Lonely nights: single girl diaries

"I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.  For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength."

Philippians 4:12-13

I guess you could say that this verse perfectly exemplifies how I have been feeling lately. Lately, more than ever, I have this strong desire for certain things (more specifically dreams of mine) to happen in my life that have not yet happened. It's hard being 23 and having lonely nights without any significant other by my side. I wish more than ever that I was in a relationship, but clearly God hasn't opened up that door to my life yet. I think we all have that feeling deep down to be in community with others, and thats what I crave. Although I do feel like I have a great community of Christians here where I live, I'm just missing having a close circle of friends. So many friends of mine are moving onto that married stage of life, and I'm not there yet. It leaves me wondering what I'm supposed to do in my free time, and what types of things I am supposed to pursue. I feel a little out of place. Some days are easier than others, thats for sure.

I can't help but wonder when my time will come. When my dreams will be fulfilled, when God will give me the desires of my heart like He talks about in Psalm 37. I'm glad that God put Philippians 4:12-13 on my heart today. This verse reassures me that no matter what kind of need I have, Jesus Christ can satisfy that need. He is the answer to that joy I am searching for in my heart. I may not be exactly where I want to be in my life, but God has me where He wants me to be, and thats all that matters. I have to submit the plans I have my life into the hands of God. If I don't, my life will become a mess. God knows what He is doing, and I have to trust that His plan is always better. I feel the Lord putting the word "submit" on my heart a lot lately, and I think that is because He is reminding how important it is to continuously do this in my walk with Him.

Any other single girls out there having a night in to themselves tonight? Holler at meeeeee! haha ;) seriously though! share a comment below, and lemme know the types of things you like to do in your free time! I figure that one day we won't have this kind of free time when were married, so it's good to pursue different kinds of activities now. 

I love you guys! Remember, God loves you SO much and can satisfy our hearts in ways that no human being or anything else ever can! seek Him first :)

Love, Jess 

NEVER settle. God has big plans.

Hi blog friends!

How are you doing?

It's nice to be back in the swing of things after a very relaxing spring break. I'm filling out applications right now to different public relations companies that I would want to intern with for the summer, so if you could be praying for me about that, that would be awesome. We serve a BIG God, and regardless of what path He chooses to lead us on,  I refuse to believe the lie that He wants the each of us to settle in any way. I trust and believe that God wants to bless me beyond my wildest expectations. I believe that God wants to do this in every area of my life: through my relationships with other people, my career path, my activities, just in every area of my life. Sure things may not always go as we plan, and some of the time I may be waiting on the Lord with empty hands, but I still believe that HE IS GOOD and that He has an AMAZING plan. Whatever is going in your life, praise Him, because He is always good. 

"The Lord gave me what I had, and the Lord has taken it away, Praise the name of the LORD!"

Job 1:21

My friends, please don't settle, as tempting as it can be sometimes. Just because your lonely and want a boyfriend, don't feed those empty emotions and stalk your ex-boyfriend on social media. Don't follow your heart, that never works. Heck, if I followed my own heart, I'd be a wreck. My own heart is all over the place. However, when I follow God's heart, it may be difficult at times, but He knows what is best for me despite what my emotions are telling me. Whatever it was that the Lord may have taken out of your life, God took it away for a reason. In waiting for your future husband, let yourself be pursued by the man of your dreams: a man who loves Jesus more than he could ever love you. A man who chooses to open his Bible and spend time with the Lord every day. A man who PURSUES you. You should never have to be fighting for a guy back. Thats a huge red flag. I just really felt compelled to tell the each of you that today. 

What are in your life are you tempted to settle in? How do you use God's word to fight against that temptation? And please, if you have any prayer requests, let me know, I'd love to be praying for you!

I love you all!

Love, Jess