Category: Guest-Writers

Guest-Writers

{Marriage Week} Lovely Dreams & Logical Decisions. 

UYM

Written By: Mary-Lyn Vandolder

Once upon a time, there was a little girl who lived in her fairy-tales. She dreamed of her Prince Charming, of sun dappled rides on unicorns past towering towers and through melodious meadows, of evil curses broken with true love’s perfect kiss. As a small child, she would spend hours drawing pictures of her wedding dress while dreaming of a grand ball where her Prince would take one look at her and sweep her off her feet, out of her everyday life as fireworks flashed and angelic choirs sang. As she grew she’d imagine the romantic words of poetry and passion that her true love would endearingly whisper as he poured out his heart; a heart that beat only for her.

Real life was often difficult and scary and the girl would withdraw into her fairy-tales for comfort; clinging to her childhood dreams like a security blanket. As so often happens to childish dreams, reality simply couldn’t measure up. No man could. No real romance. But still this now young woman held out hope for her Prince Charming.

When I met James it wasn’t anything like I’d imagined. He seemed nice but not very exciting. The good friend of a new friend. There weren’t any of the fireworks I’d believed would suddenly shoot into the sky announcing my one true love. No breathless gazing into each other’s eyes knowing in our hearts we were meant for each other, before we even knew each other’s names. Over the next year we developed a good friendship which developed into love. A love that once sparked, grew quickly into a blaze. A woman head over heels in love, I was still dreaming of romance and flowery prose, so one night during our engagement I asked James why he loved me. What I wanted to hear was a litany of praises to my beauty, my goodness, my many virtues. Instead I heard the words, “Because I decided too.” I was so angry! Because he decided too!! What is romantic about that?! Love is supposed to be a euphoric FEELING not a DECISION!

It didn’t take long for me to realize what an incredible gift he had given to me that night. Romance and pretty prose are great for a moment, but they aren’t something you can build a life on. Falling in love is a wonderful feeling, but staying in love takes commitment. In ‘deciding’ to love me, James was making a decision, a commitment, to love me when I wasn’t lovely, when I lost my temper, made dumb decisions with our money, when I no longer looked like the young woman he’d fallen in love with, when I suffered with chronic illness for years, when I didn’t love myself or anyone else. He was deciding to love me and stand by me for the rest of our lives. Feelings may change, but a decision made and honoured stands. Please understand, feelings are definitely a part of it. They start the process if you will. The decision comes in deciding to honour and grow the feeling or let it fade.

Three times in Song of Solomon (2:7, 3:5, 8:4) the Bible says

“I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, Do not stir up nor awaken love Until it pleases.”

James understood that he was responsible for what he did with his feelings. Loving me was a decision that followed a feeling.

The fairy-tales never talked about whether Prince Charming rubbed Cinderella’s back when morning sickness kept her bent over their porcelain throne. Or about Prince Erik’s reaction when his Princess wrinkled the new chariot. Or how the king responded when he learned the miller’s daughter not only couldn’t spin straw into gold but that she made some bad decisions that cost gold instead. When the evil stepmother tried to destroy his bride did the King stand by her or cast her out? Fairy-tales are just that, fairy-tales. Loving this amazing man I married has taught me so much. He’s not perfect but none of us are. Through his love and behaviour I have come to a greater understanding of God’s love for us. God made a decision before He had even formed this earth that He would create us and love us no matter what. Regardless of our actions, He loves us. When we grieve His heart, He still loves us because He doesn’t change.

In less than 2 months James and I will be celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary. I am still in awe that God brought this incredible man into my life and that he made the decision to love me. The decisions that we have made regarding our commitment to each other has meant that although hard times have come, we, and our marriage, have become stronger. We aren’t fairy-tale characters, we are imperfect people living in the real world. And I wouldn’t have it any other way. ❤
About Mary-Lyn:


Mary-Lyn Vandolder is a wife, who, after almost 25 yrs, still goes weak in the knees in her husband’s arms, a proud mother of 3 amazing children, Jenna, Faith and Adam, and mother-in-law of Nathan, and, most importantly, Child of the King. A stay-at-home mom who never quite learned how to stay at home, she and her husband, James, have been active in their church in many capacities, from leadership to church maintenance. Mary-Lyn has a passionate heart to see young women who have had difficult pasts find freedom and healing in Christ. She loves volunteering at the Windsor Life Centre and seeing women set free from addictions, in addition to mentoring young women on a one-on-one basis. With God in her life, her childhood dreams have expanded and, still an avid dreamer, she is excited every time she can help a wounded soul learn to dream again. As a Doula, she also counts it an honour to minister to pregnant women and assist with the miracle of new lives. She has witnessed numerous miracles and much healing in her life and lives to see the same in others!

