Pivots!

Be honest, what immediately pops into your head when you hear the word "Pivot!" Do you see Ross, Rachel and Chandler moving a couch up a crowded apartment stairwell? Yeah me too. That scene never fails to bring a smile to my face and I love that one word can bring laughter to so many.

However, my response isn't always so carefree when I hear the shout of "Pivot" in my own life. Last week while we were at our OB appointment, I ended up needing some extra monitoring to make sure that baby and I were ok. We both are doing great and are healthy, but how we are moving forward with my care plan pivoted. I don't like change, it is overwhelming, it is scary, but most of all it makes me feel out of control. Even as I write that I giggle, because deep down I know that I am never truly in control. What a relief that is!

I have experienced a few major pivots in my relatively short life. From different jobs, homes, plans, and relationships none of it has gone the way I plan. It has gone better even if it was hard in the moment. A sweet mentor of mine once told me "The Lord always opens a door, but it is hell in the hallway." I have learned though that the hallway has purpose. In the hallway I have no choice but to lean in and listen to where God is guiding. As someone who likes to have a plan and know where she is headed I really struggle with this.

Pregnancy has taught me a lot about walking in relationship with God. I have been journaling verses that I can hold onto when I am anxious or worried about what is coming next. These verses hold rich truth for all stages of life. No matter what you are facing today I encourage you to take these verses and pray them as you make decisions.

The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps. ~ Proverbs 16:9

Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that. ~ James 4: 13-15

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ~ Jeremiah 29:11

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4: 6-7

This past week has brought me to seeking a mindset shift. I am often a person who loves to share what she is heading to next and have everything planned out. More often than not it leads to disappointment when I have to pivot. James 4:13-15 has been stuck in my head all week. What if I shifted my language and mindset from saying this is what we are going to do, to waiting, to being still. I don't think it is a bad thing to share your plans with those around you, but am I making plans and hoping God places His stamp of approval on it? Or am I going to Him first and seeing where He wants me to go. Am I speaking in a way that reflects a heart yielded to wherever God leads?

A truth that I am repeating over and over to myself until I believe it is "I can trust that wherever God leads me is good and I can be content wherever He calls me." A lot easier to type and say than believe. Yet, that is the heart I desire to have. I think it starts with focusing on today more than I am looking towards tomorrow. If we are constantly counting down to the next big thing that may or may not happen in the future, we risk missing out on what God has for us in the here and now.

My friend Rachel Awtrey releases a book next week that speaks to this so well. It is called Love Your Life Even When You Don't Like It All The Time. It is filled with practical how tos on seeking JOY in everyday life even in the hard moments. She is a military wife, mother, podcaster, business owner and has walked through some really difficult moments. In the book she shares how pivots in life has taught her to trust God and enjoy the journey that He is leading her on. That can be true of us too friends. I highly recommend this book, it blessed my life and I know that it will bless yours as well.

No matter what you are facing today, I want you to know that I am praying for you and that you aren't navigating it alone. Call on your community, trusted friends to share their faith and strength when you feel week. Ask them to pray with you and over you. Most of all bring your mess to the feet of your heavenly Father. Trust Him to guide your steps each and everyday.

Looking for a resource to help you find peace amongst the pivots of life? Give our Peace Planner a try. Our undated planner guides us to place our plans in God's hands first through prayer and Bible Study. It also has a monthly and weekly view, meal plan and grocery list all in one to limit having to wonder what notebook you wrote that down in. As Fall approaches get a planner that helps you navigate the chaos with God.

The Peace Planner

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Rachel's Book

With authenticity and transparency, Rachel debuts with the warm and practical Love Your Life (Even When You Don’t Like It All the Time), a love letter to those of us who’ve worked really hard to build a beautiful, shiny life…but sometimes still feel a little lackluster. Rachel will help you see that, even in the hardship there are glimmers of joy to be found. In these pages you’ll discover:

• A new definition and perspective of what it really means to live with joy,

• Simple-yet-effective tools to help you navigate through the everyday frustrations that can trip us up,

• A balm of encouragement and hope for your day-to-day life, helping you celebrate where God is moving in all circumstances,

• Inspiration for incorporating rhythms of joy into your home, family and relationships.

Abundance is choosing to believe that God is working for

your good,even when life looks differently than you hoped. Life is hard, but it’s so good―and it’s yours for the taking

Pre-Order Here for under $20