(just my early 20s, not this blog). Today (October 31st) is my +1 aka World Kumam Day!
People often say that you become very reflective as your birthday approaches and honestly that’s so true. The other day I had some deep thoughts as soon as I woke up and was wondering where they were coming from. I didn’t really get anywhere with them, but was just surprised they came to mind on a Friday morning.
Read MoreRemember when you were learning how to write an essay in school? There was a structure for how to write the essay. After your first paragraph, you’d start the next with a transition word, phrase, or sentence. I recently read somewhere that transitions are like bridges connecting one idea to another or transitions can help the reader understand how all that is written works together. Can we also view life transitions this way as well?
Read MoreYou know those restraints that you hold to protect you from falling off the rollercoaster? This was me holding onto my faith this year. At first, I would hold onto it gently. We were moving slowly, not too far from the ground. Things are okay. God and I? Good. Faith and I? Good. Jireh, You are what? Enough (purr). But the higher we went, the tighter my grip became. All rollercoasters have drops, but for some people, you never really get used to them no matter how many times you’ve been on one.
Read MoreI think it’s okay to say that you’ve experienced the most losses and the lowest valleys this year. I don’t think God is offended by it one bit. At the same time, I don’t think you should stop there. While it’s good to recognize the lows, we should also take time to remember the highs. The fact that you’re even here reading this right now is a blessing in itself; you can decide if it’s big or small. To prepare for the next year, I believe there’s a habit we all have to adapt and it’s looking at our situations as a whole. Because sometimes when we focus on one thing, we end up focusing on the wrong thing.
Read MoreImagine having a close friend whose birthday is coming up and has been talking too much about a specific gift they want. You, being the good friend that you are, decide to make their dream come true! You go through all the trouble of getting that specific gift, saving money (because they have ~expensive~ taste), making sure it’s perfect- like literally just for them. It’s finally their birthday! You get the best gift box and do your best gift-wrapping! You finally get to give them the gift and all they do is say “Wow! Thank you!” and then just move on.
Read MoreIf you’ve been following me since Day 1, you’ll know that this blog was created because I want people to know no matter where they are in life, they’re never “too far gone”. And I’ve always wanted to show people what I’ve learned/experienced as He is forming me into a vessel fit for the Master’s use (see 2 Timothy 2:21). So let this be your reminder that you may be broken, but you’re not tainted. God can use you for His glory. I pray this challenges you, even just a bit, to consider how open you are to being used by God. And if you desire to be used by Him, but not quite sure how that would look for you, let’s chat.
Read MoreJames 1 tells us to consider it all joy when we go through times of difficulty. And typically when we read such a verse, we don’t think about situations like finals, but I do think this can be considered one of those times where our faith is tested. I used to experience test anxiety, during exams and used to be so emotional, to the point where I’d just act our of character over these few days, but over time I internalized that a change of heart/mind can change everything. Here are a few things I did differently:
Read MoreRemember, no matter what happens, He has a plan for you (Jer. 29:11). All things are working together for your good (Romans 8:28). Your prayers have much power (James 5:16). God is fighting for you (Josh 1:9, 23:10). You can do this (Phil 4:13)!
Read More“Help me to do it scared!”. If we condition ourselves to only move in the absence of fear, we have made fear the conductor that decides whether we move or stay still. If we make a conscious decision to allow grace to lead the way, fear has no choice but to take a back seat. In order to accomplish this, we have to push through fear and decide that scared or not, nothing will stand in the way of God’s will for our lives. It’s not easy, but we are capable because we’ve been graced to succeed.
Read MoreFaith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. Most importantly, without faith, it is impossible to please God. These are pretty important things to remember, because life is full of moments where you have to believe in invisible things that take forever to be visible.
Read MoreSometimes my parents, typically my mom, sometimes asks me to prepare the house/a room for a visitor. Who is coming? I'm not sure (& sometimes, she doesn’t know either). All I know is, that I need to make sure the spaces are presentable for the person coming. If it doesn’t happen, the visitor may feel unwelcome and probably will look for another place to stay. We’d miss out on the gift of their presence in our home.
Read MoreHere's some things to think about: How are your goals for the New Year going? Have you been doing well? Have you been consistent? Are you seeing results? If you’re content with the direction you’re going in, what is helping you stay motivated? And if you’re on the other end, what can be done to help you stay on track?
Read MoreWhen those hard times come, don’t be silent about it. Remember your life is your ministry? Show people how God has used you for his glory and talk about these things so you will find the support that you need in these hard times. God doesn’t need you to be perfect. And making it seem like you are would be an injustice to Him and His glory.
If you know people are watching, show them what your God can do.
Read MoreFaith and doubt cannot coexist. Our doubt will cast out any potential of us getting what we desire. I didn’t understand this, but…I’m back and I’m better (I get it now)! Have I gotten what I’m asking for yet? No. I’m still waiting, hoping, and (consistently) EXPECTING for it. I am trusting that God will give me what I’m pleading for because I know He can do great things for me as I let go and fully give them to Him.
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