Because He Never Leaves You (And Always Has Good Things for Your Life)...

Life can be hard. As much as we'd like for everything to be candy-coated sweet and easy-going all of the time, that's not reality.



And in my struggles with anxiety and depression, I have struggled many times with wanting my old self back. My pre-anxiety days when I didn't feel limited by anything.

And during those really hard, ugly days when it took everything in me just to walk out my front door to get the mail, I had to cling to the truths in God's Word or there was no hope.



And one of the things that brought me comfort even in the midst of severe depression and anxiety attacks was that God was always with me, always watching over me, always providing for me. During those times of feeling so alone, so hopeless, so weighed-down, knowing God was always watching over me and caring for me and healing me (even when I didn't necessarily feel His healing power) kept me going. My hope in God, my faith in Christ is what pulled me up out of that pit and is what continues to keep me persevering even when I struggle with it now.

And as much as I hated those days of deep depression and agoraphobia. As much as I don't want to go there again, I do know that those times were times of deep spiritual growth for me. When I was so deep in a pit of despair and depression that I felt my only hope was found in God and my only comfort was in His Word, those were the times that grew my faith by leaps and bounds.

He does nothing for naught. All that He allows in His children's lives is for their good. And for His glory.

I am stronger than I used to be. Not stronger in my own human strength. But stronger in my faith. And that's what is most important. Not being independent, but being fully dependent on God. The giver of all good things.

And so I can see how God, my loving, Heavenly Father, took a situation that was awful and horrible, and He is making it into something beautiful.

Something that has drawn me nearer to Him than I've ever been.

Something that He is going to use to help others who suffer from depression, anxiety, and panic attacks.

Something that He is going to use for His glory and His kingdom.



Because He really does make all things beautiful in His time.



A big thank-you to Dayspring who sent me these beautiful reminders to have in my home. I am very grateful.

You can purchase these items as well as many others for 25% off during Dayspring's July sale. Everything on Dayspring's website is included in this sale, including clearance items! Ends July 31st!

I received these items for free from Dayspring in exchange for sharing my story. Affiliate links included in this post.

Dayspring Product Review and Sale Reminder!

The thing I love about Dayspring products is the fact that not only are they aesthetically pleasing to the eye, but they also display little reminders of God around my home.

I am absolutely thrilled to be a Dayspring affiliate and product reviewer. I have always said that I would be an awful salesperson if I had to try to sell a product that I myself didn't believe in or enjoy.

But I am absolutely thrilled when I get to promote a Dayspring product ...

1. Every product I have ever bought from Dayspring has been of great quality.

2. As I previously said, their products are aesthetically pleasing.

3. Their products are a great way to display Scriptural reminders are your home. A great way to write God's words on your doorposts.

Dayspring sent me their God's Goodness - Wood Pedestal this month to review.


My first thought when I opened the box was, "WOW. This is huge. Where in the world am I going to put this?" Honestly, that was my first thought.

But since I got this piece several weeks ago, it has been in a couple of places and is currently finding itself at home right smack dab in the middle of our dining table. And I'm liking it there.

This pedestal makes a statement. Literally. Painted in a nice muted gold color, the words "To live with joy is to see God's goodness" graces the top of the rim of the pedestal.


But it also makes a statement in boldness. Like I said, this piece is big. And at first I thought it was going to be way out of proportion for my small little house, but I think it looks quite nice in the middle of our big table.


So this is a keeper.

And if you would like a God's Goodness - Wood Pedestal for yourself, you can get one right now at 30% off using the code SUPER30 through the end of the day today.

In fact you can get an additional 30% off your entire order using the code SUPER30. But the sale ends tonight at midnight, so you don't have long. And if you're searching for wall art, Dayspring's canvas prints are currently on sale 30% through the end of November, and if you order today using the SUPER30 code you'll get an additional 30% the sale price of the canvas.

*I received this product from Dayspring in exchange for my honest review.*

Where Two or More Are Gathered Together...

Two weeks ago, I had the awesome privilege of attending the Women of Faith Imagine event here in Pittsburgh with complimentary tickets from the Booksneeze review program.

This was my second WOF event, and since the tickets were free, my mom and I splurged on a room at the Marriott across the street from the arena for Friday night. It was some nice girl time!

We also had the awesome opportunity to hang out with two missionary women that our church supports. Angie (on the far left; missionary working with New Tribes in Papua New Guinea with her husband and children) and Susan (to the right of Angie; missionary in Russia with her husband and children.) Both are currently in the States right now, so it was great to be able to catch up with them a bit.




And, of course, since there was a Starbucks right in the lobby of our hotel, we had to take advantage of the easy access to Pumpkin Spice lattes. Yum.

Unlike the Beth Moore conferences I've attended, WOF conferences are not so much Biblical teaching conferences. In other words, the speakers do not dig into Biblical content and offer expository dialogue on passages of Scripture. Rather, WOF conferences are comprised of multiple speakers who present glimpses into their lives and their walks with God.

This year's theme in Pittsburgh was Imagine. The speakers focused on God's amazing grace that had delivered them and worked in their lives in ways that they had not originally imagined.

The lineup included: Dr. Henry Cloud (who was hilarious and very knowledgeable!), Nicole Johnson, Lisa Harper, Sheila Walsh, and Angie Smith. I actually got to talk to Angie for a few short minutes, and, boy, is she just the sweetheart I imagined her to be. So down to earth and humble, and she had the audience cracking up in side-splitting laughter.

WOF conferences are also known for their inclusion of musical guests who give mini concerts to event goers. This year's music was provided by the amazingly talented WOF worship team as well as Natalie Grant and Mary Mary. All of the music was amazing!

My mom and I had a great time. We had awesome seats (five rows back from the stage). And I was super-excited to get to speak to Angie Smith in person (I've been reading her blog for several years.) It was a great way to spend quality time with some good friends!