It’s been an odd mixture of light and dark in my life for the past few months. I haven’t written because I don’t really know where to begin or how to even end. I literally have 4-5 drafts written for the different things that I’ve wanted to share, but haven’t felt like they were really complete thoughts…so drafts they will remain for now.

I’ve been thinking a lot about myself lately. Not always in the selfish way but not always in the unselfish way either. Here is a brief recap/highlights of my life over the course of the past few months (roughly chronological):

  • I had pretty much mentally decided to no longer attend my current church
  • I went on a month-long church rotation to find a different church
  • I met great people and saw amazing churches in the greater LA area that got me excited about my future and where God may have me go
  • I decided to take voice lessons regularly
  • I joined an acting class in Westwood on Sunday mornings (for a month)
  • I decided that I needed to at least “try” new things and see if I discover talents I never knew I had
  • I ended my church rotation 
    • Caused by a stern yet gentle correction from my pastor about my expectations and poor communication; basically I didn’t give people a chance
    • Through this conversation, many deep rooted sins were discovered
    • Basically, I’m an onion. A fearful, layered onion. (More in my next post about this)
  • I’ve been trying to allow me to just be me and it’s been wonderful/difficult.
    • I’ve believed so many lies about myself that it’s hard to distinguish truth and lies in my own head. 
  • I’ve been able to see how I interact with Jesus and the true nature of our relationship, which isn’t perfect.  
  • I’m discovering that I like who I am, and I don’t need to be ashamed of who I am or things I like
  • I’ve started reading Harry Potter (much to the distress of my mom)
    • I’m on the 4th book, hoping to be done by July for the last film! 
  • I’m going to try to do more things in front of a camera, so be on the lookout for that! (scary but good!)
  • Ultimately, I’m going to stay with Redeemer and allow Jesus to heal some of the major brokenness within my soul through the people and relationships He has given me, even when I don’t think there are any relationships…He is showing me that isn’t true. 
And now, looking toward this new path God seems to be laying before me, I see many more new adventures as well as more development of my character and identity in Jesus. Oh, and I plan to write a song at some point. I’ve never done that and it seems like the perfect outlet for some self-expression. If it gets recorded, I’ll for sure post it for y’all. 
God is doing something big and I look forward to seeing what fruit comes out of this phase of my life. 
Peace and Blessings. 

Published by Erika Hopkins

I'm 37 years old and currently in search of the answers life's great questions. I write about budgeting, widowhood, losing my partner, faith, TV shows, and overall share my experiences in the joys, sorrows, and the mundane in between. Contrary to my username, I don't write everyday, but I love sharing my thoughts with whoever is interested in reading them!

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