Joy – The Will to Wake Up

Finding the Courage to Be Grateful

Happy Thanksgiving!

At the start of 2024, my mom and I decided to keep a jar of things we were grateful for. Each weekend, I’d write on a little dog-shaped sticky note something I was thankful for from the week. I even labeled the jar “2024: a year of gratitude.”

And I’ll be honest, some weeks it was much harder to remember the good than others. 2024 has been a year of gratitude, but it’s also been a year of loss, heartache, and challenges. But every week, when I really sit back and reflect (sometimes in frustration), God brings to mind at least one thing to be thankful for.

It takes courage to be grateful.

It’s much easier to go around preparing for the worst, assuming everyone is out to get you and you can never rest until things are completely and utterly perfect.

But that’s the problem: when you wait for things to be perfect before you accept joy into your heart, you will be waiting until Jesus comes again. Things on earth simply will not be completely perfect until then. That’s the consequence of living in a world where sin exists.

When we open our hearts to joy, even in the middle of trials, we are proclaiming with boldness that God is greater than even our toughest battles.

The good news is that God doesn’t expect us to be courageous on our own. In fact, courage without faith is actually foolishness because it’s a reliance on our own, flawed selves rather than our perfect God.

When we ask God for help in whatever we do, whether it’s trusting Him enough to take the time to rest and experience gratitude, or showing up with courage and embracing joy, He will be present with us.

Today, I encourage you to reflect on this past year, even if it was one of the toughest years of your life. Consider what you are truly thankful for–not just what you think you are supposed to be grateful for, but the moments when you really experienced God’s grace.

And remember, gratitude is one of the purest forms of praise to our wonderful God, who will remain constant in His love for us even when our circumstances change. ❤

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

– Colossians 3:16

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

– Hebrews 10:23

Seeking Hope in the Rain

Hope when healing feels out of reach.

I’m not sure where you are on the healing journey, but most of us know what it’s like to experience a relapse, a step backwards. We find ourselves in desperate need of healing and help and most of all, Jesus.

The image I often associate with my initial breaking point is fifteen-year-old Hannah listening to somber music while walking her dog during a downpour. She was lonely, discouraged, and doubting. And yesterday, I found myself there once again. Five years older, but suddenly not feeling any wiser.

Maybe you’ve asked yourself the same questions I did: Am I a complete failure for cycling back to the same place? Where do I go from here? Did I even heal at all? What does God think of me right now?

And in the middle of immense grief — grief over things I couldn’t even describe — I suddenly felt a surge of hope. I hurried home and journaled. As I wrote, I didn’t have exact solutions to my problems, but I did feel lighter.

I continue to have hope because I realized I wasn’t in the same place again. I will never be in the exact same place again. The setting, the outfit, the feelings — they may all appear the same. But I am not who I was at the beginning of this journey, and neither are you.

Life is like a staircase. Each day we spend with Jesus, asking for His insight and help in our lives, we take one step up the staircase. When there are days of taking steps backward, we aren’t negating entire months or years of steps. Our progress is not hindered by one setback to the degree it often seems. We aren’t jumping off the banister for forgetting to pray or making a mistake.

Instead, a step backwards causes us to pause and remember our need for God. The longer we climb this staircase, the less likely we are to keep moving backwards after a misstep. It will become natural to turn to God in the face of defeat, depression, or disaster.

You may see immediate or gradual changes in your reactions to setbacks. The next day might seem brighter. You may be able to smile at yourself in the mirror again. You may even be able to praise God in the middle of your suffering.

But even if you can’t see those changes yet, God has not left you in the same dark place. He hears your cries and is right by your side. Your feelings don’t dictate His feelings for you. Whether you feel like a pathetic failure or have fully embraced your status as an infinitely loved child of God, your identity never changes. You will always be God’s beloved child.

I am so thankful that the rain doesn’t last forever. Sometimes, the relief comes in pockets of sunlight between storms. Today, a rainbow stretched across the sky as rain pattered down my back. And I smiled because I took time to notice its beauty even as the rain persisted. With my eyes fixed on hope, the rain seemed less intense.

I pray that however you feel today, you can find courage and hope in knowing that God’s opinion of you never wavers. He will always love you and want you to come back to Him. The rain won’t last forever. But don’t be afraid to search for the rainbows even through the rainy seasons.

Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. ²⁵The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.
Matthew 7:24-25

You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.
Psalm 56:8

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
Romans 5:3-5

Gratitude: The Best Antidote for Comparison

Struggling with a lack of joy this season? Reflect over these questions as you reorient your heart to gratitude.

When I first started this blog, I believed that fear is the thief of joy. While I still believe that’s true, there’s an even greater threat to joy that’s more within our control: comparison.

We compare ourselves to others daily. That person on Instagram who has a more exciting life than me, this coworker who doesn’t work as hard as me, my friend who seems to spend more time with her neighbor than with me, the list goes on…

Most of us know by now that social media “doom scrolling” easily sucks the life out of us. However, we justify certain types of comparison, though all comparison is a joy stealer.

Have you ever tried to be more grateful by thinking, “Well, at least I’m not in ____ situation like ____ type of people who have less than me. I should feel blessed.”

I’d argue that this kind of comparison is even more toxic than FOMO (fear of missing out) or jealousy. It gives into a kind of narcissism that is widely accepted. It makes us believe that our way of living and our outlook is the only way to be happy. There’s always a level of guilt that comes with this line of thinking and it minimizes the experiences you’re currently facing. Most of all, it stems from our pride, allowing us to believe that the reason we should be grateful is because of material gain or our own status.

However, gratitude is the best antidote for comparison. When we remember how incredible it is that we get to have a relationship with God, and then reflect on all that He has done for us and who He has put in our lives, we are less distracted by what everyone else is doing. It allows us to reach deep within our souls and feel refreshed with joy for the one thing unchanging in our lives: God’s love.

As we head into this wonderful season of gratitude, here are a few reflection questions to think about and/or journal:

What are at least five blessings since last year at this time?
Who is one person in your life you are really grateful for? (If inspired, reach out and tell them!)
How have you experienced God’s faithfulness this past year?
How would you like to grow in your relationship with God this upcoming year?
What in your daily routine causes you to feel drained? (Perhaps it’s social media, certain shows or news sources, or conversations with an unhealthy person) Is it possible to take a break from it?
Finally, what characteristic of God are you most grateful for and why?

I am so thankful for your presence in the Will to Wake Up community! I pray that this is a season of reflection and a reminder of how much God loves you.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Do not quench the Spirit.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-19

Celebrations and Reintroductions!

Celebrating the 4-year anniversary of The Will to Wake Up!

Happy 4-year anniversary to The Will to Wake Up!

Whether you are new to this community or you’ve been here since the beginning, I am so incredibly grateful for you. I can’t believe how much has changed in my life and my perspective since I began this blog, and I hope that it’s brought you much joy and comfort along the way.

As we celebrate together, I will share a few reflective journaling prompts for you, and a reintroduction to this blog and me!

A Little About Me and This Blog

I actually began this blog during a rough season in my life. On September 21st, 2019, it felt like the whole world was crashing down. My heart was shattered by multiple experiences, and I didn’t want the darkness to creep in. The light that came out of that darkness was God prompting me to start this blog. I realized the most important thing to know when you’re going through a tough time is that you’re not alone. This blog is meant to be a reminder that there is a reason to wake up each new morning. God is our will to wake up. With Him and each other, we are never alone.
Over the past two years, I’ve been pursuing a degree in creative writing. Becoming a writer has been my dream for my whole life. I feel most connected to God when He inspires me creatively. During that time, I’ve experimented with different writing mediums, such as self-publishing an encouraging picture book, submitting a screenplay to a drama competition, and working on my first real novel. There is also now a Youtube channel connected to this blog as God has inspired me recently with filmmaking. I don’t know where God will take me next, but I’m excited to find out!
Other passions of mine include photography, working with horses and kids, and spending time in God’s creation. With every sunset, I am reminded of how we are meant to be still in God’s presence. He loves us enough to add beauty to our lives and be there with us through it all.
Here are the top three things I’ve learned since the creation of this blog:

Courage is not the absence of fear. It’s being afraid and doing the right thing anyway. We may not always feel courageous, but that’s okay. Following God’s will wherever it takes us is an incredibly brave act on its own.
Every person is meant to teach us something. While they may only be in our lives for a season, cherish them for that season. Listen to them with respect, even if you don’t agree. If you do, you will come out of that relationship a stronger person.
Rest is essential to our wellbeing. Rest can take many forms, but it often involves setting boundaries, prioritizing our mental and spiritual health, and being willing to disappoint some people. But the fruit of rest is joy and peace, which are so worth it.

