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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.
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I’d love to give this book to a dear friend who is like a daughter to me who is going through a time of transitions.
I’m going through a tough transition with my job. I’d love to win this book and pass it to someone who is going through a difficult challenge.
I would love to have this book to share with my sister. She is trying so hard to follow Christ! She recently made some major changes in her life by leaving a relationship that was not Godly, signed up for school, and started a job and I think it would be great for her!
I would love to read Kristen’s book! My youngest son is in his last semester of college. He has been living at home and going to college locally. He’s about to graduate and he’s getting married in October. So I am just about to be an ’emtpy-nester’.
Definitely sounds like something I could really benefit from. Waiting for disability determination hearing. Waiting for the authorization for the tests to see if Daddy’s cancer (from years ago) has not only returned but metastasized. Waiting to find out if the nerve damage caused by a procedure can be treated, or will I be “stuck” with very limited use of my arms as well as legs? Some days believe God is in control and has a plan for my life, others really struggle.
I love to read this book and I thank u for giving us all the opportunity to win.I want it for my self then I give it to my mom.I believe it will help me understand transition better.
I thought I landed in the end job of my life. Perfect in every manner. As write this I question change at this time of my life. GOD has to be in control and I will go but change now is what I have questions about or even how to know if he is looking for me to change.
I would love to read this book. My husband is a cancer survivor of almost 3 years. The struggle has not been easy but with God it has been good. He just learned that he has 2 spots on his lungs and one on his liver. They say they are not sure if they are cancerous because they are too small to even test at this point so we have 6 months to wait and pray. Most days we are good. My husband’s attitude is amazing. But I’m treasuring these things in my heart, wondering where God is leading next.
I’d like to read the book because I just had my first baby. Major translation period of my life that I love and want to be the best at. I would share it with my new mom friends and anyone else I felt led to.
I’d love to read this and share it with my daughter. ?
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.