This week I turn 22. It's crazy to me how fast time goes, especially as the years go by. As I've been reflecting on what God has taught me and how He has worked in my life over the last year, I contemplated things that He has been teaching me over the 22 years of my life. Today I wanted to share those things with you... 1. Nothing else comes close to Jesus. If I don't have Him, I have nothing. All the accomplishments, relationships, money, dreams that this world has to offer will never come close to the surpassing worth and greatness of knowing Him as my Savior. 2. Life doesn't always turn out how I think it will, and that's okay. Different doesn't mean any less beautiful. But when God takes a hold of the different, He just makes it a different kind of beautiful. 3. Life doesn't slow down, so stop waiting. It's easy to think that "when life slows down" or "when I stop being so busy" then I'll finally make time for all the things I want to do and all the people I want to love. Life doesn't slow down. Stop waiting. 4. Donuts are always a good idea. Do I need to further this point? 5. Find joy in the mundane. Not every day is a roller coaster adventure. But every day has something amazing in it. 6. It's okay to not always be okay. Life hurts and the wounds don't always heal overnight. It's okay to not be okay right now, but don't stay there forever. 7. Your heart will heal someday. Especially when we're young it can be easy to wonder if the pain we face in this crazy, sin destroyed world will ever go away. I have learned that you can't heal on your own, but there is a great Healer who will heal your hurts and make you whole. Nothing heals wounds like God does. 8. You're never too old to dance. And if you dance in the produce aisle at the grocery store singing the VeggieTales theme song, you are my hero. 9. Everything in life is an opportunity to glorify Him. When you walk down the hallway at school, you can glorify Him in your interactions with your friends. When you write that book because He's gifted you with the talent of writing, you can glorify Him through the words. Life is meant to be lived for Him and His glory--every part of it. 10. Organize your room. You'll feel better afterwards. 11. Anxiety is big, but your God is bigger. Any battle you face--anxiety, depression, grief--all of those hard things that life throws at you feels like giants in your path. But your God specializes in knocking down giants. 12. It really doesn't matter what people think of you. And if we're honest, they were probably more worried about what they said than what you said. 13. Smile at strangers. Everyone deserves to see God's love. Start with a smile. 14. A relationship will not make me complete. Only God can complete me. A boyfriend could never do that. And it really is okay if I don't have a boyfriend right now. Life is not all about romance. 15. Gratitude will effect your attitude. Not every situation in life is going to make me feel grateful. And certainly not everything in life will bring a smile to my face. But if I can count my blessings even through the tears, I have grown. 16. Be present more. Yeah, Snapchat streaks are fun. And yep, Instagram has a bunch of new stories to watch. But there are people right in front of you at this moment. There is a sunset waiting to be watched. There are people needing to be loved. Step out of your screen and be present. 17. Read your Bible every day. Relationships take work and time. The only way to develop a relationship with God and know Him is to spend time with Him. And it's greater than any other relationship on your agenda right now. 18. Following God's will for you will most likely terrify you. Follow Him anyway. He's not wrong. 19. It's okay to feel weak sometimes. God's not finished with you yet. And in your weakness, He is strong. He wants to use you as you are now, but I promise you He's not leaving you that way. 20. Don't take good health for granted. There will come days where you won't always have the energy and health you have now. Cherish the good days. 21. Never stop learning. You can always grow and learn. Pay attention to the people God places around you--kids, peers, older adults, everyone. 22. Jesus is worth it all. That sums it all up. Here's to walking closer to Jesus in my 22nd year. <3 Last year I wrote an article titled "21 Things I've Learned in 21 Years." I had fun comparing them after I wrote this year's article. If you want to have a look too, go here:
Anna P.
4/30/2019 12:47:52 pm
I love this, Bella! Happy (early) birthday, Friend! <3 My favorite points made here?
Sarah
5/1/2019 02:40:37 pm
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BELLA!! 🎉💕
Callie Sullivan
5/4/2019 09:58:18 pm
Oh, such a beautiful and refreshing post!!! THANK YOU for sharing some key things that you’ve learned with all of us❤️❤️❤️ No one is too old to be reminded.
Grace L.
5/4/2019 10:42:54 pm
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BELLA!!!!!
Hannah K
5/5/2019 04:49:39 pm
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BELLA!!!!!!!
Josie Nyounai
5/6/2019 07:38:36 am
Happy belated birthday, Bella! :D :D :D Comments are closed.
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