Hey Beautiful Souls~
As I sit down to write this blog post, a profound urge washes over me to share my testimony, to unfold the layers of my soul and reveal the essence of my journey—a journey marked by trials and triumphs, darkness and light, despair and hope. It’s a story not of perfection but of persistence; not of unblemished faith but of a relentless pursuit of light amidst the shadows that often shroud our world.
In the world today, it feels as though a tangible evil lurks in the air, a darkness that attempts to obscure the sunshine that bathes our lives. This struggle isn’t just external; it mirrors the war within—a battle for the soul, a contest between our higher selves and the temptations that seek to derail us from our divine path. I’ve come to see this not just as a metaphorical devil on my shoulder but as a real, palpable force seeking to influence my choices and cloud my judgment.
My life has been a series of tempests—near-death experiences, health challenges, and mental health struggles. Each trial, whether it be fighting to stay nourished amidst diabetes and gastroparesis, battling the demons of depression, anxiety, and PTSD, or simply striving to find a place of peace and health, has taught me resilience. Yet, for too long, I focused on saving others, driven by nostalgia and an idolized notion of what life should be, neglecting the most crucial relationship of all: my connection with God and the Savior.
The journey of repentance is profound and deeply personal. It’s about recognizing where we’ve faltered, not to drown in self-judgment but to understand that the Atonement is always within reach. It’s about creating lists not of our failures but of our steps towards improvement, recognizing that while labels may define aspects of our lives, they do not determine our worth or our potential.
As I’ve aged, I’ve learned that life’s end isn’t about knowing the exact moment of the world’s conclusion or the precise path our souls will take hereafter. Instead, it’s about ensuring that our souls shine for eternity through the love, creativity, and help we extend to others.
I am inspired by the Divine Creator who formed me, and in return, I feel compelled to share that peace, testimony, faith, and knowledge through my talents and passions. It’s about living for today, for the sunshine that pierces through the storms, embracing each day with the knowledge that He lives, and our Savior is indeed coming.
My years were marked by darkness, a period where my soul felt as if it were erupting in agony. Now, I find solace in the peace and quiet, in the beauty that lies within and in the warmth of the sun that fuels my spirit. This transition from darkness to light hasn’t been swift or easy. It’s a daily commitment to progress, to surround myself with love and light, because I’ve learned that darkness only serves to dampen the spirit, especially for someone like me, whose essence is deeply intertwined with art, truth, and humor.
In a world obsessed with competition and comparison, I choose to stand apart. God is the ultimate destination, and as we anticipate the Savior's return, I wish to meet Him hand in hand, surrounded by joy and living each day to the fullest. This means transforming platforms of darkness into canvases of light, changing narratives of despair into stories of hope, and replacing competition with compassion.
As I navigate the complexities of this world, my resolve remains unshaken—to be a beacon of strength, to stir my surroundings with love and light, and to cherish the journey, regardless of the challenges it presents. It's about making each day count, not in anticipation of what the end might bring but in celebration of the present moment and the potential it holds for growth, learning, and love.
To you reading this, know that you're not alone in your struggles. We are all walking this path together, seeking light, yearning for peace, and striving to leave the world a little brighter than we found it. Let's embrace this journey with open hearts, ready to learn, forgive, love, and illuminate the path for others as we go.
In closing, my message is one of hope: Regardless of the darkness that may seem to prevail, light is always within reach. We must only choose to see it, embrace it, and become vessels of its power.
With Love ~
Keep Shining~Be Inspired~
~Jackie Inspires~
Because, in the end, God is everything. The Savior is coming, and I want to be ready, hand in hand with joy, just living each day.
Hello Beautiful Souls~
I hope you're doing well~We are all busy doing our own life and sometimes it's wonderful to be still, quiet, reflect, and gain your ''superpower'' back especially during trials, am I right? I think so..
I wanted to share some thoughts and more so a journal for me to look back at later in life. It just so happens to be online and well in case there are a few of you that enjoy your reading of jackie just being herself lol, so be it :) We all need smiles and that's what I bring ...
