Dear Jesus

Dear Jesus,

When I thought about writing this letter to You, I felt in my heart I had so much to say. But as I start this letter, I realize I cannot put all that is in my heart for You in writing. There are not enough words to ever describe how much I love and appreciate You, how I feel so unbelievably blessed to know You and how fortunate I feel that I get to spend even a moments time in Your Presence. Everyday with You is new and I love waking up with You being the first thing on my mind. At times, I feel You so close as if You were in flesh right next to me, but even better, I know you are living inside me. It never gets old how magical that is. That I can be in perfect unity with my Creator who is perfect even though I feel so imperfect most of the time. Everyday I think about Your marvelous love and sacrifice and it humbles me. You have showed me so much mercy that I cannot even fathom it sometimes. You have given me so much grace that is so abounding its overwhelming. & your love... is like nothing I have ever experienced before. Your love, Jesus, keeps me breathing. It keeps me going. It saves me. When I was so lost in guilt and shame, You reached out to me with Your loving hand and helped me up. I felt so broken, so sad, so alone and when no one was there, You were. When no one knew my pain, You did. & You took it from me. You took my pain as your own and exchanged it with forgiveness, love and freedom.  How can I ever repay you? How could I ever experience that and continue to live as I was? To continue to live a life without You? It wasn't an option. You were the only One there who held me and told me all will be okay. The only one who knew how to comfort me in such an awful situation. Who took me for what I was and loved me unconditionally. You brought me to a better place than I had ever been. I didn't deserve it, I couldn't believe all the things you promised me after all the horrible things I had done. How in the midst of my sin, You came to me and showered me with Your love so strong it was like a crashing wave. You overwhelmed me with Your promises all while I had nothing to offer you. That was the day I realized my life would never be the same. & it hasn't. You have changed everything Jesus. You took a wretch like me and made something beautiful out of my life. I look around on a daily basis and get overwhelmed by all you have given me. I see days only getting better and better. & it's all You, Jesus.

 I desire You everyday, every second, every breath. My heart cries out for more while still coming into realization that such a love is true. I catch myself asking "How can it be?", that such a love is real. That I am worthy of love despite my sin and unworthiness. How because of what You have done, You see me as blameless. How I have done nothing and You have done everything- & call me Your child. I cry tears of joy just thinking about it. & how no matter what, Your love for me never changes. Nothing can come between us. I am so thankful for that. I am so honored and privileged. When I think about those things and all you have done for me, nothing else matters. The world seems to fade away, all the things I fuss over all of sudden go away with the wind. Only peace covers over me when I think of You. You are my peace. You are my all- consuming fire. My secret place. In Your presence I am changed. 

I couldn't imagine my life without you, Jesus. My one desire is to know more of You. You have my heart. You are the love of my life. 

You have changed my desires, Lord. My one desire is to know more and more of You all my life. I want to be guided by you with every step I take.

You are truly my best friend. & so much more than that. 

I wanted to write you to say thank you and I love you, too.

I pray that everyone will get to experience Your wondrous love.

"Who lifts the poor and heals the blind
Who trampled death for all mankind
Who stands for all with arms stretched wide
My King forever Jesus Christ"

Your daughter,

Aisha

What to do with a Heavy Heart

We have those times and days.

When our hearts feel heavy. 

Whether from our job, our relationship, a loss, major stress, etc.

It's hard. 

It's such a unique pain because it's not something that can be physically seen and often times something that is hidden.

The days still go by as usual, life still goes on.

But no matter what you do, there is some weight on your heart you can't shake. 

So when will it go? Is there any true ways to get rid of this besides letting time pass?

Well, every situation is different but there is one verse I always remember and whisper in prayer:

"Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

When I have moments when my weary heart comes as a wave during certain times of the day, I immediately turn to Jesus and pray a simple prayer that he take my burdens and give me rest. 

It's miraculous how fast the heaviness on my heart lightens.

That has been my little big secret weapon when my heart becomes heavy. The ability to rest in Jesus with all things and situations is such a gift. 

& something I have experienced is when I give Him my burdens and ask Him to take them from me, I can hear His voice a little bit louder, speaking promises and encouragement in my heart. 

He reminds me that I do not ever need to carry burdens and how focusing on Him and the good things (Philippians 4:8) will make any hard time conquerable. 

