Someone recently suggested that I should write a blog about my passion. The only problem is I have many passions. I'm going to try and fit them all into this blog but, I may have to turn it into a series of blogs.
JESUS + HIS WORD
My greatest passion by far, is to know His word and serve Him to the best of my ability. I feel like I'm constantly talking about Jesus and biblical matters, but it's because that is my greatest passion. I want my love for the Lord to be known. I don't want to be ashamed of Him. The older I get, the more I long to please and honor Him with my life. I haven't arrived by any means, but growing constantly in His word is something I strive for. I pray I strive daily to become a woman of God.
He is all that truly matters in this life.
PIANO + MUSIC
If you know me, you know that I have a very strong passion for playing the piano. I love piano and have for as long as I can remember. My family even has a picture of me when I was little playing on a piano. It's just always been a passion of mine. When I was seven I started taking lessons from a church pianist and I loved every minute of it. Unfortunately, I had to stop taking lessons when my family moved away and went into the ministry. At this point, I only knew the basics. That didn't stop me. I still loved it, and I played what I knew every day on my keyboard.
It wasn't until the age of thirteen that I finally understood how to play. I asked my pastor's wife if she would show me a few chords and, it just clicked. Suddenly the notes began to flow, and my fingers took over like they were made to do that all along. Piano eventually became my peace. Whenever I am stressed or upset, I'll sit down, start playing, and a wave of peace will enter my soul. Though the piano will always be my favorite instrument to play, it didn't take me long after discovering that passion to learn guitar. I'm not perfect at guitar but, I enjoy playing it. I also have a dream of learning to play the banjo. My passion for music continues to grow.
PHOTOGRAPHY
I got my first camera when I was thirteen. It was just a basic digital one but, I loved it. I took pictures of everything. A couple of years later, my passion for photography had grown. I wanted a bigger camera, and I had no idea how I would pay for one. A friend of ours had recently purchased a new camera and decided to give me her old one. It was a Nikon d3200. I was so excited and couldn't wait to use it. After using it for a few weeks, I realized the part of photography I loved most was portraits and family. I hope to one day be able to do photography full time, but for now, it's just a strong passion.
MY SMALL BUSINESS
I have always loved to create things. Crafting,sewing,knitting,you name it I love to do it.
When I was younger I would go through seasons where I enjoyed making specific things. When Cricut became a thing I knew I had to get myself one, or two, or three. I was blessed with a Cricut Joy after I graduated and I got my Cricut Explore Air 6 months later. I became kind of obsessed with my machines. I started making all kinds of things like mugs, shirts, soda can glasses, earrings. In November 2021 I decided to start my own small business. This had always been a dream of mine but, i just never found the time to do it. I started an Instagram page and immediately began to sell products. It was very slow at first but I stayed consistent. A few months later I had a pretty decent amount of customers. I wasn't able to grow it as much as I wanted to in 2022 because of my sisters health issues. I am hoping to grow significantly this year and attract many more customers. I can't wait to see all God has in store for me in this particular passion.
BLOGGING/WRITING
Writing has been something I've enjoyed for quite a while now. I loved spelling and writing class in school. I've always wanted to start some kind of written project such as a blog, a song, or maybe even a book. I just wasn't sure which area I would be best at. I tried a few times to write a song but it just wasn't for me. I've started to write a book many times but never had the passion to finish it. A couple years back I decided it would be fun to start a blog. This way I could write whatever and whenever I please without having to focus on a specific subject or time slot. Towards the end of last year I started praying about officially starting this blog. When I had total peace and confirmation and started brainstorming blog names. I went through several different ones but none of them really intrigued me. They were missing that uniqness I wanted to have. After a couple days I came up with Southern Reflections. I have considered myself a southern gal for as long as I can remember. My southern heart loves to reflect on all the things God has done in my life as well as my passions. My goal in this is to bring glory to God, encourage others, and give as much relatable lifestyle content as possible. I hope and pray you enjoy reading them.
QUALITY TIME WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Family and friends are very important to me. I think part of the reason why I have such a strong passion for my family, is because we have all gone through the same things at the same time. We've always been together. Every happy moment my family has been there. Every sad moment my family was there. I think this passion should come natural to everyone but, I know it doesn't always work that way. I'm blessed to have Godly parents and siblings who I am very close to.
My friends are truly a gift. They have been such a blessing and encouragement to me. I thoroughly enjoy surrouning myself with their company. Friends have a strong affect on you mentally, physically, and spiritually. What kind of friends you have will determine the kind of person you will become.
TEACHING & ENCOURAGING YOUNG GIRLS
I am particularly passionate about teaching girls between the ages of 12 and 16 how to be the women God designed them to be. We have so many girls in this world who feel they are not wanted or don't know their place in this world. I want them to know God has a plan for their life. We must teach them to follow that plan. They need the example of a women who has been exactly where they are and can help them understand how to navigate that path. Taking the time to lead and encourage these young girls will help to produce more godly women. We need more of them!
❤️❤️❤️