As we journey through life, each of us faces our own set of trials and tribulations. These challenges, while daunting, offer us unique opportunities for growth, understanding, and deepening our connections with those we hold dear. Today, I find myself reflecting on this very journey, particularly in light of the upcoming Easter season—a time symbolizing renewal, hope, and the profound promise of resurrection.
In navigating my path, I've come to understand the invaluable role of therapy, self-care, and self-love. These are not merely practices reserved for moments when we find ourselves on a therapist's couch but are essential components of daily self-reflection. They are the quiet, persistent efforts we make to understand ourselves, to heal, and to grow. At 40, embracing these practices alongside my beloved husband, Tarl, has been a transformative experience. Together, we walk hand in hand, not just as life partners but eternal companions and more importantly as fellow sojourners in faith.
Our marriage, grounded in respect and love, mirrors our shared reverence for our Savior, Jesus Christ. It is through Him that we've learned the true essence of partnership—a union not just of two people, but of two souls, united in purpose and faith. This understanding has not come easily, nor has it been without its trials. Yet, it is through these very trials that I've come to a deeper appreciation of the Atonement and my relationship with Jesus Christ.
Seeing myself as a daughter of God, I recognize the trials and challenges I face are but a fraction of my journey. They have tested me, yes, but they have also provided me with a more profound understanding of life, faith, and the love of my Savior. As Easter draws near, it's a poignant reminder of the cycle of life, death, and rebirth—not just as a historical or biblical event, but as a deeply personal experience mirrored in our own lives.
The power of prayer, fasting, and faith, especially when shared with others, cannot be overstated. It speaks to the unity and strength we can find not only within ourselves but within our communities and relationships. This unity, this oneness, is reflective of the bond I share with Tarl, as well as my relationship with the Savior and all of creation.
There is beauty in everything and everyone, a reflection of Heavenly Mother's love and the divine nature of all creation.
In recognizing and cherishing the sacred gifts of life, even those we often overlook, we open ourselves to a deeper appreciation of the world around us. My journey, marked by both suffering and joy, has taught me to see the beauty in the every day, to acknowledge the strength in vulnerability, and to understand the transformative power of love and faith.
As we move forward, let us all take a moment to reflect on the blessings that surround us, the challenges that shape us, and the love that binds us. May we find strength, healing, and joy in our individual and collective journeys, and may our relationships—with our partners, our faith, and the world—continue to grow and flourish.
In closing, I am reminded of the enduring truth that through trials and tribulations, we are offered the chance to rise anew, stronger and more enlightened. Let this Easter season be a reminder of the promise of renewal and the everlasting love of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For in Him, we find the courage to face each day, the strength to overcome, and the assurance that indeed, He Lives.
Keep Shining ~Be Inspired~
~Jackie Inspires~
Hey Beautiful Souls~Countdown to a New Year-2024
As the final notes of the year fade away and we stand on the threshold of a brand new year, I find myself reflecting on the journey that has brought me to this moment. It’s been a path marked by growth, challenges, and an ever-deepening love for myself and my Savior, Jesus Christ.
This year, more than ever, I’ve learned the importance of embracing every part of myself. Each step, whether filled with joy or trials, has taught me the true meaning of resilience and faith. But this growth hasn’t been just about facing challenges; it’s been about recognizing and celebrating the light of Christ within me. It's about understanding that my talents and time are gifts to be shared, not just with others, but with myself as well.
This realization has been a beacon, guiding me to give more, love more, and be more.
As we welcome the New Year, I want to share a special message with all of you: You have the light of Christ within you. He knows it, and now it's time for you to see it for yourself. Take that step, shine brightly, and follow your dreams and heart in the way that resonates with you.
Let's make this New Year a time of personal empowerment, spiritual growth, and boundless love. Here's to a year of shining our lights brighter than ever!
Happy New Year!
With love and light,
Jackie Inspires
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