Kerrington’s Posts – Page 2 – Uniquely Yours Ministries

{Faith} I ain’t no, “Little Leader.”

May 10, 2016May 8, 2016 UYM

Written By: Kerrington Sweeney

Have you ever been in a season of your life, where you ‘really’ felt like you were making a difference? Where you felt like lives were being radically changed and impacted through your hard works?

Well, just a little while ago, I was journeying in a genuinely good season just like that. It felt just right. This passionate pursuit of God’s presence to actively flow in and through me became my new normal. I was ready for the next. On the edge of my seat to see the Spirit move. I was infatuated with the new positions of leadership I was placed in. It was perfect in my eyes.

Not long after that season, a painful situation surfaced that wasn’t a very admirable or life giving part of my life. Dishonouring words were spoken about me, by someone whom I trusted and admired greatly. Subsequently, I was labelled in that moment just a “little leader.”

When I heard and witnessed those words for myself…my confidence came to a cease. My feelings of making a real difference and a radical impact vanished, no where to be found.

I felt small.
Inadequate.
Incapable.
Unqualified.

A vault of anger and bitterness engulfed my tattered heart. I wanted to shake and scream in resentment. A time of processing my emotions began to take place. I embarked upon a healing journey, in pursuits of peace and love for that person once again.

Sister, the next time you are abruptly labelled “little” like I was…I encourage you to grab a hold to these words:

“You were created to be fearless, by the fearless one.”

He has created YOU to boldly approach His throne and pursue His presence. The giants, the never ending expectations, the oppressing constant pressures, the corrupted voices of the enemy, and the twisted words and labels are NOT your portion. No longer, do you have to be enslaved.

2,000 years ago on the cross, Jesus said “…It is finished.” (John 19:30)

He conquered everything. In that compelling moment in biblical history, the power that overmastered death and the grave, became your accessible power, to use with authentic balance and grace.

Fearless leader who may be hiding in the shadows of fear and regret, come forth.

Mighty Woman of God, YOU are enough. Rest easy knowing that you are, in the hands of the fearless one and He is pleased.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
(2 Corinthians 12:9)

Brave soul, rise up high out of the ashes.

Until Next Time,
~Kerrington

Kerrington's Posts, {Love}

{Worth} Forget me not.

April 29, 2016April 18, 2016 UYM

Written By: Kerrington Sweeney
It was in that moment, I seen you once again. The painful memories of the past flooded my weary heart. I thought, I was over this. I thought, I was finally out of that ‘rut’ in the road. I thought, I was forgetting it all. Then. I saw you. It became even more real in that moment that, I had most definitely not forgotten anything.

Anxious thoughts, unsettled emotions and complete unrest, swirled around me as I attempted to ‘hold it together.’

Unsure of really what I was to do, I sought refuge in one of my close mentors and asked her to cover me in prayer. I knew, I could share with her in this journey. I knew, that I could trust her, with this special portion of my heart. I just knew that I knew, she was placed in my life to truly lighten my load. Especially, when my load unexpectedly became a little heavier than usual.

Ladies, my challenge for you today is…When something you’re trying to forget about unexpectedly shows up in your life. Stop. Seek Gods face, find someone to share your ‘unrest’ with. Pray about it all and entrust the keys of your situation directly to Him.
Let me tell you dear readers, that’s easier said that done. Believe me.

The lesson that God was and still is teaching me to this day is, to never become comfortable with where I am at. Because God’s will is unknown to us all. You may be a mega-church pastor, a doctor of theology or you grew up in the church all of your life,but not one of us knows the will of God. None of us know the outcome, until it comes. Be willing. Be open. Be ready.

Let’s pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for unexpected visitors. I thank you for being in amongst the anxious thoughts, unsettled emotions and unrest. Thank you for peace. I thank you for the life-lessons you teach each of us, on a daily basis. I pray for each and every reader of this post, that you would be with them in THOSE moments. Be their ultimate peace, protection and joy. I pray this all in your name Jesus.

Amen!!
Until Next Time,

~Kerrington

Kerrington's Posts, {Life}

{Life} Coffee Stained Rags

April 20, 2016April 19, 2016 UYM

Written By: Kerrington Sweeney

From a youth leaders heart…
It was 7:54pm. The students were just about to rush out of the youth room at 8pm, on a Wednesday night. There I was attempting to begin tidying up the great big mess and thinking to myself what a full night we had, had.

