“We stop, whether by choice or through circumstance, so that we can be alert and attentive and receptive to what God is doing in and for us, in and for others, on the way. We wait for our souls to catch up with our bodies.”
-Eugene Peterson, The Jesus Way
Eugene Peterson talks about how it’s important “to wait for our souls to catch up with our bodies, of being alert and attentive to what God is doing in and for us.”
But sometimes we need help to figure out what that means and how it looks.
I’m always trying to find new ways to help you create that kind of space.
If you value time and soul space but don’t have room in your schedule to sit and read books or blog posts that might encourage you toward that end, I’ve made something for you.
Before I tell you what I’ve made, the smallest bit of background.
***
At our church we have a few different teams who serve on Sunday mornings. I’m on the scripture reading team and my friend Wendy is on the prayer team.
Every single solitary time Wendy stands up and reads the prayer of renewal she wrote for that week, I resist the urge to bury my face in my hands and cry like a worn-out baby.
I’m struck, every time, by the power of the Spirit in her voice and words.
I tear up even now as it comes to mind.
After five years of writing words down in books, I’ve become smitten with the spoken word.
The words of prayers prayed and scripture read out loud at church have started to weave their way into my soul, knitting together a new kind of longing.
Listening engages my heart and mind in a different way than reading does.
Though I haven’t done the research myself, I’ve heard smart people say our brains process language differently when we hear it compared to when we read it.
It makes sense when you consider how God spoke the world into being but he also called his people to write it all down. He designed us to learn and grow in all different ways.
We are to read and listen and speak and write and receive and act and do it all again.
So I made something for you who want a little nudge in the direction of hope.
If you long for a few quiet moments but aren’t quite sure how to get them, I want to invite you to join me for 7 Days of Still Moments.
It’s a free, simple offering, neither fancy nor polished. I played my own piano in the background and scratched the words down over weeks of quiet mornings, then spent some time at the microphone and recorded it all for you.
Here, you can listen to me explain it more and get a taste of what to expect.
download a transcript of this audio
I understand listening is not available to everyone. If you need transcripts of the audio, still sign up! We will have a link in the daily email for you to download them so you won’t miss a thing.
I couldn’t shake the urge to create a spoken offering of my own. It’s different from anything I’ve done before and maybe I’ll never do it again. But June felt like the right time to offer this sort of thing to you. I truly hope it feels like a gift to your soul. That is my deepest intention.
Now it’s out of my system and, if you’d like, on it’s way to your inbox. Sign up now for free and start with Day 1 today. Let’s start the June – August break off with a deep breath.
Linda Stoll says
June 1, 2016 at 11:50 AMWhat a sweet and sacred offering, Emily.
And your timing?
Exquisite.
Hugs …
emily p freeman says
June 1, 2016 at 12:48 PMThank you, Linda. I’m so glad!
Erin Etheridge says
June 1, 2016 at 12:44 PMEmily, I LOVE this.
emily p freeman says
June 1, 2016 at 12:48 PMOh yay! It’s been a long time coming, this one. I’m so happy to finally share it.
Kelly says
June 1, 2016 at 12:58 PMThank you. Truly.
Mindy Seekford says
June 1, 2016 at 1:07 PMJust what I needed! What a wonderful surprise to find this invitation in my inbox:) thanks
Amy Corley says
June 1, 2016 at 1:10 PMEmily, the timing of this is certainly divine in my own life. The peaceful piano, gentle voice and true words were a balm. Thank you, and I look forward to the next seven days.
KJ says
June 1, 2016 at 1:11 PMThe tears are coming! The timing and subject fits perfect for me. We leave this country we’ve called home for the last five years in less than two weeks. The transitions are abundant…..new job, new location, child graduated and leaving home, new community, new schools for the younger children, new church….
Thank you for the reminder that He has not changed. I look forward to hearing the words of scripture and reflection.
Cheri Smith says
June 1, 2016 at 1:11 PMEmily, I am so touched by your generosity. Your words and voice were a gift to me today. I am grateful!
Joy Manoleros says
June 1, 2016 at 1:15 PMLife has thrown us so many curve balls the last couple years…. my time is stretched thin.
But I’m still here, reading your tender words, praying for your ministry and reaping its benefits in stolen moments.
I’m so excited about this! Now I get to hear your sweet voice again. 🙂
This is truly a gift. Thank you!
Julie Wilson says
June 1, 2016 at 1:25 PMSeriously, you are my favorite and I can’t wait to listen! Simply Tuesday wrecked my heart in ways I didn’t know I needed! I think this summer is a good time for a reread!
Thank you for sharing your gifts!
