Kerrington's Posts, {Beauty}

{Beauty} Be YOU! 

Written by: Kerrington Sweeney

The daily challenge and intense struggle of today’s generation is getting people to actually act like themselves. With all the latest and hottest pop stars and actresses making their lives look oh-so-glamorous, why would people even want to be themselves when they could be so much more?!

This is speaking from experience. It was back in the year 2007, when all I wanted to be was, “Hannah Montana“. The lights, dreams, travels, world tours, that musician life… it was truly ‘the best of both worlds’ in my 10 year old eyes! 😉

Whether it was the Hannah posters, notebooks, magazines, CDs, the TV series, pens, pencils… I HAD to have it all!

Coming off of the Hannah Montana phase, I dove right into wanting to be a girl from the 1800’s. Strange? I know! A girl who learned how to sew, to cook at a young age, and live where life was simple and sweet.  Yes, I took this one to the next level, even to the point of wearing an old fashioned apron almost every day! Thank goodness those pictures are put away in “safe-keeping”! Haha! 😉 Whether it was wanting to be Hannah Montana or the simple 1800’s girl, I was still wanting to be someone else, not who I actually was. I realize now that it was just childhood phases, but seriously.

Sometimes, even as a teenager, I get caught in this trap of character and of identity. I start looking at others’ lives and the comparison bug comes and bites me a little bit, and then, I don’t even realize that I’m trying with all my power and might to become like that person. A very wise lady once told me, You never know if someone else is looking up to you. So, if you try and be someone that you’re not, let’s just say, it will be a big identity mess.”

We each are given divine, unique talents, so why try to be like the other girl or guy? Why try to change yourself to be like the latest pop-star? The big question all comes down to… Why? God created you with such an incredible master-plan in mind. He looks forward to using YOU! Yes, you! He has exciting times ahead in your journey and He has challenging times in your future, but He will always be there. So just ‘Be YOU!’

Until Next Time,

~Kerrington

Kerrington's Posts, {Love}

{Love} Worth the fight. 

Written by: Kerrington Sweeney
In the beginning, God gave man and woman the joy and pleasure of having sexual relations within the bounds of marriage, and the Bible 
is clear about the importance of maintaining sexual purity within the boundaries of that union, between only man and wife. 
 
Look at what God says about sexual purity.
“You should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, 
not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God.”
“For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life” 
(1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, 7). 
These passages outline God’s reasons for calling for sexual purity in the lives of His children. Many young people are super confused about where to ‘draw the line’ and it’s easy to understand why. We live in a world that constantly bombards us, with impure behaviour and encourages participation in it. We live in such a sex-crazed culture where sexual temptation is literally everyone’s battle. 
 
These battles we all face come even more swiftly, especially when you start to fall in love and enter into a courtship, it’s absolutely natural to want to express your love in many physical ways. 
 
But on the other hand we also know that God wants us to remain sexually pure, in both our actions and our thought life. Sometimes this is an extremely tough battle and balance, but showing love for another, while remaining pure is totally possible. Even though our culture tells us, that love always has to be in physical ways. 
 
Sexual sin, is a dark plague that is over-taking our generation. 
It’s a secret part of our lives…something we don’t usually tell anyone about, because we are too ashamed. Even with this Sexual Sin Plague among us, Purity is still attainable and It is sustainable. Purity, is where true radiant freedom is found. The freedom of knowing that your Heavenly Father has your life story all planned out and he will protect you and give you the desires of your heart!!  
 
Maintain your sexual purity through the power of our Lord, Jesus Christ! 
The same power that conquered the grave, lives in us…so therefore we have the power to over come the temptations of this fallen world! 
 
I’ve heard many of my peers say that “God’s Standards are too high.” 
This Brothers and Sisters is completely wrong.   
We are all ‘called’ to live holy lives but, He will never set a standard that is too high for us to meet. He provides the power to live true purity out. 
 
