What is the justification for our existence? (What is the purpose of life?). To be fair, the "reason" would have to qualify for all human beings on the planet. Some people think its their career- which could be understandable for the doctors and teachers and politicians who are socially seen as making a difference. What about the street cleaners or janitors at your local high school? Or the unemployed? Or the special needs and disabled who aren't able to work. a job? We can't base our existence on that one. We also can't base it on our "title" such as mother, father, caretaker... etc. Not everyone can be or wants to be a mother or a father.

Why do you exist? Because God created you -specifically you- so that you can enjoy Him and He can enjoy you. You exist because He wants you to. Sure, being a mother is wonderful! Being a doctor or a teacher or even a hairstylist are great things to be! But that's not why you're here. There have been plenty of those things before you and there will be plenty after but why YOU and I exist- it's for God alone. You wouldn't be alive if He didn't want you here.

Once you realize this nugget of truth, it will put your whole life into a clear and stress free perspective. Your identity and value lies in the truth that God is your creator and He loves you enough to think the world needed one of you! THAT should make you giddy with joy and fill your heart with praise and adoration for our Creator!

MATERIALS:

• ESV Single Column Journaling Bible (Black)
• Bible Tabs Printable- Digital Download
• Apple Barrel Acrylic Craft Paint
• Mod Podge Waterbase Sealer, Glue and Finish, Matte
• Tsukineko Memento Fade Resistant Inkpad, Tuxedo Black
• Prima Press Alphabet Stamp Set, 0.25-Inch
• ​Illustrated Faith Heart Printable

This year has been pretty eventful.

• Changing jobs and coworkers- that was biggie. Totally new environment(s) and totally different characters.
• Having 2 meager healthy parents to 2 disabled parents. One was hospitalized for 3 months with 3 open heart surgeries. Neither can walk now. I have a greater appreciation for caretakers. -Not being able to attend church because of my parents- another biggie for me at least. I’ve never been allowed to miss a day of church unless I was sick.
• And now- we’re leaving that church of 13 years on terms we weren’t prepared for.
• I’ll be moving again soon- not entirely by choice. It’s complicated.
• my dearest dog of 16 years passed away this year....

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Those are some of the highlights. Each day this year seems to be adding on different elements of year that I will be glad to see move on. Despite all the lonely nights, frustration, angst, confusion, disappointment, countless hospital visits, midnight drives to nowhere... there was something to be learned in each closing of a season. Closed doors means new ones will open. New opportunities, fresh starts, and forgotten difficulties.

Every change has been a constant reminder that I am totally dependent on God because I don’t know what’s going to happen next. I feel like I’m losing a lot in this life but I know in the end that I will have gained a whole lot more for this life and the next.

The Lord will never bring you to a trial that He will not bring you out of. 
If we have nothing else in these dark nights, it is hope. ✌🏻

MATERIALS:

• ESV Single Column Journaling Bible
• Bible Tabs Printable- Digital Download
• Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint
• Mod Podge Sealer, Glue and Finish- Matte
• Contact USA American Typewriter Pegz Connectable Lowerase Alphabet Stamp Set
• Tsukineko Memento Fade Resistant Inkpad, Tuxedo Black
• Illustrated Faith Sticker Sentiments
• Leaves coloring pages colored with Sharpie Neon Permanent Markers, Fine Point