quotes

Joyfully surrendering

April 18, 2019 by Kristin 1 Comment

When I saw this book’s title and author, I knew I needed to read it: “Joyful Surrender” by Elisabeth Elliot.

I’ve been in a season of learning to live (more) faithfully. For me, that’s looked like letting go, trusting God to be in the details, noticing needs and meeting them, serving those around me, and recognizing the value of where God has me right now. Obviously, it’s been a process of surrender to the control I naturally I want. It’s a lesson I have to work on over and over again because all my ESFJ, Enneagram 1w2 ways are quick to kick in.

Then I noticed the subtitle of the book: 7 Disciplines for the Believer’s Life.

I’m glad this book caught my eye because it’s a breath of fresh air in this do-it-all, be-all-you-can-be culture. It’s like sitting down with a kind, wise friend who is willing to tell you where she’s been and what she learned along the way. Elliot writes about discipline, freedom, obedience, and sovereignty in conversational tones that draw the reader in and point to Jesus.

“We are required to take the risk, move, trust God, make a beginning. This is what Jesus always asked of those who came to Him for help of any kind. Sometimes He asked them to state their case (“What do you want me to do?”), to affirm their desire (“Do you want to be healed?”), and often to do something positive (“Stretch out your hand.”) before He could do His work. There had to be evidence of faith, some kind of beginning on their part. The first baby step of faith is followed by a daily walk of obedience, and it is as we continue with Him in His Word that we are assured that we are, in fact, called and having nothing to fear.” – Elisabeth Elliot in “Joyful Surrender”

Living faithfully has shown me the glory in joyfully surrendering. But I have a lot to learn and I’m grateful for this guide – the author, her words, and our Creator – to teach me.

About the book

In our age of instant gratification and if-it-feels-good-do-it attitudes, self-discipline is hardly a popular notion. Yet it may be one of the most important lost virtues of our time. In “Joyful Surrender,” former missionary and beloved author Elisabeth Elliot offers her understanding of discipline and its value for people of all times. She shows readers how to discipline the mind, body, possessions, time, and feelings; overcome anxiety; change poor habits and attitudes; trust God in times of trial and hardship; and let Christ have control in all areas of life.

Elliot masterfully and gently takes readers through Scripture, personal stories, and observations of the world around her to help them discover the understanding that our fulfillment as human beings depends on our answer to God’s call to obedience.

There are 14 chapters, which read like encouragement written from a friend.

Created, Cared for, Called
Discipline: The Answer to God’s Call
How Do We Know We Are Called?
Under Orders
Grace, Book, Spirit – And One Thing More
A Sovereign God and a Man’s Choice
The Discipline of the Body
The Discipline of the Mind
The Discipline of Place
The Discipline of Time
The Discipline of Possessions
The Discipline of Work
The Discipline of Feelings
Exchange: My Life for His

This book was originally published in 1982 and again in 2006 under the title “Discipline,” but Revell Books recently published this repackaged edition, which is a 176-page paperback book.

About the author

Elisabeth Elliot (1926-2015) was one of the most perceptive and popular Christian writers of the last century. The author of more than twenty books, Elliot offered guidance and encouragement to millions of readers worldwide.

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I got a free copy of this book to review from its publisher Revell Books. These opinions are my own. If you looking for other wise encouragement, I also really love reading through Elliot’s “Keep A Quiet Heart,” which is a compilation of devotional-type essays. https://amzn.to/2DhksHe

Glory is just around the corner

April 15, 2019 by Kristin 2 Comments

“Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.” — 1 Peter 4:12-13 (The Message)

Adoption built my faith and my family.

As I became a momma in this way I didn’t expect, I prayed for God to use our story to encourage others. While we were navigating the adoption process the first two times, I knew hardly anyone who had adopted or was adopted. Now, a momma of three kids who came to us through private, domestic adoptions, I also have a community of moms who understand.

This online community is the answer to my prayers. Yes, it’s one of the ways God is using our story, like I prayed for, but it’s also been a blessing to me as I navigate parenting. Within this community, I’ve often quoted 1 Peter 4:13 from The Message: “This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.”

Regardless of where people are in the process, I want these other moms to remember we’re in these adoptions and this life together. And the glory really is coming. This online community has been a safe space where we share prayer requests, resources, and updates. Some of us get to gather around real-life tables for lunches and watch our kids befriend one another.

