Category: Guest-Writers

Guest-Writers, {Worth}

{Worth} Mirror Mirror on the Wall Who’s the Fairest of Them All….

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Written By: Jessica Van Roekel
The face looking back at me runs through the litany of comments….
fat
ugly
selfish
prideful
wounded
graceless
blunt
tactless
opinionated
dominating
controlling
manipulative
jealous
Mirror mirror on the wall….you are a liar.  Or maybe I am the one with the warped perceptions of myself.
I have seen the truth of these words in myself, but also within these words I have seen the lies.
The reality is that I can be domineering.  I can be controlling.  I can be ugly.  I am wounded.  I have wounded.  I can be graceless.  I can be blunt.
But the truth is that my wounds can be used for God’s glory.  The truth is that when I wound, I can experience the beautiful gift of forgiveness.  The truth is when I am domineering I have the opportunity to submit to the control of my holy, loving, gracious God.  The truth is that all the parts of who I am–the good, the bad and the ugly– are all a part of me.  And who am I to reject what I see in the mirror?  Rather than rejecting the ‘less than’ part of myself what if I were to offer those parts of me up to Jesus and surrender to whatever He wants to do to turn those weaknesses into a strength.
Don’t misunderstand me.  I am not giving myself license to be the worst side of me, I am giving myself grace to grow into the best side of me and that side is only found in Jesus Christ.  If I am going to grow, then I can expect failures.  But failures are not a sign that I failed per se, they become an opportunity to grow in a specific tangible way.
Only in Him can we be our best and if we detect patterns of thought that produce our worst, but don’t hold them up to Him like a child holding up a broken toy and saying, ’fix,’ then I am not submitting to whatever He wants to do to turn those weaknesses or those failures into strengths.
The truth within these words is that there is redemption through Jesus Christ.
Mirror mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all….
forgiven one
chosen one
loved one
approved
appointed
 anointed
royalty
joy filled
saved
full of grace
covered in grace
What does your mirror say?  Maybe you are like me and list off words that tear yourself down.  If I could encourage you to offer all that you are to the one who loves you with an unending love, you will begin to see yourself redeemed.  And when you begin to see yourself redeemed, you will begin to live like you are redeemed.  Join me?
©Jessica Van Roekel 2016
Jessica Van Roekel is a woman on the journey to wholeness through brokenness. She believes that through Christ our personal histories don’t have to define our present or determine our future. Her greatest desire is to see people live this ‘God-life’ with all the power and grace that God provides. Jessica lives in a rural community with her husband and four children. She leads worship on Sundays, but seeks to be a worshiper every day. You can connect with her at www.welcomegrace.com
Guest-Writers, {Love}

{Love} 10 Tips for a Stronger Marriage

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Written By: Christine Leeb

In 2009, my marriage almost ended in divorce.  I was done.  It was over.  We’re talking bags-packed-divorce lawyers-called-I-can’t-take-this-anymore over!  But God had other plans for us and called us both to fight for our marriage and for the son He had just blessed us with.  Through much counselling, many tears, lots of yelling, huge doubts if we were doing the right thing, we moved forward.  We moved past the hurt.  We forgave.  We found love and respect and hope again.  It wasn’t easy, but we learned that our marriage wasn’t what God wanted it to be and we had to make some changes in how we were treating our marriage, in how we were treating each other, and in how we were treating ourselves.

Now, we are stronger than we’ve ever been, and have grown so much closer because of our struggles.

Here are 10 tips we learned along the way to make our marriage more healthy and strong…

