Category: Kerrington’s Posts

Kerrington's Posts, {Life}

{Life} Revival.

UYM

Written by: Kerrington Sweeney

water-bucket

One sunny summer family afternoon after church a certain sunday, was spent at the local “splash pad.” As my parents, my sister and I watched our littlest sister splash around and create memories that day. I could see an attraction many children we’re instantly drawn to out of all the water works at the pad.

This was…the BIG bucket. The center of attention.

The big bucket would begin slowly filling up and just as it was ready to tip out galloons of water, the kiddos would all run straight towards it…Watching their faces grow, waiting in great anticipation was quite the sight to see.

Few more minutes past by, and it was literally almost spilling over the edges…The kids eyes glued and securely focused on this bucket ready to soak them. As it was almost time to dump…Holy Spirit nudged me to take notice of the kiddos waiting… Some of them were up as close as they could get, hands stretched out as high as they possibly could…While others, were more timid and shy about this, they stood father back, hands to themselves. There was still great anticipation in their little eyes but, it was almost mixed with a bit of fear.

Readers, I use this illustration because of how real this in our churches today…The “Revival Bucket” filling up more and more getting ready to sweep through a nation. Some people, so ready to partake of this exciting process…right up at the front, hands stretched out high, faces locked in a position with the Heavenly Father. While others, yes still excited to be apart of the process but, they stand a little farther back, more kept to themselves.

How real this truly is. To be honest and quite frank with you, I am hot with a fear of what the future ‘church life’ will look like, when “revival” does hit. Will I be ready? What is this going to look like? These are the thoughts I sometimes pondered till the Lord brought me a brand new realization.

God reminded me, that He NEVER gives us anything we can’t handle. His grace and mercy is always there never ending. Revival is not something to be feared but, rather anticipated with great excitement. For in revival, signs, wonders, and miracles take place.

So today, dear readers, I challenge you…To no fear revival comings but, to rather embrace them with everything you’ve got.

Until next time,

~Kerrington

Kerrington's Posts, {Faith}

{Faith} Identity.

UYM

Written by: Kerrington Sweeney

Identity!

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

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

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

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

What defines you? 

What makes you the way you are?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Now let me ask you that question once again…

“What defines you?”

Until Next Time,

~Kerrington

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

{NEW} Devotional Column Series!!! 

UYM

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


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

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

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

Until Next Time,

~The UYM Team

Kerrington's Posts, {Life}

{Life} Against the trend.

UYM

Written By: Kerrington Sweeney

kerrington bible shot stree view TLC

Today, we are going to be discussing a young woman who was recorded in three books of the Bible – Matthew, Mark, and Luke. She was considered to be that woman in her village. She suffered with a blood disease for 12 years, even at her young age. This blood disease deemed her legally an ‘unclean’ person amongst the villagers.
She was a weak mess in the eyes of society then. She was a worthless nothing. She was fading away more and more each passing day, growing weaker and weaker. She was recorded in the Bible, as a nameless and anonymous woman. Now she is typically known as, the woman with the issue of blood.

I believe her story, is one that has wisdom just oozing from it.
It says in Matthew 9:20-22

“Behold a woman who had been suffering from a discharge of blood for 12 years straight. She came up behind Him (Jesus) and touched only the fringe of his garment, for she said to herself… ‘If I only touch His garment, I will be made well.’ Jesus turned, and seeing her, He said: “Take heart daughter; Your faith has made you well.” 

