Riley C.

Today, Riley discusses how the peace and the guidance we receive depend on how much time we spend with God, what makes a blog successful and encouragement to never give up.

Riley C.

Inspiring biblical passage of the moment: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)  This is not only a verse I love at the moment, but something I try to constantly remind myself.

Spiritual growth focus at the moment: I want to focus on taking more time, whether it be in the morning or evening, for personal study. I think this is one of the most important things that can help develop growth and understanding. In a crazy, hectic world I love that by focusing on Him, we can feel a sense of peace.

“By focusing on Him, we can feel a sense of peace.”

Profession: I am recent graduate from Brigham Young University with a degree in Psychology. Since graduating, I have accepted a job as a Social Media Specialist for a health company that is based in SLC, Utah.

A one sentence bio of yourself: Happily married and proud dog mom, who strives to see the best in each day.

When did you first encounter God? I have always had a love for God and have been attending church, for as long as I can remember. While this was the case, there were times when I didn’t rely on Him and didn’t notice just how much He could help me. I feel like I re-encountered Him after moving to NYC in high school to dance at a professional ballet school. This was such a challenging time in my life, and I found out just how much help and guidance He could offer.

“This was such a challenging time in my life, and I found out just how much help and guidance He could offer.”

What has helped you grow spiritually in this season? While it is hard, I know that the more time we offer Him, the more guidance and growth that will occur. This is something that I know has helped my husband and I these past couple of months.

Just read/currently reading (and what has it taught you?): I love the devotional Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young. While the passages and entries are short, I find that they are exactly what I need. This is something that I will always have on my nightstand.

Top three essentials: Chapstick, gum, and my phone (I know, I know but it is helpful for so many things!)

How did God speak to you recently? Making the transition from college to a full-time job was frightening. So much change has been happening in my life, and I have never done well with change. I find comfort in knowing that God is by my side and is holding my right hand, as I am going through each and every thing. There is such a wonderful feeling in knowing this.

Hobby: I love teaching ballet. I grew up dancing daily, and I enjoy sharing my love for it with my students. I also have a fashion and lifestyle blog, rileyalexandra.com, that I enjoy posting on.

Top three practical tips for staying spiritually strong: Never give up. If life were easy, why would it be worth living?

Surround yourself with good. My husband and I have made it a goal to keep make our home a place where the Spirit can dwell. One of my favorite things in our home is the image of Christ that is in our living room. I smile every time I walk by it.

Talk to Him. I can’t tell you how many times I have gone to Heavenly Father in prayer feeling worn out and helpless. He ALWAYS guides me and helps me feel the peace I need.

“Never give up. If life were easy, why would it be worth living?”

Favorite person in scripture? I find Ruth to be such an inspiring person in the scriptures. She personified the dedication and love of family and family is one of the most important things to me.

What do you want people to learn about God when they look at you? I want people to know that I am a daughter of God. I want them to know that they can feel so much comfort if they just let Him in. I know I wouldn’t be where I was today without His guidance and love.

Favorite season? Spring and fall! I love the new growth and blossoms that spring brings and the cool crisp weather that comes with fall.

Favorite holiday? CHRISTMAS, HANDS DOWN! I could listen to Christmas music all year, if people didn’t think I was crazy. *laughs*

A dream you have? I would love to have a successful fashion and lifestyle blog one day. I know that there are several meanings of successful, and in my eyes, having a successful blog would mean being able to connect and enrich the lives of others.

“In my eyes, having a successful blog would mean being able to connect and enrich the lives of others.”

A special tradition you and your family engage in or keep: On Christmas Eve, we always attend a service at church. This is something I always look forward to. I can’t wait until I have my own children and introduce them to this tradition.

Question you will ask when you get to heaven? Why are we given such difficult trials? I know that through trials we grow stronger, and often wiser, but I feel that some individuals are given more than they can handle. This does not make my faith waiver in the slightest, but this has sparked my curiosity.

Thing you want to raise awareness about: While this isn’t traditional, I feel that we need to raise awareness and be sensitive to the feelings of others. I don’t think most people understand how sensitive human beings are. There are many cases where someone may feel that they haven’t hurt or offended someone when in reality have caused major pain and suffering. By being kind and sensitive to those around us, we can make the world a much happier place.

What do you usually do before 9 a.m.? I try to start each day with a prayer. After this, I prepare for the day by getting ready and driving to work. On my drive, I try to listen to music that puts me in a happy and positive mood. I love how powerful music can affect someone.

What is on your nightstand? A photo of my husband and me, my Scriptures, and Chapstick.

Define Christianity in a sentence: To me, Christianity is developing a relationship with Christ.

For more Riley:

Website: rileyalexandra.com

Until next time, keep witnessing!

XOXO