Comparing

I know its been a while since I've been here. And it circles back around to feeling inadequate. Along with that, I do try to present small snippets of what God "downloads" to me in my personal facebook and Instagram feeds. So as my mind was spinning in bed once again tonight with so many thoughts, I'm here back at my computer screen with a "download" to share.

A recent post of mine on instagram (if you want to follow me its actually under my business @3birdsphotog) I wrote "Comparison Steals Joy" I stated " Don't let comparing yourself to others rob you of who you are and who you were created to be." I had a privilege to see song writers and singer @Daramaclean perform a song called "free" that has a statement that is repeated over and over again in my head. She states " The girl I've tried so hard to be, has always been me." let me say that again. "The girl I've tried so hard to be, has always been me.? WHATTT???!!! Is that not mind blowing?!!!!!!!!

God truly, deeply, created me just right. As many times as I say to others that God doesn't make mistakes it is true. He is IN ME. So as my daughter asks if I love myself, I say whole heartedly YES, because God is in me and I love God more than anything. His BLOOD rescued my soul and I am made in HIS image.

So lets get back to this comparison thing. Since I can remember have compared myself to others. I was naturally athletic along with competitive so comparing comes super natural for me. Who was the best, and I always wanted to be the best. Which growing up in a small town, was super easy. I compared myself to my peers all growing up, not sure if I would ever have it together, but everyone else seemed to. I then compared myself to others success as they advanced to different jobs. Parenting followed. Which I'm still daily failing at, but hey, I keep telling myself no one has this parenting gig down. My three are alive, and My heart is so full of love and pride for them I feel I may have an ounce of this down. (with God help, I honestly don't know how people do this parenting thing without Jesus, can I get an AMEN?!!!)

I had a revelation as I went to bed tonight as I have my daily "talk" with my "buddy" Jesus. I had bible study today and they touched on trust and how this one gal has her face on the floor for an hour a day and has this intimate time and love for Jesus. He is her best friend. She can be empowered by him, pray with him throughout the day and make business and daily decisions because she is empowered and filled with the holy spirit. So again "naturally" I compare (which isn't ALWAYS a bad thing) and see here were my take aways of how I fail.

1. I take the reigns far too often in life and in my business. Control is something I seem to want, not always asking God first. Am I walking and living in the Holy Spirit each day moment by moment? I want to. I try to, am I failing?

2. My comparison to others is what often drives me to make the decisions I do. "Tricks" and ideas have worked for others so I should copy and do the same. I compare my work to others constantly wondering (as my work is totally public) do I know what the heck I'm doing or does everything look awful and I have no clue how bad it is??? But does it really matter? As I have been set free in many areas, and am still learning "success" in the world is far different than Jesus.

3. My comparison goes to the level that I look at Christians "who have it together" and wonder if I ever will. I hear this lady who is so inspired by God and so inspiring herself, even a friend in my own home who has an amazing time and relationship with the Lord...and they tell me what looks like, should mine be the same? Should I be doing the same exact things so I can get closer to Him?

I hear a resounding answer is no. I feel the presence of God so strong like he is holding my hand and writing these very words. I am enough. My heart longs to be close to Jesus and please Him, love Him, and serve Him. My comparison steals my joy and creates doubt of my own relationship with my own Lord and Savior. Whom I love. Yes I mess up, but that is what the cross has covered and I'm eternally and moment by moment thankful for. I think like all relationships they are different for everyone, so maybe my relationship with Jesus looks different than yours, but that is the beauty of it.

Here are a few notes I took this morning from my bible study I want to share:

"Jesus isn't just your helper throughout your day, He is your complete source and foundation, your identity and strength. Nothing else matters."

"You have to choose if your identity is in what people think of you or if its in Christa and how He sees you and is IN YOU."


"Value is being know and seen by Him, not people"

"The more I receive to more I'm able to extend, so overflow every place you go"

"Prayer is a dialogue not a monologue all day every day"

"Like the lights in the frozen food section at Target, as you take a step forward they turn on, all you have to do it take the step". (Psalm 119:105 came to mind)

"As God spoke the world into existence, we are created in his Image. Our words also have power because we are made in His image and He is in us. You have the same power, your tongue is really so powerful"


Yes time in prayer and in the word draws me closer to Jesus. But my prayer time and bible time may look different than yours and I'm learning thats ok, there is freedom. There is only one standard to try to attain each day and that is Jesus, son of God, with the Holy Spirit there empowering and holding your hand.

I know I didn't jam pack a bunch of bible verses in here that I could go back and stuff in here, but this is whats on my heart and I pray will bless you and change your heart today. Only Gods opinion matters. The world screams comparison in our faces, when its all a facade. God wants you, and all of you. Receive the gift of His love, salvation, forgiveness and freedom today. Comparison may bring you "worldly success". But we are a mere tiny dot on this earth compared to eternity. Eternity matters. Today matters. You are a princess, loved, and made just right. The girl you have tried so hard to be has always been you. <3. Love you. xoxo.


~Suz