I love the way a piece of writing can bring me closer to Christ, inspire greatness, or even just help me realize that I’m not alone. Life isn’t always easy and we aren’t promised to always be happy. As 1 Thess 5:16-18 encourages us, we are to:
“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
This, my friends, is my ultimate goal in writing. To express my gratitude, to pour out His goodness in my words, keep my own self accountable by what I say, and to live a life that leads others to look towards Christ.
If you are reading this and you have questions about the source of my joy and the marvelous gift of salvation and grace that is for everyone through belief in Christ Jesus, feel free to contact me. I’d love to share more!
“You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.”
Acts 2:28 (NIV)
Mandy, Hi there:) I’m Estephanie Caloca, I just recently started reading your posts and as a young woman (Im just about to turn 19) I can’t tell you how grateful I am to have your reassuring words of grace, especially in this time when I feel that God is not really speaking to me, or showing me a clear path career wise, or relationship wise (Boy do I have some humbling and patience to achieve😅) So I have been trying to combat my meloncholy nature with a more grateful heart, and as you quote in Acts 2:28: “He will fill me with joy in his presence” and as I recently also read from another writer- Janet, and Ann Voskamp also states, the way to combat the ungratefulness is with just the opposite an attitude of gratitude (I’m testing out my latest challenge: A thankful note a day to keep the ungrateful thoughts away.😆) And welI just can’t tell you how much I admire you, you are who I want to be like when I reach my real adult years, to be not just faithful but HOPEful(which is the spring to our step, right?:) And not just alive but LIVING how God intended for each of us to. I pray that He listens to your righteous heart, and that He blesses you for all the great and faithful work you’ve done. Love you and your posts!
Sincerely,
Estephanie:)
Estephanie,
Thank you so much for your sweet and encouraging message! You are quite the writer as well! 🙂 I had tears well up by your sweet encouragement, so thank you again. It is a pleasure and a true joy to write and be a vessel for the Lord. I am so grateful that you are being encouraged to live a HOPEful life, just like you said! I am truly humbled by your sentiments and hope that you continue to be just as blessed as I have been by your comments. Happy (early) birthday, too!
Love and the best to you as well!
Mandy