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A Word that Matters: Ramblings from the Ranchito

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About Me

My name is Lesley and this is my brave step of obedience. I have been wife to the boy next door for 16+ years (although I have loved him for 27), and together we are raising our 2 boys and 2 girls by the grace of God. Read more .

Living the Dream: A 30 Day Devotional

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  • Ranchito Ramblings
  • Wise Words
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Recent Posts

  • Walking Tall
  • Waking to 44
  • Let Your Hearts Be Light
  • Day 30: A Bigger Dream
  • Day 29: What Was Meant For Evil
If you need a little more freedom than the firewor If you need a little more freedom than the fireworks had to offer come hang out with the woman from Luke 13 and let’s walk talk together. (Link in bio)
Saturday I woke to 44. I woke to 6 grown teenage Saturday I woke to 44. I woke to 6 grown teenage men splayed all over my living room, the remnants of popcorn, Dr. Peppers, and a late-night card game around their sleeping bodies. Everyone of them I have known since there were little guys, so when they rumbled sleepily in there newly deepened voices, “Happy Birthday Mrs. Ryden” my heart broke in all the best ways. I woke to a nervous ballerina heading to an audition. I woke to a quick kitchen prayer and hug for success and peace. She drove herself. I woke to a painting from my 11 year old artist (sunflowers) and a playdate for my 9 year old “baby.” (“Make sure to bring your spy stuff!”) I woke to flowers from my husband and I don’t take that for granted. At 44 I know not everyone gets to grow old(er) together. I woke to missing a good dog who should have turned 4 this week, and to the rest of his pack who is still with us. I woke to feeding the masses and running the kids and vacuuming the floors- always vacuuming the floors. I woke to friends who spoke my love language- books, and words, and hours of real conversation around the table. I woke to life. At 44 the “Life Abundant” Jesus promises is literally an abundance of lives. They come with demands, and schedules, and mouths to feed, and friends. Messy, loud, expensive, busy lives Don’t believe the lie that the “abundant life” means an abundance of peace and quiet or an abundance of days full of what you want to do. Don’t believe it means an abundantly full bank account or an abundantly full pantry. That’s not life- not really-not at 44. Don’t wish away the life. Don’t trade it for neat and tidy and still. In 10 years, when I wake up to 54, I assume there won’t be a house full. I assume popcorn and spy gear won’t litter my floors. I doubt there will be spilled water colors or fallen bobby pins everywhere. I pray there will still be flowers from my man and hours around the table with my friends. I’m sure there will be dogs. On Saturday I woke to 44. Oh, and to a picture of a promised new puppy. Because while we miss what is gone, and wonder what is ahead, we always make room for more life.
Letting our hearts be light during Christmas 2020 Letting our hearts be light during Christmas 2020 may be a little harder than in years past. I find my heart a bit beat down and bruised at the end of this year. But I think some wisdom from Solomon just might unlock a profound gift for us this Christmas! I’d love to share it with you. (Link in bio).
If you are tracking with the “Living the Dream” devotional, I give you my very sparkly girl from Day 10 on her way to school this morning!
This summer I had the honor of wresting with and w This summer I had the honor of wresting with and writing about Joseph’s life for my church family and today I get to introduce my online community to the “Living the Dream” devotional. I would love to have you track along with us on this transformational journey- complete with links to @midcitieschurch sermons! Let’s invite God to re-define the world’s definition of “dreams” for us. (link in profile)
I was over at @imomdotcom recently sharing about m I was over at @imomdotcom recently sharing about my Struggle for Sabbath during the school year. Here in the Middle Season of Motherhood it has never felt more difficult. Anyone else? I sure don’t have it figured out but I have some ideas and I’ve recognized some lies I’ve been believing. I’d love for you to join the conversation. (link in bio)
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