Giving Up Normal

Do you want to see the Kingdom of Heaven here on earth? Are you trying to figure out how to enter the battle? In today's Monday Motivation episode, Jen shares a subtle shift in perspective that will change everything!

It didn't take long before feeling the pull to create healthy rhythms and boundaries. Even though I worked in the church, the culture was very similar to the world...keep going, keep doing...move from one busy season to the next. I wanted and needed something different! In today's episode, as I reflect on my journey, I share 4 things I wish I knew earlier. 

We'll readily admit that we are stuck but we often ignore what it is doing to us internally. In this episode, Jen shares one of the most powerful questions to ask yourself in order to get moving. It may make you a bit uncomfortable, but it can change your trajectory!

Are you stuck because you are trying to make things perfect? I am right there with you! I often choose perfection over progress. As a result, I continue to spin my wheels. In this episode, Jen shares a quote that has helped her make progress: You don't have to get it right. You just have to get it going. When we choose progress over perfection, it will give us momentum and traction and we will move forward! You can do it! Just take a step!

Are you struggling to connect with God? You're not alone. It is normal for our relationship with God to ebb and flow. Sometimes we feel close to God and other times we feel far away. So, what do you do when it's hard to connect? Just a few simple tweaks can make a big difference. In this episode, Jen shares several next steps for you to take. 

Do you feel weary and burdened? Are you feeling the pressure of expectations and responsibilities? In this episode, Jen shares what you can do to get rid of the heavy burdens you are carrying.

What do you do when things don't go your way? How do you make sense of it all? In today's episode, Jen interviews her son Tyler as he shares his story about how he dealt with one of his life's biggest disappointments. As they talk about how Tyler processed his circumstances, they touch on things like grief, patience, spiritual direction, and trusting that it will be worked out for our good. 

The way we care for others has been radically changed by the coronavirus pandemic. Social distancing has kept us from being with people. It has reminded us of our limitations. But, also provides us an opportunity to trust that God will do His part and care for them in our absence. If you are worried and frustrated because you are not able to care for someone in your life this mini-episode will encourage you with God's words from Psalm 139.  

When the world seems out of control, it is tempting to believe that you've lost all control. However, that is simply not true. You have control over so many things! In this episode, Jen challenges you to broaden your perspective in order to inspire and motivate you to exercise the control that God has given you.

  " When you begin a day with inadequate resources, you must concentrate your efforts on the present moment. This is where you are meant to live-in the present; it is the place where I [God] always await you." -Sarah Young, Jesus Calling Many of us find it hard to be present in the present because it is too painful or difficult. In this mini-episode, Jen points to the truth of God's word, that He will provide for you today.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by all the decisions you are facing during COVID-19? In this episode, Jen has a candid conversation about the newest set of decisions that we face as our country slowly starts to move again. She shares encouragement and tips to help you fight decision fatigue as you move forward.

Here is some motivation for your Monday as we talk about Thomas Jefferson's quote, "If you want something that you've never had, you must be willing to do something you've never done."

What are you learning during coronavirus? We have the opportunity to learn through every season. God is teaching us, even in the midst of this hard time. We can also be learning from one another. In this episode, Jen shares what she has learned so far. Perfection is overrated There is power in showing up Internal healthy rhythms come to the surface I need to exercise self-control It's important to remember Be gentle with yourself

Have you asked yourself, "When will things go back to normal?" Me too. But honestly, I don't think we want to go back to normal. Normal was too busy. Normal left us on the edge of burnout. Normal had us running around from one thing to the next. It's hard to remember our unhealthy patterns now because of COVID-19, but we don't want to go back. So, now what? Now you have an opportunity to decide who you want to be on the other side of this pandemic and redefine your normal. Be a person of action and get your copy of the Redefining Normal Starter Guide.

We survived our first Easter in isolation because of Covid-19. Now we have a choice to make. How will we live on this side of the resurrection? Yes, the virus is still here. We've yet to open up the economy, our churches, and our homes. But new life in Christ is a game-changer, no matter how much trouble the world is experiencing. I am ready for abundant life. Are you?  

In this episode, Jen talks about the realities of celebrating Easter together during the pain and difficulty of the coronavirus.

Have you ever doubted that what you're doing makes a difference? Have you questioned your ability to do something new? You're not alone. Many of us lack confidence. We are afraid to fail.  In this episode, Jen shares her struggle with moving forward with courage over feeling confident. Quote from Churchill: "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts."

You were designed, not just to survive, but to thrive, no matter what circumstances surround you. In this episode, Jen shares 7 tips to help you thrive during coronavirus: Make a schedule Set a timer Start a spiritual practice Move your body Meet someone for coffee or lunch virtually Evaluate your activities Get good sleep

In this episode, Jen shares the invitation Henry Nouwen gives in his book, "The Only Necessary Thing." It's an invitation to be still and attentive to God in us so that we can perceive God in the world. He is doing something new. Each time we choose to listen, we discover more of what God has for us. Jen also mentions a worship song: Heaven's All Around