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Better Together

April 24, 2025 By 3

There’s a special basket it my house - never empty, always full. Every once in a while I dig in and give it my best in an attempt to empty the basket. Today was that day - the day I worked through the “lonely sock basket” to check if there were any matches for the socks in the basket. As I compared the socks, I considered how one sock is good, but you really need two to make them worthwhile. It’s the same with marriage - each person has their own good traits, but we’re better together.

Maybe this analogy fits so perfectly for me because in the world of matched pairs, I was almost the lonely sock. My marriage hit some big problems about 18 months ago - the kind of problems that you never imagine will happen to you. The rug was pulled out from under me and every part of my life came crashing down. As my marriage begins to heal and be repaired, I can truly appreciate the idea of ‘better together’.

Click over to read 4 ways that I feel my marriage is better together.

better-together

Sharing at Grace & Truth

Filed Under: marriage

Grace & Truth Linkup

April 24, 2025 By 3

Welcome back to the Grace & Truth linkup! Normally I share a featured post here, but this week we’ve had a little extra going on with school and two birthdays. Our oldest son turned 15 and officially stands taller than me this year! The second birthday was…me! I turned 40 this year. We had a great celebration with our family!

So I thank you for grace as I just share the linkup this week. Please know that I’ll have a featured post again next week since things should be quieting down here. I hope you find some great posts to read and share. Blessings!

Now it’s time to join the link up.

The Grace & Truth linkup for April 24-30, 2015 || rebekahmhallberg.com

Grace & Truth exists to point people to Jesus! We hope this link-up will be a source of encouragement each and every week. If you’re a blogger our hope is that you’ll use this space as a way to meet new friends within the Christian blogging community. If you’re a reader our hope is that you’ll meet new bloggers that love Jesus just as much as you do! Most of all, we hope you’ll meet Jesus here.

Meet Your Hosts

 

Satisfaction Through Christ BLOG | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | TWITTER |G+

Kaylene Yoder BLOG | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | TWITTER | G+

The Brown Tribe BLOG | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | TWITTER | G+

Arabah Joy BLOG | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | PINTEREST | G+

A Divine Encounter BLOG | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | G+ | STUMBLEUPON

Being Confident of This

BLOG | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | TWITTER | G+

Busy Being Blessed BLOG | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | TWITTER | G+

Sharing Redemption’s Stories BLOG | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | TWITTER | G+

Grace&Truth-Rules2

1.) Follow your hosts via their blog and/or social media channels. This is not mandatory, but appreciated!

2.) Leave 1-2 of your most recent CHRISTIAN LIVING posts. Please do not link DIY, Crafts, Recipes, etc. Links of this kind will be deleted. We also reserve the right to delete posts that don’t align with the theme or that are deemed by the hostesses to be inappropriate.

3.) Visit 1-2 other links and leave a meaningful comment! We want to encourage community, so please don’t link and run!

4.) All links are randomly sorted - feel free to link as early or as late as you’d like. The playing field is even!

In order to be featured next week:

5.) Grab a button or link back to encourage new linkers. This is not mandatory to participate, but is required to be featured.

6.) Each host will choose one link to feature and promote via their social media channels next week.

7.) By linking up you agree to allow the hosts to use your featured post image if you are chosen as a feature for next week.

 

Join the link-up below!

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Filed Under: Grace and Truth

The Comeback of My Joy

April 19, 2025 By 6

It’s pitch black, but I’m wide awake. I should be long asleep, but I’m savoring the goodness of my life. The celebration of another year is deep in my heart. When life knocked me down recently, I knew I wouldn’t die but I didn’t know if I would ever fully live again. There was one phrase that kept coursing through my brain: “…God is setting up everything for the comeback of your joy.” I had no idea what it meant in my life, yet it lingered. When verses, prayers and encouragement escaped my mind, “the comeback of my joy” was often my very next thought.

The Comeback of my Joy - how God restored my joy || RebekahMHallberg.com

This was the day that we celebrated two family birthdays - my son’s and mine. We share a birthday and today was the day we celebrated with our family. My first little son, less than twenty-two inches long when he was born, now stands taller than me at fifteen years old.

