Living Above the Noise

In A World That Gets Louder Every Day

  • About
  • Faith
  • Family
    • Marriage
    • Parenting
    • Home Schooling
    • Health
    • Raising An Entrepreneur
  • House & Home
    • Home Organization
      • Homemaking Hacks
      • Thrifty Tips
    • Planning & Planners
      • Why You Need A Plan
      • Creating Your Plan
      • Planners
    • Meal Planning
    • Favorite Recipes
    • Celebrations & Holidays
  • Personal Growth
    • The Learning Curve
    • Blogging
    • Encouragement For The Entrepreneur
  • Contact
You are here: Home / Archives for Family / Marriage

Finding Love in a Storm

By livingabovethenoise

As I sit here, watching the storm blow in, I can’t help but remember my childhood at the lake.  Sitting on the huge, padded porch swing tucked under the upper level of my grandparents’ cottage, my cousins and I would swing and talk and plan our next excursion for our summer vacation.   We’d gather there in storms just like the one today, feeling oh, so safe amidst the pounding rain and the thundering bellow of the clouds.  And I realize something.

There is nothing so wonderful and calming and peaceful as feeling safe.  Of knowing we are loved.

Those days at the cottage were some of my siblings’ favorite memories of childhood.  “Why?” I wonder.  I imagine it’s because we gathered as families, loved by parents who cared about giving us little gifts like this — our yearly family vacation.  Possibly it was because there, like the adults, we had no cares in the world.  They, like us, had left the hustle of work and chores to get away and breathe.

The Gift of a Storm

Then God gives the gift of a storm.  The quiet of the rain softly pattering on the roof.  The mist brushing our cheeks as we swing on the porch.  The slow rumble of the thunder echoing it’s way across the sky.  And we have peace  — peace amidst the storm.

As I pause and ponder, yes, for the first time in what feels like months, I realize how very important it is to give one another that sense of peace and love.  That feeling of being wrapped in a parent’s arms in the storm, knowing we are safe.  And loved.

Seek out your children or grandchildren today.  Let them know they are loved and safe with you.  Let them know you will be by their side.  No. Matter. What.

Of course, remember this doesn’t pertain only to children.  There are spouses who need that same affirmation.  And friends.  Even enemies.

If that makes you nervous, go to God, the source of all Love and Peace, and ask Him how to love like this.  He’s the expert!  His love never fails.

signature

Love never fails.  1 Corinthians 13:8
Print Friendly, PDF & Email

A Busy Life – Learning to Trust God

By livingabovethenoise

Dandelion

Well, as much as I love to learn and share what I’m learning, God has me in a place where the learning is obviously more important than the sharing!

Again I’m explaining why I’ve been absent from the blogging world!  Between family visits, summer trips, and family work projects, all keep me from sitting down long enough to gather my thoughts.

But….those thoughts are still there, just waiting to leap from my fingertips and onto this screen!  Thoughts on all the lessons in process like:  contentment, peace, obedience, trust, expectations, and more.  I’ll be sharing more as I find make the time to process and describe what God is revealing in my life.

From where I stand today, I know God is good.  Even through the hard times, He is at work, drawing us to Himself.  Revealing His ways, His desires for us.  We only need be still and listen.  Won’t you listen with me?

And here’s a beautiful song to draw you to God.  Listen and be healed.

 

“Fear Is Easy, Love Is Hard”
by: Jason Gray

Turn on the T.V. for the evening news
They got plenty to fear and nothing to do
Another somebody who’s gone too far
Makes you want to put up your guard
Fear is easy, love is hard
So we draw up another dividing line
We label each other and we choose a side
Peace could come at quite a cost
So we won’t build a bridge across
Fear is easy, but love is hard
Fear will leave you hiding in the dark
But love will bring a light into your heart
So do not be afraid, do not be afraidI’m sorry baby is what he should’ve said
But she wouldn’t listen even if he did
They’ll die without forgiveness soon
But no one wants to make a move
When fear is easy and love is hard
Fear will leave you hiding in the dark
But love will bring a light into your heart
So do not be afraid, do not be afraidIt’s hard to bring your heart to a world that can break it
To offer love to those you’re afraid will forsake it
But a well-defended heart is always looking for a fight
In a lonely war against an endless night
But love can bring a lightFear will leave you hiding in the dark
But love will bring a light into your heart
So do not be afraidIt comes down to a simple choice
Shouting devils or a still small voice
One is spreading fear and dread
Oh but love has always said
Do not be afraid

What has God been teaching you this summer?

