 I taught full time and in 2010 I had my first baby girl and discovered A Holy Experience, Gypsy Mama, and Chatting at the Sky! I learned that writing brought life to me and you all sharing your words made me think that maybe I could too. And now, in 2018 I’ve read A Million Little Ways and Simply Tuesday and Surprised by Motherhood and 1,000 Gifts and I just joined Hope*Writers. You all are like a bit of a yearbook for me and cheerleaders to a face you’ve never even seen! I’m so grateful you keep sharing your words with the world in your unique ways and planting seeds of courage in folks like me ☺️.

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    • I love that yearbook!! That is so fun. I’ll be a class mate with Ann and Lisa-Jo any day of the week.

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  59. I’ve just realised that I think the reason I stopped reading blogs is because they stopped sounding like this.

    & now I’m trying to work out how long I’ve internet-known you for. I want to say more than 6 years.. wow.

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  60. Emily,

    I had no idea how much I needed the space for my soul to breath until I found your delightful words. Thank you for sharing yourself with us and inspiring me to challenge myself in all of the beautiful ways. This post was lovely, and I certainly miss blog posts like this too. Being able to see all of your humanity in this post reminds me that the women I look up to are women first and it inspires me to write because I, too, can be an inspiring woman. Thank you for always telling your truth, and reminding me to find my friend Jesus every day.

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  61. I was so happy to see a new blog post. There are so many days that I want to hug you in thankfulness for showing me that I am a writer. My voice still gets caught in my throat when I say it, but at least now I can say it. You have helped uncover the lies that Satan has told me to keep me from ministering to others through writing. I recently re-joined hope*writers because despite my insecurities and fears, I know writing is what makes me come alive, and I have to move forward, no matter what that might look like. Thank you for doing what makes you come alive, even when it is scary. It is such a beautiful ministry.

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  62. This is what I love about you, Emily! You’re smart and focused, sure. But the best thing about you is that you. are. real. You are you and unafraid. ❤
    Of course I’m reading your blog! I especially like this catch- up, sharing of your heart. Structure is great and necessary but we all need a little free- flowing in our lives too!
    Confession: I would PREFER to read. Podcasts are nice. But they require silence or ear buds (I’m just not into ear buds, maybe bc I’m old…). Blogs are good in my world.
    Anyway, keep on keeping on! You are one ROCKING woman!

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  63. Thank you for the post, such a joy to read.:)
    And I was able to just relax and read without having anything else to do!

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  64. I haven’t started instagram yet.
    But I LOVE LOVE LOVE your podcast.
    Everything about it.
    I appreciate so much about you – thank you for offering yourself to the rest of us!

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  66. Stepping in to echo others here: as much as I LOVE the podcast (it’s seriously one of my favorite things that happens every week), your writing has always been a gift. Even – and maybe especially – the unstructured glimpses into life. Thank you for following your impulse and writing like it’s 2009 again.

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  67. I’d love to learn to write and create a blog ~ love your book Simply Tuesday.
    Gave a miilion little ways to my daughter Sarah and grace for the good girl, an early mama’s day gift to my daughter Stephanie ~
    It’s been a tender journey for this mama ?

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  68. I miss blogs so much! Discovered yours just as you were transitioning away so I’ve worked my way through the archives and loved every minute. Thanks for sharing yourself and your talents! I’ve really been inspired by your honesty and writing.

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  69. This 59 year old woman has been listening to The Next Right Thing….and paying attention to your wise words spoken in a way that soothes my mid-life soul. You could be my daughter! Regardless, God is using you to teach, encourage and lead me along a path to TNRT. 🙂 Girl, you speak my language!

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  70. I love the idea that blogging might not actually be dead! Thanks for taking part in that little revolution. And I love your podcast. God 100% used this week’s episode to help me move forward in major freedom. Thank you!

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  71. I know you posted the Mon-yay shirt pic ages ago, but I feel compelled to ask about your lip color in it. It suits you perfectly! And I miss 2009 blogs.

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  72. This was a delight to read…I miss blogging just to write and share and coverse about life without feeling to need to have something terribly profound to say! Such freedom in becoming a little unbranded when our society tella us we need to curate all the things!

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  73. I love reading this today! I’m still old school when it comes to blogs and I miss how bloggers are writing less these days. Myself included. I’ve written one Post in the past year so no judgment here, just saying I loved reading your words today, it seemed like old times.

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  74. I’m SO glad you’re reading Inspector Gamache! And I added Cedar Cove to a list!

    Also – I’m a lurker – but thankful for this post and old style blogging!

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  75. I usually don’t comment and I didn’t think that I would read the entire post (I love your writing, and was just scrolling through today), but your old style blogging drew me in as I am a new blogger. And it was also everything I needed to hear today. This post truly encouraged me on my own writing journey and I’m thankful you had the courage to just honestly share what’s going on in your life right now. P.S. (since I’m already here) Simply Tuesday is one of my favorite books. After reading this post, I’m going to pick it back up and start reading it for a 2nd time this week. I still need to get A Million Little Ways because it appears on my Insta feed, on the podcasts I listen to and I am determined that the book is for me. So thank you for your writing! And God bless you and your family in all of your current and future endeavors. =)

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  76. Oh, your words (all of them spoken & written & smiled) reach & release with such grace, sweetness, light!

    I’m old … school, 😉 , & prefer to read thoughts because this world is loud & louder & loudest. Thank you for this precious, unpressured connection today.

