Lately I’ve been meditating on Romans 12:2 and the word renew has not left me. Here’s what verse 2 says,

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” -Romans 12:2 NIV

Many times I feel in over my head as a wife & a mama bear of 7 and I have to come back to this verse to have my mind renewed in the Lord. As Christians we don’t carry our load alone. We serve a God who does the heavy lifting as we lay down our way of handling things and as we allow His Holy Spirit to grace us through event moment of the day. God always has a way or showing me a better way of carrying my portion in such a way that it won’t overload me. Here’s a neat acronym the Lord gave me in regards to being renewed!

R E N E W

R-Reflect (reflect on your previous week. What worked out well? What didn’t work well? What connections did you make with God and others? Who did you get to encourage? What foods did you fuel your body with? What task were completed? What task were rolled over to this week? How were you feeling last week?

E- Engage– Find at least one person you can check in with if you get stuck? Maybe you need a safe person to pray with or check in with? Maybe you just need a sister to call for accountability? Whatever that need is, find that person and make the connection this week! We are not called to do life alone. Healthy and Godly community is such a blessing.

N- Navigate– Where are you at spiritually, mentally, physically, and emotionally this week? Find verses that can help navigate you through these emotions. Guard your heart from negative thoughts. What is your plan for the day/week? How do you plan on accomplishing that? What goals did you hit last week and what goals are you working towards this week? Share these goals with the person you “engage” with so that they can encourage you along the way!

E- Envision– Imagine the finished product of your hard work and effort. Imagine the fruit of your time in prayer! Imagine the relationships that will be formed as you connect with intentionality and study God’s word diligently. Nothing you are doing is without a greater purpose than yourself. Imagine how proud you are making our Heavenly Father right at this very moment. Wow! Can you imagine how pleased He is with you?!

W- Work well– Our load becomes bearable when we remember who we’re working for and also when we are only doing that which God called us to do! “Work as if you’re working for the Lord” (Colossians 3:22-23). Sometimes it’s tempting to think we’re working for people. It’s also tempting to want to please the people we work with and for, but oh how special it is to work for the very one who calls us to work; Jehovah God himself (Galatians 1:10). He is our boss and CEO! He is the reason we’re here! Everything we do is for His ultimate glory!

Prayer: Father God I pray for my sweet sister this week. I pray that she would be refreshed in you and that her mind would be renewed. Lord I pray against distractions and discouragement. Steady her heart and mind this week as she navigates through all that needs her attention as a wife, mom, sister, friend, employee, and the list goes on. Grace her with joy to complete with excellence everything you have given her to do. I pray that as she seeks You will fill her spirit with everything she needs to carry her through this season as she seeks You wholeheartedly. Surround her with sweet community to walk by faith with. More than anything, surround her with your spirit of love. Thank you for your endless pursuit. We love you and thank you. In Jesus name amen.

-Amy ♥️