  1. Put God at the centre of your marriage.  Even though my husband and I have different religions, we still chose to cover our marriage in prayer in our own way.  And that is the most powerful thing you can for your marriage.  Pray.  Pray.  And pray some more.
  2. Grow together.  Be willing to learn from each other.  Be willing to change.  Be willing to give grace to each other’s weaknesses and build on each other’s strengths.
  3. Communicate.  Find out how you both communicate best.  My husband and I learned that when we had something difficult to talk about, we were able to communicate much better by writing letters back and forth.  That way, there were no interruptions, no getting angry, no yelling.  You get everything out that you want to say and so does the other person.  Be intentional about touching base every week to communicate and see how the other person is doing.  My husband and I set aside 15 minutes every Sunday for a Sunday Night Chat to talk about anything and everything that we need to talk about.
  4. It is not your job to make each other happy.  It’s not your job to make the other person happy, but it is your job to love them the way they need to be loved.  Learning each other’s Love Language was the most powerful thing my husband and I have discovered about each other.  Finding out what makes the other person feel loved is a wonderful way to live your life, because then you can be more intentional about spending time together (Quality Time), or buying thoughtful presents (Gifts), or being more encouraging (Words of Affirmation), or being more affectionate and making more of an effort to connect sexually (Physical Touch), or helping out more around the house (Acts of Service).  Learn how to speak your spouse’s love language and work towards a love and respect that honours both of you.  Happiness isn’t your goal.  Love is.
  5. Laugh together.  Find the humour in little things.  Find more things to laugh about than to yell about.  After having three kids, we have learned to laugh at the chaos that surrounds us.  We’ve learned to look at each other from across of the room of fit-throwing and laundry-folding and shrug our shoulders and laugh because what else can we do?  Laugh at life.  Laugh at mistakes.  Laugh at the silliness.  Laugh at the mess.
  6. Be honest.  Even if it’s not what the other person wants to hear, tell the truth.  Your spouse deserves the truth.  Again, it always helps my husband and I to write it out first before we actually talk face to face about something difficult.  Be assertive.  Be kind and loving and encouraging as much as possible.
  7. Don’t let the little things turn into big things.  If something is bothering you, talk about it before it turns into something you get angry about or resentful about.  That’s the beauty of the Sunday Night Chat.  It’s a safe time to share things that are on your mind in a kind and respectful way. But also remember that sometimes, some things just don’t need to be said.  Pray for wisdom in that too.
  8. Always be on each other’s side.  Even if you don’t always agree with each other, be there to support each other.  Be on each other’s team.  It’s okay to disagree, but always try to see the other person’s side…see things from their perspective…and show understanding and grace.
  9. Admit when you’re wrong.  More importantly, tell your spouse when he’s/she’s right (even though it doesn’t happen that he’s right very often…hehe.)  It’s so freeing to say “You’re right.” Or even the dreaded “I was wrong.”  Don’t waste too much of your precious time in this life worrying about the exact details of who was right and who was wrong.  Spend more time figuring out solutions together and moving on!
  10. Find something you both enjoy doing together.  My husband did a great job in getting me involved in watching basketball with him by taking me out to a Sport’s Bar for dinner so we could spend “quality time together”.  Now, I love watching basketball with him.  It was a genius plan.  So whether it’s a sport you watch or play together, a TV series you make fun of together…whether you enjoy cooking together, creating together, designing together, gardening together…find something you can do together!

And always remember to be silly and have fun together!  Life’s too short not to.

CHRISTINE LEEB is known as The Real Mom. She is a speaker, writer, Christian Life Coach, and the founder of 4Real Moms—an organization encouraging moms to be real while helping them be the best moms God created them to be. She has 3 beautiful (and exhausting) children and has been married to her husband, Brad, for almost 16 wonderful (and challenging) years.  She enjoys garage sale-ing, brownie eating, friendship keeping, book reading, family tickling, and husband dating.

Christine is the author of the devotional In His Light: Facing Fear with Faith and loves to challenge women to love their husbands like a boyfriend again in a 14-Day Challenge.  For more encouragement and resources, visit her website at http://www.4realmoms.com.

Guest-Writers, {Life}

{Life} The Broken Lamp

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Written By:  Kate Motaung

He’d been in our home for a week.  We had a three-and-a-half year-old girl and an eighteen month-old boy when we added to our family through adoption.  My husband’s orphaned cousin was almost seven when he came to live with us.

Becoming the mom of a six-year-old was a steep learning curve, to say the least.  I’m talking sink or swim.

A week in, and he was bouncing a beach ball in the living room.  I did a quick visual scan of the room and a quicker mental calculation, and wagered that the beach ball wasn’t a major source of concern.  After all, there was really only one breakable thing within range: an ostrich egg lamp with Africa etched into the shell.  My mom bought it for me when she visited Cape Town for my 21st birthday, and I loved it.

It should be fine, I reasoned.  Besides, even if it gets knocked, ostrich eggs are hardy.  It’s a beach ball.  The lamp’ll be fine.

Crash.

Broken lamp.

Large pieces of ostrich egg shell decorated the carpet.

In that split second, the weight of my upcoming reaction flashed before me in full colour.  I was keenly aware that I had a choice, and my decision could have lasting implications.

The way I saw it, I had two options:

1) Get upset about the lamp, rant about how valuable it was to me, and make sure everyone knew how disappointed I was that it was broken; or

2) Share my disappointment in a reasonable, gentle tone, then shake it off as “no big deal,” because it’s just a lamp.  Besides, I hadn’t even told my son to stop bouncing the ball.

I’ve shared this before, but I’ll say it again: In our house, I strive to keep material goods in a healthy perspective.  In the big picture, if things get damaged and people are upset, I usually say, “I’m sorry that you’re disappointed. I would be, too.  But .. let’s try to remember that we can’t take it to heaven with us anyway.”

