Category: Purpose

Grace Through It All

Encouragement for your heart today ❤

There is grace in the waiting, the wishing, the wanting. Even when it feels like you have hoped for too long with no results, even when it feels selfish to persist.

There is grace in the mistakes, the ones that feel countless and the ones teaching you new things. Even when others make it seem like a flaw counts against your humanity, remember that pride steals our joy, and when we can laugh and learn, we are best headed towards becoming our full selves.

There is grace in the loyal, the faithful, the true. The times when you feel as though your heart can’t hold much more, yet there’s still much to do.

There is grace for the humble, the overlooked, the neglected. When you feel behind others after overcoming more obstacles to get to where you are today.

There is grace for the doubtful, the skeptical, the tired. The ones who wonder if God really exists, or worry that He doesn’t care. Even through the questions, God is right there.

There is grace for the arrogant, the prideful, the hard-hearted. One doesn’t create such a shell without wounds to hide and unfinished healing to repair.

There is grace for the soft-spoken, the lonely, the spoken-over. Though you may have felt like your words don’t matter, they are what will bring needed change to this world.

There is grace for the loud, the chaotic, the energetic. You may have been led to feel like “too much”, when really our world wouldn’t function without your constant motion.

There is grace for the creative, the thoughtful, the dreamer. Though you have often been told that your imagination isn’t practical, hold onto your dreams and know that someday you will find yourself in a place greater than you can comprehend.

There is grace for you, whoever you are, wherever you are. Whether today was the best day of your life or left you in tears. Whether you have found yourself at the end of your rope, continuing a cycle you thought you had broken. Whether you are wishing to hold this day in your heart forever, never wanting to let go of the comfort it brings you.

We need grace because we are all of these things at points in our lives, whether in the past or yet to come. We are only human, and yet we are wonderfully human. God holds us close and sets us free to grow, guiding us through with each heartbeat, with every step.

These steps, these rhythms are bringing you closer and closer to the person you are meant to be. And that, my friend, is a beautiful thing indeed. ❤

You will go out in joy

    and be led forth in peace;

the mountains and hills

    will burst into song before you,

and all the trees of the field

    will clap their hands.

Instead of the thornbush will grow the juniper,

    and instead of briers the myrtle will grow.

This will be for the Lord’s renown,

    for an everlasting sign,

    that will endure forever.

Isaiah 55:12-13

Figuring Out God’s Call

Encouragement on the journey towards figuring out God’s calling for you.

If you’ve been in Christian communities for a while, you’ve liked heard a lot of talk about “following God’s call”, “discerning your life’s calling”, or “God’s will, God’s way”.

Knowing that God is in control, that His plan is best, should bring us peace. Instead, because of the mystery around God’s call for our individual lives, these phrases may stress us out.

I can’t say I’ve entirely figured out God’s call, what it means or whether or not my future plans align with what God’s will is for me. But I’ve been trying to listen to what God has been showing me about His calling on my life, and I hope my story brings you encouragement on your own walk with God.

A Change in Perspective

As I’ve shared before, last fall ended up being a season of discouragement, anxiety, and overwhelming emotions. Yet God showed up for me in many ways, including giving me signs of hope.

One of these signs was the symbol of an anchor. It kept popping up when I needed direction from God, and whenever I saw it, I would be reminded that God was looking out for me.

Shortly after I removed myself from a toxic environment (the source of my stress), the pastor of the church I grew up in contacted me.

For context, I have had a variety of experiences at this church, both good and bad, but when I moved out, I had planned on finding a new church community. Yet God wasn’t done with me there.

My pastor asked if I’d be interested in an internship in the Children’s Ministry (where I had been an active volunteer), to which I couldn’t see any reason to say no. After all, I was about to start looking for a new job and this felt like an area where I could be impactful. So I agreed.

However, she made it clear that she wanted me to feel called to this position, to not take it for any other reason. To be honest, when I said yes (after praying and asking others for prayer), I really didn’t feel a strong tug from the Lord telling me to take the job. That concerned me, yet I felt like saying yes wouldn’t contradict anything I knew about God.

