Tag: Purpose

You Are Here for a Reason

In case no one’s told you today, you are here for a reason.

You’re here for a reason.

No matter what anybody’s told you, no matter what you’ve been through, no matter how the past may hold you.

You’re here for a reason.

Despite all the failures, despite the dreams that have passed you by, despite the way you sometimes want to hide.

You’re here for a reason.

You were born at that specific time on that specific day in that specific location for a reason.

You were made with these amazing dreams, with these incredible talents, with those super deep feelings for a reason.

You look the way you do, you act the way you do, and you are who you are for a reason.

You are you because we need you. If you become like everyone else, then who will take your place? No one. Because you are irreplaceable.

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.

Psalm 139:14

Expendable

Taking a short trip down memory lane for an important reminder about how God uses every season of our lives!

For today’s Encouragement Thursday, I couldn’t decide what to write about. So I went through some old journals a few days ago, and I found a rather insightful entry from sixteen-year-old me. Hope it lifts your spirits the way it did for me!

A lot of times, we think situations or people are expendable. We think “ugh, we could have been just the same without that” or “that person has done nothing helpful for me”. But you know, every situation changes us. Every interaction changes us. Every person put in our lives has a purpose and maybe if you actually let them change you (for the better) or help you grow, you can see how even the most difficult people teach us things. (Like patience, haha) Same goes for situations. A lot of times, the ones we want to erase from our minds are the ones that have made us who we are today. They are painful, not expendable. Not replaceable.

But most importantly, we are not expendable. We are vital, made for a purpose, and even when others see us as just another useless piece of trash, God sees us as His perfect creation. His loved creation.

Okay, I may have been slightly irritated or something with a person when I wrote that. I was probably frustrated with a situation I couldn’t control or something. But I think it’s so helpful to look back and see how God was moving in our lives even when we least expected it.

I have gotten so much from rereading old journals and thinking about the past. It’s important to not get stuck there, but it’s good to reflect on how far we’ve come. We aren’t the same person we once were. But we can take those amazing attributes from our younger years and combine that with the wisdom we obtain as we get older. Think about your own history. How have you grown as a person? How is God using this particular season in your life? What can you learn from how God has worked through you and for you in the past? God uses every age, every season of our lives. All we have to do is let go and trust His mighty plan for us.

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.  Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

1 John 4:7-8

Thank You

Happy One Year Anniversary to this blog! How have you changed over the course of the year?

Today is my one year anniversary of posting on this blog! Thank YOU for being amazing. I hope this has been an encouragement to you, because that is the sole purpose of this blog, to spread encouragement and remind you of God’s love.

As I may have mentioned before, the day I started this blog was rough. It was actually the day after one of the worst nights of my life. I’m the type of person to bottle everything up inside, and it pretty much all exploded that day.

I’ve realized why I was so broken. It was because I was putting my faith in people and in circumstances. I was too afraid of losing what I had instead of focusing on what had been given to me in that moment.

I struggle a lot with really staying in the moment. I would say that I’m generally optimistic, but I do worry a lot about the future and about my relationships. I think that things will only get better if _____ happens.

But I need to stop.

And remember.

I have everything I need already.

And so do you.

You may not feel that way at all, and a lot of the time, I don’t either. But it’s true. God never gives us anything too big for us to handle when we have Him by our side. He can turn any situation around in ways we can’t even fathom. That’s what ended up happening with two of the things I had been so stressed about a year ago.

One of those things had to do with an important person in my life. I was worried that we would drift apart, and although that kind of happened for a season, we ended up becoming closer than we had been originally over the course of a few months. I just had to be patient.

For the other thing, I thought that we were going to have to put my dog down, who was my best friend and closest companion, the only one I ever really shared my emotions with. Well, God spared him for several more months, and because of that scare, I was able to actually celebrate those months and make the most of my time with him.

