The Rest of Your Story 5: What's Real

 
To start from part one, click here.

As we talked about in the last post, there's more than one version of our stories.

That means it's up to us to choose the truth...even when our feelings aren't there.

And, friends, let me tell you I know that's not easy. I'm a touchy-feely, little -bit-moody, live from your heart kind of girl. Letting my feelings not get the best of me is a daily thing (as is resisting to the urge to eat large amounts of chocolate due to those feelings). Yes, ma'am.

Have you ever read a book that says, "Based on a true story"? When I see that, all of a sudden those words have more power to me because they're real.

Now, not everything in that book is going to be exacly the truth. And because we're imperfect human beings, not everything in our lives is either.

But we can write with God and try to get as close to His version as possible.

To help me remember the real story, I put together a little list called "God's Heart for You." For example...

God created me
God saw all that He had made, and it was very good. GENESIS 1:31 NIV

God knows my heart
The Lord looks at the heart. I SAMUEL 16:7

God delights in me
For the Lord takes delight in His people. PSALM 149:4

God cares about me
He cares for those who trust in Him. NAHUM 1:7

The list has about forty more statements like these and you can download it for free below...

Download God's Heart for You

Stick it on the refrigerator, on your bathroom mirror, in front of the chocolate or whatever works best for you. And you're welcome to share it with others too!

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I promised there would be random giveaways during this series, and it's time for the first one! I used the random number generator to pick a comment from part two and Kathy Jo is the winner!

She'll get this God's Heart for You necklace that I helped create for DaySpring as another reminder of what's true.

Also, it's time to announce the winner of the With God All Things Are Possible sterling silver bracelet from part one. The random number generator chose Brenda as the winner for that day!

Thanks so much to all of you who left comments and subscribed!

To show my thanks, you can use my friends and family code (holley 20) for anything on DaySpring.com and get an extra 20% off! 

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How do you remember what's real?

There are two sides to every story...let's stick with the one that's true.

Are you joining us from the DaySpring devotional e-mail? I'm so glad you stopped by! For a great giveaway and a fun new challenge, go to The Rest of Your Story: Part 11!

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Comments

[Maureen]

I love this! I am going to print it out and put it up on my prayer board.... :)

[Pat n Fl]

Just what I needed this morning as I was feeling a little discouraged this morning. This was very encouraging and uplifting for me.

[Amy]

How do you remember what's real?

By doing exactly what you just shared...using God's Word as my mirror.

Have a great day, Holley.

[Abra]

What an encouraging message! I love the "God's Heart For You" supplement as well. I am going to share it with my friends. Thank you!

[D]

Me: Remembering what's real is by remembering Who's really in it. HIM reavealing, showing, telling all things HIM in this story of mine. His truth replacing my lies. Those negative self-defeating words I could and would tell, if not for Him.

Tammy@if meadows speak...

[Amy V.]

I love what you wrote: 'But we can write with God and try to get as close to His version as possible.'

God's working with me on writing my OWN story....not my friend's or family members or pastor's....but my own. I, too, can wear my feelings on my sleeve and sometimes it's easy for me to get in the "why them and not me" trap; 'Why does she have everything together?' 'I've been praying for _____(fill in the blank) forever and I'm stil waiting but this person got it.'

Yes, I'm working on my OWN story--as jumbled as it may seem. I am believing God's promises for my life and I'm trusting Him to bring about His will in my life. He's teaching me to grow MY faith. As strong as my grandma's faith was, I can't take it....I have to work at strengthening/maturing in my faith through obedience to God and studying His word.

Blessings through God,

Amy

[Victoria]

Thank you Holly. A year and a half ago my husband lost his dream job, with it our housing, 2nd car, insurance, the finances for me to stay home and homeschool our kids. I feel like I've had the rug yanked out from under me and everything I thought I knew or was supposed to do is gone. Life has been putting in time until the heartache dulls. Thank you for the encouragement to embrace truth

[Katy]

love this! thank you for posting it--definitely something I need to post where I can see it often :)

[Kamante]

Thank you for being His hands extended. I just discovered your devotions yesterday. God has used you in a mighty way. My close friend and I both lost our sons in separate accidents these past few years. Your words have brought us more hope and encouragement. Thank you again for being used of our Father.

[Dee]

Thank you, Holley. I've printed out 'God's Heart for You' and read through each promise and then shared it with a friend who is suffering a loss. I will keep this to refer to when I need encouragement. Maybe it will help me not eat so much chocolate. God Bless! :D