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You are here: Home / Series / Living Content / Living Content: Renewed Love

Living Content: Renewed Love

To read the other posts in this series, start HERE.

After writing my last two posts, about comparison, the Lord started speaking to me about contentment and how to find renewed love with what we have already been given. Comparison and coveting come out of believing God hasn’t given us everything we “deserve” but the Bible tells us, “my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 (NIV).

So if the Bible says God will meet all our needs, then why don’t we have everything we want?

And therein lies the difference – we have everything we need, not everything we want. There’s a big difference between having what we need and want.

The Lord loves to bless His children but he knows what our hearts need and what they can handle.

I don’t think any of us will ever be ready to receive everything we want in life.

I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.” Jeremiah 17:10 (NLT)

I want to share an example from my own life. For the last 6 1/2 years, while writing Ask Anna, I did countless house projects, organizing and decorating tutorials. Our home is beautiful and I’m so thankful for it, but every time I’d get a Better Homes and Gardens magazine, or a Ballard Designs magazine, I’d find myself comparing my home to the pictures in the magazines, and as my mother-in-law says, “it made me want to go kick my walls” and start all over. Every time I looked at one of those types of magazines I’d get discouraged and unsatisfied, wishing we had more money so I could make my home look like the homes in the magazine.

Blogging in that genre meant always trying to stay ahead of the trends, stay on top of the game, always having the prettiest pictures so you could get the most traffic, and it felt like I could never win. I was always unhappy when I looked to my peers and what they had in their homes, compared to what we had in our home.

The Lord finally convicted me of my comparison and coveting and told me to stop looking at decorating magazines. He reminded me that I have so much to be thankful for, and that He has provided us with a beautiful home, along with everything I need. He also encouraged me to remember back to when we picked out certain things in our home, when we redesigned spaces and how it made me feel at the time. Thinking back to that initial excitement renewed my love for my home and brought thankfulness back to the forefront of my mind.

It’s not a daily struggle for me anymore but it’s definitely one I still wrestle with from time to time. I love looking at decorating magazines but every time one comes in the mail I have to commit my heart to the Lord, renew my love for my home, and throw the magazines in the recycle bin.

The Lord is calling us to renew our love in every area of our lives where we are comparing and coveting. If you’re unsatisfied in your marriage, think back to when you were falling in love with your spouse and remind yourself why the Lord brought you together. If you’re unhappy with your car, remind yourself of how excited you were when you first bought it, and what a blessing it has been for all these years.

Believe me, I know it’s easier said than done, but what I also know is that it works. Taking ourselves back to the beginning, remembering our initial excitement, and reminding ourselves that the Lord will always meet our needs, will help us renew our love for those things. It will also help us to be more grateful for what we have.

I know I’ve said it in every post in this series but it all comes down to gratitude. The Lord tells us to be “Be thankful in all circumstances.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT) He knows what’s on our hearts and our minds – when we are thankful, and when we are coveting.

The funny thing is that as I’ve worked through this in so many areas of my life, the Lord has continued to bless me. When I find myself completely filled with gratitude for all I have in life, the Lord surprises me and blesses me with something else (like in this post). It does not always work this way, so I’m not guaranteeing anything, but what I do promise you is as your life becomes filled with gratitude for everything you have, you will find renewed love for everything in your life. Your life will be filled with more peace and you will find yourself filled with the Joy of the Lord.

Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts.” Psalm 119:2 (NLT)

At the end of my life I want to be able to say my life was filled with peace, joy and generosity, not that I had more stuff, nicer things, or more money in the bank than everyone else. Wouldn’t you agree?

