Note to Self

To you, the one who needs reminding. Note to Self.Note to Self. Let it go.Note to Self. Let it go. (insert Frozen song here) No really, let it go. There is no point in worrying over things that are far from your control. You’re adding extra stress that you most definitely don’t need in your life. The dreams that you have for yourself that you see others living, and thriving in, oh heart do not be discouraged. One day at a time honey, that’s biblical, you got it? It’s okay not to be okay, but remember the promises that God has for you and push through, like in Matthew 6:34 where it says, “Refuse to worry about tomorrow, but deal with each challenge that comes your way, one day at a time. Tomorrow will take care of itself.” Yep, that’s right, so now you need to make sure that your head and your heart are connecting, remembering that God is totally 1000% in control, and He doesn’t need a co-captain. Trust Him, let Him guide the sails of your heart and life and watch where He takes you! Get out of your comfort zone. Let’s be honest, you love to stay in your comfort zone, in that sweet comfy spot where you know it’s safe. News flash, you aren’t going to move forward if you aren’t moving, (thanks Captain Obvious) Get out there, make mistakes, fail forward, you won’t grow if you don’t make an effort. The spiritual “ouchies” will soon go away as you continue to allow God to stretch and mold you, to grow things that are in the very dark depths of your being to surface into the light. Your mama has told you this religiously, “Ariana, you are so stubborn, use it to your benefit!” (Shoutout to my biggest cheer leader & greatest mom a girl could get!) Let Him do what He’s wanted for you all along, it’s absolutely okay if you’re a little scared at first but push past that fear, wait till that free fall into His goodness; it will be well worth it. Philippians 1:6 says, “I pray with great faith for you, because I’m fully convinced that the One who began this glorious work in you will faithfully continue the process of mature you and will put his finishing touches to it until the unveiling of our Lord Jesus Christ. Don’t be afraid to run wild into His promises. Think about others more. I know I know, you’re a people person, I get it. But when did it hurt to go above and beyond what you’re already doing?! Remind yourself that it’s not always about you, except on your birthday (and maybe that whole week shhhhh) but really, go out of your way for those that you care about, and even those you may not know. Remind them they are fiercely LOVED, make sure that you CHERISH them and their time with you, ENCOURAGE them in their gifts, along with the things that you see that are praise worthy. SMILE! You never know what a smile can do for a person. Be HOSPITABLE, open your home to those around you, offer them some comfort food with a warm hug, or just be a place where they can come for safe, peaceful rest, and two ears ready to listen if needed. Hebrews 13:1-2 reminds us, “No matter what, make room in your heart to love every believer. And show hospitality to strangers, for they may be angels from God showing up as your guests.” (I know you’re totally singing that song “Entertaining Angels” now, you’re welcome!) Be PATIENT (oh Lordy that’s a big one folks) You don’t always know what someone else is going through, place yourself in their shoes and treat them as you’d wish to be treated. Patience isn’t your strong suit, but there’s always room to grow and learn. Make time for these you love. Call your Mom & Dad back, talk too long, they love being able to talk with you, as much as you love it so don’t take it for granted. They are your only Mom & Dad, you won’t always have them to talk to, to console in, get advice from, or just simply call to tell them you love them, and hear it back. Take time out of your busy and hectic week to go spend time with your friends, even if you do look like a trash panda that just rolled out of bed, it’s all about the coffee right? Just kidding, you know it’s about the quality friend time, the coffee is an added bonus! (Iced coffee date anyone?) A wise woman told me that “You will only get out of something what you put into it” and that is so very true, remember that Ariana. Just as Paul said to the Philippians, so you should also say of those whom you love. Philippians 1:3 “My prayers for you are full of praise to God as I give him thanks for you with great joy! I’m so grateful for our union and our enduring partnership...” It’s OKAY to say NO. Seriously girl, you’re still going to have friends if you decline a night out on the town. It’s okay to take time for yourself, in fact, it’s vitally needed. I encourage you to unplug from everything, go take a long shower, heck take a bath AND a shower. Treat yo self! Remember that as much as you love to care for others, you have to take care of yourself first or else you won’t be up to par for others. Take yourself out on a date, buy yourself some flowers because you love them, and two iced coffee’s....because let’s be honest you won’t think twice about that and drink them both happily! (I seriously have a coffee “problem”) Go somewhere quiet, turn off your phone and listen to what God is eager to speak to you, just you. Sweet nothin’s, promises, dreams, plans that He has for you. Zephaniah 3:17, “The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.” What a beautiful picture of His goodness and adoration towards you! Listen, He is speaking. Lastly, take off the labels. It’s time to rip off the things that you’ve spoken over yourself for a very long time. You’ve got to stop being so hard on yourself, you expect too much and it’s not fair to you. You’re your own worst critic, and yes I know everyone is their own worst critic, but at the end of the day you decide just how critical you are of yourself. So relax. It’s time to start reminding yourself of how you’re viewed through the Father’s eyes. You are NOT the mistakes you’ve made, you are NOT your weight, you are NOT your past choices, you are NOT summed up by those things, and you never were. You are so loved, you are chosen, you have a destiny, you are the apple of His eye, you are valued far beyond rubies. He delights over you, He leans down from the heavens to listen to you when you speak to Him (Whoa!) It’s time to walk in freedom, freedom to be the woman He has called and destined you to be. No more lies, no more hiding. His promises are YES & AMEN, the desires that He’s placed within you will come to pass. You cling to the verse that’s carried you through and through, Jeremiah 29:11-13 “I’ll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out - plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I’ll listen. When you come looking for me, you’ll find me. Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more that anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed.” I am so proud of who you are, and where you’ve come from. What the enemy meant to harm you with in battle, you came out of it victorious and stronger than before. Psalm 18:31-36 “for there is not a more secure foundation to build my life upon than you. You have wrapped me in the power, and now you’ve shared with me your perfection. Through you ascend to the highest peaks of your glory to stand in the heavenly places, strong and secure in you. You’ve trained me with the weapons of warfare - worship; now I’ll descend into battle with power to chase and conquer my foes. You empower me for victory with your wrap - around presence. Your power within me makes me strong to subdue, and by stooping down in gentleness you strengthened me and made me great! You’ve set me free from captivity and now I’m standing complete, ready to fight some more!” You are more than enough, and you can do this. I believe in you, and I can’t wait to see where God will continue to take you.