Hi everyone! I hope you all had a blessed and joy-filled Christmas. I cannot believe 2018 is almost over. This year has been a good one. Here's some my reflections:
It has definitely had its trials and challenges. I had started the temporary job, fallen in love with it, then had to leave. I went on to work for another company that was great, but it just wasn't the right fit for me. To say the summer and early fall was tough would be an understatement. I felt so anxious, depressed, and I just wanted to land something permanent, full-time, and work in a place that I loved and be able to connect with people and help them. I knew I had to be in an office setting where there were real people. (I guess I learned that I am not as introverted as I thought I was.) The one thing that got me through that trying time was depending on Christ's grace and His strength. I may not have had the finances I wanted, but I had God reminding me that money can never ever buy peace or joy. I may not have had a job I liked, but I had scripture's reminders that God always provide and worrying doesn't help anyone. And even though spells of anxiety and sadness would wash over me, I just knew deep down in my heart that God was doing something big and I just needed to sit tight and wait patiently.
And waiting for the right job wasn't all bad. Because I didn't have regular work, I had lots of time this summer to travel and explore new places with my parents. I got to visit Yosemite National Park and I was just blown away by all of the natural beauty. It reminded me that God is the ultimate artist and nature is his way of displaying his power and creativity. I was so captivated by all the beauty and wonder around me, so I had no time to be anxious or worried about my job search. I believe nature can heal broken hearts and provide comfort in extraordinary ways.
Well, my hunch that God was working on my behalf was certainly true. During the summer I had three different dreams about working at my old office. Some people were the same, some were different but I had gotten a full-time job there and was happy. I would wake up and shake it off as wishful thinking. I had already reached out to them earlier inquiring about any job openings only to be told they weren't hiring. I had almost given up on the idea until one day I got a call from them saying that they were hiring and I was already being considered for the job. I was so excited and then I was told I'd be working in public policy again and this time my job would be full-time and NOT temporary. I felt as if God was winking at me and telling me "See, I told you something big was going to happen." I was reminded of Luke 1:45 "Blessed is she who has believed that the LORD would fulfill his promises to her." It's not always easy to have faith and hope but I'm so glad I was able keep trusting God and continue to keep taking initiatives to lock down this job. Prayer and perseverance has never been so crucial in my life.
I think the theme for 2018 would be "He's able." God has proved to me over and over that He is always bigger than my situations. It may not always be easy or pretty, but He teaches me that being patient and positive yields bigger rewards than being worried and upset. Throughout this past year, the Lord has put Romans 12:12 on my heart and it has become my meditation for each day. It says: "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." When I had tough days, I learned how to get down on my knees and pray. And at the end of each day, I was still able to write down at least three things to be thankful for. That would give me enough courage and hope to face each new day and keep trusting that God's plans were 100% better than my own ideas. My circumstances never ever dictate my worship for God because God is good all the time and he is faithful all the time. If I waited until everything was going perfectly to praise God, then I would never praise him. God never fails so my devotion to him shouldn't either. God is greater than the ups and downs.
Walking with Christ doesn't mean life is always smooth sailing. I have a really hard time when people make it seem as if accepting Jesus makes all your problems go away instantly. It's so unrealistic to think being a Christian makes you immune to struggles. Someone once told me that trials can sometimes be seen as a good thing because it means you're strong enough to stand them. I was in the midst of telling God "I think Satan is attacking my faith, Lord. What does this mean?" And the Lord answered me by saying "Satan attacks those he is threatened by. Now, stand firm in your faith. You are my child. That means you are a warrior princess and you will victorious." Nothing about life is guaranteed to be easy. But as many people say "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger". I believe through all the trials I faced this past year, my faith grew roots and each day I am getting closer and closer to having unshakable faith. It has been a year of immense growth and for that I am so grateful.
As 2019 approaches, I pray you all experience God's peace and his love for you. May we never forget that we have such a merciful, gracious, and loving Father who has poured out blessings upon blessings on us. We are loved by the creator of the universe and I think that is just so awesome. May your hearts and homes be filled with joy, laughter, and sweet memories for years to come.
Peace and Joy,
Chloe
Thursday, December 27, 2018
Wednesday, November 28, 2018
Life Update & Prayer
Hey ya'll! I'm back again!
It has been a hot second since I last posted an update on my life. And if I'm being honest, I didn't share anything because it was a trying time and I wanted to unplug for a little bit to reflect and regroup. I was doing some work for a start-up company in town. It's a really awesome concept and I know it is bound to do some incredible things. However, I was just unhappy and unfulfilled while doing the work. I think a major part of my sadness was that I was still grieving the fact the my former temporary job from earlier on in the year was gone. I LOVED working in public policy so much and going to work made me excited, fulfilled, and I had learned so much. It was an amazing opportunity to network with talented professionals, get a bit outside my comfort zone, and I got to work with some of the coolest and most dedicated people I had ever met. And most importantly to me, I felt like I was actually helping people. I could interact with individuals and make sure they were heard and understood. I got to help make them happy and in doing so, I felt joyful about my work. Everything was really great, except for the fact that it was a temporary job and I needed to say goodbye and took the new job with the startup company. But something in me told me that I'd be back. Goodbye was actually "See you in a little bit."
During the time I was working at the startup company, I had three dreams about being back at my old job working. I would wake up and shake it off because I thought it was all wishful thinking. A few weeks ago, I got a phone call from the office manager from my old job and she told me a position had opened up and I was already in consideration. I was so giddy and told her that I was in and wanted to interview for it. I went through the interview process and was told I'd hear back within two weeks. I had the interview on Tuesday afternoon and flew to Chicago on Wednesday morning to spend Thanksgiving with my family. I landed in Chicago later that afternoon and was shopping around at Whole Foods. I checked my email and found out the job was mine and all I had to do now was accept the offer. So here we are now- A new position at the same office...just like I had dreamed about. This is the type of stuff that cannot be made up. God is too good. I keep asking myself "How did this happen?" And I keep coming back to the same answer "Because He is faithful."
During the interview process for this new position, I had been pleading with God for this to work out. I was reminded of Hannah from the Old Testament in the Bible. She had begged God for a child and she told God that if He gave her a child, she would raise him to serve God and be faithful to Him. While I was certainly not begging for a child, I was begging for this exact job. I told God that I would serve Him in whatever way He wanted me to and be a light in the workplace and all the praise would go back to Him. I was so desperate for this job and God provided. My heart has been bursting with praise, wonder, and celebration so I sat down last night to write out a prayer to God and wanted to share it all with you. Maybe some of you are in the same boat as me- starting a new career or maybe you have been in your job for years and want to rededicate your work back to God. Either way, feel free to use and modify to fit your particular situation.
Father, You have blessed me abundantly more than all I could have ever asked or imagined. I know this job is one of your many blessings to me and I do not take it for granted. You have heard every single prayer that I have prayed and You have seen every tear that I have cried while waiting for this opportunity. You were always with me just as You are with me now and will be with me forever. Give me Your peace and discernment, Lord, as I bravely step into this new role. Calm any nerves or fears and give me a strong and courageous spirit to do the work You have given me to do.