This particular incident, when the beach ball met the ostrich lamp, was a keen teaching moment in our home.  Whether I intended it or not, all three of my kids were learning by watching my reaction.  I’m thankful to report that the Lord really helped in those moments, and enabled me to diminish my disappointment.  He helped me show my kids that worldly possessions are only temporary.  They’re not eternal.

My kids’ souls, on the other hand, are eternal.

It was our new son’s first week in our home, and he soaked everything up like a sponge.  If I’d reacted in anger as soon as the lamp hit the floor, he would’ve soaked up the message that things are more important than people.  He would’ve filed away the unspoken assumption that I loved the lamp more than I loved him.

Looking back, I’m so grateful that God guided me through this pivotal parenting moment.  Six years later, when similar situations rise to the surface, I still think back to that day and use the mental notes as a guideline.  Obviously I don’t always get it right, but this memory often floats to the forefront of my mind and helps me keep my priorities straight.

What memorable, teachable parenting moments have you experienced, and what did you learn from them?

 Kate Motaung grew up on the shores of Lake Michigan before spending ten years in Cape Town, South Africa.  She is married to a South African and together they have three children.  Kate is the author of the e-book, Letters to Grief, hosts the Five Minute Friday blog link-up, and has contributed to several other online publications.  She blogs at Heading Home and can be found on Twitter @k8motaung.  Kate’s memoir is scheduled to release through Discovery House in 2017.

Guest-Writers, {Faith}

{Faith} Why Didn’t They Choose Me…

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Written By: Kelly Basham

Have you ever felt left out?  Unappreciated?  Forgotten?

Disappointment crept in as I read the message from my friend.  There was a new project getting ready to start at church.  I longed to be a part of this project and I desperately hoped they would ask me to help.  When my friend shared she had been asked to help instead, I was heart-broken.

I didn’t understand why I wasn’t chosen to help.  Was I not good enough?  Did they not like me?  Did they think I wouldn’t be able to handle it?  Or worse, what if they didn’t even consider me for the position at all?

As I pondered all of the reasons why I might not have been chosen, the wheels of negativity started spinning in my head.  My thoughts were driving my emotions over the edge fast.  If I didn’t get them under control I was going to end up taking a wrong turn down Angry Lane.  What I needed to do was get directions.

When unsure of which way to go, it’s wise to stop and ask for directions.

It’s easy to get lost in our emotions when things don’t go the way we want them to.  When I wasn’t chosen to help I felt like unfriending my friend and never going back to church again.  That may seem extreme, but in the heat of the moment it’s exactly what I felt like doing.

If the enemy sees us in an emotionally vulnerable state of mind he will pounce without warning.

While I was busy worrying why I wasn’t chosen, the enemy was busy whispering his lies.  He loves to make us think we aren’t good enough, strong enough, or worthy enough.  And he would have loved nothing more than to have seen me isolate myself from my friend and my church.  Thankfully it didn’t come to that.

It’s important to seek God’s truth in every situation.

In Lysa TerKeurst’s book Unglued she says, “Feelings should be indicators, not dictators.” We don’t have to let our emotions control us.  We can choose to seek God’s wisdom.  All we have to do is ask.  James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”

When I brought my disappointed, hurt, emotional heart to the Lord, He was quick to remind me that He has a plan and a purpose for me (Jeremiah 29:11).  It may not look the way I expect it to, but it’s a good plan and it’s better than anything I could ever come up with on my own (Isaiah 55:8).  I may not ever know exactly why I wasn’t chosen to help with that particular project, but I can trust His wisdom on the matter. (Proverbs 3:5-6).

God always has a good reason for everything He does.

I’ve been looked over, not chosen, and told “No” dozens of times over the years.  But not without good reason.  God always has our best interest at heart.  Here are a few things to consider:

1. Maybe you’re not ready.  God knows us better than we know ourselves.  He won’t release us to take on something new until we are mentally and spiritually ready.  If we aren’t ready we may crumble under the pressure of the role.

2. God has something else for you to do.  God can see things we can’t.  There may be something down the road he wants us to do.  If we were to take on this role we probably wouldn’t be able to do the other one.

3. It may not be the right time.  God’s timing is always perfect.  This may not be the right time to take on a new role for us or our family.  It may add unnecessary stress to our life, preventing us from giving everything the attention it deserves.

4. It would have hindered you from using your gifts.  God knows where our gifts will bring Him the most glory.  He wants us in roles that utilize our gifts.  If we’re in a role that stifles our gifts we won’t be able to serve Him to the best of our ability.

Chances are, you have experienced something similar.  Maybe you weren’t picked to be the “room mom” for your child’s class or perhaps you didn’t get the promotion you were hoping for.  Whatever it was you weren’t chosen for, remember that God has a good and perfect reason. You may not ever know the “Why”, but you can trust it was for your protection.

