Have you ever found yourself thinking you "don't have a choice"? If so, the challenge this week is to identify those moments as they happen, so a space of possibility can open up. This is an all too common feeling in broken and troubled marriages, but by God's grace, it doesn't have to be this way.

Also this week, you have to check out Pastor Stephen Furtick's message on tuning your heart!

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My other links

When our marriages are dysfunctional, destructive, abusive, or broken, it is all too easy to want to hide from the hard truths. But it is only in facing the truth head on with Jesus that we can begin to chart a way forward to the abundant life He wants for us.

Meditation starts at: 35:25

Homework and Links to check out:

Priscilla Shirer's Discerning the Voice of God Bible Study

A podcast episode on why your heart isn't deceitful above all things

Toward God (book) by Michael Casey

Join us for this reflection on darkness and light, inspired by the last episode where Jennifer shared her story. Get comfy, close your eyes, and let's spend some time with the Lord in Ephesians 5 and Isaiah 60.

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Wow! You want to listen to this episode! Jennifer shares her story and her wisdom as she moved from being abused to being empowered.

As always, if you are in an abusive marriage, please call the National Domestic Hotline to speak with someone about your options. 1-800-799-7233

Referenced in the show:

Leslie Vernick's Conquer Membership

Sheila Wray Gregoire: Bare Marriage

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At the start of 2024 let's talk about our vision for the year... but sometimes that vision is hard to find when you're living in the midst of a dysfunctional marriage- let's talk about what to do about it!

If you'd like to jump straight to the Meditation on Psalm 1 it begins at: 33:52

If you are in an abusive marriage please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline to create your exit and/or safety plan.

Homework this week: Ask the Lord to show you how you can get distance from the dysfunction.

Natalie Hoffman's Flying Free Podcast Episode I referenced:

https://www.flyingfreenow.com/255-2/

Ask yourself, when was the last time you truly valued your heart?

Hello! Join me on this journey for our hearts as we kick off Guarding the Wellspring podcast with a short discussion about what our heart even is, and how we go about guarding it.

This is just a quick hello and introduction episode to get us started. I'll see you here every Sunday to dive into our hearts with the Holy Spirit as we sort out our messy marriages.

Homework this week: Pay attention to the movements in your deep heart- what is happening there, and can you truly value and protect that?

The book I referenced in this episode: Focus: How One Word a Week Will Transform Your Life, by Cleere Cherry Reaves

Join me in this meditation on Isaiah 54 specifically for those in an emotionally destructive or abusive marriage. What I didn't say in this episode and should have, is please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 for help establishing a plan to leave, or a safety plan if you have to stay for now.

Homework this week: Make a date night with the Lord. Pray into where you can stop shrinking back and start stepping up (SAFELY!!)

Visit the Facebook group and join the community at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/guardingthewellspring

Stay tuned! Guarding the Wellspring launches December 31, 2023!