Over time, through both unexpected joys, abundant appreciation, and several confusing and difficult situations, I began to fall into the rhythm of this role. Thanks to the compassionate leadership of my pastors/supervisors, as well as the congregation, they offered me a more permanent position at the church.

When this was presented to me, I was struggling to find direction in my life. I wasn’t sure where I was going to live next year, whether or not I wanted to stay at the same university, or where God was taking me next. I felt utterly stuck.

I had a few doubts, yet again I couldn’t find a reason to say no to the job. After all, it had been fulfilling, met many people’s needs, and seemed like something God would want me to do. Yet no clear nudge from God directly.

It wasn’t until this past week, after working there for over six months, that God gave me the sign: an anchor.

Our previous theme for Children’s Ministry was space, and out of the blue, one of the pastors decided we should rebrand to nautical/beach theme. As I was preparing a flyer for our fall events, a page of anchors popped up, perfectly fitting our new theme and reminding me that God has been writing my story all along, even when things didn’t make sense to me in the moment.

God was affirming that I’m right where He wants me to be.

Anchored in Understanding

I used to believe that I had to have a clear, direct sign from God telling me to do things before I could make a decision. While this is sometimes true, it can be an excuse to procrastinate or lead us to believe God isn’t speaking, when perhaps His volume is more of a whisper than a shout.

When we get to know God, we will have a better understanding of His call on our lives. We can make decisions the way He would.

Think about it this way:

If you know someone well, say your best friend, close relative, or significant other, you could probably make decisions on their behalf. You know what really ticks them off and what brightens their day. You can help them make decisions because you know what matters to them above all else.

When we get to know God, we won’t have to second-guess our decisions. Things may not always feel plain and simple, yet we can trust that we are following God’s plan for our lives.

Today, I encourage you to step out in courage and do something you’ve been debating. Before making a decision, ask God for guidance and think about what He would do in this situation.

But ultimately, trust what you know to be true about God’s character. He loves you so very much, and He will lead you on the path towards spreading that love to others.

The plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations.

Psalm 33:11

Purpose in the Passion

Do you ever feel like pursuing your passions is a waste?

We all have something we feel passionately about.

Perhaps it’s something that carries weight for many people, such as supporting human rights or taking care of God’s creation or spreading Christlike love. Or maybe it’s something that’s been a cause of embarrassment, like an obscure hobby or a career goal that feels out of reach. Maybe it’s staying faithful to be there for someone who has been difficult in the past or an outsider in your community.

Whatever this passion is, it has a purpose. God gives us our passions for a reason.

They may feel insignificant to others or even to ourselves when we begin to doubt. Why are we wasting time caring about this thing or person when so many other things are going on in the world?

But we aren’t in charge of the whole world, and that’s a big relief.

Rather, we are given specific passions so that we can actually make an impact.

If you have a passion that feels God-given, don’t let anyone tell you that your work is meaningless. Taking part in things that bring you joy and allow you to step into God’s calling for your life is one of the most incredible things you can do.

Today, ask yourself what are the top five things you feel passionately about. Try to make them as specific as possible, such as caring for the needs of a particular friend or participating in the rebuilding of relationships during a divisive time in your community.

Your passions matter. Repeat that with me. No matter how insignificant or far-fetched they feel, if they matter to you, then they matter to God.

You are uniquely gifted to be in the space you fill. Trust that God can use you to do amazing things, and watch your life bloom from there.

Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 1:7-8

Stepping Into Another Year of Life

A little note on birthdays 🙂

I realized yesterday that I’ve never posted on my birthday, always the day after. But this year is the time for something different.

I love this quote on birthdays by Morgan Harper Nichols:

Take heart.

The value of your life

is not measured in calendar years.

When I was a kid, I used to enjoy the presents and the time with friends for my birthday, but I would also dread getting older. Why be ten when I loved being nine?

