Things I Learned in 2018

Unfortunately for a lot of us, the year 2018 was written off as a total loss, a fail, a meme depicting infinite sorrow, etc. I saw status and quote after quote about re-inventing the wheel of life in 2019,entering anew and refreshed for all of the visions and goals that slipped from our fingertips down the drain in the grueling months of 2018 past.

Personally, I disagree. 

Romans 5:3-5 talks to us about glorifying even in our sufferings, for this produces perseverance and motivation even through the storm. During these times, we're able to truly see the glory of God outside of what WE want, but what HE knows we need for our lives. It's easy to pray, dance, and shout when you got that rent check in the nick of time, but what about when things look a little darker?

No worries, I've gotten some totally relate-able moments I had in 2018, and why you shouldn't look at the past 365 days as a reason to start over, but an opportunity to keep it pushing.

1. People will let you down.

For all of my faithshionistas (do we like it?) that don't know me personally, I got married this year. It was fabulous and everything I could have ever dreamed. Getting a group of reliable people together to ensure that I didn't pull out all of my hair was...pretty difficult to say the least. I learned the hard way that not everyone will be happy for the milestones in your life. I also learned the objective way that not everyone is in a position, mentally, physically, or all of the above, to be there.When I took a moment to speak to God through my anger an disappointment, I was amazed at how he opened my eyes to putting myself in someone else's shoes. It made for a less stressful year, and an easier time meeting people where they were at. #goGod

2. Thing don't always go how you plan.

If you haven't been here for a while, you'll know that my OCD, Type-A behavior truly knows no bounds. This year, I became increasingly aware that my plans just DON'T always cut it. And when I tell you that God is hilarious and comical in reminding us that, you have no idea. I'm talking wedding venue payment plans, savings goals, dress ideas, centerpiece plans, THE WORKS! The thing is, no matter how much you plan, there's always going to be something that doesn't go the way you want it to, for a few reasons;
1-You didn't place God at the center and he's the ONLY one capable of executing perfection.
2-  Sometimes you just have to sit back and appreciate the moment for what it is-- a milestone, a win, a VIBE!

3. YOU are your worst enemy.

Some obstacles that we deal with aren’t even real because we have let our fears, worries, or lies from others keep us paralyzed from dealing with obstacles. Many times the key to overcoming a major obstacle is to first deal with what we allow our minds to focus on and realign our thinking to be on par with the Word of God. I'm ashamed to say that some of 2018 goals I set became a little scary to me as the months started to dwindle in the year. I got scared. I didn't feel ready. And I didn't do them. My biggest regret of 2018 was not that the year was 'tew much", but that I allowed the path ahead of me be so big that I curled up in the fetal position instead of throwing on my gear and getting down to business. These goals have since transferred over to "Bella's Back 2019" goals, but you get the point. 

 The funny thing about scars are that they heal. Slipping, falling, and stumbling are just a part of the process to being your best. Nothing good comes easy, and I learned that in all of the 'easy' ways in 2018. So my pray for you is that wherever you are, you allow the tests of today be your testimonies of tomorrow. After all, what's a harvest without rain? 

   

Happy New Year! Here's to 2019.

Verses of Reference

Isaiah 12:2

Genesis 50:20

Romans 8:28

2 Corinthians 4:8-9

Faithfully yours,

Brieana