Category: {Faith}

Guest-Writers, Kerrington's Posts, {Beauty}, {Faith}, {Life}, {Love}

The Brutally Honest Christmas Card.

UYM

  
Written By: Kerrington Sweeney 
This has been one of the hardest years of my life. I am still on a road of recovery from it. This past year:

In the early spring of this year, I was physically attacked by an unknown sickness. I was emotionally drained and spiritually on a desperate searching quest. In search for something to quench my never-ending thirst of strength in my physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Resulting in, me spending a few horrific nights in the Emergency Room…waiting hours and hours in search of answers. That season was absolutely lifeless. No growth took place, rather the roots of a health filled life-style, were ripped out from underneath me. 

I felt weary, defeated, and ragged. My soul was in pieces, scattered around, limp with no life left within me. Failure. Defeated. Worthless. These were the words so often spoken in my mind, on a vicious cycle that seemed to never end. I felt like I was drowning in a sea of mystical voices. I was numb to the Lord’s presence. I had no emotional balance. I was knee-deep in a place of utter chaos and complete confusion. A season of wandering, searching, and questioning. A choice was placed in front of me. Would I begin to take up the quest in hope of finding my authentic purpose once again, or would I continue to lay limp, life-less in a state of exhaustion?

My weary soul felt no reason to pray. No reason to read my Bible and not even an ounce of reason to attend a church service. I was tired. Weak. Ready to, in all honesty, give up. “What was the point anymore?”, I thought. This soul was mine. I, Kerrington, had to take ownership of it. No longer was I being a slave to the fears, raging inside of me. This was not my portion and I knew that I knew, something had to give. 
It was the year full of hardship. Harsh words, temptations, and faithless defeat. Anxiety, unsettledness, sleepless nights, and never-ending tears. Oh, and change. Lots of it.

The year of goodbye to the old and hello to the new. A year of questioning what truly defined me. The year crammed with medical tests and procedures. Ugly moments and real jealousy. It was the year, I truly fell in love and then, got my heart recklessly broken. The year of frequently changing seasons. The year of learning to love and somewhat trust once again. Full of high mountain tops and low valleys of deep feelings and insecure emotions. The year of pursuing, a true balance for my life. 

It was a year of realignment and of a complete shift that took place. A brand new purpose and an intimate calling was being birthed directly into my weary heart, into my very spirit. I would either embrace it with open arms, wholly surrendered or I would resist it, and be shaken to the very core of my being and be tested on my every move. God was calling my heart deeper through this year and I honestly was struggling to trust Him through it all.  

But then friends, Jesus. He came…like a winter snow. He was quiet, soft and slow. Falling from the sky to the earth below. 
I think at times I often forget, especially in the fast-paced culture we abide in, that God is a personal God. We forget that He deserves our undivided attention first and foremost. We just need to Stop. Seek. Pray. Reach and Regenerate. Because, He’s there. 

He’s there in those moments when you could just break down and cry. He’s there celebrating with you in your greatest achievements. He’s there in the stormy crashing waves of life, and He’s there in those moments of sweet peace and stillness. He’s with you in hardship and in worship. In agony and in freedom. He’s always there. 

Dear Readers, Friends and Family, 

Whatever your year may have looked like…just know and believe that God has a purpose for it. The seasons, the circumstances and the situations you walked through have a greater purpose than you can even possibly begin to understand. Whether it was a battle year or a victory year, He was there. The battles you may be fighting or have fought, the hurts you are clenching on to, the bitterness that is building up within you, the struggles that are constantly bombarding your mind…Give them up. 

Hand the keys over to God, let Him begin to lock those things out of your life. Let Him cleanse your weary heart. I know for a fact that He has prosperous plans for you. Hopefully this post has shown you that, I don’t have it all together. I live a real life, just like you. I am fighting battles, and am always learning to give more to God. I am just like you, walking on a journey to a Heavenly Place, our eternal home. I pray with all of my heart, that this vulnerably written post, has empowered you this Christmas Season. 

God bless you and Merry Christmas!

Until Next Time…

President & Founder,

~Kerrington Sweeney

Uncategorized, {Faith}, {Life}, {Love}

Welcome!!! 

UYM

We are beyond excited about this BIG day for Uniquely Yours Ministries…

We are growing in the area of our Writing Team!!!

  
Ladies, let me introduce you to…

  
Cheyenne Ranta from Lacona, New York.

