Repost from Facebook; written August 23, 2023

1) Not every open door is a "God door"

     - Some doors feel easy to walk through and because of that, they seem like the next right thing to do, and sometimes they are. But remember, not every God door is going to be easy to walk through. Sometimes you have to fight your way through that door to walk closer to Jesus.

2) Friendships matter

     - Who you let in your circle counts. You’ll either rub off on them or they’ll rub off on you. Be discerning!

3) Don't let your busy schedule steal your time with Jesus.

     - Summer is a busy time for me, and I found myself running around from place to place with hardly anytime to rest. You don't have to do your devotions in the morning, but for me that's usually the best time. My busy schedule led me to sleeping in later and later and not setting aside time for the Lord. I began to feel the space between the Lord and I and I realized more and more how valuable that consistent morning time with Him was. I learned to plan out my day out where my devotions were a priority. Getting up 10 minutes earlier to spend time with the Lord is well-worth the effort.

4) Don't let social media distract you.

     - Ever find yourself constantly scrolling? Yeah, me too. Ever find yourself scrolling when you actually sat down to read the Word? Yeah, me too. It’s so easy to scroll ‘til your eyes bleed. A small thing I enjoy is choosing to not look at my phone until I've done my devotions. It's not required, but it's one way I remain in control over my flesh.

5) It's ok to take a break!

     - Listen, I’m a perfectionist and I hate missing something I signed up for. Events, groups, the gym, church, you name it…if I miss it I feel like a failure. But listen to me when I say: It’s ok to miss a day. You can’t keep pouring into others when your cup is empty. You’re not a failure for giving yourself a night off. Get some rest then get back to your life.

6) Other people's journeys are not yours.

     - Several times this summer, my faith was tested. My obedience, my trust, my motives (boy, my motives have been tested more than a car seat about to hit the sales floor lol). I’ve watched people around me have some major life events happen to them, I had to sit down and say "ok Lord, YOU are still the same and so is Your Word. I have to trust that no matter what" Stay focused, stay in your own lane.

7) My plans are not God's plans.

     - I was really surprised how many times I planned something out, and God replaced it with a better plan. I mean, replacements I had no clue were coming, but they made a lot of sense. Isaiah 55:8-9 says "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. (9) For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." He's always working for our good!! Make your plans, but let God edit them how He sees fit. He only has the best in mind.

8.) Exercise.

     - None of us wake up craving the Stair Master. But exercising clears your mind, lowers depression, lowers your risk of heart failure, etc. AND if you're like me, after a while you find things you kind of enjoy at the gym!

9) Beware of "Analysis Paralysis"

     - Analysis Paralysis is when you've over analyzed something to the point where you're paralyzed to make the next move. This is SO EASY to fall into! But listen, God is not a God of paralysis. Trust Him, trust your gut, and make the next move believing He will guide you if you let Him.

10). Place yourself in the right community.

      - Who you are around matters. Again, you will either rub off on them or they will rub off on you. Honestly, my community is my church. I spend most of my time there simply because it’s fun! It’s fulfilling being around people who have the same interests as me. In turn, they’ve become my Texas family. I keep meeting so many wonderful people who are their human, imperfect selves, and still want to love Jesus as best they can. It's better to be around people who know they're imperfect and are trying to do better than those who don't believe in improvement.

A dear friend once told me “growth is always uncomfortable”, and that's exactly what this summer has was. Lovely, uncomfortable growth. Painful, beautiful growth. Long lasting, life giving growth.

But this is the biggest lesson I’ve learned this season: For every hard season, there is a better future. For every tough day, there is a better tomorrow. For every passed friend, there is a new friend waiting to meet you. For every failure, there is a success. For every hardship, there is a reward. For everything there is a season.

Here's to a new season of life

Thanks for reading friends,

Joel