Workaholic?

Taken in a mystical, magical forest..

I like to achieve things, and I like to achieve things well. I'm a proud "list-lover", a "notebook hoarder" and a downright perfectionist. A lot of my life revolves around lists, which may sound like a prison for some, but I love to have everything neat and oh, that feeling of checking something off. Yes.

The above are all good things. But I worry that sometimes they can turn to jelly? As in: life can become all about the results, and the work.

So far, you might be nodding your head. Yeah, she sounds all right. Has a few thoughts in her noggin (*brain). Let me read you this from a book currently by my bedside: "The Artisan Soul" by Erwin Raphae McManus.

"Religion is our response to God from a perspective of coercion and compliance. We fear God, so we do his bidding and risk coming near him, all the while waiting to put distance between ourselves and our Creator. God is, however, profoundly misunderstood. Worship is not something we are called to so that God can reinforce his status. It is his way of calling us near. He asks us to grab the lighter and set the altar on fire - not because he could not do it himself, but because he wants us to come near. He wants us to realise that while we thought all he wanted form us was the work, it was actually an invitation to come near and know his love."

In the world of philosophical books, I make sure I have my head screwed on tight and I definitely do not believe everything I read. But this did make me think.

To summarize for those sleepy readers (I feel you): God doesn't love us for what we do, he loves us for who we are.

Yes, go ahead and write that somewhere on your wall or in iNote. You're welcome.

I have a few hundred dreams (not even exaggerating here), and you know what, the world is my oyster and the sky is the limit. But we gotta be careful that all this work doesn't become about having to earn Gods love. He loves us just as we are.

Whether you become the worlds best toenail cutter, or a snazzy salsa teacher, in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:6).

I might need to leave you just now, my loved one awaits...... (HELLO DAY OLD PIZZA).

ha. xo

Write-a-novel November

(source)

"Complete and utter nerd" is the title often given to fellow writers who stay holed up in their room eating cold toast and drinking gallons of tea. But, if you are one of those "nerds," then I can guarantee your heart might have been racing a little when you read the title of this post.

Is it really "write a novel" November?

Yes. Oh yes.

Great was my excitement when I heard the news. I'm not committing myself to 30 days (plus I only found out yesterday), but it's definitely given me a nudge toward writing more. 

WHERE DO I GO?? WHERE DO I GO?!?! Calm down my friend, it's ok. The organisation's website is right here. 

My advice as you embark on your new found writing journey: Just. Do. It. 

(If that doesn't stick in your brain then just buy a Nike t-shirt)

X

12 Ways To Make Your Day Better | Winter Edition

I know it's coming into winter for some of you, and for us down under it's just finishing, let's be honest, in all seasons we have winter-y days so sit back and enjoy. All photos are my own :)

1. Fluffy socks. I usually have to buy at least 2 pairs per winter because I wear them down worryingly quickly.

2. Before bed, warm your pyjamas on the heater. I just love doing this. Love, love.

3. Snuggles with pets. I was just saying the other day, everyone should have pet. Pets are like little fans, that follow you around, will do anything for you (it depends on the pet of course), and have the special offer of unlimited snuggles.

4. Read before bed. Find books so good that you can't put them down. I like to use goodreads for finding new literature.

5. Go on an adventure. Visit a museum. I love doing this - I'll be honest, at least a third of the pleasure I contrive is using my special local card. Or an art gallery. Go see a movie.

6. Create art. Winter is very beautiful weather for all things artsy. Get out your pencils, paints or camera, and wonder away.

7. Find "that" pair of jeans and wear them to death. I think the importance of having a good pair of jeans is underrated so this is me telling you that it does matter, spend those dollars baby, it'll be worth it.

8. Candles. Just let them glow, and relaaaaxxxx.

9. Take the time to make yourself a really nice hot drink (chai tea latte = MY FAVE). It may seem like a waste of time to some (not to most I'm sure) but it is a very inexpensive happiness booster.

10. Wake up five minutes earlier and enjoy a luxury lie in in bed. I can see where the saying "time is money" came from - it really is precious.

