Why Worry?

The past week I have let worrying get the best of me. Stressing about my test on Friday has led to a cluttered mind and an anxious heart. I can’t stand it! It’s not just all I have to read and learn before Friday’s test but I’m already getting nervous about what’s next. After this test is over, I am going to jump right into self-studying for the MCAT. I know that I need to make a strict schedule for myself if I am going to stick with it and master the material. And what am I going to do once I graduate for the year in between? That’s unknown to me and surely it’s adding to the list of unnecessary worries clogging my brain.

What i’ve realized the past few days is that all of this stressing about the next day and the next, is only preventing me from doing what I need to do in the moment. My mind has been so distracted that I have been unable to focus on the tasks at hand. The extreme lack of motivation has led to frustration and self-doubt. Not to mention, it’s just plain annoying!

I had a moment yesterday where it dawned on me that I have been carrying around all of this junk that the Lord never intended for me to carry, let alone feel in the first place. I came across this verse which has spoken such amazing truths into my life:

Philippians 4: 6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Jesus Christ.”

The Lord presents us with such an amazing opportunity to come to Him with all of our concerns, doubts, desires, and struggles so that we may ask for His help. He is always there- in good times and in bad, to support us and comfort us. Once I realized that His peace is what I needed to combat those feelings of stress and worry- I was finally able to give it all to Him. When we surrender our feelings to Him, he truly blesses us with a peace that can only come from Him. Trusting in Him every moment and every day is a work in progress but He is so full of grace and mercy. So blessed beyond belief!

Other verses that have helped me when I am burdened down with worry:

Luke 12:25- “Who among you by worrying can add a single moment to your life?”

Matthew 6:24- “Therefore, stop worrying about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of it’s own.”

Psalms 55:22- “Our Lord, we belong to You. We tell You what worries us, and You won’t let us fall.”

1 Peter 5:7- “Cast all of your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”

XOXO,

Shelby

Sleeps ’til…

Time seems to be flyin’ these days. I really can’t fathom the fact that I am currently experiencing my final semester here at UGA. I absolutely love everything about this town and the people in it. I like to think of myself as an honorary Athenian, especially because I am so close to being a Georgia Alumni! Bulldawgs for life 🙂 Any who, seeing as I haven’t posted in decades months, I figured I would start with a countdown of sorts. The way I like to do this is by counting the number of sleeps until the actual day. I stole this idea from the “Sleeps ’til Christmas” app on the iPhone… yep, I’m that cool. 

• 6 sleeps ’til my first biochemistry test (yikes!)
• 19 sleeps ’til Valentine’s Day- unfortunately Cameron and I won’t be able to celebrate together but I’m totally up for a girls night. Who’s with me?
• 21 sleeps ’til my soon to be sister-in-law, Kelley’s, bridal shower in Atlanta.
• 29 sleeps ’til my friend from college, Ruthie’s, wedding (also in Atlanta). This is the first of my friend’s weddings. Feels unreal…
• 42 sleeps ’til my last spring break- for now (hopefully)
• 51 sleeps ’til me and Cameron’s 6 year anniversary, whoop whoop! Love that guy 🙂
• 79 sleeps ’til I watch my big brother, Tommy, get married to sweet Kelley. It’s gonna be such a special day.
• 106 sleeps ’til I graduate from University of Georgia- it’s so bittersweet! Don’t even get me started on leaving this place. Athens is my home and I tear up even thinking about moving…
• 177 sleeps ’til my homegirl, Emma’s, wedding!

Although there’s lots to look forward to, I’m going to do my best to take each day God gives me as it comes and focus on loving those around me and just soaking it all in. Speaking of, I really need to start get back to studying for this dang test on Friday- boo hoo. I will leave y’all with a cute picture of my little guy, Noah!