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You’ve Changed! {Three GOOD habits to overcome the BAD habits that plague you}

I’m glad we’re friends now, but you might not have felt the same if we would have met when I was in high school. I wasn’t following God. I was very much into my boyfriend. I cussed and watched horrible movies. I even got into a fist fight. (Okay, the truth was I got into two.)
I’m not proud of the person I was, and I have to admit it wasn’t easy to change. Even after I became a Christian I struggled … a lot. The cuss words still slipped out. Unclean thoughts continued to pop into my head. I was selfish, and I often put my needs before others. I remember going through my whole day without even thinking about God. So what changed? And how? Here are three good habits that changed everything.
1. Daily Bible Reading. In my early 20s I was a young mom with two babies, and I decided that I would get up fifteen minutes early a day to read my Bible. I set an alarm to wake up. Before this time I was not a morning person, and it was ROUGH. Yet soon I discovered it was worth it. Everything changed when I focused on God’s Word first. I had a better attitude. I started acting better. The more of God’s Truth that I put into me, the more that truth impacted every part of my life.
2. Journaling. I’m not one of those people who write pages and pages within my journal every day. Instead it’s more simple than that. After I read a Bible chapter or two I’d write down a Scripture that stood out to me. I’d also write down a thought or prayer that came to mind. Sometimes I’d write down a personal application. Then I started thinking about how God’s Word applied to my life. This greatly impacted how I lived my days.
3. Sharing. I’ve heard it said that the best way to learn something is to teach it. Mostly, I did this through writing. Even before I was published I would write short devotions and share with prayer partners and friends. I’d also shared what I read with my husband John. When my kids got older I shared it with them. Once Facebook came around I shared there.
God’s Word has transformed my life, my heart, my attitude, and my actions. I’m a different person because I made it a priority to feed my soul with God’s Truth.
My desire is to help others embark on a similar Scripture Reading Journey. That’s why I started a 365-Day Reading Plan. You can join me any time here.
Every weekday we read about five chapters. The weekends are for rest or catching up. This group is also a place you can share a meaningful Scripture or share what you feel God is placing on your heart. (Reading, journaling, and sharing all in one!) Please join us and please invite your friends!
I know God is going to transform my heart this year as I read His Word, and I hope He’ll do the same for yours. May we all be changed to be more like Christ. May we change, this year, for the good.

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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. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and 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.” Read full privacy policy here.

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Pursuing Purpose In Your Fall Schedule

pursuing purpose in your fall schedule
While January 1 is truly the beginning of the new year, September and October alway feels like a fresh start to me. By September, in the Goyer house, we’ve just started homeschool. I started a new prayer journal, and we’re settling in to a new (earlier) bedtime routine. While summer is fun, by the end of August everything within me longs for routine. Over the years I’ve learned a few ways to pursue purpose in my fall schedule.
1. Cut out anything you’re doing because you felt guilty or didn’t want to say no. Or even things that are “good” but aren’t exactly what you’d consider your purpose. Even though something may have sounded like no big deal, it’s time to be realistic about how that decision impacts your day-to-day life. You don’t have time to pursue purpose if you’re too busy pursuing “good” things-you’ll miss out on the best things!
2. Become purposeful about chores. Create a simple chore list for yourself and your kids. Fold the laundry right out of the dryer, instead of piling it on your couch. On Sunday afternoon, jot down five meals you’re make for dinner and make sure you have the ingredients. Everyone night spend five minutes picking up random stuff before heading to bed. A little purposeful planning ahead goes a long way.
3. Decide on one simple step to take toward fulfilling a dream that God’s placed in your heart. Following your purpose comes from design, not default. Want to write a book? Turn off Netflix and write for thirty minutes a day. Want to complete a 5K? Find a race, sign up, and then jog around your block. The little steps, done consistently add up over time.
4. Purpose to read the Bible every day … and do what it says. If I can point to the thing that’s transformed my life the most it’s this idea. I’ve read through the Bible at least six times all the way through, and I attempt to spend at least ten minutes a day reading God’s Word. I’ve also dared to follow what God asks me to do: love others, serve the poor, care for the widows and orphans. I talk about all of this in my new book Walk It Out. I would love for you to pick up a copy for yourself and a friend and learn how to walk out God’s mandates in your own life.
Also, to make it easier for you to become purposeful about reading God’s Word, I’ve designed a Bible reading guide just for you! This is a 5-day plan, which means weekends are for rest, reflection and catching up!

 

 

I’ve also started a private Facebook group for readers. You can join the Walk It Out Scripture Reading Journey here.
Once you’re a member, you can download the FREE Bible reading plan! Below is just a sample of what you’ll see! 