Guest-Writers, Taylor's Posts

{Marriage Week} Devoted and Devotionals.

UYM

Written By: Taylor Fast

2016 is already bringing in so many changes for my husband and I.  I am in my last semester of graduate school and therefore my hours are extremely tied up with schoolwork and my placement requirements at the hospital.  I love the work I am doing, but coming home late and having little time to spend with my husband is an area that I wish could change.

My husband has always been so supportive of my dreams to become a social worker, and I am 3 months away from completing that dream, but the time in between is busy, stressful, and expensive!

I attempt to cherish anytime I have to just relax with him and talk about other things beside school and work.  I need this time to de-stress and I am so thankful for every chance I have to do so.  For Christmas, we were given a Couples Devotional Bible from my grandparents, and it has made our quality de-stress time even more valuable.  The opportunity for my husband and I to share our ideas and read the Bible together is something that allows us to grow together and with God.

“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:9-11)

I give my husband a lot of credit for working around my busy schedule and supporting me.  I am so thankful that we have these times together so I can continue to show love to my husband and allow for God to strengthen our marriage.

I encourage everyone who has a spouse or a serious relationship to look into doing devotionals together, this can be a great opportunity for growth in God and help give you a better understanding of your significant other.

Until Next Time,
~Taylor

 

About Taylor: 

Taylor Fast is in school to get her Master’s of Social Work, graduating in April 2016 as well hoping to work within the field of addictions. She cannot wait to begin working in the Social Work field and see how God will use this passion to help her lead others to Him and help empower those around. She loves being involved in her home church, which includes participating on the worship team, helping with the young adults group, and going on missions trips whenever they are offered. She is married to her Best-Friend Darrin. She is loving the new adventure of marriage with her wonderful husband by her side that God handpicked.

Guest-Writers

{Marriage Week} My Favourite Place in the World. 

UYM

Written By: Tracey Pierce

“Where is your favourite place in the world?”  Those were the words that came across the airwaves to me and it took not a second for my mind to find the answer.  My most favourite place in all the world is not anywhere that you will find on a map or globe but it is a place that is stamped indelibly on my heart.  It is the most comforting, welcoming, secure place on the planet and it is mine alone.  That place is under the arm (preferably, the right arm!) of my husband, Tim.  Nowhere else can make me feel more relaxed, loved, or “at home”.  It is – he is – my safe place.

And, you know, it has always been that way.  From the time that we began dating (many, many…many years ago!), Tim has always been my ‘safe place’.  His kindness, gentleness, and patience have been a haven for my soul.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about who I was for him.  From its roots in deep-seated insecurity, woundedness, and pain, I often spewed out anger at Tim.  All of the ‘ugly’ inside of me found, in Tim, a sanctuary – a place to vent, to release some of the pent-up pressure without fear of rejection or reciprocated anger.

As I think back now on those many years that Tim exemplified Jesus to me – taking what he did not deserve and loving me in return – I shake my head in wonder.  I wonder how he endured, how he remained faithful, and how he ever continued to love me.  Now, I do realize that things were not always bad all of the time, but when a husband finds himself dreading going home from work each day because he is not sure what kind of mood he will find his wife in, something has to change.

And I did desire change; I truly did.  I was not happy with who I often was for Tim.  But, no matter how much I tried, how many anger workbooks I bought, or how many anger management seminars I attended, nothing seemed to change – at least, not for very long.  I could not, in my own efforts, overcome my anger issues.