Reflective Journaling Prompts:

How have you changed in the last four years?
What is one thing you are proud of since 2019?
What is one thing you would’ve done differently since then, and what will you learn from that?
What is one way you can pursue rest this week?
Who is a person who has brought you joy recently? How can you express your gratitude towards them?
What valuable lesson has helped you in life? Who taught it to you?
What is one thing you are afraid to do, but know you should do? What is one step you can take today towards that goal? (Remember, it is okay to pace yourself. You don’t have to accomplish everything in one day.)
What do you want to tell God today?
And finally, what do you hope is true about your future or outlook a year from today, when we celebrate our 5-year anniversary? 🙂

Thank you again for being here. You are so needed and loved. Have a blessed rest of your Thursday! (How fitting our anniversary falls on a Thursday this year, our day of encouragement!) ❤

“They will be my people, I will be their God. I’ll make them of one mind and heart, always honoring me, so that they can live good and whole lives, they and their children after them. What’s more, I’ll make a covenant with them that will last forever, a covenant to stick with them no matter what, and work for their good. I’ll fill their hearts with a deep respect for me so they’ll not even think of turning away from me.

Oh how I’ll rejoice in them! Oh how I’ll delight in doing good things for them! Heart and soul, I’ll plant them in this country and keep them here!”
Jeremiah 32:39-41 (MSG)

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV)

Be Somebody Who Makes Everybody Feel Like Somebody

What choice will you make when it comes to dealing with pain?

“Be somebody who makes everybody feel like somebody.” I’ll always remember when I got the plaque that reads this quote, which now hangs above my work station.

A couple years ago, I was going through a tough time, mostly in the friend-department. Several people who I cared about and relied upon stopped treating me like “somebody”. I felt replaceable and unwanted.

Most of us have been in this situation where it feels like our worth is up for debate. I’m sure that the people who treated me poorly have felt rejected or heartbroken before.

We have a choice whether or not we let our pain dictate our actions. Will we be so engulfed in our own shame and despair that we desire for everyone to feel as broken as us?

Or will we recognize that everybody else has already felt this way — or will — and we have the power to help them not feel alone.

Today I spent time with a wonderful friend who so beautifully embodies this quote. She has such an encouraging, life-giving presence, radiating with love and affection. She isn’t frugal when it comes to words of affirmation or gentle hugs. I believe she won’t often find herself regretting not saying “I love you” because she says it when she means it.

I’ve also recently been with somebody who has allowed her pain to cast a heavy burden upon her outlook, relationships, and future. This pain blocks her vision, affecting her capacity to feel joy. It deeply saddens me to watch her drown in her sorrows.

It’s not too late for you if the second example resonates more with you tonight. Every new morning is a chance for a clean slate, a fresh start. Jesus offers us redemption and grace when we turn to Him with a repentant heart.

The most beautiful thing about joy is that it’s contagious. People will notice you’ve changed when you allow yourself to absorb the joy Jesus offers.

Joy doesn’t mean minimizing our pain or others’ hardships. In fact, it is the opposite. Joy is embracing all situations with hope and trusting that Jesus will take care of us through it all.

I hope and pray you are able to release your burdens today and make space in your heart for joy. As you do, you will find yourself seeing with new eyes, remembering that every person truly is somebody. In Jesus’ eyes, and now in yours.

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.^[b]³⁰And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. ³¹So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Matthew 10:29-31

What Does it Mean to Be Content?

Exploring how to be content in an overcommitted society.

I took this photo two days ago as I sat on a piece of driftwood looking out over the beautiful ocean as the sky blossomed into delicate shades of dusk. And as my eyes took in what my mind could barely comprehend — the majesty of God’s creation in action — my breathing settled and I was slowly filled with peace.

I would describe this moment as feeling content.

According to the dictionary, being content means being satisfied, having your desires appeased, and even limiting oneself in requirements.

The idea of being content seems archaic in a world that thrives on self-improvement and ambition. But I don’t think that contentment means settling or limiting yourself.

To me, being content means that you have big dreams and you are continuing to work hard as you pursue God’s will for your life. However, when you are content, you aren’t rushing the process of transformation or growth.

