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Friday Five

6/19/2020

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Today is June 19th otherwise known as Juneteenth. It is a holiday celebrating the emancipation of those that were enslaved in the United States. It is fitting that today is Juneteenth for this week's Friday five.

My heart has felt very heavy and grieved for the United States these past two weeks. I feel grieved for my black brothers and sisters and for the instances of hatred that they experience from others. I feel grieved for the American Church that is wrestling with how to be a light in an evil age. I feel grieved for the ways that the American Church has failed our black and brown brothers and sisters in Christ. I feel grieved that so many believers look to political leaders over the Scriptures and negate the suffering of others. I feel grieved, but I'm grieving with hope.

I know that God is in control. I know that he is still at work reconciling and redeeming. I know that he is doing something that we cannot see, and that his Word is clear that he works all things out for the good of those that love him (Romans 8:28). I know that God draws near to those who draw near to him (James 4:8). I know that God will thwart the wicked (Proverbs 10:3), and protect the righteous (Proverbs 2:8). There is much hope in the Lord, and I'm trying to remember that when there is so much evil and the world feels hopeless.

I don't know how your heart is currently, but I pray that we would put our hope in the Lord, that we would look to him for wisdom, and that we would love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength and love our neighbor as ourselves.

One way I've been trying to love my neighbor is by listening, learning, and advocating. This work began before the past three weeks. It's a work that God has been doing in my heart over the past three years as I've sought to better love my black and brown brothers and sisters.

I wanted to share a few resources that have been formative for me in learning to better love my neighbor. I hope they help you on the journey as well.
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1. Black Lives Do Matter: Understanding Racism Biblically, Historically, & Personally 
(Podcast from DiscipleMakers)
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2. ​Dr. Scott Hancock & Peter Krol | A Conversation about the Bible & Racial Justice 
(Podcast from DiscipleMakers)
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3. Structural Racism: The Child of Structural Pride
(Article by John Piper)
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4. Racism and Corporate Evil
(Message from Timothy Keller)
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5. The Sin of Racism
​(Article by Timothy Keller)

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Friday Five

5/29/2020

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This week has been a hard week. I feel deeply grieved by the lost of black lives this week, and it's a grief that I know so many others feel even more deeply than I do. I don't want to offer thoughts right now, but the first of the five from this week is a post I made on Instagram, where I committed myself to fighting for racial justice and to work towards an anti-racist future. Below you'll find some other finds from this week as well. 

1. My Prayer for My Daughter

I hope and pray that my daughter grows up in a more just world, one where systemic racism is a thing of the past. 

2. Amy's BBQ Meatballs 

I shared about these meatballs a few weeks okay, but this week I finally was able to make them, and they did not disappoint! Wow! They are so tasty, and the liquid smoke really does enhance the flavor of the BBQ sauce. It was easy to make and even easier to eat. 

3. The Stories That Bind Us

Researchers are finding that families that have a strong family narrative tend to be the most emotionally healthy and led to more emotionally healthy children. I found this one very interesting. 

4. We Need to Be Uncomfortable

"We all should be uncomfortable about the injustice in our country. For many Christians, facing the reality that America still has a race problem is uncomfortable. Until we’re able to listen to the cries of black advocates, sympathize with black mothers, and express righteous anger over dead black bodies, we might remain comfortable—but it’s a poor substitute for the love to which we’ve been called."

5. Will You Be My Titus 2 Woman

After reading this article, I fully plan to look into getting Melissa Kruger's new book: Growing Together: Taking Mentoring beyond Small Talk and Prayer Requests. I'm always looking for great resources about mentoring, and this seems like a good one. 
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(P.S. Some of the links above are affiliate links, which means that if you click on them and purchase a product, this blog will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for helping to support She Laughs Without Fear!)
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Friday Five

5/22/2020

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Whelp. I'm sharing my Friday five on Saturday, but I had a lot of fun and formative things that I wanted to share with you all, just not a lot of time on Friday to write and share. So here are this week's five. As always, I would love to hear about some of your finds as well. 

1. Fight Hustle, End Hurry Podcast

Ahh hurry and hustle. Two things that that I'm familiar with, but also seeking to fight and end in my life. Jefferson Bethke and John Mark Comer wrote books about both of these topics and they released around the same time. So, these authors thought it would be fun to team up and record a podcast discussing these topics even more. If you're tired of the hurry and hustle in your life, and looking to live a life at a different pace, these guys offer some encouragement.  

2. "I Am With You" | At Home With Olaf 

If you've been following along with the past few weeks of Friday Fives, you know that I've enjoyed the At Home With Olaf series that Disney Animation Studios has been sharing on Youtube. I believe the series is coming to an end, but this video/song is a very fitting finale. I almost cried. 