With Christ all things are possible. 

So a simple answer on getting rid  of burdens is simply repeating a prayer like this:

"Heavenly Father, you said in your word that I can come to you with my weary and burdened heart and spirit. I thank you, Lord, for that promise and that gift. I ask you right now Jesus to take my heavy heart and this burden and give me peace. I thank you for what you have done at the cross that I can truly be free in all ways. In Jesus name, Amen."

You are never alone during times of burden! If you are desiring more prayer, feel free to contact me and I would be happy to pray for you today. In fact, it would be a blessing. 

Love you all!

Aisha

I Am Free!

The morning I wake up and realize....

I am free.

Free of worrying.

Free of dealing with crap I shouldn't.

Free from accepting things when I deserve better.

Free from letting anything bother me.

Free from feeling inadequate.

Free from anger, sadness, etc.

Free from insecurity.

This morning I wake up and realize I have the choice to be free today or live in bondage with certain things in life. 

The beauty of of it is that it's a choice.

I can get rid of all of the crap and just be free.

I choose freedom! 

I choose to let it ALLLL go. 

And we all have heard it "those that are free, are free indeed"

I am free!!!

Man, it feels good. 

Now I can be the true Me. Not the me that is defined with all those other things. 

Choose Freedom.

Bow Chicka Wow Wow!

-A

Perfectly Imperfect

I am a daughter.

A sister.

A friend.

A believer.

A worker.

A perfectionist.

A woman. 

A sinner.

I can be selfish.

Angry.

Controlling.

Fanatic.

Depressed.

Doubtful.

Skeptical.

Complicated.

But...

 I try my best.

Evaluate my mistakes.

Continue to be better.

Am here to help.

Am genuine.

Hold myself to a higher standard.

And Continue...

To seek understanding.

Challenge myself.

Love first.

Forgive.

To put God first.

Always.

I am a daughter of a King that has no faults and accepts all of my flaws and shortcomings. Who brings out who He made me to be and corrects the things that He didn't make me to be. 

I am unaccepted by others. He accepts me.

I am judged. He redeems me.

I am a sinner. He forgives me. 

I am a wretch. He saved me.

I am a mess. He restores me.

I was dead. He gave me life.

I was unrighteous. He made me righteous.

I am perfectly imperfect.

But I am His.

And that is good enough.

-A

Let Your Light Shine Link-Up! #Herlightshines: Andie Conn

Let's welcome today with 

Let Your Light Shine Thursday!

I hope everyone is having a great week! As many of you know, we have a new co- host for LYLS Thursday link-ups. Aisha and I (two Aisha's! Still can't get over it) have discussed ways on how we can "re-vamp" this link up every week and because this link- up is called Let Your Light Shine, we want to get to know you better by not just presenting a cute outfit or great post, but give you the opportunity to share how your light shines. Please contact me if you would like to be featured on #Herlightshines for our link ups! 

Email: alcstyling@gmail.com

Today on the link up, please say hello to Andie Conn! You can also go say hello to her personally by visiting her blog, Bravely!

1.       What is your name? Andie Conn.

2.       Where are you from? I was born and raised in Texas but have lived in Missouri for seven years now. I may be in South Korea soon!

3.       What is your blog called and what do you primarily talk about? (include link) My blog is called Bravely, a Christian community overcoming depression and despondency with creativity and passion. I write about DIY projects, organization, faith, holistic wellness, and gluten free recipes. I also conduct interviews with real people every Monday for inspiration and encouragement, and I have started a kindness challenge including weekly prompts every Sunday.

4.       What do you do for a living? Not much right now! My husband is a teacher and we are in the process of applying to teach overseas. I'm so excited to go on such a big adventure!

5.       Tell us a bit about yourself. What are some of your hobbies? What do you like to do outside of blogging? I like to do so many things! I am an artist, and I really enjoy making illustrations in my spare time (I've always had a dream of writing and illustrating a children's book). Reading, journaling, crafting, exercising, hiking, shopping for weird sweaters, touching every cat I see, watering my many succulent plants, learning the basics of the Korean language, drinking tea, making gluten free treats, and giving my husband kisses are all some of my favorite activities! I stay pretty busy (:

6.       What is something unique about you that others may not know? I am probably single-handedly keeping Ben and Jerry's in business. Also, confession: I like to dress up, but my husband buys about 99% of my clothes and still helps me get dressed on some mornings. He's the most fashion-wise straight person I know. For real, though.