Sexual purity for some, is just an impossible dream… If God calls, for a standard to be lived out – when a person surrenders his/her life to Christ, it is made possible. 
 
Always remember…
“You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honour God with your body” 
(I Corinthians 6:20). 
When you came to Christ, when you affirmed Him as Lord of your life, 
you surrendered your entire self, including your body, to God. 
He paid the ultimate price for it, 
shed blood of God Almighty!
 
Use your bodies to serve the Lord and keep your bodies clean and pure as a temple of the Holy Spirit. Sexual purity is a total commitment of sexual needs, desires, thoughts and actions to God. Making a commitment to sexual purity is easy. Keeping that pledge can be a little more difficult. Sexual purity is 100% possible when God is in control of your life…Your Purity is worth fighting for! 
And remember is never to late to start living a life of purity. 
 
Until Next Time, 
 ~Kerrington 
 
Kerrington's Posts, {Life}

{Life} The struggle of saying “No!”

Written By: Kerrington Sweeney


Recently, I was asked to take another project on. The project was so very wonderful and I would have loved to have been apart of it…but the timing was just not right and I felt that it wasn’t what God, was calling me into at that season in my life.

The struggle and harsh battle that went on in my mind to say “No” to being apart of that project was a tough one. After awhile, of contemplating different ways to say no…I just flat out and told them I was unable to be apart of the project. Saying No, was a very difficult step for me.

A guilt overcame my heart for awhile that I wasn’t being apart of it…God stopped me in my tracks one day while I was still carrying the guilt and popped a thought into mind:

“If I was to sacrifice my own time for this project, when would I have my own time to read and mediate on God’s word? When would I be able to dig deep into the Word. When would I be able to simply listen and wait on the Holy Spirit? When would I have a chance to stop everything and simply pray?”

These were some, of the many thoughts deeply pressing in my mind. Truly, God has placed this on my heart to share and that is this…

Just because the project or opportunity is so amazing and it will do great things for the continued expansion of God’s Kingdom, doesn’t always mean it’s yours to take on. We each are called with a certain Life Ministry. Some busier, than others.

The next project you are asked to be apart of…step back and think twice about where your priorities are. I challenge you to take time, and pray deeply about these projects, before accepting the opportunities.

It takes a bit of courage and strength to say “No” to projects…but sometimes it’s God’s best for you to simply say “No.”

Thanks for joining me today! I hope you enjoyed and were encouraged! Bless you!

Until Next Time,

~Kerrington

Kerrington's Posts, {Beauty}

{Beauty} Unfading Beauty. 

Written By: Kerrington Sweeney


“…but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit which in God’s sight is very precious.” -1 Peter 3:4

Beauty, something often thought of something completely opposite of it’s true meaning. Whenever I personally hear the word ‘beauty’…I am always brought back to my 1st Family Vacation to Walt Disney World! When I seen the beautiful princess belle walking the park grounds greeting all the little children. There she was. True beauty right before my 7 year old eyes. I stood in amazement and awe.

She was dressed in a big sparkly yellow ball gown. With her hair done just perfectly. Her face was a master-piece of elaborate make-up. She had the perfect princess body. All around, she was a true beauty. She glowed with pure happiness, as she politely greeted each young child. A spirit of a great-self confidence oozed from within her. Of course, she was just payed to portray the perfect princess but, it was something else that made it so very realistic.

We are so often told to always remember that beauty comes from within the heart. Which yes it should. Just like the verse we started with today in 1 Peter 3:4. “…be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty…”

Yes, this is true. But, we don’t need to dress sloppy just to for the ‘hidden beauty’ criteria. We as Christian women are supposed to be an example to all the world. We are to be presentable. Honourable, and showing that having Christ with you, is that most incredible thing ever in this crazy world. Which yes it is 🙂

In conclusion today ladies, never be ashamed to wear a fancy dress and get your hair and nails done. God doesn’t look down on you in anger just because you decided to dress up and wear a pair of heels. If that is something that makes you happy, then God is happy too. Live beautifully my dears!
Until Next Time,

~Kerrington

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{UYM Bible Study} Registeration!!!