Father, I ask that You will use me in whatever way You see fit to further Your kingdom. Let me be a beacon of hope and light that fills the entire atmosphere with a radiating aura of positivity, compassion, and love. Let my colleagues and those I interact with see You in me. May my words and actions be uplifting to all those who witness them and let them lead others to You. May I be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. When I interact with difficult people, help me to empathize with them instead of judging and criticizing them. Where it is easier to build walls, Lord, help me build bridges. Unity and love is always better than division and hatred.
Father, I surrender everything to You and I'm laying it down at Your feet. Every victory will be Yours and every failure will be Yours. May I never forget how good You have been to me and that this job is a privilege not a right. May I be kind, generous, and passionate. And when I mess up (as I know I will do so many times), help me to be humble enough to admit my shortcomings, be quick to apologize, and then learn from my mistakes. Let me always remember that without You I am powerless. Success can only come from You not me.
We are in this together, Father. I am ready and excited to see what You have in store for me. Thank You for being my Savior, Friend, and King. I love You.
Amen.
Wednesday, September 19, 2018
In His Hands
Hi again, everyone!
Chloe
This morning, I was reminded of one of my favorite passages in scripture: Isaiah 41:10
"So do fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
This verse always makes me stop and think. It's so cool to think about God holding me and carrying me when I need him to. He isn't apathetic or lazy. He is so proactive about keeping me safe and secure and He will not let me drown even if I think I am going to.
I have nothing to be anxious or worried about because my King and Savior is carrying me. I am in His strong and capable hands and that's the best place I could possibly be. And yet so often I find myself feeling scared. I often need to read Isaiah 41:10 multiple times a week just to remind myself that God is holding me up and I can relax.
God fights my battles. God holds me up. God carries me through.
God fights my battles. God holds me up. God carries me through.
Sometimes, I just need to stop, take a few deep breaths and listen for that unmistakable voice of God whispering in my ear, "I got you, Chloe. I'm right here."
I'm in his arms and I am safe. That's all the assurance I need. May you feel the amazing arms of our Savior wrap around you today and every day. Enjoy the ride. God's got you.
Peace and Joy,
Chloe
Wednesday, September 5, 2018
My Cup Overflows
Hello once again!
Happy Wednesday! I hope you all had a lovely Labor Day weekend and had a chance to rest and connect with your loved ones.
These days I've been reflecting on Psalm 23. I just love the imagery of Christ as the good, faithful, and devoted shepherd. It reminds me that I am always in the most capable hands and have absolutely nothing to worry about. One of my favorite verses from Psalm 23 is verse 5. It states:
"You prepare a table before in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows."
"My cup overflows."
David, the author of this Psalm definitely did not have the easiest life. He was a young shepherd boy (which was the lowliest job anyone could have during Biblical times), the youngest of his brothers (Can you imagine how much he got teased and overlooked?) and then he was literally chased out of his comfort zone and forced to run for his life and go into hiding from King Saul. Yet in the midst of life's discomforts and challenges, David was able to proclaim that his cup overflows. David was able to declare this truth because he knew God was with him and provided for him. David wasn't focused on his problems, he was focused on his blessings. When we focus on God's goodness, we are able to find peace even when the situation seems impossible.
We are all fighting a battle. I don't know what your particular battle is, but I can assure you that you you are in God's hands, and there's no better place for you than resting with the best shepherd. I pray you are able to find some peace and comfort as you reflect on the many ways God provides for you and protects you. You are deeply loved and are so precious. Stay strong and keep fighting the good fight.
Peace and Joy,
Chloe
Psalm 23
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall
not want.
He makes me lie down in green
pastures .
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of
righteousness
for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the
valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy
shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of
the LORD
forever.
Happy Wednesday! I hope you all had a lovely Labor Day weekend and had a chance to rest and connect with your loved ones.
These days I've been reflecting on Psalm 23. I just love the imagery of Christ as the good, faithful, and devoted shepherd. It reminds me that I am always in the most capable hands and have absolutely nothing to worry about. One of my favorite verses from Psalm 23 is verse 5. It states:
"You prepare a table before in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows."
"My cup overflows."
David, the author of this Psalm definitely did not have the easiest life. He was a young shepherd boy (which was the lowliest job anyone could have during Biblical times), the youngest of his brothers (Can you imagine how much he got teased and overlooked?) and then he was literally chased out of his comfort zone and forced to run for his life and go into hiding from King Saul. Yet in the midst of life's discomforts and challenges, David was able to proclaim that his cup overflows. David was able to declare this truth because he knew God was with him and provided for him. David wasn't focused on his problems, he was focused on his blessings. When we focus on God's goodness, we are able to find peace even when the situation seems impossible.
We are all fighting a battle. I don't know what your particular battle is, but I can assure you that you you are in God's hands, and there's no better place for you than resting with the best shepherd. I pray you are able to find some peace and comfort as you reflect on the many ways God provides for you and protects you. You are deeply loved and are so precious. Stay strong and keep fighting the good fight.
Peace and Joy,
Chloe
Psalm 23
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall
not want.
He makes me lie down in green
pastures .
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of
righteousness
for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the
valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy
shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of
the LORD
forever.
Saturday, August 11, 2018
My Daily Prayer
Hello everyone!
One of my favorite ways to start my day is by praying over myself, as well as the people that I will be interacting with throughout the day. It's my way of centering myself and setting an intention of peace, joy, and compassion. I strongly believe that taking a few minutes to pray over yourself, loved ones, and asking God to protect and bless you has immense benefits. Here is my personal prayer. Feel free to use this as an outline and revise for yourself where necessary.
Father God,
Thank you for waking me up this morning and breathing Your life-giving spirit into my lungs.
Thank you for all the great things You have in store for me today.
Lord, thank You for my loving family. I pray that You will bless each of them today and surround them with Your love and mercies. Protect them from anything or anyone who wants to harm them or cause them to fall away from You. May they feel your presence and immense love for them today and may they be filled with joy, peace, and wisdom.
Father, thank You for all those who I will interact with today. May I be a source of light and hope to them and a beacon of your love. Lord, please help me show unconditional compassion and grace to them. May my words and actions point to You and may they honor and glorify You. Prevent me from saying or doing anything that will cause confusion, pain, division, or hostility. Help me to spread peace and healing to those that need a kind, gentle, and humble friend.
Father, I pray for myself today. Please keep me safe from the enemy or anything or anyone that wishes to cause me harm. I ask that I will be constantly reminded of Your love and grace in my life. Keep me humble and close to Your will and may I be someone who listens more than I speak and is slow to become angry. Lord, help me to stand firm in my faith and stay faithful to You alone. May I walk in love as You loved me and gave Yourself up for me as a fragrant offering.
Jesus, I am so excited to experience all that this day has to offer with You. You have made another beautiful day and I choose to celebrate Your goodness today. Thank You for all the many blessings in my life. I do not deserve Your kindness, yet You still pour out Your love upon me. I am in awe of You. I love you, Lord.
Amen.
Peace and Joy,
Chloe
One of my favorite ways to start my day is by praying over myself, as well as the people that I will be interacting with throughout the day. It's my way of centering myself and setting an intention of peace, joy, and compassion. I strongly believe that taking a few minutes to pray over yourself, loved ones, and asking God to protect and bless you has immense benefits. Here is my personal prayer. Feel free to use this as an outline and revise for yourself where necessary.
Father God,
Thank you for waking me up this morning and breathing Your life-giving spirit into my lungs.
