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Irving Bible Church Retreat

Denton, Texas

Date: April 11 - April 14

marydemuth

I have been walking through a season of discourage

I have been walking through a season of discouragement, particularly when it comes to pioneering a way through healing for those who have been broken by abuse. Sometimes it’s a long slog, and I get weary.

The picture the Lord gave me today was this: of a mule pulling one of those plows that a person stands on. The farmer needs to stand, hold the reins, and let the mule plow.

It was as if the Lord was saying, “I got this. I am the strength. I have the direction. I do all the work. I pioneer ahead of you. You simply need to let me.” (This image is the first one you see in my 2024 calendar at marydemuth.com/art!)

I painted this without a person so you could see yourself in this painting (plus I am NOT good at humans).

The mule is heading into the star-pocked night, plowing right into the darkness FIRST. He encounters danger FIRST. He sees way ahead of the farmer. He is doing most of the work of tilling the earth. He is the FIRST pioneer.

The other verses God brought to mind:

Break up the unplowed ground for yourselves, for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers deliverance on you. (Hosea 10:12 NET)

The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still. (Exodus 14:14 NIV).

Maybe you feel this way? Are you weary of pioneering? Is the fight out of you? Are you battling cynicism and burnout? Do you feel like what you have done doesn’t matter?

Maybe this averagely-painted picture can remind you that God is pulling you through. He is going ahead of you. He hears your cries of frustration (and he is well acquainted with the battle against darkness).

Let him do the work, friend.

I have a 21-day free email sequence that is gentle and helpful if you've walked through s*xual abuse. Simply write 21days (all squished together like that) in the comments section below, and I'll send you a link to get started. It's such a brave thing to begin the journey.

Agree? Disagree? Anything you’d like to debate (

Agree? Disagree? Anything you’d like to debate (jovially of course).

I love how we are all truly unique!

Thank you @sophiedemuth for the gift of this dollh

Thank you @sophiedemuth for the gift of this dollhouse and also to @juliademuth24 for helping put it together.

I have always wanted a dollhouse, so you can imagine the childlike joy I’ve experienced in painting and decorating it.

I feel like Jesus is regifting me a carefree childhood, except that I’m experiencing it with wisdom. This is what healing feels like.

Is there something lacking from your childhood that may need a reformation? How has Jesus healed those broken parts of you?

A. GPA
B. Scripture reference
C. Distance run

I’ll give you an obvious hint: I’m training for a 5k. And I’m so grateful I exceeded the distance today, and I did it with joy. I’m counting that as a win.

Where I am today. I am soul tired (lots of pourin

Where I am today.

I am soul tired (lots of pouring out, not a lot of filling back up).

I am searching/seeking about what does a healthy, vibrant Jesus community look like.

I am struggling again with insomnia.

I am grateful for my three amazing adult children.

I am my husband’s cheerleader.

I am discouraged about certain aspects of ministry life and praying for guidance.

I am asking God to show us what’s next, as he seems to be pushing us out of what is comfortable.

I am wondering if my gifts are needed in the body of Christ. (Ever wonder that?)

I am working hard on not being enslaved to food rules and diet culture.

I am oddly grateful for my little black cat, Boo Radley.

I am coming to the end of myself when it comes to certain aspects of control, particularly in my career, my daily lifestyle, and some relationships.

I am grateful for a reconciled relationship.

I am utterly thankful for a longstanding answer to prayer—still astounded, really.

I am constantly decluttering, hoping for less to manage.

I am loving my time in the Bible.

I am humbled to have some amazing, longstanding friends.

I am tired of marketing and PR and platform building.

I am longing for revival in the Christian publishing space, back to really great content created by deep, wise, theologically adept writers.

I am hopeful for the church, though I struggle with iterations of it.

I am still a missionary at heart.

I am one who loves beauty and order in my home.

I am an artist (still hard to say out loud).

Who are you these days? What are you struggling with? What are your victories?

This is one of my paintings from the 2024 calendar

This is one of my paintings from the 2024 calendar available at 50% off (if you order 2) until November 28.

The scripture reads “The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble” (psalm 9:9). Do you need this reminder today? (I do.)

Stop on over to marydemuth.com/art to see the calendar (every month is a frameable print), scripture cards (great stocking stuffers), stickers (same), and Advent cards to walk through as a family. Every item is buy-one-get-one-free!

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