Category: Faith

Rock What the Good Lord Gave Ya ;)

Good morning party people!!! I am coming at you live Tuesday morning, bright and early, with a little bit of inspiration to throw your way.

I have mastered the art of curling my hair since the literal 4th grade. I can do it with my eyes closed, without a mirror, and in 12 min flat. I consider it a talent of mine! The number one compliment I receive is about my hair; I feel like it’s become a bit of a trademark to the whole Sydney Bush look ;)))

What many people don’t know is that I actually have naturally very curly hair! No one in my stick-straight haired family knows where the heck it came from, but it’s definitely there.

I remember being in elementary school and feeling so insecure about how big and frizzy my hair was compared to the other girls in my class (no wonder I love Hermione Granger!), I would have my mom help me put it in sponge rollers, braids, buns, ponytails, and anything else that would make it poof down!!

When I got a bit older, I discovered the curling iron and learned how to make my hair look smooth, cute, and polished without any of the frizz!! This became part of my daily routine, something I latched on to to make myself feel more put together. Soon, I noticed that I got more compliments and attention from boys when my hair was “fixed!” Looking back, I see that this is the point in my adolescence that I started to place my identity in my outer appearance, and the way others perceived my outer appearance. Simply curling my hair is in no way a bad thing, but this also led to a fixation with makeup, selfies, and a “me me me” centered mindset that was nothing short of vain.

I also truly believe in stewarding well what the Lord has given us, taking care of our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit, and reflecting the beauty of our hearts through our outward appearance. I am a girly girl to the MAX and have always absolutely loved makeup, hair care, and fashion! But where does the line lie between expressing our God-given femininity and pridefully flaunting our looks? What I’m learning is that it all comes down to the source of our identity.

Here’s the difference; when I am placing my identity in the hands of the world, I never feel “good-enough.” I am left feeling drained, desolate, and very down. But when I turn to the Bible and read the consistent truth about who God says I am, the purpose He made me for, and the goodness of His Son, I am filled to the brim with appreciation for the beauty He so specifically and intentionally gave me- just as He did ALL of y’all!

Be encouraged, sweet friends, that our hearts are seen by the Lord, and He calls them beautiful. Not because of our innate goodness, but because of His perfect son, Jesus! All that beauty will shine through when you place your joy, trust, and confidence in God. And the natural curls, freckles, or whatever else you got is just a cherry on top!!!

Post coming SOON about my hair care routine + my deserted-on-a-desert-island hair products and tools!

Simply,

Sydney

A Humbled Heart…

By Sydney Bush

In Faith

Hello hello hello! Whoever, wherever, or whatever (lol) you are… thank you for being here & for reading these little words. It means more to me than you could ever possibly know.

Y’all, I have been questioning what the Lord is doing with and through me recently. I feel distracted, unhealthy, homesick, and kind of a mess, tbh! (& I cannot stand messes…!!!) Do you ever feel a little lost in your purpose? Or maybe just a bit insignificant in this great big world full of incredible humans? I’m overwhelmed by the strains of the battle between my head telling me to strive and my heart leading me to Jesus. I feel like I’m not doing enough, but I don’t even know what enough is! I have zero idea what the future looks like, or even what tomorrow looks like, and yet everyone else calls me “put together!” If only they knew… 😉

Negative feeling dump OVER; now it’s time to share how God is turning all of this messy into GOOD!

thx God for this lil bit of Good… long walks to OnCue for HotChoc!

I do not have all the answers, and the Lord truly is still doing a majorrrr work on my heart, but I’m realizing that all this messiness in my mind, body, & life may just be His sweet way of humbling me. I’ve always been an achiever (type 3 wya), but now that I’m a tiny fish in a big sea of studs, I’m seeing that my lil high school achievements in no way measure up. I feel out-done even by my closest friends; but… maybe His purpose for me isn’t to achieve all the things that don’t even fulfill me. Maybe I’m just as valued by God for my heart, and not my resume. Maybe Heaven cheers me on just as loud when I love my people well as It does when I’m strutting on a stage. Maybe… I’m still working through this, honestly.