Thank you for all the great things You have in store for me today.
Lord, thank You for my loving family. I pray that You will bless each of them today and surround them with Your love and mercies. Protect them from anything or anyone who wants to harm them or cause them to fall away from You. May they feel your presence and immense love for them today and may they be filled with joy, peace, and wisdom.
Father, thank You for all those who I will interact with today. May I be a source of light and hope to them and a beacon of your love. Lord, please help me show unconditional compassion and grace to them. May my words and actions point to You and may they honor and glorify You. Prevent me from saying or doing anything that will cause confusion, pain, division, or hostility. Help me to spread peace and healing to those that need a kind, gentle, and humble friend.
Father, I pray for myself today. Please keep me safe from the enemy or anything or anyone that wishes to cause me harm. I ask that I will be constantly reminded of Your love and grace in my life. Keep me humble and close to Your will and may I be someone who listens more than I speak and is slow to become angry. Lord, help me to stand firm in my faith and stay faithful to You alone. May I walk in love as You loved me and gave Yourself up for me as a fragrant offering.
Jesus, I am so excited to experience all that this day has to offer with You. You have made another beautiful day and I choose to celebrate Your goodness today. Thank You for all the many blessings in my life. I do not deserve Your kindness, yet You still pour out Your love upon me. I am in awe of You. I love you, Lord.
Amen.
Peace and Joy,
Chloe
Monday, July 30, 2018
Just Ask...
Hello once again!
Happy Monday! I hope you had a fabulous weekend.
This morning, I was reminded of the fact that God is always listening to me and wants me to come to Him to seek whatever I need. It is often easy for me to think God is too busy or preoccupied with other affairs and doesn't have the time or energy to be present with me.
I have a difficult time asking for things. I hate making requests or asking for help even when I really need it. I hate feeling like I am inconveniencing someone else or taking too much of their precious time and energy away from them, so I resort to trying to do everything on my own.
Ya'll, when we do life with Jesus we are not supposed to do things on our own. Life isn't always easy and we need backup. We cannot do everything alone no matter how independent and strong we think we are. We risk being burned out and feeling like victims to our circumstances. We start saying things like, "I am the only one I can count on.", "I do all the work around here because nobody ever helps me." "Nobody appreciates my work."
The remedy to this is simple: Call on Jesus.
As followers of Christ, we are invited into the open arms of God to receive whatever we need. We need to have big enough faith to ask God for the thing we need. Maybe you need some encouragement and comfort. Maybe you need a miracle. Maybe you need peace and rest. Maybe you need a faithful friend to talk to and release your heavy burden. Whatever you need, just tell God about it. I cannot promise that you will always get exactly what you asked for or have your miracle delivered right away, but I can promise that God is listening to you and knows exactly what you need. And whatever you need, God will provide.
I am learning how to swallow my pride and ask for God's lifeline. It is so reassuring to know that I have a God who is ready and able to help me and pour out His grace upon me. I no longer have to do everything on my own. I have an advocate and His name is Jesus.
Scripture:
"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." -Mark 11:24
"And this is the confidence we have towards Him, that if we ask anything according to His will he hear us. And if we know he hears us in whatever we ask, we know we have the requests that we asked of Him" -1 John 5:14-15
"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." -Hebrews 4:16
Peace and Joy,
Chloe
Happy Monday! I hope you had a fabulous weekend.
This morning, I was reminded of the fact that God is always listening to me and wants me to come to Him to seek whatever I need. It is often easy for me to think God is too busy or preoccupied with other affairs and doesn't have the time or energy to be present with me.
I have a difficult time asking for things. I hate making requests or asking for help even when I really need it. I hate feeling like I am inconveniencing someone else or taking too much of their precious time and energy away from them, so I resort to trying to do everything on my own.
Ya'll, when we do life with Jesus we are not supposed to do things on our own. Life isn't always easy and we need backup. We cannot do everything alone no matter how independent and strong we think we are. We risk being burned out and feeling like victims to our circumstances. We start saying things like, "I am the only one I can count on.", "I do all the work around here because nobody ever helps me." "Nobody appreciates my work."
The remedy to this is simple: Call on Jesus.
As followers of Christ, we are invited into the open arms of God to receive whatever we need. We need to have big enough faith to ask God for the thing we need. Maybe you need some encouragement and comfort. Maybe you need a miracle. Maybe you need peace and rest. Maybe you need a faithful friend to talk to and release your heavy burden. Whatever you need, just tell God about it. I cannot promise that you will always get exactly what you asked for or have your miracle delivered right away, but I can promise that God is listening to you and knows exactly what you need. And whatever you need, God will provide.
I am learning how to swallow my pride and ask for God's lifeline. It is so reassuring to know that I have a God who is ready and able to help me and pour out His grace upon me. I no longer have to do everything on my own. I have an advocate and His name is Jesus.
Scripture:
"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." -Mark 11:24
"And this is the confidence we have towards Him, that if we ask anything according to His will he hear us. And if we know he hears us in whatever we ask, we know we have the requests that we asked of Him" -1 John 5:14-15
"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." -Hebrews 4:16
Peace and Joy,
Chloe
Thursday, July 26, 2018
Happy 1st Birthday! (to this blog)
Hello again!
Today is this blog's first anniversary. I cannot believe it has been one year since this blog went live and I am so thankful for the Lord's abundant grace and faithfulness. I always wanted to have an outlet that allowed me to share my passion for Christ, and have a place to learn from others and both give and receive encouragement and sense of community. It fills my heart with so much joy when I hear that a post has touched one of you, or when people send me their own stories and testimonies about what God has done and is doing in their lives it gets me so excited because it just goes to show that God is always at work and He is always faithful to us.
Whether you have just discovered this blog today or you have been following along since last year, I pray that you sense the Lord's love. You are called beloved by the King of the universe. You are precious. I am so happy that you have stopped by my page.
My hope for this blog is that it is a place where people can find encouragement and hope. No matter what you are facing, you are not facing it alone. God is always besides you and with His strength, you can overcome life's hurdles. Sometimes the world can seem so bleak and sad, but it is my prayer that this blog can help shed some light and be a source of truth, community, and love.
One last thing:
Please pray for me. Pray that I stay true to God's Word and do not write anything that would cause harm, confusion, and/or cause others to stray from God. And if there is something that God wants me to share, may He give me the wisdom, discernment, and strength to deliver His message in a way that is God-honoring and done so with tact. I pray that I will live out John 3:30 "He must become greater; I must become less." I ask that God will remove any pride or arrogance from me so I can become a humble servant who brings light and truth to a world that needs it.
Thank you for allowing me to share my faith with you all. Thank you for keeping me in your prayers and reminding me that life with Jesus is the best. Thank you for giving me grace, support, and being a source of joy for me. You are awesome.
Peace and Joy,
Chloe
Today is this blog's first anniversary. I cannot believe it has been one year since this blog went live and I am so thankful for the Lord's abundant grace and faithfulness. I always wanted to have an outlet that allowed me to share my passion for Christ, and have a place to learn from others and both give and receive encouragement and sense of community. It fills my heart with so much joy when I hear that a post has touched one of you, or when people send me their own stories and testimonies about what God has done and is doing in their lives it gets me so excited because it just goes to show that God is always at work and He is always faithful to us.