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  77. How wonderful to see a post in your old voice again… I missed your blog, miss the “innocent” days of writing just because like in 2009… I am a very long time follower. Your words accompanied me through different seasons in life and I use to come back to your old posts just to get the feel they gave me then (inspiration to decorate and rearrange our home, be mindful to dress not just somehow but prettily, keep creating art, play the piano, WRITE, above all!) Despite all new and lovely developments, I’d love to hear that voice again every once in a while. Just know that your words are appreciated.

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  78. Your words are always a balm to my heart and soul, dear Emily. Can I use that adjective, though we’ve never met in person? I was just thinking this morning about how I used to fill my time and mind with mostly blogs and now it’s mostly podcasts and feeling a little twinge about missing so many beautiful written words. Whatever you do, write or podcast, I am a forever fan and eternally grateful for your care and intentionality.

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  80. I’m a lurker, too “lazy” to comment on blogs. But, I read them. Love them. Interact in other places. Enjoyed your post, thanks. Love all your work — read and follow it closely!

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  81. Emily, we met years ago at Allume and I told you your books were on my TBR and you said when the time was right I would be ready and I finally am. It’s the podcast. So many decisions in my life–big career starting over who am I and who do I want to–questions and your words are helping me sort and slow and shake out my thoughts. Thank you.

    I blogged free whim the other day for the first time in FOREVER. Love letter to my baby boy on his birthday. Sometimes, I miss the old days. Sometimes I realize they can come back. My choice 🙂

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  82. Aw man, I am so sad I didn’t get to go to your women’s retreat. I had forgotten all about it till you mentioned it happening. San Marcos is a 50ish minute drive from my southeasterly part of San Diego County… I actually used to go to (a different) church there when I lived elsewhere/was single. I had the registration tab open for a long time but ultimately knew I couldn’t make it happen – it’s been one of the hardest seasons of my life the past several months, overwhelmed, new town, depression, missing my work-absent hubby, struggling in many ways, not the least of which was not having a clue who to ask/what to do with the kiddos while I went to the retreat. It was just too much, so I regretfully closed the tab. I bet it would have been wonderful and I so wish I could have made it happen. :_( You are definitely one of the writers who most speaks to my heart. Thanks for your faithful words! I feel like a cut flower finally plunked in water when I read here.

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    • Ah, I just wanted to reach out and encourage you that you’re not alone during this hard season, sweet mama. Praying for peace for you and the comfort of His presence. Jesus is Emanuel. He’s with us, every tiny step that we take. Sending you much love.

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  83. “The ministry of listening”. Ahh, yes! Me too! Thank you for naming out loud, what I have carried in my heart. Listening at Jesus’ feet as he shares his heart. Listening to friends as they share theirs. Listening to prickly wounded hearts who need to be heard. All in the Presence of our Loving Abba. So much joy in that! I love how you just called that out as a thing! Thank you.

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  84. Oh, Emily! For some reason your post brought tears to my eye?! Guess it’s becuase it felt like I was sharing coffee with a dear friend I hadn’t seen in a while and we both opened our hearts to each other.?. I love your words, your open hands and that you run an introvert friendly gig with no strings attached?. Thanks for taking the time to chat about nothing and everything. Have a lovely weekend!

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  85. I love reading blogs. I know it isn’t a real live friendship, but it is always good to hear from other people in which I can relate. Authors have always been some of my best friends, though I do have some great friends in skin as well. I also love writing and have found posting on my own blog a little discouraging. I have taken a step back since not too many people are reading it. This post has encouraged me. And I have recently been reminded that it is OK for me to write a blog because I enjoy it, and it is a great way to practice the craft.

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  86. Time flies when we’re busy, whether we’re having fun or not! How else did those babies we were cooing at, it doesn’t seem THAT long ago, become teenagers already!
    I like this kind of blog post! Keep up the good work! ?
    And, God bless you with much success in your studies and with your family life as inevitable changes occur! ?

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  87. Love this! Hooray for blogging. Hi Ah…Inspector Gamache! They just get better (and I loved the first ones).

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  89. So lovely and refreshing and definitely nostalgic! I’m inspired to write again in my long forgotten blog like it’s 2009! Thanks Emily! Oh one day I hope we can meet and chst and pretend like we’ve been old friends because well, we kind of have. You my friend have a way with words that pierce my soul and always seem like you’ve read my mind!

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  90. Goodness! I am so happy I had to scroll down forever to leave a comment! I have been slowing reading less and less online because many (most?) of my favorite bloggers have been tending towards podcasts and instagram. I have nothing against those platforms, but it changes who my favorites are! You are one of the onlies that I like reading AND listening to. Thank you for helping me create room for my soul, focus and priorities. It is beautiful to see the work God is doing in and around us.

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  91. Long-time blog reader here, almost from the beginning. 🙂 It’s always wonderful to see a new post up, but I enjoying following you on IG too. Your words are an encouragement no matter where they are!

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  92. Over here in New Zealand, your blog posts and podcasts are refreshers in my (too frequent ATM?) quiet feeding hours with baby number 5. I need a reminder for soul-freeing perspective so often, so thank you!

    One day, in your free time, haha, I’d love to hear how you train your children to think and live in the ways of truth wrt Grace for the Good girl.

    Wish you had time to write more ? but I trust God to use your studies mightily for serving all his daughters who hear you ‘speak’.

    Richest blessings,
    Elrike

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