Cheyenne Ranta is an 18 year old girl who is living in rural upstate New York. She is finishing her last year of high school as a home school student which has enabled her to have a part time job as a Nanny and to be able to pursue her love for writing and photography.Cheyenne is a follower of Jesus who has blessed her immensely which in turn has helped her become the person she is today. She is excited to see what the Lord has ahead for her life. 

  

Lanissa Reale from Fernandian Beach, Florida.

Lanissa Reale is a 20something based in the sunny state of Florida. She is thrilled to be new addition to the Uniquely You Team! A recent College Graduate, newly engaged and consistently growing and learning- she knows the struggles and uniqueness that come within this “young woman” stage of life. Throughout teaching and mentoring ladies for 8+ years, Lanissa is undoubtedly passionate about empowering the teen-20something young woman to get comfortable in their own skin and embrace the process that God has in store for their life! She went through the majority of her life trying to fit into the crowd around her, while deep down always having this dream of the actual woman she wanted to be. At14 years old she committed her life to the Lord, and after secretly longing for Him her entire life, this new life in Christ had instantly fulfilled all of her desires, except for the one to “become” all she was created to be. That she would learn, was indeed a process. A process full of beauty, messiness and never ending grace. Lanissa is the founder of the Becoming Ministries Blog which is centered around celebrating and empowering young women to learn how to lead themselves to the Lord and embrace their own process of life. Join in on the Becoming journey!

Lanissas’ Website 

 

Amie Comber from Belle Vista, Arkansas. 

Amie would tell you that her job here on this earth is twofold; to love God and to love others. Her name in French translates directly to “friend,” and she is the happiest when surrounded by people she can laugh, love, and do life with. She is always up for an adventure, whether she is climbing a mountain, kayaking all day, or stepping on a plane with her ukulele to a destination her blue eyes haven’t seen yet. Amie would say that the greatest adventure is living life in the center of God’s will; it’s scary, vulnerable, but the most exhilarating and fulfilling path you could choose. She is 19 years old, adores lemon candles, and would love the opportunity to meet one day over her favorite coffee. Until then!

Xoxo

Kerrington's Posts, {Faith}

{Faith} Take that step. 

UYM

Written by: Kerrington Sweeney 

It was true faith that brought Isaac into Abraham’s arms. Faith, that kept Peter up when he walked upon the crashing waves. Faith, that helped Moses lead the Israelites across the Red Sea. Faith, that healed the blind man Calling out to Jesus. It was Faith that caused the walls of Jericho to tremble and fall. Faith, that got Joseph through many years of waiting, in the deep dark dungeon. It was Faith, that helped David through many years of hiding in the desert.

‘Faith’ is such a beautiful treasure. 

In Hebrews it is defined as “being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see”.

It’s having great confidence that God will come through for us even when nothing in our whole life gives us reason to prove that He will. 

It’s faith, that we will see a better tomorrow, in this fallen world. 

It’s believing that He will answer your many prayers for a sweet little baby, just like He did for Sarah and Abraham, even after years without any answer.

It’s believing that when you are stuck at a dead end in life, like Joseph and your dreams are not even close to being remotely fulfilled, that He will still find a way out for you and a place for you to begin your next season of life. It’s believing that when after years of struggling with your sickness and your pain like the blind man and the bleeding woman that with just a single touch from our mighty Heavenly Father, you will be instantly healed and completely whole again.

It’s believing that when you step off the rocky boat like Peter, out of your comfort zone onto the crashing waves and into the great unknown that He will be right there beside you, helping you take every single shaky step of the way. 

I have just recently really been learning and discovering that faith looks so different to everyone, and sometimes having faith requires taking action, and other times faith means standing still and waiting. 

I like to think of Faith as if, It’s like a motion door that won’t open, until you start moving. And in many cases I believe that is true.

Before Peter could walk onto the water, he first had to step out of the boat. A step in Faith. Before, the lady with the bleeding issue could be healed, she first had to reach out to Jesus. An act of Faith. Before the walls of Jericho fell, Joshua and his men marched around it for seven days. A sacrifice of Faith. 

In each one of these situations people have had to prove their faith by taking action, by being obedient to what God tells each of them to do, even if it meant being out of their comfort zones or doing something that made no sense. 

Though we may not march around Walmart until it’s walls come tumbling down, we still have tons of opportunities to test our faith and take action even in the culture we live in. Its the exact same for us…

We want great things to happen in our lives. We want to perform miracles in our everyday lives. We want incredible testimonies of how God is working in our lives. We want to fulfill these desires, the visions, the dreams God has truly planted deep in our hearts.But… We don’t even have the guts to take that one step of Faith.

