Marydean Draws

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July 29, 2014 satisfaction

What am I looking for?

Something about mommying pushes me to the end of my of myself–pretty much every day–or at least several times a day. I stay home with the kids and we’re starting homeschool in the Fall, so we’re together A LOT. I love it, I really do, and I’m so thankful for it, but it pushes all my buttons and challenges all my shiny, but fake idols that I love more than Jesus (including a desire for space and control over that space, and a desire for an appearance of togetherness and sanity).

Likely you’re in some kind of situation that’s pushing you beyond yourself.

I find myself looking for distraction, for a get-away, for something more exciting than my little, often frustrating, world. It can be Pinterest, the news, Instagram, shopping, or chocolate. I think all those things are okay, but they’re not really what I’m looking for.

“What are you looking for that you can’t find in me?” That’s what I felt God asking me as I woke up one day with that searching feeling. 
What is more encouraging than God’s perfect words (“the words of the LORD are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times” Psalms 12:6), more encouraging than the Spirit walking alongside me, more beautiful than the life, death and resurrection of my Jesus? I’m so broken that those things don’t always feel attractive to me. That’s why God is at work in my heart every day, gently pursuing me with questions like these. Calling me to turn from my distractions to REAL satisfaction.

What are you looking for that you can’t find in Jesus? He promises much, friends.

“My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.” Psalm 63:5

“Whom have I in heaven but you? And the earth has nothing I desire besides you.” Psalm 73:25



Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Katie says

    July 30, 2014 at 12:24 am

    I think that's about right, Mary.

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Welcome to the blog!

I’m Mary and I’m glad you’re here! Since 2014, I’ve been sharing encouraging words, fun Bible printables, and accessible art activities.

let’s talk about . . .

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In today’s Friday Chat, I’m joined by my frien In today’s Friday Chat, I’m joined by my friend Katie to talk about my Bible study pet peeves and best practices for leading Bible studies. We have both led and been part of small group Bible studies for many years, and we talk about how our ideas about the purpose of Bible study have changed over the years.

We discuss the importance of letting the Bible be complex, keeping Jesus at the center, dealing with the fear of the discussions going off the rails, and Katie’s hot take on the importance of actually praying in our small groups. You’ll also get to hear Katie’s answer to the question, “Is Jesus a Republican or a Democrat?”

It’s a wide-ranging discussion that I found really helpful and challenging. You might agree or disagree with us, but that’s okay, because that’s the point we’re making. Hope you enjoy the discussion!

Mentioned in this episode:

Priya Parker’s The Art of Gathering https://www.priyaparker.com/

Lectio style Bible study https://renovare.org/articles/lectio-divina-1 (for example)

Inductive study method https://www.precept.org/2023/02/what-is-inductive-bible-study/ (for example)

Mary’s Magnificat in Luke 1:46-55

Orthodoxy vs Orthopraxy https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/reviews/nobody-turn-you-around/ (for example)

Moms in Prayer https://momsinprayer.org/

In case you missed it, I published the next Luke study on John the Baptist and the first part of Luke 3 this week. You can read it here:
https://marydeandraws.substack.com/p/the-gospel-of-luke-eyewitnesses-to-d53

🖤

You can find The Pictured Word podcast on Substack, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. You can also find me at www.marydeandraws.com or by searching for “Substack Marydean Draws.” 

All my Bible studies are available for anyone to read on Substack, but you can support my work by becoming a paid subscribers. Paid subscribers can download the printable study guides and coloring pages. 

You can also find my hymn art prints, cards, postcards, stickers, and Bible printables on my website. On my website or on Substack, you can sign up for my mailing list and get everything in your inbox, including new Bible studies each month and weekly newsletters.
The study in Luke is up on Substack! Here's a prev The study in Luke is up on Substack! Here's a preview of what's covered:
🖤 maps, I love maps!
🖤 Luke establishes the timeline
🖤 so many Old Testament connections
🖤 why does John have wings in this Syrian icon??

Read it all on Substack!
https://marydeandraws.substack.com/p/the-gospel-of-luke-eyewitnesses-to-d53
These colors 😍. These colors 😍.
Part of my heart is always drawn to abstraction an Part of my heart is always drawn to abstraction and pure color play. 💕
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