"Process"

Process. A systematic series of actions directed to some end. Series of actions to achieve result. 

Everything in life we see and we know of, all exists because of this simple word. “process”. All things beautiful were created through a process.

Wether you realize it or not, we are always in some type of “process”. Some processes are more defining than others. The person you were at the beginning of the process will not be the same person will be at the end. 

The key to change, is process. Submit to the process and learn to embrace and love it. The process may be frustrating, painful and confusing at times, but I assure you, it’s all very necessary for the person you will be at the end of it.

I feel this year specifically has been a huge year of “process”. I myself, have tried bucking the process, stopping the process, and running from the process -but of course, that was also all apart of the “process”.

over the past 6 months, I’ve been going through a “process”. The person I am right now, on this November day, is not at all the same person I was in May. To be quite frank, I don’t even recognize that person. (Also, I apologize if you have encountered me during the time of this “process”, chances are pretty good I was crazy hahaha). 

If Esther hadn’t gone through her year preparation (or, process) before she was to go into the King, would the king have felt the same way about her?

Process, simply put, is “preparation” for the next thing to come in life. If you don’t go through the preparation and process, you won’t be able to handle the end result. the process is mandatory and absolutely necessary.

What were to happen if a caterpillar tried to break out of its cocoon before its time? The cocoon is a time of isolation, nothing can get in or out of it. If it feels like you’re all alone, know that God is doing something special, and in the end, He really is the only one who will be there for you. 

Embrace the Process. The process holds the wisdom you will need for what’s to come next. 

Stop thinking God is punishing you or has forgotten about you during the process. The process is hard, but I promise it will be worth it. He IS still there with you -even if it seems like He isn’t speaking. The teacher doesn’t speak during the test.

Like a lady pregnant with a baby, she must go through the 9 month process in order for that baby to be able to live and function properly in the world once it is born. 

When working out, the most frustrating and discouraging times can be after you’ve finished a workout. This is because sometimes, you just don’t see progress and often can feel you’ve lost ground. Lifting weights and pushing your body to it’s limits can be both physically exhausting as well as emotionally. but you know what? If you stick with it, keep your eyes on your goal, you overcome. You become stronger, not just in physical strength but more importantly, mentally. 

I know it can be hard, but just hold on. The end will come. The resistance you face today is the strength you will need tomorrow. 

Resistance always brings strength. Just wait, be patient. (The first thing love is, is patient!)

Gold isn’t made without a process of refining.

Butterflies aren’t made without cocoons.

Muscles aren’t made without weights (resistance)

...and cookies aren’t made without being baked! :D

Isaiah 40:31 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope”.

James 1:13-14 And remember, when you are being tempted do not say, “God is tempting me”. Go s is never tempted to do wrong, and He never tempts anyone else. Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away”

Proverbs 3:12 For the Lord corrects those He loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.

P.S...you don’t know where others are at in life and where they are at in their “process”, you wouldn’t judge the beauty of a butterfly by its cocoon, so please, don’t judge them in their process either. Love, and be there for them. After all, love understands.

A Life of Legacy?

Two months ago, I was on my way to go skydiving for the first time with one of my best friends. When my friend called me (ten minutes out from arriving at the place)(-two hour drive!) and told me that it had been “cancelled” due to “weather” which didn’t really make sense because it was pretty outside. Confused, we both grudgingly accepted the news. Later after more investigation, we found out that a jumper had died and another was severely injured in a jump and ambulance and police were on the scene. Originally we were asked if we wanted to go at an earlier time, and we declined. After learning of this news, I somehow felt like I had escaped death, maybe I’m looking into it too much, maybe I’m thinking about it too much. But when you’re skydiving appointment gets cancelled because someone has just fell to their death literally two hours prior to your appointment, you can’t help but to take it in.
(I originally wrote this first part ^ the night it happened, I never posted it but saved it just as a document like several of my other writings)
However, tonight, I found out that a very dear friend of mine suddenly unexpectedly passed away at an incredibly young age. This friend was like an older brother to me, we saw each other every day since we went to the same Bible College, and then he even lived with my family for a period of time. He was very close to mine and my family’s heart. So when we heard the news, we were devastated. These two happenings have caused me to think so much about life and have raised questions and thoughts in my mind.
What is life? What are the things that really matter in life and how can I tell whether I’m spending my time on things that won’t really matter in the end or not anyway? Life is so short –such a cliché that we all hear but don’t really absorb or truly live by or understand. At the end of my life, I realize now, that it won’t be about all the bad things I’ve done (which I seem to focus way too much on because I think they matter and give them way more significance than I should) and it isn’t even about the good things I’ve done. But rather, the lives I’ve touched, the love I’ve given, the life I’ve brought to those in despair. It’s about how much of Jesus I let show in my life; it’s about how much I loved relentlessly, how much I risked showing love. After today, I can’t help but to ask myself, “What will my legacy be?” –suddenly everything I currently am concerned about or think matter doesn’t. How will I be remembered? Surely not by the things I’ve done (both good and bad) or the places I’ve seen. To be honest, if I would’ve died today, I am almost certain I would not leave behind the legacy I would want to leave behind. Yes, it would be nice to be known as someone who lives life to the fullest, but oh how much more precious it would be to be remembered as someone who lived life loving everywhere she went, and sharing Jesus and His love to everyone who came in contact with her. I want to be remembered as a living expression of love. This thing us as Christians throw around so lightly called our “calling” but what really is our “calling”? I believe our calling is right now, to this moment, this is the exact moment God has “called” me to live. We must stop looking and thinking of our “calling” as a destination we will one day arrive at somehow, but rather as a journey that we are living in, doing and walking in RIGHT now. Above everything, our “calling” is to love others like Christ loves us. The delivery may be different, each to their own how God designed for that individual, yes. But we are all “called” to love nonetheless.
Another thought;

I am a person with a face. But it isn’t my face that matters, it’s my heart. It’s not my face that you will remember, it’s my heart.
At the end of it, the number on the scale, how sexy you look, how much money you have, your position in your job, or your name in the hall of fame that matter. None of it. But what was the legacy you left behind? What will people remember you by? Will you be someone who always reached out and extended love? And did so with life and laughter? Or will you be one who was only focused on making YOUR dreams come true. I believe life is to be well lived, well enjoyed. I believe that completely. Live your life to the absolute FULLEST, Laugh, love and LIVE! BUT please, I beg you, don’t do it without impacting and touching every person you have the privilege of meeting. Everyone you meet you can impact (and will) in some way, positive or negative. Which will you be? Even if it’s the lady at the checkout lane who is having an attitude with you, will you extend love? Or will you react how she is? Because she just might as well be the one that dies when jumping out of a plane. If my life hasn’t reflected love up to this point, I apologize and plan to change that. If my life doesn’t reflect love, I’m doing it wrong. Please, share love everywhere you go. Everywhere you go, know God is with you, Know Him more so you can show Him more. Your time here is very short, what are you doing to make sure what you do goes on forever? What are you doing to impact the generations to follow you? What will your legacy be?