Lessons Learned.

     I am only twenty years old, but I feel like in these past few years God has taught me so many things. Some of those things being harder to learn than the others, some I had to learn through trials, and some that I am still learning. I just wanted to share a few things that I had struggled with over the past few years, and what I have learned.


Some Here it is. 


First off, let me say the most important relationship you can have is your relationship with Christ. It is the one relationship that will NEVER fail you, and it will last forever. Since I was able to date, I threw myself into relationships, giving away my whole heart. Mistake. I would say the biggest mistake was dating non-Christians. It may seem fun, and appealing but it is not. After countless failed relationships, I prayed that God would bring the right man into my life. It happened in a odd way, but it finally happened. I found a Godly leader to walk with me through life's trials. My advice is to stop searching, and to let God take over. He will write the best love story, better than any fairy tale. 


After Joel passed away, let me tell you I did the worst possible thing. Instead of running to God, I ran away. I didn't read the Bible for almost a year. I was so angry. During my time of running, I was a hot mess. I worried about everything. I was terrified, and I felt exhausted all the time. I was paralyzed with a gnawing fear.  I would literally stay up all night worrying. I would look for answers, and reassurance anywhere I could find it (even Google), instead of looking to God. As a woman, you are not automatically assigned the job of "chief worrier." Instead, fill your heart with trust, hope, and God's peace. You'll sleep so much better at night. Here's the verse to prove it. ->Philippians 4:6: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 

Fear runs my life. It really does, BUT I am working on changing that. It is not easy. God knows best, although sometimes I do not see His reasons behind things, but there is a reason, and a good one at that. My advice (advice I need to take myself) Don't let fear be the reason for your decisions. Instead, fill your heart and mind with positive, life affirming words that will never change. Look to God's Word. Don't be afraid to talk to God every single day. Nothing is too hard for Him. That is something I still struggle with. God can handle anything... Mind boggling isn't it? Just think, the same God who created the stars, and the ocean, the same God that you hear about in the Bible cares about my worries, and fears. Crazy isn't it? Want to know something even crazier, I still struggle giving Him my worries. 

I have just a few more notes. Do not be afraid to go to your parents for things. I struggle with this, but God put a man in my life that encourages me to go to my parents. My parents seem to be the only people who understand what I am going through when it comes to Joel's death. There advice comforts me, but they also know sometimes all I need to be hugged and loved. No words, just silence, just knowing they are there makes all the difference.  If you have a problem, I encourage you to go to your momma or daddy and tell them. Ask for advice, they love it.

I want to end with four P's

Prayer.
Pray without ceasing is glued to the side of my night stand. I know it's hard to keep praying when God does not seem to give you the answer you wanted, but don't stop praying. Stay faithful. One day  you will see how your prayers put His greater purpose into action and how your prayers affected, protected and redirected many lives...including your own.
Romans 8:28:"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."


Past.
Your past can prepare you for your purpose, and nothing and no one can stop Gods
 plans for your life. Don’t allow disappointment to direct your path. If you past is less than perfect, do not worry you are forgiven and God loves you all the same. Let God direct the rest of your days and you see that the Lord's plans are for good.


Perseverance. 
 Do not give up. That is what Satan wants. The Bible offers comfort and hope when we go through hardships and trials. We must remain in Christ stand firm and continue to do the work that God has called us to do. God loves us and He will always be with us. Continue to trust in God and in His will for your life. Read James 1. 


Proverbs.
I am striving to be a Proverbs 31 woman. If you have not read it, or have not read it in a while, Stop. Stop what you are doing, look it up and read it. If a man is reading this read  Proverbs 7. Go now.

The end.