On Renewal

***** Disclaimer! I wrote this about 3 months ago, and I know it is super short, but maybe someone can get something out of it :) I felt like I didn't want this one to go to waste. So hold on tight for my next blog post that I promise will be more in-depth and overall a better read. So for now, enjoy****



Believe it or not, it is okay to not feel "okay" all the time. It is definitely just a part of life, but how do you move on? Once the initial pain is over, and God has forgiven us, how do we start fresh? 

I have 3 tips for you :)
but... results are not guaranteed...
we all take life at our own pace. 

1. Read your bible. 

If you don't already read it as regularly as you used to, or don't pick it up but on Sunday's, you probably should starting reading it! There is some really good stuff in there, just sayin' :) Right now, I am currently in Job. I think it is a good place to start, or you can get a daily devotional book and follow along if you're uncertain of how to even read the bible. Don't make excuses for not to read it either, because it is very possible to make time for God because He makes time for you! Instead of checking FaceBook check out His word. God is there for you when you need Him most, you just have to listen!

2. Clean it out. Change it up. 

This seems kinda silly to think about, but get rid of some old clothes and donate them! Clothing is a sentimental item to me, so it is hard to throw some things out, and sometimes clothes hold bad memories or sad times too. I say, donate them so someone else can enjoy them. Once the baggage is out, time for some new! I really like to go thrift shopping, so maybe try that. Get your hair styled differently. I got a "beach wave perm" and y'all, perms are not just for old ladies. I absolutely love my new curls and it makes me seem like an enhanced version of the Carol Ann that was already there. You don't have to spend crazy amounts of money to feel different and new. Clean out your car, purse, or room. Get new house decor. Change laundry detergent. You see where I'm going with this? 

3. Find a person.

I also think it is important to confide in your family. Go out to lunch with your mom or a strong older woman in your life (mine always has great advice.) She told me a while ago that her three rules for me were 1. Stay out of debt, 2. Stay out of bed, and 3. Clean out your closet. I'll let you ponder on those for a while. Call your grandparents if you still have them, and try to get along with your siblings. I have tried to strengthen a few of my friendships as well, and as much as a hate to say it, SnapStreaks on Snapchat does not count! Maybe actually try to socialize with people outside of work or school. I'm not saying you have to make a new bestfriend, but try to keep in touch with someone. You never know what someone is going through. We all need to do life with someone. We all need a person we can count on, and we need to be there for someone that needs us. Oh, and back to Job. Job 2:11 says "When Job’s three friends, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite, heard about all the troubles that had come upon him, they set out from their homes and met together by agreement to go and sympathize with him and comfort him." But also remember who you spend your time with, "Do not be misled: 'Bad company corrupts good character'" and we see this in 1 Corinthians 15:33.