My hairdresser asked me last week if I had any New Year’s resolutions?
He had resolved to master Thai cooking, call his mom every day, and get more sleep – excellent ideas all. I told him that I was trying to examine my heart more regularly: I hoped to be a more generous mother, and a kinder wife.
“How do you examine your heart?” he said.
If you’ve been wondering the same thing, or would like to start, here’s a mid-week quiz to get you moving in the right direction.
1. What is it you wish you had more of at this point in life?
a) applause
b) escape
c) comfort
d) security
e) depending on the day, chocolate might be an acceptable answer.
For where your treasure is, sister, there will your heart be also.
2. What is it that you fear most right now?
a) being invisible and insignificant
b) being vulnerable or exposed
c) being left behind or left out
d) being mocked or dismissed
e) being poor
Those who know your name will trust in you.
For you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.
In Him, nations will place their hope.
3. How much are you worrying?
a) a good bit
b) a great deal
c) all the freakin’ time
d) I worry in my sleep
e) enough for a hundred women!
Who of you by worry can add a single hour to your life?
Don’t be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.
Is anything too hard for the LORD?
4. Where is it dark or crooked in your life?
a) my relationship(s)
b) my work
c) my emotional/mental state
d) my addictions/compulsions
e) my past
And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not;
I will lead them in paths that they have not known:
I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight;
These things I will do unto them, I I will not forsake them.
4. What burdens you?
a) the bills
b) my babies, or lack thereof
c) my body
d) my boyfriend
e) ________ (insert something that starts with a “b”. (please, not ‘boobs’)
In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice;
In the morning, I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation…
5(a). Are you listening to God’s living word to you every day? Y/N
For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul;
Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.
5(b). If not, why not?
a) I’d rather be anxious
b) I’d rather be burdened
c) I’d rather be fearful
d) I’d rather be worrying
e) I’d rather be _______ (insert something honest here).
Offer right sacrifices, and trust in the LORD.
6. What are right sacrifices?
I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me!
Blessed are you who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for you will be filled!
There is one who sees clearly into our hearts, and still he draws near.
He is not far.
His burden is light.
Rest in his care for you.
Kim
Given Breath 
Kim, I love this. Where were these photos taken? Miss you.
Thank you for these encouraging words! So very confirming what God has already been showing me.
Love how He works!
Thank you for this post, Kim! Very encouraging and timely.
Robbie Jane
On Wed, Jan 29, 2014 at 1:53 PM, Given Breath
Lauren! I took the pics up on the roof of a four-story building in the city of Phnom Penh (Cambodia). I was there just a few weeks ago, and was lucky enough to be with these fun girls when they were first learning to hula-hoop…
Fabulous Kim – there is such joy in the photography, depth in your questions, and wisdom in your use of scripture. Awesome post.
You are amazing!
Thank you for yours, Jennifer. He works it all for our good.
Happy New Year!
So was your comment, RJ:) Thanks for taking a minute…
Kim
Ben – you and I know we’re just giving it back. I love this on your page:
“All posts herein, unless otherwise noted, were freely received and therefore are freely given. All that I have, I have received, and so offer it without limitation.”
I think that is pretty awesome.
Thank you for being faithful with what you’ve been given.
Kim
Thought-provoking questions, Kim. It’s too easy to get caught up in doing life and our ‘Christian thing’—easy to forget to stop and ponder questions such as these.
“There is one who sees clearly into our hearts, and still he draws near.” Lovely words after the sting of the honest answers I must give. What a beautiful reminder of His grace.
Thank you, and may your week be blessed!
I am always the problem but I’m working on that. I’m working on letting God take control of my friendships. It helps me make less mistakes. He helps me be more authentic. Frankly, I need His help. Hope you are doing well, Kim. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! XO Jen