Jenny says
June 1, 2016 at 1:40 PMI love this so much. I can feel myself becoming tense as I look ahead to summer. I love my 3 kiddos but I thrive in quiet and it’s quite the change. Also, my girls are both teenagers so the emotional ups and downs are big. I know that God is with me in all these seasons. I so appreciate your offering. I look forward to feeding my soul with you. Your piano playing is BEAUTIFUL:)
Crystal Storms says
June 1, 2016 at 1:43 PMSo looking forward to this reminder to be still. Emily, your timing couldn’t be better. I’m in the process of a blogging break, buying a house and moving, and forgetting how to rest in the middle of it … even though “rest” is my word of the year.
LG says
June 1, 2016 at 1:56 PMI have just said to my hubbie, I’m so busy lately and barely finding time for reading…At the same time I’ve started listening to podcasts and audible books the past 2-3 weeks more in order to utilise ‘open time’ better. I was never an auditory person, much more a visual person, and I need to improve my auditory skills. So I turn the speed down from normal to slightly slower and have found myself engrossed and enjoying such. (Some times LOL I have to listen 2-3x as I might ‘snooze off’ LOL when in a comfy position, but it’s improving.) This gift from you is so precious and so timely, thank you. Looking forward to the day by day session. Much appreciated Lesley
Teresa Wolf says
June 1, 2016 at 2:01 PMYou had me at “non-fancy” and “homemade.” 🙂
What a simple, yet exquisitely profound idea. I am most assuredly more of a visual learner, yet I agree that from time to time we need to engage our minds in ways that come less naturally because it encourages us to concentrate in a more focused way.
Thank you for this gift from your heart. I can’t wait to be still…and listen.
emily p freeman says
June 1, 2016 at 2:03 PMOh good! It took me forever to title that email – and I decided that “non-fancy” and “homemade” was just about right 🙂
Valerie says
June 1, 2016 at 2:10 PMAbsolutely lovely and so needed right now. Thank you so much for putting this together and having the courage to share.
Maria says
June 1, 2016 at 2:13 PMThis was just what I needed! It tied in my morning reading about contentment, no matter the circumstance. Your words-the way within me is sure-how soothing! A great reminder that I’m safe in the LORD.
Thank you!
Heather says
June 1, 2016 at 2:20 PMThank you, Emily. What a ministry. The Spirit moves through you so powerfully. Thank you for sharing your spoken words of encouragement and your beautiful music.
Jess says
June 1, 2016 at 2:23 PMWhat a beautiful gift, Emily. I am so grateful.
Elizabeth Richardson says
June 1, 2016 at 2:30 PMThank you, Emily. Your sweet voice is so comforting and the Word of God being spoken soothes the anxious soul.
Kimberly Coyle says
June 1, 2016 at 2:35 PMThe timing of this offering couldn’t be more perfect for my current circumstances. Thank you so much for this gift!
Valerie H. says
June 1, 2016 at 2:53 PMJust what I need to hear. Thank you so much for bringing peace to my day! xo
Sandi says
June 1, 2016 at 3:00 PMI t does not matter whether your children are staying home or life is beginning without them in the house, this is a season of change. Look at the weather. Life does not seem to relax during the summer. Vacations are not always a time of rest. Jesus had to make a choice to go away to be with Papa and listen to the Loving voice. Thank you for offering that opportunity to the young and the not so young.
K Ann Guinn says
June 1, 2016 at 3:07 PMLooking forward to it! Perfect start to this new season, both in the weather and the one I’m still getting used to in my soul. Thank you!
melissa says
June 1, 2016 at 3:33 PMthanks Emily, so beautiful. sending love
Kitty says
June 1, 2016 at 3:34 PMThis was wonderful. It brought tears to my eyes and balm to my soul. Thank you for your faithful offerings, Emily! You’re a joy on the Internet!
Chris says
June 1, 2016 at 3:40 PMI never comment but I have to thank you for this gift. Such divine timing. Just a couple days ago in a moment of exasperation I asked someone I love, “Am I invisible?” Your words were Spirit filled grace and love. Blessings to you Emily!
Jennifer says
June 1, 2016 at 3:53 PMI feel like this is a gift directly from the Lord to me. Thank you for being obedient to the Spirit’s leading and for sharing your gifts and talents in this way. I feel so loved by Him to have found this practical resource when I most needed it. Thank you for allowing Him to use you!
Sue Spilman says
June 1, 2016 at 4:18 PMAt the end of the month I retire after 16 years working for the UK NHS.
On 1st August my son is marrying a lovely young woman.
Our pastor moved on and, as part of the eldership I have been caretaking, and wil soon be interviewing for his replacement.
We are considering, in the next few years, moving to the seaside after 34 years in our current home.
