Anxiety and Peace

Welcome Friends!

I'm so glad you're here.

Why one of the flock? Since my childhood, I've been drawn to Jesus's parable of the lost sheep and searching shepherd in Luke 15.

I can relate to being an average sheep in the flock and prone to wandering away. But I thank God that He keeps pursuing His lost sheep.

My hope is that this online space will encourage you to follow the Good Shepherd (John 10), and to find security and significance through a relationship with Jesus Christ.

I'm passionate about growing in freedom from a shame-based identity and negative thought patterns. I'll share tips and encouragement that may help you too!

Join me on the journey, and let's spur one another on to follow our Good Shepherd Jesus!

Lisa Lenning

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." Psalm 23:1

Celebrating the cutest Cars fan (McQueen!) - our precious grandson❤️!
Thanks be to God for the gift of family 😍!

This Valentine’s Day, be reminded of God’s Searching Love💕
Luke 15:1-7🐑

When we call to mind the steadfast love and faithfulness of God, we can start each day with Hope!
Link to blog post Daily Hope in my bio

A beautiful day for an early family Christmas celebration in North Carolina 🎄💕!! So thankful for each one of these kiddos and grandkiddos🥰

“For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever , and his faithfulness to all generations.” Psalm 100:5

“And the angel said to them, “Fear not,for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11

Even in a busy or challenging season, we can find rest for our souls in Jesus. Read more about soul rest in my recent blog post- link in bio💕
#soulrest

Freedom from shame - is it possible? Read about my journey and the truth that can set you free!
Link to blog in my bio!

Gideon’s Book is released today! I’ve already started reading😊😍

Maureen Miller's long-awaited debut novel, Gideon's Book, is available on Amazon (digitally) and, for a limited time...

It's only $.99!

(Paperback available on 5/20!)

This time-slip novel will take readers on a journey from 2016 to 1969--from a quiet North Carolina community to the beautiful sands of Myrtle Beach.

While considered women's contemporary fiction, there's lots packed in for men too--from fishing to baseball, as well as the Vietnam War.

Gideon's Book invites readers to pull up a chair and have healthy, heartfelt conversations about tough issues.

April was a beautiful month! Leaning forward with hope, and springing up with joy and celebration. Especially the joy of our Risen Savior Jesus Christ!

Even in pain and struggle, as we all experience in some way, it helps to remember the beauty and goodness of God.

Building excitement for author Maureen Miller’s debut novel releasing in May!

One book. Three lives. A journey of redemption spanning decades.

#gideonsbook #christianfiction maureenmillerauthor.com

Sharing an exciting update on my writing journey!

I am honored to have an essay(in print) and online devotion selected as Selah Award finalists!

Winners of the Selah Awards will be announced at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference at the end of May.

No matter what, may my words point others to God and bring Him Glory.
God is Faithful!

#selahawards
#BRMCWC

Years ago I memorized 1 John 1:8-9 (as part of a couples’ group). It comes to my mind often, and I am encouraged by the promise of God’s faithfulness to forgive and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
At the start of this season of Lent (Ash Wednesday), I pray for a willingness each day to truly confess sin and repent. Not rush over that step. The glorious good news of Easter is coming!

“If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1John 1:8-9, ESV

Merry Christmas from our family to yours !
Celebrating our Savior’s birth 💕
🎄Thankful we could all be together this Christmas🎄

Merry Christmas ! Jesus our Savior is born!

I hope this encourages you today!

Read @proverbs31ministries and link to devotion in my bio!

Thankful for time with family in November!
We watched our granddog for 3 weeks, then drove back to Illinois to see our family ( and grandson Big T) there, then ✈️ to Seattle area to spend Thanksgiving with our West Coast kiddos and grandson!😍
( and bonus visit with sister Lori Shuman!!)

Are your thoughts in need of a make-over? Join me in the journey of renewing the mind!

Link in my bio to read more😊 !

