Q+A

Hey!

Welcome back to Wonder in the Whispers.

Its finally winter, which is exciting - late mornings, cups of hot chocolate by the fire, and winter playlists. LOVE! I've never been a winter person but I think ever since growing up I've finally accepted that I'm a winter baby. So, grab a cup of tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and lets chat! The last few months I've gotten such amazing feedback on Wonder in the Whispers, I love hearing your thoughts! So I decided to have a lil Q+A based on questions you've asked me. YAY!

PSA: My thoughts/advice is based off on personal experience and little whispers I've received from God throughout the years.

Question 1: What is your fave thing about where Gods placed you this year?

I love this question! I really do believe God places us on purpose, (shoutout to Mike Todd!) we aren't in a family, friend group, school, or workplace coincidentally.

This is a fully loaded answer tho, I could speak in terms of work, friends, church.. but I'll keep it 'short'. It's my first year out of high school (whoop, whoop!) and before the beginning of this year I really asked God to put me in a place of influence, I was tired of mediocracy and I desired new and intentional friendships. So after getting into Uni, the degree I applied for completely changed, which scared me, because if you know me, you know change that's out of my control kinda scares me, so I immediately tried to apply for a different degree but at the end of the day I couldn't. The new style of the degree is called the Model block - which means instead of lecture halls of 200 people it was now 30 people consistently in a class (JUST LIKE HIGH SCHOOL!) I was terrified, just as I left high school I was put right back into it! I know I'm dramatic, but it really felt like I was repeating school. One day I was speaking to one of my leaders about the new degree program ( I was actually complaining.) God reminded me of what I had asked him just a few months before - he whispered to me: 'Put me in a place of influence.'

At that moment I had realized, 30 people in a class gave me the opportunity to be more intentional and make more friendships. And I kid you not, I made more friends in a month of university than I made in a year of school! And no it's not just because it was a different space, it was because of a different mindset. No more settling. So to answer your question - my fave thing about where God has placed me this year is how intentional it is, even with the lockdown that we're in I'm still able to be intentional with friendships.

Question 2: How do you personally hear God's voice?

I think we can all agree that hearing God's voice audibly is very rare! To be honest, if I heard an audible voice, I would be so shocked that I wouldn't even know how to respond, so I'm glad he speaks in whispers - that are often super soft or extremely, 'stop what you're doing and write this down now!' kinda whispers. I really believe hearing God's voice is a choice, and to be honest - he's consistently speaking, we just have to adjust our frequency.

Personally, when I was younger God spoke to me through songs - it could be any song but I'd see little characteristics of him in it. Recently, God's been giving me little phrases or sentences randomly. I'd be cleaning the kitchen and randomly get a beautiful phrase of a sentence - I love this because I have a little collection in my notes app which is amazing to look back on. He also speaks to me during worship and I'll often get lyrics and when the worship leader goes 'Sing your own song' - I really do. lol. What I love about God is that he speaks in so many different ways, I have friends that get dreams, encouragements from other people, drawings, writings- so many different ways, but what's important is that we choose to hear him and see him in every day.

Question 3: Where did Wonder in The Whispers come from?

Short answer: The type 7 enneagram in me randomly decided at 1 am.

Long answer: I've always wanted some sort of 'writing' page/blog but it never occurred to me how much I wanted it until I started. The title immediately came to me - (I like to think it was one of those Jesus' phrases I get.)

Question 4: What's one of your biggest dream?

I can't help but laugh at this! (AHH Jesus works in beautiful ways) I was speaking to a friend about this topic and I couldn't help but avoid it. I love listening to people's beautiful and crazy dreams! I long to sit for hours as someone pours out their deepest desires about moving to new york to become a screenwriter, have a small apartment that overlooks the city, lies awake and listens to the hustle and bustle of a city that never sleeps. But when it comes to me I somehow struggle to reach that part of me. Like I have plans and desires but I've never sat and daydreamed about them. ( Lol as I'm answering this question, a song randomly started playing about desires, haha)

BUT, I'm encouraged now to take my ideas to God and daydream with him.

Question 5: What's your take on the current racial events in America?

It absolutely crushes me. I am disappointed, confused, and utterly disgusted by it.

I honestly feel so helpless and incapable. My brain cannot fully comprehend the thoughts and actions of these attacks, my heart cries for what's happening in our world. These are our people. I am, however, very grateful for the people of influence using their platform to inform the public about these injustices.

Question 6: How do you deal with insecurity?

I honestly believe insecurity stems from comparison. I once heard a quote that says: Comparison does either one of two things - makes you feel better than someone else or less than, and none of that is from God. It completely changed my perspective. However, a couple of words without action don't bring about change - it needs to be a daily decision to decide to be secure in who God says I am. (Check out Isaiah 43)

So how do I deal with it:

I don't always get it right but I try immediately replacing the lie with the truth, it needs to be a reflex tho, like an immediate response. Just like a muscle needs to be exercised so does speaking truth over your life. And before you can even think about sitting in that place of insecurity you'll be reminded of the truth.

Practically, putting parameters in place is also important - like if you know scrolling through Pinterest makes you feel unaccomplished, delete the app.

Insecurity can also be defined as the 'lack of'. Lack of good grades, lack of self-esteem, lack of identity but the truth is;

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he refreshes my soul.

WOW! That was so much fun. I really enjoyed answering your questions, thank you so so much for sending them in. I really hope you're encouraged, challenged, and inspired.

Ken