11. Stay active. It's so important to keep moving, and oh, does it make you sleep better. I have noticed this myself, I'm not just quoting something out of a health magazine. Youtube has tons of exercise routines if you need. And dance. Don't forget to dance. 30 min of dancing like no one is watching does wonders.

12. Bath. I tend to be more of a shower person, but every now and then, I'll force myself to get in the tub, and I never regret it. If you are looking for some good bath bombs to use, recently I did a Lush haul. TOP TIP: have an ice cold beverage at your arms length when in the bath, it's refreshing. 

BONUS: Put on those boots, gurrrrl. It's truly amazing what fab footwear does for one's happiness level and self esteem. Invest in a good pair - I dare you.

What do you do in winter to make your day better?

X

Bloomin'

(source)

Often when I have discovered a new celebrity, I find myself looking out for their failures (also the "no makeup" search - we've all done it). Re-reading this it sounds a little hypocritical. But it's done in all innocence. Why?

Because I can relate. And it makes them seem more real. Everyone has failures. Everyone beautiful flower that has blossomed, has been through the grit. It's almost like a wave of relief floods over me when I realise that it's okay to be going through a patch of dirt...even when it seems like no one else is. 

Mariah Peters is a beautiful christian singer, and she has a song called "Bloom" which fits into my little devotion like pancakes and syrup. 

"Just keep believing you'll see a new season soon
You're turning into something amazing
Baby, you were born to bloom
Bloom, bloom, bloom

I wish you could see
You were made for more
And your wildest dreams
Can't compare to what God's got in store
Someday soon you'll kiss the sky
Like a butterfly"

Let's all have a big group hug, shed some tears, and clink our mugs of chai tea (or insert beverage of your choice), boldly asserting that growing through dirt is all part of the plan. Not my plan (I wouldn't dream it up I can tell you). God's plan. 

Chatty chatty bang bang below, I love hearing your thoughts. Have you been through dirt? Or maybe a storm?

X

Mondays

"I hate Mondays" seems to fall on my ears a lot. I tried to fight it for a while, tried not to become one of "them," but I came to the steadfast realization that really, it does always seem to rain on a Monday. And not the good kind of rain, the dreary, dull, oppressive sludge.

How do you make a Monday better? Plan ahead. I pull out my notebook and scribble the scramblings of my brain at 10:11 on a Sunday night. Save my best cup of tea as solace for o-so-slow alarm clocks that have no regard for my personal sleep hygiene, and yet still strike an un-charming bell in the morning.

BUT..maybe there is a bright spot. Sure, Monday will never be my chocolate day. But it might still have some good qualities in there somewhere.

"How could he have considered taking Monday off? Monday was the diving board poised over the rest of the week. One walked out on the board, reviewed the situation, planned one's strategy, bounced a few times to get the feel of things, and then made a clean dive. Without Monday, one simply bombed into the water, belly first, and hoped for the best."    ~Jan Karon

X

Little Things

this is my little sis ♥

I love bubbles. I guess I'm not one of those people that are overly crazy about them, but when I see a kid bubbling away and cracking up with that giggle that comes all the way from the stomach, I can't help but smile.

Do you wanna know a secret?

Fine I'll tell you.

One of the keys to happiness is appreciating the little things. 

No, I’m not talking about that One Direction song, I’m talking about just being happy because this morning, you were the first one to use from the new tub of marmite (that’s always a good thing for me). Or your favourite pair of socks came out of the wash matching. Maybe you got to see a rainbow on your way to work.

Thanking God for all the small things in your life (as well as the big things). Just being truly grateful, I guess.

On pinterest they have these "little reasons to smile" pins, which I just get lost in for hours. Have a looky at this board. Or you can just search "little reasons to smile" in the search bar. You're welcome. Need I say more? Just click that link and you will know EXACTLY what I mean. 

So really that's all I wanted to say. This week has been better. I'm over that mid-year crisis (haha if that's such a thing) and trying to stress-less-ly get to 2015, successfully. 