Stormie Omartian, in her book The Power of a Praying Wife (which I highly recommend to every wife regardless of the status of your marriage – struggling, ‘so-so’, or strong), says, “One of the greatest gifts you can give your husband is your own wholeness.” Books and seminars can help but only Jehovah-rapha, the Lord that heals, could bring the wholeness, healing, and restoration that I needed deep within.

That healing journey has been long but truly miraculous.  It began the day I spoke aloud to the Lord the words that verbalized forgiveness for those things that had been done or not done, said or not said that had caused me such pain.

But now, my reward for doing that hard thing is great.  My Tim would tell you himself that, as spoken of in Proverbs 31, he has found a virtuous wife whose worth is far above rubies; that his heart safely trusts me; so he will have no lack of gain; that now I do him good and not evil all the days of my life.  These days we both have a safe place that is our most favourite place in all the world. Thank You, God.

About Tracey: 

  

Tracey Pierce is a blessed-beyond-measure daughter of the King who resides in Kingston, Ontario, with her “safe place” and husband, Tim, and their three amazing teenagers. Tracey’s desire and calling are to encourage and assist women of God to become all that their Father has created them to be.
 

Guest-Writers

{Marriage Week} Drawing a Line in the Sand.

UYM

nagging
Written by Melissa Longval

As my husband, Keith, and I came back to the Lord after the birth of our daughter, our walks were very much our own: our own pace, our own style, and our own story.  As is pretty typical, I seemed to run ahead, probably because I was so desperate and in need of some serious sanity as I suffered from postpartum depression.

Keith was slower; carrying the burden of providing for his expanding family, the stresses of life weighed him down.  As much as I was growing in the Lord, I did little to lift the burden off of my husband.   I was consumed with little people, little (or rather large) messes, and all things baby.  Plus, I was up and down and very unstable at the time, so Keith never knew what he was coming home to: a crying mess, a raging lunatic, or a cold stare.

God had given me a passion for His word.  I loved it.  I devoured it.  I couldn’t get enough of it.  Slowly over time, I changed.  Along with medicine, God’s word revealed some deep issues I had to deal with and with the help of the Holy Spirit, I did.

Keith continued to work.  And I started to become a bit impatient with my husband and his lack of spiritual growth.  And…the nagging started.  I mean, it had always been there.  The sarcastic comments, the digs, the words that cut and hurt, but nagging became my language.

Nag…nag…nag!!!

As I buried my nose in the Word and self-righteously lifted my husband in prayer, I came across a verse that hit me hard.

Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and nagging wife. Proverbs 21: 19

Oh….boy…ouch!  Here I was thinking so highly of myself and proudly lifting my husband in prayer, so the Lord could change him, while I was the one who needed changing.  It is in this place that I drew my line in the sand.  I would not nag my husband anymore.

With God’s grace and His Word, I stepped out in faith to watch what God could do when I got out of the way!  Because, honestly, that is what nagging is; it is a wall that kept my husband from hearing the Lord.  All he could hear were my awful words, voice, and tone.

After time, Keith changed. “You’re praying for me, aren’t you,” he asked.

Ummm, yes…of course.

That is what I had started to do…every time I wanted to nag, I prayed.  It worked!  God honoured my faith and reliance on Him.  When we lift those we love in humble prayer, God works mightily!

So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do. Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live, and you will be honored along with him. This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 1:11-12

By replacing nagging with prayer, my trust in God’s power and faithfulness grew.  Free from nagging and quarreling, Keith was able to experience the Lord’s work in him, and he was able to respond and grow.  Keith’s trust in God grew as he saw changes in himself.

Do you struggle with nagging?  Maybe it isn’t your husband you nag, but your children.  Let go of the temptation to nag.  Trust the Lord to change your loved ones and yourself!

Until next time,
~Melissa

About Melissa: 

Melissa Longval is a mom of two teenagers and wife to an amazing man, Keith for 22 years. She loves the ocean, reading, and talking long with friends over coffee and pastries. She has a passion to reach the hurting, the broken, and lost with saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Encouraging women with the hope she has found through her journey of post-partum depression, financial difficulty, and well, life is her mission. She has started writing her experiences in the hopes that what she has learned will bless, teach, and inspire others. “Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story—those he redeemed from the hand of the foe, those he gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south.” Psalm 107:2-3 Melissa has learned that through life, God is always good, always kind, and always speaking. Her prayer is that you will know that too.

