Yeah, I know. 2 blog posts in one day. What?!
Well, tis the season of reflection. I figured I'd do this post today because I'll probably forget if I procrastinate any longer. ;)
Here's a recap of how my year went.
-I started the year in a sling after undergoing shoulder surgery and spent a total of 8 weeks using one arm. I learned that things like doing my hair, getting dressed, showering, and carrying textbooks with one arm is not quite as easy as I thought it'd be. Thankfully, my family and friends were so kind and helpful and made sure I didn't struggle too much.
-My second semester of senior year was absolute craziness. I felt like I had no idea what I wanted to do post graduation, I wanted to end my college career with the best grades ever, and I felt so homesick. I battled anxiety almost every day. To be honest, my last semester of college was one of the darkest times in my life. I decided to stop attending chapel and church and felt like my workload made me too busy for God. Thankfully, God never gives up on me though.
-I managed to graduate. It was certainly a joyous occasion. I did it. Now what?
-I moved to Sacramento and began the job hunt. It felt like an endless waiting game. Lots of dead ends and no return phone calls. What was I doing wrong?
-I accepted a job at Berkshire Hathaway Home Services. The job lasted one day after I realized the job and the company weren't going to work out. It was a very chaotic place with absolutely no communication skills and/or organization. No one could tell me who my boss was or what my actual job description was. I wanted it to work out, but sometimes God has a way of firmly shutting a door when He knows there's something better for me.
-I felt even more depressed than I did before. Was I too stupid? Too young-looking? I wanted to cry. In my sadness, God gave me a reminder to cling to Him and His word. I started Bible journaling, doing devotionals, and journaling. I can't say all my problems instantly went away, but I can say God was aways by my side. I was able to experience peace and comfort in uncertainty, and peace from God is the best thing ever. I truly believe God uses pain to remind us of how big He really is. I was able to worship God in my hurt and that's something I never thought was possible.
-6 months after graduating college, I landed a job at the Sacramento Metro Chamber. It's a temporary job until May, but at least it's a positive, exciting, and meaningful place to not just work, but to also network and grow. In one week of work, I have met awesome local leaders, been given feedback on my communications skills, and found great people to work alongside with. The old saying, "Good things come to those who wait" is certainly true. Patience has not been one of my strong suits, but God used the last 6 months to teach me patience in the truest form. It was as if God signed me up for "Patience Bootcamp" and I have grown so much because of it. God needed to kick my butt a little bit in order for me to trust Him more.
-I passed the CBEST. For those of you that don't know what the CBEST is, it stands for California Basic Educational Skills Test. It is necessary for anyone who wants to work as a substitute teacher or school administrator in California. I love working with kids and the idea of making school a place where they can be engaged, have fun, and realize their potential, it so exciting to me. There's always the possibility that I can substitute teach once my current job ends, so I'm not left jobless too long. God provides in His own unique ways, and for that I am very thankful and excited.
This year was tough. There are lots of memories that I wish I could forget or erase. I cried a lot. At the same time, I am so grateful for those dark moments. Those dark moments brought me so close to Jesus and I have felt His arms around me. Jesus carried me when my legs were too weak to walk. No prayer or cry has gone unheard. I have felt His voice tell me every night and every morning, "Chloe, I see you. I hear you. I am with you. You are not alone, my child. I love you." God has been so faithful to me and I don't even deserve it. My heart is overflowing with joy and peace and I know this is just the beginning. God is so good. Even if you think God has left you. I promise you He hasn't. I just wanted to share a bit of my own struggles in hopes that if you're going through similar things, you can be encouraged. Don't give up on God. Don't give up on hope. It may not be instant, but your happy ending will come. Just keep holding on. Stay strong in the faith.
I pray 2018 will be a year that you experience the greatness of our Savior. He is so much bigger than any of our problems. He is Emmanuel- God with us.
Peace and Joy,
Chloe
Thursday, December 28, 2017
My New Year's Resolutions
Hello again, everyone!
I hope you all had a joyous Christmas alongside loved ones. I certainly enjoyed much needed quality time with my family, delicious food, and so much laughter.
The new year is coming. I've taken a lot of time to think about my intentions for 2018. In the past, my new year's resolutions always sounded so shallow. I wanted to be prettier, lose weight, have more friends, etc. This year, the Lord has put it on my heart to mature a bit more and use scripture to set goals instead of being influenced by things like social media and Google. (Yes, in years past I have Googled what my resolutions should be according to experts and discussion boards. It did not turn out well.) The past few days, I have dug deep into the book of Proverbs, and found lot of good inspiration for how I'd like 2018 to go.
1.) Keep Christ first.
If my eyes are not fixed on Jesus, I will fail. I must be humble enough to give God the credit for my success.
John 15:5- "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
Proverbs 3:6- "In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Matthew 6:33- "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
2.) Be a beacon of joy, light, and positivity.
The world already has enough drama and negativity. I can choose to be joyful no matter what happens to me. I can be an example of how life with Jesus is so awesome.
Proverbs 18:2- "A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."
