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and it changes!

I've  been off today.  I started the day at 5:30am, which could have been part of the problem, but the bigger issue was my MIND!

I think I have figured it out.  

 Sometimes it's hard to rejoice with others in their successes. 
Instead, we tend to get jealous.
It's a very selfish dilemma. 

 It's easy to say "I am so happy for you!", with a fake smile on your face as you secretly wish it was you who got the A on the test, you who got the new job, you who are an expert at piano, or dancing, or singing.  

Jealousy is the most uncontrollable sin.  So how do we quit?  

Romans 12:15 says:
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.

Sure, it's inspiring to read, but when you are put in that situation, it is much easier to think that than to actually put it in action.  

I was feeling down because I watch people around me excel at so many things and do well at all sorts of things but leave it to me to be jealous! [c'mon girl!]

[...before I carry on, I must mention a very important part of my life-- the man I love! He goes by the name of .Arthur.  We have been dating for six months and it has been fantastic.  We are growing together by the hand of the Lord, and together we will continue to grow, worshiping God and trying to love each other in a way that can only come from Christ-- who is the central focus of our relationship.  I am so blessed. But I'll stop before I go on forever... maybe I'll talk about our relationship more in a later blog post :).....]

Anyways, as I was explaining to Arthur the things I was feeling, he called me out! He told me I need to count my blessings and focus on what I do have instead of wanting more more more.

I think this is how we can start to better rejoice in others successes and happiness.  

By understanding that God has a different plan for your life, and by focusing on the incredible things that you already have, it will be easier to be happy for your friend, family, coworker (etc.) as they are celebrating their new success.  

As I sit here in Starbucks and look around, I have so much to be grateful for.  
The Lord is good, and will provide you with what you NEED (a big difference sometimes from what you WANT), in the best time.   

(His timing is 100% always better than ours)

I am thankful
for:
my family.
my friends.
a church that makes disciples, and teaches The Word.  (Sometimes hard to find)
sunshine.











a small car that is able to park in tiny parking spots.
a car at all.
the banana waiting to be eaten that will keep me healthy and full.
the homework I have because I am able to go to school and attain an education.
muh love arthur. 
 













the ability to work.
a job which I all too frequently complain about.
an awesome roommate, JADA.
...which means I have a roof over my head. (even if it has ants sometimes.)
coffee, to keep me awake.
flowers.
 













sometimes I like my crazy curly hair. 
the ability to run. 
food to eat.  
sunrises.
 










the ability to serve in my church.
a phone. 
joyfulness. 
A God that loves me.
A God that has forgiven me, and sent his son to die for my sins. 
A patient, omniscient, jealous, beautiful God. 


I could go on and on. I am incredibly blessed and need to appreciate what I do have instead of what I don't have.  If anyone happens to fall on this page and read this, I'd love to hear things that you are thankful for. 

It can really cheer you up :)

After procrastinating on studying for finals by writing this blog, I am finally going to start.
well, 
maybe after I eat my banana.  

love always,

J.
PS (this is me) :)
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I love to smile.

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