Showing posts with label Girl Meets Change. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Girl Meets Change. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Finding joy even when life changes


Way back at the beginning of the year, many bloggers chose one word to be their focus for the year, like a resolution. Mine has been JOY.

It’s a tiny word, but it’s a mighty word. God has used it to teach me and encourage me this year. Who knew three letters strung together could change my perspective?

I love this quote about joy from Kay Warren:

“Joy is the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life, the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be all right, and the determined choice to praise God in all things.”

Joy can change my perspective because joy is a choice. While circumstances change, the foundation of joy that only God can give doesn’t waiver, even when life's seasons change. {And speaking of changes ... our baby Rachel Elizabeth was born Saturday, Sept. 19! I'm excited to share more of her sweet adoption story soon. Stay tuned!}

I know this #choosingJOY idea isn't new to many my blog readers, but I'm excited to share more about it at Circles of Faith today. I'd love for you to join me there
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Want more insights? "Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family" is available on Amazon. Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, peek into my life on Instagram, follow 152 Insights at Bloglovin', or subscribe to receive "Insights in Your Inbox."

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Girl Meets Change {a review}


As I've navigated a new season that includes multiple changes in parenthood, friendships, and daily life, I’m grateful to have Kristen Strong’s “Girl Meets Change” as a companion. Her words remind me God has a purpose with the seasons we experience. This book is packed with truth, wisdom, and love that truly will help carry you through life’s transitions.

I've typed out all the lines I underlined and paragraphs I starred because I know I'll want to revisit these nuggets of truth and encouragement over and over again. I've recommended the books to friends, generally on Facebook and specifically to people as it pertains to their lives. And I've seen evidence that God has used Kristen's words to change my perspective of change.

If you're around here much, you know this isn't the first time I've mentioned "Girl Meets Change." I've quoted it and referenced it in other posts the last several weeks ::

Life is Movement :: "God knew I would need some wisdom in this season of transition because it’s no secret I’ve resisted change like the plague in the past. I want to embrace what God is doing here. The movement is evidence of the abundant life God promises."
My Free Time :: "I’m grateful for the way God orchestrated my life so I could have this season – as short as it may be – to take care of some things. Of course, I’m not necessarily taking care of the things I anticipated, but taking care of myself and other people is a worthwhile use of my time. ... God's goodness does not always come as my perception of productivity. Rather his goodness often looks like people and conversations and laughter and prayers."
4 Ways to Let Friendships Change with the Seasons :: "I’m sharing these four ways to let friendships change with the seasons – for you, yes, but as reminders for myself too. And when I say “let” I really mean I’m slowly learning to hold loosely the people I love, even when on some days I want to pull them all closely and hunker down in a commune-like bubble."
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ABOUT THE BOOK :: "Girl Meets Change: Truths to Carry You Through Life's Transitions" releases today! Here's the official summary: "Whether chosen or unexpected, all change brings stress. Kristen Strong knows about change – especially the kind you didn't choose. Over the years, she's fought hard to learn an important truth: change is not something to be feared but something to be received as a blessing from God who works through it, not in spite of it. In this hope-filled book, Kristen invites you to see all the ways you are loved and cared for in the midst of change. She walks alongside you as a friend, gently ushering you toward a new view of change, one that meets you at the crossroads of your own sense of anxiety and God's sense of purpose. With practical advice for coping in every part of life, she draws from her own experiences, the stories of others, and stories from Scripture to help you find contentment, purpose, and renewed strength."

224 pages. Published by Revell Books. Learn more at the book's lovely website.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR :: Kristen Strong is a popular blogger at Chasing Blue Skies and DaySpring's (in)courage, as well as a writer whose work has appeared in MOMSense and Family Fun magazines. She and her husband, David, have three children. Together this military family has zig-zagged across the country (and one ocean!) several times, and they currently live in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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Want more insights? "Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family" is available on Amazon. Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, peek into my life on Instagram, follow 152 Insights at Bloglovin', or subscribe to receive "Insights in Your Inbox."

Thursday, September 3, 2015

4 Ways to Let Friendships Change with the Seasons


Lately, God has been showing me how he authors changes, even the ones that come in relationships. That doesn’t always mean changes are easy, but knowing that truth does mean I see changes differently. Because, yes, when life changes, so do friendships.

(I know, I don't really like it either!)

I’ve shared before, I’m the kind of person who wants to hold on tightly to friendships so things stay as they’ve always been with people choose I to be around. But that’s not realistic, as God is teaching me in this season of many changes.

