Guest-Writers, Joceline's Posts, Kerrington's Posts

{Sisters Week!} “Sweeney Girls.”

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What a lovely pleasure it is, to be able to co-write alongside both of my Wonderful younger sisters.

Sisters week sweeney girls pictureLet me introduce ourselves… I’m Kerrington… The 17 year old, tea-drinkin’, jewelry wearing, crazy lover of Jesus and of course…writing! I’m a true born Red-head, (or “ginger” you could say…ha-ha!) Yes! Not even an ounce of hair die, on this chicka. 😉

Ireland, our younger sister is…The 15 year old, desk-building, measuring-tape and baseball-cap wearing, super sporty, outdoorsy blonde.
And last… but definitely not the least! Our youngest sister, Jillianne. The 11 year old…fire-cracker, swimmer, fashion diva, whom also is a true born red-head.
As you can already see, we are really nothing at all alike. Unique. Is the word I like to use, so often.

We all have grown up together in a solid Christian Home and have been Home-schooled since day one. So not only are these two beauties my sweet sisters, they are also my fellow classmates. Our parents have taught each of us, even at a young age to serve God with everything we have. No matter what we do, big or small… To do it unto the Lord. This is always, something that has stuck with me.

As the years go on, I now stop and reflect on the past memories from our child-hood and see, how much our parents poured into of each us, so uniquely to our young developing characters. My parents have come to the true realization, that each child is different. But it’s a beautiful difference…
I always remember growing up, not feeling like I had to be like my parents, or even be like my sister(s) to be loved. They treated each of us with a tender love but, it was unique for our character and for our own love languages. 
  They never told us, to be more like the other. They let us develop our own likes and interests according to our God-ordained destinies. I truly believe that’s what has continued to shape each of us, into the Unique-Godly young women that we are becoming today.
 Although, we each are so very different, and some of us have talents that the others may not have…we still always have one thing in common. And that is to serve God with everything we have. Big or small. As I think towards the future of our sister-hood, I am sadden at the thought of one of us “sisters” Leaving the family ‘nest.’ Luckily, that day has not yet come in our family and we still have plenty of time to cherish these precious moments we share together, as Sisters.
As I continued to prepare for this Sister’s post… A thought, I never had really thought before, struck me. And it broke my heart into many pieces.
“Do I truly show Christ’s love towards my sisters’?” And as I thought about it for a bit, My heart started to ache even more. Because I knew deep down, that I had failed in this area many times. Yes, failed.
We are all human, and yes, we all make mistakes but, that’s how the Lord daily challenges us, to change our ways for the better. A feeling of guilt…followed by a step, towards the restoration process of a loving sister-relationship, Is an incredible thing, I am happy to be a part of.
Today, No matter how hard it is… I chose to Love my sisters, just as Christ loves us. With an everlasting unconditional Love. A love that is patient, and kind. A love, that is not proud or self-seeking. A love, that is not easily angered, Or one that keeps record of wrong doings. A love that does not delight in the evil but, Rejoices together in the truth. A love that always trusts, and always has a hope. A love, that always perseveres.  A love, that lasts a life time.
Until Next Time,
~Kerrington
Amy's Posts, Angela's Posts, Discovering God, Guest-Writers, Joceline's Posts, Kerrington's Posts, Krystyn's Posts, Let's talk about Dating, Life in the Spirit, Luisa's Posts, Marnie's Posts, Rachel's Posts, Sienna's Posts, Soul-Searching Sundays, Taylor's Posts, UYM, UYM Runway, {Beauty}, {Faith}, {Life}, {Love}

{#SHINEproject}

Uniquely Yours Ministries, is very thrilled to announce… “Shine Project!”

SHINEproject

#SHINEproject is a promotional campaign dedicated to reaching out and encouraging women in communities across the globe. With the help of you, our dear readership…We are in pursuit of reaching new heights of ministry! Here is our ultimate GOAL:

-3,000 Likes on Facebook

-500 Followers on Instagram

-500 followers on Twitter

We have exactly ONE month, 30 days to accomplish this amazing ministry goal! We believe that with God, ALL things are made possible…With many exciting campaign kick-starters, encouraging scriptures, inspirational videos, special tributes from The UYM team and much more coming your way…You will have the pleasure of sharing, with all your friends and family. This month, will be an incredible month for UYM! Join us August 1st-August 31st for #SHINEproject! We would love to see what you are sharing and doing to promote SHINE in your community!  You may be wondering…”How can I help?” Well, by simply pressing that share button at the bottom of this post, you may just be changing a life forever 🙂 Shining through social-media! So please use our hashtag, on ALL sources of social media. Thank you in advance for your support! We are so grateful!