BIBLE STUDY UYM

Coming September 2015…With Guest-Writer Crystal Cyr, we will be on a journey together, discussing in depth, the book of Ephesians. In the form of an online Bible Study! This is our very first UYM online Bible Study. We hope you will join us, early every Saturday Morning, as we learn to constantly cling to the powerful words, of Our Heavenly Father.


Registration begins TODAY!

To Join us, click this link to the: UYM Bible Study Facebook Group.

In this online group, we will have discussion topics and also have time for prayer requests. If you have any questions…please message us here:

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 Until Next Time,

~The UYM Team

Kerrington's Posts, UYM

{Worth} Give up.

Written by: Kerrington Sweeney

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A weary, defeated, ragged soul stood before me. A soul that was in pieces scattered around, limp with no life left within her. Failure. Defeated. Worthless. Were the words so often spoken in her mind, on a vicious cycle that seemed to never end. She was numb to the Lord’s presence. She had no emotional balance. She was in a place of utter chaos and complete ridiculous confusion…A season of wandering, searching, and questioning, if she even had a purpose anymore was set before her. Would she begin to take up the quest in hope of finding true purpose once again or would she continue to lay limp, life-less in a state of dark defeat?

This weary soul felt no reason to pray. No reason to read her Bible and not even an ounce of reason to attend a Church service. She was tired. Weak. Ready to honestly… give up. What was the point anymore? She thought.

This soul, sad to say…was my own. Spiritually, physically, and emotionally collapsing on a daily basis. No strength to fight against the fiery attacks from the dark enemy. He came attempting with all his might to steal, kill, and destroy me. Oh, and did the attacks ever come…In these moments, tears of overflowing abundance came rushing in. As I sat up in bed one night, sharing this stressful struggle with my Mum, I felt so ashamed not being able to get through this season on my own.

My Mum though, shared such great amounts of profound wisdom with me. It was said in such a way of Love and never at all made feel shame or defeated. She was a true beacon of Light and Hope that night. I now step back and look at the entire situation and the healing process journey, I am now on I stand in awe, The Lord was with me every single moment.

Romans 5:8 “I loved you, at your darkest hour.”

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

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans of prosperity and not for evil. Plans to give you a hope and a future.”

This verse was a bright light to me. I sat in awe of my Heavenly Father, as He showered me with such great amounts of His tangible unending love…All the moments of chaos and the many feelings of utter defeat…I didn’t even need to worry, because God has special plans and a great purpose in mind for my life before He even knit me together in my mother’s womb. He had and still has plans for me. He knew that I would go through this season and He knew that I would come out of it a stronger woman in my Faith. For everything there is a time and a season. Trust Him…As hard as it gets. Trust God with everything you’ve got and NEVER Give up!!

Until Next Time,

~Kerrington

Kerrington's Posts, {Love}

{Love} She wants a Gentleman…

Written by: Kerrington Sweeney

SWAG post

“Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, and dignity.” -Titus 2:7 

Today, I am going to be chatting a bit, about something that is very crucial in this time and hour in our culture. And that my friends, is…What qualities, young Christian women want in a guy! Of course I can’t speak for all, but I do know that I am speaking for a majority of young women. These are qualities that are so very near and dear to my heart and the hearts of many other young women. I recently organized a miniature poll in the Young Christian Women community and asked the question:

“What are some qualities that is Important to you, in a guy?” 

These are real young women, with real passions to serve Christ with their guy/girl relationships. With very real answers. I was totally blown away by the wisdom these ladies had to share. Here are some of the results from the poll:

  1. Lover Of Christ.

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind.” -Luke 20:27 

We want someone who is a guy that is devoted to The Lord with all of his heart. Someone who has a sincere burning passion to follow Christ with everything he’s got. Someone who is willing to lay down his life for his faith. Someone who is so in love with Jesus, its flows in his veins, it’s part of his very being. Someone who daily digs deep into the word and is a powerful young man of God.

