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Sometimes you must leave the comfort of what is to embrace the potential of what will be. @KristenStrong | #GirlMeetsChange {Click to Tweet}
I love these words written by my friend Kristen Strong in her wonderful book,Girl Meets Change: truths to carry you through life’s transitions. God is stretching me with Kristen’s words, encouraging me to open my hands and let go of what is or what I thought would be, that isn’t – so I can embrace the potential of what will be.
Today, I got to hang out with Kristen and talk about change, and her book on BLAB! Have you heard of BLAB? It was new to me but so fun!! Anyway, we spent time together in a live video conversation with our two dear friends, Crystal Stine and Jennifer Dukes Lee.
We shared our struggles and our stories; how we’re learning to stay close to Jesus in the midst of hard transitions. I also shared some practical ways Ive had to make adjustments so my heart can survive and my family can thrive in the midst of big and difficult changes we’ve been walking through the past year.
You can watch the replay of our conversation on Blab. But… I need to warn you: I was a slight mess for the first few minutes because my mic wouldn’t work. And you will get to see my cute husband trying to figure out what to do while the rest of the girls acted amazingly calm and refrain from shouting, “Shut your computer, Renee!” because hello, we were quite a distraction :). But once we got going, it was so encouraging to listen to what these amazing ladies had to share. So. So. Good! Click HERE to watch the replay.
RESOURCES MENTIONED
During our conversation, we talked about a few new resources I’ve created to help my heart and maybe yours, too. I wanted to make them easy to find here, so they are shown below. My journal just released and it’s on Amazon. The other two products are coming soon from DaySpring. I’ll announce when they are available – here on my blog! So, be sure to sign up for my EMAIL UPDATES – in my sidebar – you aren’t already!
Come to Me {journal}
by Renee Swope
Jesus invites us to come to Him: to receive, rest, be renewed, and remain in His love. Experience the power of God’s presences and rejuvenate your soul with the living water of His word as you are reminded with the truth of who God is and who you are in Him.Filled with inspirational quotes and prayers, this journal will help you position your heart to receive God’s peace, plans, perspective and purpose for you each day.
6×8 Hardcover, 144 Pages
BUY NOW on Amazon
A Confident Heart {100 Days of Living in the Security of God’s Promises}
DaySpring HeartLifter (Coming Spring 2016)
A Confident Heart {Scripture Shareables)
from DaySpring (Coming Spring 2016)
ENTER TO WIN a copy of Girl Meets Change
Whether you’re walking through a transition now, see one coming, or are recovering from the last one, change is inevitable. But thriving is optional. With Christ close by, be okay. As Kristen shares in her book,“If God is calling us out of one place, He is sending us to another with His blessing.”
Want to enter to win a copy of Kristen’s book, Girl Meets Change: truths to carry you through life’s transitions? Just let us know why you’d like to read it or who you’d like to give it to. Click SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS (below this post) and do just that.
My dearest Renee (Kristen, Crystal, Jennifer) … I was so fortunate to be able to catch you on Thurs. in the LIVE Blab chat and loved all that was shared. However Renee, what you shared and share with your precious daughter and family, P31 (where you can now) and in your books and about this new journal, really struck chords with me. I hope to be able to get a copy of your beautiful journal when I travel back to USA from MX for an urgent medical need. I am in transition for a BIG CHANGE of moving back home after 20 years here, serving wherever I can the people for Our Lord. It’s both a difficult time and a good time but I never expected to have to suddenly GO back for a medical crisis. So I totally believe this: “If God is calling us out of one place, He is sending us to another with His blessing.” Wanting a “Confident Heart” over this! 🙂
I would love this book because I followed along with the Change Challenge without the benefit of owning her book and so wished that I could afford having the book (even at its great Kindle price, I have to wait). I can think of oodles of people I would love to pass this on to … I will now be at home in MN awhile so I can receive hard copies of books. I’m hoping I can find your journal while home. Resting in Him and so thankful for all your wisdom shared from your own experiences. Bless each of you!
Gratefully yours,
Peggy
So glad you were able to join us on BLAB Peggy! Thank you so much for sharing your encouragement and your story here, Praying for you tonight. ~R
I would love to read it, especially now in this season of my life where my daughter has left for college, and so many changes I was not ready for.