Growing Deeper:

Do you struggle with trusting that God has a plan and purpose for your life?

Read Jeremiah 29:11  God does have a purpose and plan for you.  And it’s a good one!

Read Psalm 121:7  How does it make you feel knowing that God watches over you and protects you?  We can put our trust in the Lord.  Even when it doesn’t feel like it, He is always watching over us.

Let’s Pray:

Lord, I thank You for Your wisdom and protection on my life.  I ask that You guide my steps as I make my way through this world.  Your Word tells me that You give wisdom to those who ask for it (James 1:5).  Help me to remember to seek Your wisdom when my emotions start to get out of control.  Your word says that You have a plan and a purpose for my life (Jeremiah 29:11).  Help me to walk in this truth when things don’t go the way I want them to.  In Jesus name I pray Amen!

Join The Conversation:

Have you ever gotten a “no” about something you wanted to do and later realized it was actually Gods protection?

Meet Kelly Basham

Kelly is passionate about pointing others to the nourishing truth and wisdom found in God’s word. She hopes to encourage and inspire women to blossom as they study, meditate, and reflect on God’s word. Kelly lives in the

Nashville, TN area with her husband Brandon, their two children, and a very quirky little dog named Velvet. Connect with Kelly at Blossom In Faith to read more and to download her new Petals of Wisdom Coloring Journal.

Guest-Writers, {Beauty}

{Beauty} More and More of You.

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Written By: Hannah Kittle

I’d like to start by asking a few questions.  How many of us feel like we’re walking on a tightrope?  Do you ever feel like you’re spiritually and emotionally dead?  How does it feel when you don’t feel like your needs are being satisfied by your friends, family, or even God?  I can honestly say that I can answer “yes” on a regular basis to these questions.

One song that has really blessed me is Selah’s “More and More of You”.  It is an amazing song where the singer is crying out to God, asking Him to “fill us with Your fire, give us Your desires, Hold us close to You…give us revelation, Your healing visitation…”

How often I have cried those same words in my heart.  In my life, there have been times where I have been at my absolute lowest.  I have felt like I can’t feel anything emotionally.  I don’t feel good enough.  I don’t feel like I can measure up to the expectations that my friends, my family and God has for me.  There have been days where I just collapse and melt into a pool of tears as I cry out to God and simply just ask Him to fill me and make me whole again.

Something that He has been teaching me is to use my loneliness and emptiness to drive me closer to Him.  In order to “fill (me) with Your fire, give (me) Your desires, hold (me) close to You,” He needs to be able to empty me of myself and desires so that I can truly know what it’s like to be filled with God.

In my devotions, I am reading a delightful book called “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young.  It’s written from the perspective of God talking to His child.  In it I read, “I want you to be all Mine.  I am weaning you from other dependencies.  Your security rests in Me alone- not in other people, not in circumstances.  Depending only on Me may feel like walking on a tightrope, but there is a safety net underneath: The everlasting arms.”

I can say that I have felt like I was on a tightrope so many times.  I have trusted in friends that I thought would be there for forever and always.  However God had other plans and removed those relationships.  I have relied on my skills of preparation and speaking to best serve my team and I in mock trial only to come to my final competition and be so exhausted and unfocused that it was all I could do in my own strength to put one foot in front of the other to walk to the next room that I had to be in.

God is weaning us from our “needs” which are really just things that our flesh wants.  “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.” (Romans 8:5)  We have to make a choice to have “enough of getting everything we want. “  We need to be “weary of living this life just for us.”

Isaiah 66:2 says, “For all those things My hand has made, And all those things exist,” Says the Lord. “But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, And who trembles at My word.”  We need to have a broken, humble, and contrite spirit before God.  We need to ask God to “forgive us for seeking Your hand and not Your face.”  We need to ask God to “Come and empty us, Father…”  We need to tell Him that “we are desperate in this place.”

God is a God of love.  He loves to bless His people.  We need to acknowledge God for Who He is and be grateful and thankful for everything He’s given us.  God truly has “given us so much more than we deserve.”  He delivers “us by the power of (His) Word.”

When our prayer is answered or people see Christ in us and give us credit, we must immediately give credit to Whom it is due.    We’re supposed to be “giving (Him) the honor that is (His).”  We need to thank God for His love.  His love and the sacrifice that He made at Calvary; “this is what we are living for.”   2 Corinthians 9:15 says, “Thank God for His indescribable gift.”

