What if we make this our prayer as we head into a new week?

Yes, Lord.
I will go where You want me to go.
I will pause when You want me to pause.
I will pray the dangerous prayers of change.
I will say yes to Your invitations that make no sense.
Just because You ask me to.

How do we find God’s strength?

Sometimes it means running out of our own strength and finding that we’re still alive. That’s God’s strength. That’s God’s presence. That’s the miracle.

God might allow more than you can handle. But He will never leave you to deal with it alone.

You can do this. This too shall pass. But don’t just get through this. Find the beauty. Bring it inside.

And say, “I’m so much stronger than I dreamed possible. And when I’m not, God still is. Thank you, God. Help me, God. Show me, God.”

He loves you. He’s got you. He knows…

Our greatest disappointments and disillusionments — things that shake us and break us and make us wonder about everything — don’t have to mean all hope is lost.

We can place our lives in the hands of the Potter. The One who can make something glorious out of dust, out of us.

Part of learning to see the beautiful parts of life again is recognizing that a hard season isn't full of only hard days. There are still so many reasons to treasure life and thank God.

Facing a lot of unknowns in life can be hard. But if we had all the blanks filled in, we would explain away God’s part in our story.

God doesn’t want to be explained away. He wants to be invited in.

I trust You, Lord.
I trust Your plan.
I trust Your goodness.
I trust what You can see and I can’t.
I trust You with it all.

Healing is such a process. And when more hurtful things happen in the midst of our healing, it’s only natural for bitterness to come knocking.

But I’ve learned that bitterness doesn’t protect me or prove anything. It only turns me into someone I don’t want to be.

Let's tell grumpy it's not getting us today. We're throwing open the windows of our souls. We want to be drenched in a light-filled perspective allowing us to REALLY SEE all the good, amazing, incredible gifts from God all around us.

Joy breeds joy! Yes. Let’s have more of that.

Lord, we confess that all too often we are guilty of making our own plans and then asking You to bless them. We forget that we need to seek You first because Your plans are perfect and You care deeply for us. Remind us it is You alone we need. In Jesus’ name, Amen

How will we use our words today?

It’s our choice.

“Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose.” Proverbs 18:21 (MSG)

“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Proverbs 12:18

Forgiveness doesn’t validate the ones who have hurt us, and it doesn’t justify their hurtful actions.

Forgiveness saves us. It sets us free.

Imperfect progress.... the journey doesn’t have to look exactly like we thought it would to be good. It can be full of highs & lows but still be so very good.

Imperfect is a guarantee.

Progress is what we can shoot for.

And we can choose to see the good in the midst of it all.

Each and every thing we say yes to sets the pace of our lives. And we aren’t called to live as worn-out people.

This week, let’s ask the Lord to help us recognize the places where we can say “yes” with joy and where we need to say “no” with grace.

Mama, today matters more than you know. All those little daily investments…the stories read, the bedtime prayers, the games played, the snuggles on the couch, and even the stress of getting them all dressed and to church…it’s so worth it. You were made for this!

When God seems silent, we can remember this... God’s Word is Him speaking to us in written form. Always available. Never silent.

'I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'” Psalm 91:2

Truth I've been keeping on repeat. Truth you may need to remind your own heart of tonight, as well.

A hard season doesn’t have to be full of only hard days. There is so much more to this one incredible life than the sum total of our heartbreak.

Any time we feel it may be easier to go it on our own and not bring a decision back to God’s Word, we must recognize that thinking for what it is — a lie from Satan.

The Word of God is our handbook for living. Let’s keep it close and use it as a light unto our path every day.

I know how hard it can be to keep going… to keep healing… to keep moving forward. That’s why it’s so important for us to be in prayer with God. I’m praying with you and for you today, sweet friend. <3