There was a time no one knew that the fun nights out, picking up a 12-pack, or a quick trip over the state line wasn’t just me ‘living my best life’ or having what was seemingly a ‘normal’ life. It was an escape. Knowing it was there was a crutch. The experience was my life. A distraction from only surviving.

A bottle, that sip, the time had was the only way I felt:

until I found wisdom in all those things, in everything I do, with Jesus.

worth

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful; I know that full well – Psalms 139:14

loved

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life – John 3:16

confident

Such confidence we have through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God – 2 Corinthians 3:4-5

accepted

God accepts everyone who fears Him and does what is right – Acts 10:35

beautiful

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised – Proverbs 31:30

fun

Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice – Philippians 4:4

peace

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You – Isaiah 26:3

happy

Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart – Psalms 37:4

purpose

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do – Ephesians 2:10

proud

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom – Proverbs 11:2

meaning

Here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind – Ecclesiastes 12:13

normal

Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will – Romans 12:2

I praise God for bringing me from where I used to be.