To Know the Way

“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”” -‭‭John‬ ‭14:6-7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

At the beginning of every month I find myself wrapped up in the idea setting a path forward. Putting in motion a plan that will lead me to where I want to be. This thought process brings so much anxiety boiling to the surface. I am uncertain of the path. I am uncertain of my ability to endure the journey along that path. I know exactly what I want the end product to look like, but which way will get me there. Jesus' words in John 14 popped into my head, "I am the way". Okay, but what exactly does that mean and how does that factor into my future outlook? How do I know they way?

I read up on the Greek words used for know in John 14:7; the first meaning to know by observation and the second meaning to know by reflection. There it is. Future plans are built off past successes. I know what works because I have observed it in the past. The way forward is a reflection of these past observations. I know my way forward because I know how I got where I am now.

Take time to reflect on your recent successes. What made the difference? What pushed you forward when felt uninspired, stuck or unworthy? Start there. You know the way because you have known the way.

Pruned or Cut Off

I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off ever branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.
-John 15:1-2 (NIV)

Why is it always so surprising when God provides you insight into you current situation. Not even a resolution, just information that drowns you in peace and contentment. The past two years have been really trying for me. Constant battles barely won, but to God's credit victories nonetheless. I am exhausted. Recently, I have found myself more and more turning to God wondering if He is trying to push me away. When I read John 15:2 earlier this week I let out a little chuckle. Like one of those " I've lost my damn mind" chuckles. To read the words I read, get the insight God gave to me regarding them, and feel peace from it all? 

After reading that passage I realized whether God is trying to grow me or get rid of me, I will still feel the sting of the cut. A snip of a leaf versus the severing of a branch is pain nonetheless. So who and I to lament over the pain of life that we all feel?

While I am not certain whether God is severing this branch or pruning its leaves, I know I have enough faith to see the process to completion. I anticipate the bud of my first fruit but will not feel anxious if I come to meet the flames of a fire. In the end I know that His will reigns. As for now I will cling to the vine because apart from it I can do nothing.

-The Branch

Rehydrating Hydrangeas

Extend the life of your Hydrangeas by turning limp & withering flowers upside down in a bowl of water. Make sure the blooms are completely submerged. Leave for 20-30mims and this will rehydrate wilted blooms.

In Your Anger Do Not Sin

Think about all the ways we sin against ourselves when we are mad at ourselves. When we are overwhelmingly disgusted by our failures, mistakes and shortcomings. I feel like I'm this constant swinging pendulum between anger and compassion when I deal with myself. What a dysfunctional fucking place to be. If someone treated me how I treated me I run away and not look back. I really have to nail this "treat myself how I would want to be treated" thing down. I'm way to hard on myself  and when you way too hard on yourself you're constantly stunting your growth.

If all the abusive talk, discouragement & self harm is coming from inside I never truly open myself up. If I'm putting down all my dreams the moment they're dreamt my reality will always be confined to the things that someone else has already imagined...

What if others treated you the way you treat yourself?

Mommy + Daughter Pictures

“Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.” -Psalm‬ ‭127:4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Journeying to Contentment

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” -Philippians‬ ‭4:11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Can we talk about contentment for a second? I've been on such a world wind journey this past year and a half its sicken and exhilarating just to think about it. From pregnant and single to quitting a job I loved for the practicality of another. My life has really done a complete 180.

I'm learning to end the day in a place of contentment. I often find myself very angry with God because I feel He has not held up His end of the bargain. "How am I supposed to be content when you have not...?" What I've failed to realize is my journey with God is not a deal made between business partners but a partnership where He supports my weak spots and I honor Him in return.

Contentment speaks not to the stability of your current circumstances but the stability of your faith in God who controls all circumstances present & future.

He will do again what He has done before, so in this place I shall stand content.

-Erin

Slowly but Surely

During Lent I took a major break from social media & have yet to make a full comeback. My mind is not as clear as I expected it to be after such a long break. However, I am, slowly but surely making my reappearance.

-Erin