Instantly she was made whole and was completely healed. Her body, in an instant was fully restored. The strength she had not felt in 12 years was renewed within her.
The reason I chose this portion of Scripture to share with you is because I believe with all my heart that we need to become more like this woman in our culture today.
This Faith-Filled Woman was willing to do something that could have easily gotten her thrown out of the village for good. She was willing to be stoned. She was willing to push through the crowds with the little strength and endurance that was left within her. She was willing to go ‘against the trend’ of society to simply touch the hem of her Savior’s garment. She was and still is that woman!
Dear Heavenly Father,

I thank you for this woman-example that we can look to and find strength to go against the trend. Thank you Jesus for being so intimate and so simple that you would notice just that woman’s weak tug of your garment. Today, we choose to never be so caught up in the things of today. We choose to meet with you as our Savior. Our all in all. Our ultimate Healer! In Your precious name, Jesus! Amen!! 
Let’s not ever be so caught up in the culture and traditions of today that we are held back from the mighty power of God. If it means we have to go against the trend to meet with our Savior… then so be it!

Until Next Time,
~Kerrington

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{UYM Bible Study} Day 24. Love that Unites.

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Written By: Crystal Cyr
Ephesians 4: Love that Unites
As we look at Ephesians 4 we see that in verse one it begins with the word “therefore”, meaning that everything in this chapter hinges on the previous chapters.  What a perfect way to conclude our look into these first four chapters of Ephesians; with a summary and a challenge! 🙂
If you’ll recall in Chapter 1 we learned that we have received a new identity in Christ when He chose and adopted us into His family, and as with any family, we have been given an inheritance of His Holy Spirit. His Spirit changing us more into His likeness every day is our proof that one day in eternity we will receive that inheritance in full.  In the next chapter we were urged not to take the gift of our salvation for granted, or to become prideful and religious by comparing ourselves to others; these things keep us from unity, rather than building it.  Last week in Chapter 3 we then looked at how because of our position with Christ we can be bold and confident before Him and not only that, but we have access to unlimited resources and strength in Him.  We looked at how our roots grow and cause us to become strong in Christ as we allow Him to have access to more areas of our heart and as we go deeper in His love by understanding it with our minds and by experiencing it’s power displacing our fears.
The central message of Chapter 4 is on unity and getting rid of the old ways of life.  We can only talk about unity and getting rid of old behaviors when we are confident in our position with Christ, that He is pleased with us (not always our behavior…but He separates that from us as a person and is pleased with WHO we are); when we remember to be thankful for our gift of salvation and not get puffed up thinking it’s because of anything awesome we did to deserve His forgiveness, but only because of what He did; and when we are constantly digging our roots deeper into the love of God, allowing it into every area of our thoughts, motives, hurts, and intentions to transform us, heal us, and strengthen our trust in His loving nature.
Verse 2 – 4 says, “Always be humble and gentle.  Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.  (3) Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. (4) For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.”  I know there’s so much in this chapter to cover, but I think that if we were to really chew on this verse over and over and allow it to become a part of us daily that the rest of the instructions wouldn’t be as much of a challenge.
Speaking for myself here, I know that more times than I’d care to admit I’ve been guilty of allowing other’s faults and weaknesses to cause division in my heart rather than unity.  I’m not talking about sin here; when it comes to sin in other believer’s (not the world, which is clearly in sin) we are to “speak the truth in love” as verse 15 says (because love sees that sin causes destruction and hurt)  Seeing the weak areas in other’s is easy, in fact, sometimes we can almost pride ourselves on it and call it “discernment”…whoops…stepping on toes maybe…but hey I’m just being real with you guys…and I only say it because like I said…”guilty”…but being humble, gentle, and patient…that takes the Spirit of Christ in me to do…to keep my love tank open to those other believers when I see areas that they’re weak in and I’m not.
Can you imagine how strong the body of Christ would be if instead of criticizing each other’s weak area’s we were to be patient with them and allow room for each other to grow in our giftings, callings, or general life?  Do you think that perhaps maybe, just maybe, as we cover each other in love…valuing unity and each other above our glaring weaknesses, we could bring each other into further unity because instead of living in a culture of fear (fear of other’s seeing my weaknesses/mistakes/judging me) we would be living in a culture of love that build’s trust, causing us to desire to confront our own weaknesses because we know our brother’s and sisters aren’t waiting to jump on them and attack us, but rather to help and love us into strength.
This is why verse 22 – 24 says to, “throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception.  Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.  Put on your new nature, created to be like God – truly righteous and holy.”  Loving each other and keeping unity is a tall order, and because of that it is only possible when we throw off our old sinful nature and allow the Holy Spirit within us to give us new thoughts and attitudes.
The chapter goes onto discuss the old things we are to get rid of, but I’d like to end by reminding us that when this task of loving can seem overwhelming we need only remember the patient love of our Heavenly Father towards us, who continues to love and believe the best in us even when we are at our worst.  As verse 31 and 32 says, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.  Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.“
Thank you for joining me in this study.  It’s truly been an honor and a privilege to walk through the Word of God with each of you and to allow it to change our hearts.
Until Next Time,
~Crystal
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{UYM Bible Study} Day 23. Prayer Requests!