Trusting,

signature

“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous hand.”   Isaiah 41:10
Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Inspiring Blogs – The Loft Link Up

By livingabovethenoise

B+log for blog post

I’m joining The Loft link-up, a group of women, seeking to build a community of bloggers who inspire, challenge, and simply share with others in a quest to grow into the women God intended us to be.

This week’s topic:  Blogs That Inspire

Wow, did this topic really make me think!  Although, I don’t have time to write an official post…okay, I lied…I made the time!  This really made me consider what this post might say about me.  

  • How do I spend my time on the internet?
  • Who do I read?  And what personalities make me laugh, find joy in this journey, or find inspiration?
  • What websites get me frustrated, angry, or sad?
  • Which ones build me up in my calling as wife, mom, homeschool teacher, house organizer, etc.?
  • And what blogs would I really recommend?

I meander around the internet, gleaning from a variety of blogs.  Some are meant to encourage and offer ideas as a home school mom and manager of my home.  Others help in my sometimes difficult marriage (or in dealing with my often difficult me!).  And still others inspire me to trust God alone for my needs.

But most of all, pondering this question – “What blogs inspire me?” – made me realize my real vision for why I write and for why I read.  I write, I read, I communicate, I question, I think, and I pray ALL to grow in my ability to give glory of God.

Therefore, we must be careful in what we read and in what we write.

  • We need to lift up one another, not beat each other down.
  • We need to lead others to Christ, not to our specific way of following God.
  • We need to challenge one another to be the best women, wife, mother, home manager, and more – not look down on anyone for not doing things “just right” or for the same reasons we do them.

My Blog Recommendations

I cautiously list only a few of my favorite blogs.  I don’t want anyone to get the idea they are missing out if they don’t read all the “good” ones!  Honestly, none are necessary to becoming the women God wants of us, but, the counsel of other women can help us gain new perspective when we’re stuck or down.  So, read, and write, and share, trusting God to show you how much time is best spent on the internet.  Use caution in what you take in.  Put it through the filter of God’s Word.  Above all, be blessed!

Time Warp Wife – really good articles on marriage, meat to chew on…

For The Family – really good articles on raising a family for the glory of God, written for both men and women

Club 31 Women – easy to digest help for homemakers, wives, and moms

The Better Mom  – Contributors share on growing together as women of God

Enjoy the journey!

signature

Now I ask you, dear lady, not as though I were writing to you a new commandment, but the one which we have had from the beginning, that we love one another. And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it.   2 John 1:5-6

TheLoft

#TheLoft

 

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Three Decades of Fertility book debut!

By livingabovethenoise

Three Decades of Fertility
“It is not uncommon for people blessed with children to make the transition from control to chaos at some point, but it is uncommon, I’m afraid, for parents to realize that the latter state is preferable to the former.  It is where the blessings are found.”  Carmon Friedrich, Three Decades of Fertility contributor

It’s here!  The book that one woman had the vision to develop and inspire.  The book where ten women share their stories of how they chose to let God work in their lives.  And I am blessed to be a part of this project!

 

Three Decades of Fertility is now on sale!

  • Pdf download is $4.99.
  • Kindle or Nook – $5.99.
  • And the 344 page paperback for $12.73 on Amazon.

“Long ago when I was in high school, I told people I wasn’t going to have any children.  I was going to protect myself from the fear of the unknown, risk, and pain of pregnancy and birth.  God does have a sense of humor!  Read on and you’ll see how those children I said I would never have – 10 of them – came into being.”     Terry Covey, Three Decades of Fertility contributor

Three Decades of Fertility

It’s not an ordinary book.