As the trash all over the floors and the never ending amount of crumbs seemed to pile up…I had it in my mind, that I really wanted to be out of that room in 6 minutes like the rest of the crowd. I took it upon myself to make sure that room would be all neat and tidy when that clock would strike, 8pm. I went into what I like to call…”The cleaning zone.” Scrambling to get everything done in a very short amount of time.

I was quickly removing extra chairs from the tables and vigorously wiping down the coffee station when…this young gal, came up behind me and asked if I was busy? I replied with: “Yes! I am just trying to quickly clean right now! So I can leave!” It was her response that broke my heart and brought me to tears… “Oh that’s okay, I guess I can just ask you next week, when you’re not so busy.”

As she began to turn and walk away, the Holy Spirit nudged me to stop her. I quickly turned around and said “I’m sorry, what’s your question my dear?” She continued on to say, that she really needed someone to pray with her. That she just needed a little heart-to-heart chat time with me. So right then and there, I whipped my coffee stained rag that was occupying my hands aside, and we sat on the couch, in the crazy chaos of the youth room and had a beautiful moment together. We prayed. We laughed. She then began to weep, as I spoke many words of life over her and encouraged her to press into Jesus.

Leaders, how often this truly does happen in ministry, heavies my heart. What is occupying your loving hands and stealing your encouraging words today? For me, it was that coffee stained rag and that messy youth room that was distracting me, from my purpose in that moment as a youth leader.

Leaders as a reminder to you, like the Holy Spirit reminded me, it’s not about the neat and tidy youth room until after 8pm, when you see your last students leave the room and the goodbye chats have been said. I think at times, we lose sight of what truly is important in the church. And Church, is truly about the youth and the kids. Because always remember, those little souls, they are the future church.
Give up your coffee stained rags and go love on someone today.

Forgive often. Live abundantly. Love unconditionally.

Until Next Time,
~Kerrington

Kerrington's Posts, {Faith}

{Faith} Running From “IT”

April 19, 2016April 18, 2016 UYM

Written By: Kerrington Sweeney

Have you ever been in a place…where you were running from something? Something you wanted to escape from? Something that needed to be dealt with? Something that was painful and would be awful to bring back up?

We all have those moments of running.

Recently, I had an experience just like this. I kept myself crazy busy, so that I could continue running from this painful situation in my life.

Of course, running from our mistakes, regrets and mistakes is what we could say “the easy way out.” But in the long run, its not. Running only makes the process of dealing and solving the problems that may have occurred, dreadfully longer; and they don’t have to be.

God reminds us in the Bible, in 1 Peter 5:7

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

It’s in those moments, where I don’t even know where to turn, that I lean in close on that verse. It’s those moments where I press in, just to hear His tender whisper of love.

Wherever you are, whatever you are running from. Sister, sit down. Take a moment and ask God to allow His peace and presence to rain in your life. Because like that verse reminds us, that we are to cast all our fears, anxiety and worries upon the Lord. He is our fortress. He is a mighty God, who does BIG things. He loves unconditionally.

Remember, whatever you are running from is never bigger than our God.

Until Next Time,

~Kerrington

Kerrington's Posts

{Life} One Last Breath.

April 13, 2016April 13, 2016 UYM

Written By: Kerrington Sweeney

Dedicated to: Sal Morrone, faithful youth leader and friend.

After one exhausting Wednesday Night spent with the youth group…Myself and another youth leader were cleaning up the youth room; which just moments before had at least 40+ students, running around, eating cupcakes without plates.

I will just let you take a moment and let your imagination take care of, what that disastrous mess looked like.

It had just been a really long night, and to be honest, I just wanted to leave that mess for someone else and go home to relax. Thoughts like, “Why are they so messy?”, “Couldn’t they just try to keep it in their mouths?”, “This is an entire cupcake on the floor…really?!? Ugh!!” were swirling around in my mind, while I attempted to clean smushed cupcake crumbs out of the carpeting. (Good times.)
After everything I would clean, the room didn’t seem to get any cleaner. I know now, that my grumpy attitude wasn’t helping my situation either.

The room, that was just bustling with noise and somewhat chaos, was now completely silent and peaceful. In amongst the mumbling and grumbling of my heart, what broke the rooms silence, was the sound of that faithful youth leaders voice, as he began to sing the words: “If all I had was one last breath, I’d spend it just to sing your praise, just to say your name.”

It took a moment to register in my mind and when it did…tears filled my eyes. What an ugly, selfish heart I had. If those were to be my last breaths, cleaning up smushed cupcakes on the church floors, than so be it. To God be all the glory.

