October 1, 2023
We are officially in the last stretch of the 2023 year. That is so crazy, only three more months and we will be starting 2024. I pray that each of you have had a great week and have gotten to experience some of the perfect fall weather. Where I am, let’s just say
Georgia cannot make up its mind. It is 60 degrees in the morning but by noon it is up in the high 80s. I am so ready for it to be and stay cool outside. Fall is my bar far favorite time of year because I just love the thought of wearing sweats, having bonfires, watching winter movies, and just enjoying the cool weather. This week has been quite busy for me. Combine school, senior pictures, dog sitting, birthday celebrations, college applications, working, and helping host an awareness walk into one weekend. Busy is an understatement, but I wouldn’t change this weekend for the world. Starting with senior pictures, I cannot believe that I will be graduating in 233 days (yes I have a countdown). Taking these pictures opened my eyes to see that I really am in the last little bit and that makes me so excited to start a new chapter of my life. Although the application process is pretty lengthy, I honestly think it has given me to opportunity to really think about what I want for my future. Also, aside from that, it has really challenged me to stop worrying about what is to come. I can remember just a month ago being so stressed out about college, scholarships, my future job, and all the worries that come with graduating. However, something changed and I started to realize that no matter how much I stress and dwell in the anxiety of the unknown, God already knows the plan. He already knows where I will go to school, what career path I will take, what scholarships I may receive. He knows everything and already has it all planned out. Therefore, why should I be so anxious if He already has the perfect outline of my life? I encourage you to read and really hear the words of Matthew 6:34. This is one of those verses that you have probably heard a million times, but the more you really apply it, the better and better it gets. The verse says, “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, tomorrow will worry about itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Why do we so often sit in these feelings of worry and fear when we know God is in control? I challenge you to pray. Pray each day that God would give you faith and trust in Him, in His perfect plan for your life, for the ups and downs of life that lay ahead, and for the strength to never lose hope. I hope you all take this little bit of encouragement and really apply it to your week ahead. Please know that I am always here for all of you and do not ever refrain from reaching out if you need anything. Love you to the ends of this earth!
September 10, 2023
Good afternoon BBB friends! Thank you all so much for checking in today. Let me just start by saying this has been a rough last couple of weeks for my community. Many deaths, sicknesses, injury’s, and difficult times have been front and center in my county. However, despite these trying times, it serves as a time to remind myself as well as those around of the goodness of our God. It can be easy to get bogged down when life hits you hard one thing after another but I am here to proclaim the truth that God is so much bigger and he is going to use these trials for His glory. Psalms 119:50 says, “My comfort in my suffering is this: your promise preserves my life.” God is in control and He is going to use every uncomfortable situation and every bit of our suffering to bring light to His Holy Name. I am sure you already know this, but when you are enduring a hard time or a moment when you feel fear, anxiety, worry, or hurt it is so important that’s our first step of action is prayer. Prayer is the best medication and treatment to put you at ease. God will comfort you in all of the times, which we should then turn around and use to comfort others. It is through small acts like this that we share the love of God and help bring more and more people to Him. The Word will comfort us every time when we have faith and trust that God will never fail us. He will never leave you alone of let you down. Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious in anything but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.” We have to make our needs known to God and He will carry you though no matter what your facing. I challenge you to reread these words and remind yourself of the unending comfort God has made available for you and me. Pray to him and thank him for all he has done and continues to do if your life. Be thankful for the highs but also grateful for the lows that allow us to see God’s power.