God’s gift is the ultimate gift.  It is the greatest gift the world has ever seen or will see.  By that gift, mankind has a future, a chance to be restored to a right relationship with God.   The song details some of God’s blessings, “The love that covers us” as well as “the Savior’s mercy.”  Selah describes, “The blood makes us spotless white, “ like it says in Isaiah 1:18, “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool. “

We need to be filled with the Holy Spirit and constantly be asking God to fill us with His power alone.  As Sarah Young says in Jesus Calling, “Strive to trust Me in more and more areas of your life…Trust is like a staff you can lean on, as you journey uphill with Me.  If you are trusting in Me consistently, the staff will bear as much of your weight as needed.  Lean on, trust, and be confident in Me with all your heart and mind.”  (Jesus Calling, Sarah Young page 33)

~ Hannah

More and More of You by Selah:
Selah on YouTube

Guest-Writers

Be Curious, Not Judgmental.

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Written By: Angela Howard

Be curious, not judgmental. – Walt Whitman

These four simple words have the potential to be life-changing.  Whether we like to admit it or not, it’s easy to be judgmental—especially if we feel threatened, offended, angry or disappointed.  But there’s something about an invitation to curiosity that’s more appealing than judgment.

Curiosity seeks discovery.  Curiosity says humanity and compassion trump self-righteous indignation.  Curiosity says, “Maybe I’m wrong.”

Curiosity says humanity and compassion trump self-righteous indignation. -Angela HowardCLICK TO TWEET

How Can We Be Curious, Not Judgmental?

Believe the best—don’t assume the worst.

Watching my parents practice this principle, I know it’s possible.  But for me it felt like less than likely.  As a firstborn type-A child, I would often challenge their optimism, wondering if people weren’t simply taking advantage of their goodwill and kindness. Nevertheless they persisted.  It wasn’t until I experienced someone assuming the worst about me that I realized the power of believing the best.

Describing the wrapping of a package doesn’t mean you know the contents. –Lisa Bevere

Empower transformation—don’t label.

Labels limit us and keep us from seeing the beautiful possibilities of transformation, hope and love.  Romans 12:2 tells us to “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (NIV)  God’s word helps us to see people through the eyes of Jesus and we all need that kind of transformation!

Labels can be painfully accurate about someone’s past while missing their future by a mile. There is always far more to be seen than the obvious. – Lisa Bevere

Seek to understand—don’t rant.

Who doesn’t love a good rant?  But more often than not “a good rant” is pretty much one-sided—meaning it’s only good for you.  The key to remaining non-judgmental and sincerely curious is to cultivate a heart of compassion.  We might not always agree, but we can make the effort to gain clarity and appreciate another’s perspective.

You never really know a man until you understand things from his point of view, until you climb into his skin and walk around in it. Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird

How will you choose curiosity over judgment today?

Until Next Time,
~Angela

Guest-Writers, {Worth}

{Worth} He Values Us Greatly.

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Written By: Misty Keith

 

Matthew 10:31

“Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” (ESV)

Birds are fascinating little creatures.  They fly, sing, peck, hunt, gather, swim, soar, build, protect and war.  Not to mention, they do all things while looking more beautiful than ever and without ever even complaining.

Just how intriguing are these little creatures?  Birds have been created with a purpose and are faithful to their calling.  Have you ever conducted a search or studied the word “sparrow?”  There are so many different types of sparrows that you could read and learn about them for days and never run out of new birds to learn about or study.

One might think after conducting a search on them, that the word sparrow is just another word for bird.  But this is simply not the case.  Sparrow is only one species in the taxonomic or taxonomy order.  There are hundreds and thousands of different types of birds.

Just within the sparrow family alone we see some of the following different types: old world sparrows and new world sparrows, Green-backed sparrows, White-eared ground sparrows, Black-striped sparrows, Clay-colored sparrows, Field sparrows, Vesper sparrows, Large-billed sparrows, Seaside sparrows, Fox sparrows, Grasshopper sparrows, Swamp sparrows, Dark-eyed Junco sparrows and the list could go on… with not even coming close to all that is encompassed within this species of the Passerine Order.…..

In our imperfections, we humans tend to follow the line of thinking and believing that since there are so many types of sparrows, when one goes missing; it is not missed or valued.  If we are not careful, that same train of thought or line of inner reasoning carries over into the way we see and feel about ourselves.  We must remember though, this is not the case with God.  God does not value humans the same way that we humans value each other or ourselves.

If the Bible gives verification that not even one sparrow is shut out of God’s divine care or His provision, then how much more worth are those made in His own image?

Matthew 6:26 (ESV) says “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”

Further, the passing of that which God created comes into notice with Him and His divine providence.

Luke 12:6 (ESV) says “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God.”

If the Lord could be so detailed in the creation of just one species of bird, how much of more value has He given to us that which He created in His own image?