Click HERE to watch the exciting Promo Video of #SHINEproject!

Until Next Time,

~The UYM Team

Kerrington's Posts, UYM

{Worth} …Failure! 

Written by: Kerrington Sweeney 
 
Reading that title your heart may be weary and heavy-burdened but, I am here to reassure you; There is a beam of light and of hope, at the end of this dark tunnel.
 
Failure…It’s just one of those things that even the strongest, most intelligent, most confident of us fear. Whether it’s starting a new endeavor or succeeding at the one you’re currently in, it’s difficult to escape the concern in the back of our minds, that we might just screw up and fail.
 
The feeling of complete failure, to be honest… Is still something I daily struggle with. Feelings of worthlessness and not measuring-up have crept into my weary heart.
 
The lack of self-confidence and fear of failure is a built-in strong-hold on so many of us women folk. It holds us back from fulfilling our God-given dreams and desires. It is something created by Satan, himself to attack us from doing God’s will on the earth and distract us in our Walk with Christ.
 
“How do I overcome these feelings of failure?”
 
As I too questioned this, I dug deep into the word. I was promptly reminded of the verse founded in
Psalm 46:5(a) it reads…
“God is within her, she will not fail.”
 
This verse truly inspired me. Yes, we will still fail at times, we are all human but, Christ died 2,000 years ago and took all the blame. The feeling of failure is not something that will stay on you forever, because He took your feelings of failure away and He washed you white as snow. He took every mistake, every regret, every lie, every dark valley, every failure, He took it ALL.
 
Though the feelings of failure, will still occasionally rise in our spirit man, we can live knowing that we have a God that is believing in us.
And He (Creator of the whole universe, I might add) is proud of us!! 
If He is for us, then who shall be against us?
 
Until Next Time,
 

 ~Kerrington

Kerrington's Posts, {Beauty}

{Beauty} Proverbs 31 Woman! 

Written by: Kerrington Sweeney 

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I just love the ‘Proverbs 31 Woman’ passage. Each and every verse is so very special to me and these verses play very unique roles in my life! In this blog-post I want to go through some of the verses and try to explain them a little more in-depth and into more modern terms. That way my generation of young women will be able to understand and appreciate ‘Proverbs 31’ much, much more. So many young women (including myself) have had this mindset that Proverbs 31 can’t have anything good to do with a woman unless your a ‘Mrs.’ but in reality it is teaching all generations of women!! Often, Women believe that Proverbs 31 doesn’t really apply to our modern day lives, but truly it does. Today I am going to help you discover the ‘Proverbs 31 woman’ Within yourself. The Proverbs 31 woman is referred to as “the virtuous woman.” 

She is definitely a role model for us all. She’s someone who uses all she has and does all she can with excellence. She glorifies God in everything she does, big or small. She is honest, trustworthy and generous. She is a good steward, understands people, plans for the future and likes to put together a nice outfit 😉 

She’s a very wise woman, using what is “in her hands” to influence and enhance the lives of those in her circle. She realizes that she doesn’t have to “do it all” to be effective. She knows how to evaluate, invest, encourage and ultimately brings out the best in people around her! 

A Proverbs 31 woman is a model of character traits and of wisdom. She may well have skill and beauty, but these are of secondary importance to her godliness! 

{Proverbs 31:10} “…she is far more precious than jewels.” 

Ladies!! You may not feel it sometimes, but you are so very precious in God’s eyes, you are worth more than any jewels ❤️

{Proverbs 31:15} “She provides for her house-hold before the day even begins and this multiplies the effectiveness of her work.” 

I love that part ‘before the day begins’ for us younger ladies, I truly believe that means getting up early and reading our Bibles and doing our devotions faithfully, not just once a week, but faithfully. Everyday, digging deep into his word because one day we will see the ‘effectiveness of our hard work’ by reading his word daily. 