This should be the prayer of our hearts every day of our lives, so placing it at the end of each of the posts in this series –

God, empty out of my heart everything that is false – every lie, and every crooked thing. And give me neither undue poverty nor undue wealth – but rather, feed my soul with the measure of prosperity that pleases you. May my satisfaction be found in you.”  Proverbs 30:8-9a (tPt)

As your life becomes filled with gratitude, you will find renewed love for everything in your life. Your life will be filled with more peace and you will find yourself filled with the Joy of the Lord. | Faith-Fullness.net

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Filed Under: Living Content 3 Comments

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Living Content: Comparison vs. Compassion »

Comments

  1. Mimi Moseley says

    October 16, 2017 at 9:48 am

    Oh that is so good. I had to toss the design magazines as well. I am thankful for what I have and my home. Sometimes when I am discontented, I need to clean. When I do that I see some cherished items that I want to see more of and toss the things that have no meaning or bring no joy. Great article darling!

    Reply
    • Anna says

      October 16, 2017 at 2:12 pm

      Thank you. I like that idea of cleaning and rediscovering old treasures. 🙂

      Reply
  2. Renee says

    November 19, 2017 at 6:02 am

    He sure does! I don’t know how many times I have asked God for something with selfish desires and he has shut the doors, only to open them later and bless me when it was clear that only He would get the credit and the honor for it. He knows just how to teach us like a good father.

    Reply

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Meet Anna

Hi, I'm Anna! Wife, mother, child of God, and the founder of Faith|Fullness. The pages of this blog are filled with my journeys of faith and the adventures that saying "yes" to God have taken me on. Read More…

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Gratitude is key because if we want to find joy, if we want to experience peace and the presence of the Lord, we must have a heart of gratitude. If we only ever focus on what we don't have, we'll never be able to experience the fullness of all the Lord has for us. | Faith-Fullness.net

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Meet Anna

Hi, I'm Anna! Wife, mother, child of God, and the founder of Faith|Fullness. The pages of this blog are filled with my journeys of faith and the adventures that saying "yes" to God have taken me on. Read More…

Find me on Instagram – @anna_m_moseley

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So proud of our girl! A quick weekend trip to the So proud of our girl! A quick weekend trip to the Reno T&T gymnastics competition, resulted in 2 medals for Malea!! A bronze in Tumble Track and a silver in Double Mini. 
We also discovered Emilia has mad skills at Fuze ball, and she scooped Matt. 🤣 
We are proud parents, Malea now has 2 competitions under her belt, and 4 metals to show for it! 👏🏻 👊🏻👏🏻
#MaleaElizabeth
I never post political stuff but Zelensky's speech I never post political stuff but Zelensky's speech this morning, broke my heart. I don't understand how we are not doing something to help these people out. I know if we had someone bombing our country, we would demand help from others, how can we just sit back and watch this happens. My heart is breaking for President Zelensky and the burden he's carrying right now. If you haven't watched the speech from this morning, please take the time to watch it, it's powerful, and heartbreaking. 

