Sweet Southern Pearl

  Two days ago, I overcame one of my biggest fears. I was driving to the bank, and I had to pass the cemetery to get to the bank. The cemetery I've been afraid to visit for four years now. The cemetery I had a nightmare about. The nightmare that haunted me for months. Caused by the silence, caused by relentless guilt, caused by my human nature and disconnect and self-absorption.   I could see the headstones through the trees, now that it's winter - full-blown winter - and the leaves are gone. I didn't really plan on stopping, because I've always been terrified. And the guilt would just be too much, even if nothing happened to me. The sky was weird but really pretty. Dark clouds covered the top, but underneath was pink-ish.   Right before the turn, I decided to stop. I turned right and drove through the iron gates, down the dirt road, consciously looking out my rearview mirror. It looked just like it did in my nightmare and I felt uneasy. I pull...

Today's Monday Motivation is brought to you by some gems I found on Instagram. I haven't done Monday Motivation in forever, and I feel like we could all use some this week!! I love this first one: We are all afraid of the unknown, at least to some extent. But faith that everything will work out is what will keep us sane when those fears try to take over and run our lives. The Bible mentions faith over and over and over again. We MUST have faith that God is in control and will never leave nor forsake us. The devil uses fear to paralyze us and keep us from doing work for God. We must overcome fear with faith.  Forget the plans YOU have laid out for your life. God is the one writing your story and as long as you are focused on Him, you shouldn't worry about anything because He has it all under control. Use your current circumstances to your advantage, no matter how good or bad they are. Bad times create opportunities for growth and learning experiences. Ma...

"Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders Let me walk upon the waters Wherever you may call me.  Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander  That my faith would be made stronger  In the presence of my Savior." -Hillsong United   I first heard and sang that song at the very first New Life meeting I attended at Appalachian back in August. I was going through a confusing and transitional time, and it comforted me. I knew then that I was going to grow in Christ and that He had me at App State and living in Boone for a reason.  We sang that song again last night at my church at home. Once again, I was comforted in the fact that God is doing something in my life. He is growing me and causing me to strengthen my faith in ways I never thought possible.  I can think of only two other times in my life when I felt this helpless, hopeless, and lifeless. This time is different, though. This time, I am not letting those feelings tak...