Hey there, journal buddies! Yes, it's me! How are you all doing? I may not know each of you personally, but I can’t help but be amazed at how our community is growing. Can you imagine almost 18,000 of us out there? I know it's just a number, but honestly, I appreciate every single one of you. Whether you’re quietly reading, leaving thoughtful comments, or sharing the journals with others, your support means the world. It’s incredible to see how we’re connecting!
And here I am again, back in this space, writing and speaking to you. And you’re even purchasing my book—wow! (Awdee moment right there.)
It’s been a while since I’ve written like this, just sharing my heart with you as if we’re having a conversation. I don’t usually talk to a crowd, but writing feels like the perfect way to connect. Life’s been full these past few days—adulting, responsibilities, you know the drill. But writing has always been my breath of fresh air, my escape. If it's God's will, I pray He continues to expand this space and make His name known through it.
Here’s something I realized recently: What I’m doing now was once just a prayer, a longing, a hope that seemed impossible. But God listens to those silent pleas. Prayer is such a powerful weapon for us as believers. It gives us the courage to face loud disappointments and those moments when it’s easier to lose faith. We’ve all had those times when we felt like our hopes were slipping away. But let me remind you of this truth: God can redeem even our most broken dreams.
There have been many things in my life I’ve had to accept won’t change, and I’ve learned to find peace in knowing that maybe the restoration I hope for will come in heaven rather than here. But here’s the thing: that’s not the end of the story. That’s the futility of my faith talking. We must always take courage, because God is with us. We can hold on to victory—victory over our weak flesh, over the storms we face, over sickness, failure, and all the struggles that try to tear us down. He makes all things new.
As we near the end of this year, maybe you’re seeing everyone’s highlight reels—success stories, dream vacations, new businesses, car and house lot purchases, baby blessings, happy families, promotions, good grades, engagements, weddings… the list goes on. It’s easy to feel left behind when everyone else seems to have it all together. And while we’re told not to envy others’ success, it’s okay to grieve the things you’ve hoped for—the things you’ve held onto so tightly until you were ready to let them go.
Letting go doesn’t mean giving up. It means desiring more of God’s presence than His gifts, longing for His fullness more than what you think you’re missing. And so, you keep praying—asking for His guidance, waiting for His hands to move, listening for His footsteps drawing near, and trusting His heart. You trust that His plan will prevail in the end.
I have had so many "huhuhu" moments lately, where I find myself thinking I’m missing out on so many things in life. Others seem to be ahead of me, and it feels like I’m left behind. I hear the enemy whispering those familiar lies, making me doubt. But you know, God is always patient with us. He understands the things we can’t always comprehend, and lately, He’s been reminding me of some verses that have truly comforted my heart.
Proverbs 20:24 says, "A man's steps are from the Lord; how then can man understand his way?" And Proverbs 19:21 tells us, "Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." Psalm 33:10-11 adds, "The Lord foils the plans of the nations; He thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations."
These verses have been a beautiful reminder that no matter what goals or to-do lists I write down in my journal, His plans stand firm through all generations. My own plans often feel weak when I rely on them alone. I see my own foolishness in overthinking the future or worrying about what might come. But why should I worry, knowing that God's plan is unshakeable, always prevailing, and for my good?
I can trust Him because He is trustworthy. His plans are good, beautiful, and perfect. So, I keep drawing closer to Him, finding peace in His perfect timing and purpose for my life.
As we close out this eleventh month, it’s easy to rush into planning and scrambling for the things we hope to achieve, the things we wish to have. But let’s pause for a moment. Above all, let us remember to prioritize our relationship with Him. This is where our true focus should lie.
When we know Him more deeply, we learn how to deal with our sins—not playing around with them, but confronting them with repentance and humility. We learn how to love others genuinely and forgive them with grace, just as He forgives us. We begin to cultivate gratitude—not just for the blessings we receive but also for the things He takes away, trusting that His plans are always for our good. And most importantly, we begin to understand His plans and purposes for our lives—not just our fleeting ambitions, but the eternal, unshakable purpose He has set before us.
So, as we step into December, let’s commit to drawing nearer to God, trusting His timing and plans, and living in His purpose, knowing that everything else will fall into place according to His will.
Warm hugs to all the beautiful ladies who’ve been reading! Take heart, my friends! Remember, we’re not alone in this journey. Let’s continue to pray for one another, supporting each other in faith. If you ever need prayer, feel free to subscribe with your email or message me directly—I'm here for you!