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

Cheyenne's Posts, Guest-Writers

Staff Christmas Memory Countdown! 

UYM

  
Written By: Cheyenne Ranta

When you think of Christmas, you think of presents, twinkling lights and snow falling outside your warm, cozy house. You stress about getting the “perfect” gift, whether it’s for your brother, sister, parents, or friends. You’re preparing your house and baking all sorts of mouth-watering foods for your Christmas party. You run from one end of the house to the other, making sure everything is just right. The aroma from your freshly baked apple pie is filling the house.

You stop to take a deep breath, taking in the smell! Your house is full of loved ones and laughter! Gathered around the warm fire you know that all the long hours of preparation was worth it. Everyone enjoyed the tasty food and complimented your beautiful decorations. You smile, thinking “Everything is perfect!”
But is it?
While you’re out trying to find that perfect gift, baking, decorating and having your house filled with loved ones, remember that there is someone out there dreaming for just that. Some do not know what it’s like to be surrounded by friends and family for the holidays or even at all! There are some that have approached Christmas with dread. Many families spend the holidays with endless fighting, refusing to take responsibility for their actions. Christmas can bring financial burdens to families, making Christmas shopping stressful. Then there is a loss of a loved one that causes the aching of the heart when you see the empty chair. There are many that Christmas brings heartache to.
We are so absorbed in our own lives that we don’t even realize that there are so many people who would “die” to have what we have, while we selfishly want more. Some of us may be blessed enough to have all the exciting things that comes along with Christmas, but that’s not really what it’s all about.
I don’t know what you are going through, but I know personally that Christmas has not always been cheerful.
When I accepted Jesus into my heart, He gave me Hope, Joy, and Peace! He gave me a new outlook on things! He helped me to realize that you may not have the best decorated house, or you might not get to see your family or your heart may be aching from your loss, but take comfort.  
No matter where God has placed you, let me encourage you that Jesus is, and always will be,

the Perfect Gift.
Until Next Time,

~Cheyenne

Guest-Writers, UYM

{The Diamond Movement} Day 26!

UYM

The Diamond Movement

Written By: Marnie Pouget

Over the years in our time working with teenagers at a summer camp, we have instituted a tradition called “The Encouragement Box”. Every day everyone that lives in the Farmhouse has opportunity to write a note of real encouragement to another person in “the house”. We get to spend time with some amazing teens. 

One particular week this summer, I wrote a note to sweet Kaylee. Kaylee is a blond haired, blue eyed beauty with a smile that is infectious and a love for Jesus that overflows. She loves to talk and loves to sing. She bubbles over with joy. The following night she read this letter in response to the encouragement she had received:

“She will laugh at the days to come.”

That was the first time someone quoted Proverbs 31 to ME. For ME. Directed AT ME. 

I was confused. It had always been, “You’re almost there, YOU just need ________.” or “Maybe you can work on __________.”
But this time it was different. I was enough. I was classified as a Proverbs 31 woman. That was something I had never been before. And maybe I wasn’t EVERYTHING she was but I was something. And something was more than I had ever been. Maybe that was good and maybe that was bad. Because if I went 16 years without being told that any part of myself was even relatively equivalent to an ideal Godly woman, then how long were those around me waiting? 
As a society we are so quick to judge those around us and criticize them instead of affirm them. Nobody is a perfect Godly person, and female Christians are constantly compared to this perfect woman. Now that’s not necessarily a bad thing; we should all strive for something. But the thing about a Proverbs 31 woman is you gain a new understanding of it piece by piece, not all at once.

So now, it’s time to affirm each piece we see and this time to not let it be paired with criticism. There is a time for both but more often than not they should be apart. Make today the age of affirmation not of antagonization.

You are worth more than rubies.

