Stay true to Yourself! :))

[areebellez-blog]

This year I have been learning to "get out of my way" and allow God to direct me. I have also been learning to accept His blessings and not question what have I done to deserve His good gifts. Doesn't God give good gifts to those that ask Him? (Matthew 7:11) We may be undeserving, but in God's eyes we are His precious children. Don't let the enemy tell you otherwise.

I'm grateful for the path God has carved before me. I have met some discomfort along the way, but without it, I would not have been who I am today. While God is still working on me, to become the person He has called me to be, I find myself embracing discomfort even though I do not completely enjoy it.

Although this blog may not be as in depth, like my previous writings, it still serves a purpose. What do I want you to get from this? You are a child of the most High God, the apple of His eye - don't get in your way of receiving the blessings God has in store for you. Let your Maker refine you and shape you into the person He has called you to be. 🤗

[areebellez-blog]

Reaching Humanity with Love

Humanity has long struggled with unity and love since the beginning of time. Love has become a word without meaning. To some, it is a mere word. As it attempts to find its footing in the face of humanity, it is met with a self-indulgence society. In a world where mankind is motivated by selfish ambition, the mercy and love of God are often overlooked. Erring in our ways to see the hands of mercy in our lives, we fail to impart acts of compassion. Thus humanity becomes deprived of love, failing to love our neighbor. With so many hearts unwilling to forgive and extend mercy, love appears to be gradually dissipating as selfish ambition becomes more prominent in the lives of many.

While love should be the absolute power to draw nations together, countries have spent decades warring against each other, emphasizing a hapless reality that love is slowly being removed from the fabric of society. History has etched in our remembrance the conflicting interests of a society to protect its own and to fight against others. We can also glimpse the racial injustice during the period of 1525 and 1866 where 12.5 million people were sent to America to become slaves. Though life has drastically changed since then and freedoms have been restored, has love been restored?

In 2019 data collected from incident reports released by the FBI, indicated 7,314 hate crime incidents and 8,559 offenses committed by offenders targeting race, ethnicity, religion and sexual orientation. While these statistics reflect the hearts that are corrupt and vengeful, some argue that love is the greatest weapon in this world. Well if love is the greatest weapon in this world, why aren’t we using it to quell the fiery hearts of humanity? If love is the greatest weapon in this world why do people still have to march for equality? Instead, hate has decimated, crippled and destroyed and huffed the lives of many.

Did you know that because of this absence of love, 46 percent of Americans experience feelings of loneliness, while 47 percent report feeling overlooked and alienated? {Cigna 2018} Moreover, the world is overwhelmed with people who live in fear of acceptance, in trepidation of scrutiny because of their self image, race or class. It was for the first time I witnessed what it meant to be black in an American Society, to be alienated and not belong. But this was not my personal experience, I was solely a witness to the event, yet I felt like it happened to me. A night of bowling with newly formed acquaintances that could have quickly turned to a sour note taught me a valuable lesson.

On this night, not like your typical night of looking past color, image and race, I observed a brother of my race be compared to a stuffed toy monkey. It was the first time I questioned myself, is this what they really think of us? The brotherhood and camaraderie we hold dear to us are severely burnt by the crossfires of subtle tones of racial remarks. My heart pulverized in the awkward silence of cruel words so indifferently spoken. I thought to myself, this is not love and how can a friendship be born or maintained in such crude drollery? Nonetheless, this colored brother of mine responded in love. When we look at society today, only the greatest leaders of our time could respond in love despite hateful remarks. Martin Luther King Jr once said, “Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.” It is in this way the greatest weapon of all time, can pierce the hateful hearts of men. It is in this way, that perhaps individually we can pour the fragrance of love for all to embrace.

As mankind seeks less to satisfy himself, hearts can be drawn to those in need, reaching humanity. It is through the endearing act of love, we learn to love our neighbors. In the parable of the Good Samaritan taught by Jesus, He sought to answer, who is my neighbor? He highlighted to the lawyer that a neighbor is someone who is in need. While the levite and priest turned a blind eye on a man robbed and left to die, the Good Samaritan had compassion for the Jew. Likewise, to reach humanity, hearts must be kindled with love, sacrificing for the good of mankind. Ellen White puts it this way, “Love is the basis of godliness. Whatever the profession, no man has pure love to God unless he has unselfish love for his brother.”

