Friends, being able to dialogue in-person would be absolutely wonderful…However, since we are miles apart,… please pull-up a comfy chair, grab a hot cup of coffee, and allow me to divulge some current happenings with you.

Cream or sugar? ☕️🥄

Well, it certainly has been an adventure: moving 8 times in 6 years…planted in 5 different states with my husband, 3 kiddos, and doggy (“Mocha”). 🗺️ Documenting the journey for family and friends on social media became an encouraging pastime 📷 …a convenient mode of sharing, and a welcomed refreshment for a fatigued momma. The frequent affirmations Instagram and Facebook supplied made locating a new pediatrician, visiting the license branch, and unpacking numerous boxes considerably more enjoyable. The benefits of social media between 2012 and 2020 appeared to be unmistakable.

Wherever you are, be all there! Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God.

Jim Elliot

Having said that, after 9 years and approximately 3,000+ posts, it was apparent that my relationship with social media needed to change. Instead of noticing the “good and perfect gifts” (James 1:17) placed in my path each day, I was undeniably distracted. One example to detail this observation was from this past fall (2020)- while on a trail hike with family, I was attempting to share the moment with “fr-amily” on IG. Instead of witnessing the joy on my daughter’s face as she discovered a beautiful butterfly, mine was aglow by the screen of my phone as I watched for likes and comments. Rather than intently listening (with my eyes) to my boys on the trail, I was intermittently gazing at new status updates.📱 And what saddened me the most was the realization that I was contemplating possible posts more than I was praying. Truly… it’s something to soberly consider: How often do we post (or rehearse a post) instead of praying? All things considered, it was clear that I was missing gifted opportunities to love and be loved...right in front of me…and it broke my heart.

The best things are nearest: breath in your nostrils, light in your eyes, flowers at your feet, duties at your hand, the path of God just before you…certain that daily duties and daily bread are the sweetest things of life.

Robert Louis Stevenson

Attempts to put relaxed boundaries on social media only revealed my utter inadequacy to successfully follow-through…and friends were so gracious in the learning process (Thank you!). Therefore, after a couple weeks of genuine prayer, as to counter an impulsive decision, my fam and I confidently walked away from Instagram (with FB utilized only for Homeschooling groups and lessons). This decision was affirmed the next day by Norah-10, and Boaz- 7, as both appeared to comprehend the significance of this commitment… expressing how they felt extra loved and prioritized. I was immensely grateful to hear their input.

Update: We’ve been “offline” for over two months now, and ya’ll- my focus has improved considerably. Not only do I notice the growing giftedness of Boaz as a brother, and enjoying plentiful play times with Ben, but I’m soaking-up cherished time with God, conversations with a rapidly growing daughter, as well as an ever-deepening relationship with my hubs. Do I feel as though I’ll miss-out on the current events of extended family and friends (FOMO)? Well, in all transparency… I was relatively unsettled in the beginning. It saddens me that I may not hear about numerous birth announcements and marriage celebrations… or when friends experience grief and sorrow. Nonetheless, what has comforted my heart in relation to this concern has been a quote by Elisabeth Elliot: “God has promised to supply all our needs. What we don’t have now, we don’t need now.”💡God has faithfully placed others on my mind and heart in the past, so I can absolutely trust that He will continue to do so… and provide the best way to connect. 📞💌 🫖

Set your minds on things that are above… – Colossians 3:2

Trusting that God will lovingly help me know what I need to know when I need to know it fosters an invaluable focus upon who and what He has right in front of me. Our days on this earth are few, fleeting, and precious. Therefore, it is a fervent hope and prayer to intentionally love my family, friends, neighbors, and community (with God’s supply and guidance) as much as possible. With all of this being said, I’m incredibly grateful to share that instead of “#FOMO,” my heart is refreshed, encouraged, and ready to keep learning. (Matthew 11:28-29)

Be still, and know that I am God

Psalm 46:10

Before you take that last sip and head back to your day, please don’t hesitate to send prayer requests my way … community is important! Thank you for listening…Loved sharing a cup with you!! ☺️

Much Love,
Meridith

P.S.

Why coffee? ☕️

Well, it’s something that can be shared.☺️ It’s not meant to be lukewarm nor is it brewed in haste. Such is Love. God’s love is meant to be shared in community. It’s not shaped in isolation, but is nurtured over time via relationships…often through adversity and hardship. We pray together, weep together, learn together, grow together, celebrate together, and seek Peace together. And frequently, these moments happen over a cup of coffee. (Matthew 19:26)