All of this has generated almost unbearable stress.
This offering from you is SO timely, it has brought me to tears, and to write here.
Thank you for listening to our Father, and for sharing this with us
Kim says
June 1, 2016 at 4:23 PMI listened the the invitation in my email before I read the blog post. The timing is important as I was tearing up just listening, then I read in your blog about your own teary experiences. It has been a rough year (of our five kids, two weddings, two graduations, a cancer diagnosis and death of our dear first granddaughter, the announcement that another granddaughter is on the way, and a forced early retirement…) I think your words of rest are going to be a blessing to me. Thank you.
Natalie Hall says
June 1, 2016 at 4:47 PMThank you, Emily. This was perfect in so many ways, but especially the timing. Looking forward to each of the 7 days!
Melissa Labelle says
June 1, 2016 at 5:13 PMThank you so much Emily! Just listening to your voice and beautiful words calms my soul like a soothing, healing balm. I am an auditory learner and processor. I love to read but hearing the words just settles me. Blessings to you and thank you for all you do to help our tired souls recover and refresh.
Merit Wolff says
June 1, 2016 at 6:01 PMThe timing of receiving this and the fact that I took a minute to even open the email, just being real, is incredible and quite surely only the work of the Holy Spirit. I just met a friend for lunch today and after all the niceties and even a few moments of disagreement she said, “Merit, what is going on?” I started to cry. I’ve been in a life change of sorts for the past 7 months and now my oldest daughter is about to graduate from high school. It’s all too much even though it’s not bad or illness or anything terrible. But my soul is weary. This already had been a healing balm. I’ll look forward to receiving the rest! Thank you.
P . She’s going to be going to college in Greensboro!
Robin says
June 1, 2016 at 6:14 PMWhat a precious, beautiful gift! I have tears that someone would do something so nice 🙂
I also always cry whenever I hear/read about our dear Lord bending down and breathing! The breath of life into us. Wow!
Thank you, so looking forward to this.
Maria says
June 1, 2016 at 7:11 PMThank you does not quite seem enough. This is Gods perfect timing and a precious gift. Everything about this sings to my soul.
Dawn says
June 1, 2016 at 8:00 PMEmily, thank you so much for this gift. I didn’t read all of the comments, but I saw enough to know that I’m not alone in saying that your timing – His timing – is perfect. I had already planned to make some changes beginning today, but I came home from work unusually tired and simply wanted to rest. When I finally checked my email, there you were, offering just what I needed. And you are so right…it’s a very different experience listening compared to reading. Thank you so very much!
Liz says
June 1, 2016 at 8:08 PMThank you, dear Emily
Ema says
June 1, 2016 at 8:28 PMPerfect timing. A couple of days ago I said.. to the Lord i’m missing Emily’s voice.
So glad you are so creative with your precious gifts mixed with love and care
Linda says
June 1, 2016 at 9:22 PMThank you so much, Emily. This is just so lovely and perfect. You have such a sweet, gentle voice – and I always love your words. Combined with scripture and music – well …. perfect.
Anne Hockenberry says
June 1, 2016 at 10:21 PMThank you for your gift of rest and truth. Perfect timing as my husband and I leave to move cross country tomorrow. Transitions are hard, but God is good.
Lynn says
June 1, 2016 at 10:55 PMThank you, Emily, for listening to the Spirit’s prompting. This was just what I needed.
Amy says
June 1, 2016 at 11:08 PMI love this. Thank you.
Peg Cornett says
June 1, 2016 at 11:36 PMAs I was reading, my mind raced ahead and I was imagining a cruise, with lots of quiet, pondering moments built in. Although it wasn’t a cruise, I am still signing up. How I long at times to know him MORE. I love when I meditate in silence, being intentional to be aware of God. I consent and invite his movement within me and through me. As a result I may or may not come away with new insight. Often it is later that I get a glimpse of something that God began stirring while I was silent. After the quiet time I always think why don’t I do this MORE. It re-aligns me and puts my number 1, first thing, first and everything else moves accordingly. Thank you for reaching out.
Ian says
June 2, 2016 at 1:14 AMEmily … what a delightful idea. I so enjoy listening to your voice. There are some songs that immediately still my heart, Elevation Worship’s “Here as in heaven” being a recent example, and there are voices that do that too. And your’s is such a voice!
And well down with the piano. Great job.
Thank you for following the leading of the Spirit to bless your peeps.