It is in God’s greatest commandment, He urges us, to first love Him and then the second greatest commandment, our neighbor as ourselves. Love in itself is like a reflection in the water, exposing all flaws and frailties, yet loving wholeheartedly the person glaring back. In this way, we should love others. Christ the Redeemer yearns for the empty hearts of men to be filled with love. Christ the Redeemer yearns for humanity to not live in fear of each other, Christ the Redeemer yearns for mankind to live in love with one another.

Love transforms the loneliest of hearts and makes joyful the joyless spirit. Therefore, let us not allow our souls to be arrested with pride, and accosted by anger, hatred, and ridden with fear. Christ exemplified through His ministry sacrificial love and the love of God for humanity. If we ban together with a common purpose, to live as Christ lived, putting others before ourselves, love can grow in the most unexpected places and change the face of humanity to one that is closely united - but we must believe and trust God that it is possible. This trust takes times. Ultimately, as we entrust our lives to Christ, the Holy Spirit can work in our hearts, subsequently leading love to be more prominent than self.

[areebellez-blog]

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV ~ "For I know the plans I have for you", declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". One of my favorite verses when I can't make sense of anything that's happening around me.

Life has many detours, obstacles, wait and "not now", mysteries not made plain yet - all concealed behind a veil. I wrestle with God, asking all the whys, what if and what's next, when He is simply saying to Trust Him.

Yet, for someone like myself (who likes to have an idea of the direction things are going), trust can be a challenging foundation to set my feet on. Sometimes I find myself trading solid ground for sinking sand, to then escape and return to the warm embrace of my Savior.

Has this been your experience? Have you ever found yourself wrestling with God? Have you ever felt like God has been silent to your prayers? Breathe a silent prayer and lay it all at His feet tonight, claim His promise to you.

Don't wallow in your sorrow of today and your fear of tomorrow. As I remind myself through the trials and tribulations, God will take care of me and He will most definitely take care of you.💚

[areebellez-blog]

“2020..  2021“

  This year has been an unanticipated year for all of us. While it seems fitting to say some of us, it is evident that is not the case - for none of us anticipated the events that would catch us unawares, lurking behind the blinds. If only we could have predicted it all, if only we could have caught a glimpse of it, peering through our windows, before it made its way into our lives. 

  Covid 19 has made this year, one to remember, not necessarily in a good way,  of course. I recalled all the plans I had, to create a deeper connection with God, to find love, to travel and to be one step closer to my “dream job”. Sounds endearing doesn’t it? To me it did. 

  The moment I made those plans, I wrote them with a full heart to God as the corner of my smile sought to stretch across my face, and meet my ears, I was elated. “2020 is my year”. Those were my words. I had it all planned out. Now I can find amusement in my careless words.

Despite my plans that seemingly fell short of materializing, I am grateful that I found myself running to God during this season. Although this year did not unfold the way I had hoped it would, I believe that God has been steering the wheel through the covid storm. Granting all this, this monsoon of a virus left me anxious and afraid. Nonetheless, in my flee toward God, I discovered His peace. 

In a year of profound reflections, and, sincere expressions, I found myself pouring my heart out to God, more than I have ever had in my Christian walk. Broken plans thrusted me further into the Savior’s arms. Sometimes, we need to be broken to remind ourselves that we can only be whole in Christ. In Christ, we are “brought to fullness”.  Colossians 2:10 

For a minute, I was unduly focused on the future, while the present visited me rarely in my times of mental absence. I sought to look upon Jesus, to mediate and cover each detail, for no one is a better architecture of the heart and mediator than Him. 

  For this new year, I encourage you to have a vision for your life, but do not plan carelessly, seek God for His direction. I have learnt this the hard way. The events around me I could not change, but eventually I altered the way I responded to it. God has significantly slowed down, this perpetual, planning mind of mine, to replace cumbersome thoughts, with thoughts of prayers. 

