Grateful for God's Grace

I can't sleep because God is good and I'm so grateful for His grace. 

As I mentioned in Releasing the Reins, I have been praying for discernment and asking God for a sign (totally down for a burning bush, talking donkey, etc.) because I am unsure which path I'm supposed to take. When God placed those two speaking opportunities (and a potential third) into my lap, I felt Him starting to nudge me down that path...but again, I wanted a billboard with flashing arrows telling me which way to go. 

Well, three nights ago, I received a message from one of my high school teachers asking if I'd ever thought about starting a YouTube channel and interviewing people through that. As I sat there re-reading the message, I suddenly realized that God had already answered my prayers...FOUR TIMES!  

God has ALWAYS used other people to speak to me.  

You see, KB was not the first person to encourage me to do this. 
A few weeks ago, my friend Skyler did. 
A few months ago, my best friend Whitney did. 
And nearly a year ago, my friend Jessica did! 

I had no idea THEN that they were answers to prayers I would be praying NOW! God answered my prayers before I had even asked!

With that being said, I will be pursuing public speaking and looking for opportunities to speak wherever I can find them. In addition to that, I will be working on creating podcasts and developing a YouTube channel through my website which will be ready in October! In You're Made for a God-Sized Dream, Holley Gerth suggests, "The best strategy is one you'll actually do because it fits with who you are." This feels right, it feels like me. It will be a slow process, but I'm not in a hurry. I'm heading west, but I know God could reroute me at any point along the way. The important thing is: I'M DOING SOMETHING! 

Tonight, I am overwhelmed with gratitude, extra thankful for the people God has placed in my life. They encourage me to start a YouTube channel and are the answer to my prayers. They offer to make me a website for free (God bless you, Skyler) to help me develop a platform. They constantly sit and listen to me share my heart (with tears rolling down my face) as they make it a point to reassure me that if I'm being obedient to God, nothing else matters, and that I should never let the opinions of others drown out His voice. I do not deserve these people whatsoever, but that's what grace is, isn't it? God giving us what we don't deserve.

Lord, I thank You!

In closing, I wanted to leave you with this quote by Holley Gerth: "There's something more than a gold medal waiting for us. It's a crown we'll get to lay at the feet of the One who walked with us all the way...whatever he has called you to do, he promises to complete through you. If you are obedient, then you are successful regardless of the results. The most important 'done' in your life is not the one you write next to your biggest goal. It's the one that will be spoken over you when you hear 'well done' from the Lover of your soul." 

Question: How have you received God's grace lately?

You Are A Letter From Christ

I came across this old Facebook status and just HAD to share it!

Today's sermon was titled "You Are A Letter From Christ" and one of the bullet points read: "If you are a follower of Jesus, then you are His letter to everyone around you." God needs US to share HIS story and "the message [we] convey with [our] life is absolutely unavoidable." In other words, we are communicating a message at all times throughout our daily lives whether we intend to or not. 

As the sermon continued, I was reminded of a mirror that hung in the youth hallway at FUMC many years ago that said, "You may be the only Bible some people will ever read." It hung directly cross from the stairwell door so that as soon as you came up the stairs and opened the door, your image was immediately reflected in the mirror. WHAT A STATEMENT! I will never forget looking into that mirror every time I walked through those doors and wondering what I needed to differently to ensure people saw Jesus when they looked at me. 

What do OUR letters, our LIVES, say? What message are we sending? Does Christ's light shine through us so brightly, others can see the message of the Gospel being reflected? "Live in such a way that those who don't know God but know you may come to know God because they knew you." Let's make sure the message we communicate with our lives is one that has Jesus written all over it!

"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you." 

Philippians 1:27-28

Playlist: Follow Your Dreams

Music has been my #1 fan for as long as I can remember. It encourages me to "do what it takes until I touch the sky" and "make a wish, take a chance, make a change!" Not once has music told me I couldn't do this or I couldn't do that. Instead, music has been inspiring me to "reach up for the stars" ever since I was little! 

I have a playlist on iTunes called "Follow Your Dreams" that I listen to regularly. The list consists of songs that have encouraged me to believe in myself, have faith, and chase after my dreams! I thought I'd share those songs with you in case you're ever in need of some inspiration. The song "Bring It All Back" by S Club 7 is in bold because it was the first song to ever stir something inside me (in the FIRST GRADE) and it continues to encourage me to this day! You can find the music video at the end. 