7.       In what way do you let your light shine? ( this could be anything really. From being intentional about being kind, volunteering, helping your kids, etc.) I try to let my light shine by surprising others with little handmade gifts and trinkets, often anonymously.

8.       If you could have one quote that you would want people to remember you by, what would it be? (your favorite quote) "I write when I’m inspired, and I see to it that I’m inspired at nine o’clock every morning." – Peter De Vries

Now go ahead and link up!

RULES: 

1. Link up your favorite post this week - It can be related to faith, fashion, food, family, or whatever else you would like to share that helped you shine your light from the week!

Don't worry if you don't have a blog to link up - just leave a comment with how you let your light shine this week!

2. Follow Rooted in Salt & Made with Zeal on Bloglovin, or any other social media outlet (FB, Twitter, Instagram, or GFC)

3. Link back by using the button above or your own link.

4. Visit other blogs and meet new blogger friends!

Each week we will be choosing our favorite posts to feature and share with you all! So link up for your chance to be featured!!

Linking up: WIWT, Treasure Tromp, Week's End

-A

Follow me: Facebook || Instagram || Twitter || Pinterest || Bloglovin 

An InLinkz Link-up

The Roller Coaster of Life

We all go through it.

Life.

The hard times come and go followed by some good times and then something hard may happen again. 

Life is definitely a roller coaster ride. 

We all throw our hands up when we get to the peak of the ride of life, but what do we do when we are in the dips or bumpy parts of the ride? I typically scream and hold onto the coaster for dear life. 

Some of us keep our hands up. & that's good, you daring souls. Then there are those like me, who curl up, close their eyes, and wait for it to be over.

Which way should we really approach the dips and valleys of the roller coaster of life?

My opinion?

In Confidence.

Confidence that it will indeed be over soon, I will make it through, and that my life was built on a firm, sturdy foundation. 

It doesn't matter if you keep your hands raised high or if you may be one to curl into your seat like me. It matters that in your mind, you are confident you will make it through. That you trust that your life is in good hands. 

What to do I do while waiting for the hard times to subside? 

1] Pray. 

Although I approach the hard times in confidence, I pray to God to help me through it, to keep my strength and to not lose focus on the good things.

2] Really focus on those good things. 

It's SO easy to cloud your mind with negativity, ESPECIALLY during times of hardship, But for me, it is crucial to keep the good things flowing in my mind so I can remain confident I will make it out just fine. (Philippians 4:8, Galatians 5:22)

3] Don't do anything crazy. Don't jump off the roller coaster because you'll end up really regretting that. Instead just wait. 

Do the things above and wait. Wait in expectancy that I will indeed make it through so I can look back and realize I am in a way better place than before. Then I can approach the next dip on the coaster with even more confidence!

You know how I said your life was in good hands on the roller coaster of life? 

Well that's because, lucky us, Jesus is the controller of this ride. 

Hallelujah!

The Start of Something Great: Agape Love Mine

Hey, Guys!

I would love to invite each of you to join me in a great new online community, AgapeLoveMine.com, that two beautiful ladies and myself have been working on. It is all about finding and showing agape love, an unconditional love that God has for us. It launched this past Saturday, and I invite each of you to go to our site, browse through the "mine" and sign up for our newsletter.

" In this new place, these moments of community can be shared along with a sisterhood of those who want to know what true love is. For those who want to experience it and share their hearts with others. For those who are seeking an understanding in the freedom that knowing Christ provides. 

This site is not for the religious but for the free, for the believers, for the little and big. 

Agapelovemine.com is for the ones that are sick of being put in a box in how they serve and love and live for God. It is for those seeking a relationship with our Creator and interested in making a difference. It is for those looking to share the gift He has put inside of them, as unique as it is, with others."

This community we are building  is for you.  Yes, you! No matter what color, race, background, region, religion, creed, language and so on and so forth. It is for the ones who are seeking a truth that can only be found in Him. And for those who are not sure if they should? Join. Because you should. Please sign up here, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. You are welcome here with us.

Watch this video to help you get a better idea of what Agape Love Mine is. 

Join now!

The Perfect Parent

I hope you all had a beautiful weekend! I did! I was able to sleep in, see good friends, celebrate life and get some prayer time in.