3. Why A Great Question Is Sometimes Better Than a Right Answer

What a helpful and deep nugget of wisdom. From my perspective, Jesus was a master at this, and it helped the people that he interacted with understand their hearts better than just giving them the right answer. And bruh... if anyone had all the right answers it was Jesus, but he still primarily answered questions with questions. 

4. Stroopies

If you like stroopwafels (the Dutch cookie) and supporting local businesses, you should check out Stroopies. They are a local business from Lancaster, PA that makes DELICIOUS stroopwafels, but they also want to support refugees that are starting over in Lancaster by offering them meaningful employment. What a great business to support! 

5. Social Media, Vanity, and Abundant Life

A friend recently re-shared this article that I wrote a few years ago, and it impacted me even three years after writing it. I always need to be reminded of where abundant life is found. 
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Friday Five

5/15/2020

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This week's list is a little different. This week I wanted to share five things that I'm thankful for in the midst of this Pandemic. I've been recently reminded of how our thankfulness or lack thereof really says a lot about our relationship with God. The times when I am the most thankful are also the times when I feel the closest to the Lord. I've been thinking about that fact a lot this week and seeking to offer thanksgiving to God. So here are a few things I'm thankful for this Friday. 

1. My Family

Everyday I grow more and more thankful for my husband, Thea, and the families that God has given us. Especially as I enjoy more time at home with Brandon and Thea, I'm just so thankful for the gift that they both are to me. 

2. Sower's Harvest Burgers

There is a little cafe in our town called Sower’s Harvest that serves the best burgers I have ever had the pleasure to eat. I ate my first "Sower's Burger" the first week of the stay at home order in Pennsylvania. And every week since my husband and I have ordered burgers and a pretzel for take out on #sowersburgerthursday. It has become a little ritual in our week, and something we look forward to every Thursday. Today, I'm really thankful for the little things like a Sower‘a burger that feeds my belly, encourages my soul, and supports a local business that we love.

3. Completed House Projects

Have you ever had a thing on your to do list for a long time and when you finally completed it, you just felt this thrill of excitement? That's how I felt completing a few projects around our house this week. For one, I finally recovered the yellow laminate countertop on our built-in with granite looking con-tac paper. It turned out so well and looks amazing. I can't stop looking at it and it makes me so thankful that it is finally complete and that I can enjoy it.

4. Pack and Plays

This might sound weird but I am so thankful for baby playards aka pack and plays. Thea has become VERY mobile and loves to touch and explore and experience everything. Which is fun... sometimes and terrifying other times. But I'm thankful for pack and plays that allow Thea to play with toys in a safe space while Mommy goes to the bathroom or makes breakfast or just keeps her contained at times. Whoever invented pack and plays, I'm so thankful for you too!

5. God's Word

It may be the last on the list, but certainly not the least. Rather it's the most important so I wanted to save it for last. But lately I have felt so thankful for the the promises that we have in the Bible. As so many around me are living in uncertainty and there is much that I could worry or fear about, I've felt a calming peace through this whole Pandemic, and it's mainly from remembering the truths from the Bible. I'm so thankful that God offers us peace and hope and that the Bible documents those promises for us to hold onto in good times and in hard times.

What are some things that you're thankful for this week?
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Friday Five

5/8/2020

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This week flew by for me, yet there were so many good things from this week that it was hard to nail down even my favorite finds to five things. A big theme from this week was finding recipes and the Sticky Honey Chicken below was a big hit! So without further ado, here are my five favorite finds from this week with a mixture of fun and formative. Let me know if you have any good finds from this week. 

1. Spoken Gospel's The Bible Explained: Proverbs

I've shared before that Brandon and I are huge fans and supporters of Spoken Gospel. They do an incredible job using spoken word and performance art to explain the central themes of books of the Bible and how each book connects to Jesus. This Proverbs video is their newest creation, and it visually explains the main themes of the book. Spoken Gospel's videos just get better and better. You don't want to miss this one. 

2. Sticky Honey Chicken 

I made the sauce from this recipe twice this week to go with ground pork and green beans. It's that delicious! (and quite simple). If you're looking for an easy Asian inspired dish, this one is a winner. 

3. Disney's Cheddar Cheese Soup from Le Cellier

I'm loving #DisneyMagicMoments. Disney keeps releasing recipes from their parks, crafts related to their films, and cute video clips of Olaf, and I'm here for it! Especially the recipes and clips of Olaf. This recipe is from the Canadian themed restaurant Le Cellier Steakhouse in Epcot. I fully plan on making this when I can get the ingredients from the store next. 

