Top 10 Lessons Learned

Hmm, writing this post is a tall order!  I've put some thought into the major lessons I've learned over the past ten years, and here's what I've got:

1.  The importance of discernment and boundaries... to trust my intuition and listen to the Voice inside when it starts throwing up red flags (like when I realized the prayer ministry I signed up for was full-tilt crazy).  Also, learning that when my safety or sanity feels threatened, it's okay to drop the niceties and say no or walk away!

2.  Contrary to popular opinion, Christian values and conservative values are NOT always in alignment, and it's more important than ever to pay attention to people's character and to follow and emulate the ways of Christ (Col. 3:12)!

3.  "Never ever ever give up."  ~Michael Scott, quoting Winston Churchill ;-)
For real, though, your life and your presence matters!!  After losing touch with a startling number of people I was once close to, I began to doubt whether my presence really mattered to others, or whether my absence made any difference (a twisted lie from the enemy, but that arrow was sharp and painful.)  I have learned over time to choose life and to seek help when things feel dark and meaningless.... that it's worth holding on and fighting through those painful times because there is always more light ahead of you and more people who love and need you, and God has more in store for your future!  We are all more resilient than we tend to believe... and help is always available to those who are willing to seek it! #dumbledore lol ❤

4.  "Let it go; just let it be.  Why don't you be you, and I'll be me!?"  
I've grown a lot in having grace for myself and others... in realizing we're truly all on different paths with unique strengths and weaknesses, and it's not a freaking competition.  God sees and cares about each of us, and we can feel confident about who we are and where we are in life as we enjoy and celebrate others where they are without feeling threatened or insecure.  (I so want all singles to understand this concept!)

5.  To hold all life "plans" loosely.  God likes to remix our lives.  Things don't always go according to our plans, and the journey is rarely as straight and easy as we want it to be.  There are unexpected turns and storms, as well as surprising blessings along the way!  Learning to have strong hope for things without putting my identity or ultimate hope in them has been essential for me - (see #10).

6.  That part of my calling/purpose is to comfort women who are grieving.  Over and over, I've found myself paired up with women during their hardest seasons of grief and loss (particularly grieving mothers), and I'm certain God's hand is in that.  Writing letters, remembering anniversaries, having deep and tear-filled conversations, bringing meals, etc. feels natural and sacred and significant to me, and I'm thankful any time God uses me to bring hope in a dark moment or offer strength and encouragement to someone feeling broken.

7.  "Kindred spirits are not so scarce as I used to think.  It's splendid to find out there are so many of them in the world."  Push back against the lie that you're alone or that no one understands you.  Our relationships account for 70% of our personal happiness, and I've made some unexpected friendships and deepened some family relationships that I'm very grateful for.  When you look for common ground with people, you are extremely likely to find it!

8.  Don't undervalue your God-given gifts and strengths, whatever they may be.  Personally, I'm still learning to embrace my creative talent and my knack for encouraging/connecting with those who feel broken.  I was pretty slow to learn that you don't have to be in full-time ministry to live a life that has great value in the kingdom of God!  #loveGod #loveyourneighbor #serveothers

9.  It's not healthy to numb, hide, and suppress negative emotions... FEEL your feelings (click here) and then move past them.  You don't have to fake a smile and pretend all is well when you're heartbroken or angry.  Your feelings are valid, and God is always there for you, and other people will be there for you if and when you let them in.  Acknowledge it and feel it so you can move forward.  You've got this! ❤

10.  Embrace the partial.  That was a lesson from Eldredge's Hope in the Coming Kingdom CDs, and it stuck with me.  Everything we experience on earth is partial and incomplete, not intended to fully satisfy us or last forever.  Learning to embrace that concept has really taken a lot of pressure off me in trying to make everything perfect here and now... our lives won't ever be perfect or feel complete until we arrive in heaven - no relationship or achievement will do that for us.  But life here in "the partial" has it's moments of beauty and clarity and awesomeness, doesn't it?  And we can embrace them without clingy desperation while we hold on to our Kingdom hope that stands firm and secure!

*Bonus lesson, ending this on a lighter note:  Stay young at heart... it's good to take breaks from adulting and dive into the cheesy things that made you happy as a child, whether that be Disney+, game nights, T-Swift songs, playing outside, bubble baths, naps, snacks, or hanging out with awesome kids who help you take life less seriously!  Right now, for me, it's binge-watching the original Full House, one of the delightfully cheesy shows that defined my childhood... it's like comfort food for the '90s-child soul! =)
"Our motto is and ever was:  Buzz, buzz, buzz, buzz, buzz, buzz, buzz!!" lol

Definitely laughed out loud when this scene came on... (also laughing that they spelled it Jung instead of young - so odd.)

This one had me laughing, too, even though Joey's not typically one of my favorites.

"Get completely outta here!" lol

Okay, that's all I've got today.  Thanks for being here! =)