This was also the day that I let go of one last part of my life that just doesn’t seem to be working out right now. I spent a lot of time writing out my thoughts and feelings, but they were not conveyed. Instead, my letting go was a simple request, just one sentence. Sometimes we have to get it all off our chest, out of our system, in order to truly move on, to truly move forward.

I’ve heard people say that real life starts at 40. You’ve grown out of the “what ifs” of your 20s, you’ve moved through the early stages of parenting or career or growing into the life you’re making in your 30s. And then 40 comes, and you begin to settle into the life you and God are creating.

I’m turning 40 this year.

I have let go of everything outside of my family that used to be a part of my life.

And at midnight, I’m wide awake, looking into the darkness, just a street light here and there to illuminate my thoughts.

I’m in my room while my husband sleeps. My sons sleep in their room, growing up too fast, and my daughter is in her room where she likes a strand of white twinkle lights as her nightlight.

Peace has settled into our house.

All is well.

Our house turns 9 years old on April 28. If these walls could talk they would tell of a guy who walked in during construction, asked how to get in touch with the owner or sales manager, and how God even worked out getting this particular house. And a few months later, after much paperwork, many numbers crunched, phone calls galore, inner workings that I can’t begin to imagine, the papers were all signed, the money was paid, and the keys were handed over to our hands, by the grace of God.

When it’s still and quiet on spring and summer nights at our house, you can hear a variety of animals - ducks, bullfrogs, cats, dogs, birds and more. And in the way-too-early-morning, the woodpeckers awaken us, the birds sing sweetly to one another, the mama birds flutter to and fro finding food for their young.

After beautiful, warm months, the green gives way to the splendor of fall. The leaves turn bright colors and fall softly, revealing the homes of the birds who sang us awake each morning. And I’m in awe of a God who creates so intricately, so magnificently that every animal has a home, cares for its young, reminds us of a Creator.

In winter, the kids sled down a small hill in our back yard that really sends them flying when the snow is packed just right. Small feet in big boots trudge up one side of the hill, leading the sled, as they prepare for their next fast venture down the hill.

And now, at 40, after facing the possibility of losing all of this - the home that was delivered gracefully to us, the splendor of the seasons in this home, even the family who sleep peacefully inside these walls - I’m awake, looking out into the darkness, marveling at these gifts that God has given.

Yes, there was loss - friendships, relationships, ministry opportunities, security, peace of mind.

But, oh, friends, at every step there was Jesus.

And faith.

And hope.

The setbacks were big - strong and mighty.

But God built a fortress around my heart. I believe that the blessings inside the fortress are the ones that are needed. And the ones I’ve had to let go of - well, just a reminder that God is painting a bigger picture that is moving in a new direction.

The losses have been mourned greatly, the healing has taken time, the letting go has been difficult.

But my faith has never wavered.

“There is faith that in the midst of the setbacks,
God is setting up everything for the comeback of your joy.”
-Ann Voskamp

 

I remain confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord.
Psalm 27:13,14

Friends, maybe you are in the fight of your life.

Stay the course.

Theodore Roethke says this -

Over every mountain there is a path, although it may not be seen from the valley. Click To Tweet

The path over your mountain is ahead. You keep following God’s leading. You keep moving at the pace that He requires of you.

If He is asking you to give up something, to step out of what was the familiar and into a life different from what you planned, trust Him.

Why?

I love this reminder from John Piper:

“God is always doing 10,000 things in your life,
and you may be aware of three of them.”

 

At 40, I have crossed the mountain - at least, that particular mountain. And while it’s true that we are only aware of a few things that God is doing in our lives, I am thrilled that I get to see God at work in my life and in the lives of my precious family.

Have faith, friends. Have courage for the hard times, and remember that God is at work, even if you can’t see it today.

In the wee hours, in the darkness of night, here I am, wide awake.

God has set everything up for the comeback of my joy!

Filed Under: having faith in God, Redemption

Prayer Challenge {Grace and Truth Linkup}

April 17, 2025 By 4

How’s your prayer life? I started reading this week’s featured post thinking mine was pretty decent. I have ongoing conversations with God through the day, as well as a dedicated time of prayer. But, oh, did Leah’s post ignite a spark in me as she issued a prayer challenge for us.

In her post, “How’s Your Prayer Life“, Leah shares about her own quiet time, and shares a quote that has challenged her to work on her own prayer life. And what a powerful quote it is! Click over to her post to read the post in its entirety - the beginning of the quote is seen in the image below.