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Prayer requests

Written By: Kerrington Sweeney

Hello Friends! Day 23!! What can we pray for this week?

Comment below or send us a direct message

Go back

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Or by Email: uniquelyyoursblog@gmail.com

Bless you, UYM Bible Study Group!

~Kerrington Sweeney

Guest-Writers, Kerrington's Posts

#WeAreGrowing!!!

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New Team Members

Written By: Kerrington Sweeney

Uniquely Yours Ministries online ministry is blossoming and thousands readers are being greatly touched through every capacity we are serving in. From writing, editing, praying, working on the website, photography, directing social media and more, we are making an impact far greater than we can imagine!! I am beyond grateful to have such a passionate and devoted team to be so willing to serve women of all ages!

We are officially 3 months into full online ministry and it’s been busy! It’s been such an incredible experience to work with The UYM Team! But here’s the exciting NEWS!!

#WeAreGrowing…

6 NEW Team Members!! God is SO good 🙂

About Heather Brooks:

 Director of Ministry Photography

Heather Brooks

Heather Brooks is loving life, as being a wife, mother, and grandmother! She has a beautiful granddaughter with ‘different’ needs….and she is teaching us all new lessons every day. Strength, determination, laughter, and perseverance and the power of prayer! Heather has always enjoyed being behind the camera and for the past decade She has had the pleasure of photographing many wonderful people… and places. She claims that: This is the stuff life is made of…life if you LIVE it! She strives to capture a piece of this Life, through photography. The moments that make you stop and… think…sigh…chuckle…remember. She strongly believes that it’s so very important to pause and record LIFE through photography….the Life God gives us! Images tell a story that words cannot express. Here at UYM, She is blessed with the role of, official ministry photographer alongside her best friend, Tracy.

About Tracy Chatterton:

Director of Ministry Photography

Tracy Chatterton

Tracy is a devoted woman of faith. She claims that God has always been there, through the good, the bad, the suffering, the pain, and the happy times. She did not always follow Christ in fact, she shares that she was so far away from Him it is only through Him that she is here to tell you this. 12 years ago Tracy was at the bottom of her life nowhere to go. Life was very tough and She had many decisions to make. One of them was that she decided to change her life. In that moment she had chosen to walk into a church on a Sunday morning all by herself. (looking back now, she was never alone). A month later she gave her heart to Christ and it has been a whirl wind ever since. Her life has changed so drastically in all good ways, her habits, her time, her thoughts, her actions, started getting easier things made sense, of course this was God’s plan all along. Her journey was just beginning, first She got remarried to a God-fearing man, then met a bunch of wonderful people through small group ministry, than He placed a beautiful Christian woman in her life whom both share the love and passion our their hearts, which is photography. Tracy is a mother of two adult boys, married to a loving Christian man, and surrounded by Christian friends. Here as UYM, She is blessed to take photos with her best friend, Heather.

