Marydean Draws

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worry

September 30, 2015 anxiety•confidence•hope•Jesus•rest•worry

An opportunity to trust

For those of us who struggle with anxiety, the simplest situations send us into a tailspin of worry. For example, occasionally, I get a phone call or text on Sunday morning saying that someone is unable to serve with the children at church and we need to find a replacement. This used to make me very anxious, but God has been graciously working on my response to situations like these in the last few years.  I’m trying to read...
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July 29, 2015 joy•satisfaction•thankfulness•trials•worry

The Thankful View

We just returned from vacation happy, but exhausted. As I walked around the house, I saw the many chores filling up the days ahead–the vacuuming, the dishes, the homeschool room that needs to be set up, the laundry, and the poop incident in the tub.  And inside I complained.  As I sat and watched the baby in his high chair after dinner, I felt God gently prompt me to thank Him. Here in front of me was the child...

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February 27, 2015 anxiety•worry

Confessions of a sleep-deprived worrier

I probably shouldn’t write blog posts when I’m sleep deprived and occasionally have trouble remembering my new son’s name, not to mention the time I last fed him (don’t worry–he’ll remind me). But if I cannot let the Bible and its good news speak in even the most stressful of times, then when will it speak?   You know the saying “too blessed to be stressed”? Yeah, that’s cute, but I’m more like this: I’m a little tense these days,...

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November 18, 2014 anxiety•joy•worry

Pushing back the chaos

I am not a great pray-er. I am a desperate, scattered pray-er. I desperately need HIM because . . .I could think a thousand thoughts and feel a thousand feelings. But what is true?I could attempt many things.But what would please YOU?C.S. Lewis described the battle for our thoughts this way: “It comes the very moment you wake up each morning. All your wishes and hopes for the day rush at you like wild animals. And the first job each morning...

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November 11, 2014 hope•satisfaction•worry

Telling my soul the truth

Do you ever have days where your soul feels sore? I had one recently. There was nothing major wrong, just a multitude of little things rubbing me wrong. A child with an attitude.A conversation with a teacher, “We had a little problem with so-and-so today. She’s normally so good . . .”A sinful thought that disappoints.An interrupted nap.An unresolved relationship that I can’t control.A struggling friend.An awkward conversation I wish went better.Worry over what someone might think of something...

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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...

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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.

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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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