My Anchor in Storms
September 24' Reflections: Using Scripture As a Anchor in Overwhelming or Scary Seasons, September Reading Recap, + My Monthly Roundup
I feel like I have whiplash from how quickly September came and went. There was so much to do and so much going on, and I definitely felt the pressure:
My husband started his new contract in a new city
I packed up the house preparing for our move
And if this wasn’t enough, I took on a few writing projects and underwent some strategic planning for my business
And of course, the hurricane provided an added layer of stress and concern
I’m so thankful for growth because old me would be panicking, stressing, and spiraling out of control. But this version of me has felt more surefooted and steady, even in the midst of a literal storm.
There was a moment during the hurricane when I couldn’t get in touch with my husband, as the power and phone lines were down, and I felt it happening — the thoughts spiraling and my peace slipping, slowly losing its ground. The old me threatened to emerge, eager to skip to morbid conclusions, until I remembered my guideline, my anchor.
“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and receieved from me — everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.” - Phillipians 4:8-9 (NLT)
As I remembered and recited these verses, I rallied and bolstered my thoughts into tight compliance, experiencing the grounding peace that was promised. In that moment, I was reminded of why we are urged to memorize Scripture, to hide it in our hearts for moments when we need its retrieval. It’s a reminder to keep our minds, hearts, and souls sure and steady. It’s our anchor in life’s storms and turbulent moments. And I don’t know about you, but lately, I’ve been needing an anchor.
Here are some other Scriptures that have been holding me steady:
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” - Isaiah 26:3 (ESV)
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind.” - 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
Worrying about all that's going on or what remains undone leaves me floundering. However, I've found that meditating on Scripture and reminding myself of God's Word and faithfulness anchors me. What anchors you?
When we are in scary, overwhelming, or difficult moments, sometimes we need a reminder that there is Someone bigger than us, more sovereign than us who is holding it all together. He is in control.
Books 📚
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros. I had shared in my August recap that this fall, I wanted to explore new genres with fantasy being one of them. Fourth Wing has always been highly recommended, and after reading it, I see why. It definitely gives Hunger Games vibes but with humans, dragons, and other fantastical creatures. In my opinion, it’s so much better. Also, the romance in here is top-tier 🤌🏾. It’s a slow burn for those who are familiar with romance tropes. I ended up listening to this on audio, and it read like a movie. I’m glad I read it this way because it turns out that Amazon picked this up as a series, and when it comes out, I’ll be ready. 👏🏾
The Teacher by Freida McFadden. This is my third Freida book, and I am convinced that Freida doesn’t write not one bad book. I am amazed at how many plot twists she subtly wove into this one. There were so many twists and turns even up until the last page. This was disgustingly good, however, the topic/plot is disturbing, so I’m going to give you a warning now. The message communicated here was chilling and a great warning of what can happen when children are groomed. I can definitely see this being a Lifetime movie.
Memory-Making Mom by Jessica Smartt. You know when a book comes to you at the right time? This is what this book was for me. I shared in a few recent posts that I’ve felt called to focus on my home and family life in this season, and this is the perfect book to support that. It’s very encouraging and practical. I appreciated Jessica’s authenticity and the grace she gives moms looking to make memories and create life-giving traditions in their homes. I also love the appendix in the back, which shares suggestions on traditions to implement for holidays and other seasons. This is a reference book that I can see myself coming back to in various stages of motherhood.
These were just some of my favorites. I read 12 books this month. For a full list of what I read, check out my September reading recap or my Goodreads.
September 24' Reading Recap
September was a slower reading month for me. I had family in town, and I spent a greater portion of the month packing and preparing for a potential move. In addition to that, I haven’t necessarily been in a reading slump, but I’ve been swapping some of my reading time to indulge in some of my favorite, cozy shows (i.e. Gilmore Girls 😆) . But neverthele…
Podcasts 🎧
If you are tired, worn out, or have hit a dry patch in your faith, this episode will be refreshment and nourishment to your weary soul as Kristen Wetherell shares how we can continue to grow our appetite for God’s Word in all seasons.
This episode was a good one. Between preparing to relocate and getting ready for our family’s celebration season (birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, etc.), feeling overwhelmed is an understatement. I appreciated Kendra’s grounding tips on navigating overwhelm during busy and hard seasons.
I feel like most of us feel “behind” when it comes to something — marriage, kids, career, finances. The enemy does a great job of reminding us of what we lack. Thank God that in this episode, Meghan Ryan Asbury reminds us of our identity and inheritance in Christ and how we can trust God amid life’s disappointments.
September Snapshots 📸
My September Kindle refresh // I managed to snag a photo of me, my aunt, cousin, and my niece while my sister was in town // Enjoying being a passenger princess on the way back home with my husband after dropping our car down in south Georgia // A park outing with the kids while my Dad was in town// Started a new tradition this year of pumpkin spice and apple cider donuts to kick off fall // I’ve been really inspired by Magnolia magazine lately if you couldn’t tell // A rare solo coffee shop date // One of the many library books I’ve been reading to the kids about fall. This one is a book of fall poems!
Throughout the month, I love to post notes, reflections, or other resources that I find encouraging or helpful. Make sure you download the Substack app so you don’t miss out on new notes, chats, and threads.
Catch up on September Posts
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I love these Scriptures! And I am planning to start Fourth Wing once I’m done reading the Throne of Glass series 😍
Beautiful Janelle. God is am anchor in any time.