X

Why to NOT be yourself

You say “I’m not very confident. I don’t know what to say and do in social situations.”

Some genial do-gooder says “Just be yourself! You’re awesome!”

But..

If everyone were themselves, we would be self-centered, stealing, cheating, lying, abusing, etc. When we think about it, selfishness is what is destroying this world (aside from the need for love).

We don’t need to be more like ourselves, we need to be more like Jesus. Let him transform us into the best version of ourselves. Finding out who we are and what we stand for (WHAT DO I STA-AA-AA-ND FOR WHAT I DO I STA-AA-AA-ND FOR SOME NIGHTS I DON’T KNOW ANYMOOOOOOOOORE) is a quest with a rocky road, or a crossword answered with some 1840s euphemism for a mouldy bagel filled with pig. Can you imagine trying to track that baby down in a dictionary?

Tips:

       1)      Don’t try to be like other people. Unless they are Jesus.

2)      Eat your bible. Become fat in faith.

3)      Let Jesus in, let him be your heartbeat, let him transform you, show you what he thinks of you.

4)    Be unique. I get so frustrated when I catch myself acting like Bob and Joe from across the road.

5)      Dance*.

You’ll find out who you are. Don’t worry. Replace that question mark with a tick.

*Optional but highly recommended. Scientists have proven that it is an automatic feel - good. Scientists have also proven that the people who have the most birthdays live the longest.

.xo

Something called our Western World

     Watch this video. It is so inspiring and doesn't it really bring into perspective our Western culture?

 

video from irisglobal.org

     I am guilty of taking for granted the things that I have, and I completely agree with what Heidi is saying. Our time on earth is this long _____________ and our time in heaven is as long as you can imagine + forever. It doesn't matter how much money we earn. What shoes we wear.

 

     How easy is it to forget, in this swirl of Western culture, that there are people with no father, or mother, no food or water, riddled with sickness and disease.

     But it is easy. It is very easy. It is too easy.

     I want that intimacy. I love her - Heidi Baker is such an amazing lady, you can find more about her and her ministry here.

     What else do I say? Hope this inspires you, keep drawing closer and remembering THERE ARE KIDS IN AFRICA THAT HAVE NO FOOD. Love you.

 

     .xo

Troubles

If you could imagine (which I’m sure you can) a swirling hurricane with thoughts and bits and bobs flying everywhere, that’s what the inside of my brain might look like right now. I can’t stop thinking about certain things which I should just be over by now. All the problems. The sucky moments. The whining about how my life stinks (it doesn’t – I told you I’m unreasonable when I’m tired). And tomorrow is Monday, Monday, Monday….I don’t have anything against it’s just so…..Monday-y.

You’re stuck. Or at least you have been – everyone, let’s be honest, has at some point been so bogged down by problems and things.

My advice: hit the zoom out button. Realize that this is just a day and it will end and that this is just a year and it will end. It’s a phase, you won’t be stuck there forever. Maybe ask yourself: does it really matter? It will seem like it does. But really, there’s so much more ahead.

Console yourself by the fact that everyone has their troubles. Yeah. #ME

Then do something that makes you happy. Dance to some hot beats (dance is always the answer), if it’s knitting and listening to Frank Sinatra, that’s more granny – like but still cool too.

I’m a human talking to another human. I can’t offer you a slab of gold but God can give you a great big hug right now. Say “He works everything together for my good” (Romans 8:28).

I feel like I want to cry but I’m happy at the same time….just me? Thought so. My emotions have a mind of their own. Whether that’s to my advantage, I’m not sure.

xo.

Mean? Just love.

I find it sad when I get a rude phone call from someone that I used to be close with, without knowing why. When I find myself in a slump and can’t figure out why. When people are mean.

Maybe you get sad too?

Let’s pray.

Dear God, I pray that you will fill me with more love, more love, more love. And grace.

Love never fails, and when life deals us bad cards we can have grace to forgive those people and give out more love. Because often the people that are mean just need love. We all do.

