This month, I am starting a new chapter in my life – one that is filled with a lot of unknowns. I know in these times I have to trust God and just let Him direct my steps. No matter where we are in life, God is ready to meet us. When you start to fully trust in God, He will change your life! I can without a doubt say that God changed my life for the better. As I think back on my past, I realize the depression, anxiety, insecurities, sexual abuse, etc. do not define me.  The good and bad experiences I went through are all a part of my story.

When you are going through tough, stressful times it’s hard to understand what God is trying to do, but it’s in these times He wants us to seek and trust Him more! I am the person I am today because of my past and my life is truly testament to the grace of God. I give all the thanks and glory to Him! I am a completely different person because I’m learning to trust Him fully. I’m excited to see what the future has for Griffin and I and I can’t wait to share that with everyone.

As I end this post, I’ll leave you with this song that really spoke to me about letting the pain of the past go and trusting God. I pray that you continue to seek God more and trust Him more with your life and your decisions. I promise you that He will change your life… He’s just waiting for you.

If you could let the pain of the past go
Of your soul
None of this is in your control
If you could only let your guard down
You could learn to trust me somehow

The post Starting a New Chapter appeared first on Angela Van Winkle.

I used to think that the closer you got to God, the easier life became. When in reality, life doesn’t get easier. The closer you get to God, the more distractions you experience. I like how 1 Peter 5:8-11 says it, “8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.”

We all experience trials and hardships in life, but it’s important to remain firm and strong in the Lord. How do we do that? By praying and reading His Word! Sometimes that’s easier said than done. I find that just spending a few minutes in the morning praying and reading one verse helps. I ask God to speak to me and give me peace for that day. It helps give me hope that I can get through whatever situation I’m experiencing.

Sometimes even just listening to worship music can help lift my spirits. Just today on my way home from work this song called “Breathe,” came on:

Breathe, just breathe
Come and rest at my feet
And be, just be
Chaos calls but all you really need
Is to take it in, fill your lungs
The peace of God that overcomes
Just breathe (just breathe)
let your weary spirit rest
Lay down what’s good and find what’s best
Just breathe (just breathe)

I love this, “Breathe, just breathe, come and rest at my feet and be, just be.” I encourage you to take a moment out of your busy schedules, push the distractions aside, breathe and have a moment with God. I’m thankful for just one more day because I know I am not guaranteed tomorrow.  Today, I’m believing and praying for peace, clarity and wisdom in your situation. Amen and thank you for reading!

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