Happy Thursday, friends! I thought I'd share a few of my favorite things that I've seen on Pinterest lately. I have a whole board there titled Words to Live By, and it's one of my favorite places to go for gentle reminders for myself. I thought I'd share some of those things with you today.
I always need to be reminded of the actual things I am in control of. Tell me I'm not alone in this! I think that as women, as moms, it's in our character to stress or worry over so many details that are outside of our realm of control. I have always been prone to that kind of thing, so I really do have to do certain things to remind myself everyday that this isn't the case. I think that's why I love this verse from Proverbs so much.
I love the encouragement below about being careful in who we hang out with. I used to tell my boys that all the time, that bad company corrupts good morals (1 Corinthians 15:33), but it's also true for us as adults. Just like good habits can rub off on us, the same is true for the things that aren't so good. Have you noticed this kind of thing before in people?
Are you like me, and have been very heavy hearted this week for the country of Israel? I typically keep things light hearted here on my blog, and even though I've been posting as if it's a normal time for us all, my heart has been hurting for God's chosen people. The news and devastation of what's happening there right now is heartbreaking! And yet in spite of that, I know that God is sovereign, and we can trust in Him. If you want some good, true news on how things are playing out over there, I have a few people that I follow and trust wholeheartedly on social media or through a daily email. First is Amir Tsarfati, who has been posting daily videos on Instagram of a true account of what's going on in his homeland. Next is The Pour Over News that sends weekly emails. I also keep examples of things we can pray over them right now. Do you follow me on Instagram? I share things to my stories there mostly, so look over on my side bar if you want to follow me there.
I love this reminder that relying on God is a daily thing. Just because we did okay one day doesn't mean that we don't need to remember it all over again the next day!
Lastly, I do try to always give my battles to God. I don't share about such things very often here on my blog, but know that I go through hard times just like everyone else. I'm walking through a tricky situation right now in one of my relationships, and I just keep hourly surrendering the whole thing to the Lord, all while praying earnestly for all of us who are involved. It feels hard right now, but I know it won't always feel like that. I trust God with the whole situation and am thankful for the fact that in spite of turmoil, I can also have the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding.
What are some encouraging words that you are living by at this present moment? I'd love to hear them! Thanks for reading my blog, friends. Love to all. 🖤
Loved your words here. I go through tough things too and try to keep them off the blog because keeping it positive is a little corner of sunshine for everyone who stops by. Glad I am not alone XO
ReplyDeleteGreat reminders, Jennifer! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on hope, encouragement, God´s promises and faithfulness, etc. I don´t shy away from the negative- perhaps because I am a glass half empty kind of gal- it comes more naturally to me (lol, sort of?). If I am sharing details of my life, I will share the negative and I don´t shy completely away from politics though I do temper what I write a lot. I know that what motivates people to write is different for everyone. Anyway, I enjoyed your Thursday thoughts and I hope that the season you are going through in your relationship resolves in a way that is beneficial for everyone :).
ReplyDeleteGood morning :)
ReplyDeleteA verse I found this week was Genesis 27:40 (NLT) and it spoke so directly to a situation I've been praying about. It says "But when you decide to break free, you will shake his yoke from your neck."
Basically, we all have a yoke of bondage to something or some situation. But we have to decide to be free from that bondage. This is why the Lord says to take his yoke upon us, for it's easy to carry and the burden is light.
There was something I was struggling with and the weight felt very heavy. And then last week, it's like the lightbulb went off and I realized that I was the one deciding to wear that yoke around my own neck and I made the decision that I was not going to do that anymore.
Just like sin starts with a thought in our minds (James says "a selfish desire"), we shackle ourselves to our emotions or circumstances and we become bound up and held captive.
The verse says "when you decide..." so freedom comes when we decide to be free.
Not sure if that speaks to you or not, but it's what has helped me this week.
Thanks for that, Holly! You are definitely not alone, my friend.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Maria! I like what you said about things that motivate us to write, and that is what is wonderful about the world of blogging. Even though we're all different in our ways, it's fun to read each other's thoughts and opinions here, because it never feels mean or argumentative. There's a respect here that is missing on social media, which is why I love it here so much. Thank you for prayers and kind words about the relationship I'm struggling with right now! I pray the same thing. Enjoy the day, my friend!
ReplyDeleteDebbie, I love the verse that you shared along with your thoughts and what the Lord showed you this week. Thank you for that! I love it, and it's such a great reminder to remember that we're the ones that have to decide to continue on in something or to let it go. That does speak to me!
ReplyDeleteGreat post, very encouraging words, a wonderful reminder for all of us.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Pamela!
ReplyDeleteToday was a good day/afternoon for some encouraging words - thanks! I really need to remember what is in my control and what is not. And to remember that overthinking and obsessing over something/someone/etc does not put it in my control!?! Thanks for being a blessing today!!
ReplyDeleteJennifer, thanks for the sweet encouragement! It was a good day for me to remember these things as well, especially the one you mentioned, about being in control. I am so with you on that one, my friend!
ReplyDeleteI am living by there is always hope. Hoping the best for you this weekend my friend.
ReplyDeleteMarilyn, I love that!
ReplyDeleteGratitude has a healing effect
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