Whether you have just discovered this blog today or you have been following along since last year, I pray that you sense the Lord's love. You are called beloved by the King of the universe. You are precious. I am so happy that you have stopped by my page.
My hope for this blog is that it is a place where people can find encouragement and hope. No matter what you are facing, you are not facing it alone. God is always besides you and with His strength, you can overcome life's hurdles. Sometimes the world can seem so bleak and sad, but it is my prayer that this blog can help shed some light and be a source of truth, community, and love.
One last thing:
Please pray for me. Pray that I stay true to God's Word and do not write anything that would cause harm, confusion, and/or cause others to stray from God. And if there is something that God wants me to share, may He give me the wisdom, discernment, and strength to deliver His message in a way that is God-honoring and done so with tact. I pray that I will live out John 3:30 "He must become greater; I must become less." I ask that God will remove any pride or arrogance from me so I can become a humble servant who brings light and truth to a world that needs it.
Thank you for allowing me to share my faith with you all. Thank you for keeping me in your prayers and reminding me that life with Jesus is the best. Thank you for giving me grace, support, and being a source of joy for me. You are awesome.
Peace and Joy,
Chloe
Tuesday, July 17, 2018
Comparison
Hello again, lovelies.
Happy Tuesday!
The past couple days, I've been thinking a lot about how comparing our lives to other people's lives is just one of the worst things we could do to ourselves. I ran into a situation the other day and learned a lot through it.
Situation:
Surfing through social media posts. I came across a girl's profile. Her photos were flawless, her videos had immaculate editing, and her captions were cute, sassy, and spot-on. I began diving deeper, looking into her most liked posts and started asking myself, "Why am I so lame?" "When will I have my own success story like she does?" "I need to change, but how?"
Reality:
These days, nothing gets posted without serious editing and photo shopping. (especially by professional lifestyle bloggers and celebs) What I was looking at isn't real. Her profile doesn't show this girl's bad days, the failures, or anything that would otherwise look unattractive. I was looking at only a tiny glimpse of her life. Of course, she has bad days like me. Of course she has her own struggles. Of course she has made mistakes. I just didn't see that. I could only see what she wanted me to see: the fame, the glamour, the pretty/edited.
When we live as children of God, we don't ever need to compare ourselves to others. Comparison is a demon that deceives us into believing that we want what we already have. We all want acceptance, admiration, and acknowledgement. Yet Jesus has already given us those things plus lots more. He adopted us into His heavenly kingdom to become daughters and sons and have a heavenly inheritance. We are His princes and princesses. He reminds us over and over in scripture about how much he adores us. We are His beloved. He takes pride and joy in us. The Bible even says he rejoices over us with singing. How cool is that?!
Comparison is the ultimate joy killer. When we start comparing our lives to others, it is so easy to become jealous and bitter. We could be so content and peaceful if we just stay reminded of God's promises.
-He will never leave us nor forsake us.
-He loves us. There is nothing we could ever do to make Him stop loving us.
-He will always provide for us. We lack nothing.
The devil loves using comparison as a way of making us stray away from God. Satan loves seeing us depressed, jealous, and bitter. Those are all things that will divide us if we aren't careful. God's way of life calls for unity, love, peace, and joy.
You have everything you could ever need because God looks after you. Rest assured, dear ones. You are more than enough. Always.
Peace and Joy,
Chloe
Happy Tuesday!
The past couple days, I've been thinking a lot about how comparing our lives to other people's lives is just one of the worst things we could do to ourselves. I ran into a situation the other day and learned a lot through it.
Situation:
Surfing through social media posts. I came across a girl's profile. Her photos were flawless, her videos had immaculate editing, and her captions were cute, sassy, and spot-on. I began diving deeper, looking into her most liked posts and started asking myself, "Why am I so lame?" "When will I have my own success story like she does?" "I need to change, but how?"
Reality:
These days, nothing gets posted without serious editing and photo shopping. (especially by professional lifestyle bloggers and celebs) What I was looking at isn't real. Her profile doesn't show this girl's bad days, the failures, or anything that would otherwise look unattractive. I was looking at only a tiny glimpse of her life. Of course, she has bad days like me. Of course she has her own struggles. Of course she has made mistakes. I just didn't see that. I could only see what she wanted me to see: the fame, the glamour, the pretty/edited.
When we live as children of God, we don't ever need to compare ourselves to others. Comparison is a demon that deceives us into believing that we want what we already have. We all want acceptance, admiration, and acknowledgement. Yet Jesus has already given us those things plus lots more. He adopted us into His heavenly kingdom to become daughters and sons and have a heavenly inheritance. We are His princes and princesses. He reminds us over and over in scripture about how much he adores us. We are His beloved. He takes pride and joy in us. The Bible even says he rejoices over us with singing. How cool is that?!
Comparison is the ultimate joy killer. When we start comparing our lives to others, it is so easy to become jealous and bitter. We could be so content and peaceful if we just stay reminded of God's promises.
-He will never leave us nor forsake us.
-He loves us. There is nothing we could ever do to make Him stop loving us.
-He will always provide for us. We lack nothing.
The devil loves using comparison as a way of making us stray away from God. Satan loves seeing us depressed, jealous, and bitter. Those are all things that will divide us if we aren't careful. God's way of life calls for unity, love, peace, and joy.
You have everything you could ever need because God looks after you. Rest assured, dear ones. You are more than enough. Always.
Peace and Joy,
Chloe
Saturday, June 23, 2018
My First Year Post-Grad/The Power of Faith
Hello again!
Last month marked by first year since graduating from college. I still cannot believe how fast time flies by. This new chapter has been a roller coaster for sure. Some of you may recall the days I spent last summer praying for the right job to come along, then realizing my plans were not exactly part of God's plan, then getting completely surprised by God and receiving an amazing blessing... a job. (while temporary but it provided an incredible wealth of knowledge, exposure, connections and it was simply amazing!)
And while I am in yet another season of transition, I feel like this time is easier for me to relax and not panic. Those of you who know me know that I am happiest when I am working super hard and making things happen. I love working! I honestly believe a strong work ethic is one of the most attractive qualities a person can have. I was raised to always have a job and contribute so time off is certainly a bit uncomfortable for me. But this time, my faith has really grown its roots and it's getting much harder for me to panic and be unhappy. I am learning that in seasons of abundance and in seasons of drought, my heart is still capable of being joyful, grateful, and at peace.
And throughout the highs and lows of my post-grad life, a reoccurring theme has emerged: My God sees me through. He pours out grace upon grace. All I have to do is tell mt mountains about my God and I will see the impossible made possible.
Scripture constantly reminds us of how God goes before us to fight our battles. He did so for the Israelites so He will do the same for me. God always keeps His promises!
Deuteronomy 31:8
"The LORD himself goes before you and he will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. DO not be afraid; do not be discouraged."
Exodus 14:14
"The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still."
Isaiah 45:2
"I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron."
Matthew 19:26
"Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man, this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'"
One of the most important things God has taught me this season is that nothing is too hard for Him. He works out every single detail in my life and is always by my side. God is so faithful and gracious and it never ceases to amaze me. I've realized the worrying is pointless and God desires my full faith and trust in Him.