Jesus put on my heart to re-share something I put on my blog a long time ago when I was first starting out. It's something that has really helped me grow a close and intimate relationship with God.

I, like many, had struggled with thinking God was angry with me and wanted to punish me when I did bad things. But one day or night (I can't remember now!) The Lord spoke to me about how He is my Perfect Parent.

As human beings, we all have flaws and faults. Parents don't always make the best parenting decisions and kids sometimes make bad choices. But with God, our Father, there is no fault and He has created the perfect plan for each of His children. And with that perfect plan is perfect love for each one of us.

When He was teaching me about this, He asked me "what would your idea of a perfect parent do if you made a mistake, say, disobeyed and snuck out of your house to go to a party? What would they do if you came clean."

Of course my rebellious self wanted to say "well, they wouldn't have that rule (LOL) but if I were to be completely honest, my perfect parent would forgive me. Their anger would not last long. They would turn it into a situation to teach me. They would encourage me to make better decisions."

Then He went on to tell me that if a human parent that loves their child is capable of all of those things, He is capable of far greater. He went on to teach me that He is not only the creator of love, He is love. Every show of love we see comes from Him. 

So when we mess up, He is still love and He still loves us. He is waiting for us to come to Him so He can give us more of His love. He can take any mistake, any failure, any bad part of us and make good out of it. Isn't that beautiful?!

Although, as a child of a perfect parent, it is still hard for me to sometimes "come clean" to God (although He already knows all the things I'll ever do and has already forgiven me) or accept such a magnificent love. But Jesus continues to whisper in my ear the reminder that He is my perfect, loving parent, who will love me always, no matter what.

It sometimes hard to fathom such a beautiful being, perfect love, magnificent soul. But it exists and His name is Jesus.

I am so thankful to have a Father that loves me unconditionally! 

I hope that helped you like it has helped me draw closer to our loving Savior. If you are like me (& many) and struggle to sometimes understand such an awesome love, I would love to pray for you and your journey!

I hope you have a blessed week!

Xoxo,

Aish

Today: Let Your Light Shine Thursday Link Up

Today.

I woke up feeling like it was just another day. Another day to get up and do the regular routine: Get ready, go to work, come home, workout, make dinner, go to sleep and repeat. 

But today is so much more than that. It's a new day that I am was blessed with. A new day that my life has been "reset" with new mercies from the Lord. A new day to show new love. A new day to try new things, meet new people. It's a new day to view this world a little differently from the day before. It's a new day to forget about past failures and make way for new opportunity. 

Yes, today is a new day. Today, is a great day. 

I got up, spent early time with the Lord, worked out early, came to work early and connected with a co-worker in India who is saying so- long to Thursday. Today I enjoyed 2 eggs for breakfast instead of a protein shake. Today, I made sure to say I love you to my family before their day started so they knew someone was thinking of them. Today, I am not focused on the things that make me feel down but am choosing to focus on the things that make me feel alive.

I am excited for what the rest of the day will bring. 

Today. Yes today, is a beautiful day.

______________________________________________________

Lets welcome today with 

Let Your Light Shine Thursday!

You know what time it is, let that beautiful light shine!
Each week we appreciate those of you who come by to share your posts on fashion, beauty, faith, love, and all the in between.

Today I have a special announcement! We have a new co-host joining Let Your Light Shine! Her name is also Aisha (like mine!). How weird is that?! 

Aisha comes from Rooted in Salt which is such a beautiful blog full of life, love and beautiful testimonies! She is such a wonderful person from the inside out- I feel so blessed to call her a friend and sister in Christ!

She has agreed help take LYLS to a whole new level. I am so excited to re-vamp this link-up. More to come on that!

RULES: 

1. Link up your favorite post this week - It can be related to faith, fashion, food, family, or whatever else you would like to share that helped you shine your light from the week!

Don't worry if you don't have a blog to link up - just leave a comment with how you let your light shine this week!

2. Follow Rooted in Salt & Made with Zeal on Bloglovin, or any other social media outlet (FB, Twitter, Instagram, or GFC)

3. Link back by using the button above or your own link.

4. Visit other blogs and meet new blogger friends!

Each week we will be choosing our favorite posts to feature and share with you all! So link up for your chance to be featured!!