I’m sharing these four ways to let friendships change with the seasons – for you, yes, but as reminders for myself too. And when I say “let” I really mean I’m slowly learning to hold loosely the people I love, even when on some days I want to pull them all closely and hunker down in a commune-like bubble.

1. Find new ways to hang out.

One of my dearest friends home schools and now that my kids are both in school, we haven’t hung out as much as we used to during the week. So I met her at the park one day for lunch. We got to talk, the weather was beautiful, and her kids got to play. Win-win-win.

My best friend works full time now after being a home with her kids most of the past nine years. So we’ve met for a later-than-usual dinner after my kids’ soccer practice and walked (and talked!) after school.

2. Reach out to friends as you pray for them.

I have many friends going through things. They’re waiting on babies to be born. They’re waiting on adoption processes to move or moving through the adoption processes they’ve been waiting for. There are medical situations and job changes. So I put them on my prayer list and then I check in with them, even if that means sending a text with some encouragement or a quote that reminded me of them.

“There is something beautiful about being thought of, isn’t there? When I think of all that hangs off everyone’s plates – errands to complete, children to care for, responsibilities to follow through on – to know the Lord brought you to their mind is an amazing gift in and of itself.”
{Kristen Strong in “Girl Meets Change”}

Reaching out doesn’t have be complicated, especially with today’s technology. Even when changes are for the good, they can be hard on people. Being present with prayers is a practical way to be there for people you love. {Tweet that.}

3. Remember not to take their changes personally.

It’s true that a close friend’s circumstances can affect your life and have ripple effects. But I’ve had to remind myself God’s plans for one family often won’t look like his plans for mine. You can encourage them in whatever is happening for them – take my friend’s full-time that her family needs financially – and still process the effects on your life.

4. Notice the provision God has for you.

When a friendship changes because of logistics and schedules, I grieve what we used to have. And that is okay and healthy. But those changes don’t mean God is leaving us without. So many times I’ve seen new friendships develop or old friendships take a new shape in my life.

Yes, sometimes people are in our life for a particular season. Sometimes we see the big picture in those scenarios and sometimes we have to hold onto the promise that God is for us and working all things together for the good even when we can’t see the whole thing.

Sometimes the provision looks like new friendships. My closest friends are done having babies, but God has put a different circle of people who are pregnant and adopting in my life. God knows what we need and provides that – even when it surprises us. {Tweet that.}

What would add to the list?
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I’ve mentioned “Girl Meets Change” by Kristen Strong a few times around here and I’ll mention it again. It’s the perfect companion for those seasons when change is happening. This book releases soon, but you can preorder it now – and I recommend you do!

I'm linking up this post with the Soli Deo Gloria Sisterhood Gathering

Want more insights? "Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family" is available on Amazon. Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, peek into my life on Instagram, follow 152 Insights at Bloglovin', or subscribe to receive "Insights in Your Inbox."

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Three Word Wednesday :: My Free Time


“I used to believe that if change would stop finding me – and asking me to change with it – I’d be more content. Now I find contentment in knowing that God is using the change to change me for the better. To change my life for the better. The seasons glow and fade into the next, and the kids sprout and mature into new stages. I can embrace all if it, leaning into the natural order and goodness of it. Leaning into that is leaning into hope that God’s familiar promises come with change and transition. I don’t just hold that promise of blessing in my heart. I live it.”

{Kristen Strong in “Girl Meets Change”}


I thought I’d spend the six or so weeks between my kids going to school and the baby girl we’re adopting being born cleaning, organizing and scrapbooking. At least I thought about how those things would be good use of my free time.

(And by “free time,” I mean time spent at home while kids aren’t home. I can’t remember what boredom is like because there are always chores, errands, books to read, and pictures to scrapbook. Such is the life of a grown-up with hobbies.)

I’m a few weeks into this in-between season. I haven’t cleaned or organized any more than usual, although I did manage to scrapbook twice.

But my free time – I laugh every time I type that – has been well spent. I’ve eaten breakfast with my mother-in-law, taken our birth mom to some doctor’s appointments, worked on lake house management stuff, gotten my hair cut and colored, gone to a couple routine doctor’s appointments of my own, met with Wendy and couple other women who also love Hope That Binds, and lunched with a few women in the midst of their own adoption processes, my mission trip friend Kim, my college friend Amber who graduates in December, and my husband. I’ve written blog posts and read books.