My perspective of what my role in leadership was to be, truly changed after hearing those words sung. It wasn’t just about the oh-so-joyful mountain top experiences. Being a leader is about the nitty gritty, the dirty carpeting, and the ugly heart moments. It’s about continually learning, growing and changing for the better, to better serve and better equip the people with a passionate pursuit, to see them come to a new understanding and realization of Jesus Christ.

Leaders, we are to become selfless leadership. The moment you walk into any position of leading, you are to lay down your own selfish wants, needs and desires. Something I purposefully do now, the moment before, I put that leader lanyard name tag around my neck…I say a quick prayer that goes something like this:

Dear Heavenly Father,

I come to you today and ask for divine opportunities to connect with people on new levels. Opportunities, to show them glimpses of the, ultimate love of Jesus Christ. Give me an understanding and wisdom as to what to say, and how to say it. I ask for an infusion of your presence to flow through me. Thank you for the privilege to serve in the expansion of your Kingdom. In the Mighty Name of Jesus, Amen!

My concluding challenge for you today is, to look at your life and think to yourself, “If this was one of my last breaths, what would I be doing?” …Will I be spending it , mumbling and grumbling about some smushed cupcakes in the carpeting or Will I spend it just to sing His praise, just to say His name?

Remember, it’s one breath.

(Below are some of my wonderful students…love these gals!)

Until Next Time,

~Kerrington

Kerrington's Posts, {Life}

{Life} Why God?

March 30, 2016March 30, 2016 UYM

Written By: Kerrington Sweeney

Ever been in a painful situation and your first immediate reaction is to begin questioning God? To be brutally honest with you, I actually recently was in one of those situations not long ago.

Something happens in our lives, a mistake is a made, something goes wrong, or something changes drastically in our lives and we immediately begin to blame and question God.

I can attest to that…because I do that, way too often. Thank goodness for the ultimate grace of God, because if it wasn’t for that, I wouldn’t be sitting here, writing this today.

In life, we all will go through, difficult seasons and tough trials that at times will truly test our faiths and maybe even shake us to the very core at times. In these moments of exhaust and disappointment, our automatic response is, “Oh God must be mad at me…this must be a punishment of some sort.” No, no and no! God isn’t punishing us. Think of Sarah in the Bible…

She walked through a – Season of Infertility.

Sarah was an intelligent, strong and capable woman. When she married Abraham she made a decision in that special moment of covenant. She established, as her mission in life the task of helping her husband fulfill God’s purposes for him. Sarah was a loyal, submissive, and obedient wife and homemaker to her husband. Even when Abraham passed her off as his sister, which landed her in Pharaoh’s harem, she did not object. She went along willingly with her husband’s wishes. Little did she know, that her faith would later on be tested and shaken to the very core of her being?

Sarah was barren. Childless. She was lacking in the ability to conceive. Her infertility lasted for over 90 years. Certainly through those years and years of waiting…she had given up hope of ever seeing her dream of motherhood fulfilled. Sarah was looking at God’s promise from her limited, human perspective. But the Lord used her life to unfold an extraordinary plan, proving that He is never limited by what usually happens. For with God, ALL things are made possible. Sarah struggled deeply in her faith and at times doubted God. She had trouble believing God would fulfill His promises one day.

Psalm 113:9 says…

“He makes the barren woman to be a homemaker and a joyful mother of children.”

She walked through this season of her life, not trusting God…but do you blame her? In those times, a wife without children…was almost shameful. If I was Sarah, in those moments, I would probably would struggle deeply with feelings of worthlessness, like I had nothing to offer my husband…Like I couldn’t even give him the treasure of a family.

Waiting for God, to act in our lives may be the hardest task we ever face…It’s also true that we can become dissatisfied when God’s solution does not match our ‘Season expectations.’

Sarah’s life teaches us that when we feel doubtful or are afraid, we should remember what God said to Abraham,

Genesis 18:14 “Is anything too hard for the Lord?”

Even great men and women of faith have their moments of faithlessness. After all that waiting…That Season of Infertility came to an end and she held the long awaited promise in her arms. Sarah’s loyalty to her husband, Abraham resulted in her sharing in his blessings and she later became the mother of the nation of Israel.

Stay focused. Stay positive. God always knows the end results.

Until Next Time,

~Kerrington

Kerrington's Posts, {Life}

{Life} It’s Okay to Pass the Clipboard

March 23, 2016March 22, 2016 UYM

Written By: Kerrington Sweeney

Have you ever felt shame in passing ‘the clipboard’?

