So, I figured I’d go on and turn “All Things New” into a series, because it’s an honest reflection on where I currently am in my life, and I know that a lot of folks out there can relate. To begin with, I think it would be good for me to reintroduce myself. I originally started this blog 3 years ago, in the summer of 2016 and my life has shifted in major ways since then. So for those who don’t know me, my name is Diana and I’m a Filmmaker, Photographer, and Poet. I also love learning and making music. I work for an awesome production company and digital media festival that showcases and promotes exceptional independent digital content. I am beyond blessed to be able to make a living doing EXACTLY what I love, but it wasn’t always this way.

I remember the very first day I started this blog. It was a HOT summer day in 2016. I think it was in July. Long story short, I had just completed my first year in graduate school. I couldn’t seem to land a job, I had little to no money, and I was BEYOND frustrated. It made ZERO sense. NO DOORS WERE OPENING! Not even an internship. So, instead of just sitting around and sulking in my discontent, I decided to channel my energy through a positive medium. So, I grabbed a composition book, pencil, sat out on my grandmother’s balcony and started writing. It was SUPER therapeutic. I named the blog, “Through the Valley to the Mountaintop” because at that time I was in the “valley” – in a place where things don’t seem so great, doors aren’t opening, stagnation and delay seemed to dominate, there seems to be more disappointment than excitement, etc. We’ve all had those seasons in life where things aren’t quite going our way, we aren’t really happy with where we are in life, etc. Even though I struggled with those feelings in the “valley”, I fought to maintain my faith that God COULD and WOULD lead me from the valley to the mountaintop…and he did just that.

Fast forward to 3 years later, life is WAY BETTER, WAY DIFFERENT. Matter of  fact, my life is the BEST it’s ever been. Truly. I’m completing my thesis documentary to finalize my Master’s degree, I live in the kind of house I dreamed of living in for years, I wake up every morning and go to a job I absolutely LOVE, i’ve experienced so many great opportunities, I can go on and on. My dreams are becoming a reality. I’m seeing things I prayed for back in 2012 and 2013 finally come to pass (that’s a whole other blog post COMING SOON). Back then it didn’t seem like it would ever happen, but I hung in there and it did happen…and much more. Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not trying to create the illusion that I have the perfect life because I definitely don’t (no one does…) but the truth is things get better over time – if you stay focused and KEEP THE RIGHT ATTITUDE.

I remember spending lots of time listening to Joyce Meyer’s “Battlefield of the Mind” series – I would highly recommend it! The series emphasized the power of God’s word and how we can use that power to be transformed through renewing our minds (Romans 12:2). One of the most VITAL ingredients to MOVING FORWARD is a positive mind that breeds LIFE. If you think negative, you’ll speak negative. LIFE and DEATH are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21). So make sure you’re NOT KILLING your destiny with a bunch of useless COMPLAINING and negative words.

Regardless of your background, history, experiences, etc. YOU ARE ABLE TO MOVE ON! In the words of a good friend of mine, “easier said than done” – which is very true for everyone. But when you get tired of being stuck and frustrated with the same old junk, you do what you have to do, regardless of how hard it is. Man, that’s what I did – just went all out. I dove headfirst into worship to keep my heart and mind clean. I relied on prayer and God’s word to carry me through. I’ve grown so much over the past 3 years. Words can’t fully express my gratitude. As I write this, I’m listening to “Exalted Over All” by Vertical Worship. Music certainly played (and plays) a MAJOR part in my spiritual journey. Worship groups like Bethel and Elevation (just to name a couple) got me through many discouraging, dull moments. Now don’t get me wrong – I’m a music connoisseur – I love various genres, from worship, contemporary, and jazz to chillhouse, EDM, and neosoul – but WORSHIP music is what REALLY helps me along in this walk with God, especially through tough times. So, I try to listen to that most 🙂