"Today my age stopped when the hearts of more than 100 children stopped beating. I see no sense in life, if it means it cannot stop the deaths." - Zelensky
Day 8 - Our last day. 😢 After packing we headed Day 8 - Our last day. 😢 After packing we headed back to Makena beach to take in our last waves, and Malea found some big ones. 
🌊
After a couple hours we said our goodbyes to the waves (and the chickens at the beach) and as we walked away I wondered if it would be another 20 years until I get to be here, and how much life has happened since I had been there last. It really is amazing how time flies. 
🌊
Next we went back into Kihei for lunch, some last minute shopping, and a must-stop, for me, Cones on Kihei, where my cousin worked when we lived here. The smell of the  freshly made cones took me right back, and they still had my favorite flavor!! It was fun to get to share this delicious treat with the girls. 
🌊
Then it was back to the condo to get cleaned up and ready to leave. I am so grateful for our time here, the hours at the beach, the beautiful meals, and watching how much the girls loved so many of the things I love about this island. I hope we get to come back but even if we don’t, my heart is full and I am thankful I got to return and relive/revisit so many things from, what feels like, a lifetime ago. Goodbye Maui! 
@mmoseley15 @emilia_boehmer #MaleaElizabeth
Day 7 - Our last full day was probably one of my f Day 7 - Our last full day was probably one of my favorites with a hike out in the lava fields, then snorkeling with Malea, and views of some bright yellow fish before we left. 
🐠
Then we headed into town and had the best sandwiches at @808deli. After lunch the girls were exhausted so we dropped them off and Matt and I walked the beach path in Wailea. We saw lots of whales jumping and even some turtles in the reef. We walked the beach and took in all the beautiful views of this wonderful island. 
🌊 
Next we picked up the girls and headed to Makena beach for some more beach time. The girls played in the waves until we had to pull them from them, so we could go get ready for our luau. 
🌊
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🌊
Trying not to think about leaving tomorrow, but taking in all the stars and crashing waves, while I still can. 
@mmoseley15 @emilia_boehmer #MaleaElizabeth
Day 6 - Lots of birthday celebration! Malea turned Day 6 - Lots of birthday celebration! Malea turned 13 and we celebrated with a little party in the morning, then headed to the waves. 
🥳
We went back to the cove, where the girls surfed for hours and caught lots of waves. Then we had lunch at a beautiful, and delicious food truck park, set in a canopy of trees. 
🥳
Then it was back up the condo for some out of the sun rest time, and then, of course, we finished out the day at Makena beach, where the girls played in the waves until we had to leave to get ready for dinner. 
🥳
We celebrated in Lahaina with ribs, for my rib girl, and then of course, Hula Pie. 😋 
🥳
It was the best way to celebrate our baby girl turning 13, and a birthday I’m sure she will always remember. 
@mmoseley15 @emilia_boehmer #MaleaElizabeth
Happy 13th birthday to one of my most favorite peo Happy 13th birthday to one of my most favorite people ever. Malea, since the day you were born you have been such a blessing. You love big, you love unconditionally, you live large and you are an over-comer. 
💜
I have learned so much from you, you make me a better person, and I can’t wait to see what this next year has in store for you! Wuv you baby girl!!! 
#MaleaElizabeth
Day 5 - Started the morning with the girls surfing Day 5 - Started the morning with the girls surfing the cove, where I learned to surf. There were tons of other people there taking lessons but the girls had a blast, and caught tons of waves. Malea is officially hooked on surfing. Yay!! 🏄‍♀️ 
🌊
After hours of surfing we headed back to the house for some down time, and then back to Makena Beach to close out the day playing in the waves, and drinking margaritas to celebrate margarita day. 
🌊
We enjoyed a beautiful sunset, and an incredible meal at Hotel Wailea then headed home and were surprised by fireworks! What a perfect way to spend Malea’s birthday eve. 
🌊
Matt and I decorated before bed and then I laid in bed thinking about where I was 12 years ago and how the best gift I’ve ever received came at 11:29pm the next evening. 
@mmoseley15 @emilia_boehmer #MaleaElizabeth
Day 4 - Started the day with worship, and our frie Day 4 - Started the day with worship, and our friend’s baptism, at the beach, which was followed by celebration, even by the whales. 
🌊
After the baptisms we picked up surfboards and headed to the waves. It was low tide, so the waves were small, but the girls had a blast and we even got to see more whales.
🌊
Then we headed back to Makena Beach, for some more wave time and found so many chickens! 🐓 8 roosters to be exact ( Malea counted them). 
🌊
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🌊
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🌊
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🌊
Tomorrow more surfing and more sun. Maui perfection. 
#MaleaElizabeth @mmoseley15 @emilia_boehmer
