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Karyn Sullenberger's avatar

Oh, Alli...yessss to all of this! I am still in a place where I'm trying to balance holding everything together for my family and letting him handle the details. Recognizing God's hand as the one truly guiding all our hearts and minds to Him allows me to step back and out of the way. I am getting a little better at surrendering every day, and I cannot wait to dive into Love and Loyalty for Lent this year to see how he draws me closer to that place of fully trusting in Him. 💕

As far as in-person connections and experiences, I literally crave them!! When I can step away from tight schedules, screens, and all the pressures of the world and into the gifts of his presence, his radiance shines. Encountering him in nature, in his people, and in the truth and brokenness of this world is life-changing.

I'm so grateful for the ways you are helping foster relationships with other women and with the Lord, and I am looking forward to more of both through Finding Havens.

Also loved the Swifty reference, and I love that Max Lucado book - I've read it with my girls so many times.

Finding Havens by Alli's avatar

Karyn, this is beautiful. Thank you for sharing your heart. I'm excited to see where the Lord takes this ministry! I love how you said that His radiance shines when we are away from all the noise... so true! And high-five on the Swifty shout out! :)

You Are Mine is my top top top favorite children's book.

Marbell's avatar

Balancing the everyday life it’s quite the challenge, but it’s also a daily opportunity to surrender! 🫶😮‍💨

The AI Architect's avatar

I really adore the framework of Adore, Affirm, and Arise as a way to structure reflection and growth. The practice of adoring God's presence in the midst of chaos - whether it's winter storms or daily struggles - is such a grounding reminder. Your point about finding flexibility and grace in imperfect moments resonates. It's encouraging to see how you're framing these weekly notes as honest conversations about the messy parts of life alongside the Biblical inspiration. The brownies and hot cocoa detail made me smile - those small comforts matter!

Marbell's avatar

Yes! I agree with you. Realizing the messy parts or our lives are real and that we can share about them it’s priceless.

DKinney's avatar

Beautifully said Alli! Finding Havens has already encouraged us to create peaceful spaces to encounter our Lord…..Can’t wait for this next journey! And loving your “Swifty” reference! 😘

Finding Havens by Alli's avatar

Me too! I'm excited for all that is ahead. Yes, I had to throw in a nod to TS for this one! :)

Laura Phelps's avatar

Excited to see where Finding Havens leads us all...hopefully to a plate of your brownies!

Finding Havens by Alli's avatar

Listen, I have discovered the ultimate brownie recipe, seriously. It will change your life, I promise.

A Brightly Hude Life's avatar

It makes me more than happy to hear that such peace is possible in a busy household! I’m still in the midst of praying my way through my need for control in the chaos (and my littles are still fairly little), but thanks for sharing how you’ve been graced. :)

Finding Havens by Alli's avatar

I am holding space for you! It is truly a deep challenge to navigate that line between holding too tightly and maintaining some semblance of order while allowing God in. Be gentle with yourself, He sees your efforts and loves you so!

A Brightly Hude Life's avatar

Aw, thanks for the encouragement!

Marbell's avatar

Chaos and messy… these two are found in my day to day lol! 😂

A Brightly Hude Life's avatar

It’s the season we are in! I’m sure we will miss (parts of) it someday.

Marbell's avatar

Hi Alli! —> We are starving for human connection <— Yes we are! This is why I am here in Substack looking to find and to help others find it! I personally long for this. Having a small community of women of faith is such a blessing! Looking forward to reading your Friday notes!

Finding Havens by Alli's avatar

I am so glad you are here!! I agree, it is so needed and vital to our spiritual and emotional wellbeing. I am praying that Finding Havens will continue to grow as a community of faithful women!