Lizzie W.

Inspiring biblical passage of the moment: “But since we belong to the day, we must be serious and put the armor of faith and love on our chest, and put on a helmet of the hope of salvation.” 1 Thessalonians 5:8

I read this verse one morning at work during my devotional, and it has stuck with me ever since. I just got hired in a new job in D.C., and it has been a huge transition in my life. This verse has helped me stay guarded, strong, confident in myself and most importantly keep my focus on God throughout my workdays. My job is not easy, and being in D.C. with all the political disagreements going on it can get very depressing/upsetting. But, putting on my armor of faith, love and the helmet of hope and salvation I am reassured that God is in control– He has a plan for this world!

Spiritual growth focus at the moment: To become more connected to God through scripture… sharing His truth with others!

Profession: Secretary position in the Government/Young Living Representative.

A one sentence bio of yourself: Coffee sippin’, peony obsessed, Jesus loving girl!

When did you first encounter God and how did you encounter Him? I was baptized at VBS when I was 6, but I did not really connect to God until I was in my freshman year in high school. I had recently been in a very unhealthy relationship and was lost. I turned to my high school ministry, and they embraced me. I have never looked back, yes times have been extremely hard, I have doubted God, but in the end, I know He has planned for me what is best, and I must trust Him!

What has helped you grow spiritually in this season? Writing my blog, answering questions I get, just being able to publicly share my faith. I was honestly super nervous to post what I was doing on my personal account, but I knew that it was what God wanted me to do. So, I did! It has been rewarding, ever since! I have grown to learn more about myself and the way I read/learn scripture, where I fall short of obeying God, where troubles occur most in college girls, etc. I have really relied on Jesus Calling every day, for my devotions. I sit in my cubicle 30 mins when I first get to work and drink my coffee. I also write a verse for the day on a sticky note and place it on my computer! However, 1 Thessalonians 5:8 has been holding the fort down for about a week now!

Just read/currently reading (and what has it taught you?): Anxious for Nothing by Max Lucado – literally taught me EVERYTHING! I have GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder), and through prayer, studying this book and practicing the skills Lucado provides has helped me lessen my medication dosage but also turn to God during my panic attacks rather than medication, and I have seen a great change in my life.

My favorite tactic is “C.A.L.M.” Whenever I feel anxious/panicky I remember this. It is to physically focus on your body parts to calm yourself down.

1. C = Chest, slow your breathing

2. A = Arms, relax your arms, are you hands in a fist?

3. L = legs, are you walking really fast, tapping your foot, try to sit down or walk slower and focus on the movement

4. M = mouth, are you biting your lip? speaking fast or maybe yelling at someone? (guilty!!)

The process of calming all of these parts of your body grounds you, brings you back to reality, so your racing thoughts stop and you can redirect your mind to something positive or tackling the issue in a calmer way. It works for me, every time!

Top three essentials: 1. Young Living Thieves Toothpaste (Yes, I know very strange – BUT I love it SO much and it has made my teeth so white) 2. Muave lipstick from Rimmel 3. Dunkin’ Donuts K-Cups.

How did God speak to you recently? God has made it a point for me to be more grateful for the life I have, and to give back to those less fortunate than me. Also to pray for everyone and anyone! Also, I have been praying more and more for my enemies, which is no easy task. Additionally, to take a stand and be confident in my new blog. Many times I find myself comparing to others, but I need to remember that the problem with comparison is ME, not the other blogs/girls/businesses. It is me allowing those thoughts into my head and to overpower my will to continue/be brave with my own personal journey.

Hobby: Blog, Young Living…whenever I have free time, you will find me researching/writing/sharing etc. about Young Living or the Lord!

Top three practical tips for staying spiritually strong: 1.Find a quick and easy devotional to do every day (I use Jesus Calling);

2. A.S.A.P = Always Say A Prayer (A mnemonic my friend, and I made for our sorority Bible study);

3. Surround yourself with biblical quotes, books, friends, family

MOST IMPORTANT: your social media feed! I unfollowed every account that made me jealous/angry/sad/worthless, etc. I have gained my self confidence back and I no longer find my mind “wishing” I had that outfit, job, fit body and so on. All I see on my feed is close friends, young living and scripture!! It made such a positive impact on my life!

Favorite person in scripture? Ruth. I could read her story over and over again! I am currently in a huge season of waiting, and her journey speaks to me and reminds me that God has a plan, and I must wait.

What do you want people to learn about God when they look at you? That I am a regular woman going through the motions of this world, I AM NOT PERFECT and by no means expect anyone to be. I want to be seen as real, show young women it is okay to be yourself and be a Christian– not to get caught up in the idea of following all the rules to be the best Christian ever. Just be YOURSELF! I also hope they are inspired, feel welcomed and that they can trust me with any struggles. I love serving and helping people!

Favorite season? Spring.

Favorite holiday? Easter.

A dream you have? To start a ‘mentorship’ program within my blog, where I meet with girls every so often, buy them coffee, and basically just walk through life with them! When I was going through middle school and part of high school, I felt so lost. I am the oldest child in my family, and I had no older women to look up to and learn from. Nobody to keep me on a healthy path with God. I fell off the path fast and hard, found myself in a dark place and I don’t want anyone to experience that. So, even if I just mentor 1-2 girls, I know I am making a difference in their lives!

“I am the oldest child in my family, and I had no older women to look up to and learn from.”

A special tradition you and your family engage in or keep: Every Christmas Eve, we buy a bunch of appetizers and sit on the living room floor and watch Charlie Brown’s Christmas! I look forward to it, every year!

Question you will ask when you get to heaven? Where is the coffee shop?? *laughs* But probably ask God what His favorite memory of me was – or what discipleship situation He was really proud of.

Thing you want to raise awareness about: Children victims – I have always wanted to volunteer with a non-profit child advocacy center.

What do you usually do before 9 a.m.? I get up, get ready, take my dog (Milo) out and leave my house by 5:30 to catch the train to start work at 7:00 am! Yes, I get up at 4:30 every day, and I am usually sleeping by 9. It is exhausting!

What is on your nightstand? YL Lavender Essential Oil (I rub it on the bottom of my feet every night) my diffuser, whatever current book I am reading, and my apple watch to use as my alarm clock!

Define Christianity in a sentence: The choice to follow in Gods footsteps, strive to do your best, serve others and love unconditionally for this world; believe that God has a plan for you and He will not leave you nor forsake you– ultimately trust, even when it is hard, too.