September 2021 Vol. 14 terriprahl.com
The older I get, the more I realize how life keeps morphing into something unrecognizable from the years before. Restaurants we used to visit regularly have been replaced by new. Friendships have shifted as some have moved on or away. Jobs change. Kids grow. And God keeps stretching our faith through it all.

Looking out my window, a bright sea of varying shades of orange blankets the fading green grass, under imposing, almost bare trees. As the leaves have slowly fallen over the last few weeks, I have a peaceful sense of being eased into winter. A few leaves hang on, threatened by the winds of changing seasons.

We clean the yard and the wind delivers more remains of what fall has let go. It requires constant attention, so our grass isn't killed under the darkness of leaves.

I think this is what we fear about winter -- that what lies dormant won't bloom again. That all the hard work we do is for nothing. The discipline of tending to the necessary work of our souls doesn't always bear visible fruit. We have to keep raking up the fallen nature and messes we make to keep our faith from being choked by the cares of this world and the sin that easily entraps us.

But even in the winter, work is happening. The planting of the former seasons is paying off in ways hidden under the fertile soil. It's challenging to believe what can't be easily seen. Waiting is hard. Even when we have witnessed the process time and time again and know God is faithful, it's tempting to lose heart in the winter as we long for spring.

That's why we so desperately need one another to encourage us through each season of life; to persevere and run well, yes, but to also live with joy and peace in these hard places. Even in our everyday mundane, the repetition can weary us out in well doing, leaving us sapped of strength and fruitfulness.

This is the tension we live in as Christ-followers and human beings. We have to learn to hold both truths...joy in struggle, growth in rest, change in stability, and strength in weakness. God's ways are paradoxical to our human minds, but not to His. He equips us to live in His power in both these seasons and challenges of our humanity.

And He gives us community, the Church, to accomplish His purposes in our individual lives and in the world. That's why I invest time writing and encouraging us all to imitate Christ and live worthy of salvation. I love Christ and desire to live surrendered to Him, but it is hard to go it alone. Growth requires discipline, surrender, and accountability...in all the moments of our lives. But the rewards of that work, when experienced, is truly more than we can dare to imagine. Joy unspeakable...moving from glory to glory...peace beyond our understanding...otherworldly wisdom...looking at all like the image of Christ...goodness, it's worth it! Keep going!!

I am thankful for each one of you who reads and values this ministry. It strengthens me to hear from you and how something invested is reaping fruit in your lives. I pray that you would have a great Thanksgiving celebration filled with deep gratitude for all Christ has done and continues to do in our lives. May you let that gratitude move you to draw closer in your faith by making every effort to pursue the knowledge of God through His Word. For faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God - Romans 10:17.

If you need a laugh, check out this story of my neighbors rescuing me from a bat. :)
If you need encouragement about facing holiday traditions that don't look the same, read this.

Happy Thanksgiving, friends! I hope you enjoy this issue.
In Christ,
-Terri Prahl

Favorite Things This Month:

Encouraging Read:

Currently reading Flooded The 5 Best Decisions to Make When Life is Hard and Doubt is Rising and it's encouraging!

New Music:

Ellie Holcomb_Dec News
Click the link to listen to this beautiful song by Ellie Holcomb!

Book Giveaway!

If you would like to be entered to win a copy of Life, Repurposed: Stories of Grace, Hope, and Restored Faith, respond to this email with a verse that encourages you to hope!
Psalm 119 Cover
Click this link to receive this free study. I hope my story encourages you to grow in love with God through His word.

Encouraging Podcast:

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Hear Ellie Holcomb's interview about her new book, Fighting Words, here! God

Subscriber Spotlight!

Marnie Hammar small file[8332]
Marnie Hammar encourages women that freedom isn’t found in perfectly completed checklists, but in knowing God deeper and hearing Him louder. A writer and speaker, Marnie is also the curator for the Hear Him Louder Essay Series, and a member of both the Devotion Team and the Blog Contributor Team for The Joyful Life Magazine. Wife for 25 years and boy mama (16, 13, & 10), Marnie’s non-writing life revolves around taming the stinky, scraping off the sticky, and distributing boys to the places they go in suburban Cincinnati.

You can find Marnie at www.marniehammar.com/closer, where you can subscribe to receive a FREE five-day devotional, called "Closer: Five Days to Hearing Him Louder." Each of the five days describes a heart posture that moves us closer to God, to help us know Him deeper and hear Him louder. You can also find Marnie at Instagram (@marniehammar) or Facebook (marniehammarwriter).
If you would like to be featured in an upcoming newsletter, contact me at terriprahl@gmail.com!

Moments of Grace:

  • 75 degree days in the middle of November for walks outside!
  • My son turning 23!
  • A stranger paying for my meal in the drive thru!
  • Reading God's word and knowing He is speaking to me. Amazing.
  • You! I appreciate you all so much and hope this ministry blesses you.
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Click here to receive this resource on the 5 Daily Practices for Pursuing Christ. Don't wait until January 1st to draw near!

Encouraging Good Work in the World:

  • Help kids in foster care this holiday season through Ambassadors for Children.
  • Christine Caine's A21 ministry helps girls/women escape human trafficking and find healing through Christ. You can donate here!

Links to Good Resources:

If you missed any previous newsletters and want to check them out, you can go to the member archive and view past issues. The archive also holds the Psalm 119 study, Marriage study, 5 Principles for Spiritual Growth printable, and Hebrews 10 lesson. If you find anything here that you think would encourage someone else, please consider sharing and inviting them to subscribe. If you read an article on the blog you want to share, just click the social media icons on the right hand corner! This is a great way to support me and hopefully help others!
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A final note of encouragement:

"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" - Romans 8:31

2021 may have many unknowns, but knowing God is with us gives us the strength to have hope for the future. His plans are good, and we can trust Him with our future.

If you need prayer, please send me a message, and I will be more than happy to intercede on your behalf.
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