  • It’s a simple statement about how women find the most amazing sense of well-being and personal identity in the most basic of jobs – motherhood.
  • It’s the story of how God brought Himself to be known and trusted by a these women along life’s journey.
  • It’s about pregnancy, birth, contraception (or not).
  • It’s about choices for life.  Choices for trusting a heavenly Father for all things, and in all circumstances.
  • It’s about faith.  Faith to believe that God has a plan and a purpose for us all.  And that He uses the most basic of things – birth – to accomplish His goal.
  • It’s about – Family.  Trust.  Belief.  Passion. Change.  Sacrifice.  Service.  Faith.

“My body bears the marks of delivering five children and it’s not in the shape that it once was.  But I glory in that!  My body is only a temporary home for my spirit, and one day it will wear out, but the children God was pleased to bring into this world through my body will live eternally.  I can think of no nobler use for my body than that.”     Molly Evert,  Three Decades of Fertility contributor

 

If you’re wondering how others deal with the choices of life, how they learn the lessons God has for them along the way, read Three Decades of Fertility.  I believe you will be blessed!

signature
We will not conceal them from their children, but tell to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and His strength and His wondrous works that He has done……….That the generation to come might know, even the children yet to be born, that they may arise and tell them to their children…   Psalm 78:4,6

 

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Next Page »

Discover God’s Value – Free Devotional

7 Day Devotional sign up form

Hi, I’m Terry!

Hi, I’m Terry!

I'm here to help you live above the noise in your life! You know the clamor of life and family and self.

I believe when you realize your unique value before God, you unleash the confidence to live above that noise!

You’ll gain the confidence to:
- Avoid comparison and think for yourself
- Sort through all the conflicting options
- Find the freedom to bring love, joy, and order to your home and family.

Looking for something?

Make a plan to take back your year with this planner!!

Make a plan to take back your year with this planner!!

Start now with one of my favorite planners — The Living Well Planner. Learn how to make your planner work for you in my Planners/Planning section (under the House & Home tab).

My “other” Job — Creekside Candles & Scents!

My “other” Job — Creekside Candles & Scents!

Do you love beautifully scented candles and wax melts? Check out my Creekside Candle store!

Featured Posts:

Making Personal Idols — How To Avoid Becoming A Slave To Your Habits

As you release the years worth of deception that have crept into your heart — the idols you’ve been holding onto for comfort and happiness — God will enter in and reveal just what it is you are destined to do while you live on this earth.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Lessons from the Garden Can Make You A Better Parent

Like plants, strong, capable kids don’t just “happen” without a healthy pot of rich soil. Where roots grow long and healthy. Parents need to give kids a safe place to grow and learn and broaden their ever-expanding minds.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

My Struggle to Find Focus — Biblical Truth for a Blogger

I’ll be honest with you — I’ve been struggling with my blog focus lately.  I’ve wondered if my content is relevant to your needs.  Am I only adding to all the noise on this crazy internet!  Should I write more? Less. Should I quit?! Times Change –  A lot has changed since I began blogging […]

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Finding Love in a Storm

As I sit here, watching the storm blow in, I can’t help but remember my childhood at the lake.  Sitting on the huge, padded porch swing tucked under the upper level of my grandparents’ cottage, my cousins and I would swing and talk and plan our next excursion for our summer vacation.   We’d gather there […]

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Share With Others!

LivingAboveTheNoise.com
<a href="https://livingabovethenoise.com" target="_blank"><img src="https://livingabovethenoise.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/blog_button.jpg" alt="LivingAboveTheNoise.com" width="125" height="125" /></a>

When you desire to bring order to your life….

Living Well, Spending Less Affiliate

* I will receive, at no additional charge to you, compensation for any sale you make via this link for LWSL planners.  Thanks!

Copyright © 2021 · Living Above the Noise | Contact Me | About Me