Psalm 103:2-5- "Bless the LORD, O my soul, an forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is rented like the eagle's."
Matthew 5:16- "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
3.) Listen to understand, not to speak or criticize.
Oftentimes when someone vents to me, I like to fix things for them instead of actively listening. When I speak more than I listen, I hurt people. My advice is not always that important. Sometimes the best thing I can do is show compassion by shutting my mouth.
Proverbs 18:2- "A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion."
James 1:19- "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger."
4.) Have a mentor and be a mentor.
I must be humble enough to listen to advice for those who are wiser than me. They will help keep me accountable. Likewise, I can be a positive influence and role model for others by loving Jesus and serving people.
Proverbs 27:17- "Iron sharpens iron, and so one man sharpens another."
Hebrews 13:7- "Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith."
Ecclesiastes 4:10- "For if they fall, one will lift his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up."
5.) Be wise with my finances, but do not be greedy.
I have just started my first real job after college. It's exciting to make money and start my financial portfolio, but if my interest in money is bigger than my interest in God, then I will fail and be left with nothing. Money doesn't last, but God is eternal.
Proverbs 3:9- "Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce."
1 Timothy 6:10- "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs."
Romans 13:8- "Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves has fulfilled the law."
Luke 6:10-11- "One who is faithful in very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?"
I pray that 2018 will be a year filled with many blessings for all of us. May we draw nearer to Jesus and love one another deeply.
Peace and Joy,
Chloe
I hope you all had a joyous Christmas alongside loved ones. I certainly enjoyed much needed quality time with my family, delicious food, and so much laughter.
The new year is coming. I've taken a lot of time to think about my intentions for 2018. In the past, my new year's resolutions always sounded so shallow. I wanted to be prettier, lose weight, have more friends, etc. This year, the Lord has put it on my heart to mature a bit more and use scripture to set goals instead of being influenced by things like social media and Google. (Yes, in years past I have Googled what my resolutions should be according to experts and discussion boards. It did not turn out well.) The past few days, I have dug deep into the book of Proverbs, and found lot of good inspiration for how I'd like 2018 to go.
1.) Keep Christ first.
If my eyes are not fixed on Jesus, I will fail. I must be humble enough to give God the credit for my success.
John 15:5- "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
Proverbs 3:6- "In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Matthew 6:33- "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
2.) Be a beacon of joy, light, and positivity.
The world already has enough drama and negativity. I can choose to be joyful no matter what happens to me. I can be an example of how life with Jesus is so awesome.
Proverbs 18:2- "A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."
Psalm 103:2-5- "Bless the LORD, O my soul, an forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is rented like the eagle's."
Matthew 5:16- "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
3.) Listen to understand, not to speak or criticize.
Oftentimes when someone vents to me, I like to fix things for them instead of actively listening. When I speak more than I listen, I hurt people. My advice is not always that important. Sometimes the best thing I can do is show compassion by shutting my mouth.
Proverbs 18:2- "A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion."
James 1:19- "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger."
4.) Have a mentor and be a mentor.
I must be humble enough to listen to advice for those who are wiser than me. They will help keep me accountable. Likewise, I can be a positive influence and role model for others by loving Jesus and serving people.
Proverbs 27:17- "Iron sharpens iron, and so one man sharpens another."
Hebrews 13:7- "Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith."
Ecclesiastes 4:10- "For if they fall, one will lift his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up."
5.) Be wise with my finances, but do not be greedy.
I have just started my first real job after college. It's exciting to make money and start my financial portfolio, but if my interest in money is bigger than my interest in God, then I will fail and be left with nothing. Money doesn't last, but God is eternal.
Proverbs 3:9- "Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce."
1 Timothy 6:10- "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs."
Romans 13:8- "Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves has fulfilled the law."
Luke 6:10-11- "One who is faithful in very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?"
I pray that 2018 will be a year filled with many blessings for all of us. May we draw nearer to Jesus and love one another deeply.
Peace and Joy,
Chloe
Thursday, December 14, 2017
Scripture and Prayer: Fear
Hi again!
So, mini life update: I got a job! Wow! I am so excited and thankful to God for this wonderful opportunity to learn and grow. I am sure I will meet awesome people and that more good things are in store. At the same time, I can't help but have a few nerves before my first day. What if I no one likes me? What if I'm horrible at my job? What if I am not smart enough? While I realize some nerves are normal, I also know those fears and questions are not from God. I know the enemy wants me to freak out and get discouraged. The enemy hates seeing me thrive and be content. So where do I go when I need some encouragement? SCRIPTURE AND PRAYER!