Speaking of hard things I’m working through, the Lord has also humbled my heart through a reminder about hard work. I’m constantly dreaming of the life I want to live, how I want to look, the job/accolades/achievements I want to have, and yet I’m for sure not dreaming of the time, dedication, sacrifice, and diligence it takes to get there! I’m a bit embarrassed to say that I’ve been coasting this semester; not working, enjoying easy classes, & probably online shopping a little too much. Looking back, I haven’t spent my time as intentionally as I should have. I was so excited about this blog, and yet it’s been at the bottom of my priority list all semester. While I wish I could go back and change the way I’ve stewarded some of the blessings the Lord has given me, I am trying to not be hard on myself, but recognize my need for Jesus to help change my ways by His Grace.

I’m not going to wake up tomorrow a completely new girl, but I will wake up and seek the Lord with my whole heart, asking Him to continue to refine, humble, and revive me to make me more like Jesus. Sweet friends, I promise you, no matter what you see on the outside or the Instagram feed, we all are fighting messy battles that are usually unseen. And when fighting these battles, all we can do is put on the full armor of God, put in our pearl earrings, and take it one. step. at. a. time.

¹⁰Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
Ephesians 6:10-11

When we embrace the humbling refinement that God gently brings us through, we can choose to steward well the little Kingdom that He has placed in our care, wether that be an education, family, friends, sorority, club, or even blog! When we walk in our identity of daughters of the King, we get to be the princess of our own little Kingdom. How sweet is that?

This post was honest, vulnerable, & oh so refreshing to share. My heart already feels lighter, and definitely humbled.

THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE, & FOR BEING YOU!

Leave your favorite Bible verse in the comments! 😉

Simply,

Sydney

GOD IS THERE!! IN ALL THE THINGS!!!

By Sydney Bush

In Faith

Hiiiiiii!!! You guys, I’m not sure exactly why, but God has been so so so real and present with me recently. I was in the car yesterday and truly just letting my mind and heart seek Him without distraction (you know, besides the road…) and I was actually blown away by His sweet presence.

I had this vision in my head where I went through alllllll the tiny things (that seem so big at the time) my mind stresses over, and then the realization that He has carried me through every. single. day. and every. single. trial. that I have ever faced. He has worked everything for the good of His Kingdom, and the good of His Kingdom is the only fulfillment my heart really seeks.

Everyday has the possibility to be a great one when we walk hand in hand with the Father!! Especially if your day includes yummy coffee 😉

If our good & gracious Heavenly Father has already proven Himself by being so truly evident in every moment of my life thus far, why do I excessively doubt and worry about the things I know His hands are on? Why do we all do this? Welllll, I prayed a prayer that for sure isn’t perfect, but definitely was good for my soul.

I said “God, thank You SO much for making Your good good self so evident to me right now. I see You everywhere and the evidence of Your goodness is all over my life. I know You are real, almighty, and love me despite my sins, all because of Your Son Jesus. I pray that while I feel high on a mountain top right now, You remind me of this moment when I am in the valley, and show me Your consistency even when I lack it. I pray that my faith is not based upon my feelings and circumstances, because You know those change in a snap, but that it is based only upon my core belief in the Truth of who You are and Your goodness.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

And those who know Your name put their trust in You, for You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.
Psalm 9:10

Thank the Lord I prayed this prayer, because literally the next day I found myself in a completely different state of mind, circumstance, and health. Even though I was notttttt feeling on the mountain top, I honestly thought back to that car ride and was reminded of then Lord’s constant pursuit of my heart in the middle of the messy. He wants to take my burdens and turn what the Enemy meant for evil for GOOD. All I have to do it let Him. And that is all you have to do too, sweet friends! Easier said than done I know, but we’ll grow in that together :))

I’m praying for every single person that reads this, that you are filled with the Holy Spirit and see the Lord moving and working in the small things that you worry about.

Comment any and all prayer requests!!!!

Simply,

Sydney

ON KINDNESS.

