Valuable.

Control.

I've been controlled, and I like being in control.

But when we hold on so tightly to someone

that we can't let them go...

to be who they are,

to pursue what they love,

to do what they feel called to,

we steal their freedom

and we forget about grace.

Acceptance.

I want to accept others just as they are.

Letting go.

I want to release others to God.

I want to be supportive of other's decisions.

I want to extend real grace to others.

"Acceptance means you are valuable just as you are. It allows you to be the real you. You aren't forced into someone else's idea of who you really are. It means your ideas are taken seriously since they reflect you. You can talk about how you feel inside and why you feel that way--and someone really cares. You feel safe."--William Barclay.

Safety.

Freedom.

Love.

Seeking to please only God.

Leaving behind the people pleaser.

Accepting others.

Learning is a journey.

Realize.

"When the bold branches bid farewell to rainbow leaves--Welcome wool sweaters"

-B. Cybrill

Today, I am thankful for..

Grace.

Love.

Family.

Stuart.

Crisp airy outdoor runs.

Being so close to finishing a year-long project.

Words.

Dreams.

Truth.

Variety.

This process.

And I don't need anything more.

I'm starting to realize that who I am is enough.

I'm beginning to be done with comparison.

I want to be the individual God created me to be.

Sing.

But I will sing of your strength;

I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning

For you have been to me a fortress

and a refuge in the day of distress.

O my Strength, I will sing praises to you,

for you, O God, are my fortress,

the God who shows me steadfast love.

Ps. 59:16,17

Listing.

This week I will...

...meet with those 4 girls I keep meaning to get coffee with.

...learn something new about grace & share it with someone.

...attend & read at a poetry reading downtown. (1 brave thing).

...give (time, effort, love) to 5 people.

...incessantly call my brother until he picks up.

...spend real time with the boy.

...pray for the first 30 minutes of each day.

...write those 3 letters to those 3 people.

...post something to pinterest.

...run a relay half marathon with my runner buddies in tulsa.

Myself.

Sometimes I get really caught up

thinking about what others are thinking.

about me,

my relationships,

my decisions,

my dreams.

It's letting other people tell me how to think,

what to believe,

how to act.

It's letting a judgmental word ruin a perfect day.

It's letting other's standards measure who I am.

And I'm really, really tired of it.

I'm a quiet person who doesn't like crowds,

I'm a writer and a thinker,

I don't talk without contemplating my words first.

I don't share my inner self with just anyone.

I can be really insecure.

I believe in God's goodness,

I'm trying to claim his grace.

I'm sensitive to hurtful words.

I really like sterling silver rings.

I'm wounded easily.

I can't sing harmony.

I struggle to feel good enough.

I like a boy named Stuart.

I feel most alive when I'm having a one-on-one conversation.

I want to free people from the chains they let bind them.

I really like baking in the kitchen to some Amy Winehouse.

"You cannot try to please people or live your life being afraid of people. There is only One to please and to fear on this earth, and that is God.

Those who seek to please God only are invincible from within."

I'm tired of being a people pleaser.

I'm tired of being afraid of you.