  1. Values and Protects Purity.

“Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.” -1 Corinthians 6:18

Someone who sees our virginity as an incredible valuable treasure. Someone who would do everything in his power to protect that treasure. Someone who wouldn’t push his own ways, but value us and our personal boundaries. Someone who has a spirit of Self-control.

  1. Respectful.

 “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” -Romans 12:10 

This one, is a huge-missed used joke in the culture we live in. Whether it’s respect for each other in the relationship, or respect for the families of the guy/girl. This is a true lost art; but respect is something that is a definite must in a relationship. Respectful guys are super-hard to come by these days.

  1. Trustworthy.

“A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence.” -Proverbs 11:13 

Someone in whom we can place our full-complete trust in. Someone who we can talk with, through the hard times, and know that we will be supported by them and lifted up daily, if needed. Someone who we can run to and talk about the fierce challenges we, as young women are facing and find a sense of refuge and of comfort. This also goes further than just trust in each other, we want someone who has an anchored trust in God. Someone who can pray for peace in the times of chaos and hardship. (Because yes, those may come) Someone who can become a strong spiritual leader of the home.

  1. Honesty.

“Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” -John 17:17 

The quality of being honest. Something that has been so truly lost in the dark shadows. We want someone who is nothing, but completely honest with us. Someone who lets us know when things are not going so well…someone who is not afraid to tell us the trials, they are going through.

  1. Hard-working.

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” -Colossians 3:23 

We want someone who is hard-working, someone who has strong work ethics. Someone who will be able to support the family both physically and spiritually. A young man of integrity in all his work. Someone who isn’t afraid to step up to the plate and work hard for his family and his friends. Someone who won’t give up, no matter the situation.

  1. Willing to wait.

“Jacob served seven years for his Rachel and they seemed to him, but only a few days because of his true-passionate love for her.” -Genesis 29:20

We want someone who is willing to wait for us, no matter what the wait maybe. Someone who is willing to wait patiently till our parents say we have their blessing, and for The Lord to give us the ‘Go-ahead.’ Waiting is also a lost quality in the Young men of today.

  1. Humble.

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.” -1 Peter 5:6 

Someone who is proud, but not prideful. Someone who is confident, but not cocky. Someone who is willing to get down on the same level as others, to fully understand what people are going through. Someone who has a gentle spirit of humility. What raises a man up more than any other earthly thing is his ability to humble himself. A real man doesn’t need to talk up who he is, because his life does that for him. He can put away the talk, because a man of humility is focused so much more on his walk. He is so quick to listen, slow to speak and even slower to become angry because he has put away his “rights” for the right to be selfless, loving and oh-so full of grace.

  1. Courageous.

“Be strong and courageous.”  -Deuteronomy 31:6 

Someone who is willing to fight for us.  Willing to take on a battle at any time just to protect us, willing to give his life for us. Someone who is strong and courageous in all his ways.

  1. Loves us.

“Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” -Genesis 2:24

Last, but not at all the least. We simply want someone who is so in love with us. Someone who would spend every waking minute with us, if they could. Someone who is into doing random sweet gestures and is always there to encourage. Someone who simply Treasures us for who we are.

Until Next Time,

~Kerrington 

Kerrington's Posts, {Faith}

{Faith} Something in the water.

Written By: Kerrington Sweeney

WATER Baptism

To this day, I will never forget the moment my life had its powerful changing turn-point. Sunday, July 20th 2013, was a day, I was changed in an instance. I have written about this particular Life event before  but, not quite this way. God keeps laying it on my heart….So share, I must!

On that particular Sunday a couple years ago, it was Baptismal Service. Oh, How I love Baptism Sundays. Such an amazing experience to watch!!

