Claudia Elizabeth Orellana

If you would ask me how to describe my"self," I would have a hard time doing so without mentioning The Lord of my life; Jesus Christ. It was not until He found me that I began to understand. It was not until I met Him that I began to break out of a strict-framed picture that I think I just allowed myself to fall deep into. I'm 21 years young. I say young because I feel so child-like; so alive. Have you ever witnessed a child experiencing life? Ready to approach it and not allowing fear to limit them from moving forward, instead laughing whimsically? That's what it feels like to me holding the hand of Jesus Christ. Before, I used to be so hostile to the future, but now I know that I can trust the hand that holds onto me so firmly. Not only do I have a Lord who walks alongside me, but before me. That's the beauty of the adventure with Christ! Allowing Him to guide you. No sense of responsibility of the outcome but simply following because you know that He knows and you know that He loves you too much to ever forsake you. Yea, things are going to get hard. Oh, man. I used to try to avoid those hard times, but they always found me. I know that in this life we will experience trial and tribulation, but at least now I know I'm walking down a narrow path holding onto such security. Sorrow? That is only temporary. I used to drown myself in sorrow, but that was before I met joy. The joy and peace that comes with the Spirit of the Lord.That's the beauty of life...falling in love, oh so deeply in love, adventuring from season to season becoming stronger, much wiser, and understanding, starring at the beauty of our King, and embracing that Presence.

If there was a word to describe who I am right now, it would be in-between jovial or vibrant. That's something that God really put in my heart. Before I was reborn, my life used to be so dull - exactly like the shades of grey, looking all the same... really - and I used to walk crookedly with a slouch, you know? The one that looks defeated, miserable, and weak. The hostile mask that I wore day to day, Jesus helped me take it off. I see things differently now. Matter of fact, again, I feel like a child looking at things for the first time. I know I've got His divine guidance.

I thank my Father in Heaven for always looking after me, even during the time He didn't have my attention. That's love. Elohim!!