<div align="center">
<a href="http://truesoulandspirit.blogspot.com/shine" title="Let Your Light Shine"><img src="http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l63/AishaLeuthardt/LetYourLightShine.png" alt="Let Your Light Shine" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Linking up: WIWT, Treasure Tromp, Week's End

-A

Follow me: Facebook || Instagram || Twitter || Pinterest || Bloglovin 

An InLinkz Link-up

It's Better To Be ________ Deprived Than God Deprived

Hi Everyone! 

I am so happy to be back! My fast is now over!

For those who don't know, I fasted from social media, netflix and blogging for 21 days to start off the New Year. I have to say, it was much more beneficial that I thought it would be. & by beneficial, I mean it gave me the ability to "unplug", focus more time on things I wanted to (like prayer!) and helped me understand self-discipline and self- deprivation a little bit more.

I realized how consumed I was by social media and how much time it took away from things I love! I literally felt like I couldn't be away from social media because I would "miss" what was going on but in actuality, I was paying way too much detail and time in other people's lives than I was my own. I was too pre-occupied worrying about everyone else than really focusing on Aisha. 

After 3 weeks of separation, I got onto social media this morning, checked up on people and things and literally realized- wow, I didn't miss that much. & the people/things I always wanted to check up on because I needed to know what was up, didn't give me any sort of gratification this morning. 

The main thing I realized: How much time and energy I was giving to people and things when I should have been focusing my energy on myself, my family, my dreams!!! Not to mention how crazy that sounds, right?? 

I was happier with myself because I wasn't comparing myself to girls in bikinis on the fitness pages on instagram, I felt more self worth and fulfillment because I focused my energy on the Lord and on things/people I love, and I also lost a lot of anxiety I had when comparing myself to others because their instagram showed them doing something I thought was cooler than what I was doing. 

That was not the point of my post, believe it or not. What I wanted to talk about today was how I learned about self-deprivation- and the importance of it. 

I am a person that has let anger consume me, jealousy overpower my reasoning, the need of control to impact my decision making. 

All of those things were self-consuming, when Jesus has called His children to be selfless servants. 

I had to put things that consumed me aside to honor God and be intentional with our relationship. 

In a sermon at our church, a guest pastor said this: "It's better to be ____ deprived than God deprived". 

That was eye opening for me. What would I give up to have God every single day, every single second, for the REST. OF. ETERNITY. 

I WOULD GIVE UP ANYTHING.

I want to live for what counts. Jesus. 

I am drawing the line of conviction. I am drawing the line of association. I am drawing the line of confidence.

I don't have to give up my morals or beliefs or compromise those things to please others or because someone else thinks their way of doing things is the right way. I don't have to settle to fit in or be like everyone else. Because God has set me apart from the world and from myself to be completely reliant on Him.

So I will give up relationships, material things, the need for control, and everything else that can separate me from God because He is the only thing I need. 

I no longer want to be independent from Him. 

Who knew fasting from social media would show me all that?! 

He is good, ya'll!

xoxo,

Aisha

More on the sermon of drawing the line: The Year of the Line

Intentional Fast// LYLS Thursday Link Up

Hey Everyone!

I honestly CANNOT believe it's Thursday already. This week flew by.

Entering the New Year, I really wanted to start out with something intentional with The Lord. So what I decided is to fast for 21 days. I am fasting from all of my social media websites. I decided going into this that I would still do blogging, but I have felt in my heart that God really wants me to give up all my extra virtual activity and focus on strictly Him for 21 days. So I haven't blogged because of that- but have been awful with communicating that. 

So until January 25, I will be holding back from blogging along with my other social media websites because I truly believe this fast will do wonderful things in my life and I want to be 100% intentional with Jesus. 

When I come back "on", I will be sharing with you my Resolve for 2015!!

Things will be revamped, I will no longer be "blogspot.com" anymore, and I have so much more to share with you!

xoxo, 

A

Today is Let Your Light Shine Thursday!

You know what time it is, let that beautiful light shine!
Each week we appreciate those of you who come by to share your posts on fashion, beauty, faith, love, and all the in between.

Today we are sharing a post from  I Spy Oby.

She featured a great ensemble last link-up from her Winter Wonderland post, plus she was one of the most visited links. Great job, Oby!

