Monday, January 11

The Choice Is Up To You


So I've had somewhat of a growing spurt the past two months.
I've learned so much about myself, as well as the people I chose to surround myself with, and let me tell you, it has been a really great experience. 
I figured out we can choose to be happy, no matter our circumstances.
I recently went through what I would consider a really tough breakup. 
Relationships that end are some of the most difficult challenges you can face in life. You really put your trust in another person, and when all of that changes in one phone call, your whole world gets turned upside down. As hard as it was to lose, who I thought was at the time, my best friend, I learned even more valuable lessons with this experience.  I'm grateful that something I thought I would never get through, has made me even stronger!   
First and foremost, there is one person who you can fully put your trust in, and He will never disappoint you. God knows all things. I have learned that I can let it go and forgive, and leave my life in His hands, and EVERYTHING will work out. He is always there for me, all hours of the day, and every second of the night. I'm so grateful for the peace that our friendship has brought into my life. I've also learned that God takes care of you through other people. There are angels all around us, wether it be a great talk with a sister, a friend dropping by your favorite cookies, or a smile from a stranger; God really is mindful of you, and He knows just what you need at just the right time. I came to realize there is healing in God's creations. Going on a beautiful hike and taking time at the top to stop and think is so rejuvenating. Driving through a snowy pass with some hot chocolate is so peaceful. Getting your feet wet in the lake, and watching the sunset on the dock reminds you there is so much more in front of you to look forward to. 
God is everywhere and He is good.  
YOU have the choice to be happy,
YOU choose who gets to have your friendship and time, YOU choose if you're going to let God lead you to where you need to be, and YOU have the choice to keep moving forward! 
Remember the things that matter most to you, and that all of us experience hard times and heartache. We can all be there for each other, and I'm grateful for all of you who always make me and my sisters feel so loved! You are the biggest blessings in our lives! 
Don't let anything get you down, and don't let anyone make you forget just how wonderful you are! 
During these times when we are tempted to look inward, look out! See if there's someone out there who needs your help, and I promise God will take care of you! 
I love you all!
<3 Mandi

11 comments:

  1. I'm new to the Gardiner Sisters World. Just wanted to say Hi, and thank you for sharing. See you soon! xx

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  2. Truly loved that. Through the toughest parts of our lives, we can always turn to God. Through all my panic attacks, self injury, depression, and many more unhealthy and heartbreaking situations in my life, I always knew I could turn to God and he will help me make it through. Though there have been times where I question my faith and question my existence, I know I will eventually go to back to the realization that God is ALWAYS there for me, weather I know it or not.
    Loved this Mandi
    Stay strong,
    Ally Bailey C

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  3. I love your words Mandi. Thank you!
    God is good all the time!

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  4. I love you so much Mandi! Ahh! How dearly I miss you and your sisters! This blog post is amazing! God is good all the time, All the time, God is good! Much love from your friend, Maegan! <3

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  5. Love love LOVE this post! Love your pedicure, and <3 you too, Mandi!
    Sada, Alexis, Paige & Amber

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  6. YOU are an angel! Hope you find the peace and happiness you deserve. <3

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  7. That is amazing bit of information more valuable then gold and silver, I will be passing this along to my fiancé we are on separate ends of the world due to military we are both in and letting God guide are relationship was the best decision we have ever made, thank you Mandi.

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  8. Very inspiring!!:) i love all you and you truely have giving me hope and always making me smile and always make my days brighter!:) I hope the best of things and hope i can get the oppertunity to meet you guys!!:)

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  9. I love this post and Hailey's previous post about starting over. All of you girls are such inspirations to me. I've just recently begun discovering the joy of seeking God's face and having a personal relationship with Him, and I just absolutely adore how you girls are so open with your faith. You're all such talented, Godly role models, and I love love love that about each of you! I'm so proud to call myself a Gardinerd! :) <3

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