By Sydney Bush

In Faith

I had a totally different blog post planned for today (how I eat healthy & balanced in college coming soon!🥳) but the Lord has just put something else entirely on my heart!

Kindness seems like the most basic of human qualities, but I’m learning that is actually the most powerful. It sometimes feels like it’s dwindling in this world, and sometimes like it’s overflowing. Today, for me, it feels overflowing, and I’m inspired to keep it going!

The beauty of kindness is that it is a ripple effect. One act of kindness inspires another, and so on and so on, until the world is just a bit brighter and our friendships are a bit sweeter!

I think sometimes there is a stigma around kindness; I’ve been called a suck-up for doing something sweet… it was pretty discouraging. There are some people who view generosity of heart with a self-seeking perspective, and honestly, I’ve found myself thinking those same thoughts, fueled by jealousy and insecurity of my own character. Thank God that He changes our hearts and purifies our sinful motives, because Lord knows I need it.
When reflecting on kindness this past week, my mind goes towards the ultimate act of kindness- Jesus dying on the cross to save us from our sins, just because God loved us so so so much. God is so kind, and sometimes I forget that because I’m so focused on how I can be seen, heard, loved, admired, etc. etc. in this world. God is so so so kind, He gave us hearts that when turned toward Him, allow us to want to show that kindness to others. That is so unfathomly beautiful!

“For you were called to freedom, brothers (& SISTERS). Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love, serve one another.
Galations 5:13

Sooooo what are some tangible ways that we can live out our calling to freedom and love by serving each other??? Wellllll, let’s break this down!

Leave a friend a sweet/encouraging/funny sticky note! (MY FAV)
Offer someone a ride!
Bring someone coffee, donuts, candy, etc. etc. etc. (sweets and coffee are my love language….)
GENUINE COMPLIMENTS
Giving someone your full attention when they are speaking
Smile at people you pass by!

Let your passenger play the music in the car while you’re driving
Walk with someone to class, even if it’s out of your way
Speak LIFE over people! Encourage encourage encourage. Let your words build up the people around you; cheer your friends (and not-so-friends) on with a pure heart, no matter what your insecurities are making you feel

Kind words are like honey, sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.
Proverbs 16:24

Start a nice conversation while you and another person are awkwardly riding the elevator together
Call a friend you normally don’t talk to just to ask about their day
Remember the things that people choose to share with you, & then follow up later on!!!! This shows that you care 🙂
Offer someone your seat, your jacket, your pen, etc. (my friend Madison is amazing at this, she levels up the friendship game!)
PRAY for + over the people in your life. There is nothing more powerful, kind, or selfless than prayer. When we seek, ask, and knock, the Lord hears us and answers us!!! I am trying to start praying over my loved ones more.

There are so many more ways to show a little bit of extra kindness each day! When we start to focus on the good we can do, the bad starts to fade to the background. Let’s all try to be a good friend today!!!

Simply,

Sydney

When Life is Harder than Expected.

By Sydney Bush

In Faith

Real talk: I’m a pretty confident person.. or so I thought. Like most of us it seems, high school was a fun, exciting, and breezy experience for the most part that left me feeling high on my horse! Coming into OU as a freshman, I had the perfect ideal of what my college experience would be like. I would ace all my classes, join the sorority of my choosing, have tons of sweet friends, meet a cute guy who loves the Lord and doesn’t talk to 15 other girls who look just like me, get immediately plugged into a church, join every leadership committee available, the list goes on and on.. and honestly, it’s embarrassing!

My list is embarrassing because it really highlights my not-so-humble nature to strive for things that aren’t meant for me, and also because not one of these came true…!

Took this cutie pic with my #friends when I didn’t know half of their names! Reality 🙂

College is FUN, EXCITING, & a huge BLESSING, but honestly, it’s also extremely overwhelming, a boatload of pressure, and makes me feel pretty inadequate most of the time.. not to mention homesick.

I’ve always been a pretty idealistic and optimistic person, but when faced with the reality of my not-so-glamorous college experience so far, I struggled with some depression from being let down by my own unrealistic expectations.

