The Best of Embracing the Unexpected | First Half of 2025

Before we rush ahead, let’s take a moment to pause and reflect on where we’ve been. The first half of 2025 invited us to slow down, realign our hearts with God, and release unrealistic expectations. Together, we explored what it means to press pause on guilt, striving, broken resolutions, and hurried relationships—so we could better hear God’s voice and reconnect with what truly matters.

Before we rush ahead, let’s pause and reflect on all God has done in the first half of 2025. #embracingtheunexpected #mareedee #pause Share on X

Below you’ll find our most popular blog posts, treasured resources, and conversations that stirred our hearts these past six months. These moments weren’t simply content—they were invitations to pause, lean into God’s presence, and keep walking forward in faith, no matter what life brought.

We’re also highlighting two powerful favorites from the Grace & Truth Link-Up—rich in wisdom and encouragment you won’t want to miss!

Top Viewed Posts | First Half of 2025

This post captured your attention more than any other, bringing comfort, peace, and God’s truth in a fast-paced world.

12 Powerful Verses That Will Help You Slow Down

Do you ever find yourself caught up in the fast pace of life, taking shallow breaths and barely keeping up? You never pause long enough to breathe deeply and fill your lungs, heart, and soul. You long to slow down, pause, breathe, and listen—with Jesus, others, and even your heart. But the day starts fast and keeps a rapid pace. These 12 powerful verses will guide you back to God’s peace amid chaos.
🖨️ Free Printable Included!

12 Verses to help you slow down and reconnect with Jesus. 🖨️ Includes a free printable! #printable #bibleverses #pause Share on X

Most Comments | First Half of 2025

This post stirred hearts and sparked a beautiful conversation about what it means to slow down and meet with God, even in the midst of our busyness.

How to Find God’s Presence in a Busy Life

Is your life moving too fast? Does your to-do list seem endless—where ten more tasks appear for every one you check off? Life’s demands can leave us feeling stressed and overwhelmed. Often, when caught up in busyness, our relationship with God suffers, and it becomes harder to hear His voice. But what if a simple pause could help us find God’s presence in a busy life?

Feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone. Discover how a simple pause can help you find God’s presence in the chaos. #pause #presence Share on X

Article Shared the Most | First Half of 2025

The message you passed along the most. ouched something deep and true in all of us.

Is the Guilt You’re Feeling Helpful?

How many have said “yes” to something when you intuitively knew it wasn’t in your best interest Yet, the weight of guilt pushed you forward anyway If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and it’s time to take a closer look to see if the guilt you’re feeling is helpful or hurtful.

Not all guilt is from God. Let’s talk about the kind that draws us closer, not shame that pushes us away. #guilt Share on X

A Personal Favorite | Maree’s Pick from the First Half of 2025

This one is close to my heart—written through prayer, reflection, and real-life struggles, I hope it speaks to yours, too.

A Secret Habit to Better Your Relationships

Have you ever walked away from a conversation wishing you could take back what you said Or you sat across from someone you care about, nodding, but your mind was somewhere else, distracted and overwhelmed with your endless to-do list I know I have But what if there is a secret habit to better your relationships Would you try 

It’s simple. It’s powerful. And it might just change how you love others. A secret habit for better relationships #habit Share on X

Blog Post Trending | First Half of 2025

This post, from late last year, continued to bless readers well into 2025, reminding us to walk closely with God, no matter the season.

12 Bible Verses to Help You Draw Closer to God

Is walking closer to God your heart’s desire? These 12 Bible verses will encourage your spiritual journey, helping you deepen your relationship with the Lord.

Let’s Reflect and Dream Together

What post or moment from the first half of 2025 encouraged you the most?

Please share your thoughts in the comments. Let’s continue building a community that lifts one another up, points back to Jesus, and finds joy—even in life’s most unexpected places.

What are you longing to explore more deeply with God in the second half of 2025? Let’s reflect and dream together #dream Share on X

Here’s to the journey ahead—together.

Favorites on Social Media | First Half of 2025

These were your most-loved posts from our social platforms—quick encouragement to brighten your feed and fuel your faith.

Top Posts on Embracing the Unexpected—Updated

The Most Popular Post in June 2025 | Grace & Truth Link-Up

Congratulations to Erin Canter and Yvonne Morgan for having the most-read posts in our June Grace & Truth Link-Up!

Let’s Link Up

Ready to join the conversation? Be sure to visit two other posts, comment, and share the love. Click here for all the details on how to participate in our blog link-up

A Special Thank You

As we look back with gratitude, I want to thank you for being an essential part of Embracing the Unexpected. Every comment, share, and encouraging word helps shine God’s light in places we may never personally reach. You’re not just reading—you’re helping build something meaningful and eternal..

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Wait, Don’t Leave Yet!

Share your best moments from the first half of 2025 in the comments—we’d love to celebrate with you.

One of my highlights from the first half of 2025 was the joy of officially welcoming a new grandbaby into our lives through a final adoption. What about you?

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What was your favorite blog post or spiritual highlight from the first half of 2025? Let’s celebrate God’s goodness together! #Godsgoodness Share on X

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Embracing the Unexpected | Maree Dee

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