God’s divine guidance and care reaches and extends to all creatures; all their actions, including every minute detail.  Humanity, being His creation is indispensable.  We humans are God’s greatest masterpiece, created in His image to do good works.  Knowing this full well and up front is good for all, especially for those who put their faith and trust in His Son, Jesus Christ.

Matthew Henry once said “This God, who has such an eye to the sparrows, because they are His creatures, much more will have an eye to you, who are His children.”

Other creatures were made for man and put under his feet (Psalm 8:6-8), but the disciples of Jesus Christ are the excellent ones of the earth.  Jesus loves us.

While not forgetting that our parents love us and nurture us, they, in all their love, do not even come close to the love Jesus has for us.  Jesus knows how many hairs we have on our head.  He knows our inward thoughts and innermost being.  He loves us so much that He died in our place.  Rarely is one willing to do such a thing.  Yet, Jesus sought forgiveness for those who persecuted Him as He took our place, petitioning the Father on our behalf for the forgiveness of our sins.  He is reliable.  He values us greatly.

Lastly, there is a command written at the beginning of Matthew 10:31 which are two important words for all believers. “Fear not.”  Don’t be afraid.  Trust God.  There is enough doctrine of God’s providence to silence every fear of God’s people. (Psalm38:12-15; 64:4,7).  We are called to adhere to the command.  God is trustworthy.  He cares for us deeply and can be trusted always and without reservation.  If He can be trusted with the care of an entire species of birds, how much more can He care for those He created most like Himself!

Our value is worth so much to our Lord.  It always has been and always will be.  Let us not take one single breath, moment or day for granted.

In Him,
Misty

About Misty:

Misty and her family live just outside the Austin, Texas area. She homeschools all three of her children and teaches Reading for a private college in the Master’s/Credentialing program. She stays busy and enjoys the hobbies of Reading, Writing, Scrap-booking, Bible-Journaling and Running. With her family, she attends Hill Country Bible Church. Misty also enjoys traveling and taking “family fieldtrips” often. All of life is an adventure and she is thankful for every life lesson that the Lord teaches her in the process.
She would love for you to join her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, or goodreads.
Guest-Writers, {Love}

{Love} Coming Back to My First LOVE…

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Written By: Karen Sweeney-Ryall

I have known and loved God all my life and have been blessed to realize that He loves me too, even through all the years that I was part of a church that emphasized rules more than a relationship with Him.  My deeper level of love for God and my more intimate relationship with Him grew out of a Bible study for weight loss in the late 1990s.  One of the scriptures we studied was Mark 12:30 which states:

“And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.”

These words went deep into my heart and led me to ask myself if I was loving God with every part of me and was I putting Him first in my life.  I took inventory of how I started and ended my day, what I read, what I listened to, what I watched on TV, what I focused on and my priorities.  My desire was, and still is, that He would be first in all these aspects of my life and glorified through my choices and actions.

As many others have, I fell so in love with God and spent hours each day worshipping Him, reading His Word and devotionals and Christian books and praying to Him.  This was not a requirement; it was a joy!  I discovered the wonderful gift of His Word coming alive to me.  I became born again, aware of all that Jesus did for us and Spirit-filled.  I am so grateful ever since.  I basked in His awesome presence and love.  I hungered and thirsted for more of Him and His Word.  And I came to realize that what the world offers is not all bad but certainly not as rich and wonderful as the things of God.

A few years later, our family finances led me to go back to work full time.  And the demands of my time and energy in my job and family have impacted the time spent in glorious fellowship with God.  I have grown in knowledge and understanding and ministry but have not had the same intimate abiding on a regular basis that I had the first years.  I know that I need it.  I recognize that Jesus’ level of anointing and power came from His time in prayer and seeking the Father’s will.  But all sorts of responsibilities and distractions in life have interfered . . . and I have allowed that.

So I am trying now . . . to make time with God a top priority in my day, more than it has been.  As my pastor said today in the sermon “if we make time for Him, He will help us get the other things done”.  I want to wake up earlier and start my day with a time of worship and prayer.  I am attending a corporate prayer time at my church.  I want to spend less time on my laptop and more time in His Word.  Most of all I want to simply sit at His feet and be in His presence and allow Him to feed and mature me as I am connected to Him.  I want to be more like Mary and choose the “better thing”.

If you read this, I hope you will pray for me to follow through and also decide to do the same.  There is no higher calling, no greater use of our time.

Until Next Time,
~Karen

About Karen:
I am Karen, married to Roger, mother of Christina, Laura, Tim and Natalie, “Gigi” to 3 wonderful grandchildren and blessed to be a young great-grandma to Sophia, age 1. I am thankful to have many precious, wonderful friends.