Leah issued a challenge based on this quote:

What if we committed to ten extra minutes a day in prayer? How different would our lives look? How different would our witness be for Christ? Ten minutes extra…on top of the time we already spend in prayer…ten more minutes talking with God, interceding, repenting, praising Him.

Are you up for the challenge, friends? This is one I can definitely commit to, and I’m looking forward to spending a few extra minutes with my precious Lord each day.

Leah has an action step on her blog if you are committing to follow through on this challenge. You’ll definitely want to click over and check out the quote that compelled her to issue this challenge to us.

You can find Leah on Facebook and Twitter.

Thank you, Leah!

Prayer {Grace & Truth linkup}

 

 

Feel free to grab the button:

Grace Truth featured button

Now it’s time to join the link up.

Aimee shares the comfort she finds from Isaiah 53 (plus Grace & Truth linkup) || rebekahmhallberg.com

Grace & Truth exists to point people to Jesus! We hope this link-up will be a source of encouragement each and every week. If you’re a blogger our hope is that you’ll use this space as a way to meet new friends within the Christian blogging community. If you’re a reader our hope is that you’ll meet new bloggers that love Jesus just as much as you do! Most of all, we hope you’ll meet Jesus here.

Meet Your Hosts

 

Satisfaction Through Christ BLOG | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | TWITTER |G+

Kaylene Yoder BLOG | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | TWITTER | G+

The Brown Tribe BLOG | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | TWITTER | G+

Arabah Joy BLOG | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | PINTEREST | G+

A Divine Encounter BLOG | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | G+ | STUMBLEUPON

Being Confident of This

BLOG | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | TWITTER | G+

Busy Being Blessed BLOG | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | TWITTER | G+

Sharing Redemption’s Stories BLOG | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | TWITTER | G+

Grace&Truth-Rules2

1.) Follow your hosts via their blog and/or social media channels. This is not mandatory, but appreciated!

2.) Leave 1-2 of your most recent CHRISTIAN LIVING posts. Please do not link DIY, Crafts, Recipes, etc. Links of this kind will be deleted. We also reserve the right to delete posts that don’t align with the theme or that are deemed by the hostesses to be inappropriate.

3.) Visit 1-2 other links and leave a meaningful comment! We want to encourage community, so please don’t link and run!

4.) All links are randomly sorted - feel free to link as early or as late as you’d like. The playing field is even!

In order to be featured next week:

5.) Grab a button or link back to encourage new linkers. This is not mandatory to participate, but is required to be featured.

6.) Each host will choose one link to feature and promote via their social media channels next week.

7.) By linking up you agree to allow the hosts to use your featured post image if you are chosen as a feature for next week.

 

Join the link-up below!

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Filed Under: Grace and Truth

Big Dreams

April 10, 2025 By 0

Big Dreams. We all have them, and I think a lot of us have those really big dreams that we don’t share with too many people because they seem lofty and unattainable. I wonder sometimes if God gives us those dreams - the giant ones - to keep our faith in Him and not in ourselves. Today I want to share as a mom who is helping her son pursue his big dreams - his God-sized dreams!

Helping our son pursue his Big Dreams - and what he wants you to know || rebekahmhallberg.com

I touched briefly on our oldest son’s love of music, particularly the piano, in another post. I shared a little of his desire to pursue music and my hope that someday I would see him on a stage doing what he loves to do!

This year he has auditioned for several different programs and summer music programs. His dream is to go to one of the best conservatories and study music. He has been accepted to a stellar music program for the summer, and it will certainly be a step in that direction. I’d like to share his story with you, in hopes that you will pray for him, and for us, as we pursue his big dreams!

From my son -

* * * * *

My name is Isaac and I am 14 years old - soon turning 15. I have been playing the piano for 7 years now. For the past 12 months or so, I have decided to be even more diligent in my piano studies, practicing for longer hours – averaging 4 hours a day, spending time in areas where I struggle, and learning as much as I can.

In addition to the hours I spend working on perfecting my piano playing, I also carry a full course load in my studies and maintain strong grades. I work at an advanced level and will graduate early from my high school. I also volunteer in a reading program through the school, helping struggling readers. If you are able to read, then the whole world is open to you.

