Time For New Beginnings

The last half of my summer was like an episode of ‘Tidying Up with Marie Kondo’... but instead of just the house, it was everything.🤪

Instead of asking, “Does this bring me joy?”, it was, “Does this honor God?” or “Am I walking in obedience?”

Figuring out how to slow down, enjoy the present and walk in the way God wants me to go has been harder than expected. I've pushed back, shut down and got frustrated at why certain things I thought would stay in my life are now being questioned or taken away.

Come to find out, it was a very important stepping stone to get you to the next chapter - you were not meant to stay on that stone. Taking the next step and turning that page was unbearable for so many reasons.📖

Have you ever experienced a season like that?

Where you are in a season of intense pruning?

You had to let go of things that had been good for you, but you soon realized it was only meant for a season of your life?

Maybe you heard God or felt the Holy Spirit move, but you ignored it because it wasn't what you wanted?

The second half of my summer was like that. Letting go of things I was trying to hold onto for dear life. I couldn't stand the thought of it being gone. My identity was so wrapped up in it that it was hard for me to see that I was hiding behind it.

I felt a God nudge Summer ‘22, but I ignored it and kept it down. The feeling kept wanting to bubble up, but I kept pushing it down. Fast forward to Spring ’23 and it was forcing its way out…but I ignored it again even though all the signs were pointing the opposite direction.

 I thought, “No, I am serving people and loving them. I can't be done. I can't leave.”

My identity was so wrapped up in it that I couldn’t see what I was missing.

That is until God slammed the door in my face.

My mom calls those “2x4 moments with God”.

He has been trying to tell you or show you, but you keep ignoring the signs and brushing them off. Then all of a sudden (it feels like it, but it’s been a long time coming) God slams the door shut and says, “Daughter, be still and listen to me. I am doing this for you. Lean on me. I will strengthen you.”

I truly believe what I experienced was God knowing I was not strong enough on my own to walk away and He had to do it for me.

Was it hurtful?

Yes

Will it take time for me to heal?
Yes

Is He a good God who has plans to prosper me and not to harm me?

YES!

When things like this happen, we must trust in Him and walk in obedience knowing with all our heart that He is doing this for our GOOD.

That door you’ve been afraid to walk through NOW has the chance of being pushed wide open.

The door I’ve been tip-toeing around and waiting to be opened is opening and God is asking me to walk through it.

So, I’m taking His hand and leaning on His strength in this new journey. 

With that said, WELCOME to The Joy Journal Blog.🎉

We’ll dive deeper into motherhood, have real and raw conversations and tackle life together while remaining rooted in Christ.

Comment below and let me know what are some topics you would like us to chat about together!♥️