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 . . .

SEARCH THE BLOG

I'm going to be introducing new prints from my new I'm going to be introducing new prints from my newest print collection over the next few weeks. The gorgeous "Be Thou My Vision" hymn has always been one of my bestselling hymns , so I decided to add an additional version to my shop. This hymn was translated into English in 1905 by Mary Elizabeth Byrne (July 2, 1880 – January 19, 1931) from the Old Irish Hymn, "Bí Thusa 'mo Shúile." 

You can find all my new prints on my website here:
https://marydeandraws.com/product-category/new
I'm going to be introducing new prints from my new I'm going to be introducing new prints from my newest print collection over the next few weeks. Today, meet my print of the 1907 hymn "Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee" by Henry Van Dyke. Does anyone else immediately have the amazing Sister Act 2 version of this in their head? 

I've never done an abstract, layered watercolor design around a hymn, but I really love how this turned out. I wanted it to look like a stained glass window in a church, but with a not-so-literal take. 

Mortals, join the mighty chorus,
Which the morning stars began;
God's own love is reigning o’er us,
Joining people hand in hand.
Ever singing, march we onward,
Victors in the midst of strife;
Joyful music leads us sunward
In the triumph song of life.

You can find all these on my website here:
https://marydeandraws.com/product-category/new
I'm going to be introducing new prints from my new I'm going to be introducing new prints from my newest print collection over the next few weeks. Today, meet my watercolor nature color wheel and color mixing chart! 

Each little creature and plant in the color wheel was hand-painted and then scanned and edited to fit in its slice of color. This is inspired by my watercolor classes, where I love to give an introduction to color theory. The second print is a simple watercolor mixing chart and shows the beautiful colors you can create just by mixing a few basic colors together! 

Lastly, there is also a sticker version of the nature color wheel! 

You can find all these on my website here:
https://marydeandraws.com/product-category/new
Another pretend podcast/weekly newsletter is up. T Another pretend podcast/weekly newsletter is up. This week you'll hear:
⬛ a REAL podcast update (with branding I've created)
⬛ history from the Boy Jesus in the Temple study this week
⬛ recommended articles and a podcast episode
⬛ two sports comeback stories and why I think they're encouraging

You can listen here or search for "Marydean Draws" on Substack:
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