This summer I have the distinct privilege of attending the Luzerne Music Center in New York. I will get to study with pianists from some of the best music schools. Members of The Philadelphia Orchestra will be in residence near Luzerne and we will get to work with them also.

My goal for my music is to become a concert pianist. And while I hope to travel and share amazing music with the world, my true goal is deeper than that.

There are many schools in the United States that are cutting out music programs due to lack of funding. I hope to be able to take music back to some of these schools, to inspire passion and love for music in students who don’t have the same access to music as I am fortunate to have.

But all of that is secondary to my hope to share the love of God with people. It’s my desire to use the gifts that God has given me in a manner that will help others come to know Him as well. He has blessed me with this musical ability. My family and my piano teacher have been so dedicated to my studies, to making sure I have the music I need, to purchasing a piano that is suited to my skill level, and to helping me apply to various competitions and programs that will further my skills.

I would like to be able to raise some of the money to attend the Luzerne Music Center this summer. The goal we set is $3,000, which is a little over half of what I’ll need. The program I’m attending is 4 weeks long. The money raised will go directly to my tuition for this program. Any extra that may come in will go toward the tuition or be set aside for future musical pursuits – whether it’s a precollege program next year, or a competition, or new music that I may need.

If you can’t give financially, that is okay. I’d be honored if you’d pray for me this summer, that I would learn all I can, and that this would be a valuable experience for me!

Thank you for your consideration in supporting me financially. I promise to be diligent in my studies and to remember that I am not doing this on my own, but that you are partnering with me.

“Put all your soul into it, play the way you feel.”-Chopin

2 Timothy 2:15-Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

Here is a video that I used for the application to Luzerne. The song is Chopin’s Nocturne in E flat major, Opus 9, Number 2.

You’ll find me on Facebook , if you’re interested in keeping up with my music.

* * * * *

Yes, we are extremely proud of Isaac - he’s always had a good head on his shoulders, and is diligent in all his efforts.

Yes, he is young and has many years ahead of him, but he is passionate about music and about pursuing opportunities to follow the path he believes God has for him (and we agree).

We would covet your prayers for this summer, but also for his continued growth and development as a pianist.

There is a page for donations, yes, and we’ll share it.

But, I hope you know, after all the days of heart sharing here, that prayer is the most important thing. We have prayed over this decision with Isaac, and have pursued this option (among others) at the encouragement of, and with the support of his school staff and current piano teacher. We are so excited to see what God has planned for him!

Thank you for extending grace to share this exciting opportunity with you!

(And here is the link for donations - click here).

Filed Under: having faith in God, parenting

Isaiah 53 {Grace & Truth Linkup}

April 10, 2025 By 2

Isaiah 53 has been one of my favorite passages for a long time. The Lord has used this passage to encourage me many times over the years. I was so happy to find Aimee’s post at last week’s linkup, looking into the passage and sharing what she’s learned.

Aimee shares,

Jesus willingly bore my shame, guilt, sorrow and grief. I have been contemplating this truth lately as well. I have been allowing it to soak deep into my bones.

He already did this – and more – without one single complaint. He did not open His mouth in His own defense. I am certain He could have very eloquently defended Himself and stopped His persecution.

But He did not.

I love the way Aimee went through her notes, shared the images in her journaling Bible, and her thoughts on Isaiah 53. You’ll be very encouraged by her post, Finding Comfort in Isaiah 53.

You can find Aimee on Facebook, Pinterest, & Twitter.

Thank you, Aimee!

 

Isaiah 53 {and the Grace & Truth linkup}

 

Feel free to grab the button:

Grace Truth featured button

Now it’s time to join the link up.

Aimee shares the comfort she finds from Isaiah 53 (plus Grace & Truth linkup) || rebekahmhallberg.com

Grace & Truth exists to point people to Jesus! We hope this link-up will be a source of encouragement each and every week. If you’re a blogger our hope is that you’ll use this space as a way to meet new friends within the Christian blogging community. If you’re a reader our hope is that you’ll meet new bloggers that love Jesus just as much as you do! Most of all, we hope you’ll meet Jesus here.

