Marydean Draws

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October 16, 2014 anxiety•grace•trials•worry

Something weird happened last night: reflections from an MRI machine

First of all, Baby Boy is fine and kicking. I’m fine too, and I have the brain scans to prove it! The thought occurred later that I should have asked them if they could tell if I was super-smart . . . but I forgot.

Yesterday was a weird day. I had some unusual vision things going on and numbness in my hands in the afternoon. The doctor couldn’t diagnose over the phone so around 9:00 my husband and I ended up in the ER (a generous friend and neighbor camped out on our couch). Then, to rule out any weird brain/sinus blood clots, they did an MRI.

So there I was near midnight, stuck in the tube for 40 minutes. I get claustrophobic crawling underneath a bed, so I knew I needed to breath. It would be really embarrassing if I had press the panic button they had gently placed in my fingers before covering my eyes with a towel and sandwiching my head between the headrest and earphones. I prayed.

You know the kinds of thoughts that come in those situations? What if the unthinkable happens to my baby? What if my children are motherless and my husband a widower? I’d be in heaven, but my poor kids . . . 

And you know the simple thing God whispered? It really just needs to be simple for a woman trying not to panic.

My grace is enough for RIGHT NOW. It will also be enough if any of those imagined scenarios in your head come to pass, but right now, my grace is enough for this moment. 


CLINK CLINK, POUND POUND. WHIRRRR. (Those machines are SO loud!). But my breathing slowed and I knew I wouldn’t need that panic button.

I didn’t know that all would be okay once I got out, but I didn’t need to, because HIS grace and sovereignty had completely covered my space for that time.

The doctor came back and happily told us that my brain is normal, and what I experienced was likely some form of migraine (which I never get) and complications from a UTI.  I hear they can make old ladies act a little crazy.

I’ll get back to my relational grace series next week, but for now I’m resting and on to live another day being mamma to this family!

Previous Relational grace: Being Real
Next Bat Facts Printable Coloring Page

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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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