 

Before I get uptight about things are plan my passive-aggressive schemes, I just remember that their sins are not my problem, and WWJD? Love. Love. Love. Love. Love. Love. Love. Love.

And more love.

(By all means don’t go out and be a people pleaser, bowing before everyone even when they throw toenails in your face, I don’t mean that, stick up for yourself, but remember to love always)

And what does love look like?

Read the bible to find out. Breathe in how Jesus acts. That’s the best of the best, in my opinion.

Walk tall and proud, friend, you’re a love-er!

X

This is honestly like therapy, my feathers were a bit ruffled (I'm not actually a bird haha) tonight, but God has an amazing way of weeding out the weeds and showing me things from His perspective.

Photo source(s)

Just Say Yes

I love mornings. I love the smell of the air, the sight of the sunrise. I love everything about it – except the getting up.

When I set my alarm clock, it always sounds nice the night before. But that moment when I jolt awake because of it, it does not always sound so nice.

I hate having to get out of bed. That’s it. Full stop. I always just want to stay there for as long as possible between my soft sheets.

Life’s like that sometimes….you just want to stay right where you are even though you know God’s called you somewhere else. It’s seems so perfect and surreal living in the space that you are; why move?

It’s called obedience. And if I may be so bold, the reward is always greater. God knows what he’s doing, and I haven’t just heard this, I’ve learnt this.

With my hot drink in my hands, watching the world wake up is always so enchanting and I savour it. I am always so grateful I got up at the unearthly time I did (7:00 – I bet some of you are rolling your eyes) to enjoy my morning without rushing around.

It’s my reward for literally forcing myself out of bed and obeying The Alarm Clock.

Here’s my advice when God calls you out of what seems the perfect place to somewhere else:

Just say yes.

It’ll be worth it, I promise.

X

 

We all look up to the same stars. Even THOSE famous people.

I know, I know, it's the moon not the stars. Forgive me.

The clock says it 9:48, but it feels like midnight.

Hair whipped back in the wind, blissfully ignorant of how I look in the darkness, street lights flying by.

As I stared at the stars out the window, I had a revelation.

As I’m sure you know, there are celebrities, right? And we (sometimes) want their life, right? Right.

The deal is: they don’t get any more sunshine than we do. They don’t automatically get an envelope of happiness delivered straight to their door. They have to brush their teeth same as we do.

They look up to the same stars we do.

They aren’t any more valued in God’s eyes. God doesn’t love them any more than you. God doesn’t just look at the outside, he looks at the inside. They're humans, just like you.

As I gaze at the stars, everything swirls back into its rightful perspective. It’s not really about having lots of money or fame, is it? It’s about God. His purpose.

Sure, follow celebrities, but just admire them, don’t compare. You can’t be happy and compare.

God should be plan A, whether you’re an Oscar winner or not (if you are an Oscar winner then wow I can't believe you're reading this and what the heck).

X

*And please don't think I'm saying being a celebrity is bad. If you are, then congrats. It's just that 99% of the population isn't, so as they say...."take the meat and leave the bones". I tried to make it as meaty as I could. Honest.

You're never 'too busy' to stop for the small things.

A beautiful sunrise in Paihia, New Zealand. Just because it’s beautiful.

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’

Matthew 25:37-40

This scripture speaks for itself. I’d like to be able to listen to this and hold my head proud, not hang it in shame.

Sometimes we fall short. It’s just life. But remember that each week, each day, is a fresh start. And believe me, fresh starts are what are we ALL need.

(I'm talking about this scripture in the context of being busy, there are other blocks in the road, but I think this block is a big one for a lot of us.)

You know when a little kid wants you to come and help them color in? And you…cough….sometimes are just too busy?

Maybe we think it doesn't matter, that it's only one kid (and we were having a bad day anyway - not just me?). But God sees everything.

We don't know the hour that Jesus will come, the minute that our days will end. Sorry to say.

Let’s not be too busy to stop for the small things. To cook dinner for someone who’s had a rough day, even though you might be tired and your day probably wasn’t perfect either.

Because when we stop and love that extra person, we love Jesus.

