Tag Archives: surrender

New Year, Same Us in 2020

What if we actually journeyed toward acceptance rather than challenging ourselves to do more this new year?  Maybe it’s my age, but when I think of turning the page into a new decade, I am ready to take off my superhero cape I proudly donned in 2010 when I met my husband and prepared myself to become super-wife/mom/career-woman.  What a mistake that was! 

Three miles per hour — scientists claim this is the official pace of peace, our walking pace. And you know what?  Jesus did not hustle or hurry.  Why do we feel the need to rush and push? 

Truth:  We can choose to carry into each new day, new year, new decade, the solid truth that we can live loved just the way we are.  In our normal, everyday comings and goings, we are blessed. We do not have to wait to be accepted to walk in this truth: God loves us before we lose the weight, declutter the house, or get the title. Can we be brave enough to love ourselves too? 

Ephesians reminds us that even in our sin, he embraced us. He loves us so much, and He is so rich in mercy! (Ephesians 2:4-7) Can we accept that embrace? Can we accept that mercy? 

How can we pray for you, dear reader in our TtT Tribe? We want you to enter into 2020 free and clear, whatever that may mean for you. 

? Jo 

Soaking in the Truth

Scripture to encourage you:

  • “But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much,  that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)… For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:4-7 & 10, NLT).

Music to inspire you:

Readings and Resources to come alongside of you:

Related Posts on Texting The Truth:

{These suggestions are ideas from novice moms. Sometimes our life situations need more. In that case, seeking out professional help is the right call.}

Beyond That Restless Place

In our new Monday post, Laura talks about struggling through an “in-between” time in her life, and I tell Laura that I just got through that. I want to explain a little bit more about my story there, in case you’re in that restless place too.?

A little over three years ago, I found myself overloaded. I was working two part-time jobs, managing two blogs, among other various things. My daily routine was insane; it amounted to putting out the biggest fires first.♨️ (Oh, and by the way, I had three kids: ages 4, 7, and 10!)

Feeling like I was running on empty and not giving my kids enough of my energy, I quit my favorite part-time job (directing a musical), and most of the other commitments I had. I built my schedule around my kids.

Over the next year, I had that increasingly nagging feeling of restlessness that Laura talked about. And any time someone asked me about my “passion” or my next steps in my career, I had the worst sinking feeling inside.?

The following year, my youngest started Kindergarten. I had no more “babies” at home.? I quit my other part-time job. I started praying almost daily for God to show me what was next, but I felt like there was no answer. In an effort to make money and stay on the same schedule as my kids, I started subbing.

At the end of the school year, I saw a job posting on the bulletin board of one of the schools where I subbed: Junior High Theater Director position. I thought — God put this notice RIGHT HERE so I could see it.?

I applied for the job and talked to the principal. He wanted to hire a current staff member, no matter how much experience I had. I was so disappointed, and confused–Why did God lead me here??

I faced the fact that I had given up one of my passions — directing — and I couldn’t get it back. I had made a huge mistake.

Three days later, I got a call out of the blue from my former boss (from my original directing job). Due to certain circumstances, she was offering me the job again! My heart soared! ?

Suddenly I realized, it had all come together! The next year, when my youngest would be in full- day first grade, I would be able to write and direct the musical in the fall/winter–my two favorite things!!!? I honestly think that God let me see that job posting so that I would realize how much I missed directing and my heart was open to it when I got that call.

Looking back now over the past 3 years, God has been PERFECTLY faithful. Although it felt incredibly slow, He had it all along. And He knew the desires of my heart when I wasn’t even ready to admit what they were. He knew I needed to clear my plate and start over.

Now, honestly, the restless feeling is totally gone. When I think about my path ahead, I don’t know exactly where it will go, but I feel much more at peace that He’s already preparing it for me–good things.?

If you are feeling lost today, not sure what your future holds, hang on. He’s working on it. He’s always up ahead of us, preparing the way.? And do not fear saying “no” to something right now. If it’s the right thing for your life, God will bring it back around.
?Anna