untitled.

"We know we are not all that we long to be, all that God longs for us to be, but instead of coming up for grace-filled air and asking God what He thinks of us, shame keeps us pinned down and gasping, believing that we deserve to suffocate. Shames says we are unworthy, broken and beyond repair." -- from John and Stasi Eldridge's book "Captivating"  

But the Lord says we are complete, lacking nothing, forgiven by His grace, and created in His image. 

It's funny how as time goes by, you never stop learning more about yourself. It's hard because you gotta stay humble. But the more I learn the more I grow. So, it's good. (But still hard.)

Over the past few months, life has been tough. I've been in a season of waiting, but God's never left my side. Today, I started looking back on this year.  Then I started to think, "have I wasted my time in this grueling process?" The answer is no! I have not wasted time. Yes, I could've stop wallowing so much and did something for someone other than myself, or whateverrrr. But, since I can't turn back time, I've learned from that lesson. I don't regret this time because I have learned SO much -- about myself and the Lord and who I am in the Lord. And I'm pressing onward. 

When I think about the race that life is, I picture the Ironman Race. I had the privilege of volunteering at a race in Kona, Hawaii. I got to see the racers crossing the finish line. It was the coolest thing. My heart hurt for them at the same time.  Because I could see their pain -- almost feel it myself. More physical pain than I ever want to endure. But there was this one lady. She was so close to the finish line, but she just kept falling. She'd get up and then fall again. Her legs couldn't do it. People were cheering her on louder than I've ever heard. She got up, fell, got up, fell. When she was closer than any of us could've imagined, she crawled to the finish line, but SHE MADE IT! It was such a glorious moment! And it was such a beautiful picture. We are going to cross that finish line and it'll be better than any of us could EVER imagine. And that is what keeps me going! I hope that's encouraging to you as well! 

So if you are in a tough time in life right now, I encourage you to keep your eyes open to what God's teaching you, how He's allowing you to grow, and embrace it! Embrace the hard times. Embrace the uncomfortable situations. Embrace LIFE. Because life with the Father is the greatest! : )