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve felt the pressure to speed up the aging process in order to be respected. It’s a compliment to be seen as more mature than you really are.

And I suppose once I hit my 30’s or 40’s, I’ll want to be young again. So the cycle continues.

I think this with a chuckle: We are never really satisfied, are we?

As C.S. Lewis once put it, we are created with an eternal purpose and an eternal soul within us, which means only eternal things can satisfy us.

This year has been a reminder to put everything in God’s hands. Our plans, our dreams, even what we think we need, can change with the flip of a switch. Everything can be gone in an instant, even what we once thought was love.

Except God’s love, of course. That lasts forever.

It’s been painful to realize that things not going smoothly isn’t a sign that I’m not abiding by God’s will. It may very well be that God steered me down an uncomfortable path for a reason. It means that things will hurt and parts of my life will get pruned. But it’s all necessary for beautiful growth.

So today, at the end of a very long year that simultaneously went by in a snap, I will just say one thing:

Cherish what you have while you have it. The loved ones, the opportunities, the peace. But never hold onto anything too tightly, except for God. We float through life like a feather in the wind. But we are headed in the direction–the best direction possible–that God has in mind for us.

So don’t waste away the present by worrying about the future. Instead, hold onto hope as you move forward with a smile, knowing that maybe tomorrow will be a little bit better. ❤

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

2 Corinthians 5:17

Nothing Will Be Wasted

Do you struggle with finding purpose during seasons of waiting?

Last weekend, I was fortunate enough to be able to visit a dear friend in Pennsylvania. I had to schedule the trip around my classes, which meant I was only there for one full day.

As I was waiting at the airport on my way home, I thought, “Wow, I’ve spent almost as much time at the airport and on planes as I have with my friend during this trip! How irritating!”

During the five hour flight back, I started writing in my journal about the events of the past two days. Chuckling, I realized many of the humorous stories occurred during my time at the airport.

Without the flight, I wouldn’t have had the time with my friend, nor would I have a complete story. I might even argue that the airport time was as essential to the trip as the time in Pennsylvania itself.

When we are waiting for something, whether it be a breakthrough, the achievement of a goal, or a simply happier season, the waiting period can feel endless and purposeless. But in reality, all of it is essential to the story of your life.

Without the waiting, you wouldn’t be prepared for what’s ahead. You wouldn’t have grown or changed or discovered the things you were meant to. The waiting is essential to the story because it reveals God’s faithfulness.

And when you look back, aren’t some of the funniest, most humbling moments during the waiting process? God uses those moments to bring us closer to Him as we embrace our humanity.

It can be very irritating to be waiting. But as you wait, take time to rest. Take time to discover and learn. Take time to simply be.

You will never get this time back, so why not make the most of it?

We will always be waiting for something or someone, even after we’ve gotten what we were previously waiting for. That doesn’t mean our whole lives are a waste. It just means we always have something to look forward to.

So today, trust God that He will come through in your life. Trust that this season will not be wasted and take the time to cherish every moment of it.

Throw yourselves into the work of the Master (God), confident that nothing you do for Him is a waste of time or effort.

1 Corinthians 15:58 (MSG)

You Have Grown In Remarkable Ways

Do you feel like you haven’t made much progress recently?

Do you ever wish you were further ahead in the journey than you currently are? Perhaps you made a bucket list or a set of goals that have yet to be achieved. Or maybe someone’s critical comment continues to sting.

It’s important to look back and see who we were at different points in time. Ten years ago, one year ago, one month ago, even one day ago.

We are often told that looking back means we are living in the past, but I don’t see it that way when we do it to remind ourselves of how far we’ve come.

When we look back reflectively, we won’t want to be the same person we were back then. Instead, we can appreciate how we’ve already grown so much.

There are certainly things that God is still doing in you. Pruning the rough patches, adjusting your mindset.

But God has already done so much. You have already come so far.

