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Spring Myrrh

April 2025

Spring MyrrhApril 2025

Perfection

The need for perfection is like a sinkhole, the closer you get the further you sink. If that’s you, you are not alone. This need is a counterfeit for true joy and denies the beauty of our journey. This can even impact our classroom culture.


Scripture is clear that perfection is not achieved through self-focus but rather by focusing on and accepting the redemption offered through Jesus Christ. So why are we so obsessed with something unattainable in the natural?


The desire to appear perfect may feel like a way to obtain a needed boost to our self-esteem. However, extrinsic factors are not the key to cultivating true self-acceptance. We are inherently imperfect and yet Christ’s love is unconditional. His sacrifice confirms this and invites us on an exciting journey of growth through him. He is the key, so let go and let God perfect you as no other can.


Growing is a joyful lifestyle that relieves us of the pressure of perfection and leads us to a place where we can make a greater and more positive impact each day.


“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 ESV

Beauty

Beauty smells like spring, looks like a perfectly brilliant flower, and feels like freedom.


What do you need to be free of to smell the delicate scents of spring and see the beauty all around you?


Are you:

  • Out of balance?
  • Out of control?
  • Out of line?
  • Out of your lane?


Springtime is about renewal. You can review, reset, and recommit, but this takes intention.


God is always ready to guide us back to good things. Ask Him to lead the way and then get out of His way. Give Him room to work, then... listen and obey.


Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me and lead me in the way everlasting! ~ Psalm 139:23-24 ESV

Balance

Have you tried to do it all this year? Has it been exhausting? Are you feeling a sense of guilt or even shame? This is not the freedom God intends for you.


Scripture emphasizes the importance of both work and rest. This can look different for each of us. If you are naturally energetic you can likely juggle more than others. But there is no shame for those who move at a different pace!


The key is 1) knowing yourself, 2) what works well for you and your responsibilities, and 3) trusting God. Here’s a few ideas to help you regroup:


  • When you can’t do everything – do a few or one thing well.
  • When you can’t fix it – acknowledge it and provide comfort.
  • When you can’t deliver – admit it and offer a new plan.
  • When you can’t engage - just show up.


You can do anything but not everything. You can juggle anything but not everything, especially all at once. Read more


It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep. ~ Psalm 127:2 ESV

Risen and Rent

He has risen. The veil is rent. Let hope arise to a new day, new ways, and a new unspeakable joy!


Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ~ I Peter 1:3 ESV

Kathy Howard
Kathy is using Smore to create beautiful newsletters