I’m grateful for the way God orchestrated my life so I could have this season – as short as it may be – to take care of some things. Of course, I’m not necessarily taking care of the things I anticipated, but taking care of myself and other people is a worthwhile use of my time.

People have asked me if the baby’s room is ready. I usually say pretty much. The crib is put together and has cute bedding awaiting her. I have some diapers, wipes, burp clothes, blankets and clothes in the closet and drawers. A changing pad has been added back to the dresser that’s been sitting empty for years. I have her name spelled in white, blocked letters above her bed. And my husband and kids touched up some marks on the wall with mint ice cream paint this past weekend.

So, yes, it’s ready. Really, there’s always something else to do – in the baby’s room, in my life, with my calendar, on my to-do list, in my relationships, and around my house. God's goodness does not always come as my perception of productivity. {Tweet that.} Rather his goodness often looks like people and conversations and laughter and prayers.
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Soon you’ll hear more about “Girl Meets Change” by Kristen Strong. It’s been such a wise, encouraging companion for this season of many changes in my life. I’m excited to introduce you soon, but you care preorder it now.





I'm also linking up with Mary Carver's Works for Me Wednesday because this in-between season with some extra "free time," really, y'all, I struggle to say that, works for me. 

Want more insights? "Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family" is available on Amazon. Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, peek into my life on Instagram, follow 152 Insights at Bloglovin', or subscribe to receive "Insights in Your Inbox."

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Three Word Wednesday :: Life is Movement


Is it possible this summer was the fastest in history? I’m going to say yes, even though I realize time is a steady measurement of our days. But, still, this summer was full of movement for our family.

And by movement, I don’t mean we ran all over the place – although on some days we did.

This summer marked some transitions, most of which y’all have heard about here on the blog.

In April, we sold a lake house we loved. But in June we got to buy a new one that we may love more. In May, we met the birth mom of our daughter who is expected to arrive in late September. A room is in the process of being prepared for Rachel Elizabeth, who officially as a crib, bedding, and a changing table awaiting her arrival. The high chair, swing, stroller, car seat are in boxes in her room, but they’ll be ready sooner rather than later.

Meanwhile, my best friend Jaclyn went back to full-time work, which obviously is a blessing for her, but an adjustment for our friendship. We befriended each other as single college girls, so our friendship is no stranger to transition. We were married the same summer, walked through seasons of infertility together, and then ending up having five kids who love each like siblings in five years.

Another dear friend has transitions of her own happening that will overflow into my life and God has orchestrated a newer friendship in my life I’m really excited about.

Oh, and Ben starts kindergarten today.

That means I’ll have about six weeks (probably) with Cate and Ben in school before Rachel arrives. I have big plans for those weeks – going to doctors’ appointments, getting my hair cut and colored, scrapbooking, finishing Rachel’s room, and lunching with some friends.

(Sure, I’ll let you know what those six weeks actually end up looking like!)

God knew I would need some wisdom in this season of transition because it’s no secret I’ve resisted change like the plague in the past. I want to embrace what God is doing here. The movement is evidence of the abundant life God promises. {Tweet that.} 

I can see how God is providing and answering prayers and offering opportunities to make himself known. Of course, all of this comes on the heels of our Guatemala mission trip, which is filtering everything in my life different than before.

Kristen Strong wrote a book that been exactly what I needed. Being able to be part of her launch team and read an early copy of “Girl Meets Change” was perfect timing. Stay tuned because there will be more to come on that when it releases next month, but for now, I wanted to share a quote:

“While we are called to rest when appropriate, the nature of life itself is movement. We can stand rigid against the movement and break, or we can lean into flexibility by bending and moving with it.”
{Kristen Strong in “Girl Meets Change,” page 76}

There has been some resting this summer. Hello, afternoons at the pool and waking up without an actual alarm clock. But there has been much movement too.

I’m learning the movement is evidence of life – literally, with new baby we’re expecting and in the ways God is making himself known. I want to bend and move with it. I want to remember moving boxes is hard work but it is part of letting God rearrange our lives. I want to rest in how God has prepared me for what he’s doing.

What kinds of changes are you experiencing in your life?
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Some housekeeping for #ThreeWordWednesday friends: Please link up just ONE post. When you link up more than one, it seems to distract from the goal to have other people visiting each other with encouragement. Thanks for understanding!


Want more insights? "Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family" is available on Amazon. Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, peek into my life on Instagram, follow 152 Insights at Bloglovin', or subscribe to receive "Insights in Your Inbox."