Timing…is everything. I am in the middle of a major life change…unexpected.separation from my husband with no idea what the future holds. I am holding on tight to God’s promises and strength to make it day by day. But I know He will turn good into what was meant for evil. I can’t imagine what He has in store.
It is my privilege to have one of our daughters-in-law living with us as our son is on deployment with the Marines. She is 20 years old with a LOT of changes going on all around her. I would love to read this book and offer it to her through this journey she is on with her husband of only one year away for 6 months. Please join me in praying for her, Hillary, as she adjusts to everything. I pray that she will grow more deeply in her walk with God. I pray the I will love her unconditionally and see her as Jesus sees her. Psalm 139!!!
Change is hard. Because I much prefer my own comfort. But I know that God didn’t call us to lives of comfort. I would love to read this book as my family journeys thru an international adoption of 3yo twins.
I would love to read this book because my one word this year is Release. Letting go of the past: hurts, disappointments, etc and allowing God to change me and my perspective.
I would love to read this book because my one word of this year is Release….letting go of the past and allowing God to change me.
Your books are so inspiring! I would love to read another one! Also would share the knowledge with my co-workers, friends and most of all my stepdaughters!
I would love to read this! This new Pastors wife always needs a good read!
Sometimes I’m not the biggest fan of change. Very interested in her views to help overcome those feelings.
Oh, how I struggle with change. It is so scary to me. I would LOVE to read this book and then I would share it with a neighborhood friend that has experienced drastic change in her life the past few years.
Loved this post and video and everything about it. I know this book will be purchased by almost every woman who sees it…because we ALL will have change sometime.
I can’t wait to read it!
Thanks Renee and Thanks Kristen!
Oh how I’d love to share this book with a girlfriend and definitely read it myself too because I want to learn to thrive through times or seasons or situations of change!
I would like a copy of your book because the past few years have brought a lot of change to my life. One of the more difficult is that my mother died in September last year. She had cancer. I was blessed to have been there during her final two and a half months of time on this earth including when she took her final breath. I know she now is at rest, but I’m stuck.
I don’t really know how to move forward. We weren’t close during her life, but something happens when you are the sole care giver of a terminally ill parent. It is a bond that I’ll treasure for the rest of my life. But, now what. I wasn’t needed at home while I was away, so I feel like I’m not really necessary. How do I move forward? Maybe your book will help me sort through these jumbled thoughts.
I live when Jesus calls women to lead other women. Thank you for writing this book. My family has been amidst change this past year with what I fear to be another soon around the corner. It’s hard when I feel u have to hold everyone together and I have to go along with it when it not MY desire. I hope to read this book and be drawn nearer to Jeus and confident of our plans.
I have been struggling lately with whether my chosen field is where I need to. I’ve been in hospitality for over 8 years. I feel so disillusioned and worn down but it is all I know. I wonder if I should change fields or just changemy attitude. I would love to read this book. <3
I would love to win this. With me being a newlywed, a miscarriage, a premature birth, and becoming a new mom in April. I’ve had a lot of changes this past year. I’d love to win this for myself and eventually pass it on to my daughter.
This book sounds like it would be just what I need in this transition I’m moving through. I retired two years ago. In the beginning I was excited. Then I felt myself slipping into a mild depression. Questioning my purpose in life now. I found myself wanting to withdraw from church, bible study, my non-profits where I helped out and family. All I wanted to do was stay in my pj’s and veg out. I was putting on weight which wasn’t helping my outlook. There was a picture taken of me at a Christmas gathering and I looked so fat. I said I was a beached whale. I decided I was going to get healthy body wise and spirituality. I am completing a 30 day body cleanse this week. I have a reading plan to read the Bible each day and complete it but the end of the year. January 1, 2017 I will then read the Bible in the order of events. I decided I was not being loyal and honoring God. I’m doing whatever I need to to get my life back. At 62 years of age, I have so much more to give in the name of our Heavenly Father. I would love to read this book.