God allows us to go through difficult days, months, seasons, even years. But He promises us that we are never alone during those times. And in the end, I think you’ll realize why God allowed you to go through those hardships. It’s so hard to think ahead when we’re still in the eye of the storm. But if you keep your eyes on God and allow His peace to flow through you, then however long it takes will be worth it.

In the moment, those few months felt like eternity. But looking back, so much has changed in the course of a year. I’m still here, even when I doubted it sometimes. Life has changed very drastically for all of us, I’m sure.

But there’s one thing that doesn’t change, and that’s God. He will always be our source of perfect love, perfect stability, and perfect justice.

So today, if you have the chance, think back to where you were a year ago today. Have you changed as a person? How have your difficulties over the course of a year actually brought you closer to God?

And remember, there is so much to be thankful for. I guarantee that if you stop and really think about who you love, how God has blessed you, even in the small areas of life, that you’ll feel a bit more joyful.

Thank you for one year! Treat yourself to something sweet and virtually celebrate with me! 😉

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

James 1:17

Their Victory Can Be Your Victory

Are you struggling with jealousy right now? Always remember that their purpose is not your purpose. You can celebrate others without comparing them to yourself.

“Her purpose is not your purpose.”

@Shelivespurposefully

“Just because you’re happy about her success doesn’t mean you won’t get yours. So celebrate with her! Don’t create a competition that doesn’t exist.”

Unknown

I’ve seen quotes of this nature so many times on Instagram these days, and I’m just hoping that I can really live it out. Jealousy, that green-eyed monster, has gotten the better of me countless times. But the truth is, the one it’s really hurt is me. It’s caused me to miss out on what’s right in front of me, and even worse, it’s caused me to harbor resentment towards others, either people I hardly know or even close friends.

We never really know what’s going on in other people’s lives. We don’t know what their story is, or what it took, all the failures along the way, to get where they are today. A lot of us are more private than we let on, not wanting people to know our past. And sometimes, that’s okay. But we also have to realize that others are like that too, and they only want us to see the good side of them. The victory at the end of the long, hard, brutal battle.

When we compare ourselves to others, we aren’t measuring things equally. It’s not a fair competition. We are comparing everything about one person (ourselves) and only a partial chapter of another’s story, likely the climax or the resolution. We are never on the exact same part of life as someone else when it comes to personal growth. So why are we expecting our lives to suddenly be figured out when our friend or an influencer’s life takes a dramatic change?

You have a purpose. An extraordinary purpose that no one else on Earth can fulfill.

But beloved, your purpose is not the same purpose as the person next to you. It’s not the same as your roommate, your sibling, your best friend, or even your partner.

It’s all uniquely yours.

But their victory can be your victory. You can celebrate when your friend gets that promotion, your cousin buys that new house, or your neighbor finally has the means to purchase that item you’ve both been eyeing. It’s not a race. It’s not a competition. What is meant for you will be given to you.

The same goes for that particularly touchy subject…relationships.

This one is hard for me to write and follow.

Even that person that you like, or even love, but aren’t in a relationship with, can be someone you celebrate. Even if they end up with someone else. Because they if they aren’t with you, then they weren’t meant for you. You have someone even better suited for you in your future.

Even if your best friend just got into a healthy relationship and you have been single your whole life. You can be happy for her without getting into a relationship yourself or being in that same stage of life. You just haven’t met the perfect person yet. God’s sparing you the heartbreak.

Even if you feel like everyone else in the world has their person (which they don’t… and if you think about it, you’ll realize you probably are in good company being single) you can still celebrate. You are loved by the most powerful, loving, and faithful being in the universe– God. You don’t have to be loved by some person in order to be cherished, worthy, valuable, and enough. You don’t have to be defined by a relationship. You are God’s precious creation no matter what.

So today, encourage others who you may have been envious of earlier. And I know it’s hard. I struggle with jealousy all the time, so this post is for my own benefit as much as yours. But also realize that there is so much more ahead of you that you can celebrate, and hopefully those same people you’re celebrating right now will be able to join you when it’s your turn in the limelight.