As a photographer, I am reminded of how little changes make a great difference. When I find a picture that needs editing, a simple adjustment of light or shadows can make a huge difference.

I don’t make many large edits to most of my pictures, so when I’m through, it can feel like I barely did anything to improve the photo.

Yet when I compare the original to the transformed version, I see how much clearer the beauty is in the new photo. All the distractions are removed and the beauty that was always there is finally revealed.

You have always been beautiful. You have always been God’s treasured creation.

But as you continue to grow, those innate qualities will be more and more clearly revealed.

Don’t give up. You are changing in remarkable ways. Even if you can’t see it now, it’s there. Don’t lose hope. ❤

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

2 Corinthians 3:18

Not Too Late

Do you feel like you’ve run out of time to pursue your purpose?

We always start out with a plan, right? If events will simply follow the outline, then everything else will fall into place. But as things begin to fall apart, we are left with worthless blueprints and a shattered spirit.

When things don’t go our way, we may think it’s too late. Too late for anything good to happen. Too late to achieve our dreams. Too late even for God to work through us.

We feel lost. Stuck. Abandoned. Hopeless.

But trust me when I say, it’s not too late. Not for you, not for me, not for anybody. For every moment we are breathing, we have a second chance.

And you might be thinking, “Sure, it’s easy for her to say.”

But no, it’s not any easier for me to believe this truth than it is for any of my readers. I’ve been experiencing one of my most directionless times, unsure what to move forward with and what to leave behind.

Even when God has made the best out of my unplanned situations, I tend to doubt that He will follow through in the end. It’s like I forget all He’s done when I’m faced with a new unknown.

But here’s the thing: God uses each of our experiences to help shape us and prepare us for the future. We are more prepared than we think.

And even if you don’t feel like God is listening, I promise you He is. It’s just hard to hear a still, small voice when the world’s worries are pounding in our ears.

Pay attention to the small reminders of His grace. Soak in and accept the unexplainable peace that follows. Surround yourself with wise counsel and supportive friends. Listen to what you know to be true about God’s character.

No matter where you’re at, God has a plan for you. You haven’t done anything to mess it up, no matter what others say. You have not missed out on what’s meant for you. Your story is just beginning. ❤

What if God, although choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath—prepared for destruction? What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory— even us, whom he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles?

Romans 9:22-24

Song recommendation: Not Too Late, by Xander Sallows: https://youtu.be/nomUnxG7MAA

Through the Looking Glass

Do you stare at yourself in the mirror and wonder what’s missing?

The next time you look in the mirror, I hope you can remember, this isn’t the whole of who you are.

When you examine your reflection, wondering what could be better, wishing to be someone else, remember that you are only getting a snapshot of who you are.

Staring at old photographs, pondering old dreams, searching for something more, may you know that you were created for more, but you don’t have to become more than who you are in order to fulfill your purpose.

The mirror can lie. The mirror can boast. The mirror can tell us all sorts of things. But there is one thing the mirror cannot tell us.

It can’t tell us who we are inside.

We don’t have to be controlled by a mere reflection. A reflection that changes each day, curving and bending with each new angle or shard of glass. A reflection that isn’t at all who we were made to reflect.

We were made to reflect the One who loves perfectly, who loves us perfectly in fact. We were made to shine the light of our Savior, our Maker, our Helper.

We are made for greater things than worrying about our image. We are made for so much more than this meaningless swirl of doubts.

You, yes you, are here for a reason. So step back from the mirror or the photo or whatever is causing you to feel unworthy.

Open your love letter from God, reach out to the people who love you no matter what, and help where you are needed. There will always be a place for you. You will always be beautiful to God and to others who see you for everything you are. Nothing can ever change your purpose. Nothing. ❤

For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

1 Corinthians 13:12

Why Do We Do What We Do?

Hope for when you feel your motivations shifting.

When I first published my book, I boldly declared, “If even one person is positively impacted through my writing, then it will all be worth it.”

