Hello friends! Welcome to The Good Grace Club Blog! I couldn’t be happier with the new season we are stepping into, and right on time with fall! If you’ve listened to our first episode of this season, you know that I’ve had a major life change by moving out of state to go back to school.  Naturally, this transition has been full of saying goodbye to old things and welcoming new ones. It has not been easy, but it has been good! So, I wanted to share 4 things I’ve learned and leaned into this past month that I hope to carry with me. 

1. Let yourself feel all the things! Sometimes when life gets tough, we can feel the need to keep it all together because we know God has everything under control.  Though this is true, it’s okay to feel sad, anger, worry, fear, frustration and all the other emotions that aren’t “pretty”. God is not afraid of your emotions, and often they allow us to get down to the root of what’s bothering us. However, we must remember that we aren’t meant to set up camp with these emotions for a long time. Feel, process, lean into community, spend time in prayer to work through those hard feelings knowing it doesn’t have to be pretty!
2. You get to choose joy! Noone is standing at your front door making sure you’re putting your best foot forward each day. It is up to YOU to choose joy above the temporary things of this world. You get to decide what kind of attitude to have and if you’re going to look for the good things. So ask the Lord to reveal the good things even on the hard days and rest knowing his mercies are new every morning! 
3. Turn down the music so you can see! Have you ever been driving somewhere new and you need to turn down the music so you can see where you’re going? I am guilty of keeping myself distracted so much that I forget to give God space and time to speak to me.  Take a moment, dive into a study, read the word, listen to worship music, do what you need to set aside time to sit with God. I’ve had to ask myself, if I treated my friendships like my time with God would I be a good friend? So turn off the distractions for a moment and be still, God is worth the time!
4. Go outside! There is a sweet slow nature that comes with transition. It’s the time before new routines are fully solidified and you’re deciding what to add or remove from your schedule.  There is nothing like being outside to witness the intentionality and design God has allowed us to embrace. If he cares for the sparrow, how much more does he care for you? If he clothes the lilies, won’t he do the same for you? And if he feeds the groundhogs in my neighbors’ back yard fresh apples from the tree, won’t he feed me too? Take in the beauty that is around as a reminder that we serve a creator who cares deeply for you.  

One of the verses that I continue to cling to amidst change is Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for the good of those that love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Regardless of what this season is bringing you, know it is for the good because we serve a GOOD God! And you can stand on that, friends! 

Do good, stay hydrated, and love your neighbor! - Liz