 

My hope is that by seeking purpose in your fall routine you’ll be more available to step out and follow God in new ways. Pursuing purpose isn’t just about making our lives easier. It’s about become available to join God in His work within our heart, our home and beyond!
Additional blogs that will help:

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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. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and 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.” Read full privacy policy here.

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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. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and 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.” Read full privacy policy here.

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How to Know the Truth | Guest Post {+ Giveaway}

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Truth. Some say it’s all relative, but let’s face it, those people are kind of missing the entire definition of “truth.” When something is true it inherently means that everything else that contradicts it is not true. Truth is absolute, correct, accurate. It does not bend to feelings or changes in culture, it simply is.

Truth is also generally not popular opinion. Today’s culture elevates acceptance, and moreover, the actual condoning of sin in the name of “love,” over the basic, clear cut truth of the Bible which always pairs love with truth. One without the other is sadly ineffective and misleading.

As Believers we have seen this happening for years. It’s been obvious that our road is narrow and we are not of this world, but this is where it becomes scary and slippery. That dividing line that used to distinguish us as followers of God is becoming fuzzier and fainter and the corruption, and all out manipulation, of the truth is coming from within the body of believers. The church is being swayed by the culture, ladies, and it’s more important than ever that we know what it is we believe and why.

Peter told us this would happen. In 2 Peter 2:1-3 he says, “But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.”

So how do we avoid going along with the masses and being sucked into the widespread deception that even they do not realize they are in (because, obviously, if they knew they were being deceived, they wouldn’t believe it!)?

We surround ourselves with the truth.

How to Know the Truth

At the risk of sounding oversimplified, I’m going to tell you how you can know know what is true—read the Bible. It really is that simple. The Bible is the inerrant Word of God, or as it says about itself in Hebrews 4:12, “...the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

It has existed since before time began, as we read in John 1:1, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

And it will last for all eternity, according to Isaiah 40:8, “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.”

In addition to God giving us His Holy and true Word, he has also given His Holy Spirit to all who believe in Him. So, if reading the Bible ever feels intimidating or difficult, all you have to do is pray and remember what He tells us in John 14:26, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”

As believers, we are supposed to be growing in the Word so that we can decipher it for ourselves and lead discerning lives. We really shouldn’t be relying on our Pastors or devotionals to spoon feed us day after day and week after week. Knowing what the Bible says for ourselves is the only way to ensure that we aren’t easily convinced to believe the lies of the enemy. The more we study the real thing, the easier it is to spot the counterfeits that cross our paths.

Where to Start

If the Bible still feels like a lot to tackle or even like you just don’t have the time, then I would encourage you to start small and simple. Pick a book, such as one of the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), and just read a little each day. Pray before you enter into the Word, that God would fill you with His Spirit and make the Words plain and clear for you, and then just read, even if only for five minutes.

Some other simple but effective practices you could incorporate into your life would be Bible memory and writing out scripture. By memorizing even the shortest of verses you are arming your heart with the truth and preparing yourself for those times when you need to be able to easily recall what it says. Similarly, when you interact with the scripture by writing it down, you are engaging an entirely different part of you brain that allows the Words to sink in even deeper and it also gives you the time for more contemplative, slow reflection over the scripture.

If you want to take things a step farther, then I highly recommend that you learn the Inductive Bible Study Method, which allows you to study the Bible within the context of itself without adding in any extra commentary. Precepts.org has some wonderful studies to get you started or I also recommend the Journal and Doodle Studies from StoneSoupforFive.com.

So let’s take this task seriously. Let’s not forsake what Peter encouraged us to be able to do in 1 Peter 3:15-16, “... in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.”

Let us not forget the great privilege we have of so easily being able to access the Word of God and let’s make sure we do it justice by knowing what it says and living by it. We owe it to ourselves, we owe it to our kids, and ultimately, we owe it to Him.

Do you want to know how to know the truth? Guest post [+ #giveaway] with @BOLDturquoise on @TriciaGoyer

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MacKenzie Monroe is a wife, mother of 4, homeschooler and all around crunchy gal. She enjoys inspiring women through her podcast, Cultivating the Lovely (cultivatingthelovely.com), and blog, Boldturquoise.com, to pour the labor, care and study into the roles that God has given them. Her aim is to be real and make life a little more lovely in the everyday moments, even when it’s messy!

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Are you new here? You might want to subscribe to my email updates, or follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, or Instagram.

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. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and 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.” Read full privacy policy here.

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