Day 3 - Started with a 3.4 mile run, with @mmosele Day 3 - Started with a 3.4 mile run, with @mmoseley15, and lots of beautiful views. 
🌊
It was too windy to surf today so instead we headed to Lahaina for lunch (a very messy lunch for my little rib lover) and some shopping.  We scouted out beaches on the way home, and stopped for some fresh fruit at the roadside stand. 
🌊 
Everyone was exhausted but we needed some beach time so we finished up the day with the waves at Wailea beach and another beautiful sunset. 
🌊
Excited because tomorrow we finally surf! 🏄‍♀️ 
#MaleaElizabeth @emilia_boehmer
Day 2- my favorite beach, Makena beach. We used to Day 2- my favorite beach, Makena beach. We used to spend hours, and days here, so it was a dream come true to get to spend hours in the waves and on the beach with Matt and Malea yesterday. It’s as beautiful as I remember it and I was so thankful to be back. 
🌊
After hours of beach time it was a food truck lunch, and time to head into Kihei, my old stomping grounds. We took the girls to the open market where they shopped and shopped, then we ended with shaved ice. 
🌊
The day ended with another beautiful sunset and dinner at MonkeyPod Kitchen, with the best Mai Tais we’ve had and Malea trying to convince Emilia to let her teach her how to cube. 🤣
🌊
Tomorrow we surf. 🤗 🏄‍♀️ 
@mmoseley15 @emilia_boehmer #MaleaElizabeth
Day 1 (yesterday)- A few thankful tears were shed Day 1 (yesterday)- A few thankful tears were shed when I finally got to sit down in my plane seat, and a huge sigh of relief that we were finally on our way. 
🌊 
It has been 19 years since I’ve been to Maui and I expected so many changes, which some of it has, but so much is also the same, including places we worked and a few favorite spots. 
🌊
But the best part was getting to be here with my family—watch the girls disappear to find the pool, and the beach, and the smiles on their faces as the realization sunk in that we were actually here!! 
🌊
Today I am thank for @mmoseley15 bringing me back here, beautiful sunsets, the Maui air, and upcoming beach time with my family! 
#MaleaElizabeth @mmoseley15 @emilia_boehmer
Not exactly how I planned to spend my day. 😵‍ Not exactly how I planned to spend my day. 😵‍💫 Thankful for the team at Prestige for sewing the top of my thumb back on. Luckily none of it ended up in the soup. 😬🤣
Saying goodbye (for now), last night, to these bea Saying goodbye (for now), last night, to these beautiful people, was one of the hardest things I’ve done in a long time. The neighbors who showed up with brownies the first time we met them, who became friends, who quickly turned into family—secondary parents to Matt and I,  and grandparents to Malea. 
💛
I have grieved and cried whenever I think about them leaving, for weeks, because I don’t know what it will be like without them. They have always been there for us, supported us, asked us how we are doing, even on our darkest days, and they have loved us and cheered us on, encouraged us to keep going because it will all be worth it in the end. 
💛
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💛
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💛
Dear friends I am excited for your new adventure, I can’t wait to hear where we need to go next, I can’t wait to “visit” Europe through your pictures, but please don’t forget to come home, you will be missed!!! 💛💛💛
We worked hard this weekend. 💪🏻 Our amazing We worked hard this weekend. 💪🏻 Our amazing house church showed up and helped us run all the electrical in the back garage—can lights, outlets, fans, exterior lights, etc! We finished so quickly that one couple decided to stay and help us frame out the storage room. 👏🏻
Today Matt and I added the door and a few other things, so now the room is ready for sheetrock! 👊🏻 A weekend of hard work and it ended with a beautiful sunset. Game room should be done in the next couple of months. 🙌🏻
#weekendwarriors #diy
Such a fun weekend away to Mt. Shasta, to celebrat Such a fun weekend away to Mt. Shasta, to celebrate Matt’s birthday. 
I am thankful for the beautiful place we live, friends who are as ridiculous as we are, amazing food, hilarious games, and most importantly my husband—who is definitely with celebrating. 
@mmoseley15 @kah_rhis_10
So this happened. 🏦 I still can’t even beli So this happened. 
🏦 
I still can’t even believe it. I am so thankful to finally be able to talk about this with people, because I am so proud of Matt! 
🏦 
When I first met Matt he told me his dream was to be the president of a bank someday, and here we are, in 6 months he will be. I am so proud of how hard he has worked to get to this place, never taking the easy way, always taking the strategic path, even if it meant taking less pay, a lower title, or doing the work of multiple people to make sure something got done well. 
🏦 
This is a dream come true, a promise of the Lord fulfilled, and I can’t wait to see what this next season holds for us. 
Congratulations Matt, you deserve this, and thank you Jeff, for paving the way, and being such an incredible boss, leader, and mentor for Matt. 
#FaithandFullness #faithfulness
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