X

Nothing Can Make Me Love You Less

This is for the broken, the weak, the weary. Those who feel like they aren’t worthy or aren’t “perfect” enough.

This is what God is saying – “None of your scars can make me love you less.”

Right before I sat down to write, I prayed and the next minute as I was surfing the web (as you do) I read this. It stood out because I think a lot of us feel not worthy enough, and this is what God wants to say. He loves us with all his heart, and when we criticize ourselves and feel unworthy, it breaks his heart.

It brings tears to my eyes. Honestly.

No matter how many mistakes we make, how many times we fail … God still loves us with all his heart.

We are sons and daughters of a King, and who said royalty isn’t worthy?!

So stand tall. You’re worth everything in the world, you’re worth dying for – in fact, He already did die on the cross for you.

X

The Scary Word: Future

Life is full of questions. Yes? Such as “who do you want to be?” and “what do you want to do in life?”

If you’re having trouble answering those questions, then welcome aboard the ship (you may call me Captain).

There are SO many options, millions (ish) of topics that we could study, and thousands of different jobs we could take up. But which one?

A few months ago, my heart would’ve started racing and my mind would’ve started spinning and going into an overdrive. Panic, basically. Panicking that I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life!

Then I found the Truth.

The truth is this simple: giving your life solely to God is all that matters. You and I are both made for a unique purpose. Jesus’s command was to love each other (John 15:17), so if we beginning by learning more about Him and the word of God and doing everything out of love, then that’s a great start right there.

“Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” (Proverbs 16:3)

That’s what really matters, see?

It’s really ok to have no idea what you want to do. In fact, now is the perfect time to give God the reins of your life and let him steer you.

In Proverbs 16:9 it says “In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.”

I can truthfully say that I’m excited to wake up every morning knowing that I’m on an adventure with God.

Adventure.

That’s the way we should look at life. As an adventure with Him! It’s better to be right beside Him than anywhere else in this world, or the next. Psalm 84:10 says it exactly:

“Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere.”

That’s what we’re striving for, right? To be with Him.

God’s listening, watching, right now as you read this. I bet he’s absolutely full of joy and excitement that he wants to share with you about your future. So trust him, and lean into the Truth.

He’s calling you by name – and it says that “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him”. So dare to love him.

And when he asks you to do something? JUST SAY YES. It’s simple, and so rewarding. In my life it’s happened over and over, when God asks me to do something and I DO IT, the reward is amazing (better than a whole block of chocolate. No, seriously, it is.)

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8)

Together, let’s be the kind of people that jump off the chairs for the Lord. Let’s be the people that shout “PICK ME!!!!” at the top of our lungs (if you know me well, then you can definitely imagine me doing this). Let’s not even worry about our future, okay?

Amen.

X

Thanks for joining by the way – it’s been a real pleasure. I’ll be praying for you as you embark on the best journey E.V.E.R. (the one that God has planned for you.) Aye aye, me hearties!

What To Do About Revenge....

You know that moment when someone has just done/said something awful and you just want to punch their lights out and get revenge immediately? Yeah.

Let’s get our honest faces on, because I sometimes don’t deal with those situations in the most respectful manner. I’ve heard it said that you should pray for your enemies, and I’ve always kind of thought that I don’t have enemies! But I think as humans, we do get angry with each other and we do form “enemies”.

If you get into one of the situations, my advice is….bite your tongue. It’ll save you a whole lot of embarrassing apologies and trouble in the long run. That’s easy said but hard done (or however that saying goes), huh? Here’s what the bible says about it:

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.

Do not repay evil for evil.

Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.

Romans 12:14, 12:17 & 12:19.

Ouch. How do you bless someone that’s just wounded you? It’s H.A.R.D.

I have been lying awake at night, finding my mind going back to when someone did wrong to me that day. Before I begin to sketch out plans of revenge (involving tomatoes and a catapult) I remember these scriptures. And….here’s the secret…..

I pray for them.

You heard me right, I pray for my “enemies”! Well, an enemy sounds dramatic, but you get it.