I’m going through some rough health issues and would love to read this book and then pass it on to my teenage daughter who is in highschool. I think highschool is tough enough to deal with but then add a sick mommy to worry about and well…I think its just a bit overwhelming at times. I think this book would be great for the both of us! Thanks for the opportunity!
I could probably use the info in this book seeing that my youngest child is a senior now and will be graduating, then going for the summer to volunteer at an orphanage in Mexico and then off to college. Wow ! Lots of changes coming my way. Then empty nest at our home.
This book sounds like a recipe from God to help many of going through the struggles of life, no matter what are. I’m fighting my own battles, just as every other person who has posted here. Praying God picks the most deserving.
I have experienced changes to my health recently.I think this book would be good for me to read!
I do not handle change well and am learning from God that He is my source to trust during change. It is always helpful to gain from other people’s experiences and how they handle trials and changes and how God showed up for them. What faith building.
Blessings.
I’d love to share this with a dear lady who is yet again starting over, and has never really thrived! Thanks for the opportunity to win and share, and I’m looking forward to reading this!
Going through tough transitions at church, losing friends over it; and after 10 years facing a new boss at work – or maybe a whole new job & company. So much change resulting in lots of loss right now.
I anticipate changes in the coming year and would live to read this book.
I would love to read it for a variety of reasons: I have a new position at work that I am loving but struggling with all the change that comes with it. I am also striving to have a closer relationship with God, constantly needing to remind myself to pause and listen for the Holy Spirit in my dailyy life, wanting to be ready for whatever change He calls me to.
What I find so intrteseing is you could never find this anywhere else.
I came upon this email and was able to watch the video of the ladies talking about change. This was very timely as I was feeling very down tonight and just drained. My husband was diagnosed just about 3 years ago with stage iv colon cancer so we have been going through a lot of change. I also find myself fearful at the thought of the future and the unknown. CHANGE can be wonderful and also very difficult. I was naive to think things would never change much, how wrong I was. Dont get me wrong we have had many blessings during this cancer journey and we feel very blessed. But I realize now change will happen.
I’d love to read it but even more, I have three daughters that could make use of it. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
I really need this book. I feel so discouraged and stuck between my past and my future.
I would love to read this book. We have just entered a huge season of change and it’s been very difficult for our family. I have been praying for help in changing my perspective. This book sounds like it might help a great deal!
I’ve been trying to adapt to change my whole life, and abusive childhood. I my mother’s suicide, the many illnesses, and abusive relationships, and marriage., becoming 60 and still single after 20 years. I’ve been waiting for a change to come for the better. But ever since my son was murdered 11 years ago, and I’ve been scared. I am scared I’ll make the wrong choices and I can’t afford that, I holding down to Jesus with all I have as He delivered me from drugs and alcohol 20 years ago, and but tired of being stuck. I even feel stuck in my grief and ptsd/depression therapy. I feel like I just screaming but there’s no one here that would hear. I’m glad God showed you a way out, but I wish and I’ve prayed He would do the same for me. I bless everyone and pray that they are all able to make the good changes and find some hope in the process. God bless you
I really need this book at the present time. I lost my niece in December and I have not been reading and doing a journal since this. Just many unanswered prayers. I just need to get back to trusting God in my life. I believe this will help.
For several years I have been living ” we must leave the comfort of what is to embrace the potential of what will be”. The past 4 years I have been in the midst of a divorce ( due to my ex husband’s infidelity). He blamed me for his affair and he blamed others for the choices he made in his life. I worked diligently to try and save the marriage, and he did not want it and showed me in his words and actions. After taking a hard look at what my life had been, and what I had come to know, I saw he was verbally /psychologically abusive. I knew nothing else. It has been hard since the divorce was finalized, I am working each day to keep moving forward. I now see what lies ahead for me and my two sons. I have worked hard for many years and now I am in the process of buying a house for me my two sons. ( we had to sell our home and have been renting x 3 yrs). I see how God in opening doors for me, I can see the potential that lies ahead. I know how we can easily stay somewhere that is all to familiar to us, even though it not healthy for us. During this trial, God got ahold of my heart and I was transformed in the process and have grown deeper in my relationship with Him. I am in a much better place now than I even thought I could be. The potential is endless. TRUST HIM !