RULES: 

1. Link up your favorite post this week - It can be related to faith, fashion, food, family, or whatever else you would like to share that helped you shine your light from the week!

Don't worry if you don't have a blog to link up - just leave a comment with how you let your light shine this week!

2. Follow I'm Perfectly Human & Made with Zeal on Bloglovin, or any other social media outlet (FB, Twitter, Instagram, or GFC)

3. Link back by using the button above or your own link.

4. Visit other blogs and meet new blogger friends!

Each week we will be choosing our favorite posts to feature and share with you all! So link up for your chance to be featured!!

<div align="center">
<a href="http://truesoulandspirit.blogspot.com/shine" title="Let Your Light Shine"><img src="http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l63/AishaLeuthardt/LetYourLightShine.png" alt="Let Your Light Shine" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Linking up: WIWT, Treasure Tromp, Week's End

-A

Follow me: Facebook || Instagram || Twitter || Pinterest 

An InLinkz Link-up

Stay & Wait

I recently found a new song that I love. The lyrics are nothing less than full of praise. I wanted to share it to give you some encouragement today. I hope you have a great weekend!

"Who spoke the Earth and sky to form
Who sets the sun and calls the dawn
Who breathed me out of dust to life
With the will to trust or run and hide

I will stay should the world by me fold
Lift up Your name as the darkness falls
I will wait and hold fast to Your word
Heart on Your heart and my eyes on You

Who loved me through my rebel way
Who chose to carry all my shame
Who breaths in me with endless life
The king of glory Jesus Christ

I will stay should the world by me fold
Lift up Your name as the darkness falls
I will wait and hold fast to Your word
Heart on Your heart and my eyes on You

God of wonder and God of grace
Let my soul stand always to praise You
Fix my eyes on Your perfect way
And I'll never look back

I will stay should the world by me fold
Lift up Your name as the darkness falls
I will wait and hold fast to Your word
Heart on Your heart and my eyes on You

Who lifts the poor and heals the blind
Who trampled death for all mankind
Who stands for all with arms stretched wide
My King forever Jesus Christ"

Just Take a Step

Happy Tuesday Everyone! 

Well, with the giveaways now over, I am excited to start writing again on the blog! The 12 Days of Christmas Giveaways are so fun to do! I am so excited to have been a part of it again. Thanks to all who participated! 

Gosh, so much has happened in two weeks! Where to start?

1] I bought a new pair of shoes. Always a good thing :)

2] I got some really great news at my job- which I will share on my blog at a later time (definitely a testimony post!)

3] I have met some amazing new people at my church. It has been so fulfilling to share the Lord with friends :)

4] Christmas tree up (check!). 

5] I changed gyms! And started Zumba! Love it so far for all you Zumbateers out there. Definitely brings out my Beyonce side, ha ha!

6] I made a major step in my life- which I am going to talk about today!

So, about 3 months ago, God took me through a very hard season. It made me question my abilities, my faith, and really how and where my feet were planted. During the season, I didn't really see all God was trying to teach me and show me. I am still realizing things to this day!

One thing personally that had been going on with me is that I wasn't fulfilled in certain areas of my life. I was not content with things that were going on. I felt my heart desiring more and really asking the question "is this really how it's supposed to be?" and not being happy if that answer was yes. 

I looked over through the past and realized there were many times that I  should have taken a step forward and left certain things behind, but didn't because I couldn't see what was in front of me. It was like I was okay being unhappy because of the fear of the unknown. It reminds me of the story in the Bible when Moses was leading the Jews to the Promise Land and away from slavery but when they got to the red sea and the pharaoh's soldiers were behind them, they cried and said they wanted to go back to being slaves because they didn't want to die. But then Moses split the red sea! 

The point of that is we often don't want to take the step that is needed because we do not see the outcome of doing that. We don't want to take that leap of faith. The Jews rather had gone back to slaves than trust that God was going to save them and bring them through to a much better place. In fact, when Moses cried out to God asking for His help, God said " Why are you crying out to me? Get moving!" Exodus 14:15

I think many of us wait for this big sign to move on or take that leap of faith (guilty!) when in reality if you have the feeling to take that step it could very well be for a reason. I think we often let one negative thought or feeling really dictate what we should do when it comes to taking that step. 