Grace and peace
Layla Payton says
June 2, 2016 at 1:28 AMPerfect message, perfect timing. Thank you. <3
Angela says
June 2, 2016 at 2:56 AMI got sick in March when my body stopped pushing in through stress – I’m in transition too towards listening for a new perspective and healing in areas I’d ignored and buried – thank you sometimes 5 mins is all that’s needed to touch us
JEA says
June 2, 2016 at 5:55 AMThank you so much for this. It sounds so sweet in a good way … less candy floss and more fresh flowers after rain. What feels like a special gift is you making it available in words to read for those of us who have ancient technology and can’t listen. Thank you!
Rene says
June 2, 2016 at 7:36 AMThis is such a blessed gift. The music, the sound of your voice, His word, your words, the timing. Thank you so much.
Karen Pizzella says
June 2, 2016 at 10:44 AMThank you Emily.This is me… what you have soeaking about. There are many things that have happened to me, many losses and changes and transitions in the last 3 years and the stresses have all manifested themselves in my otherwise very healthy body. I feel like I’m falling apart. Of all the books that I’ve read and all the endless podcasts that I listen to daily, this has impacted me most. I needed it very much TODAY. THANK YOU . God bless you for what you do for others, Emily.
Natalie says
June 2, 2016 at 5:41 PMYou have the loveliest voice- it’s so soothing. I so look forward to the 7 Days of Still Moments. Thank you for this xx
Christine Duncan says
June 2, 2016 at 6:00 PMI immediately signed up… that intro… girl, by the end I was slightly weepy and also, feeling like a healthy sleep was in order… is that weird? Can’t wait to start my day with this!
Beth williams says
June 2, 2016 at 9:11 PMEmily,
I have been in a transition period for a while now. I had to quit a job to care for aging dad and his multiple medical issues. He is doing much better now and settled down some. For me I love the spoken word. I enjoy listening to people talk/read scripture to me and allowing it to sink in. In my transition time I have tried to soak up as much scripture and Godly teaching as possible.
Thank you for making this available!
Blessings to you 🙂
Amy Hargrove says
June 2, 2016 at 9:24 PMEmily- I just “listened” to your intro message! I can’t wait for the next seven days. I work in a school and today was out last day of school. What a great way to transition to summer for me. I’m looking forward to your messages. Thank you for thinking of us and sharing. It’s exactly what I need. My word for 2016 has been “LISTEN” and I don’t think I have done my best of that. Thank you for the reminder that it’s not to late and its never to late to start! <3
Lori Burleson says
June 3, 2016 at 7:32 AMI’m so excited and thankful for this offering, Emily! I’ve only heard your invitation and I have to confess I’m praying this might be something you’ll continue to do now and then.
I just wrapped up a 10-month, chapter by chapter study of Simply Tuesday with a class of young adult women at our church so your timing is perfect. I will definitely be passing this along to them and others as well. From one pianist to another, thank you for adding those simple chords and notes … so beautiful! Praying blessings on your own time of transition. Thank you again!
Pia says
June 3, 2016 at 11:10 PMI will listen to this. The offering is so timely.
Thank you, Emily!
Sherry says
June 4, 2016 at 2:57 PMTiming? Perfection!!
Needed? As if you had read my mind…He knew I needed this and sent you my way ~
Thank you dear Jesus for Emily, thank you ~
Dianne says
June 8, 2016 at 10:50 AMI have thoroughly loved every day of this. Your voice is clear and serene, lending the perfect mood to this series. The simple piano provides a beautiful background. I put on my headphones each day so that I may truly be in peace and quiet to listen as you speak God’s words. There is something very precious about hearing His word spoken aloud. The thoughts you’ve shared have resonated with me each day. Thank you so much for doing this. It has been a lovely blessing. ☺️
Martina says
June 9, 2016 at 1:40 AMThank you for this wonderful gift! Your wise words are a blessing, and it’s so generous of you to just offer the series for free.
I love your tender piano playing and you really have a lovely voice, but I enjoy reading the transcripts more than listening – just a personal preference. So: thank you for offering the written words also!
Your thoughtprovoking words work as great journaling prompts for me also. Didn’t expect that…
Ingrid says
June 9, 2016 at 6:43 AMThanks Emily. Your voice is calm and soothing and your words as always are uplifting
Sarah says
July 25, 2016 at 5:48 AMThis email arrived in my inbox 2 months ago and I never even opened it. You see, I am a teacher and lead a summer program and I am a mother so there are no breaks. This morning, 2 months after you sent this invitation, I am awake and full of anxiety and stress and decided to try to get rid of the thousands of emails I have in my inbox and started with June 1. I opened your email and listened to the invitation…and I am so gracious to be touched by your words and your music. It brought tears to my eyes to feel so close to God! Can’t wait to slow down and spend time with God…something I often don’t make time to do. Thank you for creating this! Hope you will do more someday…or maybe you already have!