It hasn't been the easiest ride, but when I was too tired, scared, or anxious, I felt Jesus pick me up and carry me. He knows I am human and I am weak. Yet he gently carries me in His arms just like a parent embraces their child. I've had my fair share of tears and heartbreak and yet I also felt God's comforting presence as He helped me wipe away my tears. He's given me scripture, music, mentors, and His own gentle reminders to validate me, encourage me, and strengthen me. He's become my best friend and my hero and I am so grateful I chose to do life with Him.
Things are not always going to go as planned. And it's totally okay because God always has better ideas. I've become comfortable with being uncomfortable because I have witnessed Jesus performing miracles in front of me. Humanly speaking, I shouldn't have had this many blessings and victories in my life, and yet God still continues to fight for me. WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE! God is amazing. God is faithful. God is gracious.
Have a wonderful rest of your weekend! I pray that you all experience abundant peace and joy no matter what season of life you are in. You are loved and you are precious.
-Chloe
Wednesday, June 13, 2018
Do Not Fear
Hi again, lovelies.
I hope your week is off to a great start.
I wanted to share a little bit of encouragement with all of you in the hopes that if you are facing something big, (like I am right now) you can feel a bit more at ease.
I won't sugar-coat it: Being in-between jobs can be tough, but then facing a job interview/potential career you feel is too big for you can be even more debilitating. Fear and insecurity are crippling. Change is not always easy and leaving comfort zones is scary. And while comfort zones are nice, they do not allow us to grow and mature. I was praying to God about my worries and I told him that I don't feel 100% ready to step into this new dream that God has placed in my life right now. It's a wonderful vision the Lord has placed on my heart, but I still feel like I don't have all the right skills, experiences, and qualifications yet. If I'm being honest, I was sort of expecting God to be like "Oh, okay. Then maybe you can stay in your comfort zone just a bit longer. It's fine." But instead God gave me a different type of reassurance... scripture and a few wise God-loving people.
I found a Christian YouTuber named Allyson Rowe. She is one of those people who has a gift for speaking truth and light into others' lives and filling them with so much encouragement. It's like getting a pep talk from an older sister. In a few of her videos, she mentioned a few quotes that really stuck out to me.
1.) "If God called you to it, He will see you through it."
God is not looking to humiliate me or make me feel defeated. If this dream I have is really from God, then that means God has already worked out every single detail and I have no reason to be afraid. When things come from God, they work out seamlessly and drama-free. I don't have to chase things or put in extra effort. Resumes, job qualifications, degrees, and interviews are all good to have but those things are made up by people, not God. God is ultimately the one who decides what is going to work for me, not other people.
2.) "The chances of God calling me into something I can already do on my own is probably zero."
God uses challenging situations to make me more humble, strengthen my faith in Him, and to bring me to a deeper level of worship and admiration for Him. Here's the reality: On my own, I am weak, incapable, and will fail. I make many mistakes on a daily basis and the moment I think I don't need anyone to help me, I lose out on many blessings. Arrogance, pride, and cockiness are things God hates. God desires my full devotion and trust in Him, even when I think I can manage. When I told God about my concerns of not feeling ready enough for this new chapter, I felt like God smiled at me and asked me, "Since when did you think I'd let you face a battle all by yourself. I am with you, daughter. We are a team and victory is already yours. Do not have any more fears."
In the end, I will most likely be laughing at myself for thinking this was so scary and daunting when I had Jesus by my side the entire time. Jesus makes things easy, smooth, and enjoyable. Stress, anxiety, fears, insecurities, and drama exist because we refuse to acknowledge the God is watching out for us, helping us, and providing every single thing we need. And on the flip side, new careers, promotions, joy, and celebrations exist because God is trying to tell us how much He adores us. We are precious to Him and He wants to pour out every good thing on us. All we need to do is trust Him 100% and believe the every battle is already won because Jesus is always with us.
We must surrender our feeling of inability to God's capability. God is in the business of doing really big things. Life with Him is so awesome and sometimes He gives us dreams and visions and callings that seem a few sizes too big for us, because He wants to prove to us (once again) that He is King, Savior, and Lord. We don't need to choose to do things all by ourselves. We have an advocate and hero if we just call upon Him.
Scripture:
Hebrews 11:1
"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
(Just because we can't clearly see what God has in store for us, that doesn't mean He isn't working on our behalf.)
Deuteronomy 31: 6
"Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD who goes before you. He will not leave you or forsake you." (God has already gone before you to prepare the way. If you choose to walk alongside Him, He will be the best tour guide and traveling companion.)
Isaiah 12:2
"Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation." (Bottom line: God is so awesome!)
John 16: 33
"I have said these things to you, that you may have peace. In this world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." (God never promises us that we won't go through trials. The world is a tough place to live in, but God has won our battles and he promises to give us peace and courage. These gifts are God's way of showing us that he really loves us.)
Joshua 1:9
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." (God repeats the "Do not be afraid" a lot in scripture. Typically when he repeats things, it means it is important. Courage > Fear)
I hope this encouraged you and helped you feel more at peace. Cling tight to God and great things will happen. It may not happen exactly how you think it should, but if it's from God, then it will always be worth it and it will always feel smooth. Stay strong in the faith. God is ready to do big things in your life and it's going to be fun.
Peace and Love,
Chloe
I hope your week is off to a great start.
I wanted to share a little bit of encouragement with all of you in the hopes that if you are facing something big, (like I am right now) you can feel a bit more at ease.
I won't sugar-coat it: Being in-between jobs can be tough, but then facing a job interview/potential career you feel is too big for you can be even more debilitating. Fear and insecurity are crippling. Change is not always easy and leaving comfort zones is scary. And while comfort zones are nice, they do not allow us to grow and mature. I was praying to God about my worries and I told him that I don't feel 100% ready to step into this new dream that God has placed in my life right now. It's a wonderful vision the Lord has placed on my heart, but I still feel like I don't have all the right skills, experiences, and qualifications yet. If I'm being honest, I was sort of expecting God to be like "Oh, okay. Then maybe you can stay in your comfort zone just a bit longer. It's fine." But instead God gave me a different type of reassurance... scripture and a few wise God-loving people.
I found a Christian YouTuber named Allyson Rowe. She is one of those people who has a gift for speaking truth and light into others' lives and filling them with so much encouragement. It's like getting a pep talk from an older sister. In a few of her videos, she mentioned a few quotes that really stuck out to me.
1.) "If God called you to it, He will see you through it."
God is not looking to humiliate me or make me feel defeated. If this dream I have is really from God, then that means God has already worked out every single detail and I have no reason to be afraid. When things come from God, they work out seamlessly and drama-free. I don't have to chase things or put in extra effort. Resumes, job qualifications, degrees, and interviews are all good to have but those things are made up by people, not God. God is ultimately the one who decides what is going to work for me, not other people.
2.) "The chances of God calling me into something I can already do on my own is probably zero."
God uses challenging situations to make me more humble, strengthen my faith in Him, and to bring me to a deeper level of worship and admiration for Him. Here's the reality: On my own, I am weak, incapable, and will fail. I make many mistakes on a daily basis and the moment I think I don't need anyone to help me, I lose out on many blessings. Arrogance, pride, and cockiness are things God hates. God desires my full devotion and trust in Him, even when I think I can manage. When I told God about my concerns of not feeling ready enough for this new chapter, I felt like God smiled at me and asked me, "Since when did you think I'd let you face a battle all by yourself. I am with you, daughter. We are a team and victory is already yours. Do not have any more fears."