You have such a wonderful future ahead of you, and those storms, doubts, and tough situations are only here to make you stronger. You can do this. I believe in you, and more importantly, God believes in you too.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

    your works are wonderful,

    I know that full well.

Psalm 139:14

Surrounding Yourself With Encouragement

Today is the start of Encouragement Thursdays, where I’ll post a message God has been bringing to my attention over the past week!

I have noticed a rather humorous trend on my social media platforms these days. Instead of scrolling through pictures of friends and family, I seem to be scrolling through endless inspirational quotes and tidbits of advice. This was certainly unintentional, following so many accounts that are run by strangers who want to brighten others’ days, but I feel like God has used these daily messages to bring hope to my life.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve noticed a trend of negativity and finger-pointing lately in the media, in our communities, and perhaps even within our close circles of friends/family. There is a lot of division in our world today.

That’s why I believe–now more than ever– that we need to surround ourselves with encouragement. Whether it’s unfollowing negative, or even hurtful people, and following those who post inspirational content, or going out of your way to plaster Bible verses on your walls. Make sure to surround yourself with encouraging people, at least one friend who brings you closer to God and makes you feel better after spending time with them.

I have another proposition, and that would be to start posting Encouraging Thursdays, where I share something I learned from over the past week by looking out for encouraging messages.

Today’s Encouraging Thursday quote is this:

“Avoidance is the greatest risk of all.”

I saw this quote a day after I made the decision to go ahead with doing a task–albeit a small one, but even those matter– that I felt God was calling me to do. Even though the event has not yet happened, this reminded me that it’s better potentially embarrassing myself than regretting not taking action at all. I don’t have to think later on that there was more I could do. I can feel satisfied in knowing that I will have done everything I can humanly do to help this person.

Is there something in your life that you are on the fence about doing? Maybe it’s taking a new job, talking to a new person, or having a difficult, but important, conversation. Whatever it is for you, pray about it, and if you feel peace and think that God wants you to do it, then go for it! You will never know what would have happened unless you do your part to make it happen.

I hope this was encouraging for you, and I’ll try to keep up these Encouraging Thursdays! Today try to find a book, quote, or have a conversation with an encouraging person in your life. It might just make today amazing!

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Romans 12:2

Just a Little Thing

I was inspired by the newest member of my family for this post– Rocky. He’s a two month old puppy who is anything but obedient. He is incredibly dramatic, playful, energetic, smart, and strong-willed. We love him, but it’s very frustrating when he doesn’t understand why we want him to do certain things, like oh I don’t know, maybe use the bathroom outside or not chew up things that don’t belong to him…!?

Sometimes we have to put Rocky in the crate in order to give him alone time to think about what he did wrong and why he needs us to train him. He hates it, but generally he feels better when he calms down and rests.

God gives us seasons where we are stuck (hello quarantine) or unable to fully function the way we want to. Other times, He might cause us to take the time to realize we need to turn to God alone, and not other sources of distraction. It’s up to us, though, whether we will grow and be able to move on from those seasons, or if we will scream and fight our way out.

Rocky is only four pounds and it’s pretty funny (although it gets old really fast) when he tries bossing us around, especially during mealtime. He thinks he deserves things that may hurt him or he isn’t ready for yet. He doesn’t always realize the power we actually have over him and how tiny he truly is in the grand scheme of things.

I think I struggle with this a lot, and you might too. My feelings are so strong, my desires seeming to be so valid, that I forget how minuscule I am in comparison to this entire universe. I forget that I barely know anything next to the Creator of the world. I need to step back and appreciate what God is telling me to do, because He, just like with us for our puppy, wants the best for us. He doesn’t want us to get hurt, but He may allow us to have difficulties in order to learn from them.

