When You Feel Stretched by Circumstances or Relationships, Remember This (Plus End of the Month Resources!)
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Photo by Tamara Schipchinskaya on Unsplash
As you may know (unless you're new to my online community—in which case, welcome!), at the close of every month, I share a few of my favorite listens, reads, and resources. But seeing how January is over and it's now February 2nd, I'm clearly running behind schedule!
Part of the reason I’m running a bit behind is that there have been some big changes in the Alanson household. After a lot of prayer and some clear prompting from God, my husband and I agreed to have our 13-year-old niece move in with us during the weekdays.
She started staying with us at the beginning of January, and since then I’ve been getting a crash course in working from home while also taking care of a teenager. To be honest, it has been stretching me! But she is such a smart, thoughtful, and creative girl, and we’ve been having lots of fun together watching movies (I’ve been transported back to my own childhood by watching the Parent Trap, Star Wars, and Freaky Friday), cooking, knitting, and having lots of deep conversations. So though I’m stretched, I'm also so blessed to be spending time with our niece and I'm so thankful to see God at work in our lives.
Something that has really been encouraging me over this past month is this quote from Bruce Wilkinson:
“You can trust [God] that He will never send someone to you whom you cannot help by His leading and strength.”
There have been several situations involving several people this past month where I have questioned my ability to help in the way they needed. But as I acknowledged my weakness and drew on God’s strength, I’ve seen Him come through in some amazing ways.
Maybe this has been a stretching season for you too. If so, remember that anytime God calls you to do something, He provides all the strength, love, and wisdom you need to do the job well. Draw your strength from the Holy Spirit and trust that He is at work!
Well, I’m going to sign off for now. I hope these resources will encourage and inspire you as you pursue a life of purpose, joy, and intimacy with God!
❤️ In purpose and faith,
I've been reading...
The Prayer of Jabez by Bruce Wilkinson and David Kopp
I've shared about this book before, but I'm reading it again, and it's such a great book, it's worth sharing about again. In fact, it's so good, I've made a tradition of rereading it around the New Year. This is the third year I've reread it, so if you count the first time I read it back in the early 2000s, I'm on my fourth reading.
Here's the message in a nutshell: God is bigger and better than we think, and He wants to partner with us in extraordinary ways to impact the people around us with His love and power—He's just waiting for us to ask.
It's short, sweet, power packed, and perfect to use a morning devotional. I highly recommend it! You can find it here.
P.S. This is the book that contains the Bruce Wilkinson quote I mentioned above! So if you liked the quote, I'm guessing you'll like the book!
I've also been reading...
The Death of a Dogwood: Lessons in Faithfulness from the Frontlines of Grief by Nicole O'Meera
Are you struggling to connect to God in a season of overwhelm? Check out my friend Nicole's beautiful story of hope, healing, and persistence in the midst of heartbreaking circumstances.
As an editor for the Joyful Life Magazine, I had the privilege of helping prepare this article for publication. I was blessed the first time I read it, and I was blessed again when I reread it recently! I know it will bless you too!
Here's a little snippet:
"My goal in this season of grief and overwhelm was simply to keep my focus on God, to remain conscious of His presence with me in the midst of so much chaos. Thankfully, a God-conscious life is one that simply stays rooted in faithfulness even when, or especially when, everything else is falling to pieces around you.
Don’t confuse consistency with orderliness. Faithfulness can look very disorderly. A short prayer in the shower, a whispered, “Jesu Juva” (Jesus, help!), or a softly sung praise chorus while preparing breakfast all kept my face pointed in the right direction..."
You can read the whole article here!
I've been listening...
"He Breaks the Heavy Yoke" by Sean Feucht
God breaks the yoke of depression and grief and brings joy!
P.S. Looks like you’re interested in pursuing a life of purpose and faith!
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Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission, with no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services I believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
