Tori D.

Tori speaks to us about how social media has strengthened her spiritual walk, the common denominator in her life when she feels empty, and the book that is teaching her to go after the opportunities God is offering her.

Tori D.

Inspiring biblical passage of the moment: Ephesians 6, it speaks of the armor of God.

Spiritual growth focus at the moment: To focus more on what His will is and His plans for me, rather than my own.

Profession: Student who wants to be an art teacher.

A one sentence bio of yourself: A perfectly imperfect Child of the one true King.

When did you first encounter God? I was born in a Christian family but didn’t realize my desperate need for Him, until I was 14.

What has helped you grow spiritually in this season? Believe it or not, social media. I’ve been encouraged by so many inspiring and uplifting people online through their testimonies and their relationship with God. It’s encouraged me to work on my relationship with Him. The more I take action and spend time with Him, the more I grow spiritually.

“I’ve been encouraged by so many inspiring and uplifting people online through their testimonies and their relationship with God.”

Just read/currently reading (and what has it taught you?): I just started reading Brush of Wings by Karen Kingsbury, and so far it’s taught me to go after the opportunities that God gives me, be patient, and trust.

Top three essentials: My phone, a pen, and a book/journal. I find that these three things are really all I need when I go anywhere because I’m always writing down ideas or drawing the things that catch my attention.

How did God speak to you recently? I’ve been having a hard time recently, it’s been harder to make time for God, and as a result, I’ve been discontent with myself and discontent with everything in general, which is so wrong because I’m so blessed. But anyway, a few weeks ago when I chose to talk to my aunt instead of talking to Him, He spoke to me through my aunt. She told me, “You’re going to be okay. It’s the most amazing thing to be in a trial. I wouldn’t change anything in my life, I would do it all again because I found Him through it all.”

“I found Him through it all.”

Hobby: Singing, drawing, painting, designing, and photography.

Top three practical tips for staying spiritually strong: I’ve noticed that the times I’ve felt farthest from Him were the times when I chose not to spend as much time with God. When I put other important things in life before Him and allowed the business of my life (school, friends, plans) take over, I’ve felt so worn out and empty.

I realized that it was because my soul was longing for my Savior. My top three tips for staying spiritually strong are: 1) Make time to read His word and spend time with Him; 2) Choose to not let the business and important things in life become more important than your Creator; 3) accept that it’s not simple. You’re not going to just have a relationship with God and then that’s it. Every day, you’ll need to be open growing, making mistakes, and allowing Him to make you more and more into the person He has called you to be.

Favorite person in scripture?: Ruth, a woman with the characteristics of the woman described in Proverbs 31.

What do you want people to learn about God when they look at you? That He is alive, and He is on the move.

Favorite season? Spring.

Favorite holiday? Christmas.

A dream you have? To travel the world singing to the lost, spreading God’s love through the gift He gave me; to bring healing to the hurting through my music.

A special tradition you and your family engage in or keep: My family is so random! We don’t really have any traditions except Christmas is the same every year. All of our family members come to our house. Oh, and we always open one present each, on Christmas Eve. Christmas is a huge deal in my family.

Question you will ask when you get to heaven? I’d like to ask Jesus more about His life when He was my age and younger, the times of His life that aren’t recorded in the Bible.

Thing you want to raise awareness about: Poverty, bullying, cancer.

What do you usually do before 9 a.m.? Eat, occasionally workout, during the summer I’ll take morning walks, and before 9, I usually have my reading and prayer time (I’m a morning person).

What is on your nightstand? My Polaroid picture album, a plant, essential oils, and a frame with quotes in it.

Define Christianity in a sentence: Christianity is not so much a religion, but a relationship you have with your Creator once you surrender your old ways, pick up the cross, and follow Him.

For more Tori:

Insta: @toridascenzo

Until next time, keep witnessing!

XOXO