Photographer-RaeAnn Walters
Dear Self,
Jesus did not die on the cross for you to struggle or live a mundane/mediocre life. He died so that you could live abundantly. God wants you to have the desires of your heart, but He wants your desires to align with His heart. He understands the pain and pressures you feel, but He also needs you to understand that growth is uncomfortable. He wants you to win and He wants you to exercise the courage He has placed in your heart. He died for you to thrive. Live and let God lead.
That's a little bit of what I wrote in my journal earlier this month. I'm not a consistent journal writer but I try to pen my thoughts at least every week or two, especially when I'm feeling down or my brain is simply racing with thoughts that I want to capture. I write what I'm thinking and feeling as a form of therapy. I also write so that I can remember where I've been and see how I've grown. So when I wrote in my journal that night, I was trying to encourage myself. As you know, I use this blog as an outlet to inspire and encourage women and millennials like me. However, every post I write for you is also written for myself. Sometime I feel discouraged because things are not happening for me the way I want to or as quickly as I want them to happen. In those moments I find myself wallowing in despair, which eventually leads to giving myself a pep talk because I hate feeling sad.
So my pep talk for you this week is to live, let God lead (if you're a believer), and trust your journey. You will endure trials that test your strength, faith, and patience. However everything is working out for your good. Think about the trials you have already endured and how much wiser, better, and more experienced you are because of what you have been forced to live through. If you have gone through a time that you thought would defeat you but turned out to strengthen you once, you can do it again! Also remember that you don't need to have all the answers to everything and that is okay. I can honestly say that I have certain areas of my life "together" but there is still a lot I need to figure out and I pray for wisdom and discernment everyday to help me make decisions that will positively impact my life and those around me. One thing we shouldn't have to live with is regret so lets be purposeful about the decisions we make and allow God to align us with our purposes. We're going to get through this thing called life together, one moment at a time.
A quick note about my outfit: I'm loving casual fabulous looks at the moment because winter makes me want to be cozy and cute. My look is simple so I put on my fur coat for some fabulous warmth. I'm in the process of decluttering my wardrobe and only holding onto things I know I will love for more than a moment. I already packaged two large contractor bags of clothes to give away. I plan on filling bags each week with things to give away (donate) or throw away. Letting go of things is hard for me but some of the things I hold onto do nothing but weigh me down.
Things I learned/was reminded of over the past week:
1. Your feelings are relevant
2. Your purpose is bigger than you
3. You are resilient but not resistant to pain
4. Support is important
5. Do not be ashamed of your feelings
6. You do not have to bear your burdens alone
7. You are going to thrive
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