Joanna – you are kind and gentle: Proverbs 31:26

Kelly – you are wise and respected: Proverbs 31:26

Taylor – you have a gentle spirit and make light of tough situations when needed : 31:25-26

Maddie – you are a diligent worker: 31:27, 31:13-24

Gretchen – you are willing to serve at any time: 31:13

Kim – you watch out for other’s best interests: 31:11-12

Kate – you are compassionate: 31:20

McKenna – you laugh at the day to come and have a gentle spirit: 31:25-26”

Dear friends, we all need to be encouraged and reminded that we are worth more than rubies. Let’s take Kaylee’s challenge and encourage our sisters of their worth.

“Make today the age of affirmation not of antagonization.”

Until Next Time,

Marnie

Guest-Writers, UYM

{The Diamond Movement} Day 25!

UYM

The Diamond Movement

Written By: Marnie Pouget
Over the years in our time working with teenagers at a summer camp, we have instituted a tradition called “The Encouragement Box”. Every day everyone that lives in the Farmhouse has opportunity to write a note of real encouragement to another person in “the house”. We get to spend time with some amazing teens. 

One particular week this summer, I wrote a note to sweet Kaylee. Kaylee is a blond haired, blue eyed beauty with a smile that is infectious and a love for Jesus that overflows. She loves to talk and loves to sing. She bubbles over with joy. The following night she read this letter in response to the encouragement she had received:

“She will laugh at the days to come.”

That was the first time someone quoted Proverbs 31 to ME. For ME. Directed AT ME. 

I was confused. It had always been, “You’re almost there, YOU just need ________.” or “Maybe you can work on __________.”

But this time it was different. I was enough. I was classified as a Proverbs 31 woman. That was something I had never been before. And maybe I wasn’t EVERYTHING she was but I was something. And something was more than I had ever been. Maybe that was good and maybe that was bad. Because if I went 16 years without being told that any part of myself was even relatively equivalent to an ideal Godly woman, then how long were those around me waiting? 

As a society we are so quick to judge those around us and criticize them instead of affirm them. Nobody is a perfect Godly person, and female Christians are constantly compared to this perfect woman. Now that’s not necessarily a bad thing; we should all strive for something. But the thing about a Proverbs 31 woman is you gain a new understanding of it piece by piece, not all at once.

So now, it’s time to affirm each piece we see and this time to not let it be paired with criticism. There is a time for both but more often than not they should be apart. Make today the age of affirmation not of antagonization.

You are worth more than rubies.

Joanna – you are kind and gentle: Proverbs 31:26

Kelly – you are wise and respected: Proverbs 31:26

Taylor – you have a gentle spirit and make light of tough situations when needed : 31:25-26

Maddie – you are a diligent worker: 31:27, 31:13-24

Gretchen – you are willing to serve at any time: 31:13

Kim – you watch out for other’s best interests: 31:11-12

Kate – you are compassionate: 31:20

McKenna – you laugh at the day to come and have a gentle spirit: 31:25-26”

Dear friends, we all need to be encouraged and reminded that we are worth more than rubies. Let’s take Kaylee’s challenge and encourage our sisters of their worth.

“Make today the age of affirmation not of antagonization.”
Until Next Time,

Marnie

Guest-Writers, UYM

{The Diamond Movement} Day 24!

UYM

The Diamond Movement

Written By: Marisa Dech

Not many people know about my struggle with anxiety. However, when I was asked to write a piece to empower women, I knew I had to be real and tackle this topic that I know so many people battle. 
“The struggle [was] real.”  

Literally. In high school I would struggle. Not for a day, a week, or even a year, but for all four never ending years. I struggled with immense feelings of loneliness and worthlessness. I was very insecure in who I was and high school just made it all feel like I was on a big stage and everyone was staring at me. I did not like attention, in fact I never have being the quiet, introverted person I am.

On top of that, I struggled with chronic pain and sickness to which no doctor could really give me an answer and caused me to miss A LOT of school.

 I began to have problems with teachers. Although most seemed to somehow understand my situation, there were the odd few that just seemed to have no sympathy or understanding for what I was going through. This led to some of my grades being…not so excellent.

This would be the least of my worries, except that my parents have really high standards (they always have). They tried to understand but eventually seemed to give up on me. This hurt more than anything in the world. I turned to my friends who thankfully took me in. This emotional pain became very real and I was now completely overwhelmed at school and struggled on a regular basis not to break down crying in class. 

