At the beginning of the year, New Year’s Day, my friend had us write ourselves a letter that she would send out at some point throughout the year. From time to time I would remember about this letter and the fact that my friend had not mailed it. I’m not going to lie, I figured with her busy schedule, and the fact that she is delayed in sending b day gifts EVERY year (even though a birthday is the same day every year and doesn’t change) I really thought she would probably send out the letter in 2015, LOL. But no, she remembered and thus I received the following in the mail this morning:
“Dear Nicole,
I sure hope your year is going well! This last year was very interesting and even though there was a LOT of pain, there was a LOT of GROWTH. I encourage you to remember and practice what you learned. Unconditional love covers a multitude of sins. Unconditional love reigns and rules in God’s kingdom. If you do not have love, you do not have anything. 2013 was a year of transformation for you. Every year God (Elohim) is making you better. Even through all of the falls and short comings. God is in this thing with you for the long haul. There is no condemnation. Continue learning to value yourself and know what you mean to Him. Don’t Settle. Trust Him, He has never failed you. The story He has written for you looks vastly different than the one you wrote for yourself, but He is God. There is no other. And He is FOR you. Thy Maker is thy Husband. You have the Alpha & Omega, Creator of all things pining after you. You are the envy of heaven. You are the apple of His eye. His lovely Bride.
Shalom to you this year. May His favor and love follow you all the days of your life.”
So I was really touched by this letter because it felt like I was encouraging myself. I would say the lessons on unconditional love, and learning my value, and trusting God have continued throughout the year. Some really hard tests were faced. Some really painful things were experienced. The storms continue but He has helped me to worship through them. He has kept me on the path and I am eternally grateful for His determination to see me through until the end. I hope you are remaining on the course. If this year has not turned out the way you expected, I hope you can see His love regardless. That is the light that leads us on this journey and helps us to continue moving forward. I’m learning that the most painful times of my life have brought forth the most growth. I’m sure it is the same for you. Pain endures for a night but joy always, always, comes in the morning.
SHALOM
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