Today, are you ready to take that step in faith?!

Yes…it’s scary! Going against the trend of this world, isn’t always easy. But together as a community of encouraging sisters I believe we each can take that step!

Dear Heavenly Father, Whatever it may be in their lives…A rut, a dead end, a season of waiting, a time of chaos. Lord, we ask that you would help us today to take a step of Faith and give every situation to you. Whatever it may be, big or small! We give it to you. We are taking a step for our future in Faith, knowing that you will protect each of us in a unique way and give us the true desires of our hearts. We pray this in your precious name, Jesus! Amen!

Until Next Time,

~Kerrington 

Taylor's Posts, {Faith}

{Faith} Having Faith in all Circumstances.

UYM

Written By: Taylor Fast

This past year was a very exciting year for me, and it continues to be! At the beginning of last year I was planning my wedding and saving every penny I could. It was brought up to me around this time that my church was going on a mission’s trip to Honduras. I have known for years now that I have been called to short-term missions and it broke my heart to think I would not be able to go this year, due to my lack of money. You see, there were other concerns that needed to be taken care of, my fiancé and I were looking at houses, wedding expenses, and all those other lovely bills that come along with this new transition. It was pretty obvious to me that I would have to miss out on this mission’s trip, but I decided to pray about it anyways. I prayed that at least God would give me peace about not being able to attend this year.

James 1:6 “But when he/she asks, they must believe and not doubt, because those who doubt are like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.”

The trip was still frequently on my mind, but I stayed consistent with my prayers of God giving me peace with the situation. Not soon after I got a phone call from one of the most beautiful couples I know, my grandparents. They called and told me they felt it on their hearts to help pay for me to go to Honduras. I immediately burst into tears! How could I ever thank them for something like this? Through my faith and prayer, I was blessed in an incredible way, which allowed me to bless others in Honduras. My experience in Honduras was life altering and I am so glad it was apart of God’s plan to allow me to go on the mission’s trip.

When we have faith in God we have the opportunity to bless others and/or be the one who receives the blessing. For those of you who are wondering why a certain situation is not necessarily going your way. Have faith, God has a better plan than you could ever imagine! Even if you cannot see the path right now, pray, read your Bible, and seek support from positive influences around you. Walk by faith, not by sight.

Until Next Time,

~Taylor

Kerrington's Posts, {Faith}

{Faith} Identity.

UYM

Written by: Kerrington Sweeney

Identity!

As I began preparing my post for today, I began to read many scripture verses, quotes, and definitions on Identity and what it truly meant. When I continued reading many different pieces of information it was interesting to see the many different views and opinions on the specific word, Identity.

A definition that truly stood out to me, was this…Identity- Who someone is. The name of a person. The qualities, beliefs; that make a particular person or group different from others.

In a moment to kick this post off, I am going to ask you a pretty serious question. Some of you may have an answer and some of you may not have the answer. By the end of tonight, I am praying with all my heart, that you are able to walk away with an answer to this question.

When I continued preparations for today’s post, I asked myself this certain question, and to be brutally honest…I didn’t even have the answers. So here comes the question…are you guys ready? In this bombarding world we live in…

What defines you? 

What makes you the way you are?

When this question arose in my heart, a bit of shame came over me, because I truly didn’t know what I really was defined by. What made me, me? What made me different from others, just as our definition said earlier? What were the qualities and beliefs that I was made of?

Now your Identity is something, not that you earn, it’s not something you are given, it’s not even something you can buy. Your identity is you. Yes, you! You carry your identity…In your very being. Today, we are going to talk about many different things that can change or affect your identity.

Just about over a year ago, I was at my church chatting with a bunch of friends before service one Sunday, discussing the different “groups” in High-schools. Me being homeschooled all my Life, I began to be a bit curious about what group I would have been a part of, if I had attended conventional School. Right there, in my church lobby a large debate was happening amongst my friends on what Group, I truly would have been a part of. As they described the many different types of people, I started to realize how very different each person’s group was.

There was the Jocks, the math geeks, the smokers, the popular girls, the chess club, the jokers, the goths, the rebels, the preps, the hippies, the models, the health nuts, the tomboys, the punks, the nerds, the flirts, and the cheerleaders. The list seriously could go on forever. How weird it felt, basically being on trial, debate on what group I should be a part of. How cool, is that though…That my friends, without me even stepping a foot into their high-school could easily define me and pre-determine my outcome just by my personality, my character and my Identity.