  Although we shall encounter roadblocks, and, apparent dead-ends in our lives, God is making a way for us, in the storm, in the wilderness, in any circumstance. He directs our steps and authors our lives. With this reminder, I encourage you to extend your heart to God’s ceaseless grace and mercies. 

  Though this year failed many of us, I know that all things are working out for God’s eternal glory. While some of your plans did not come to pass this year, it does not mean God has failed you. Only your idea of what this year should have been like, failed you, not God. He is working behind the scenes of this pandemic, failures, disappointments. He will flesh out every detail, plain for you to see, plain for you to know that only God was able to perform those miracles for you. 

  As you anticipate 2021, lean on God’s everlasting arms, and believe with every fibre of your being that doors will open for you. His good tidings will befall you, and even when life gets tough - because it will, those tough moments are not your final stop. Greet it as you would any other destination and bid your farewell, do not dwell there. Take what you can from it, to learn, to grow in Christ and persevere in character. As you sojourn on this walk with Him, “may he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed”. Psalm 20:4

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Carrying each other’s burdens.

  Throughout this pandemic life has changed immensely, we hope that it is for the better but confronting dark moments remains daunting. I received a disturbing call this morning from a close friend, that left me dumbstruck. You know those moments where your brain is suddenly benumbed by unpleasant news, and the weight of the news sit heavily on your mind? 

  I thought to myself, I was too late. I am too late. I was out of touch, unreachable, unavailable, I was not there when my friend needed me, so what can I really do now to help the situation? Yet, this is how the carnal mind thinks, and unequivocally, this is what I believed; but then that sweet soft voice spoke to me in the silence. “It is not too late. In fact, this friend can lean on your shoulders. Listen, empathize, stand with them and be sincere with your responses.” Undoubtedly, when words fail us, the Holy Spirit directs us. Although guilt attempted to accost my absence during a moment of grief and loss, being present at that moment, was all that mattered.

  Briefly, before it all transpired, I neglected to bear each other’s burdens. I was too selfish, carrying my own. We struggle to a great extent with our own adversities, that we forget our loved ones, for we are too consumed with our lives. How often do we bury ourselves in the earth, to hide from the blustery wind, from the harsh elements outside, but the soil doesn’t truly conceal us? In the glimpse of an eye, it strips us bare to face the harsh elements of the world alone, naked and exposed to the torment and frost of the wind. But are we truly alone? We are not. God is always with us, prepared to enshroud us with His warmth and protect us from the storm. Nonetheless, this does not mean we will not encounter trying times. Of course, we will, but if we cast our cares upon the One who loves us and band together when caught in a whirlwind, we will be capable of enduring it.

  While you may not be able to physically remove someone’s pain, you can be an emotional support to a friend in need. You can be the sister or brother that intercedes on their behalf. You can be the sister or brother who leads them to Christ, the One who binds and heals all wounds. 

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 “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” ~ Deuteronomy 31:6

“For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” 

~ Matthew 18:20 

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ”. ~Galatians 6:2 

(Love & live) Besos <3

[areebellez-blog]

Kindness and love?

Isn't it easy to assume someone is taking advantage of your kindness? Lately, I find myself considering maybe it is hard for others to embrace acts of benevolence.  As I journey through life, I have somewhat awkwardly accepted the latter, since there are people who have hardened their hearts as a result of the challenges of life.

Conversely, by no means will I allow anyone to take advantage of my good nature. Let us not also overlook the significance of tenderly standing up for yourself and others. Kindness begets kindness. Love begets love. I do believe we can alter the course of arguments by the way we choose to respond. “A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1 If we take heed to this, we would recognize what truth stands within it, the fires we will quench, by responding with love.

Perhaps we should think of sharing our love to a fragile heart like the morning dew whose fragrance enlivens a primrose or lily of the valley appearing withered, with its buds all folded inward. This morning dew, blown with a breath of fresh air, with a scented splendor, awakens the flowers just a little to impart hope and strength. Or ponder on the beautiful and radiant morning sun on a winter day, smiling, aglow among the clouds, embracing the flowers with warmth that the ice around it begins to defrost.