I would read this book with my dear friend, who also went through a divorce and then was diagnosed with breast cancer. We have been side by side , walking with each other during these trials. We are continually sharing God’s word through books, verses and devotional….to keep was both moving forward.
Thank you for your encouraging words !
The book sounds exactly what I need to read. I am going through a transition to a place of loneliness. It is unimaginably difficult to find a friend, any friend, in their 30s to hang out with. All my friends are busy raising a family. I am tired of hanging out with people in their 50s, 60s, and 70s.
I would love to read this as I am in a time of huge transition. I’ve been praying and seeking The Lord on a difficult situation and I believe this may add some insight
I would love to read this book. I’m trying to figure out how to deal with all the traditions in my life. Going through a divorce, 50/50 custody, moving on my own for the first time in my life, and turning 30 next week. It’s all very overwhelming
I would love to read it and then pass it along to who needs it next! Thank you for the opportunity to win!
I would love to read it and pass along to my mom
I’d love to share this book with a group of teen girls who have a biweekly Bible study and sharing time! I think it would provide lasting value to them.
I would love to read this!! I am 29, single, no kids. I am struggling to feel like I fit in and constantly feel alone. I have made some changes this year that haven’t been easy and still have some that I need to make but not ready for yet. love reading books that help me grow closer to God and one’s that I can pass onto others when they need encouragement.
Would love to read this book.
I, myself have been struggling with a life situation and my sister has been so motivating for me, understanding, leading me closer to the Lord. She struggles with some of her own issues, and this book would be great for her….and I know that she would share it with me when she is done with it.
My parents just transitioned their life from their home of 30 years to two separate living situations in a retirement community–nursing home and independent living. It’s a huge transition, they are struggling and hope seems hard to find. Maybe this book would help me help them.
Currently, my husband and I live in Athens, GA, but my husband after losing his job and not finding one here in Georgia for 7 months accepted a jib in North Carolina back in April 2015. Our house has been fir sell sunce last May, but hasn’t sold yet. I am struggling with this move because it means moving farther from my children and grandchildren. Almost 5 hrs away from them. I want to do what God wants me to do, but this is really hard for me. So, I am hoping reading Kristen’s book can help me with this drastic change in my life.
I would love to read this book. I am currently looking for a new job and trusting God will open a new opportunity for me. Also, my oldest son will be graduating from high school in June and heading off to college in the fall. It will definitely be a time of transition for me and my family.
I would love to share this book with my friend Donna who is starting House of Hope, a prison ministry that will have a half way home for women coming out of jail and prison.
I would love to read this. After 25 years with one company, I find myself unemployed and facing the possibility of selling my home in order to relocate. I know that there is something so much better that God has in store for me. This is an exciting but scary time for me. I am trying to stay positive, but it can be hard. This was not a transition that I really wanted, but I have to believe that this is for the best.
Becky, I just wanted you to know that I prayed for you. Your comment resonated with me because about 19 years ago my mom went through a similar situation. She did not want to leave the place she lived her whole life or her grown children and young grandkids. But she did end up relocating to a different state (thankfully only 2 hours away) but still very different. It was hard at first- change usually is. I hated to leave after visiting her, as I felt so sad because I knew she wanted to get in the car and come with us. But she learned a lot about herself and learned to open her heart to what God had to offer. It ended up being a beautiful blessing. She made new friendships, She found the love of her life and they were married. We have gained a whole group of wonderful people that now we call family. She is more active than she was here, there is a joy in her smile. I pray you find true joy and peace in your journey.
Becky, I was scrolling through these comments to get to the area where I could post one of my own. However when I got to putting my info I stopped and something in my heart said someone needs this book more than me. Your comment came into my mind. I would love to order you this book and send it to you. I know that this may seem strange but I believe God laid this on my heart and it’s something I would love to do for you. If you feel comfortable please email me at [email protected] and I will get your info.
Oh, how I sometimes YEARN for change, and sometimes RESIST change. Hope wears thin with the struggle with those. Would very much like to read this book. I need a voice inside my head besides my own and that’s often what a good book tied with scripture will do –
I’d love to read this book. Then I’d pass it to my daughter.