Bruised

Each time that volleyball hit my hands, I just knew that some good bruises were coming. Then when I couldn't touch my hands yesterday because they hurt, I knew that some good bruises were formed. I can see them now. A nice purple color. I'm proud of them. That volleyball game was worth my bruises in gold.

Later that night after the game, I received a blessing that [at the time] felt very troubling. Bruises were coming and I need to gear up for them. But you see, these bruises are different. These bruises are heartaches to come. I would rather experience high intense physical pain, than deal with a heartache. I experienced intense heartache recently and I have healed from it. I don't want to go through that one again. No sir, I'll pass. 

If only...

I laid awake for some time last night. Silent tears falling on my pillow and one of the most sincere prayers in my heart. I expressed blubbered my feelings to the Lord, in hopes that He would change His mind. The sweetest words came to my mind and I felt peace wash over me. Dear friends, God is good!

 

Fear not, I am with Thee.

Oh be not dismayed,

For I am Thy God

And will still give Thee aid.

Blurred

You can feel completely clueless. Stagnant. Unmotivated. Useless.  Everything seems blurry. What used to be strictly black and white has now smeared into a questionable gray. It's dim. I could trudge the sticky mud aimless. Or I could wait. But wait for what? I guess I'll just pray. 

THANK YOUUUUU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh my goodness! Ya'll are super great! I have been bombarded with emails. My inbox is exploding and I'm doing my best to keep up with ya'll! I've been taking breaks in between my email readings because there are so many! Your comments about #ConfidenceisMe are absolutely wonderful! I've been so impressed with all the answers and quite honestly, I'm learning so much! So thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!! If you still want to comment, go ahead and do so! And hats off to all you grads out there! I send you my dearest congratulations.

#ConfidenceisMe

I have been trying to write a post on confidence, but wanted it to be a bit different than my usual posts. After much brainstorming, I have started a project called "#ConfidenceisMe". More about this project is coming so stay tuned.

Growing up, I always thought confidence came from some catastrophic moment. Or that you had to act or look a certain way. But I have found that it is different for everyone. So, this is where you come in. I want your opinion on the following:

What is it about myself that makes me feel confident?

Is it your ridiculous good looks? Your outrageously, genius brain?! Your personality? Something else???

Now, perhaps you don't feel confident about yourself or you don't know how to answer the above question. That's totally fine. If this is you, then perhaps you can answer this:

• What do I think confidence is?
• What do I think confidence looks like?

How can you reply to the above question(s)? Here's how:

• Comment on THIS post.
• Email me at thoughtsforyourtea@gmail.com (This tends to be the preferred way of my readers. I love reading your emails every.single.day!)
• Use #ConfidenceisMe on Instagram and tag me (missmarilirock). (More info on my Instagram account. Check out the sidebar for a direct link.)

You can be as specific or vague as you wish. Your comments will be featured in my project. (If you wish that your comment be anonymous or confidential, let me know.) The more input I have, the BETTER my project will be, so please share with your friends and family. I will be releasing this project this summer, so stay tuned! Thank you and have a great day!

Or perhaps you're like Kramer, who looks confident as he struts down the street in his technicolor dream coat??? (Seinfeld, anyone?) Poor quality, but I just get the best belly-laugh from this clip.

Love Letters #4

"I recently read an article about how love is 'just games' and nothing more. I absolutely REFUSE to believe that. Love isn't a game. If  you want to play a game, go play Life! Love is the very essence that uniquely binds us to each other. Whether it's through a friendship or a romantic relationship; love is binding. It can warm even the coldest of hearts. I refuse to believe that love is a game. Because if it truly was a game, then we would't be us. Our whole existence would be one. big. sham. And I refuse to believe that. Why? It's quite simple. I love God. And through God, He has helped me love you better. That love is very real to me. So in case I haven't said it; I love you."

Deeply Ingrained

There is a "tugging" feeling that I feel quite often. It tugs my heart when I feel doubt, pain, or confusion. My heart knows the truth, but oft times my mind struggles. My heart gently tugs my mind back to the truth. Even through the deepest pain, my heart knows the truth. My heart has ingrained the gospel of Jesus Christ as it's energy source. My heart has saved my life many times, because of this energy source. That energy source is always replenished as I continue to live my life through obedience. It's replenished through heart-felt prayer. It's replenished through a loving God and Savior, Jesus Christ. What started out as sliver of faith, made a remarkable and sustainable difference. It flows through my body and when it reaches my broken mind, it soothes and heals. It reminds my mind the purpose of my life here. It reminds me of the joy that I have tasted, because of my firm testimony of the gospel. Peace is restored, testimony is strengthened, and my heart and mind are one yet again. I believe I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. It brings true purpose and joy in a world that seeks to dictate what purpose and joy should be. It heals and soothes the deepest cuts. It provides a fortifying love and faith, that you cannot find elsewhere. So when that "tugging" feeling comes, I embrace it. To me, it's a sweet reminder from God letting me know He loves me and is still there. That means the world to me. And you know what? I know that God and Jesus Christ love you. That's something to smile about. Happy Friday!