It's been awhile!
Oh how I’ve missed you, friends!!! It’s been a crazy month and I cannot believe it’s the 26th of July already! My summer is coming to a close and I’m trying really hard not to get emotional about it. I’m incredibly grateful for the time I’ve had, wistful about the things that didn’t get done, and hopeful for what’s to come!
I’ve parked myself in the Psalms this summer and Chapter 111 has had me in its grip for awhile now. I’d love to share it with you today as I share what’s been going on with me!
1 Praise the Lord!
I will thank the Lord with all my heart
as I meet with his godly people.
2 How amazing are the deeds of the Lord!
All who delight in him should ponder them.
3 Everything he does reveals his glory and majesty.
His righteousness never fails.
Where I’ve Been:
On Instagram stories! Haha. If you want more of my day to day minutiae, feel free to come hang out with me there! (Mostly fun, not substance, though, fyi…)
In the Psalms… Already said this but gosh, this book. So amazing.
Teaching Bible Stories at Lincoln Berean’s Vacation Bible School — a rocking time sharing about how Jesus knows us, forgives us, changes us, and says that we belong! Over 800 kids attended and 300 volunteers took care of them and it was just an incredible week of seeing God do BIG things!
With my kiddos, soaking in the last moments of summer. We have had such fun and while I’m not ready for it to end, I am so so grateful for each and every little project we got to do!
4 He causes us to remember his wonderful works.
How gracious and merciful is our Lord!
5 He gives food to those who fear him;
he always remembers his covenant.
6 He has shown his great power to his people
by giving them the lands of other nations.
Where I’m At:
Finishing my master’s course in Creative Nonfiction Writing this week — I had to take a class for re-certifying as a teacher and this is the one I chose! I’ve never loved a college class before but this one changed my mind. If you’re interested in my super extensive final portfolio, here is the link.
Consuming OLYMPICS content like an Olympian consumes protein. Let it be known: I LOVE THE OLYMPICS. Honestly, pray for my family. I forget to feed them and do laundry and clean up after them when the Olympics are on my TV. All day erry day. I’m here for the stories and the come backs and the upsets and the sports I’ve never even heard of and the woman twice my age still competing in gymnastics. I love it all.
7 All he does is just and good,
and all his commandments are trustworthy.
8 They are forever true,
to be obeyed faithfully and with integrity.
Where I’m Going:
Back to school! This week, in fact. Ahhh! I’m teaching 6th Grade Humanities for the Remote Learning Program here in Lincoln, NE and am now feeling the pressure of all that is to come! Ready or not, I’ll have students in my Zoom Room in three weeks!
Season 5 for the podcast - delayed but still coming! Esther & Crew — their stories are worth telling and I can’t wait!
9 He has paid a full ransom for his people.
He has guaranteed his covenant with them forever.
What a holy, awe-inspiring name he has!
10 Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom.
All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom.Praise him forever!
Pondering and praising along with you today, friends. May you continue to see His covenant faithfulness in everything!
What about you? —Where have you been? Where you at? Where you going?
^^ Click the button or reply to this email and give me your update! I’d love to hear from you!
What I’m Reading:
(*each book linked to purchase @Books-A-Million, an affiliate partner, who are running a SUMMER SALE right now— buy 2, get 3rd FREE; mix & match)
Nonfiction Morning Read:
Gentle & Lowly by Dane Ortlund - This is one to take s-l-o-w-l-y; perfect for a summer morning. Beautifully written and an incredible read so far. Almost done with this one! — YOU WANT THIS ON YOUR BOOKSHELF! Oh my gosh— this has taken me forever. Haha. But I finished this week!
Next on the list:
Families are shaped one day at a time through the Word of God
Foundations will help you direct your family one day at a time, as you explore 12 key truths that will help connect your children’s hearts—and yours—to the heart of God. With a simple, chapter-a-day format that includes Scripture, devotional thoughts, meditations, and discussion questions, this book will guide you in leading your family.
**We have started this one a few times and I want to pull it back out and dive back in. I’ve also found this one on clearance at Hobby Lobby for around $5 — definitely worth the price and a great stock up book for gifts!
Afternoon Poolside Read:
Current:
Out of the Shadows by Tessa Van Wade - (#amazonlink)
You are not who you think you are.
A seemingly ordinary existence is shattered when Willow is assaulted and left for dead near her San Francisco home. It is not a random attack, as she soon discovers. The stranger who rescues her tells her she’s part of a hidden race of people whose oppressive government is on the verge of a violent uprising.
Against her will, she is drawn into a maze of deception and conspiracy, which defies everything she has ever known. As she attempts to separate fact from fiction, she becomes too entrenched to retreat.
Her only hope is to discover the truth before it is too late.
FULL DISCLOSURE: Full review to come! I have friends who opened their own publishing house and this is one of their books, sent to me to read and talk about! I’m only a few pages in so I’ll let you know!
LAST TIME: Sparks Like Stars by Nadia Hashimi- I LOVED this book! So good. So interesting. So layered. Highly recommend for a summer novel! :) (*see the last newsletter for full description)
~ Off until August! ~ {Please continue to pray for us in the interim!}
Next Up: August 20-21 - Mitchell Berean Church, Mitchell, NE - CLICK HERE (*updated registration link!)
August 27-28 - North Pointe, Lincoln, NE - CLICK HERE (*updated registration link!)
September 17-18 - Colby Berean, Colby, KS
October 8-9- Marysville Berean, Marysville, KS
October 22-23- Berean Bible Church, Grand Island, NE
November 5-6 - Crete Berean, Crete, NE
December 3-4 - Sonrise Church, Torrington, WY
January 14-15, 2022 - Columbia, Kentucky
March 4-5, 2022 - Imperial Berean, Imperial, NE
April 1-2, 2022- Sandhills Community Church, Mullen, NE
April 29-30, 2022 - Grenada, California
For 2022 booking information, please email dianemathis85@gmail.com!
On a little break! But while you wait for Season 5, here are some of my all time favorite episodes…
Enjoy!
Season 5: Esther — coming soon!
New Here? Here’s some deets…
Where I like to hang out on the Internet:
My affiliate partners (doesn’t cost you more; just gives my account a few pennies each time you use my link to shop!)