So thankful for another year of life, and for my incredible husband that got me these flowers today! We are standing together in the storms of life, with God as our Rock!
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.” Psalm 28:7 💕

If you or anyone you know in the AVL area are in need of diapers and wipes, tomorrow Ascend Women’s Center is giving them out tomorrow starting at 11am- see below!

Please pray for all the communities impacted by the devastation in WNC!
Tim and I are in Illinois visiting family so are safe, but our community back home is greatly impacted. We have heard wonderful stories from our neighbors how they are helping each other and checking on each other- way to show love Mountain Valley!! We hope to be able to get back home soon if the roads allow 💕

Best coffee at NC Applefest! Coffee brewed with love💕
And the best family running it too😊

One year and a half ago, I sat with my 2023 prayer journal in a blustery cold Chicago winter, waiting… for God’s blessed answer to prayer and the birth of a grandson!

Today I sit in sunny Portland, Oregon, on a rooftop apartment building patio, waiting to write in my 2024 journal… For another answer to pray- grandchild #2!

“I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope;” Psalm 130:5

We can never go wrong when we WAIT for the Lord!

P.s.- if you are looking for a wonderful prayer resource, I recommend ValMarie Paper💕
#valmariepaper

Keep on praying mom!
For more encouragement, check out my latest blog post! (See comment below)

Two beautiful Saturday hikes - thankful to God for His creation! And for my hiking husband🥰
“Praise the Lord, everything he has created, everything in his kingdom. Let all that I am praise the Lord.” Psalm 103:22, NLT

So thankful for life and this precious gift in 2023!
“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me bless his holy name!” Psalm 103:1
Happy New Year !

“The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known.” Psalm 19:1-2 NLT

Thankful for this day and night.💕

#peace#jesus
#womenoftheword

5 months already!! What a precious boy Teme is💙 Full of smiles, giggles, coos, and love!!
We love you Temesgen!!
And great job Sisay Girma and Sintayehu Meyer Girma as his parents !

Being a Grandma is the best blessing!! Teme is beyond adorable - all his coos and smiles and snuggles💕😊
Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
#grandparenting
#prayinggrandma

A Good Friday song in Praise of Jesus💕
Beautiful Savior, King of Creation, Son of God and Son of Man! Truly I’d love thee, Truly I’d serve thee, Light of my soul, my joy, my crown 🎶🎼.

One of my favorite hymns- a Silesian Folk tune

#womenoftheword #bibleverse#truth

Refuge Coffee Co-Best little coffee truck in the area!
Had a delicious Mocha latte and Flat White for the hubby- thumbs up Adam Neal and Kaitlin Neal!!💕☕️

After the waiting, it was all worth it for this gift from God!
Temesgen💙- means Thank God
“But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children” Psalm 103:17

#grandparents #womenoftheword #bibleverse

God has been dealing with my impatience and trying to move His timing along…. No coincidence that I am reading in Exodus 32 how the people of Israel were impatient with Moses taking so long on the mountain meeting with the Lord…

Trusting in God’s timing!!
(But it is not easy🥴)

#trust#patience#womenoffaith
#womenoftheword

Thankful this morning for these blessings- God’s Word, a 2023 prayer journal, and hot mug of coffee ☕️!
Awaiting the arrival of our grandbaby in chilly Illinois💕

Reading today in Exodus 5- The LORD is Faithful to do what He says He will do!

I need to remind myself of this every day… how about you?

#bibleverse #womenoffaith #womenoftheword #encouragement

God’s Mercy is for you, no matter your season or struggles!
*pls check out my latest blog post at Lisalenning.com- link in bio💕

#mercy#womenintheword #bibleverse #womenoffaith
#encouragement #moms#grandmas

Wonderful celebration for our daughter Sisay Girma and the precious baby on the way💕! Can’t wait to hold you grandbaby😍

Airbnb in Burnsville NC for our 34th wedding anniversary- love the adventures with my two besties💕😊!!