Likewise, the love we display and share with others could very much be like the morning dew or the radiant sun. As you persist in loving kindness, a person’s icy heart can begin to defrost, a fragile soul can bolster up with hope, while those stony walls gradually and gracefully collapse.

Thus, let us not view kindness as exhausting or search for what we can receive in exchange for it. Instead, ponder on the significance of these brave acts, the possibility that many can learn more about Christ by the character or traits we possess.

(Love & live) Besos <3

[areebellez-blog]

Often we are unaware of the struggles others encounter on their Christian journey, the daily battle, and the uphill climb - the spiraling roads, the crossroads, the blind corners that bring failure and discomfort.

I had the privilege of speaking with a long time friend today, who has been struggling with this uphill climb. I was unaware of the inner turmoil, trials, and temptation they faced. 

Undoubtedly, this pandemic generated an onset of bondage to things of this world for them - and they were ready to surrender to God everything.

They asked to share their testimony but was wary that I would judge them, their lifestyle, their mistakes, and mess up.

I sympathized with them, the internal struggle, the journey that often seems long and challenging, the expectations. Still, God's grace is sufficient to cover our failures. He gives us the strength to overcome sin and to denounce the things of this world. 

Ironically, we were both struggling with not wanting to be judged in some way. For them, failing as a Christian should not be one to be witnessed - mess-ups are messy and, no one seeks joy in sharing that type of life. Instead, it is far more rewarding for others to observe our success; this is what our flesh wants us to believe. So, how do we encourage the Christian hope and draw others closer to God if we are not transparent with who we are?

Within the confined spaces of difficult confessions, my friend implored me to pray and asked if I needed prayers. The pride in me sought to say, "No, everything is good" but the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart.  

 My heart - kindled by His voice as I became more self-aware of the things that were obstructing my growth. The feelings of inadequacy and the fear of being judged, criticized. Unfortunately, this kept me from fully engaging myself in God's work.

I went from being actively involved in church to retreating to where it seemed safe or comfortable. I became so afraid of crowds, criticism -my thoughts impaired me from being my best. "What if I'm not good enough?" "What if they don't like what I have to say?" "What will they think of me?". These thoughts rendered me helpless. Yet, while the man looks at the outward appearance, God looks at the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7) 

Our Father in Heaven desires us to hear instead, "I love you", "You are more than enough, do you know, you were bought at a price?" "Honor me. Fix your eyes on me, not on this world", "I think the world of you". 

My Spirit felt a great sense of calm as God was revealing something to me - how long my mind has been holding me captive, binding me to the feelings of inadequacy. The memory of a quote burned in my mind - if only we can fix our thoughts on God, we would not be so self-absorbed. How compelling a statement!

 Although we would fail, fall, face trials, temptations, and persecution in this life, God's grace is sufficient. Moreover, Christ's sacrifice assures us that we are more than enough. While there are moments that render us weak, God's never-ending love and boundless mercies overflow from Heaven, refreshing us and fortifying our Spirit.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 reminds us, "But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

In the conclusion of my conversation with my friend, we realized what importance lies in eternal matters, bearing a heart that seeks to please God. While they surrendered the pride of life, I also renounced my fears and feelings of inadequacy to God. 

 Despite the unpleasant nature of growth, I challenge you, as I have also challenged myself - to pray without ceasing and surrender to God daily. Seek a loving relationship with your Savior. He will release you from the oppression of the mind and the vanities of this world. 

[areebellez-blog]

Life is teaching me a daily lesson that I can't always know everything but I can seek God for wisdom, guidance, and spiritual discernment. Waiting is hard for everyone. The weariness of waiting can often make you feel like a machine on the verge of malfunctioning - a direct representation of how I felt this past week. Worship became a distant thought. However, this is when our souls need uplifting the most, this is when we should bathe our minds and pacify our hearts with the promises of God.

No one likes waiting. Waiting makes the heart anxious, clouds the mind with doubt, takes us into the unknown.  Waiting is excruciating - Who enjoys the unknown? It is more worthwhile if we knew God's plans! (At least in our finite mind.)  

