There are some days when life is just rough. Maybe you make a bad grade, have a fight with a friend, don't get to take a nap, or you just really miss your dog. Sometimes, things don't go the way that we have planned. There are times when people feel like giving up. Here's my advice to you: DON'T!!

Sometimes I need a little reminder about all the wonderful things that exist in the world. For me that might mean a trip to Hobby Lobby to admire all the pretty things, or a bowl of hot soup that soothes my soul and makes me feel right at home. Other times it takes more than just comfort from my favorite things. Sometimes I have to talk to my favorite people. I can't tell you how many times I have called my mom when times get hard or when I'm feeling down. Also, I am SO lucky to be at the same college as my sister. When times are really tough and I need someone immediately, I know I can lean on her.

But what happens when, even after all of these comforts, I still feel down? This is usually the moment that I realize where I should have turned in the first place. In Psalm 34:18 we read, "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." God is there for me when I am hurting. What would happen if instead of turning to all of these earthly comforts, I turned my heart over to God in prayer? "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:15-16)." When we give our grief, our loneliness, and our sin to God, he understands and for some inconceivable reason, the creator of the universe, decides to care about and comfort little ole me! That is something that I will never be able to fully express my thankfulness for!

So, the next time that we are feeling down, let's remember to take our concerns to the Lord first!

p.s. sometimes it's helpful to remind yourself of all the good things in your life! Make a little list of things that you are thankful for. They don't always have to be the big things...think about all the little everyday stuff too!

Here is a few ideas to get you started:

1.sunshine

2.fuzzy socks

3.chocolate

**Feel free to add your lists in the comments! I think it would be so uplifting for us to be sharing things we are thankful for online!