The Abundant Single Life!

“The tears…streamed down, and I let them flow as freely as they would, making them a pillow for my heart. On them it rested.” ~ Augustine “Tears are healing. They help to open and cleanse the wound. Grief is a form of validation; it says the wound mattered.” ~ John Eldredge As much as my heart prefers to celebrate and sing a joyous song, I’ve come to a place of befriending grief and sadness. Sorrow cannot be satisfied without it. Giving us emotions was all a part of God’s grand design when He lovingly fashioned us. I haven’t always understood or embraced my emotions. Tears have often betrayed me by springing forth sometimes at the most inopportune times, in public places no less. But there’s beauty in that, isn’t there? Being raw and uninhibited is something that comes easily for a child. Then we grow up and try to hide things. Why? Sometimes life calls for raw emotions. Sometimes it happens in public places. And for that, I’m thankful because often times grief has been

Remember my friend, Christian , the love doctor? Well, he has posted another great podcast on a topic that's been on my heart a lot recently: the difference between expectations and expectancy. I wrote about this very thing a year ago, and it is back on my radar. Check out my blog post on expectations vs. expectancy if you haven't read it yet or want to read it again. I outline the difference between the two and how to navigate single life with expectancy instead of expectations. I love what Christian says in his podcast. Expectancy is just another word for trust. It's so true. Listen in and see what a difference this revelation of having a heart of expectancy has made in Christian's life. If you want to explore this topic even further, listen to Danny Silk's message  and be encouraged. Here's to releasing expectations and embracing a posture of expectancy! 

How many of you know that any time is a good time to take inventory of the condition of your heart with the Holy Spirit as your guide? Often times it’s a painful situation in our lives that catapults us into cleaning out the clutter in our hearts, though. Situations like this: A romantic relationship doesn’t work out Waiting for someone to return your love Sharing your love with another and they don’t respond favorably Waiting in the desert where it seems like the blessing of God’s rain (promises) are far away Fill in the blank with your particular difficult situation  It is through these painful situations that God nudges us, perhaps sometimes even thrusts us, into the refining fire.   Surrendering to the One who places us there is key to being purified and experiencing the abundant life God has for us. There have been many times in my life that situations like the above have made me realize my own shortcomings. God gives me a choice every time I face my own mistakes