Heart Work is Hard Work

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Heart Work is Hard Work

Maybe you, like me, need this message today…

I have been so burdened lately by all the ugliness I see in the world around me, but I know the reality is that sometimes the ugliness I see can reside in me.

It’s the condition of our humanity, mere symptoms of our sin disease.

“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” (Romans 3:23, ESV)

“Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned—” (Romans 5:12, ESV)

I’ve cried. I prayed. I’ve read God’s Word. I’ve actually done these three things more lately because I’ve seen just how ugly sin can be, and just how necessary it is to address it and confess it so we don’t wrongly express it.

I’m calling it heart work because that’s what it’s been for me. Looking inside my own heart for the things that break the Father’s heart so I can get rid of them and get right with Him.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” (Psalm 139:23-24, ESV)

My encouragement to you…

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Grace Upon Grace

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Grace Upon Grace

“For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” (John‬ ‭1‬:‭16‬, ‭ESV‬‬)

Grace upon grace

Not just enough

But more than enough

And endless supply

That extends beyond this space and time

This morning, this verse deeply resonated with me as I find myself (still) in the midst of this season of letting go.

I’ve experienced so much of God’s grace in this sacred space.

And this is what He spoke to my heart, and I will pass on to yours, because maybe you need to hear it, too…

Give up (trying to control it all) but don’t give up (trusting He’s in control of it all).

It is possible to give them up to Him without giving up on them or on Him.

“There’s no way to be a perfect parent, but a million ways to be a good one.” — Jill Churchill

Look for just one of those million today, and do that one well.

Have a good cry (sometimes you can’t stop the tears from flowing), but then wipe the tears and carry on, because a mother’s work is never done (and with God’s help you and your kids won’t stop growing).

Empty nest does not mean emptiness.

Life can be lived to the fullest at every age and life stage when our cup is filled by Christ alone.

Yes, the fullest and best days are ahead, because we’re doing what we’re supposed to do, and our children are doing it, too.

They are not ours. They are lent to us to give to Him over and over again. It’s in that kind of giving up we receive the strength we need to truly let go.

Embrace the grace in the sacred space

Over and over again

Yesterday, today, and tomorrow

Because each new day

Holds new mercies

More grace

Grace upon grace

“For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” (John‬ ‭1‬:‭16‬, ‭ESV‬‬)

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