Life Begins Just Outside the Box

January 16, 2012 | 59 comments

I have heard it said before:  “We are human beings, not human doings.” In fact, I have pledged to live by that simple mantra a time or twenty.

But sometimes, my heart forgets to inform my brain of my good intentions.

That’s what had happened that morning. The phone rang, and it was Sandy. She’s one of those rare souls in my life whose whole being seems fully directed toward the spontaneous act, the random lunch, the fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants whim.

I let the phone ring four times before answering, because you never know what you might agree to when Sandy calls. But I answered, and sure enough, she had another idea.

I’m sharing the rest of the story with the good people over at Faith Radio today. You can read it by clicking here…

***

Before you leave,  I have a favor to ask you. Can you drop me a single word in the comment box? I’m looking for words that answer this question: “In God’s Heart I Am …”

Or share your thoughts over on my Facebook page, found here.

This week, the girls will paint those words — your words! — on a canvas. We’ll hang the painting between their bedroom doors, as a reminder of who they are in Christ. I’ll share their finished product with you later in the week!

Our painting project was inspired by this video, which I found through Author Holley Gerth.

The video was inspired by Holley’s book  “God’s Heart for You.”  I have not read the book, but was touched by this sweet video. If you’re having trouble seeing the video, you can find it on YouTube by clicking here:

I am writing in community with my sweet friend Laura, who hosts a weekly “Playdates with God” series.


Your Turn: “In God’s Heart I Am …”

by | January 16, 2012 | 59 comments

59 Comments

  1. Brian Bailey

    “In God’s heart I am who I am.”

    Reply
  2. Kathy Josephson

    Beautiful

    Reply
  3. Sarah

    a Masterpiece.

    Reply
  4. Nancy

    Cherished.

    Reply
  5. dukeslee

    Oh these are wonderful! I can’t wait to share them with the girls after school! Keep ’em coming, friends…

    Reply
  6. kendal

    unconditionally loved

    Reply
  7. Dea

    In God’s Heart, I am His.

    Reply
  8. Patricia (Pollywog Creek)

    In my review of Holley’s book, my one word answer was RADIANT. Psalm 34:4-5 says, “I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed with.” On my own, I sometimes find it hard to answer that question…but I can’t deny the truth in scripture.

    Love this post, Jennifer, and can’t wait to see what your girls do with it. I also love Holley’s book. You can read my review here.

    Reply
  9. nmdr

    In God’s heart i am.

    Reply
  10. Linda

    whole

    Reply
  11. Hollie

    FREE!!!

    Reply
  12. Lyla Lindquist

    Choate.

    Because I want Lydia to look it up in her dad’s legal dictionary.

    Reply
    • Jennifer@GDWJ

      Lydia says: “We are DEFINITELY using that one.”

      🙂

      Reply
  13. Joyce

    Redeemed

    Reply
  14. Dolly

    Beloved.

    Reply
  15. dukeslee

    I just got home from Hobby Lobby. Canvas in hand!

    You are all really amazing. You paint a beautiful picture of who we are as God’s children.

    Keep the names coming! 🙂

    Reply
  16. Erin

    beloved.

    Reply
  17. Karenee

    complete … useful

    Reply
  18. Angie Platten

    God has personally renamed me “Brightness”, even through my arguing with him that it’s not really a name. To Him, I am. So I trust Him that my life with reflect such a name given me. So that is my answer.

    Reply
  19. Barbara Hubbard

    I am “forgiven”

    Reply
  20. Glynn

    completed

    Reply
  21. Jo-Ann

    “special” was the first word that came to my mind!

    Reply
  22. debra

    Safe.

    I asked my bigger girls (age 9 and 11) and they said special and one-of-a-kind.

    Reply
  23. Lori

    Hopeful.

    I can’t wait to see their piece! And this video made me CRY!

    Reply
  24. Cindy

    I am protected

    Reply
  25. Shelly Miller

    Beloved was my first thought which has already been said. Complete, lacking nothing is my second thought.

    Reply
    • Shelly Miller

      And I loved your story but couldn’t comment over there. I would cancel my agenda, play bingo with you on a busy day any time. I am sure you were a breeze of joy to those around you.

      Reply
  26. laura

    I love this–your words at Faithradio and this video here. My word is “enough”. Love you.

    Reply
  27. emily wierenga

    celebrated. 🙂

    (love this idea… want to do it with my sons when they’re older…)

    Reply
  28. Sharon O

    worth dying for

    Reply
  29. Sandra Heska King

    In God’s heart, I am joy! (I love thinking about how He delights over us.)

    Reply
  30. Paul Willingham

    indelible

    Reply
  31. Leslie

    In God’s heart, I am heard

    Reply
  32. Patricia

    Beloved

    Reply
  33. Jean Wise

    In God’s heart, I am held!

    Reply
  34. ginger

    Beautiful came to my mind first, then I thought, asked to dance, He asks us to dance, to participate in our relationship with Him.

    Reply
  35. Carla Vande Zandschulp

    Perfectly restored

    Reply
  36. Paula

    Isn’t that what we SOOOO want for our children. To know who they are in the Lord.. I have a 20 yr old son I wish desperately that he would know this deep into his soul. My heart as a mom longs for this. It’s my daily prayer. I try to not feel like I failed him some how in showing this to him. But in The Father’s eyes it’s never too late. right?!

    Reply
  37. Carey

    Love love love that video!!

    Special!

    Reply
  38. Kendra

    In God’s heart, I am…unafraid.

    Reply
  39. Janet

    In God’s heart I am WHOLE.

    What a beautiful post. It convicted me.

    Reply
  40. Karen W

    In God’s heart I am His

    Reply
  41. Deidra

    Priceless.

    (Love you. Love Holley.)

    Reply
  42. Hazel I Moon

    Special – and he calls me Hazel because He knows my name!

    Reply

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