That’s how I began the devotion I contributed to “Faith, Hope, & Connection: A 30-Day Devotional for Adoptive and Foster Parents.”

About the book

Are you a foster or adoptive parent needing hope for this complex and sometimes lonely journey? Do you love your kids but feel discouraged? Are you misunderstood by people around you?

In “Faith, Hope, & Connection: A 30-Day Devotional for Adoptive and Foster Parents,” you’ll find real, often raw, stories from adoptive and foster parents in the trenches; scripture and faith-filled hope, pointing you to Jesus; and honest reflections speaking courage to your soul and reminding you that you are not alone.

This devotional is written by 30 authors, all foster and adoptive parents, who offer a window into their own lives and families. You’ll recognize yourself time and time again in their words. “Faith, Hope, & Connection” is a treasure-trove of wisdom and grace for foster and adoptive families.

This 141-page paperback was independently published by The Adoption Connection for The Refresh Conference in February 2019.

About the editors

Melissa Corkum is an adoptee and adoptive mom. She and her husband are parents to six kids by both birth and adoption. Their open door policy has blessed them with lots of honorary family members along the way. They are Empowered to Connect Parent Trainers. She hates cleaning and loved extra-crispy fries. Find her online at her website, The Cork Board.

Lisa Qualls is a birth mom and adoptive mom. She and her husband have 12 kids by birth and adoption and even more through foster care. As a Trust-Based Relational Intervention practitioner, she walks alongside families with kids from “hard places.” She loves hosting big family dinners but hates grocery shopping, which is a problem. Find her online at her website, One Thankful Mom.

Together they host The Adoption Connection, which includes a website, podcasts, and Facebook group to support adoptive and foster families.

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I received a free copy of this devotional for being a contributing author, but I’ve already recommended it to others because I believe we are better when we encourage each other with our stories. If you’re looking for other adoption resources, I compiled a list of those too.

How to hear the truth on a hard day

February 20, 2019 by Kristin 24 Comments

We’re six weeks into this year and, truthfully, I’m a little worn out. I’m (barely) an extrovert, but the beginning of 2019 has required a lot from me relationally while parenting has sucked my mental capacity.

I found an empty package of gummy bears in the van the other night after a long day that had us going well past bedtime. Now, my van is far from perfectly clean, but the trash was evidence one of my kids didn’t obey an earlier request to stop eating candy. I’m not strict when it comes to food around here, but disobedience is disappointing.

The small moment was a breaking point for my emotions in the midst of lots of other things going on. I yelled and cried and doubted myself. I overreacted and then later regretted doing so.

I wanted to make plans to restore order, but
what I really needed was to draw nearer to God.

{Tweet that.}

The next morning while still processing one act of disobedience that led to a flood of emotions about many other moments, Greg told me I was believing lies about my role as a mom and my identity in Christ. He reminded me I was forgetting what I knew to be true about our values, our kids, and our purpose. He helped me regain perspective in the midst of the weariness.

“By progressive transforming grace, he is enabling you to live the brand-new life he calls all of his children to live – the Godward life for which you were created. You don’t have to hide in guilt when weak faith gets you off the path, because your hope in life isn’t your faithfulness, but his.”

– Paul David Tripp in “New Morning Mercies”

My human heart and mind are prone to wander. I believe lies, try to control situations, and expect too much from myself and others. But then the light seeps through the cracks and I remember what God has for me.

Here are four ways to bring the truth to light on a hard day:

1. Read God’s word. Our circumstances change, even relationships have seasons, but God’s word and character don’t change.

2. Talk to someone you trust who knows you. My husband has seen me at my worst but believes in my best. He knows my tendencies and weaknesses. I have other friends who are in similar seasons of me that can also speak truth into my days.

3. Stop scrolling. When I’m emotionally drained, I tend to absent-mindedly scroll on my phone. But then I get frustrated about things that don’t matter. I’ve been trying to read a book instead of scroll when I have pockets of time when I’d like my mind to be engaged in something that isn’t my life.

4. Remember God’s faithfulness. Literally list what God has done for you – today and yesterday. And know he’ll do it again tomorrow.

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If you’ve had a hard day, one when the truth is blurry, I have a gift for you: Here’s a playlist I created. It’s labeled FAITHFUL in my iTunes, mostly because God is faithful. We can believe what he says about who we are and be confident that he will continue the work he’s already begun in us.

{LISTEN TO PLAYLIST HERE.}

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