There is nothing better than to know you are deeply and unconditionally loved by a God that is bigger than any struggle or disappointment you will ever face.
When I sit down to blog, I feel like I have a million things on my mind but the minute I try to write it all out, I am at a loss for words. I think about my life struggles and how they seem so minuscule compared to the desperation and tragedies that are occurring in our world. My heart aches for the lives (young and old) that are being perscecuted because they're Christians. (Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10) I hurt for those who are struggling with terminal illnesses and for those who truly do not know when their last day with loved ones on this earth will be. It puts your mind, heart, and world into perspective.
I remember being a little girl and waking up in the middle of the night to nightmares. It took every ounce of courage I had to crawl out from under my covers and run downstairs to my parents bedroom. But the minute I was in their presence, my fear was gone. I relied on them to protect me, to be there for me, to forgive me, and to always love me even when I fought with my brothers or spilled a big gallon of milk while trying to pour it into my cereal because it was just too heavy to lift.
As I grew older, I became much more independent very quickly. I learned to take care of myself and not rely on my parents to always cook my meals, brush my teeth for me, bathe me, and pick my clothes out. I loved feeling "grown up", but so often I desire to be that small child again with no stress, no responsibilities, no worries, and the biggest decision I had to make was if I wanted chocolate milk or "vanilla" milk.
Even as I noticed growth in my mentality, body, and maturity levels; I found that even though I was not always attentive in my small hometown church, I was growing spiritually. I began to find a love for Christ like no other love. I made promises to God in my prayers that I would never disappoint Him or my parents as I grew older and was faced with challenges and temptations. I knew exactly what I stood for and I wouldn't let ANYTHING break me. I was tough, invincible, and strongly independent.. or so I thought.
Over the years, I have been through and experienced more than most people at my age. I can say I have stood firm in my walk with The Lord and never fell into the deep pit of peer pressure. But one thing I can admit is that through these years, even though I have felt like I have always made all of the right decisions (yes, I make mistakes... I am not perfect)-- God has tugged on my heart and changed me and I believe He is still molding me into the person He wants me to become each and every day.
I've laughed and I've cried. I've laughed until I cried. I cried until I thought there was no way more tears could come out. I've been excited, blessed unimaginably, happy, and broken. I have had my fair share of disappointments and heartaches. But one thing has always remained constant, and that is my faith in The Lord.
He has been my shining light in what seemed like the darkest days. He has been my hope for tomorrow when I didn't think I could make it through another day. He has been my happiness and my JOY when I could barely find one going right for me. He has been constant. He has not changed, and I know He never will. (Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6)
Whether I am headed to work, church, school, or anywhere- I constantly turn on the Christian radio station and instantly get chills from the powerful words and truth. I am brought to tears often by how many times I have failed but God's love and mercy remains.
To many people, I am the girl who smiles all the time; To others, I am the girl who talks way too much; But to most- I am the girl who loves Jesus and will never let you forget it. I enjoy meeting new people and sharing to them who I am and why I am. (because of Jesus) I have never met a stranger.
I love out loud. I am a talker, a singer, a (terrible) dancer, a painter, a monogrammer (yes I made that word up), a writer, a people-person, a coffee drinker, sweets-lover, animal obsessor, and so much more. But if you go your whole life never knowing any of that- I want you to know that I am saved.
I am loved, cherished, honored, blessed, redeemed, and truly magnificent in the eyes of The Lord. (and guess what... SO. ARE. YOU.)
Never lose a day to tell someone how important they are or share a simple "hey" or smile. You can be a life-changer just as God changed my life, He longs and desires to change yours too.
Over the years, I have been through and experienced more than most people at my age. I can say I have stood firm in my walk with The Lord and never fell into the deep pit of peer pressure. But one thing I can admit is that through these years, even though I have felt like I have always made all of the right decisions (yes, I make mistakes... I am not perfect)-- God has tugged on my heart and changed me and I believe He is still molding me into the person He wants me to become each and every day.
I've laughed and I've cried. I've laughed until I cried. I cried until I thought there was no way more tears could come out. I've been excited, blessed unimaginably, happy, and broken. I have had my fair share of disappointments and heartaches. But one thing has always remained constant, and that is my faith in The Lord.
He has been my shining light in what seemed like the darkest days. He has been my hope for tomorrow when I didn't think I could make it through another day. He has been my happiness and my JOY when I could barely find one going right for me. He has been constant. He has not changed, and I know He never will. (Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6)
Whether I am headed to work, church, school, or anywhere- I constantly turn on the Christian radio station and instantly get chills from the powerful words and truth. I am brought to tears often by how many times I have failed but God's love and mercy remains.
To many people, I am the girl who smiles all the time; To others, I am the girl who talks way too much; But to most- I am the girl who loves Jesus and will never let you forget it. I enjoy meeting new people and sharing to them who I am and why I am. (because of Jesus) I have never met a stranger.
I love out loud. I am a talker, a singer, a (terrible) dancer, a painter, a monogrammer (yes I made that word up), a writer, a people-person, a coffee drinker, sweets-lover, animal obsessor, and so much more. But if you go your whole life never knowing any of that- I want you to know that I am saved.
I am loved, cherished, honored, blessed, redeemed, and truly magnificent in the eyes of The Lord. (and guess what... SO. ARE. YOU.)
Never lose a day to tell someone how important they are or share a simple "hey" or smile. You can be a life-changer just as God changed my life, He longs and desires to change yours too.