As I stood at the front of the church sanctuary (auditorium) watching many wonderful people be baptized for the very first time that day…The Lord was really tugging deeply on my heart. Me, being me at this point…didn’t really pick-up on the clues or nudges of the Holy Spirit. I just rolled them off, like they were absolutely nothing.

Little did I know, that this certain Sunday would be an unforgettable bookmarked day, on my “Life’s Timeline.” Near the end of the baptism service my senior Pastor said to the congregation…”If there is ANY one feeling like they would like to be baptized this morning come on up…we will find you a towel!! God has SO much in store for you, so much waiting for you. Just be obedient to the Holy Spirit’s leading.”

When these words were spoken…something literally leapt within my spirit man or woman I should say haha! I couldn’t stop myself it was almost like it wasn’t even me. I ran across the sanctuary (no joke…I booked it!!) To chat with my Mom who was standing on the opposite side. My Mom told me, “Listen to the Lord’s leading.” With that quick chat…I was off again making my way to the front…in the direction of the baptismal tank. I was ready for everything God had waiting for me. I was ready for “the more.” Now at this point in the post, I should inform you that I had already been baptized before that Sunday but, God had something else in mind for that Sunday.

I am now waiting near the baptismal tank in great anticipation. My heart is pounding, my legs weak, my soul so ready. For special life events, such as this, in the church, we almost every time have some sort of information class or time of preparing the heart for water baptism. Getting yourself ready for what God had coming for you, etc.

In this instance,  I didn’t have that ‘time of preparation’ although, in these moments right before stepping into the tank of water…I have never felt so prepared and ready before, in my entire life. I stepped into the water with the previous knowledge and understanding that I wasn’t coming out of that tank the person I was before. In that very moment…My past, My present, and My future were in line with the Holy Spirit, on levels I never imagined existed.

My Pastors, confirmed that this was a very powerful day in my Life. They said very clearly that my previous baptism was a personal connection with my Heavenly Father but, that TODAY wad a baptism of ministry. Everything that God was calling me into, was set in front of me. I was ready. I felt the deeper calling, coming directly into my heart. I was thrilled and ready for “the more.”

As I went down under the refreshing waters in the tank that day, something old (my past) was taken and washed away. I was cleansed deeply, soul, mind, body, and spirit. I came up from under the water, changed forever. No longer, would I be walking in my old life-style but, I would be walking in a brand new call upon my life. A new season. A changed heart.

That day, the flood gates of the Holy Spirit opened wide within me. A change happened that day…I wasn’t expecting it. It was just an ordinary moment, face to face with my extraordinary Heavenly Father. He crashed over me like a tidal wave. His Love was abundant. Never ending. Eternal.

Until Next Time,

~Kerrington

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{BIG REVEAL} UYM Promo Video!

UYM Promo video posting
Click Image to watch video!

God has been doing so much in and through Uniquely Yours Ministries…

It has been incredible to simply step back and see all that God is doing in the lives of our readership! The devoted women of faith committed to encourage on our team are truly amazing! This video project has been a joyful, stressful, yet such a rewarding experience that we have all been SO blessed to be apart of. We so look forward to continue writing and by God’s grace, touching more lives than ever before! We know that this Women’s Ministry is NOT at all about us or our team but, rather that when friends read our posts, they are instantly pointed up to Jesus! Because that, is the true purpose and meaning behind our ministry. To be able to see, women of all ages, backgrounds, and faiths, rise up and be everything God has truly called each of them to be. Blessings to you all!

Until Next Time,

~The UYM Team

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{BIG REVEAL} Friday!!! 

 
{BIG REVEAL} Coming this Friday at 10am EST! Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss this very special tribute! The UYM team, along with our incredibly talented in-house Director of Videography, Joshua Chaulk are very thrilled to share this wonderful project with you!!!  #SHINEproject 💛

Until Next Time,

~Kerrington