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” -Galatians 6:9

There I was one Sunday morning, sitting in church when…the clipboard was being passed around for volunteers. I dreaded the moments before it was passed to me. I took it quickly into my hands and looked at list. To be honest, in that moment I just wanted to cry. A veil of guilt draped over my weary heart.

“If I don’t sign up, what will people think?” This worry tossed around in my mind, as I tried to figure out a way to fit this event of volunteering into my already ridiculously jam-packed schedule.

Time after time, that dark veil of guilt had won. For years upon years I would run myself dry, volunteering and serving in every area I possibly could handle. I was coming into a season of absolute physical burn out.

All I could do was sit and cry. It was then that I had the new realization that –It’s okay, to pass the clipboard.

No longer, was I going to allow guilt to rule over my life and my emotions.

No longer, was I going to be a slave to the pressures and expectations that I had firmly placed upon myself.

No longer, was I going to feel guilty when my name wasn’t signed up for every volunteer area in the church.

Sweet Sisters, are you drowning in church schedules like I once was? Are you juggling your time, and compromising what truly matters? Remember, even Jesus passed on things to make time for Himself and the Father.

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!” Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” Mark 1:35-38

I encourage you today to just stop. Look at the areas you love serving in and do just that and the next time the clipboards get passed to you…Pause. Pray and if needed, never be ashamed or afraid to simply pass it along. It’s okay!

Until Next Time,

~Kerrington

Kerrington's Posts, {Faith}

{Faith} We Are the Kingdom | The Calm Embrace.

March 22, 2016March 16, 2016 UYM

Written By: Kerrington Sweeney

All of my life I have been striving for something more. Always more than what I am blessed and privileged to have.

More popularity.

More social contact.

More friends.

More fulfillment.

More money.

More freedom.

More likes on Facebook.

More happiness.

More time.

More education.

{Testimony} Kerrington

March 13, 2016March 30, 2016 UYM

Written By: Kerrington Sweeney
Salvation Chalk-Board + Fisher-price dream kitchen set = Salvation story?

You may be very puzzled when you read that first line, but don’t you worry, it ALL makes perfect sense in the end! To start off, if you were a faithful Sunday-school attender or not we all may have heard the saying either in children’s ministry or when someone lead you in the salvation prayer…

“When you give your heart to Jesus, He wipes all your sins clean, just like a chalk-board.”

I have probably heard 2 dozen, or more Sunday School teachers use that line and I still had trouble picturing Jesus cleaning my entire life of sin? How could anyone love me SO much? Pretty confusing stuff, at least for a six year old at the time.
With that being said, let’s take a little walk down memory lane…shall we?

Think back to when you personally gave your whole heart to the Lord. Do you remember that divine moment? That milestone of hope. I sure do remember my big day. It went something like this:

I vividly recall standing in my little, playroom on a blustery, winter January afternoon, wearing my tiny, purple slippers at the age of 6, playing “washing the dishes”, with my favourite entire complete kitchen appliances and cupboards set.
We are talkin’ the stove, fridge, microwave, sink, table and chairs, and all the plastic play food you could ever imagine?! …I may have been a little spoiled, but man I loved that thing! I was racking my 6 year old mind, while trying to wash the lunch dishes, cook dinner, spoon feed my baby doll daughter Kate and talk on the phone with my imaginary husband Chris, who was late coming home from work, again!!! I couldn’t believe him, How dare he miss supper……twice! (Wifey + Mommy at heart since birth, can you tell?)

I was pondering about everything that my Sunday School teacher had said earlier that week, about how much sweeter life would be to walk with Jesus every step.

Then my Mom walked into the room, and I experienced a feeling that I had never felt before. ( I dropped the plastic dishes into the sink, burnt dinner and hung up the phone on my hubby.) My heart sunk into my stomach…
“Do I tell her, I want Jesus to be my friend too??” I thought.
Thoughts began swirling restlessly, through my mind.

What do I say? Has everyone done this? Will I look different? Will I hear God’s voice? Will I feel clean? What will this do?

Long story short, (I say that because the rest is history!)

January 2003, I became God’s adopted daughter that day in my little playroom and have been loving Him and pursing His presence ever since. I have had my many bumps and valleys along the way, but I had to remember just one simple thing…

“When you give your heart to Jesus, He wipes all your sins clean, just like a chalk-board.”

