The Soulful Series Newsletter

August 2022

Aug 10, 2022

Hey Friend!

How is it that summer always passes so quickly?

August has rolled up on me like, "Whoa! what happened to July?" But I am excited and hopeful about all that is blooming right now, even in the midst of a difficult season. I hope you also find ways to step into a new month laced with hope and fresh beginnings.

Do you ever feel like the end of summer elicits reminders of self-control for you? When I start thinking about school returning and vacations ending, I’m reminded that routines and frameworks, just like summer breaks, are a good thing too. I mean, extended breaks are lovely, right? But, just resting on my laurels is only satisfying for so long. I’m excited to return to a regular studio practice and my diet and exercise habits definitely need an overhaul. Even the foundation of my spiritual habits have started to slip a bit as our schedules became less regular. Now, where is the wisdom and self-control in that?

I was recently reminded that we really need structure outside of ourselves or we will drift straight towards self-sufficiency and self-centeredness. I much prefer the peace that comes from creating a reality framed with healthy and wise structure than relying on my own strength + abilities to keep me between the lines. I’ve realized it takes discipline and self-control to set up rhythms of life that sustain me. When I have a framework for my days and a mission for my life, these things give me the day-to-day abundance and vitality I need to remain in peace and assurance of living a life of meaning and purpose. We are all meant to reside in this kind of assurance. It’s there for the taking…do you have the self-control to take hold of it? I continually pray personally for the indwelling empowerment of the Holy Spirit, the source of all my self-control.

xoxo,

Michelle

Things worth Sharing

READING . LISTENING . WATCHING

5 Hindrances to Self-Mastery, begin watching at 3:12
Loving how this book, Thumbprint in the Clay, reminds me of how uniquely made we each are.

NOTICING . WITNESSING . MEDITATING

Considering if I would ever be bold enough to take a solo trip like this.
Did you know that I offer a special edition of this newsletter called, A Soulful Calling? It is a weekly spark for creating a more meaningful, soulful life. This month’s edition covered Self-Control.

REMEMBERING . CREATING . HOPING

I am beginning a new mentoring season next month with women local to my area. I am so excited + expectant about how the Lord will use our time together. These women are making a bold step in their faith + intentionally seeking to grow in spiritual wisdom + discipline. I would love the support of your prayers over me + these women as we take this journey together.
The doors are always open for membership in my online community, The Lovely Crux! If you are seeking deeper wisdom and daily community for your spiritual walk, I encourage you to jump inside! We regularly read the Bible together, each month we cover a topic for spiritual growth, and from time to time, we try to get together IRL.
Don’t forget, New Art Prints were released last month! Click here to shop!
A new collection of originals will be released on September 6th. Mark your calendars. Email Subscribers will always be the first to be notified.

Parting Words

REFLECTION QUESTION

What happens to our relationships with God and others when we relinquish self-control?
Let's "Chat" About It

QUOTABLES

All you need to do to receive guidance is to ask for it and then listen.
Sanaya Roman

I hope something here put a smile on your face + warmed your heart! If it did, I would love to hear your response.