10 Things We've Learned in 20 Years

Due to our power outage we decided to release the routine Sunday blog a bit early since people may have time to read during this time !!!!

Super fun week because Breanna and I’s birthday is Tuesday, June 20th !!!

In honor of our 20th birthday, I decided to ask Breanna to join me on my podcast Live, Learn, Love.

In this episode, she shares 10 things she’s learned over the course of her 20 years of life. Both her and I give our thoughts on the 10 statements. The blog this week is the show notes written in 3rd person so you can get a good idea of who’s talking ;)

Of course, we absolutely encourage you to listen to the podcast in full, but if you like a written format better, this is for you :)

Podcast Episode Link: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7JJG6beCetAWu7IzYHwKKM?si=UUtJfUpRS62M-uyAUrD5HA

1. Don’t be in a rush to “arrive”- every single time I’ve “arrived” it’s never been as good as I’ve hoped unless I arrived with God.

Breanna details how, although being named valedictorian and a terry scholar were special moments, there were more challenges even after achieving these things. What she thought would make her completely fulfilled didn’t fix everything. Jesus is the most sustaining source of joy she can find.

Bailee agrees and notes that many people who seemingly “have it all” still struggle with things despite having the “perfect” career, relationship, house, appearance, etc. She’s seen this to be true of influencers & famous people.

2. Jump into new opportunities, but understand it’ll take time to adjust. It’ll take a while for you to find your groove in a new class, a new schedule, a new season of life, etc.

Although life changes are exciting & necessary, Breanna notes that she sometimes feels like a fish out of water for a bit as she navigates a new environment. She says she is able to get through this by reminding herself that an adjustment period is warranted during new seasons. Giving yourself grace is absolutely appropriate during these times!

3. Keeping track of God's faithfulness in the past will be a lifeline for you- He’s done it before so he’ll do it again.

Breanna says she gains a lot of strength from documenting God’s faithfulness in her life. When she overcomes a seemingly impossible circumstance, she makes note of it so that she can look back on it and remind herself of how God showed up in the past.

Bailee agrees and notes that looking through old prayer journals can be quite refreshing because many of the things she used to worry about now seem very small. This reminds her that many of her current stressors likely aren’t as big as they may seem.

4. There’s a difference between what you do & who you are.

Bailee & Breanna agree that putting your identity in anything other than God does not end well. They also encourage listeners to not be afraid to adopt new hobbies & explore new interests to add dimensions to their life & tap into different talents. Striving for academic, extracurricular, and social success aren't bad things, but having a balance of these things make for a fulfilled life.

5. Read the Bible!

Breanna says that she loves seeing God’s promises written in black and white. Hearing about God in a podcast or sermon is great, but reading it for yourself can be even more comforting. When she makes time to read the Word, she’s encouraged that God is able to work through such crazy stories & people.

Bailee agrees that reading the Bible helps make God’s character crystal clear. She says she loves that God gave us the Bible in a written format & that in order to glean as much as you can from the Bible you have to really sit with God & meditate on scripture. She explains that this helps her slow down and rest at times.

6. The devil is terrified of the you that is fully surrendered & trusting in God.

Bailee shared the following song lyrics from author and singer Jenni Schaefer

I got down on my knees

But I didn't ask to be set free

I just couldn't say those words

'cause what if God really heard

So I talked about other things

But he saw me look His way

He sent me a miracle

And I didn't even have to pray

Full Song: I Didn't Even Have to Pray by Jenni Schaefer

https://youtu.be/Zputz2LsSlI

She notes that Jennis' books & songs have given words to emotions she previously couldn’t describe. Bailee says that sometimes we're afraid to ask God to take something away from us because we don't know who we are without that particular thing. Luckily, God doesn't always give us what we want. When we lack the courage to fully "surrender" all at once, even just turning to Him and spending time with Him can yield great results. Sometimes healing looks more like a slow surrender.

7. You don’t need to know everything about the future because you should essentially be doing the same thing throughout life- rejoicing always, praying continually, and giving thanks in all circumstances.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-17

Breanna shares an excellent cheer analogy. During her time as a cheerleader, she would always frantically ask her cheer coach whether she would be going to a prep or extension when they were practicing stunts. Her coach would tell her that it didn’t matter because that didn’t change anything about her required technique or role as a flyer. No matter what, she should stay tight, smile, and be confident.

Breanna notes that the same is true in life. We often want to know what’s ahead. But, no matter what, God calls us to rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances. Nothing external should change our spiritual habits.

8. If you don’t take your thoughts captive, you’re probably not going to live a very joyful life.

A lot of thoughts will come into your brain, but it’s up to you what you give meaning to. Bailee & Breanna agree that we are lucky to have the Bible to navigate through what thoughts are true. The truth given in the Bible is the only thing that can truly set you free!

9. Identify your weakness & find other people who are strong in this area to help you.

Breanna notes that Bailee has been helpful to her during college by helping to get her out of her comfort zone & reminding her to take breaks. Similarly, Bailee explains that Breanna has helped her navigate seasons of worry. One lesson Bailee has learned from Breanna is focusing on the day at hand & focusing on making small progress. Example making the goal of “Just for today, I will practice trusting in God.”

10. Look for the good in every day

On hard college days, Breanna says that finding joy in the smallest of things has really helped her. Little things like someone holding the door open for you and seeing a friend in class have the power to give us joy if we let them. When she’s not motivated to go to class, Breanna likes to think “What if something good happens today?” This hopeful curiosity is usually enough to get her out the door--- that and the fact that Bailee won't let her skip 🤣

That wraps up the 10 things! I hope you enjoyed this blog. Pretty cool that we’ve had this blog for a little over 2 years now! God has definitely done so much in our lives, and we are thankful for a space to document our funny stories, college adventures, and - most importantly - how the Lord continues to show up for us.

Much love !!!!

- The Chavez Twins