Now every time I walk by our home church nursery and see that little girls fisher-price dream kitchen set sitting there. Which is now faded, old, wrecked, and a couple cupboard doors are now completely missing…I think to myself, Thank you Lord for my Life and for amazing Sunday-school teachers who taught me, that Jesus can clean ANY sin and He just wants to be my best friend. Thank you God, for divine appointments and opportunities. Thank you, for my Mom and for her sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s leading. Thank you God, for my salvation.

Look at me…tearing up at 1:43am! (That’s right Jesus makes me work mid-nights on the blog sometimes…haha)

Friends, If you haven’t asked Jesus to walk with you yet, please, please, please do!

I can’t make you do anything, but I will say one thing. My life has never been the same since. I am a radically changed young woman, pursuing God with every ounce of my being. I have a family of believers who love and encourage me to go farther in my callings. I would love to personally, welcome you into that family. Send me an email when you do give your heart to the Lord, like I said, I would love to celebrate with the Angels when you become my Sister in God’s Family.

~ Kerrington

Kerrington's Posts, {Beauty}

{Beauty} The Simplicity of His Presence

March 7, 2016March 6, 2016 UYM

Written by: Kerrington Sweeney

This post was originally written for my other blog, a couple of years go! Enjoy as 15 year old me, shares some wisdom with you today:

Something I have recently been learning is that you don’t need a big church service with lights, instruments, guest speakers and a bunch of people, to feel the presence of God…

Although, these are all important in our Christian walk, they are only a part of God’s Orchestra on the earth… I have always had the mindset that you need a conference or a big church event or even just a Pastor praying for you to have an “Encounter” with the Holy Spirit. I think the reason why I have always had this mindset is because that’s the only places I had ever had an “Encounter” with the Holy Spirit, in a way like that ever before.

Actually speaking of encounters with the Holy Spirit, just recently my church was having a Baptismal service at the beginning of this past summer! (I always get so excited for Water Baptisms!! It is one of my favorite times in church)

As I was standing at the front of the church that particular Sunday morning watching all these people as they came up from under the water, set free and cleansed by the Holy Spirit. It was just amazing and oh so breath-taking! It filled my heart with an abundance of great joy!

Something that my church does which is really neat and I absolutely love, is that every time someone comes up out of the water we Celebrate as a Congregation, as a Community, as a Church Family. We shout for joy because a life now has a fresh start… To not look at the past but, to look forward to what God has in store for their new life!! Off with the old, on with the new 🙂

As they came near to the end of the water baptisms that day and things were starting to get a little more quiet and peaceful in the Sanctuary…

One of the pastors said “If anyone wants to be baptized there is still time… Don’t worry we can find you a towel ;).” As she spoke those words I instantly had the urge, to want to be water baptized again for the second time,

And I didn’t even know why!?

I had already been water baptized before so why again?…I was like “okay am I going crazy?!” or is this actually the Holy Spirit telling me to do something?(on top of all this, I was wearing a pretty dress and high heels that Sunday…Goodness! Holy Spirit could have warned me that I needed to bring an outfit change…lol)

So I ran over to my mom who was standing on the other side of the Sanctuary and I told her all my thoughts…Long story short, I got water Baptized (in my pretty dress) for the second time and had an amazing life-altering experience with God in that tank!

It wasn’t about the many Pastors being in the tank praying for me, or the bunch of people watching, or the up-beat music playing in the back ground, or even my friends and family standing outside of the tank supporting me.

It was just me and the Holy Spirit getting re-connected in such a simple, deeper, and intimate way 🙂

After I came up from the water that day I felt so alive, free, and ready to take on whatever life would throw my way…because I knew the Holy Spirit lives inside of me & is always there!

Whenever life has gotten stressful and times get rough…(well as rough as a 15year olds life can get..lol) I think back to that “Encounter” with the Holy Spirit that radically changed my life forever that one Sunday morning. I will cherish those tender memories and I so look forward to many more Encounters with my sweet King 🙂

If you remember anything from today’s post remember this…

You don’t need a Church service or a Water Baptism or even a Pastor praying for you to have an “Encounter” of His wonderful, sweet presence… Holy Spirit is so simple but, so meaningful that you could receive a “touch” of his wonderful presence while drinking your tea this morning!!

You never know when he’s going to pop by… Better keep the kettle on 😉

Take a few minutes and just simply listen to The Lord. Open your heart to what the Holy Spirit wants to speak to YOU this morning…Have an incredibly blessed day!!!

Until Next Time,

-Kerrington