4. I'm Dying

I really appreciated this post from Lore Wilbert on her blog sayable.net this past week. I've been thinking very similar thoughts during this pandemic. 

5. From the Archives: Seeking the Kingdom

Once upon a time, I participated in a writing challenge called Write 31 Days, in which every October a group of bloggers would commit to writing on a topic every day for (you got it) 31 days. This 31 day series, Seeking the Kingdom, was one of my favorites to write, and I kept thinking about it this week. I've thought about expanding upon it, but we'll see. 
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Friday Five

5/1/2020

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Woohoo! It's Friday, and the first day of May! It's the little things that I'm celebrating in this season we find ourselves in. There is much in this season to mourn and grieve, but there are also things worth enjoying and celebrating. As always, here are some fun and formative finds for your Friday. 

1. She Laughs Without Fear's New Instagram 

You heard that right! This blog now has its own Instagram account! I'm excited to have a social media space as an extension of this blog. So feel free to go follow that account. It will be a great way to receive updates about new posts. 

2. The Chosen

I've been talking about this new tv series all week with friends! It's a television series that is focused on the life of Jesus through the lens of those that come in contact with him. It is a different way of retelling the stories of Jesus' interactions, miracles, and relationships, but I'm here for it! While some dialogue and scenes have been added, it seeks to stick very closely to the Scriptures while also giving a full picture of the impact Jesus had on people relationally. I cannot recommend this tv series more highly!

3. Easy Eats by Amy

A woman that I follow on Instagram just started a food blog, and I can't tell you how excited I am to try some of her recipes - particularly her BBQ meatball recipe. Her meatball recipe will likely be one or two of our dinners this week! 

4. Disney's "Magic Happens" Parade

Disney will likely be closed for several months or more, but that doesn't mean that you can't enjoy their parades! I'm really enjoying these fun videos that Disney has been sharing lately and it's something fun in the midst of this pandemic. 

5. Habakkuk 3:17-19

These verses have been giving my heart comfort this week as we face yet another week of isolation. While I'm hopeful PA will start to move into a "yellow" phase in two weeks, there is no guarantee. I'm sure Habakkuk felt the similar uncertainty of things as he was watching the loss of so much around him. I hope these verses comfort you as well. You can even read them in the quote below and feel free to save the image for your own keeping.  
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Friday Five

4/24/2020

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It is my pleasure to share fun and formative things with you all in the midst of this pandemic that we find ourselves in. Here are some of my favorite finds from this week, and feel free to comment below your favorites from the week. 

1. Holmes & Daughters

This delightful Instagram account following the recipes and cooking adventures of Jonathan Holmes and his daughters is more than worth sharing. Holmes is a Christian writer and counselor that I have been following for a few years after reading the book that he wrote on friendship: The Company We Keep: In Search of Biblical Friendship.  He just started this new account featuring his four adorable daughters, and the recipes and cooking tips that they share are worth the follow on Instagram, and you get to see a sweet family cooking together. 

2. "Sunrise" | At Home With Olaf

I've been enjoying these short animation clips of Olaf in a series fittingly named "At Home With Olaf". This one is particularly fun and restful as Olaf enjoys a sunrise. 

3. Call to the Wild (from Zombies 2)

I was playing some music for Thea this week, when this song popped up on the shuffle play. If you know me, you know that I love a good dance beat and dance number, and this song has both! I'll be honest: after hearing this song and watching the music video, I watched its corresponding Disney Channel movies: Zombies and Zombies 2. I was delightfully surprised by these tv movies, and I confess that I loved them! I guess you're never too old to enjoy a Disney Channel movie. Also, this song has been stuck in my head repeatedly. You have been warned! (But it's gooooood).

4. The Daily Grace Co

Are you looking for help as you grow in your relationship with Christ? Do you find it helpful to have a guided study as you read God's word? The Daily Grace Co is a small business that offers beautifully crafted and biblically faithful resources. They have a sale going on right now for their Bible studies and other resources like prayer cards. Check them out!

5. From the Archives: Lay It All on Christ

Have you ever gone back and read something that you wrote several years ago, and you were like, "Woah, I wrote that?" That's how I feel when I go back and read some of the posts on this blog. One thing I love about blogging is that everything I write is like a little time capsule, and what impacted me several years ago might impact someone else years from now. So here's a little gem from the archives: how the song "Lay It All On Me" by Ed Sheeran points to the gospel. 
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Five Friday

4/17/2020

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I don't know about you, but my days look the same lately. This week it was hard to remember what my top five finds were from the week, but then I thought of some of these things. As always, I hope you find them fun and formative. 

