204. Summer of Abundance Week 3: Stay Close to Your Source

This summer we're on an adventure learning how to live the full and joy-filled life God has for us, and so far we've explored two of the twelve key elements of living an abundant life. Those are: our Identity in Christ, and a Renewed Mindset. Last week we enjoyed our monthly guest episode with Reverend Barbara Furman who inspired us and offered us hope in our current circumstances. So, here we are today in week three. Now that we know who we are in Christ and how vital renewing our mindset is, let's talk about our Source and how we go about staying close to Him. If you haven't already, grab the Summer of Abundance Companion Pages at the link in the show notes. They can help you journal your reflections, prayers, and action steps.

Not long ago we experienced some strong windswept days here in Iowa with wind gusts reaching over 40 mph. We had just transferred our starter plants from our home into our garden's dirt just days prior. My husband, bless his heart, attempted to put barriers of protection around them, but they were no match for the wind's force. Most of the pepper plants caught the brunt of the wind and snapped half-way up the stem because of it. Hanging on by just a thread of the stem, the plants sadly withered within a day without the connection to their source.

I couldn't help but compare those withered banana pepper plants to me. That's how I feel--and how I must look--when I lose my connection with my Source, too. When I, for whatever reason, don't stay close to my Source, God, it doesn't take me long to begin shriveling up on the inside. My soul becomes parched, my heart becomes weary, and my spirit gets faintly weak.

This element of Intimacy with God is foundational for living an abundant life. Because a full life doesn’t come from doing more—but from staying close to the One who gives us this life.

Intimacy is built over time, not in a rush, and not from spending just one day--or one hour a day--with God. Again, it's a rhythm of life lived with Him. Day in and day out.

Your Source is ready to spend time with you.

Recap:

🎙️ Stay Close to Your Source
Element: Intimacy with God
📖 John 15:5 · Psalm 16:11

Links in this episode:

• Access the Summer of Abundance Companion Pages
• Last week's episode, 203: Finding Abundance in the Unexpected with Reverend Barbara Furman
• John 15:4-5 NIV
• Psalm 16:11 Voice
• Listen to the Summer of Abundance Playlist titled Abundant Life
• Book your free 20-minute Abundant Life Mentoring Connection Call with Julie
• Julie's free Resource Library, filled with tools to encourage your heart and to live an abundant life

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