If only

If only…”

These two words paired together create one of the saddest phrases in the English language.

The greatest challenge in life is discovering who you are; the second greatest is being happy with what you find. A big part

of this is your decision to stay true to your own goals and dreams.

Every year comes with its own valleys and mountains, happy and sad surprises, bitter and sweet moments, open and closed

doors, and highs and lows.

And each valley, each mountain, each surprise, and each moment brings us unique lessons of its own.

life filled with loving deeds and good character is the best written on a headstone. Those who you inspired and shared your love with will remember how you made them feel long after your time has expired. So carve your name on hearts, not stone. What you have done for yourself alone dies with you; what you have done for others and the world remains.

But if there is anything I have learned it’s that there are no shortcuts to growth.

We must go through pruning seasons where God cuts off things that no longer help us grow.

We must go through desert seasons where we learn to depend on God alone to meet our needs.

We must go through seasons of brokenness where we learn to hand over our pain to God and allow Him to heal us and make us whole.

Every lesson, every season, and every day serves a purpose to build us up in Christ and make us more like Him.

God sees the big picture in life and I don’t.

If God isn’t opening new doors yet, I’m not ready for them. He is in control and He knows what best and when the time is right He’ll be faithful in making sure everything works out according to His plan.

God created me just the way I am for a unique purpose to fulfill . The only way I can make a difference in this world is by fulfilling His purpose for my life, not trying to fulfill someone else’s.

As much as I want to keep certain people in my life not all relationships are meant to last forever. Some are only for a season and I need to cherish it.

There is an enemy out there who wants nothing more than to destroy my faith....

I can ALWAYS be certain of today. I don’t have to face a single thing alone. In the midst of my pain, my unanswered questions, and my uncertainty God is right there beside me. Even when He seems silent and even when He seems far away. He is there to carry me every single step of the way.