Here are 4 points, that I am going to give you today. I encourage you to write them down and meditate on the scriptures I share…

  1. Words– This a huge one for me, even personally. Your words. The way you even speak is a part of your Identity. People remember you, for the way that you speak. People remember you also, for the way that you swear. Swearing and using the Lord’s name in vain changes your very being. It changes the atmosphere you carry. Who here knows that you carry the very power to change atmospheres wherever you go? This can be a good thing or a very terrible thing. Watch your tongue.

Proverbs 21:23 “Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble.”

2. Relationships– Oh, so young and in Love! These are the words that come to mind when I think of relationships. Relationships have a HUGE and I mean huge role in our identities. I never personally, have been in an official dating relationship before, but I have had experiences with these types of things. Relationships, oh so wonderful, yet sometimes so very dangerous for some…When you are interested in a certain someone, you basically study them. Their likes, dislikes, hobbies, favorite foods, favorite color, favorite sports, etc. You study their identities. You study, what makes them, them. I have noticed over the years even friends of mine, change their very being for a guy. I’ve seen girls drop everything they are doing just to get the attention of one young man. Changing themselves to hopefully catch a guy’s attention. Altering their very identity to get this guy to just like them. Being true to yourself and knowing where your identity is truly founded and what defines you, before entering into the world of dating is a very wise decision. Live your life fully for Jesus Christ, before allowing that special someone to access into your heart.

Proverbs 4:23 “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

3. Struggles– “Don’t let your struggle become your identity.” We all have struggles. You have struggles, I have struggles. We are Human. But the daily struggles you are facing, don’t ever define you. The sins you are or have been committing, don’t ever define you.

Depression doesn’t define you, worthlessness doesn’t define you, hopelessness isn’t your portion, sickness doesn’t define you, your friends don’t define you, clothes don’t define you, relationships don’t define you, Sin doesn’t define you, darkness doesn’t define you. The many labels people have spoken over you or about you don’t ever define you.

 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old is gone, and the new is here.”

God has taken the sinful human nature we were born into and changed us forever. He took the sinful identity we were carrying and exchanged for an identity full of new life. The old is gone, washed away forever. He took all the tattered rags and made them like a Royal Robe. We are new creations in Jesus Christ. Yes, we still have struggles but, we can live knowing that anyone who is in Christ is made forever new.

4. Legacy– Legacy, this is a massive point. I am going to close with this category. I truly feel that your identity is very much attached with the legacy you receive from your parents, grand-parents, family, etc. These are people that have given you your unique DNA, your family is a part of your identity. Your opinions, your views on certain situations, your personality attributes, your fears, your hopes, and your style of living, of course is your own choice as a person but, the way you were/are being raised will in the long-run affect your identity.

Now it’s so awesome, when you are being raised in a Christian environment, with God-fearing parents…because this is a great attribute to your identity. Having Christ in your life at a young age and running hard after God’s heart is a major key but, many of us forget to count this as a blessing. Not everyone has the honor and privilege of being raised in a Christian Home. The Legacy that is being left and forever imprinted onto you is one that could alter your identity for the good or for the bad. Whether it be Christian beliefs or whether it be attributes of having good work ethics and being kind to others these are just some of the incredible things we can learn from our parents. In my life time, I have met a lot of Non-Christians, who at times are even kinder and nicer than people of the church.

Our parents have been placed into our lives to teach us many different things…to help us build our life-long character, to help us on our quest to find our true identities and what truly defines us.

Thinking towards the future, looking at the way you are being raised whether it be in a Christian home or in a non-Christian home…What legacy are you wanting to leave for your future kids? A choice even now today, can be made that can affect your future families for generations to come. You taking this simple step of faith in Jesus Christ and giving your life to Him, could alter the Identities of your future Grand-children.

There is absolutely no shame whatsoever in not having Jesus Christ as ruler of your Life. If you are reading this and you are living in a non-Christian Home but, want to take that step in Faith…I encourage you to take that step with us. Because remember you are not taking this step alone, we are here with you!

A simple choice is set before each of you. Some of you, it’s a choice to dedicate your Life to Jesus Christ for the very first time and others it’s a choice to re-dedicate your Life to Him. To reignite the passionate fire within you. Each of these choices are able to be made. Please, don’t leave this site, regretting you didn’t take this step in faith. God has HUGE incredible plans for each of you and He looks forward to calling each of you His Daughters.