And to make things even crazier, do GOOD for your enemies.

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

Romans 12:20. Romans is full of some good stuff, eh?

Imagine this: next time someone does something wrong to you, instead of slapping them in the face like a 5 year old (we’ve all been there) let’s show kindness just like Jesus.

I kind of like the way Paul puts it in Romans 12:21……

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

X

(And a side note…don’t be the enemy! That’s another story, but keep it in mind. Thanks for joining. It’s been a pleasure!)

(You are) Precious

Hey you!

 
Yes, you, right there.

 
You’re precious.

 
Who are you precious to? I ask that question. On my down days, thinking thoughts like “do I actually matter? Does anyone value me?” (hands up if you’ve thought these thoughts too – ooh, I see a few in the back).

 
I wanna tell you right now, that you weren’t brought to read this for no reason. God values you a lot, and whether this is news or whether you’ve heard this a million times, I think you should hear it again.

 
How about we dig a little deeper (bring your spades and shovels – what’s that saying, the more hands the easier, or the easier with more hands? You know what I mean).

 
The definition of precious is below:

 
Of great value; not to be wasted or treated carelessly.

(Used as a term to address a beloved person.)

 
Hmm. Let’s make a pretty little analogy: do you have a belonging or person that you hold close to your heart that you value, protect and are very careful with? A family member, or a diamond ring maybe? Something that you would call precious?

 
How you see that thing/person is how God sees you. He’s looking down on you, smiling, and holding you close. He’s got you – you are precious in His sight. Don’t forget that.

 
See, told you we’d dig deep. And as I’m writing this I feel it’s touching my heart too. Read the definition of precious again, and this time read it like this:

 
You are of great value; not to be wasted or treated carelessly.

(Used as a term to address you. By God.)

 
That’s right, you. If I was having a coffee with you right now, I’d look you in the eye and share this bible verse (1 Corinthians 6:20):

 You were bought at a price.

 For some of you that have been reading my blog, I did just share that scripture a few posts ago. But hey, it doesn’t hurt to repeat it, right? It makes me smile every time I hear it, and I bet it makes your heart feel Gods love too. And remember, it’s not me telling you this – it’s GOD. He’s the Creator and Maker of all things….including you.

 
So go out there, sister, and live your life knowing just how valued you are. I’ll embark on this journey with you, I think.

 
x

Heart Cravings

Hello friend!

Are you craving anything right now? A warm fudgey piece of chocolate cake perhaps? Or maybe a warm package of hot chips…..the options are endless.

Oh, and I apologize if I just aroused those cravings that you were trying to banish. But let’s face it, sister, they ain’t ever gonna go (unless you become one of those health freaks who don’t even go near anything with the word carb in it – TORTURE!!!).

Believe it or not, I actually have a point for bringing food up. If you’ll be so kind, read below:

·         Our stomach has cravings (don’t try and deny this – we all know it’s true)

·         Just like our stomach, our heart has cravings too

And just how do we fill those cravings coming from our heart? No matter how much double caramel ice cream you devour, it won’t satisfy your heart. Nuh uh.

My heart longs for depth. Intimacy with Christ. LOVE.

What does your heart crave for? Deep, deep down, that longing, what is that?

“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end” Eccles. 3:11

There’s always going to be that longing. That’s just how God has made us.

(I don’t completely understand. But I do know that God understands.)

It seems like we’re in a bit of a dark hole, but the good news is Papa God knew that we’d have those cravings when he created us. He hasn’t forgotten about you, he knows exactly what you need.

GOD can fill those cravings.

It’s different for every person – some people need to feel worthy, feel wanted, but something we all need is to feel loved.

I think that’s what’s at the heart of our heart – to love, and to be loved. Love is so important.

Boogie on down to 1 Corinthians (13:13):

So these three things continue forever: faith, hope, and love. And the greatest of these is love.

So love is important, huh? It’s mentioned again and again in the bible. And here’s some exciting news:

You are loved. A lot.

By who?

Papa God.

1 John (4:16) says this:

So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.

