Wise Wednesdays... pt. 2

I hope you enjoyed last week's version of Wise Wednesdays. I hope you did at least... because it's about to become a weekly thing!

First, a little happy note - thank God for technology! I just got to spend a bit of time talking to my grandma and great aunt. I'm blessed to have such a supportive family who always sounds so happy when I call. And my sweet great aunt emails me faithfully with updates on her day. I can't imagine being on this adventure without their support.

But back to what I've been learning and want to share with you for this week! This week is about trusting that you are in the right place and making sure your thoughts are revolving around faith instead of doubt.

I am still reading Battlefield of the Mind and learning more and more every single day about how our thoughts can truly impact the way we act as a person, and our entire emotional health.

The section I've been reading in the past week keeps talking about how we reason in our heads. Basically, when things aren't going exactly along with our plans we get nervous. We like to be in control. Heck, I love being in control. I like knowing exactly what is coming up and I hate when life throws us curveballs.

In the book, Joyce talks about how she hates losing control. "I once asked the Lord why so many people are confused and He said to me, 'Tell them to stop trying to figure everything out, and they will stop being confused.'" That one hit me hard... I try to figure out everything and why something is happening to me. She goes on to say a bit further that sometimes we try to make sense of our situation but what we reason may not indeed be true. Instead, we need to just trust God to make known to us why we are in a certain situation. We need to give up control. That's a rough one...

This perfectly coincided with the story about walking on water in Matthew. (My Kindle is so far away... so just trust me on this one). When you trust in God, you don't sink. Instead, you are able to walk on water but the minute your faith waivers, you begin to sink. This week, I've been focusing on making sure ALL my faith was in God. Not some. Not just in the areas I felt comfortable giving up control. In all.

I constantly talk to my mom about how, yes, this is a faith growing experience. But really, how once I stopped worrying, all of these blessings started coming. Friends started appearing who wanted to explore, internships lined up, scholarships worked out, my trips started getting planned... As soon as we give up control, everything is better able to fall into place exactly how God planned for it to.

I guess what I'm trying to say is this... Once you are willing to give up control and have total faith, everything begins to line up. Sure, it might not come as quickly for you as it did for me, but you'll see. I don't spend my time worrying anymore. Instead, I have more time to ponder the little things and truly appreciate all of London that I get to see. It's magical when you are able to appreciate the small things around you, instead of focusing on what you miss about home.

I believe abroad is increasing my faith but also making me become a better person. Because I was lonely, I started reading this book. Because I'm reading this book, I am more conscious of my thoughts and how I act towards others. I'm growing stronger as a person and maybe some of you are too just by reading this.

I want to live with unwavering faith. Sure, sometimes will be harder than others and I will probably doubt but the goal is not to. I want others to want to know the truth because of the way I act and how they see me living. I want them to want my peace that I have. That peace, once you have it, is incredible. I for sure could not being doing this whole abroad thing without it.

So those are my Wednesday night thoughts. After my trip to the gym and a bowl of quinoa, I hope this blesses you. Have a great night!