1. New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional

Now more than ever I need simple and daily encouragement from the Bible as I connect with the Lord during the day. This devotional is a favorite and has been once again helpful in this season of life. 

2. "Birthday" | At Home With Olaf

Can you tell that I'm an Olaf fan? I will gladly watch all of these clips from Disney Animation of the Olaf at Home series. This birthday one is cute, and you might also enjoy Pumpkin.

3. The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment

I've been reading this book by Tim Challies, and I want to underline everything! I'm a regular reader of Tim Challies blog and appreciate how he writes and explains biblical truths. I'm not quite finished, but this book has offered valuable nuggets on the topic of discernment. If you want to learn more about discernment, this would be a helpful primer. 

4. The Bible Explained: Psalms

Spoken Gospel is one of my household's favorite Youtube channels, and over the past year they have been working on creating introductory videos to books of the Bible. Marrying spoken word and performance, Spoken Gospel does an excellent job explaining the central themes of different books of the Bible and how they connect to Jesus. The video linked above is an introductory to Psalms, and it's wonderful! We also love the video for Daniel and Mark. 

5. Epic: India

Tim Challies is releasing a new book and connected mini series called Epic: An Around-the-World Journey through Christian History. Each episode and chapter focuses on artifacts connected to Christian history in specific areas around the world. Challies released this episode focused on India and artifacts connected to Amy Carmichael and William Carey. I'm excited for the full mini series to release to watch the other episodes and to read the related book after they are released. 
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(P.S. Some of the links above are affiliate links, which means that if you click on them and purchase a product, this blog will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for helping to support She Laughs Without Fear!)
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Waiting With Hope

4/11/2020

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Well, it's April 2020, and the month ahead stands to look like the majority of March: we're all primarily at home, self-isolated. We are living in a pandemic, and as of today almost 1.7 million people have been infected and over one hundred thousand people have died globally from the Coronavirus. And we wait.

We wait to see if it will come into our household. If the random coughs we have are the signs of our bodies fighting the infection already.

We wait for the spread to slow. We wait for the curve to flatten, for life to return to "normal," to once again be able to see friends face to face and hug them. We wait to see family and hold them close. We wait to sit in restaurants, to peruse stores, to not have to disinfect everything.

We wait.

But in this household, we wait with hope, knowing that we will celebrate Easter apart from family and the church body for the first time in this life.

We wait with hope and expectation, even though we will be self-isolated for the next month and perhaps indefinitely.

We wait with hope as this virus brings us together in ways it could not keep us apart.

We wait with hope knowing that this world is passing away, but our spirits are being renewed day by day.

We wait with hope knowing that this world is not our home, and there are far greater things ahead than any we would leave behind.

We wait with hope knowing that Jesus is with us, and as sure as he defeated death and the grave, he will defeat this virus one day.

We wait with hope knowing that our heavenly Father has the whole world in his hands.

We wait with hope knowing that we are secure in his hands.

And so we wait... but we wait as those with great hope.
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Friday Five

4/10/2020

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What a week it has been! And what a Friday it is. Here are some links for a little levity for your week. Let me know about your favorite finds from this week. 

1. Graves Into Gardens

This worship song has been on repeat in our household lately. It's also very timely for this Holy Week leading up to Easter. 

2. Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp

Confession time: Animal Crossing was my favorite digital game to play growing up. I remember playing it with my sister and our neighbors during our middle school years, and we loved it! So when I found out that Nintendo was releasing a new Animal Crossing game, I felt the urge to play again! But I don't own a Nintendo Switch, so the next best thing has been Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp, which is a phone app. It has been a fun little game to play as I find myself with small pockets of free time in this season. 

3. Hogwarts Digital Escape Room

If you're looking for something to do as a family, a librarian from Peters Township Library created a digital escape room for Harry Potter fans! 

4. Sight and Sound's Performance of Jesus 

This weekend only, Sight and Sound's Performance of Jesus will be available to watch on TV and stream online. Brandon and I are huge fans of Sight and Sound and their musical retelling of Bible stories. We didn't get a chance to see this show live, but we're excited to watch it tomorrow!

5. Disney Magic Moments

Disney created some new videos, crafts, and various things for families missing a little Disney in their lives with parks closing and being at home. I'm enjoying a new mini series they are starting with Olaf. 
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    Welcome! I'm Madi, a laughter-loving, movie-going, spontaneous-dancing, follower of Christ. Join me as I seek glimpses of God's grace in the ordinary and everyday. 
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