Here’s another gem (Romans 5:8):

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

I’m touched. My heart’s cravings are satisfied. And what’s cool is we are called to love others as well. See John (13:34):

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.

Go back to your life. Spread the Word. Love, and remember in your heart that you’re loved.

x

(Thanks for reading by the way…..it’s really sweet. The fact that you and I had this special time makes me want to celebrate and crack open a tub of hokey pokey! [any excuse is valid])

You are? Precious. Loved. Valued. YOU!

Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock. (right about now I eat a Tic Tac just to mix things up).

And the clock goes on.  

Life, eh? That’s a phrase I emit along with a sigh, sometimes. When things get rough. When I’m sad, when I’m happy, when my thoughts swirl around in my head like a hurricane, and everything seems too much. Life, eh?

Right now I’m sitting at my desk, everything’s peaceful, but I know in the back of my head I should probably be somewhere, doing something, talking to someone. But instead I’m here. Talking to you. What about you? Where are you? At your desk, perhaps? Having a bit of alone time? First of all, I’m very privileged to have you joining me today – no really, it’s an honour. I’d like to share with you a little piece of thought, or a bunch of words, or whatever you want to call it. So maybe grab a bite to eat (speaking of eating, I might go get something myself. Apple strudel or tuna sandwich….tough decisions) and join me on this little piece of mind food. Hehe…two kinds of food…..I’m a genius.

Moving on..

I think I’ll talk about you.

Haha, did you just freak out? Don’t worry, it’s not like it sounds! It’s just, well, is it just me that has a hard time being myself and finding who I truly am? Sometimes I doubt myself and confidence doesn’t come easy on those days. Am I loved? Am I valued? Do I actually have talents and gifts that are important? Do I have a purpose in this world? If you’ve got some questions like this, I dare you to READ ON!

First of all, here are a few points I’d like to make (yes, that’s right, I’m Miss. Professionally Speaking today):

·         Everyone has their own talents.

·         Everyone is valued.

·         Everyone has their own little place in LIFE.

Sooooo….I don’t know much about you, but I do know that you’re YOU. “Duh!” is what you’re thinking, but just take me seriously for a moment, and I’ll explain.

Lots of people have struggles finding out who they really are, I know I did! And still do, to be honest. Social media keeps projecting this false image that we’re supposed to look like and be like. There’s a lot of pressure to be up  to date and what everyone else is doing; what you “should” be doing. But have you ever stopped to think about who YOU are? What do you love? What things are you gifted in?

Miss, Mr, or Mrs, I hereby declare that you have full permission to BE YOURSELF.

It’s as simple as that really – you weren’t created by mistake. You were created to specifically, well, BE YOU. God created a love for you out of the best that He had. In His eyes, you are PRECIOUS. Here’s a pretty darn cool bible verse that proves it (1 Corinthians 6:20):

“You were bought at a price.” 

Aww, I know I’m feeling the love. Also, why we’re still on the same page (sorry, pun intended), you are created for a purpose. A PURPOSE. Not just to stand here on earth, but He’s actually got a plan for your life. Soooo, flip to your bibles everyone…Oh, no, wait, I’ve got it right here so you don’t have to (a round of applause goes to anyone that did actually reach for their bible – I commend you). Here it is (Jeremiah 29:11):

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”

For me, that’s such a relief. I have really high expectations of myself, so to hear that God has a plan for my life is just fab. I’m free to be me! (*cheesiness alert*) I am precious, I am created for a purpose, and I’m myself!! And you know what’s really cool?

YOU are precious! YOU are created for a purpose! YOU are free to be yourself!

People need someone like you. You totally have a place in this world, and you’re totally valued. Totally.

Okay, you can breathe out now. Phew.

To finish off, here’s quote from the brilliant Dr. Seuss:

“Today you are you. That is truer than true. There is no one in the world that is youer than you.”

Don’t try to be anyone else, be yourself, because everyone else is taken. And if you weren’t you, who would fill your shoes? Your shoes are valued. Loved. Created for a purpose. By HIM.

x