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 

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

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

Psalm 116:7