Today I challenge you to step back from a world centered around yourself. Instead, think about what God might have for you and what He is calling you to do. We all have a greater purpose that allows us to have a bigger impact.

Whether one door closes or another is opening, God has a plan for everything. We may not understand why things are happening the way they are right now, but eventually I hope you can see that God has been with you and will be with you every step of the way. You can have hope and comfort in the fact that God is in control of your life, no one else.

You will be taken care of.

But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31

Stuck

This morning, I was changing my daily calendar next to my bed, and I noticed an old clock that has been sitting there ever since we moved into this house. When I was a kid, I thought it was antique by the way the numbers are still Roman numerals and the clock is protected by a glass covering.

But the thing I noticed today was that the time had stopped working. The little second hand was ticking repeatedly between 11:27 and 11:28. This got me thinking a little bit.

I’m the sort of person who relives mistakes, embarrassing moments, and even good ones over and over again. That keeps me stuck between my 11:27 “past” and my 11:28 “future”. That isn’t a place where I can grow or move on.

Moving on is really hard. It means we have to let go of not only past mistakes, but past dreams. It means we have to be willing to face new challenges instead of harping on the old ones. It means we have to have the courage to say “yes” to God.

But I think that if we ask God for that courage, He will give it to us in a heartbeat.

Be gentle with yourself as you try to move on. Don’t rush the process, because then you will only have a temporary solution, not permanent peace and contentment. But be willing to take a look at what you do have in the present instead of worrying about what you missed out on in the past. That way, you won’t make that mistake again.

No matter how long it takes you to move on, you are not a lesser person for having doubts, making mistakes, or having trouble with change. Everyone is different, and when we compare ourselves, we will only feel worse about ourselves.

I may have shared this quote before, but it’s important.

The fastest way to ruin something beautiful is to compare it with something else.

Remember that you are a beautiful creation, and nothing you do or think can change that. You may not have been made for a specific person, situation, or opportunity. That’s okay. You were made for something even greater that needs YOU. Not the person you think is better looking, more successful, or more talented. The world needs you.

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

Romans 8:18

The Three Dollar Tree

Someday, everything will make perfect sense. So for now, laugh at the confusion, smile through the tears, and keep reminding yourself that everything happens for a reason.

John Mayer

“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”

Maya Angelou

We have this tree in our backyard that’s super skinny and used to have barely any leaves. Occasionally we thought it would die because the leaves would turn a burnt color and we wouldn’t have minded terribly since it was only three dollars. But years have passed and now it has grown into a tree that attracts all kinds of birds, with lush leaves and a firm foundation.

A lot of times we feel like the three dollar tree. We feel like our beginnings are what defines us and we feel like giving up. But if we work with what we have and not let our mistakes shape how we present ourselves to the world, then we can grow into a person who brings life to those around us.

It’s easy to feel intimidated by the people who have exciting stories of how they came to faith. Or perhaps it’s the family that has always grown up in the church and seems so strong and stable that cause you to feel insecure. But no matter where you are on your faith journey, you are significant and still growing. No one has reached the end of their growing until they get to Heaven.

In daily life, it can be difficult to see all the wonderful changes and opportunities that are in store for us. It’s easy to look at the day-to-day and feel stuck. I’ve often found myself in that place where I don’t want to be, but I’ve resigned myself to.

But if we look at the bigger picture, we can realize that we don’t have to give up. We don’t have to settle for what’s in front of us. We can realize that we have more in store than what others expect of us.

In times of discouragement, it is vital to remember how loved we are by God and others. If we never forget that, then we can have hope that the same God that planned our lives has an ultimate purpose for us. He isn’t going to settle for some mediocre creation– He’s going to go all out. Because you are special and you were created in a unique way so that you can do something that no one else has done before.

Our only job now is to see what God calls us to do and go for it. Don’t let your fears or insecurities hold you back for the beautiful things that lie ahead.

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Isaiah 40:31