A Day in the Sun by Anneliese Van der Pol 

A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes via Disney Channel Stars

Allstar by Smash Mouth

Anyway by Martina McBride 

Baby Girl by Sugarland 

Be Okay by Oh Honey 
Born to Rise by Redlight King

Breakaway by Kelly Clarkson

Breaking Free via High School Musical

Bring It All Back by S Club 7

Burn by Jo Dee Messina
Bye, Bye by Jo De Messina
Called Me Higher by All Sons and Daughters

Catch My Breath by Kelly Clarkson 

Chances by Five for Fighting 

Chasin' that Neon Rainbow by Alan Jackson

The Climb by Miley Cyrus

Climb Every Mountain via The Sound of Music 

Compass by Lady Antebellum

Defying Gravity via Wicked

Do Something by Matthew West

Don't Rain on my Parade via Glee Cast

Don't Stop Believin' via Glee Cast

Empire State of Mind via Glee Cast

Even if it Breaks Your Heart by Eli Young Band

Firework by Katy Perry
Flower, Flower by The Vespers
Follow Your Arrow by Kacey Musgraves
Free Ride by Edgar Winter Group

Get On Your Feet by Gloria Estefan 

Give the World a Smile by The Cathedrals 

Good Morning Baltimore via Hairspray 

Hall of Fame by The Script
Heads Carolina, Tails California by Jo Dee Messina 

Heal the World by Michael Jackson
Here I Am, Lord via Hymns

Hold On by Wilson Phillips 

The House that Built Me by Miranda Lambert 

How Do You Like Me Now by Toby Keith

I Believe I Can Fly via Glee Cast

I Can Go The Distance via Hercules

I Can't Wait by Hilary Duff
I Didn't Get Here Alone by Kenny Chesney 

I Dreamed A Dream via Glee Cast

I Have Confidence via The Sound of Music

I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack

I Just Can't Wait To Be King via The Lion King

I'm Alright by Jo Dee Messina

I'm Gonna Be Somebody by Travis Tritt

I'm On My Way by The Proclaimers
Johnny B. Goode by Chuck Berry

Listen To Your Heart by D.H.T. 

Loser Like Me via Glee Cast

Make It Big by The Beach Boys

Mean by Taylor Swift

Miracles Happen by Myra

Mississippi Girl by Faith Hill

My Wish by Rascal Flatts
New Soul by Yael Naim

New York, New York by Frank Sinatra 
Oceans by Hillsong

One Way Ticket by LeAnn Rimes

Party in the U.S.A. by Miley Cyrus 

Perfect Day by Hoku
Que Sera Sera by Doris Day

Reach by S Club 7

Roar by Katy Perry 

Set the World on Fire by Britt Nicole

Settlin' by Sugarland
Sh Boom by the Chords
Shake It Off by Taylor Swift

She's Not Just A Pretty Face by Shania Twain

Sing via Glee Cast

Smile by Vitamin C

Something More by Sugarland

Story of Your Life by Five for Fighting

Stronger by Kelly Clarkson 

Suddenly I See by KT Tunstall 

Suds in the Bucket by Sara Evans

Super Girl by Krystal 
Survivor by Destiny's Child

Taking Chances via Glee Cast
That's the Way by Jo Dee Messina

This One's for the Girls by Martina McBride

Time of Our Lives by Miley Cyrus

Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield 

Waiting on the World to Change by John Mayer
We're Not Gonna Take It by Twisted Sisters 

What Dreams Are Made Of by Hilary Duff

When You Wish Upon A Star via Pinocchio 

Who I Am by Jessica Andrews

Why Not by Hilary Duff

Wide Open Spaces by Dixie Chicks

Wild One by Faith Hill

Question: What songs inspire you?

Releasing the Reins

I realize it's been a while since I've updated you on what's happening in my life. To be honest, I didn't think I had anything to update you on...but I feel like I do now! 

When I made the decision to move home for a while (thanks again, Ma and Pa) and find a job in the area, I was looking at radio/news stations. Oprah's career began at a radio station so I thought I needed to, too! Ellen was a stand-up comedian. I thought about being a stand-up comedian...but that lasted about 3sec when I realized my legs would get tired and I'd want to sit down. Also, my jokes are about as corny as the one-liners on Laffy Taffy wrappers...or should I say LAUGHY Taffy? *wink, wink* See what I mean? Corny.