Now sometimes, having an identity fully founded in Jesus Christ, you will be mocked and made fun of for your faith. We as Sons and Daughters are each called to live set-apart lives. Going against the crowds and trends of today’s culture and society.

In closing today, I would like to read a verse from…

 2 Corinthians 1:22 says “You are defined by God and God alone. He identifies you as His very own.”

 Now let me ask you that question once again…

“What defines you?”

Until Next Time,

~Kerrington

Kerrington's Posts, Let's talk about Dating, {Faith}, {Love}

{NEW} Devotional Column Series!!! 

UYM

Uniquely Yours Ministries is proud to present to you, dear readers…


Happily Ever After Starts Now,
Is a monthly-weekend devotional series written by UYM Founder and President, Kerrington Sweeney!

Happily Ever After starts now, is dedicated to equipping single women to truly find their callings right NOW! Together through this devotional, we will begin to shatter mindsets with the knowledge that, we can know the Lord fully and serve him wholly with or without a young man by our sides. Through the passages we study, and the personal stories I share, I hope and pray that you are compelled by Love to not become stagnant in the Season of Life you are currently in. Sisters, your Happily ever after starts right NOW! The choices you make today in these very moments, will dictate your future marriages’ one day. Join us every other Saturday, to begin living your Happily Ever After!

Column’s First Official Publication Date: Saturday, October 17th, 2015

Until Next Time,

~The UYM Team

Taylor's Posts, {Faith}

{Faith} Faith without Borders.

UYM

Written By: Taylor Fast

faith taylor september

A couple months ago my fiancé and I were out canoeing for our first time together by the lake that is very close to our new home. That particular day it was very chopping out. The water was extremely wavy and I was quite hesitant to get in the canoe in fear of us ending up in the water. Rowing for me was quite difficult with trying to keep my balance in the canoe and using my strength to cut through the waves with my oar. (Muscles are an area I may be lacking in.) I had to put all my faith in my fiancé to help keep us in the right direction and stop us from falling out. I am sure there were moments we were both frustrated as this experience that was suppose to be relaxing, ended up being quite nerve racking. In the end, we managed to work together and learn from each other for the next time we go out and know to maybe check the lake before we plan a date!

I thought after about how this experience is so much like our walk with God. We have all these great plans in our head about what we are going to do with our life and how awesome it is going to be. We get started on these plans and all the sudden they aren’t going as perfectly as we thought. What do we do? This is where we need to lean into God to calm the storm and settle our mind. It is important that with every decision we make; we pray, we trust, and we listen to what God has planned. God can get us through any weather that life may bring, whether that be peaceful days or stormy nights, we have a God that does not leave us.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.” Phil. 4:6 (New Living Translation)

There are moments where we can be asked to do things for God or get into situations where we are not sure if we can trust the outcome. I want to challenge everyone to stretch your boarders. God is with you in every situation, and your faith will grow with the more experiences you let Him lead in your life. I find that the more you say yes to God, the more you are blessed in your own life.

Until next time,

~Taylor

Kerrington's Posts, {Faith}

{Faith} “If Only…”

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Written By: Kerrington Sweeney

I sat quietly with The Lord one Monday morning. That particular morning I was praying deeply about my future. I began thinking about all the things I would one day like to accomplish. The more I continued thinking, the more my “If Onlys” began to come out of my mouth.

If only… I had a job.

If only… I had more money.

If only… I was older.

If only… I had a boyfriend.

If only… I was more equipped.

If only… I were more compassionate.

If only… I were more successful.

If only… I was truly cut out for ministry.

If only… I had more wisdom and discernment.

IF ONLY…

I couldn’t stop myself. I just kept coming up with all these different “If Onlys.” More and more kept popping up. The Lord stopped me in my tracks. I could feel Him telling me that if I was to give my “If Onlys” to Him, He would begin to fill those so-called “voids” I was recognizing in my life.

As soon as I took a step back and gave God complete control of these areas if my life, I began seeing God fulfill each one of those “voids.” I am still waiting for some of them to filled, and in Gods perfect timing I feel that one day they will be, but the incredibly amazing thing is… I have learned that I don’t need these things to be filled for me to live a fulfilled life. I don’t need a car to start living. I don’t need a boyfriend to start living. I don’t need that job to start living. I don’t need all of those “If Onlys” to be filled to start living.

I am in a blessed season of living life to the very fullest. With God as my helper and guide. So ladies, in closing today, I challenge you to spend some time with The Lord. Identify the “If Onlys” in your life and hand them directly over to God. You’re NOT alone. God is always in control and always will be.

