As I was journaling [Yes, I call it a journal because I feel like I am too old to say that I keep a diary] I had a thought and I think it may encourage someone else, so I am going to share. And if it doesn't encourage anyone else, maybe I will come across this post again and I will encourage me!
I know a theme within my blog has been enjoy. Enjoy life. Enjoy every aspect to every day. Enjoy the hard times and the really fun times. Lately, I have found it difficult to enjoy because I have been distracted. Sometimes, for me, it is difficult to understand that the Lord has truly forgiven me for every sin I have ever and will ever commit. After I repent, He forgives and moves forward. As wonderful as this characteristic of God is, I find it hard to recognize and live in a way that He has truly forgiven me.
As my last days at Liberty are rapidly approaching, I can say the biggest lesson I learned in college is, I can trust in my God and He will provide. He will always come through. He will always supply for my every, emotional, spiritual, physical needs. [It's pretty remarkable]
If I know the Lord will provide for my every emotional, spiritual, physical need- why do I doubt His forgiveness? I am not doing anything profitable by hanging on to guilt and living in fear. I am limiting myself and hindering my full enjoyment of life. I need to trust in God’s forgiveness and that means forgiving myself and moving forward. Trusting in His forgiveness is the best way to enjoy life. I need to trust that His model of forgiveness is the best possible way to live each moment.
Anyway, I am not even sure if this will make sense to anyone else, but it’s a thought I needed to find. Be encouraged that you are or can be free from your sins. You can live in the hope of the gospel and this will bring you true joy. Understanding that I deserve nothing and through Christ I have gained everything - that’s what gives me enjoyment, love and forgiveness to share from moment to moment. - Happy Wednesday! :]
Hi Haley,
ReplyDeleteI have absolutely no idea if you'll ever see this comment, but I just wanted to let you know that I read your blog faithfully, but was always a "lurker" and too scared to comment. It's silly, now that I think about it. I loved reading all your posts. The ones about what God was doing in your life were especially meaningful because it seemed like each time you wrote, I was struggling with a similar thing. You have been a big encouragement to me. I completely understand why you don't blog anymore (I'm a blogger myself and now a business owner, plus I work full-time at a day job so I understand how busy life can get!). I'm sure you probably don't remember me (I went to Calvary and graduated with Guthrie!), but we met briefly a few years ago. I was visiting Liberty at CFAW and you picked me up and we had Starbucks. :) I had so much fun that day! Anyway, sorry for my rambling! I tend to do that. I heard that you were getting married soon and I just wanted to say congratulations! I'm so happy for you! Thanks for taking the time to post even when you might've thought that no one read your blog and for taking me to coffee one afternoon. It made a difference to me and I'll always remember your sweet, kind personality! You had so much confidence and joy. I wanted to be just like you :) If you do get this, I hope it does't seem too crazy. Over the years, I've just realized how meaningful it can be to hear how you made a difference in someone's life and I wanted to let you know that you made a difference in mine! Have a wonderful life!
Katie
I just went back and re-read a lot of your posts. Still, so good! Thank you for sharing your honest feelings and struggles. Now that I'm a 20 something, I can definitely relate to some of your posts more. :) I'm often afraid that admitting struggles will make me look weak, but after reading your posts again, I'm starting to think that the opposite is true. Reading about you struggles and how you worked through them, made you seem so much stronger. I also love, loved your posts about enjoying life.That is one of my passions as well. I constantly find myself wishing time away a and I need to stop and remember to enjoy and savor each moment in life. Anyway, I'm totally going to STOP commenting now! Thanks for not being afraid to share what was on your heart!
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