I felt lost in an irreversible space of time. Time has deceived me into reclaiming doubts. In that gully of deception, I found myself questioning God. The insecurities cropped up, my frustrations (an added weight) crushing my seed of faith. There I was, asking God, what now? There I was, inspiring others with hope - yet I failed to enliven myself.  I should be praying, but I had no desire to. Of course, this is the time God's direction is needed the most.

Through my frustration, God reminded me that He makes all things beautiful in His time. But when? The word beautiful seemed far removed from life at the moment.

Then I remembered the life of Hannah in the Bible, the way she prayed to God despite her brokenness. She declared herself as "a woman of sorrowful spirit." 1 Samuel 1:15 Although it appeared that those around her were prospering and she was not, she turned her heart to God. Her resilience to worship despite the sorrow, to seek His presence for a child. She did all of this while still broken. There was a resilience to wait in the obscurity of life.

God desires us to turn to Him with our crushed spirits, pouring our hearts to Him and receiving His peace in the twilight of life. I imagine the quietude that exists amid a storm, lionhearted! To glimpse unforeseen events in life - but yet there is peace. It was this peace Hannah achieved, after praying. As I recalled her story, I read it once more and highlighted her attitude toward God after praying.

She sought Him, prayed, and went her way with childlike faith. She trusted that God will answer - and in due time He did.  “And in due time Hannah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Samuel, for she said, “I have asked for him from the Lord.” 1 Samuel 1:20 

I desire to trust God to this degree! As I closed my Bible and spent a moment in silence, the Holy Spirit nudged me, what have you been doing while waiting? Have you earnestly placed your trust in God, or are you still anxiously waiting? God has made the impossible, possible in your life, why doubt Him now?

As we all wait, for a new job, for people to be delivered, for the restoration of health, for family relationships, for a spouse - let us not waste this time of waiting. This season of waiting can prepare you for a miracle, for His divine plan. Life may not seem beautiful at the moment, but we can be optimistic about the future. While we do not understand God's plans, let us receive His peace as Hannah did, in this season of waiting.

Whatever you have been waiting on God for, ask Him to prepare you for what you have been seeking Him to receive.

He is mysterious in All His ways. We are unable to fathom what He is doing.   “Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty?” Job 11:7

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“For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry.” Habakkuk 2:3

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The testing of our faith and character: The significance of prayer.

God knows our every thought, our desires. He searches our hearts and knows what we lack and what we need. At times we are close to the victory - unable to see it, we decide to give up. Our faith is instrumental in the testing of our character. If God brought you to it, will He not also bring you through it? His grace is sufficient to keep our hope alive.

Often, we fail to realize that trying moments require constant prayer. Pray without ceasing! 1 Thessalonians 5:16 (Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.) We should not become weary to pray when life knocks us down. By the use of illustration, Job’s story of faith persisted in the Bible, even though he had lost everything.

I can imagine what a terrible feeling it can be to lose everything and the vile words of your spouse charring your bones. “Curse God and die.” Job 2:9 The pain and the affliction measured in his cries to God mirrors a similar pain we endure as humans. "I cry unto thee, and thou dost not hear me: I stand up, and thou regardest me not." Job 30:20 How many of us can empathize with Job? How many of us have cried our hearts out to God, pleading that He hears us?

In addition to Job’s pleas, the questions were endless. "Have I sinned? What have I done to you, O watcher of men? Why have you set me as Your target, So that I am a burden to myself? Why then do You not pardon my transgression and take away my iniquity?" Job 7:20-21 Similar to Job, we too question God when life is in the valley of affliction.

Though Satan plotted Job demise, God allowed him to bring all that he may upon him, but he could not have his life. Job 2:6 Ultimately, God revealed Himself through Job's suffering and elevated him in due time, “blessing the latter end of Job more than his beginning” Job 42:12 He was rewarded for his resilience and faith in God, persevering through his sorrows, acknowledging God - despite his sufferings. Thus, Job was refined by his losses while God restored everything he had lost, and more, blessing him with “twice as much as he had before” Job 42:10.

