As the new year approaches, we often reflect on our favorite moments from the year. Whether it be graduating from high school/college, getting married, working out, or smaller victories, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator, we keep our focus on the things we have already done. We try and dissect our past year to see where we went wrong and to find things we'd like to change. Maybe you watched a little too much Netflix or ate one extra doughnut too many, but whatever it may be, we don't want to repeat the same things in the new year. We keep our sight in the rearview mirror, but there's a reason cars are built with the windshield so much bigger than that review mirror. We need to kept our sights focused on whats ahead.
Our God is so amazing in so many. ways. To name one, he isn't concerned with our past because he's already forgiven us for things we've done and he's looking forward to our future selves. While we're stuck on how we can change ourselves based off of our actions in 2017, God's already forgotten those things and he's planned 2018 out for you. Focus on each day alone because, as it is written, today has enough worries of its own. Our past is clear and our future is bright. As we enter a new season of change, instead of writing on the 17 things I've learned/enjoyed about 2017, I've decided to list the 18 things I pray for in the new year. 1. Our world points its focus back to Jesus it seems as though we've lost our way and have starting focus more on the government, ourselves, others, money, status, etc. instead of the one thing that keeps our world together 2. If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say it at all It's one we've heard over and over again, but it's a saying that's often forgotten. Thinking before we speak is an important asset to encompass 3. That each and every person know who created them God created you for a reason and although some days are harder than others, push through them and never forget why you're here 4. Based off of number 3; That everyone understand God was nothing but intentional when creating us; we're all here for a reason There's no point in hating another person just because they have a different opinion than your own. After all, you will be spending eternity with them. 5. Money, status, weight, and clothes don't define the type of person you are Don't let the material things define who you are. Those things will be left on Earth and our real prize will be waiting in heaven. 6. Actions speak much louder than words, but words still hurt Act in a way that you yourself would be drawn to. Holding doors and simply smiling make a world of difference, but kind words are good for the soul. 7. It takes more energy to be rude than it does to be nice It may not feel like it in the moment, but being angry and rude is so much more draining than smiling is. 8. The earth is not a trashcan It's a gift that we often take for granted 9. No one has their life together, so stop comparing One of the biggest lies in today's society. No one will ever have their lives together, but we can all strive for better lives by growing our relationship with Jesus Christ. 10. You're not better than anyone else All sin is equal. All people are equal. Money, status, color and looks do not matter. 11. The news and media love to point out the negative, only listen to the positive Half of it isn't true. You get to choose what you watch and listen to, so choose wisely. 12. Love your neighbor as yourself An oldie, but a goodie. 13. No day is bad enough that you can't seek the good There is good in every single day, remember that 14. R-e-s-p-e-c-t Show it to receive it 15. Social media isn't a place to rant, especially if you don't know all the details Don't spread negative energy or false facts, one less negative comment can make a large difference 16. Family is greater than any fight, job, relationship, etc. It's one of the greatest things we've got 17. One bad apple doesn't define the bushel Don't judge a group of people by a single one 18. You are never alone when you walk alongside Jesus There will be tough days to come, but nothing is impossible with Jesus I pray that each and everyone of you allow God to guide your footsteps in 2018. Doors may close and some may open, but his timing is never too late or too early. 2017 has had its ups and downs, but I look forward to seeing where God leads me in the new year. Thank you all for reading these posts and for allowing me to hopefully be a door to someone who needs Jesus. May 2018 be full of endless blessings. God bless, Sydney
1 Comment
Now that finals week is behind me, I finally found the time to sit down in the comfort of my home, surrounded by my family and write. Ever since coming home from Belize, I've been trying to figure out what God's plan for me was and why he brought me to that place. What exactly was I supposed to gain from that experience? I think there's a wide misconception that when arriving back from a mission trip in a place full of poverty, that you're supposed to get rid of everything. That sense those people don't have it, we shouldn't either. Now I'm not saying in anyway that some people don't feel called to do this, but for me it wasn't necessarily the case.
Since arriving back after my 10 days spent in the country of Belize, I have been contemplating the reason why God took me there and his purpose for getting me to see the poverty I saw. culture shock is a real thing indeed, but what exactly was I supposed to gain from that when coming back home to America. It's a question that I've been struggling to find the answer to for about 6 months now and one that I finally feel I've solved. God works in amazing ways and he's done so in the duration of my time in college. He lead me to meet my best friend Lilly who has also traveled to the exact same place in Belize for missions four previous years and still continues to. Her and I have had so many discussions on God's purpose for us there and for once we returned home and while each person that goes has a different calling, I feel that through my conversations with her, I've been able to piece mine together. it's always difficult to see someone that has less than you, even if it's someone you see everyday and in today's society, it's easy to feel as though you have less than others. I never knew what it meant to be hungry until I saw two children drinking rotten milk that was meant for their kitten as soon as we looked away because that's all they had and even that was a luxury. Food and real hunger has never been an issue for me and I had a hard time understanding why God placed me in the family he did. I was born into this family; a loving, caring, supportive family for a reason, to bless others. While many feel called to give things away, I realized that it was okay for me to have things that I do. There's nothing wrong with wanting a certain brand name or fancy food as long as I don't let those things define my happiness. It's a well versed saying that people you meet in foreign places that have nothing are always happy and from my experience that is true. They don't have material things to put their happiness in, they only have family and the things God has blessed them with. I was never once asked by a Belizean for money or material goods, they don't want that. I have never been surrounded by people that have been happy without the latest smartphone or designer clothes, but that doesn't mean we can't find joy in those things. I realized that the people there lack material things, but they also lacked to see the love Jesus has for them. They didn't envy us for having the things we do unlike most of us do with our neighbor that has the newest whatever, they just wanted to feel loved. What God was trying to show me through the eyes of someone who has nothing, is that we have everything when we have Jesus. Those kids are happy because for the last six years they've been loved on and shown the good news of Jesus Christ. That was God's big idea for me to learn when traveling there, but I also learned to let go of things as well. Yes, I am one of those people that gets rid of things when they get back, but not because I feel as though God doesn't want me to have it. I got rid of things I haven't worn in months or years but keep it anyway because "I might need it later". I gave away the things I forgot I had and didn't miss because you know what God blessed me with those things, but if I'm not using them or seeing them as a blessing, then I can give it to someone who will. I have come to understand that it's okay to want the name brand shoes, but it isn't okay to let that brand or idea of that brand define my happiness or worth. I won't be wearing those shoes in heaven, but ill certainly be carrying around the smile I get from doing something for others or realizing my happiness comes from the Lord whom I'll one day be standing beside. I'm not here to say that you don't deserve the things you've been blessed with, but make sure to count those gifts as blessings. Finals are over and with that, I say goodbye to my first semester of college! God has certainly been with me over the last three months and I couldn't be happier. This post is a bit different than my others, but it's a subject near and dear to my heart that I wanted to share. I hope you enjoyed this entry and the one's to follow. I should be uploaded more while I'm home since I'm homework free. Thank you all for reading and for your support! God bless, Sydney |
Hi, I'm Sydney!Welcome I'm glad you're here! Categories
All
Archives
October 2021
|