Meet Your Hosts

 

Satisfaction Through Christ BLOG | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | TWITTER |G+

Kaylene Yoder BLOG | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | TWITTER | G+

The Brown Tribe BLOG | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | TWITTER | G+

Arabah Joy BLOG | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | PINTEREST | G+

A Divine Encounter BLOG | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | G+ | STUMBLEUPON

Being Confident of This

BLOG | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | TWITTER | G+

Busy Being Blessed BLOG | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | TWITTER | G+

Sharing Redemption’s Stories BLOG | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | TWITTER | G+

Grace&Truth-Rules2

1.) Follow your hosts via their blog and/or social media channels. This is not mandatory, but appreciated!

2.) Leave 1-2 of your most recent CHRISTIAN LIVING posts. Please do not link DIY, Crafts, Recipes, etc. Links of this kind will be deleted. We also reserve the right to delete posts that don’t align with the theme or that are deemed by the hostesses to be inappropriate.

3.) Visit 1-2 other links and leave a meaningful comment! We want to encourage community, so please don’t link and run!

4.) All links are randomly sorted - feel free to link as early or as late as you’d like. The playing field is even!

In order to be featured next week:

5.) Grab a button or link back to encourage new linkers. This is not mandatory to participate, but is required to be featured.

6.) Each host will choose one link to feature and promote via their social media channels next week.

7.) By linking up you agree to allow the hosts to use your featured post image if you are chosen as a feature for next week.

 

Join the link-up below!

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Filed Under: Grace and Truth

Worth {Grace & Truth linkup}

April 3, 2025 By 3

Worth.

So many of us struggle with our worth at various times in our lives. And we’ve probably all looked for worth in all the wrong places - friends, wealth, work.

Naomi shares the one place that we should be looking to find our worth, and that’s in Jesus Christ.

The world cannot see our worth the way God does. After all, He formed and knitted us together. We are fearfully and wonderfully made in His eyes….
We need to stop looking to the world for our worth. We won’t find the answer there. We are so much more than the world tells us. Our worth is based on the love God has for us through His Son, Jesus.

In her post, Naomi takes us through several verses that point out our significance and value - our worth - simply because of God’s great love.

If you are struggling with your worth today, or even if you aren’t, check out Naomi’s post, What Are You Worth?

You can find Naomi on Facebook, Pinterest, & Twitter.

Thank you, Naomi! Your post was quite an encouragement to me!

worth

 

 

Feel free to grab the button:

Grace Truth featured button

Now it’s time to join the link up.

Can We Be Friends? (plus Grace & Truth linkup) || rebekahmhallberg.com

Grace & Truth exists to point people to Jesus! We hope this link-up will be a source of encouragement each and every week. If you’re a blogger our hope is that you’ll use this space as a way to meet new friends within the Christian blogging community. If you’re a reader our hope is that you’ll meet new bloggers that love Jesus just as much as you do! Most of all, we hope you’ll meet Jesus here.

Meet Your Hosts

 

Satisfaction Through Christ BLOG | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | TWITTER |G+

Kaylene Yoder BLOG | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | TWITTER | G+

The Brown Tribe BLOG | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | TWITTER | G+

Arabah Joy BLOG | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | PINTEREST | G+

A Divine Encounter BLOG | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | G+ | STUMBLEUPON

Being Confident of This

BLOG | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | TWITTER | G+

Busy Being Blessed BLOG | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | TWITTER | G+

Sharing Redemption’s Stories BLOG | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | TWITTER | G+

Grace&Truth-Rules2

1.) Follow your hosts via their blog and/or social media channels. This is not mandatory, but appreciated!

2.) Leave 1-2 of your most recent CHRISTIAN LIVING posts. Please do not link DIY, Crafts, Recipes, etc. Links of this kind will be deleted. We also reserve the right to delete posts that don’t align with the theme or that are deemed by the hostesses to be inappropriate.

3.) Visit 1-2 other links and leave a meaningful comment! We want to encourage community, so please don’t link and run!

4.) All links are randomly sorted - feel free to link as early or as late as you’d like. The playing field is even!

In order to be featured next week:

5.) Grab a button or link back to encourage new linkers. This is not mandatory to participate, but is required to be featured.

6.) Each host will choose one link to feature and promote via their social media channels next week.

7.) By linking up you agree to allow the hosts to use your featured post image if you are chosen as a feature for next week.

 

Join the link-up below!

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Filed Under: Grace and Truth