Don’t be stuck living life like I once was with all those “If Onlys” crowding the way to fulfilling your future destiny. Give them to God and live in absolute freedom.

Until Next Time,

~Kerrington

Taylor's Posts, {Faith}

{Faith} Faithful Friendships.

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Written by: Taylor Horner

 

Having a faithful friend is such a great asset! I would say you are truly blessed if you have friendships in your life where you know your friend will always be faithful to you. This can include keeping things private in your life that you wish to be private, being dependable in your times of need, and always taking time out to see how your week is going.

As we get older, sometimes we lose friendships due to different circumstances; things like moving away, having different interests, or being involved in different friendship networks. This might mean that we may have a small number of faithful friendships in our lives. Never discount that as a bad thing – having one faithful friend is better than having many friends that are not looking out for your best interest.

In our world, we as human beings can be very selfish. Some people become friends with others because of the status it gives them. The popularity, maybe the money, or even some other way that they can gain something for themselves. These “friends” are the type of people that we need to avoid being.

As Christians, we are called to love one another. There are no exceptions to this rule. We are called to love ALL. It can be easy to get caught up sometimes in wanting to be friends with everyone because of the popularity or the events you will be invited to. We become focused on those things instead of being focused on being a faithful and loving friend.

I have one beautiful friend in my life that also happens to be my maid of honour. This girl is one of the most faithful people I know. I can count on her through times of trouble and triumph and she is always willing to support me. I honestly do not know what I would do without her continued support in my life. God has absolutely blessed me with having her as my best friend. She also has an incredible boyfriend who my fiancé has gotten close with, which has become a blessing for both of us. I do my best to be just as faithful to her as she is to me, because that is what everyone deserves. We should attempt to live out lives of faithfulness to others, just like God is faithful to us. We can be such a blessing to others when we continue to show love, compassion, and care to those who are around us.

Sometimes it can be difficult to keep up with being faithful in friendship to others because it is a big commitment, and we can get caught up in our own lives. BUT it is important for us to remember that God loves a faithful heart and humans do too. I challenge everyone reading this to show faithfulness to someone in their lives today. Whether that be a text to see how they are doing, or getting coffee with a friend in need – just show you care. Be a person that can say you live out faithful friendships!

Luke 6:31 “And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.”

Until Next Time,

~Taylor

Joceline's Posts, {Faith}

{Faith} Magic Number.

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Written By: Joceline Sweeney

It seems like there are a lot of things in life that can only be done when you reach a certain age, a magic number sort to speak, often set by our parents, schools or government.

When you are younger you look forward to the day you when you are finally old enough to wear make-up, finally old enough to have your first sleep over, and finally old enough to go the mall without your mom.

When you become a teenager you are finally old enough to go to high school, possibly during those teen years depending on your parent’s rules, permission is finally granted for you to start dating.

As soon as you turn sixteen you can finally start out on the “getting your license journey.” When you turn eighteen you are finally allowed to have say in how your country is run. So many things in our lives always seem like we have to wait for, for that distant day in the future, for a magic number to be reached, finally.

How many of you feel limited because of your age? I’m here to tell you today there is something so wonderful you can do, you don’t have to wait for that distant day in the future, it doesn’t have to be a magic number, or a finally old enough achievement!

Today, right now at this very moment in every situation you are in…You can be an example to everyone around you, younger and older! God is no respecter of age! He has on more than one occasion used the youngest and least likely to lead others.

You can be an example with your life, in how you trust in God to lead you and direct your future.

You can be an example with the way you speak, the way you show love and kindness to those around you, not getting caught up in the latest gossip, but speaking truth and love.

You can be an example of how a godly girl acts around boys, being treated with respect, as you are a daughter of the most-high God. Not lowering your standards just to fit it.

You can be an example of a girl who saves her purity for the man God has handpicked for her. You can have that beautiful love story of dedication and sacrifice.

You can be an example of how to pray for others, right in your youth group or even at your school. You can be the light. You can be filled with grace and wisdom, even at a young age.

One of my absolute favorite verses growing up was 1 Timothy 4:12,

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, your faith, and in purity.”

How awesome is that? You don’t have to wait for a distant day, a magic number and a finally, to be a part of the kingdom of God. Not even just a part, but an example, a leader. God has called each of us no matter our age to be world changers, so don’t wait for a distant day, a magic number or a finally.

Today, right now at this very moment in every situation you are in…be the woman God has called you to be!

Until Next Time,

~Joceline