I hate the word limitation because there are no limits on all God can do in and through us. However, perhaps limiting our list of requirements before we can experience joy or peace or trust in God is the key to embracing the fullness of life that God offers us.

I’ll be honest, after a few minutes of feeling content, my mind started to wander off to my next task and my inner peace wavered. As I’m figuring out, that’s what it means to be human: having constantly swaying emotions.

However, I believe that the more we release our lives to Jesus, the more content we will begin to feel. We likely won’t feel content all the time, but we will have more peace and less reason to miss out on the blessings of our present moments.

I saw a quote this morning that really convicted me:

“Instead of wondering when your next vacation is, maybe you should set up a life you don’t need to escape from.” – Seth Godin

As someone who often works hard (perhaps overdoing it at times) in order to “earn” a vacation, I am understanding more and more of how unhealthy this is. And as we journey towards creating a live worth living here and now, contemplate these questions with me:

What in your life are you grateful for?
Where do you feel the most at peace? (For me, it’s the beach!) Is there a way you can visit that place in the near future for some quality soul-care?
What in your life needs to change so that you don’t feel like you need to escape from it? Are there boundaries you need to set?

The argument that we only have one life and we don’t know how long it will be is often justification for overcommitting and fear of missing out. But perhaps this is also true: we only have one life, so how can we make the life we are in right now (not the life you working towards) the best it can possibly be?

I promise, you are not alone on this journey. You have no need to regret the past. All that matters is how you move forward, starting with this very moment.

Then he [Jesus] looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! ³⁵Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”
Mark 3:34-35

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. ¹²I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. ¹³I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:11-13

When the Light Burns Low

Encouragement to not lose hope when others discourage your joy.

Last week, one of the most inspirational artists I follow on Instagram revealed that she had received some negative reviews of her new book. Even though she also got many wonderful reviews and positive comments, the heaviness of the discouragement she must have felt really burdened me. For me, this book was a source of encouragement and hope; I just couldn’t understand why anyone would see it otherwise.

If you tend to be an optimistic person, especially one who strives to encourage others, I’m sure you’ve been met with both gratitude and discouragement. Unfortunately, living in a broken world means there will always be at least one person who doesn’t appreciate the light within you.

But does that mean we should give up? Absolutely not.

Of course, easier said than done, right?

When the follower count goes down or friends neglect to notice our efforts or family doesn’t appreciate our gifts, we just want to bury ourselves in a hole and let the light burn out.

If this light were created by us, then perhaps it could be extinguished that quickly. But when we look to Jesus as our Light, we will be able to rise up and remember that there are people who need to see Jesus’ light within us.

For that one person who doesn’t appreciate you, there will be many more who need that smile or affirmation or act of kindness. Perhaps it will change their life forever…or at least their mood that day.

Think back to a time when you witnessed hope. Did your thinking patterns shift, even slightly, after that? Were you more aware of simple blessings or moments to be grateful?

We need you. I’m sorry if anyone has told you or treated you otherwise. By being God’s creation, you are set apart for an incredible purpose. You are filled with the hope that there is more to come. For those struggling to understand their worth, the world is telling them that they are just a replaceable, useless burden. But with Jesus’ light within you, you can show them that they are worthy, beautiful, and loved.

Or perhaps you are the person struggling to see the light again. You are just as worthy and loved and valued as the ones you help.

When you feel your light burning low, reach out to the source of light and ask Him to refill you with His joyful Spirit.

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”
John 8:12

Let Yourself Feel Joy

Do you avoid hoping for fear of disappointment?

It’s so easy to allow fear to steal away the best moments of our lives.

Fear may come in the form of rationality or jadedness. Perhaps we just “know” that things never stay good for long. And what do we expect, in this broken world?

But if we never allow ourselves to feel joy, then what are we living for?

You may feel stronger by not getting your hopes up. By saying that things always end up in disappointment. By not being surprised when hard times come.

But what if that isn’t strength? What if that’s giving into fear?

Fear of not being in control of your life. Fear of not truly knowing how long good things will last.

We can’t experience joy until we fully accept that we aren’t in control.

It’s a hard truth to come to grips with, especially in the face of so many tragedies, both in our personal lives and in the world. The ache of disappointment. The heartbreak of rejection. But holding onto a false sense of security only hurts us.

And most of all, it robs us of the beauty life can bring.

So, how can we fully experience joy?

By making the most of the little things. By taking each day as it comes. By not judging yourself too hard when you feel yourself regressing or not living up to the impossible standards society demands of us.