"It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you: he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed." -Deuteronomy 31:8
Lord, I am about to embark on a new phase of life. I am nervous and scared. However, I truly believe You are holding my hand and will never leave me. You have already gone ahead and paved a pathway for me. Lord, give me courage to fully trust You in all aspects of my life. Enable me to live by faith and not by sight. Give me mentors and friends to encourage me the same way Moses encouraged Joshua. Father, I ask You to wrap me in Your arms and calm my anxious heart. May I look to You, the Author and Perfector of my faith during this time of growth and transition. You have taught me that uncomfortable times usually result in blessings in the end. You work make all things work together perfectly for my good. You love me and You will not forsake me even when I forsake You. Lord, when I go through dark valleys, remind me that it's only temporary and that Your grace is more than sufficient for me. You have always held me in Your arms and helped me. You are my Provider, Guide, Advocate, and Anchor. I love You, Father.
Amen.
While it may feel awkward and uncomfortable to go through transitions, God promises us that we are not alone. In our hardest times, God offers us Himself and gives us His presence. And if you think of it, please keep me in Your prayers for courage and strength. I need it. ;)
Peace and Joy,
Chloe
Thursday, December 7, 2017
Scripture and Prayer: Trials (James 1:2-3)
Hello again, everyone! I hope your week has been great so far.
One thing I've recently started doing was writing out scripture verses and then reflecting on them by writing out a corresponding prayer to God for each piece of scripture. I got the idea from a company called Cultivate What Matters and they sell journals called Write the Word. I figured I could do the same thing even if I didn't purchase the exact journal and start my quiet time with that.
I have found that writing out God's word has given me so much more strength. I don't know about you, but it is much easier for me to remember things if I physically write them down. For me, I also understand what I am reading better when I take the time to write out the passage because as I am writing, my brain is also processing and dissecting big ideas down. Writing out prayers is my way of communicating my deepest praise and requests to God. And I will always be able to look back on my journals and remember God's faithfulness and see how my relationship with God has progressed and grown.
We all go through challenges and obstacles. No one can say their life is completely easy and fun 100% of the time. I had a coach in high school tell me that when she went through hard times, she loved turning her Bible to James and being reminded of God's truth. So that is where I will begin:
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith produces perseverance." -James 1:2-3 (NIV)
Father,
Thank You for giving me Your spirit and promising to watch over me all the days of my life. I know I will undergo a variety of challenges throughout my life. I ask that You would continue to remind me that I will never go through dark valleys alone. You are always with me and are my Comforter, Protector, Savior, and Friend. Protect me from the enemy's weapons and help me to always look to You for guidance. May I never lose faith in Your goodness and power. Lord, when storms come my way, may I be reminded that You are the only one who can calm the storms and restore true peace. Call me out to walk on the water and run into Your loving arms instead of looking at my problems. You ask me to live by faith because You love me and want me to be closer to You. You have given me so many resources and blessings to help me endure trials and You will never fail me. I can look back on my darkest days and see how You were with me and working for my good in the midst of my hurt. Thank You for being sovereign and for being constant. I love you.
Amen.
Whatever trials you are facing(or will face), God is alongside you. It can be hard to feel his presence but he is still there and ready to help you. You do not go through pain alone. We have a God who sees us and hears us. We are precious to him. Rest assured that God will never ever leave you nor forsake you.
Peace and Joy,
Chloe
One thing I've recently started doing was writing out scripture verses and then reflecting on them by writing out a corresponding prayer to God for each piece of scripture. I got the idea from a company called Cultivate What Matters and they sell journals called Write the Word. I figured I could do the same thing even if I didn't purchase the exact journal and start my quiet time with that.
I have found that writing out God's word has given me so much more strength. I don't know about you, but it is much easier for me to remember things if I physically write them down. For me, I also understand what I am reading better when I take the time to write out the passage because as I am writing, my brain is also processing and dissecting big ideas down. Writing out prayers is my way of communicating my deepest praise and requests to God. And I will always be able to look back on my journals and remember God's faithfulness and see how my relationship with God has progressed and grown.
We all go through challenges and obstacles. No one can say their life is completely easy and fun 100% of the time. I had a coach in high school tell me that when she went through hard times, she loved turning her Bible to James and being reminded of God's truth. So that is where I will begin:
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith produces perseverance." -James 1:2-3 (NIV)
Father,
Thank You for giving me Your spirit and promising to watch over me all the days of my life. I know I will undergo a variety of challenges throughout my life. I ask that You would continue to remind me that I will never go through dark valleys alone. You are always with me and are my Comforter, Protector, Savior, and Friend. Protect me from the enemy's weapons and help me to always look to You for guidance. May I never lose faith in Your goodness and power. Lord, when storms come my way, may I be reminded that You are the only one who can calm the storms and restore true peace. Call me out to walk on the water and run into Your loving arms instead of looking at my problems. You ask me to live by faith because You love me and want me to be closer to You. You have given me so many resources and blessings to help me endure trials and You will never fail me. I can look back on my darkest days and see how You were with me and working for my good in the midst of my hurt. Thank You for being sovereign and for being constant. I love you.
Amen.
Whatever trials you are facing(or will face), God is alongside you. It can be hard to feel his presence but he is still there and ready to help you. You do not go through pain alone. We have a God who sees us and hears us. We are precious to him. Rest assured that God will never ever leave you nor forsake you.
Peace and Joy,
Chloe
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