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Friends,
Lately, I’ve been reading through the Gospel of Mark, and chapter 4 (…still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop…) has lingered in my mind. Jesus tells a parable about seeds and soil—about the kind of soil that allows the seed to take root, grow strong, and bear fruit.
It stays with me—because I’m craving that kind of life.
One that’s grounded. Growing. Truly alive.
And I’m realizing: good soil doesn’t just happen. It’s tended. It’s made ready.
As a new season begins—both in the calendar and in my spirit—I’m asking myself:
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What’s been weighing me down—what might I release to make space for what matters?
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What rhythms or practices once gave me life—what might I return to?
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What new things is God inviting me to plant—what small beginnings might I say yes to?
If I’m honest, I’ve wandered into habits that leave me feeling a bit foggy and flat. Scrolling through things I forget two seconds later. Watching shows that entertain but don’t exactly lift my soul. Not terrible—just not the kind of nourishment I’m actually craving.
So I’ve been letting go of some of the noise—some of the things that clutter my mind but don’t feed my soul. I’m returning to Scripture, not to check a box or follow a plan, but to be with God and be changed slowly. I’m going for walks, picking up books again, and practicing the slow discipline of doing one thing at a time. Presence doesn’t come naturally in this season of motherhood, marriage, and ministry—but I’m learning to lean into it anyway.
I’m asking: What brings life?
What is true, noble, lasting?
What is worth my attention?
Author Tish Harrison Warren writes, “Spiritual formation is not about steps or rules, but about what we love—what we worship, what we long for. We are shaped by what we give our attention to.” I also love Annie Dillard’s words – “How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.”
I want to give my attention—my actual life—to the things that last.
To the love that changes me.
To the God who offers life in full.
Will you join me?
With love,
Abby & the CBWOQ team