Challenging myself to a “Cornucopia of Thanks” this month!
What is that, you ask?
Check out my latest blog post!www.lisalenning.com-link in bio

#womenoftheword
#bibleverse #givethanks

So proud of Jessie Rivera and Jehiel Jair G Rivera!! Finished the 2022 Chicago Marathon and raised over $6000 for World Vision clean water projects and kids around the world !! 💕💕

Thank you all so much for the happy birthday wishes!! So thankful to be able to celebrate another year- and to enjoy the beauty of WNC this weekend😊 with my hubby and teen-dog Twixie(she’s 15!)
#Lake James -Fonta Flora Park
#linvillegorge linvillefalls

Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.
They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water..(Jeremiah 17:7-8, NLT)

On a recent hike in the Craggy Mountain range of WNC, I encountered a field of wildflowers and butterflies like this one🦋💕- was a beautiful sight!
Did you know there are more than 17,000 species of butterflies in the world? But their lifespan is only about 2-4 weeks long!
Butterflies have an important job to do in their short lives- pollinating flowers and plants, and sharing their unique beauty with us🦋😍
If you are struggling with your purpose today, rest in the truth that you are of value to God --because He created you and loves you.
Follow Him and walk in the good works he has planned for your lifespan💕🦋

#encouragement #bible #womenoftheword #purpose#jesus#devotional

This says something about a man that will sit in a tiny purple chair with his pup Twixie for his wife’s photo op💕- HAPPY BIRTHDAY to this loving, humble, best-friend of mine hubby Tim !! (who is not in FB to see this🤪)

#WordWednesday- STAND!
Shortly after this picture was taken, my husband Tim and I, and our 🐶Twixie, got caught in a drenching storm⛈!

But whatever storm of life you are in, if you have put your faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, you can Stand on Rock Solid Grace!
He will never leave or forsake you- you are Safe in His Grace 💕

#encouragement#jesus#grace#womenoftheword #bibleverse

When insecurities and doubts threaten to overtake me, I need to be reminded that my life is secure in God’s Hands!

As a believer and follower of Jesus, we can never be snatched from His Hand(John 10:28)- even if we “feel” far away, or have messed up once again…even there Your right hand shall lead me and hold me!!💕

#secureinjesus #encouragement #womenoftheword #bibleverse

Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

This incredible sunset on Gun Lake, MI reminded me of God’s awesome Glory.
Practicing being Still!

#WordWednesday
Are you an Encourager?
Merriam-Webster defines encourage as : to inspire with hope, courage, spirit

We can encourage each other in small ways every day- a smile, a prayer, a “good job!” , a text, a phone call

“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing .”
1 Thessalonians 5:11

Be encouraged by God’s Word and then share that Light with someone else today💕😊!

#WordWednesday
Delight in the simple pleasures of life- a smile, a hug, a beautiful flower, a fluffy dog - God gives us these to enjoy!

Even more, we can delight in God’s Living Word and in His Grace and Truth!

June challenge: Delight yourself in God’s Word every morning 💕!

#Word Wednesday
Glory- highest honor, splendor, majesty
Am I living for God’s glory or my own glory?
“Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!” Psalm 115:1

You alone are worthy to receive Glory, Oh Lord!

#Jesus #womenoffaith #womenoftheword #bibleverses

#MindMonday
I needed this reminder to encourage me to keep reading God’s Word each day. Even when, especially when, I feel down or discouraged.

God’s Word is True and Unchanging. My mind benefits from digging into it, speaking it, praying it.

Psalm 119 is a wonderful place to start- the longest chapter in the Bible💕!

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@oneoftheflock

My Favorite People!

I'm a Chicago gal who moved to the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina in 2019.

Married to my college sweetheart, Tim, for 37 years, and blessed to be Mom to six wonderful adults, plus three terrific sons-in-law, and "Gaga" to two amazing grandsons.