Joy and Gratitude
By: Catherine Storing
What an amazing year 2016 has been, full of growth and blessings,
that brought me joy and gratitude. I had to take a moment and think
about the many the blessings I received this year. They were quite a
few, including the following:
1. Published two more books that were translated to Spanish.
2. Wrote my first novel, which will come out early in 2017.
3. Delivered my first TEDx talk and working on a second one.
4. I have speaking engagements at least once a week
5. I kissed my joy-stealing job goodbye.
6. I styled quite a few people and helped them find their inner
confidence to bring it out for them and everyone to see.
7. I taught my first live writing course at my alma mater, which was
a big dream of mine.
8. I just wrapped up the first online version of The Write like a Pro
Course with more students I could have ever imagined.
And yes all those things are great but more than material things or
accomplishments I developed an even deeper relationship with the
Holy Spirit. I gained a better understanding of the purpose of my gifts
and those are the things I am thankful and grateful for this year.
Did you know that confidence is a form of worship? When you take the
time to tend to your temple, which is your body, you are telling God,
“I am so grateful you created me in your image. I appreciate all the
trouble you went through to design my life, to give me the parents you
gave me, and all the gifts and talents you deposited in me. Every day I
will let the world know I belong to you and when they see me they will
see YOU.”
My work as a personal stylist is serious. It is not just about looking
pretty for the sake of looking pretty; but it is about representing our
Father and realizing the urgency of our calling. One of the reasons
I take such good care of my body and appearance is because I
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