I am a devoted follower of Jesus and my prayer is that His light shines through me and His love flows through me to others. He has carried me through the many ups and downs of life and proven to be so faithful. My desire is to share what I have learned, wisdom gained and deeper knowledge of who God is with others, allowing God to make “Beauty from Ashes” of the difficult times of my life. I am a hospice bereavement coordinator and hope to help those who have suffered loss mourn, regroup and find joy and meaning in their life again. I love to read and am writing my first book “Revealing Your Treasure Hidden in Darkness” about finding your identity, calling and purpose for the next season of your life. I was thrilled to attend the She Speaks conference in July 2015 with Proverbs 31 Ministries. I am becoming healthier by following the Trim Healthy Mama eating plan. I love to travel to see family and friends and especially enjoy beach vacations.

Guest-Writers, {Life}

{Life} Fashion: What’s the Issue?

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Written By: Hannah Kittle

I have a confession to make.  I am a hard core fashionista.  Put me into a mall with an unlimited budget and my phone and you probably wouldn’t see me again.  Recently, I went on a shopping trip with some of my girlfriends.  We went to a mall and several other stores and I was able to snag some really good deals.  However I came out of the trip feeling rather sad.

Why was I sad?  What was wrong with me?  I had gotten great deals and was with some of my dearest friends.  What was going on?

The answer was simply this:  other girls and some guys.  It wasn’t that they were being rude or mean.  In fact most of the people that I saw seemed quite pleasant and nice.  It was simply the way that their heart attitudes reflected in the way that they dressed.  Many of the girls were dressed in the latest styles, some of which were really cute.

Was there anything wrong with the fact that they were wearing the latest fashion?  No, of course not.  I had just bought a tunic\shirt dress in a store which is considered “in” and “fashionable” right now.  So, what was the problem?  The problem was that their clothing reflected what was in their hearts and what was in their hearts was anything but Christ-honouring.

All too often the debate on fashion in the Christian community centers around questions like, “Is it immodest to wear yoga pants?”, “Is it modest to wear skinny jeans?”, “Is there something wrong with wearing Aeropostale, Hollister, American Eagle, Pink, Abercrombie and Fitch, Forever 21, etc.?” and so many other questions.  While those questions are important to answer, there is one question we must answer first in order to make any decisions regarding our fashion choices.  We need to ask ourselves, “Am what I’m wearing reflecting my heart’s desire to honour God or is it reflecting my desire to fit into the world and look attractive to a guy?”

When evaluating tough questions, we need to take a step back away from the issue and look at what God has to say.  The Bible doesn’t explicitly give us guidelines on what to wear and that just makes it even harder, right?  If you’re like me, then you like to have everything in black and white and listed in good order.  So let’s take a look at what the Bible has to say about fashion and hopefully bring a little more light to the issue.

Now by asking the fashion question, I’m not saying that we should be doing rigorous self-examination every time that we put on a pair of socks.  In the Bible, God talks about how He adorned Israel with, “…clothes…of fine linen and costly fabric and embroidered cloth…You became very beautiful and rose to be a queen.”  (Ezekiel  16:13)

In the Bible, we read how Eve, Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, Dinah, Ruth, Abigail, Bathsheba, Tamar, the Proverbs 31 woman, the lady described in Song of Solomon,  and many others are described as beautiful.  In Song of Solomon (or Song of Songs), a good portion of the book is given to the description of the beauty of the woman.  The Bible talks much about the beauty of women and the adornment of them.  Jewellery and fine clothes are mentioned many times in the Bible, as both a praise and as a warning.

In Proverbs, we read how Wisdom is personified as a beautiful lady who wears fine clothing and jewellery while the adulterous woman is also described as beautiful and also wears fine clothing and jewellery but instead of her beauty coming from her integrity and grace, the adulterous woman is described as someone whose “…speech is smoother than oil; but in the end she is as bitter as gall, sharp as a two-edged sword.  Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave.”  (Proverbs 5:3-5)

The adulterous woman is described as being dressed as a prostitute.  (Proverbs 7:10)  She is dressed in a very provocative manner which stems from her heart in which is only death and rebellion against God.  1 Corinthians 4:5 talks about how “…before the appointed time…He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motive of the heart.”

How we dress reflects our relationship with God.  When we are in a right understanding with God then the fashion, modesty, and dress issue fall into place.  When we aren’t in a right understanding with God, our judgment is clouded and our emotions tend to take over.  We attempt to justify wearing an outfit which turns out to be tempting to the opposite sex because of the attitude we show in the way that we wear our clothing.

