New Blog Beginnings
Join me as I share beauty and encouragement in a broken world...
Hi, I’m Christiana -
I’m a good listener, I come across as quiet and contemplative, I’m an introvert. So naturally I have a lot of thoughts churning in my noggin and spoken aloud to myself on walks or drives. I’m very conversational once I get going though, especially on topics that resonate with what I’ve been turning over in my mind. I haven’t written in awhile and am starting this Substack as a way of getting back into it. Writing for me is a way of processing life and finding more meaning and beauty in it. I’ve honestly spent way too much time being distracted by screens (my phone), and want to be more productive. Writing is productive as it blesses others when they feel inspired or encouraged by what I write. I know that happens for me with others’ writing.
My paid vocation
In the midst of waiting on God’s timing for a godly husband and children, I work lots of different nurturing jobs. I work for a Christian non-profit that serves adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD), some of whom are Deaf and primarily use American Sign Language (ASL). I do respite care on the side for young adults with an ID or DD and who are also Deaf. I’m a substitute para-educator for my local school district. I do babysitting, elder companionship, and even some farm work on the side-side.
My unpaid vocation
I often take time to give my attention to whoever I find in need of a listening ear, godly encouragement, mentorship, or prayer. I also love on my three nieces and my other little cousins. A prayer I like to pray (and try to everyday) is “Lord, lead and guide me today and use me however You want to.”
Random things about me
I’m inspired by the simple, the beautiful, and the traditional. I plan to be a flip-phone-owner-revert soon. I long to relearn to play music and to learn traditional dance (square and contra). I wish wearing prairie dresses was the norm. Learning to sew is on my bucket list, so I can make my prairie dream a reality. I want to practice daily Christian hospitality through making my house a home and place of spiritual refuge. I was raised non-denominational and am now a high-church wannabe, I enjoy visiting lots of different types, still seeking one to settle down in. I aim to grow in confidence day by day, going out of my comfort zone when I can. Spending time at the ocean calms my often-anxious soul. I’m a pilgrim treading carefully and thoughtfully through God’s splendidly created earth, splintered by man, still reflecting how good He is - if you seek you will find.
I envision writing about all these things - book/church reviews, showing my projects, poetry, ponderings - and posting a new article every month!
Some of my thoughts on societal issues might go against the grain in the progressive sphere. I’m a Biblical Christian, and I’m also an empath who hates rejection. I’m quiet on certain issues, feeling nervous to lose people I care about. I hope we can be empathetic listeners on both sides, as we are often tempted to let our emotions get in the way of fruitful discussion. Instead, we can step into each other’s shoes and come to a mutual understanding of the heart behind the viewpoints. We can also simply be willing to hear our fellow human out, instead of this idea that “we have to land with one mind on all things, or else.” We are all learning and growing. Feel free to share your thoughts on my posts whether you agree or disagree, I only ask that our discourse be seasoned with respect and grace.
That being said - I’d love to have you join me as I think lots of thoughts, try to put them into words, and live, create, and grow for God’s glory and kingdom!
