Breaking Up with Perfect!
I am thrilled to be sharing a Guest Post this week and doing 2 things I love to do the most–helping a friend and giving away FREE GIFTS!
Both the colorful cover and the title of this new book got my attention. Pink Gerber Daisy (Duh–have you seen my new book 🙂 !!) and the words “Kiss Perfection Goodbye” (Double DUH!)
I often struggle with attempts at perfection–I long to be the “perfect” wife, mom, daughter, sister, friend, G-ma, neighbor, ministry leader, author, speaker…..dot..dot..dot!!
How about you?
My friend Amy Carroll has nailed this lie and provides a fresh wind of hope for the hopelessness and rest for the weary woman who needs to get UNSTUCK from the “bad friend” of perfection.
Lean in friend as she shares a tiny taste of this freedom feast!
How my heart ached as I walked through my much loved, empty house. Now, instead of being filled with the laughter of little boys, the whispers of love between my husband and me, and the barking of my rambunctious dog, the rooms echoed only my footsteps.
The moving trucks had already left, taking the bits and pieces of my life with them, but I remained alone. And I grieved.
I loved that house, not just for its antique beauty, but for the hopes and dreams that had thrived there. This was the house I thought I’d watch my boys leave when they headed to college. This was the house I where I thought I’d play with my grandchildren. I planned to grow gray there, so I poured my heart and soul into making it a home.
That house held my dreams of the perfect life.
But God had different plans. My husband Barry got a new job in a different city, and I found myself moving away from a home, from friends, and from a church family. Suddenly, my perfect plan for a perfect life seemed marred. Things looked very imperfect to me.
For a moment, a seed of resentment tried to sprout in my heart. Barry seemed to be getting his perfect life—a better job with lots of excitement attached—while I was giving up my vision of perfection.
“What about me?!” my heart cried.
Gently God whispered this familiar passage from His Word into my heart, “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” (Jeremiah 29:11)
My rebellious heart rested in this comfort. God would never change my life’s plans without the best for me in mind. He didn’t forget me when He gave my husband a new opportunity. He was still in control, and His plans for me are truly perfect.
Are you wrestling today?
Maybe you’re wondering if God has forgotten you in your circumstances because they sure aren’t perfect. Maybe your perfect life has been shattered by loss or rejection or pain. Maybe you’re hopeless or unsure if God sees you.
I understand. I’d like to take your hand and assure you. God sees you. He knows your dreams for the perfect life. But He has a plan that is greater than anything we can dream up or pursue ourselves.
Only when we end our pursuit of perfection can God begin His perfecting work in us.
I walked out of my beloved home that day without knowing what was ahead but filled with the peace of knowing that God was with me. He shapes the life that is perfect for me and perfects me in the process.
As a celebration of the release of her book Breaking Up with Perfect, Amy is giving away a copy of her book here this week.
Please leave a comment to enter.
If you’re living in warp-speed, simply say “I’m breaking up with perfect!” in the comments and I will drop your name in the hat to win a FREE COPY of the book this week!
It’s that easy 🙂
Monday Hugs!
Pat
I am breaking up with perfect…..gonna be UNSTUCK! 🙂
Good Job Elaine!! You are first in line!
xoxo
Pat
I am breaking up with perfect!! Thanks for this giveaway!
Yeah Kathy!! Let’s do it!
I’m breaking up with perfect (for good)!!!! Thanks for this amazing opportunity!
Thank you Kristina! Got you!
Pat
“I’m breaking up with perfect!”
“I’m breaking up with perfect!” Thanks for the giveaway!
I’m breaking up with perfect!!!!
Ugh! Wrestle fest summer 2015 going on in my heart. Far from perfect, why do I try so hard?
Thank you Penny, Diane, Melanie and Pam 🙂 You are in!!
Blessings,
Pat
I’m breaking up with perfect!
Recently, some of my hopes were shattered, and I’m waiting on God to reveal the plans He has in store for my life. I’m trying to stay diligent and not discouraged. Seek new desires without abandoning my dreams. And, trust Him, not doubt, that He has it covered.
We have these preconceived notions throughout life of what we think is supposed to happen and when it’s supposed to happen. But, I’m learning that HE is the Great I Am! HE is my Provider. My Healer. And, HE puts those desires in our heart, which only HE can truly fulfill.
Prov 3:5-6. 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Lisa, I am agreeing with you in prayer right NOW for God to not only RESTORE your shattered hopes but to do MORE than you hoped or imagined! I have repeated this verse in Proverbs amy times!!
xoxo
Pat
I’m breaking up with perfect!
I’m breaking up with perfect! Thanks for the giveaway!
I’m breaking up with perfect!!
Got you ladies!! Thank you for joining in!
Hugs,
Pat
I AM breaking up with perfect!!
I got the advance PDF copy online and loved the book. I’d love a hard copy to re read and then to pass on to a friend when I’m done reading it. Thank you!
I am breaking up with perfect!!
I’m breaking up with perfect, right after my life gets unstuck…hmmm..seems to be a theme running around here 🙂 Can’t wait to see you both next week!
There is definitely a theme! Besides pink daisies, I think the Holy Spirit has been whispering some strong lessons into mine and Pat’s lives so we could pass them on to His girls. Love being on the same page as my wise friend Pat!!
You are SIMPLY ADORABLE Kim Stewart!! And Amy–I love you and love your book 🙂
xoxo
p
I’m breaking up with being perfect
I’m breaking up with perfect
Time to get serious about breaking up with perfect!
Perfect we are done!
I’m breaking up with perfect! “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.”
Whoot! Whoot! congratulations @KimStewart YOU WIN! Send me your mailing address.
You had to win girl, you are so faithful!!
Ladies–for those who didn’t check back on MONDAY!!
You will not believe my give-aways next week!
Weekend hugs and love!
Pat