The root of the problem isn’t whether or not we should be wearing the clothing that is “in” or “fashionable.”  It isn’t about whether or not we as Christian young women should wear yoga pants, leggings, or skinny jeans instead of skirts, or whether we should just wear dresses completely.  It’s about the heart.  “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked.  Who can know it?”  (Jeremiah 17:9)  When our heart’s desire is to honour and please God, it will be reflected in our choice of clothing and even in the way we wear it.

The brands and “pants versus skirts” issue pales when we consider ourselves before God.  All that matters is how we stand before God. When we can stand before God with a clean conscience and say, “Yes, Lord.  My fashion choices are made with the ultimate goal of glorifying You,” then we can answer all the questions that come out of the fashion\modesty debate.

Fashion in and of itself isn’t bad.  It’s what we make of it and use it for that is the issue.  We have to make a choice to use it to glorify God.

End note:  By writing this I’m not attempting to tell anyone that it is more modest to wear pants versus skirts.  I’m not giving advice on what clothing or brand is more fashionable.  Your clothing choices and standards are your own.  Even within my own family, we have different tastes for clothes and different views on things.  The primary issue is for each of us to be able to stand before God and say with all honesty that we are seeking to honour Christ in what we wear.  

Guest-Writers, {Faith}

{Faith} Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone.

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Written By: Vickie Munton

It’s the kind of step that makes you want to sit down.

You are about to be asked to do something that is way out of your comfort zone, and the easiest thing to do would be to say no.  Back away.  Avoid the risk…

For me, saying “yes” rarely means that I have the confidence it takes–it simply means that I’m willing to step out in faith and believe that God has something He wants to show me or teach me.

“For I know the plans I have for you”—this is the Lord’s declaration—“plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

Maybe this is an overused verse.  Maybe it was meant for those Israelites that were living in exile.

But maybe just maybe it was meant for me, too.

I know it is not a blanket promise that says, “if you just follow the Lord, He will make sure that everything runs smoothly.”  But I just happen to be one of “those people” who happens to believe that this Holy Book called The Bible was written by men, yes, but men that were inspired by God to write His message down, so future generations could know Him–including you and I.  Words of love and hope and encouragement.

He is not a god made by human hands–He is the Creator and giver of Life.  He is not a god that demands sacrifice–He desires obedience.  He is not a god that set the world in motion only to leave it to fend for itself–He stepped out of heaven and walked among us. I also happen to believe that He gives each of us a free will.  Just as He gave Adam and Eve the choice to obey Him or not, we too have to make the choice to live by His words and His example or go our own way.  I’m still reading the Old Testament prophets and over and over again God says, “IF YOU” do this, then “I WILL” respond.  God goes on to say in the following verses that we should pray and SEEK Him, and that if we do, we will find Him.

“You will call to Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.  You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.”  Jeremiah 29:12-13

You would think that the older we get, the more simple life would become–but it’s just not true.  Some things get easier, some harder.  What does get easier for me is saying “yes” to God.  He has proved Himself faithful in the past, and as the days, months and years fly by, I find myself desiring to know Him more–to seek Him more.

So the question you might ask is, “what does that look like?”.

Glad you asked.

Prayer becomes not just something I do–it becomes a part of who I am.  My thoughts and my cares are immediately directed toward God.  “What would you want for me, Lord?”.  “How should I react to this situation?”.  “What would honor/please you, God?”.

Bible Study isn’t just a chore to check off my list–it is time treasured.  Time stolen away any chance I get.  I don’t just read it–I hunger for it.  I crave wisdom and direction and revelation.

Fellowship with other believers becomes crucial.  I miss it when I don’t hear from the pulpit or fellowship with other believers.  I long to experience His presence and feel His power in my life.

Obedience becomes more urgent.  I don’t know if it’s my age, or the condition of my heart, but I do know that I can’t put off any longer the things that I DO know He wants me to do.  Wanting to please Him isn’t just about my actions–it’s just as much about my attitude.  I really do want to get that part right.

Attitude

You’ve heard the phrase, Whom God Calls, He Enables?  Well that’s me.  I’ve been given the task of preparing for a large event for women.  It would have been much easier to say no, but I was eventually convinced that this would be something that would honor my Savior, so I said yes.  He knew that I would be asked, and He knew that I could accomplish the task with His hand guiding me.

So, here I Am.

Stepping out in faith.  Stepping out of my comfort zone and out into the great unknown, and I’m actually excited now to see what He will do–how He will encourage the minister’s wives that will come to this event.

About Vickie:

Vickie blogs at wateringcanblog.com where she writes about faith, family, and encouraging words.  She writes with a desire to inspire women of all ages.  She is a mother to four grown children, seven grandchildren (three in Madagascar!), and has been married to her high school sweetheart for 34 years whom she serves beside as a pastor’s wife.