Something exciting is coming...

God moves in ways that cause me to drop to my knees in humble awe of Him. Sometimes He gives us a hard circumstance and teaches us to trust as we walk through it. Other times He sets us high on a mountaintop, so we can discover the beauty all around us.

At all times, during the struggles and the victories, He is right there with us. Guiding us. Directing our steps.

Two months ago, I released a book about something God taught me. Little-ole me. I enjoyed getting to dig deep into His Word and discover answers I didn't know to a problem that plagued me for much of my life.

But today, I am on my  knees in awe because of the responses I've gotten from others who've read the book.

I'm amazed at God's faithfulness. He did just as He promised. He has been placing the book in the hands of those who desire to walk more closely with Him and grow in His Word. That. Is. Awesome.

From the beginning, I wrote Over It. Conquering Comparison to Live Out God's Plan so it could be used as a Bible study. I wanted the message to be relatable to new believers while also challenging seasoned Christians to find fresh inspiration in its pages. That way, women young and old could read the book together and use it as a guide for learning more from Scripture.

I am excited to announce that beginning in August, a FREE Over It Leader's Guide will be available for download on the book page. The guide will include suggested pacing, additional discussion starters, and video introductions for each chapter.

I'm a teacher, so I understand the time constraints associated with leading a women's group or book study. It would be nice to have everything you need, packed neatly into an easy-to-follow plan. So that's what I'm creating. And did I mention that it will be FREE?

I wanted to share this news with you first. You have been so supportive of my efforts in talking about the #OverItBook and helping women everywhere erase comparison and embrace all God has for them.

I know several of you have read Over It, and you've been so kind to let me know how it encouraged you. You've also asked if you could help in any way. I'm so incredibly thankful for your willingness and kindness. 

May I ask a favor of you?

If you enjoyed the book, would you send an email or text to someone you know who's involved in women's ministry at her church? Or maybe you could share this post with her. I'd love to let our friends know this resource will be available as they are planning for their fall Bible studies. And as always, I am open to chatting about the book and learning more ways to make it a great option for group study.

Do you have suggestions for me? I'd love to hear them. I can be reached through my contact page by clicking here. Thank you. You are a blessing to me.

Kristine

How to Handle Change Like a Champ

I dislike change. Plain and simple.

Some people are better at handling change than others. My husband, for example, thrives through change. He approaches new situations with a positive attitude and looks at every opportunity as a welcome challenge.

I curl into a ball and hide under the covers.

Change drives me into list-making mode. I weigh out the pros and cons of important decisions, trying to make the best choice for everyone involved. I agonize over it. I lose sleep because of it. Yes, I take the situation to God in prayer. But I don’t often trust Him with the results.

Fortunately, God’s Word gives us great guidance when we face change in our lives. So whether I’m a person who runs head-on into change or tucks my tail and runs the other way, I can learn from Scripture how to handle change like a champ. Here are three things to remember when we face change.

 

1.      STAY POSITIVE.

“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you” (Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT).

When entering a new situation, it’s so easy to look back at how good things were before. I’ve been guilty of this in the past when job transfers took our family to new places. Dwelling on the things we left behind clouded my view of what wonderful things waited for us in our new home. Once I learned to keep my eyes forward, my attitude toward the changes shifted from negative to positive.

2.      STAY FIRM.

“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf” (Hebrews 6:19-20a NIV). 

For me, the hardest part about change is the follow-through. Once I make the decision to forge ahead, I need to trust God with whatever happens. So often we second-guess our decision when things don’t work out as we thought they would. We wonder if this change was ever God’s will. But staying firm through the change will bring stability – which our families will definitely need during those uncertain times.

3.      STAY FOCUSED.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17 NIV).

Even though change in life will come, God never changes. He is the same “yesterday, today, and forever.” He is the One who remains constant through this unpredictable life. So as we learn to handle the changes that will come, let’s remember to hold onto our unchanging God.

Even though I may not like change, I can face it with steadfast courage today. And who knows?  I just might choose to crawl out from under those covers once and for all. Let’s make a choice right now to remember the promises above when it’s time to change.