[areebellez-blog]

The testing of our faith and character: the significance of prayer. (Continued)

The testing of our faith and character prepares us heavenward. Perseverance and faith become anchors to keep us afloat from the tumultuous waves that seek to keep us adrift from God. This is the time to press in with faith and pray! God answers our prayers, and while it may not be an immediate answer, He answers at the time when we most need it. In Ellen White's writing, entitled "Prayer", she encourages the weary heart, to grow closer to God in faith. "I saw that every prayer which is sent up in faith from an honest heart will be heard of God and answered, and the one that sent up the petition will have the blessing when he needs it most, and it will often exceed his expectations." Pr 34.4

How beautiful are the promises of God if we can only muster the faith and courage to believe? Unquestionably, trials and tribulations warrant a heart that prays without ceasing. The situation may seem as though it's growing dim, but  God’s mercy and love to your needs beams from the courts of heaven. He has not forsaken us, despite the challenging circumstances. He inclines his ears to our petitions and gives us the strength to endure. Should you give up when life becomes hard, you may miss the blessings God desires to bestow on you.

Similarly, in every challenging area of life, pray with unwavering faith. When I liken the trying times encountered in life, I also ponder on marriage, given the heaping number of divorces. In marriage, there would be days that would be challenging, but should all hope and faith be renounced in the marriage? No. We must continue to remain faithful to God. Do not rely on self or dwell on the negatives - the circumstances currently out of our control. Instead, we must commit all our concerns to God in prayer and surrender them to Him.

Prayer and faith invigorate us. It makes the journey worthwhile. To know God has brought us this far and has sustained us keeps the Christian hope alive. In times of affliction, let us not forget what God was able to accomplish for us in the past. He desires for us to persevere in faith and prayer - even when we can’t see the end!

(Love & live) Besos <3

[areebellez-blog]

The mind wandered, near and far,

In search of depth along the path,

It stumbled on embellished words that cease,

To inspire the heart of man to speak.

And so I journeyed long and far,

In search of words to engage my heart.

Those I passed along the way, 

Bid me “Linger longer” -  I could not stay.

And if you wish that I might stay,

Allow my mind to ruminate.

To ruminate on the things that can propel its growth,

As we share the inmost expressions of our soul.

Challenge my mind and speak with great intention so I can see ---- 

Beyond your exterior in front of me.

~Arielle Hadassah Patrick

[areebellez-blog]

What type of conversations do you have and what importance do you place on the conversations you share with others? While I know everyone is different, which I accept - I am encouraged by conversations that inspire me to think, the ones that search my soul, stretch my mind, analyze the details of my heart - conversations that allow me to delve deeper. Why should we shelve our thoughts and allow dust to gather in our minds? 

  Someone once asked me why do I always have to be “so deep” all the time?  After that, I shrank myself for some time and became less expressive. How dare did I? 

  It goes without saying, meaningful conversations are overlooked in today’s world. We live in a world where people place less emphasis on the inner man. Should our words not reflect the condition of our hearts?

  As I ponder on how much life continues to change, this new age of literature fails to inspire my mind. To some degree, modern poetry is not even the same. The reader is no longer inspired to delve deeper, search for answers, and analyze the meaning of the poem. Everything is made transparent and because of this, I find myself writing this. I find myself revisiting poems of old - poems and writings that can resonate with the soul; John Keats, William Wordsworth - such prolific writers - such depth.

 I find myself in search of positive writings and conversations that open my mind to think, engage, share, and learn.

[areebellez-blog]

Surrendering and submitting to God’s plans.

   Have you ever considered God’s will for your life while being equally apprehensive of walking into His purpose for your life? The flesh begins to feed on the doubts and the mind tries to reject what could be - correlating with the notion that you are not capable. It is a sentiment that pierces through your soul as you desperately want to deny yourself and walk the path that God has willed for your life - yet instead, you ponder on the ways in which your life will be altered and if it’s something you can adjust to. However even in our imperfections, God has made us adjustable human beings given that life changes and circumstances change. Similar to our sinful ways, it is not God’s desire for us to remain in our old self, but to put on the new self (Colossians 3:9-10 ) and to be transformed by the renewing of our mind (Romans 12:2) which all incite the presence of sanctification and change.

