A few weeks ago, I headed into the North Georgia mountains for some time of renewal, rest and reflection. I never imagined how healing 48 hours of complete silence could be! Among the many takeaways, I not only got to spend hours tromping through the woods listening to birds and squirrels, I learned to set up an ENO for the first time (those of you who don't know what an ENO is - look it up, it will change your life!). Most of all, I relished the freedom to spend uninterrupted quiet time alone with my Savior in His creation.

During one of my writing sessions, I flipped through a planner for 2018 and I came across a page marked for "Personal Notes". Unable to resist the temptation, I wrote one. What came out surprised me, and I thought I would share it here. I hope you find it as encouraging as I did...

Take nothing for granted.

Each day is a special, amazing gift from your Heavenly Father. A chance to learn, to grow, to rest and to renew. He is watching out for you. Cherish that. He is your guide, your protector, and your provider. He will never fail you. Trust in His character when all else seems dark. When you see His glory, may you ever be amazed. He is your loving Father who has an amazing plan for your life. Never stop soaking in His love, and never stop being a light of hope for others. Stay true, stay strong, stay humble.
 
Resist fear – it is not for you. You are more than a conqueror. You are a daughter of the King. You are precious, created specifically to glorify Him in a unique way. 

Never stop being you. You are His. You are worth the price that He paid.