The best decision I've ever made was when I placed my plans at His feet and said, "Not my will, but Yours, be done." 

If you read Desert Development, you know my plans have changed quite a bit since I graduated. Why? Because I realize they were my plans, not His and the only plans that matter are His, not mine! Do I know what His plans are? No, not exactly...but He placed two speaking opportunities into my lap (and potentially a third) so I'm beginning to wonder if I'll get my "start" through public speaking! I don't know if that's what I'll do, but it's definitely an option so I've been praying for discernment! We'll just have to wait and see, though, won't we?

Philippians 4:6-7 has been my verse this summer: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." 

At the beginning of the summer, I was anxious. I wanted to move to Los Angeles. I didn't want to live in White Oak. I wanted to jump into the real world head first. I didn't want to be stuck in the "desert" for who knows how long. I had all these plans but none of them seemed to work out. I was frustrated. I HATED not knowing!

By the end of the summer, I found myself experiencing a peace that transcends all understanding. It's hard to find the words to explain what He has done in my heart the past few months, but I am content with where He has me, no matter how long He has me here. I am content with following Him anywhere. Now, I LOVE not knowing! It keeps me on my toes!

These past few months have been different and like nothing I've ever experienced. Between job-hunting and preparing for my two speeches, I've had a LOT of time to invest in myself and my relationship with the Lord. I've read more books about Him/His plans/His purposes in these few months than I've read in a few years. I've been alone a lot, but never felt lonely. I've rested more than I ever have before, but never got tired of doing so. Ultimately, I've been reminded time and again that it's not about me and He doesn't need me to make things happen. I know He has placed these desires on my heart for a reason and He's going to get me where I'm going. I simply have to be moving and trusting Him every step of the way!

So, that's where I'm at right now in case you were wondering! I have no idea what's next and am basically playing life by ear. I don't have a job but I'm finding simple ways to make and save money. I'm not sure which path to take, but I'm taking steps forward and that's the best direction to go. I don't know where God is leading me, but I'm following...and it's good! It's all good. God always takes care of His kids, and I know He will take care of me.

QUESTION: Do you need to let go of the reins and let God take it from here? 

Why I Deleted My Instagram App

SPOILER ALERT! 

We live in a world that revolves around posting minute-by-minute tweets, hourly Facebook statuses, and daily Instagram photos. 

Now, before I continue, I don't think using these websites is a bad thing. I have all three! I also don't think posting said updates is a bad thing! *insert sigh of relief here* I do, however, think we need to constantly check our motives behind the use of our social media accounts to ensure we are using and updating them for the right reasons.

I enjoy social media for many reasons. 

I love Instagram because people use pictures to tell a story, their story. You receive a tiny glimpse into their lives through these creative photos, and oftentimes a glimpse into their hearts. You visually see the people and places that bring them the utmost joy.
I love Facebook because it's a great way to keep in touch with the people you don't necessarily get to see or talk to often but still care about. 
I love Twitter because it is a simple way to connect with those around you. Most Twitter users have a theme, a specific purpose behind their account, and their tweets (give or take a few tweets, of course) reflect that purpose. 

These are three great ways to communicate with those around us and I love communicating.

However, a few weeks ago, I decided it was best that I delete my Instagram app for a while. I felt convicted because I realized I was no longer using it for the reasons mentioned above and I never want that to be the case. I had begun feeling overwhelmed simply because I wasn't sticking to the status quo. I hadn't posted a #tbt or #TransformationTuesday picture in WEEKS. In fact, several days had gone by since I had posted at all. I would beat myself up (yes, you read that correctly and yes, I'm embarrassed to admit that) for not having a daily photo to post when everybody else seemed to be on top of their Instagram game. I could not stop comparing myself to my fellow Instagram users. I only wanted to post a photo to ensure I was "keeping up" with other people rather than for the purpose behind my account - to bring joy to viewers. 

So, I decided to delete the app for a while. 

I truly believe social media is a blessing. However, when we begin comparing ourselves to others and posting solely to keep up with the status quo (especially when it comes to Instagram), I think it's important that we take a step back and redirect our focus to the reason behind our account. "Am I posting this because it's Thursday and I feel obligated, or am I posting this in hopes of making just one person's day shine a little brighter?" 

I plan on downloading the Instagram app again, but not until I am 100% sure I can use it without comparing myself to others.