In the end, I will most likely be laughing at myself for thinking this was so scary and daunting when I had Jesus by my side the entire time. Jesus makes things easy, smooth, and enjoyable. Stress, anxiety, fears, insecurities, and drama exist because we refuse to acknowledge the God is watching out for us, helping us, and providing every single thing we need. And on the flip side, new careers, promotions, joy, and celebrations exist because God is trying to tell us how much He adores us. We are precious to Him and He wants to pour out every good thing on us. All we need to do is trust Him 100% and believe the every battle is already won because Jesus is always with us.
We must surrender our feeling of inability to God's capability. God is in the business of doing really big things. Life with Him is so awesome and sometimes He gives us dreams and visions and callings that seem a few sizes too big for us, because He wants to prove to us (once again) that He is King, Savior, and Lord. We don't need to choose to do things all by ourselves. We have an advocate and hero if we just call upon Him.
Scripture:
Hebrews 11:1
"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
(Just because we can't clearly see what God has in store for us, that doesn't mean He isn't working on our behalf.)
Deuteronomy 31: 6
"Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD who goes before you. He will not leave you or forsake you." (God has already gone before you to prepare the way. If you choose to walk alongside Him, He will be the best tour guide and traveling companion.)
Isaiah 12:2
"Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation." (Bottom line: God is so awesome!)
John 16: 33
"I have said these things to you, that you may have peace. In this world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." (God never promises us that we won't go through trials. The world is a tough place to live in, but God has won our battles and he promises to give us peace and courage. These gifts are God's way of showing us that he really loves us.)
Joshua 1:9
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." (God repeats the "Do not be afraid" a lot in scripture. Typically when he repeats things, it means it is important. Courage > Fear)
I hope this encouraged you and helped you feel more at peace. Cling tight to God and great things will happen. It may not happen exactly how you think it should, but if it's from God, then it will always be worth it and it will always feel smooth. Stay strong in the faith. God is ready to do big things in your life and it's going to be fun.
Peace and Love,
Chloe
Wednesday, June 6, 2018
A Mindset of Abundance
Hello again!
Over this past weekend, I discovered a new favorite verse of scripture of mine. It is Psalm 116:7. I love chapters 116-118 of Psalms because it is all about David's proclamation of God's goodness and faithfulness on his life. As many of us know, David had a tough life. He certainly faced numerous obstacles and trials, and went through bouts of sadness, fear, and anguish. However, due to his awareness and gratitude of God's graciousness, he never stayed depressed for long.
Being aware of how much God provides for us and adores us is what enables us to be joyful even in the midst of challenges and hard times.
Psalm 116:7
"Return to your rest, O my soul, for the LORD has dealt bountifully with you."
A few things stick out to me in the passage:
1.) "Return to your rest"
So often, I find myself wanting God to develop me and transform me, yet more often than not God desires to bring me back to what I once was. When I was a young child, I was content, laid-back, playful, and trusting. As I grew up, I became a bit skeptical, anxious, easily irritated. God wants to return me to a place of peace, rest, and complete faith in him instead of being chronically worried.
2.) "Bountifully"
God is more than enough for me. God never promises an easy life but he does guarantee that we will never lack anything we need in order to live. It blows my mind whenever I stop to think about what God has done for me so far. I've faced challenges, but even when I thought I was too weak to make it through, God provided me with courage, comfort, and strength to overcome them. On my most difficult days, God would constantly whisper to me about how much he loves me, how he fights for me and with me, and how I am valuable to His Kingdom. Even when I don't do a single thing to deserve God's kindness, he showers blessings upon blessings. God is generous and gives more than I could ever ask or imagine. There is no need to be greedy or worried when I am with God because God is the God of abundance and graciousness. There is nothing I need because I am in the best hands possible. God makes contentment possible!
My motto that I like to write down from time to time is "Blessings upon blessings". It is a reminder that I have no right to complain about my circumstances because God has already conquered all my battles. Since God has already poured out his grace upon me, I should be living in a state of celebration and thankfulness. And in return, I am called to be generous to others. There is no need to be stingy with others. I am called to give the extra money, give my extra time, and to give my heart to serving those that God has placed in my life. If I love others sincerely, then I know God will take care of the rest. Time to celebrate God as the King of abundance!
Peace and Joy,
Chloe
Over this past weekend, I discovered a new favorite verse of scripture of mine. It is Psalm 116:7. I love chapters 116-118 of Psalms because it is all about David's proclamation of God's goodness and faithfulness on his life. As many of us know, David had a tough life. He certainly faced numerous obstacles and trials, and went through bouts of sadness, fear, and anguish. However, due to his awareness and gratitude of God's graciousness, he never stayed depressed for long.
Being aware of how much God provides for us and adores us is what enables us to be joyful even in the midst of challenges and hard times.
Psalm 116:7
"Return to your rest, O my soul, for the LORD has dealt bountifully with you."
A few things stick out to me in the passage:
1.) "Return to your rest"
So often, I find myself wanting God to develop me and transform me, yet more often than not God desires to bring me back to what I once was. When I was a young child, I was content, laid-back, playful, and trusting. As I grew up, I became a bit skeptical, anxious, easily irritated. God wants to return me to a place of peace, rest, and complete faith in him instead of being chronically worried.
2.) "Bountifully"
God is more than enough for me. God never promises an easy life but he does guarantee that we will never lack anything we need in order to live. It blows my mind whenever I stop to think about what God has done for me so far. I've faced challenges, but even when I thought I was too weak to make it through, God provided me with courage, comfort, and strength to overcome them. On my most difficult days, God would constantly whisper to me about how much he loves me, how he fights for me and with me, and how I am valuable to His Kingdom. Even when I don't do a single thing to deserve God's kindness, he showers blessings upon blessings. God is generous and gives more than I could ever ask or imagine. There is no need to be greedy or worried when I am with God because God is the God of abundance and graciousness. There is nothing I need because I am in the best hands possible. God makes contentment possible!
My motto that I like to write down from time to time is "Blessings upon blessings". It is a reminder that I have no right to complain about my circumstances because God has already conquered all my battles. Since God has already poured out his grace upon me, I should be living in a state of celebration and thankfulness. And in return, I am called to be generous to others. There is no need to be stingy with others. I am called to give the extra money, give my extra time, and to give my heart to serving those that God has placed in my life. If I love others sincerely, then I know God will take care of the rest. Time to celebrate God as the King of abundance!
Peace and Joy,
Chloe
 |
| Psalm 116:7 |
Tuesday, May 29, 2018
My Favorite Ways to Practice Mindfulness
Once again, my sincerest apologies for being so MIA. I must confess I have gotten into a bad habit of rushing around and being a bit absent-minded with this blog as well as other aspects of my life.
In general, our culture loves busyness and hustling. And while a strong work ethic is always essential, oftentimes we run the risk of burning out due to chronic fatigue and stress. Once in a while, we all need to take a moment to slow down, take a few deep breaths, and simply acknowledge the beauty of being alive and living in the present.