It’s okay if you don’t feel happy today. But you don’t have to be happy to feel grateful. Grateful that the sun still rose today. Grateful for the people who are always there for you. Grateful for a moment to rest.

Expect disappointment, and that’s what you’ll get. But hope for something more? Then you’ll surely have a higher chance of finding joy.

The truest source of joy comes from Jesus, who never changes. His plans are far greater than anything we could ever imagine. While we may be disappointed in the moment, Jesus promises that our lives aren’t wasted. He will restore our joy. ❤

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13

Exchanging Disappointment for Joy

Does disappointment cause you to doubt God’s purpose for your life?

This weekend, I was supposed to go on a retreat about finding God’s presence.

I was so ready for the retreat, too. Mostly just wanting an escape from the humdrum of normal life, burned out by my responsibilities, and eager for a change in scenery. Every day that I was tired or weary, I reminded myself that I’d have a break soon enough.

So then, when it got cancelled, I was puzzled by what God was doing. Surprisingly, I was less disappointed than I had anticipated, which may have been God’s clue that He still had plans for me this weekend.

The things I had longed for were inspiration, rest, appreciation for God’s creation, and connection with others.

And instead of bringing me to a conference center, God gave me inspiration through a movie night with family. He gave me rest by allowing me to have generous bosses who still let me have the weekend off. He gave me appreciation for His creation through the gorgeous sunset I experienced while driving home last night.

And most of all, God showed me how interwoven His presence is within our relationships with others.

I thought I had to take a break from people in order to experience God, but instead I spent all day yesterday going from one person to the next.

But the difference between that and my everyday encounters was that I went into those interactions with a willing heart. And that changed everything.

There is truly a season for everything. A season to reflect with God alone, and a season to extend the love God has given us to others. And maybe those two things can come together to create something even more beautiful.

Going broader than simply this weekend, I’ve been in a season where many of my expectations have been dashed. I’ve wondered where my dreams and desires fit into God’s greater plan for me. But this weekend, I’ve discovered something new.

It isn’t always about God’s plan or my plan or any sort of plan. It’s about taking things one step at a time and experiencing God’s presence through it all.

It’s about waiting for God with an open heart. It’s about connecting with others from a place of love and appreciation, as well as setting boundaries when we know we are agreeing to things out of obligation. It’s about opening the Bible without expecting a new game plan, and rather soaking in time with God.

Today, I hope you can exchange your disappointment for joy.

Things may not look the way you had hoped, but this is an opportunity for you to trust God more than ever. He will be with you through it all. ❤

I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.
Luke 24:49

The Gratitude Challenge

Are you up for the challenge?

Thirty days, ten minutes a day; costs nothing, but worth everything.

You in?

A couple years ago, I presented a challenge designed to get you out of your comfort zone. The goal was to exchange fear for joy.

This challenge is similar, a means of cultivating joy. Only…a little different this time 😉

At the beginning of the new year, I started regularly recording prayer requests each morning as well as small moments of gratitude. Even after a mere two weeks of journaling, I went back and could already see God’s hand at work. I am tempted to stay stuck in my current stage of life, but by reflecting and thanking God for all that He has done over just a short period of time, I am reminded why I can have joy amidst anything.

I want to offer this gift to you and challenge both of us to be more grateful. This challenge isn’t supposed to inflict guilt on you for the times you have forgotten to thank God. It also isn’t supposed to belittle the difficulties in your life. It’s simply a way to connect with God and improve your outlook on life.

So, ready for the challenge?

The Gratitude Challenge

What you need:

A notebook or journal
A colorful pen
A few minutes of stillness each day

What to do:

For the next thirty days, I challenge you to write down a list of all your current needs and the needs of those around you. Afterwards, write down at least three things you can thank God for, and try not to repeat those things throughout the month.

At the end of thirty days, get out a clean piece of paper and reflect on all the things you asked God for throughout the time frame. Write down everything that was answered and how it was answered. Think about whether or not things worked out the way you hoped, and perhaps how a “no” or a different answer may have even brought new opportunities.

I hope this challenge instills the habit in you of thanking God regularly and seeing Him at work. Despite all the unknowns, all the doubts, and all the losses, we still have so much to be thankful for because we are never abandoned by our ever-loving God. ❤

I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
Psalm 9:1