Bits & Bobs
I've noticed something while looking back through some of my recent editions of the Weekly Pages.
No matter where they start, or what issue I’m dealing with, they typically end in the same place:
God is faithful.
The world disappoints.
But His grace is always sufficient.
I don't see that as a bad thing whatsoever. Honestly, I’m so grateful those are the conclusions I keep arriving at, and thank God for the growth He’s fostered in my heart and mind.
But this week, I thought we'd do something a little different.
Instead of one long reflection, I wanted to share a handful of little lists - things I've learned, things I love, and little pieces of advice I've picked up along the way. Maybe one of them will be exactly what you needed today.
Let's get right into it.
Little Things That Make a House Feel Like Home:
A space that invites people to stay a while. Home isn’t just about pretty, Pinterest-able furniture; it’s about being with the people you love in a space you’re all comfortable in.
A way to cultivate fun and meaningful conversation. For us, this looks like a small gaming cabinet filled with board games, and many, many, conversation card decks (my personal favorite). Its glass doors always seem to catch someone’s attention, and before we know it, everyone is laughing, sharing stories, or getting really relentless with each other over a game of Monopoly.
The “The Bit” deck by Friend of Mine. https://www.shopfriendofmine.com/collections/conversation-cards/products/the-bit-card-deck
A couch everyone fights over for the best spot. If you can manage it, invest in a couch that's big enough for people to pile onto together. Our deep-seat sectional has probably hosted more conversations, parties, and toddler messes than I can count. Bonus points if the cushion covers are removable and washable - it's a life-changer.
Curated walls that tell your story. In our past two homes, I’ve created gallery walls filled with our favorite memories. They make a space feel lived-in, instead of simply decorated. Guests often stop to look through them, and I love the way that they quietly tell so many stories about our family.
Advice I’ve Found Worth Keeping:
If God brought you to it, He’ll bring you through it.
Kindness costs nothing, and will get you much farther than anything else you can buy.
Start each day with a grateful heart.
Dealing with horses (and people) requires a great deal of mutual respect. If you can’t respect and trust each other, the partnership will never succeed.
Habits That Will Change Your Life:
Starting each day out by reading God’s word. Take the time to set your eyes on things above before the distractions of this world have a chance to creep in.
Journaling. I find I’m able to best sort out my thoughts when they’re on paper, but that may just be the writer in me. I also love writing down prayers - it slows me down and causes me to be more intentional with my words.
Having a hobby or two that you really enjoy. Everyone needs a good outlet and way to decompress from the stress of this life. I’m a bit of a serial-hobbyist, so ‘a hobby or two’ is really at least ten hyperfixations I flop between. Some of my favorites are riding horses, junk journaling, painting, and shopping (I don’t recommend this one).
Books I Can’t Shut Up About:
(An obvious choice.) The ESV journaling Bible. Mine is from Hosanna Revival, and I genuinely couldn’t recommend it more.
“The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho. An exploration of purpose and timing that changed my life.
“Out of the Wilderness: 31 Devotions to Walk with God Through Your Hardest Seasons: A Devotional” by Angela Halili and Arielle Reitsma (Girls Gone Bible podcast hosts). This devotional was instrumental to my journey out of the darkness I was living in, guiding me through with advice backed by scripture, pointing me back to the Father.
“The Dutch House” by Ann Patchett. This one surprised me; a beautiful lesson in overcoming the past, and the people you do it with.
The entire “Throne of Glass” series by Sarah J. Maas. A phenomenal story about a girl who loved her people more than herself, and fought for good, to whatever end.
Hills I’ll Gladly Die On:
Your ego is not worth any relationship you may lose over it.
Frogs are literally from hell.
To be a Christian is to seek to die to yourself daily.
Bring back yearning. Like Mr. Darcy in the 2005 “Pride & Prejudice” film, yearning.
The hard conversation is almost always worth having.
Sometimes you really just need a good shopping trip with a few good friends.
The cost of community is inconvenience - it should be a price you’re willing to pay.
Firebirds’ Chicken Pasta is the greatest dish I’ve ever had (I’m super picky, so take this with a grain of salt).
Forgiveness should not be a hot commodity.
Life gets a whole lot sweeter when you learn to romanticize the one you're already living.
And with that, I’ll stop yapping for now. But you won’t be able to keep me quiet for long. ;)
I hope you enjoyed hanging out with me over a virtual coffee and conversation this week as much as I enjoyed sharing it with you. If you’d like, use the contact bar below to send me some of your own lists - I’d absolutely love to read them!
Until next week,
— E. Byers, author of The Grassy Laine
