New Heart, New You

Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson 

Sweater: Fab'rik || Similar styles here & here || Jeans: Madewell || Similar jeans here & here || Shoes are old but similar styles here, here & here

I will typically dress in any shade of blue. In fact, a good majority of my closet is blue. So, it comes as no surprise that I gravitated towards this gorgeous sweater. It’s a newer, brighter shade of blue.  I mean how could you say “no” to a color as pretty as this! Fab’rik’s spring collection is amazing and something you should definitely check out – especially a sweater like this that provides the perfect level of warmth during this transitional weather.

Currently, I am in a season of “new.” New books to read, new items to buy, new things to worry about. Shopping is a whole new experience because I try things on and wonder whether I will be able to wear them in a month. And I’ve even reached into a new section of jeans… Yes, the ones labeled, MATERINTY... but that’s a story for another time. In the midst of all the new going on in my life, there was one thing that I didn’t plan to make new: my heart.  That was a mistake.
 
A few mornings ago, I was listening to the Leading and Loving It online conference (which, if you want to join me, click here), and Lori Wilhite read the verse, “And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you, I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender responsive heart.” (Ezekiel 36:26).
 
As Christians, I think it is hard for us to admit that we are a work in progress. It is also hard to accept that we are constantly needing to change our hearts to look at something new. But I have noticed lately that I might need to view things with a new heart. Things like this blog. I want my heart to look at it the way it did in the beginning. Humble, excited, and pure. Not the way it is now, which is focused on comparing, comparing, and more comparing! I also want my heart to look at my next steps in a different light. Knowing that we have a child on the way has made me think I need to get everything done before August because I will NEVER, ever have time to do anything again. But, deep down, I know that isn’t true. Tons of writers publish their first book as mothers. Tons of people transition into brand new careers as parents. My dreams are only multiplying, not dividing.
 
What areas of your life do you need to approach with a new heart? Where do you need to listen to Him more? I hope you will take a moment today to open your heart to a little more tenderness and lot less stubbornness in hopes that you may be able to more clearly see His plan for your life.