So instead of waiting for a huge sign, I took a step with my faith in tact. I need trust that God has better things to come for me. I am starting to see there were signs all around me- I just chose to be blind to them because of different thoughts or emotions. I totally get what the Bible means when it said the heart will deceive you. Gosh heart- not cool! 

But that's why no matter what, I know I need to put my trust in Jesus. I may not get things right away, but I know if I am trusting Him, He will continue to lead me to better things. 

I hope this has helped you today. God bless!

-A

His Word Brought Me Through

Hey Everyone

Sorry I have been MIA the last few days. With Black Friday just around the corner, it's definitely scramble time here at work. You can say my life has been hectic!

This time of year is always great for me and bad for me. 

Its great because of the obvious reasons, you get to spend quality time with your family, take off some work, and reflect on what you are thankful for. 

But for me, it's a little different. Around this time a couple years ago, something tragic happened in my life. It is way too personal to discuss but this time every year, I can't help but think about it. I find myself getting in this mood around this time every year because it's in the back of my mind pretty much throughout November and December. Just a sensitive time, I guess. 

My close family will tell me thinking about it won't do anything but I feel it's my way of coping with it. Because it doesn't just remind me of what happened, it also reminds me how God brought me through it.

I remember I hung onto God's word like never before and eventually, I saw His word coming to pass it my life. When for a long time I thought I went through something tragic alone and afraid, I realized I was never alone, God was there with me.

People will make jokes to me and say "you are a bible thumper" or "you are such a Jesus freak" but I am because Jesus was there for me when no one else was. I am addicted to Him because He is the reason I got through it- I truly believe that. He was the one who healed my pain- and is still healing my pain. He comforted me when others didn't, or couldn't. It was after going through this that I realized Jesus deserved my all. 

When no one understood it, or understands it- Jesus does. 

& that is why I love Him with all of my heart. He paid the price for me and shows His love to me like no one else can. His Word brought me through. His promises and love is what kept me going and keeps me going. 

So this time of year can be tough, but it brings me back to remember of the time I met Jesus for the first time. And for that, I am truly thankful.

No matter what you go through, God is there with you. Hold onto His promises. 

-A

What is the Definition of Being Successful?

Jeans: Target
Boots: Michael Kors
Tank: Nordstrom
Cardigan: Target
Necklace: Forever 21

I hope everyone had an awesome weekend!

I did. 

A couple friend bloggers and I went on a thrifting together and it was so fun! (I will post pictures this week and tell you more about it!)

I was able so spend some quality time with W on Saturday night and continue to find new ways to cook good, healthy meals for my challenge (see here). I need to post a recipe on what I cooked!

Sunday I started my first day on the coffee committee at church! I am so excited about it. I love church and I love coffee.. such a great pair! :) 

What is the definition of success being successful?

I think a lot of people get stuck into thinking there is a specific path to success: having a dream job, getting married within your "appropriate" timeline, having kids, getting promoted, being a positive role model in the community, retire comfortably, etc. 

I think people get a false perception that there is a specific timeline for their life and which events need to occur in their life and specific things that need to happen in order to be successful.

But when really thinking about being successful, is there really one true definition for it? 

I don't think so. 

Why dont I think so? 

All people start from different places, have different things happen to them, believe different things, want different things. How can there be one true definition of success when no everyone has the same starting point? Or even the same desired ending point?

For example, success for my dad was getting out of Iran, getting an US education, making a life for himself in a foreign country, learning the language and continuing to grow in wealth. 

Success for me? Being happy, having the ability to help others, serving for Christ,  Jesus being pleased with me and more. 

Success is having a positive attitude even when you have some doubt

Success is keeping your hope alive in your illness

Success is putting another meal on the table for your family

Success is being able to give a little more than you were able to before

Success is being able to give at all

Success is making it from home to work and back again safely

Success is not giving up even when you didn't get the interview

There is not one definition for being successful, but many.

No matter where you are in your life, there are so many successes. You are successful. It's so freeing to know you don't have to be chained down to the mainstream idea of success. 

What is being successful to you?

Do you believe you are a success? I do. :)

xoxo,

-A

Let me pray for you.

Lord, help remind us to not be conformed by this world but focused on the things of the kingdom and of the Spirit. Help us remember that we all have unique journeys that you have planned for us and that your dreams are far better and bigger than we could imagine. I pray for health, healing and prosperity for all of you today. 

In Jesus name, Amen.