What I didn’t fully understand at the time was that my parents had a lot of problems of their own; which was evident in all the arguments and awkward silence. 

I struggled daily, but I can honestly say that God was there more than ever during those hard times. He was there with me when I soaked my pillow with tears, He was holding my hand through all the physical and emotional pain. He hugged me as I considered taking the precious life He had given me. He was also there with me as I worshipped my heart out, despite it all.

 I found God in the very beginning of my high school years and I can without a doubt say, I wouldn’t have made it through without Him. He was my friend when I felt I had none, He was a parent when mine grew weary, He was a healer when no doctor could fix me! 

God calls us to trust Him completely, to “find rest in Him alone, for He is our refuge, our rock, He will not be shaken!” (Psalm 62)  

He says that He is here to help, He will not let us down!

“We have this amazing hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” (Hebrews 6:19)  

He invites us to “cast all [our] anxiety on Him because he cares for [us].” (1 Peter 5:7)

He reassures us that the struggle will “certainly come to an end and will not delay!” (Habakkuk 2:3)

 I am overjoyed to say that I have greatly overcome my anxiety and panic attacks. While I do still fight this battle I know that I am not alone in it. I am able to find rest in the King of Kings who steadies my heart.

About Marisa:

Marisa is 21 years old. She is the first born of two children; who grew up in the house her family built in Essex, Ontario. Although Marisa has always felt a strong connection to God, her relationship with Him truly began when she was 14. She enjoys children of all ages and personalities but she has a particular interest in individuals with autism. She currently works as an early childhood educator assistant, a respite worker, and a direct care worker in a group home. Currently she is taking courses online to achieve her E.C.E. diploma. Some of her passions include teaching, learning to cook, figure skating, baking, event planning, reading, and languages. She looks forward to the future with her significant other, Jonathan, who loves her unconditionally in the way God made her.

Guest-Writers, UYM

{The Diamond Movement} Day 21!

UYM

The Diamond Movement

Written By: Cierra Fulps

Worth is often a word to express the price or monetary value of an object. Have you ever gone to a garage sale and picked up an object, only to ask yourself, “I wonder how much this is really worth”?

Have you ever asked yourself how much you really are worth?

Proverbs 31:10 states WE are far more worth than rubies.

We could never put a price tag on our worth. All through life, in job interviews, college, and maybe even a future spouse, the question “Is she really worth the effort?” will come to the surface. At job interviews, they’ll ask you what you bring to the table. They think, “Is she worth the training time.” In today’s society people measure our worth by the qualities and strengths we have.

BUT in Jesus’ eyes, we are really worth it. We were worth DYING for. God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to our rescue. Jesus took on our sin and our punishment. Why did Jesus take on our punishment? He thought we were really worth it.

We mustn’t put our worth in this world. Young ladies, your worth isn’t determined by your getting asked to prom or not. Your worth isn’t determined by your getting accepted into the number one school or not. Your worth isn’t determined by you having the hottest clothes or not. Your worth isn’t in your degree. Your worth has already been determined! Our Heavenly Father has determined your worth! You are worth more than diamonds! Who says, you might ask? Jesus says!

You have a purpose in this life, whether your purpose is writing blogs, singing at church, going into the mission field, being a nurse, or a teacher. Don’t feel like you have to go into ministry in order to work for God’s kingdom! If you are alive, you have purpose and worth. My calling may be different than yours, but that doesn’t make your calling any less important. God gave us a passion, and God gave us a fire in our soul! Use it. If you don’t know your calling in life, that’s okay!

Jeremiah 29:11 says “For I know the plans I have for you,” Declares the Lord, “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

The Lord has a plan for your life. Don’t think because you’re not sure what that plan is that you don’t have worth in this life.

You have worth, a worth that surpasses the worth of diamonds.

About Cierra: 

Cierra Fulps is an 18-year-old college freshman from the Great Lake State of Michigan. She is pursuing a career in nursing. She one day hopes to take her degree to Haiti for medical missions. Her passions include photography, writing, and being a light for Jesus. Her relationship with Christ really began in her teenage years. Every day she is in awe of Jesus and is continually learning how to strengthen her relationship with God and to share that with people around her.