To be me, or not to be me, that is the question.

Okay, I'm not Shakespeare, but I thought the title fits very well as I think of how people become so addicted to attention and praise because that's what social media does to you.

Today's devotional from Proverbs 31 Ministries was so fitting, I had to post it... Wrestling with #OOTD.

It's heartbreaking to see some of the people I love find temporary satisfaction by what people think of them rather than finding their true identity, potential and beauty in Christ, who created each one of us. I know we have our own insecurities, but our problem is that we tune out our true self to be someone we're not. Weighing in on the many lies that others lives and beauty are always better than you. Know that it's the devil's greatest tactic to deceive you.

Look, I have nothing against people posting in any social media medium, but when it's everyday about you, you, you? About your beauty (you go with your confidence 👊), body images whether it's yours or not, etc. you get the picture... it just breaks my heart when people become narcissist. Google Narcissism, and the meaning says it all.

My dearest friends, YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL JUST THE WAY YOU ARE. You have so much to be thankful for and are so blessed. Everyone, even "Christians" go through hardships in life. None of us are immune to problems. We all go through it. It just depends on who you put your faith in. No need to be someone you're not. You know deep in your heart that these temporary quick fixes on the outside still leaves some void in your heart. Allow God to lift your head up and accept your true beauty, your true purpose. Allow Him to show you that the best is yet to come, for you have been made in the image of God and He desires for you to experience the best version of you, the blessings He still has in store for you. When the inside is crying, patching it up with things of this world will not heal it. But when the inside is pure and filled with the love of God, your beauty will radiate even more on the outside and will inspire people to want to know your secret and your Savior too 😍 

Let me quote Steve Harvey's advise to his audience, he says, "Stop putting your faith in people, and put your faith in God where it counts the most.” *Triple BOOM right there!* 🙆

My dedicated song to you: Scars To Your Beautiful by Alessia Cara

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. - 1 Peter 3:3-4

You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you. ~ Song of Songs 4:7

What Was I Thinking???

     I'm sure many of you can relate when I say, "Where has the time gone?" Noel, my husband, and I were just planning our road trip for our 20th anniversary earlier this month and now that's done. Then school starting, both for my children and I. Yep! I'm going back to school! Or I should say, I'm already back in school. And boy, what was I thinking? I have 2 classes, English and Psychology. I'm not only working full time, but I also have kids to attend to, a husband I need to make sure gets part of my time as well, and I volunteer as a Case Worker at my home church, Willow Creek, I mean... I'm exhausted! 

     I've asked the Lord, if I made the right decision to take on this degree after not being in school for over 2 decades now, and all I get is the words, "keep on keeping on!" Everyday now, I worry about the time wasted without reading or doing homework. There's so much reading to do, plus deadlines every 2 days. There was a time I felt like giving up, but the faces of my two older children who are also in college kept popping in my head. I can't give up. I feel like if I give up, it'll discourage them to stay in school. I don't know, I'm probably too hard on myself, but that's how I feel right now and that's what's helping me to stay the course. I know my hard work will pay off. I just need to take time to breathe and be still in the presence of God. 

     I can't let my complaints and worries take over me. Not everyone are given this opportunity and while I have the chance to pursue my goal of being a Counseling Psychologist, I will lift this up to the Lord, for Him to guide my every step. I know it won't be easy, but as long as I have His back and the support of my loved ones, there's no stopping this mama 😏

     So, if you're in a situation where giving up is starting to creep up on you? Look up and ask for wisdom to make things clear for you. Now, there are times when it's really time to let go, but that's when you have to let go and let God do what He has planned for you. Remember that there is always beauty in the ashes. Not all stories have to end up the way you had hoped it to be, sometimes, you have to let God show you the bigger picture He has in mind all along before you miss out on His blessings. 

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ~Jeremiah 29:11