1 Letting people live in their assumptions about me and my lifestyle.
I used to ALWAYS feel the need to defend myself, whenever I felt misunderstood. I’d usually overthink the situation and try to come up with a crafty and people-pleasing way to let that person know… “You’re so wrong about me”.
This was especially true for me as a wife/homemaker/homeschool mom.
But this year has taught me life is way too short to get caught up trying to prove anything to anyone. I know where God has me and I am 100% locked in to where He is taking me and often times people just won’t understand… even those who truly love me and are genuinely for me. And guess what? That’s okay. Jesus was the ultimate example of this. He literally came to earth with the purest of intentions and lived a perfect life…and people still misunderstood Him and His intentions. So how can I, in all my imperfections, expect anything less.
The lesson here, live in peace and let go of always needing to defend yourself as you follow Christ and His design for your life. If people choose to live in their assumptions about you, let them. Frankly, that’s their business.
2 No Longer oversharing personal details about my life, family, marriage.
I love to share with others, especially when I think what I have to say is going to help them improve their quality of life. And to be honest, I would sometimes OVERSHARE. Good intentions, but not always what God desired. There is a big difference between a “good thing” and a “Godly thing”… and even a “Godly Thing” done out of order.
This past year I’ve learned to run anything that I desire to share/write/post through the filter of asking God “is this something I need to share”? Even if there are times when I feel I need “wise counsel”, I’m learning to seek Him first before I pick up the phone to share. I haven’t always done this, but as of late I’ve learned to make this my default because baby… the Holy Spirit helped me to see that I was sharing way too much of my business.
There is so much wisdom in keeping your personal life private, and I’d even say it’s a sign of maturity.
The lesson here, don’t tell everything you know. Keep your personal life private, and if you feel the need to share… ask the Holy Spirit first, before you go blabbing all over town in the name of “helping others”. Because truth be told, our testimony or what we have to share can’t do anything without the power of the Holy Ghost to prick the heart of the listener/reader. So yea, check with Him first… always!
3 Living in gratitude, especially during challenging seasons.
In the midst of one of the most trying years… gratitude… specifically a heart of praise and worship… has kept me! I seriously have no idea how people can live this life without Jesus, and the hope, comfort and peace that only our Heavenly Father can provide. I don’t want to know. All I can say is… if you don’t know Him try Him today! When despair and depression come knocking, only His love can shield you from succumbing to that depth of hopelessness that is life without Him.
That’s been my testimony this year.
I’ve been kept by The Keeper in the midst of it all. Literally. I am here, in the land of the living because He kept me. And He deserves all the GLORY! Sometimes it is EXTREMELY difficult to focus on the goodness of God when life hits you with unexpected challenges and tragedies, and it is in those moments that I have to make a conscious effort to say “God… Not my will, but Yours”. I have to “command my soul” to focus on His providence and sovereignty and a knowing that His ways are good and perfect (although I have no idea what it all means at the moment). So I run to Him. I trust Him, because HE IS GOOD. That’s His Nature. His Character. And that’s where I land in worship… focused on His love, His faithfulness, and how I can put all of my faith and trust in Him because He won’t fail.
The Lesson here, worship through the storm. Choose to grow through the seasons of life with grace. Let His love, peace and strength cover and keep you. God is Good. Period.
Comment below… what is helping you to embrace a greater life of Peace as we enter this new year? Share Share Share!
OKAY! Keep scrolling if you wanna get deets on this look!
Y’all I love mixing textures! And Ya’ll know when everyone is hyped about “Sweater Weather” I “Prefer the Fur”! These are not professional photos. I Just happened to capture a few selfies after attending an event this past December, because I absolutely LOVED how this outfit came together! Here’s the tea!
Nudes/neutrals are essentials in my wardrobe. The newest addition to my wardrobe is this off-the-shoulder slim fit top (scroll to the top photo for a full view). It stretches so beautifully and tucks so well. And the off the shoulder detail is chef’s kiss for an elevated look.
I only add in items that will work with what I already own and love. I love how well this top works with this mini faux leather skirt and the faux fur vest (which appropriately add balance to a mini look), have been staples in my wardrobe for well over a year. No guessing, drama or stressing. I was easily able to grab, get dressed and go.
You can be covered and still slay. Personally I’m not a “mini skirt” girlie, unless I am properly covered. So I grabbed these beautiful skin-toned opaque tights, and as mentioned above, completed this look with my cream faux fur vest that hits just above my knees.
xx
So many take aways; Great article sis!
Thanks Kiki 🩷