Wednesday Friendsday!

Hey friends and future friends!

I mentioned on Monday that I was listening to Christy Nockels’ podcast, The Glorious in the Mundane, right?

Well, she said something else in that same podcast that caught my ear.

I don’t want to add to the noise.

I have said this forever! We have SO MUCH NOISE coming at us all the time. Books and blogs and articles and podcasts and social media posts and memes and vlogs and Pinterest and DIY and church and friends and parents and songs and emails and text messages.. all of them have some kind of opinion about how I should be living my life.

I don’t want to add to the noise in your life.

I don’t want to be one more voice in the cacophony telling you what you should be doing (therefore implicitly telling you what you’re doing wrong) in your life.

 

When I was younger, I heard an adage I couldn’t seem to follow to save my life.

When considering whether to speak up about something, ask yourself these 3 questions:

Is it true?

Is it kind?

Is it helpful?

If you get a “no” at any juncture, just don’t say anything at all.

A lot of things are true but not kind. And even if I can figure out a kind way to say it, it might not be helpful in that moment.

For me, in blogging, I cannot rightly push “Publish” unless I field these questions. Is the post true in my best understanding of Truth? Is it biblically true? Factually true? Authentically true to my heart? Is it kind? Are the words abrasive or harmful? Am I creating an “us” vs “them” division? How is a reader going to receive this? Is it helpful? Is it relevant or necessary? Is it noise?

I think that’s why I don’t post on a regular schedule (or very often at all, especially in a season of depression).  Not many things pass those three filters.

Is my judgment always correct? No way. That’s why I have Holy Spirit and my husband and my besties.

Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.

– Proverbs 10:19, NLT

HOWEVER. 

I have some friends who write blogs that are NOT noise. They rightly pass all three filters and, in their obedience to write, add value to my life with their words. And I think you should stop by and read when you get a minute.

 

Here are 5 for this week to start us off.

I know each of these writers personally, and they are as real as it gets. They love Jesus and live the best they know how with what they’ve been given, and I’m honored to call them friends.

1. Samantha at SamanthaCosgrove.com

I met Samantha through Lifegate. She’s a homeschooling mom of five who has been refined by the fire, friends. Yet, she is one of the most generous souls I have ever met. She has wisdom to offer born straight out of struggle, and she will never judge you. Ever.

2. Abbey at Truthhaven Homestead

Abbey doesn’t consider herself a missionary, but she is just as much a missionary in her homesteading community as anyone I have ever met. I’ve been friends with Abbey for a third of my life, and she’s one of God’s greatest gifts to me. Her life as a wife and mother of four girls, obeying God and stewarding what she’s been given, is a gift to read.

(And shout out to Abbey’s sister, Rachel, who is a photographer and blogger. She’s young but fierce, friends. And I love her so much.)

3. Mande at Handiwork of Grace

You know that “smoke of battle” some people have on them? Like a sweet fragrance of offering, there is something about Mande’s life and writing that has asked some serious questions, wrestled down some serious issues, and seriously loves God with reckless abandon. Her insight is profound, y’all.

4.  Kimi at Living Reflections by Kimi Miller

I got to work with Kimi when she was a graduate intern at Lifegate, and I was working as the Women’s Ministry Admin. It was a relatively short season, but I am so grateful our paths crossed when they did. I love a girl with a great story of great struggle and great love, and Kimi is the real deal. She’s a scholar but is never pretentious, and I listen when she speaks.

5.  Kris at The Good News Family

Kris and her family live in Costa Rica, ministering to the people in her community on a daily basis. She is one of my heroes in the faith, and has one of the most humble hearts you will ever find. She doesn’t know how much courage she has offered me in the reality of her obedience, and I am grateful to know her.

 

There are more! But five (and a half) is a good start.  I know there are the “usuals” – the “Christian famous” writers and bloggers – but these women are hidden gems, I think. And they steward the platforms they’ve been given beautifully.

Let me know your favorite blogs if you want! 🙂 ❤