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Receive our helpful resource, Hope in Transition, with 5 insights and tips on navigating the rocky terrain of change.

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When doing the work of the Lord feels more life-sucking than life-giving, perhaps we’ve started looking more at the responsibilities and how much they require of us rather than the One who delights in us because we belong to Him. . And perhaps we feel the burden to be faithful, but the burden of doing for the Lord makes us weary and exhausted and little hopeless, doesn’t it? . I’m wondering if all our work, all our responsibilities, all our relationships are relieved when love is at the center. When love for God motivates us. When love of God lightens is. When being loved by God satisfies us. . If love bears all things, then what I need is not to work harder or to show others more of Jesus or to take a nap, but to confess my need to know the love of Christ and to receive it. To let it humble me, move me, and compel me. . For when I abide in His love, He produces the fruit. And the fruit not only renews our hearts, but offers life to the work of our hands and those in our care. #preachingtomyownheart #wordsworthnoting
I love what you’ve taught me about abiding in Christ. . How sometimes it’s about being intentional and formal, and I’m sure more of these moments will come as you grow. . How it’s about being provided for, all that I need, the way I have poured out my life for yours to be nourished and strengthened and sustained. . How it’s about getting to be with Him on mission, the way you sit in my lap while I address and package envelopes. How you’re with me when I open the Word with a young woman. How you go with me to the post office and the grocery store and everywhere and join me in engaging the people around us with the love of Christ. . But what I’ve not known as much as I do now is that abiding is so much about enjoying one another. The way you glance at me with a smile when you discover a treasure. The way you invite me into your world. The way you talk to me all the time. The way I tickle you and chase you so that little giggle can break into the monotony or the seriousness of responsibility. It’s as if no matter what we’re doing, we have this gift of being together. . Abiding is more than this, but it is this. This utter delight of simply being in relationship with Christ. . #amothersheart #abiding #risenmotherhood #flourishinmotherhood #wordsworthnoting
Don’t they just make you want to come over?? These two serve God’s desire in my heart for my home to make others feel safe. Sharing more on the blog—link in profile.
Have you heard that all our life is a response to what God has done for us through Jesus, a response to the unthinkable, unfathomable love of our God? . I’ve been seeing these moments in Scripture—where Jesus interacts with someone and the course of his/her life is radically altered because of the grace and mercy and command of Christ. But Scripture doesn’t always give us the luxury of seeing the rest of that person’s life, how his/her life was actually changed. . I find myself dreaming of how they lived afterward. How the prodigal son likely sung with joy in the fields the day after the party. How the woman caught in adultery threw away seeking the approval of men. How the blind beggar told all his friends about the day he saw blue for the first time, but it didn’t compare to the eyes of the Son of David. . I can paint these pretty pictures, but I know that life lived in the in between is still hard. I’m sure there were days when they struggled against their old desires, where they wrestled with the fear of man or with shame or apathy. . But I believe the more they meditated on the mercy and grace and forgiveness they’d be shown by Jesus, the more they loved Him. And the more they loved Him, the less they loved anything else. . How long has it been since you interacted with the Person of Jesus? Because if all our life is a response to Him, I know my flesh needs daily contact, daily opportunities to receive from Him, to respond to Him. And what I know to be true is that the more I know Jesus, the more I love Him. And love for Jesus changes how I live.
If I’m having trouble loving someone, it’s likely that my expectations are getting in the way. . When I’m stiff toward another and not compassionate or understanding, it’s likely that I’m ignoring the call to sacrifice and suffer for love’s sake when things don’t go as I want them to go. . When I hold someone at arm’s length and put up walls in between us, it’s likely that I care more about myself, my protection, my honor, my comfort than the King who allowed all His walls to be breached so I could know the joy of forgiveness, grace, and intimacy. . When any of these situations arise in my life, oh Jesus, convict and give me more of Your gospel to change me and free me to love as You have loved me. . (1 Corinthians 13 print available in the shop💗) #preachingtomyownheart #resurrectionlife #wordsworthnoting