  Yet this walk to receiving revelation to God’s will becomes a steep walk for some. For me, I have often felt alone in this process. The overwhelming surge of emotions can often keep us captive if we rely on ourselves, on our own power, but this is when God desires to hear from us. In those moments when a thread of words become knotted, unable to utter the words that press forth from our hearts - press closer into the arms of a Precious Savior and friend, Jesus. In those moments of weakness, we find our strength in Him. In those moments of silence, the Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf in accordance with the will of God (Romans 8:26-27). Finally, it is in these moments, we realize that we are not alone and we were never alone. God is definitely attentive to the petitions of our hearts and is forthcoming in giving us knowledge of His will.

  The Lord challenges us to look forward to the future with great hope, to anticipate His goodness, grace, and plans. Surely, on our own, the mind is entirely weak. It requires daily renewal by the power of the Holy Spirit. It requires consecrating our lives to God and separating ourselves from sin and worldly things. Through my walk with God, it has been a battle to disavow things of this world. Evidently, I am unable to do it on my own, only through the yielding of my mind through God’s transforming power am I able to behold and submit to His will for my life. In Romans 12:2, we are instructed, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” As we spend more time in God’s presence, our lives are changed. In spending time in God’s word, our faith becomes strengthened and our minds renewed.

  While the walk to eternal life with Jesus is not an easy one - I am confident that it will be fulfilling. However, to get here we must be willing to relinquish self. When we surrender to God and submit to His good and perfect will, our lives become remarkably changed forever. As the words of one hymnal state, “Every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before. Every day with Jesus, I love him more and more; Jesus saves and keeps me, and he’s the one I’m waiting for. Every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before.” 

Always remember you were made with a purpose! 

Philippians 1:6 New King James Version (NKJV)

“being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;” 

Psalm 139:14 New King James Version (NKJV)

        “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.”  

Jeremiah 29:11 New King James Version (NKJV)

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

1 Peter 2:9 New King James Version (NKJV)

           “ But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,     His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;”  

Ephesians 2:10 New King James Version (NKJV)

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”

(Love & live) Besos <3

[areebellez-blog]

“Try to spend more time outdoors, fascinate at nature, the puzzling shape of the clouds scattered among the shade of blue. A bright sky awaits for you to step outside and share nature’s love with you.”

~ Arielle Hadassah Patrick

[areebellez-blog]

Finding peace in chaos.

Why lease a space to worry in your mind and negotiate with it, when peace desires to permanently live there? To crave peace and feel separated from it can create an unbearable feeling. Presently, for some of us, peace is difficult to attain.

While I will not elaborate on the news worldwide to make us despondent, we must find peace amid chaos. What do you consider peace to be?

According to the Cambridge English Dictionary, peace is  “the state of not being interrupted or annoyed by worry, problems, noise, or unwanted actions.” By looking closely at this definition, the word “worry” jumped out at me. How much time do we spend worrying and obsessing over things we are unable to change?

Peace and worry cannot coincide with one another. They are opposites, unable to agree with each other. One evokes fear, while the other puts the mind to rest.  If you desire peace, you need to release worry amid chaos.

It will take tenacity and great skill to steer your mind to positive thoughts and outcomes. But there will be a fullness of joy when you receive God’s peace. Nothing too hard to ask God to help you achieve, right?

A simple prayer can change your perception and give you peace. The Bible instructs us, Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

God has also given us nature to spend time in, whether this includes long walks or a hike - these small actions can help you appreciate life. There is a lot to be grateful for in unprecedented and imperfect moments. Don’t become frustrated or despondent. In search of something we yearn to cherish, will always require effort and persistence.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8)

(Love & live) Besos <3

[areebellez-blog]

All we can seize at this moment are memories. Memories persevere, even when we feel like giving up. But don’t give up - the cherished memories we share give us hope that one day soon, we can make similar memories again. 

~ Arielle Hadassah Patrick

[areebellez-blog]

Now I understand what it means to find purpose. Have you ever had one of these moments? Where your heart breaks not as a result of someone's actions but because you wanted more? Not the accumulation of wealth but to make a positive difference in the lives of others?

Arielle Hadassah Patrick