“I can do all this through Him who gives me strength” Philippians 4:13

 About: Alyssa Kleczynski

Director of Editorial

Alyssa K

Alyssa is a sinner bought with the precious blood of Jesus. She fails Him daily, but He is working in her to produce beautiful fruit for His glory. God blessed Alyssa with a man who is way out of her league! She and Luke got married three years ago, and have been “honeymooning” ever since. They love to try new things, whether that’s travelling, cooking, or DIY projects for their little home. Alyssa has a spunky, passionate, child-like spirit which lends itself perfectly to her job – working at Riverside Church running the elementary-age kids ministry. Alyssa is humbled and honored to be using her gifts to point the next generation to Christ. Editing UYM posts is a small way that she can help you, the readers, to grow in a more intimate relationship with your Maker. God is so good!
About Olivia Wilson:
 Director of Social Media

IMG_4889

Olivia Wilson is a devoted 18 year old servant of Jesus Christ. She has loved The Lord, ever since she was a young gal and everyday aspires to be more like Him. Olivia was homeschooled all her life and looks forward to future school endeavors. She enjoys singing, leading worship, shopping, Starbucks, trying new foods and visiting with friends! Olivia is honored to be taking on the role at UYM of “Director of Social Media.”  Keeping our social media page is a small way that she can help you, our many sweet friends, grow in deeper relationships with your Heavenly Father.
About Breanne Pierce:
Director of Prayer Team & Ministry Intercession

Keep that cold away or kick it! Keraf, 1 echinachea tea bag, 1 green tea bag, honey, and lemon.

Breanne is an 18 year old missionary who loves Jesus with all her heart.  She has almost completed her ECE diploma through St. Lawrence College and is leaving soon for the mission field in Central America.  She feels that God has some exciting, though extremely difficult things in store for her but she is confident that He will always bring her through.  While she is still here in Canada, she is often found working hard at school assignments, singing to Jesus/leading worship, reminding herself that she is almost done school, or cooking up either some crazy- delicious international foods or equally delicious hippie, rabbit-food snack. Here at UYM, Breanne is excited to take on the role of “Director of the Prayer Team!”

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” – Isaiah 6:8 NIV

About Crystal Cyr:

Prayer Team Member
Crystal Cyr Bio Pic

Crystal hails from the small town of Dashwood Ontario, only a hop, skip and a jump away from where she was born and raised. Crystal has been happily married to Adam, her handsome better half, for 8 years and is a busy stay-at-home momma to her 6 year old son, 4 year old daughter, and 8 month old daughter.When she is not running after children or changing messy diapers she can be found serving at her church on the worship team, teaching ministry, youth ministry and in the odd skit from time to time. On the wonderful occasion that Crystal has found a moment to spare, she enjoys creating and decorating, ransacking thrift shops (or any clothing rack for that matter), and writing on her blog. Crystal, is an encourager and loves speaking life, truth, and hope into the lives of women, be it on social media or aisle two of the grocery store.

“Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.” ~Ephesians 1:4-5
 
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{UYM Bible Study} Day 18. Fun-Fact Fridays!

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Fun Fact Fridays

Welcome back to FUN fact Fridays!! We get to interview lovely Monthly-Writer Angela Ridsdale.

Top Character quality you admire most in people?

 Genuineness.

Happiest childhood memory?

Grandma’s blueberry pies!

 Who has influenced you the most in your life?

People in general have influenced the way I see myself, the way I act and how I continue to narrate my life. It does not matter if I am close to them what has mattered has been the interactions I have had.

 Describe your dream Home?

A quiet country home with a lot of blankets and cozy spaces

 Favorite sport to play?

I like to do yoga and also volleyball.

 Favorite source of social media?

I don’t actually like social media. I  use it to kind of see what’s going on and maybe talking to people but, I would have to say I do use Facebook more often.

Favorite meal?

This wonderful meal of pork medallions with gorgonzola cheese sauce…. too bad its all the way in Portugal 😦

 Describe yourself in one word?

Calm.

Favorite worship song?

Letting go – Steffany Gretzinger

 Favorite hobby?

Making cards and stuff.

Join Us on Facebook at our UYM Bible Study Group

Or by Email: uniquelyyoursblog@gmail.com

Bless you, UYM Bible Study Group!

~Kerrington Sweeney