Everyone around me seemed to have everything all figured out, and I felt as if I was flailing, unable to catch my bearings. I didn’t feel worthy of the opportunities I’ve been given. Fear of failure, being disliked, and letting people down completely trapped me in my own brain. I was crying every night to my mom, doubting if college was the right path for me, desperately wanting to come home. The thing is, no one here knew I was feeling this way. I kept all of these dark and negative thoughts in my own head, posing as the confident girl I was known as in high school.

This is when the perfect grace of Jesus comes into play, for He opened my heart to help me realize that this “picture-perfect” life I had envisioned for myself was not from Him. To me, faith means that I trust the Lord’s plan for my life more than I trust my own, and I had completely disregarded this belief in hope that I was the exception! I was so focused on the ways I was insufficient that I forgot that grace means that I am sufficient in Jesus.

Sweet friends, I’m beginning to understand that what’s meant for me will find me because I have a perfect inheritance as a daughter of the King. I don’t need to strive for more, different, or better. Neither do you.

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
Colossians 3:23-24

God has truly blessed me with health and ability, a small but growing community of family and friends that love me for me, and the opportunity to learn at a wonderful school filled with wonderful people. I don’t know what your blessings are, but I pray that you count them today instead of adding bullet points to your wishlist. Take your blessings and steward them well, working heartily and cheerfully in whatever endeavors, relationships, or experiences that God has placed intentionally in your hands. And I pray we can all lean into the Lord when life is inevitably harder than expected, expecting Him to fill our cup in only the way He can.

To tell the truth, I am still working through many of the struggles I’ve opened up about, and I know that it’s a longggg work-in-progress! But this progress is beautiful in its own way, not by my own actions but because anything that is formed by the good hands of the Lord is beautiful. Opening up about this kind of thing is difficult for me, but oh-so freeing.

Simply,

Sydney

Live Simply.

By Sydney Bush

In Faith

What part of yourself can you embrace more?
Bob goff, live in grace. walk in love

When asked this question at the bottom of my daily devotional, I stopped and really thought about the answer before continuing my quiet time. Was there a part of me that I was suppressing? I spent some time talking to Jesus and thinking about my life, and how much it’s changed recently. I’m a freshman at the University of Oklahoma, learning how to navigate life in a new home, in a new routine, with new people, and basically new everything! When thrown into a fresh season of life, I’ve realized how easy it is to “reinvent” yourself and become whoever you want to be- no one would know the difference! The thing is, maybe no “reinventing” was necessary in the first place, and you (and I) were completely perfect just as we were. In this process of trying to be more, better, or whatever the case is, it’s also easy to let the little aspects of your heart that matter the most slip through the cracks. You know, the tiny things that really make a person who they are. For me, I realized that my thing I let slip through was my heart for the simple things in life.

I’m just gonna be honest here- I love love, cheesy romance movies (especially the Christmas ones), a warm cup of coffee in the morning, a long walk in the sunshine, making breakfast, curling my hair, and wearing a cute outfit for no special occasion. I adore the simple pleasures of life, and understand how blessed I am to experience these little things! I sometimes feel as if everyone is moving at just a slightly faster pace than me, trying to grow up and get on with the big, important milestones. I think moving to college was enough of a milestone to last me a few years!! In a new environment, it became easy to suppress my heart for the simple in lieu of following the hustling pace of my peers. This left me feeling nothing but drained, empty, and homesick not just for my family and bed (lol), but for the girl I used to be.

So, here I am. Writing this blog in my dorm room with Disney piano music playing, my bed made and room clean, and a warm cup of sleepy time tea brewing in my Keurig, perfectly content and excited about this journey that God is taking me on. I’m ready to embrace the simple, happy moments of life and seek joy in all that I do, while rooting myself deeply in the love of the Lord. I understand it’s bold of me to assume anyone other than my teacher will even read this, but I’m more than grateful for a new project that will hold me accountable, give me a creative outlet, and help me embrace this wonderful life that God has blessed me with!

Now, what part of YOURself can you embrace more?

What are the little things that your heart loves?

Find a way to revive these in your life, today!

Simply,

Sydney