Yesterday, during my reading time, I was reminded of how powerful our breath is. People have endured enormous fear, trauma and pain by simply taking deep breaths and focusing on staying in the present rather than the past or future. Many firefighters, police officers, and military personnel use a breathing exercise known as a 4 by 4. They inhale for 4 seconds, hold it in for 4 seconds, and then exhale for 4 seconds. This calms down the body and helps the mind stay clear and panic-free. It reminds them that it is all going to be okay even if they face losing their lives. Their breath is enough to keep them able to do their jobs. It's amazing. We can all use this method to practice mindfulness, peace, and calmness despite how busy our daily schedules are. And if breathing exercises aren't your thing, there are some other options that work just as effectively.
Here are some other ideas:
1.) Make yourself a nice cup of coffee or tea (or whatever your favorite drink is) and just notice how it feels to take a sip and experience the drink with all 5 of your senses. We often tune out our senses while we do mundane tasks. Taking time to focus on how something looks, tastes, smells, feels, sounds like slows down our brains and we can find a little moment of quiet.
2.) Get moving. I find that a good workout clear my mind instantly. Whether it's a run around the neighborhood or a simple yoga class, it does wonders for my mind as well as my body. It's super hard to focus on a to-do list in my head when I am trying to follow a trainer's instructions. I mean, the objective of yoga is to connect with your breath and your body and practice single-tasking. And to be honest, I hate the idea of working out. I am definitely not a gym rat and I sometimes refer to shopping as my cardio. But the feeling i get during and after my workouts make getting out the door so worth it. So no excuses just find an activity you enjoy and go for it.
3.) Spend some time with your journal. I'm sure this one is on just about every article relating to stress reduction, but it's on there for a reason: It really does work. As much as I love talking with people and sharing my feelings with them, I often find that paper allows me to be more honest and transparent about what I am actually going through. We are all guilty of holding back from our loved ones because we think what we have to say may sound dumb, irrelevant, or otherwise not worthy of being said aloud. Writing allows us express just about everything. I also enjoy saving my completed journals and then looking back on them later. For me, my journal has helped me slow down and take time to connect with my emotions and thoughts when I'd otherwise be too busy.
Find what works best for you. Maybe there is another way you like to wind down and I encourage you to use it as much as possible. Single-tasking is not a bad phrase. It doesn't mean we are lazy, but actually the opposite. When we take time to slow down and focus, then we are less likely to get burned out and we then can work harder and be more productive. So my fellow busy bees, we're in this together. Produtive > Busy
Peace,
Chloe
Sunday, February 4, 2018
Birthday Prayer/Letter
Happy February everyone! (And happy Super Bowl Sunday)
I love February because it is my birthday month!
Chloe, welcome to your 23rd year of life! It's amazing how God has been faithfully knitting together every aspect of your life ever since the day He created you.
May this year be a year filled with profound faith and devotion to Jesus. May you feel His love and presence each and every day of your life. May you never forget about all the wonderful things God has done for you and may you stay close to His side. In a culture that is becoming more godless, may you be a source of light and truth to this world. May you be an evangelist for Christ by your thoughts, words, and actions. May you be Jesus' hands and feet to a world that is in great need of Christ's love.
Chloe Marie Park, you are a daughter of the heavenly King who is not moved by the world. Your God is with you and goes before you. You do not fear because you are His. You are a kingdom warrior with aim to set the world free from the devil's lies and traps. You are a dragon slayer. You may be short and little, but you are mighty because of your God. You are called to be a beacon of hope and light to a broken and hurting world. You have so many gifts and talents and I pray this is the year you use them to build others up. As long as you have breath in your lungs and a heart beating in your chest, you have a purpose to serve. Always remembers that serving others is the best way to find true joy and peace in this life. In a society that is obsessed with self-gratification, greed, and selfishness, may you be a someone who invests time, money, and energy into making others feel loved and valued.
Chloe, always remember you are strong, brave, and capable. You can do anything you set your mind to because you are stubborn and fiery like that. Just in this past year, you have conquered so many obstacles and challenges. Just remember: Don't ever look down unless it's because you are admiring your shoes! ;)
Don't ever let one little setback keep you sad forever. You will go through many challenges, but always remember God is fighting alongside you. You are fierce and brave and you don't go down without a fight.
Don't ever back down from standing up for the truth and what is right. It is so easy to lose your morals and ethics in this world. You have always been one to speak up when injustice is happening and I pray you continue to do that. May you be an advocate for those that don't have anyone else to help them. Keep helping those people that the world labels as unlovable.
When culture wants to build walls of division and hated, may you build bridges and accept anyone and everyone who needs a loyal, compassionate, and generous friend. Be inclusive not exclusive. Jesus' love is for everyone not just the rich and famous. If you have more than you need, share it with others and be a blessing to them instead of hoarding everything for yourself. There is always plenty of room at your table for everyone to have a seating be included.
Happy 23rd birthday. Now, go and show the world your sass and sparkle and slay those dragons. Let's make it happen.
Love,
Chloe
Tuesday, January 30, 2018
Jesus & the Workplace
Hello again, everyone!
I apologize for not posting at all for the last few weeks. It has been super busy for me.
As some of you know, I started a new job a little over a month ago. I absolutely love it and have already learned so much from my colleagues. It has been such an exciting journey for me and I am so thankful that my workplace has become a big blessing in my life.
Lately I've been thinking about how I want to include Jesus and my faith into my work. I am not one who feels comfortable preaching sermons to my co-workers and forcing religion on them or getting into debates. I often find that it not only offends people, but it also turns them away from wanting to know more about God.
For me, I strive to live by the words of Saint Francis of Assisi. He said, "Preach the Gospel at all times, and if necessary use words." Basically, my actions, attitude, behavior, etc. are just as effective at leading people closer to God than if I only used my words to try to debate with others. But if someone asks me about my faith, I am completely comfortable telling them about why I love Jesus and what He has done for me so far. I am super open to talking about my faith with those around me, but I want them to approach me about it instead of chasing people around with a Bible and telling them to repent for their sins.
The Gospel is nothing to be ashamed about. In fact, Christ calls us to share our faith with others so they can experience forgiveness and salvation. Some of us have different ways to share their faith. Here are just some of mine.
1.) Pray over your co-workers, bosses, and executives. I like to arrive at work just a few extra minutes early. This gives me a chance to start my workday with a quick prayer asking God to bless all my colleagues and protect them from harm. I like to pray over each individual by name and lift them up to God.
2.) I love building relationships with people and getting to know them one-on-one. Everyone has their own quirks, interests, ideas, etc. and it's so refreshing to learn about them and ask questions about their lives. It shows them that you value them and that what they have to say is important to you. Once you build a personal relationship with people, it is a lot easier to talk about things like faith and religion because you already have a certain level of comfort and trust.
3.) Be a source of joy and light. Every workplace has its fair share of drama, stress, and negativity. Instead of being sucked into the whirlwind of chaos, do your best to remain calm, positive, and energetic. Your attitude reveals a lot about you and may attract people to you. I have had a handful of people approach me and ask me how I can be so happy or feel so energetic. I often tell them that my energy and joy is mainly possible because of my strong faith in God. I know things will be okay and work out because I have witnessed God work in my life. If they are interested and open to me sharing that, then I will sometimes tell them about specific instances where God has helped me. But even if you don't say anything about your faith, your attitude and demeanor will either make people interested or it will repel people away from you.