What a humble notion, if only truly believed. When I first published the book, I received much more support and encouragement than I could’ve imagined. But as time went on and my circle had either read it, bought it, or forgotten about it already, I felt deflated. Yes, I wanted to believe that it would be enough for me if only one life was touched. In fact, I desperately wanted to live by that.

About a month went by and I was finally told the exact story I wanted to hear: A person who read my book and was going through a hard time was encouraged. A person I didn’t even know personally, in fact. And for a while, that was enough for me.

But today, while still incredibly grateful for those who have supported my book and for the ways God has used it to encourage others, I am left asking myself, “Why did I write this book in the first place? Why do I do what I do?”

How often do you go into a situation, perhaps a job or even a relationship, with the noblest of intentions, only to end up disappointed if not given the recognition or praise you had hoped for?

Better yet, how often do you reflect on your intentions before committing to something?

We are reminded in the Bible that intentions don’t determine everything. As the parable of the two sons goes, the son who doesn’t want to do the task but gets it done anyway is the one rewarded (Matthew 21:28-32). It’s not just the intention, but the follow-through.

However, while intentions certainly aren’t everything, but they are something.

The Bible also informs us that God knows our thoughts and the state of our hearts (Psalm 94:11). Therefore, even if everyone thinks we are doing something out of the goodness of our hearts, God will know whether or not that is true. Unfortunately, because of our sinful natures, we are often tempted to not do things for the right reason.

But the best part of intentions and actions going hand-in-hand is that God can use even the things that were not done out of the right motives. He can also help us redeem ourselves and be reminded of godly motives, perhaps ones we started out with, but lost along the way.

So today as I asked myself again, “Why did I write this book?”, I was reminded of a memory.

Young Hannah, sitting all by herself in the lunchroom, wishing someone with the right motives would come talk to me. Over the course of the year, I had already been approached by the pitiers, the ones just wanting a vote (what with the student body elections coming up), and the passers-by. And in the end, I was left alone, feeling worse than before.

In that moment, I knew I could never be one of those people. All I wanted was to genuinely be there for someone else, to help them finally feel seen and not alone anymore.

And now, as I think back to the ways this book sprang up out of surprising circumstances, truly inspired by God and the lonely times He’s brought me through, I am humbly reminded that yes, even one life is worth saving. My “sacrifice”, doing what I love, but perhaps for a smaller audience than I would’ve hoped for, is really a privilege.

Today, ask yourself what your intentions are, no matter what field or stage of life you are in. Don’t feel ashamed if your intentions aren’t what they used to be; we are all given the grace to start fresh again. Be reminded that no matter what you do, God will use it for good.

But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.

Exodus 9:16

Seeking a Special Day

Here’s a reminder that you can have hope for a better future.

I still remember 12/12/12 day. I was only in 5th grade at the time and we all were out for recess when the clock struck 12:12. Everyone ran around, shouting and excited for this simple reason. It was such a strangely special day, one that I realized could only happen once a century. And for some reason, that greatly bothered 10-year-old me.

Sometimes we feel like we have to hold onto special days or certain times of life that feel easier or just “better”. We bitterly lament how we will never experience such a wonderful season again.

But then it happens, a rare, special day that we never could’ve imagined. It pops up out of the blue, something we never could’ve prepared for, yet a wonderful gift indeed. Only if we keep our eyes open to the possibility of hope, that is, or else these gifts will pass us by.

Today is 2/22/22 day. Sure, 12/12/12 day may never come again, but that doesn’t mean we’ll never have a reason to celebrate a seemingly random day of the year! 10-year-old me shouldn’t have worried so much about it.

What if today you allow yourself to believe that there is a day–no, many days–in your future to look forward to? Sure, there will be hard days, days that make you feel empty and insignificant. But when you’re holding onto the hope that today might surprise you, then you can keep moving forward.

A special day will come, but until then, I hope you can at least be reminded of how special you are, and nothing can ever change that.

In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

2 Timothy 2:20-22