Scripture:
"Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." -Matthew 5:15-16
"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me -- the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace." -Acts 20:24
"For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes." -Romans 1:16
"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander." -1 Peter 3: 15-16
Let's go and spread God's love and grace to all those we come in contact with. If we truly love Jesus, we want others to get to know him too. At the same time, let's all try to be humble, gentle, and kind. Not everyone is ready to hear about God, and we need to also be sensitive to that too.
Peace and Joy,
Chloe
I apologize for not posting at all for the last few weeks. It has been super busy for me.
As some of you know, I started a new job a little over a month ago. I absolutely love it and have already learned so much from my colleagues. It has been such an exciting journey for me and I am so thankful that my workplace has become a big blessing in my life.
Lately I've been thinking about how I want to include Jesus and my faith into my work. I am not one who feels comfortable preaching sermons to my co-workers and forcing religion on them or getting into debates. I often find that it not only offends people, but it also turns them away from wanting to know more about God.
For me, I strive to live by the words of Saint Francis of Assisi. He said, "Preach the Gospel at all times, and if necessary use words." Basically, my actions, attitude, behavior, etc. are just as effective at leading people closer to God than if I only used my words to try to debate with others. But if someone asks me about my faith, I am completely comfortable telling them about why I love Jesus and what He has done for me so far. I am super open to talking about my faith with those around me, but I want them to approach me about it instead of chasing people around with a Bible and telling them to repent for their sins.
The Gospel is nothing to be ashamed about. In fact, Christ calls us to share our faith with others so they can experience forgiveness and salvation. Some of us have different ways to share their faith. Here are just some of mine.
1.) Pray over your co-workers, bosses, and executives. I like to arrive at work just a few extra minutes early. This gives me a chance to start my workday with a quick prayer asking God to bless all my colleagues and protect them from harm. I like to pray over each individual by name and lift them up to God.
2.) I love building relationships with people and getting to know them one-on-one. Everyone has their own quirks, interests, ideas, etc. and it's so refreshing to learn about them and ask questions about their lives. It shows them that you value them and that what they have to say is important to you. Once you build a personal relationship with people, it is a lot easier to talk about things like faith and religion because you already have a certain level of comfort and trust.
3.) Be a source of joy and light. Every workplace has its fair share of drama, stress, and negativity. Instead of being sucked into the whirlwind of chaos, do your best to remain calm, positive, and energetic. Your attitude reveals a lot about you and may attract people to you. I have had a handful of people approach me and ask me how I can be so happy or feel so energetic. I often tell them that my energy and joy is mainly possible because of my strong faith in God. I know things will be okay and work out because I have witnessed God work in my life. If they are interested and open to me sharing that, then I will sometimes tell them about specific instances where God has helped me. But even if you don't say anything about your faith, your attitude and demeanor will either make people interested or it will repel people away from you.
Scripture:
"Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." -Matthew 5:15-16
"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me -- the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace." -Acts 20:24
"For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes." -Romans 1:16
"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander." -1 Peter 3: 15-16
Let's go and spread God's love and grace to all those we come in contact with. If we truly love Jesus, we want others to get to know him too. At the same time, let's all try to be humble, gentle, and kind. Not everyone is ready to hear about God, and we need to also be sensitive to that too.
Peace and Joy,
Chloe
Monday, January 1, 2018
Prayer & A Blessing For 2018
Happy New Year! Wow! 2018 has arrived and I am so excited to see what God has in store for this new year.
We all have resolutions and goals for 2018. I shared some of mine in a previous post, but I think many of us can relate to wanting this year to be filled with joy, peace, and kindness. The best part of that goal, is that we can all do something to make those things actually happen. We can all spread joy, peace, and kindness to other people around us. In return, those things will come back to us. God wants us to be people who live by joy and hope. This is the perfect time to celebrate a new year, new dreams, new jobs, new relationships, new passions. We have so much to be grateful for. When we live our lives out of a place of thankfulness and wonder, we become much more capable to become more like the people God wants us to. So here is a little prayer followed by a blessing for each and every one of you.
Father,
Thank You for the gift of a new year. This is a time to reflect on how amazing You have been to me, even when I didn't deserve any of it. This is a year to savor and cherish the people You have placed in my life and to constantly be thankful for them. This is a year to dive into something new and exciting that You have planned in advance for me. Lord, give me the courage, obedience, and faith to follow You wherever You lead me and to enjoy the journey with You by my side. Father, I ask that this year will be productive for me. May I work hard at developing the special gifts You have entrusted to me. May I learn how to use those gifts to better serve You and others around me. Help me to bring light and joy to all those I interact with. Keep me from becoming irritable at people or situations, and to instead think of ways to worship You. May I be someone who encourages other people and inspires them to follow You. Thank You, Father for this new year and a chance to start fresh. I ask that You would bless this year and I am excited to see what plans You have in store for me.
Amen.
May our Savior fill your hearts with abundant joy and peace as You continue to walk with Him. May you be surrounded by people who encourage you and fill your life with kindness and grace. May you grow closer to Jesus and find new ways to worship Him and lift His name on high even if you feel like you are walking through the darkest and lowest valley. May you be surrounded by armies of angels and be protected from the enemy's snares. May this year be overflowing with blessings, adventures, and laughter, and with people who will always pray with you and for you. You are deeply loved and cherished. You are talented, strong, brave, and capable. I pray that 2018 will be the best year yet for you.
Peace and Joy,
Chloe
We all have resolutions and goals for 2018. I shared some of mine in a previous post, but I think many of us can relate to wanting this year to be filled with joy, peace, and kindness. The best part of that goal, is that we can all do something to make those things actually happen. We can all spread joy, peace, and kindness to other people around us. In return, those things will come back to us. God wants us to be people who live by joy and hope. This is the perfect time to celebrate a new year, new dreams, new jobs, new relationships, new passions. We have so much to be grateful for. When we live our lives out of a place of thankfulness and wonder, we become much more capable to become more like the people God wants us to. So here is a little prayer followed by a blessing for each and every one of you.
Father,
Thank You for the gift of a new year. This is a time to reflect on how amazing You have been to me, even when I didn't deserve any of it. This is a year to savor and cherish the people You have placed in my life and to constantly be thankful for them. This is a year to dive into something new and exciting that You have planned in advance for me. Lord, give me the courage, obedience, and faith to follow You wherever You lead me and to enjoy the journey with You by my side. Father, I ask that this year will be productive for me. May I work hard at developing the special gifts You have entrusted to me. May I learn how to use those gifts to better serve You and others around me. Help me to bring light and joy to all those I interact with. Keep me from becoming irritable at people or situations, and to instead think of ways to worship You. May I be someone who encourages other people and inspires them to follow You. Thank You, Father for this new year and a chance to start fresh. I ask that You would bless this year and I am excited to see what plans You have in store for me.
Amen.
May our Savior fill your hearts with abundant joy and peace as You continue to walk with Him. May you be surrounded by people who encourage you and fill your life with kindness and grace. May you grow closer to Jesus and find new ways to worship Him and lift His name on high even if you feel like you are walking through the darkest and lowest valley. May you be surrounded by armies of angels and be protected from the enemy's snares. May this year be overflowing with blessings, adventures, and laughter, and with people who will always pray with you and for you. You are deeply loved and cherished. You are talented, strong, brave, and capable. I pray that 2018 will be the best year yet for you.
Peace and Joy,
Chloe
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