 A Virtuous Woman is a homemaker. She creates an inviting atmosphere of warmth and love for her family And their many guests. She uses hospitality to minister to those around her. She is very charitable 🙂

{Proverbs 31:18} “She is confident that her profits are sufficient…” 

She is not confined to her home, but she is engaged in her own business. This part of Proverbs 31 demonstrates remarkable financial independence for a woman, especially in the Bible times. This verse to me means, that we should be wise stewards of our money even at a young age. Training ourselves to be good financial managers of our money before we have the pleasure of taking care, of the finances of our own households. She is productive! 

She works willingly with her hands. She sings praises to God & does not grumble while completing her daily tasks and challenges. 

{Proverbs 31:20} “She opens her hands to the poor and reaches out her arms to the needy.”  

She is not prideful, she does not walk around with a turned-up nose. She has a genuine concern for the less fortunate. She is a true Builder of Community! 

{Proverbs 31:23} “…she sits with the elders of the land.” 

She enjoys the company of her elders and excels with the wisdom they bestow upon her. She respects every word of wisdom.

{Proverbs 31:25} “She is clothed in strength and dignity. She laughs without fear of the future.” 

Strength and dignity are so much a part of her character, that they seem like they are her clothing. She laughs at the future, in contrast of being anxious and worried or even fearful about what is to come. She prayerfully considers the decisions that have to be made, (even at our young age.) God gives her guidance and direction of which path to choose. 

{Proverbs 31:26} “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”

The Wisdom that is taught by this woman is incredibly-remarkable. She is wise beyond her years. 

Hence why, “she sits with the elders of the land.” She speaks with kindness. Every word that leaves her mouth is glorifying to God. She speaks with a gentle, loving spirit. 

{Proverbs 31:29} “Many daughters have done excellently, but you surpass them all.”  

She is a set-apart young woman from the culture of today. She’s not afraid to be unique And go against the crowd. She is victorious!! 

{Proverbs 31:30} “Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” 

A Woman who fears the Lord will excel in anything she does. Bringing me back to the point of digging deep into his word 😉 God’s word is food for the soul! 

She is a woman of worth and of beauty. She has the inner beauty,  that only comes from Jesus Christ. She uses her creativity and sense of style to create beauty in her life And the lives of her loved ones. 

{Proverbs 31:31} “Let us honour her, for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gates.” 

Ladies, our goals should never be to seek honour and praises for the work we have done, but if God blesses you for the things you have accomplished don’t ever feel unworthy of accepting these “praises” you deserve them, my dear! 

Last, but not least. Being a Proverbs 31 woman is not about being that “perfect” Christian. It’s about living a full-life for His purpose! 

Until next time, 

~Kerrington 

Kerrington's Posts, {Love}

{Love} Courtship.

Written by: Kerrington Sweeney

Courtship

For many, Courtship may seem like such an old-fashioned, outdated word that conjures up images of a young couple sitting in a tidy living room, under the very watchful eye of the daughter’s parents, until the fella gets down on one knee and proposes, but in reality. Courtship is a beautiful friendship between a young man and a young woman in which they seek to determine, if it is God’s divine will for them to marry each other.

Under the safe protection, guidance, and blessing of parents or mentors, the courting couple concentrates on developing a special deep friendship and bond that could lead to a future marriage, As they discern their readiness for marriage and God’s perfect timing for their marriage. Courtship is a choice to avoid temptations and experience the blessings of purity.

1 Corinthians 7:1-2 says…”Now for the matters you wrote about: “It is not good for a man to have sexual relations with a woman.”But since sexual immorality is occurring, each man should have sexual relations with only his own wife, and each woman with only her own husband.” 

It is a choice to not emotionally give away your heart, piece by piece, to many others like through the ‘casual’ dating relationships and instead of having the pleasure of giving your whole heart to your ultimate life partner. Most teenagers and young adults these days, just date because it is the thing to do. It is an established cultural norm to be followed without further question. The fact that “everybody does it” is not a reason for continuing to do it, but a reason for questioning it.

 1 John 2:15-17 says this…”Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life…is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” 

Courtship is a choice, a powerful choice. To wait for God’s best, for His glory. It is a decision to walk by faith, to trust in God with your whole heart, it’s to honor others above yourself, and to truly believe that God will bless you bountifully because, He truly is the creator of love.

I look forward daily to my future courtship one day, because it’s so very special and unique, it’s nothing like the normal “dating” of today’s culture. It’s a much more deeper way of getting to know one another, without any physical attachments. When I think about my future courtship, I look forward to having the pleasure of saving our first kiss for our wedding day…I know many people think, that is cheesy, super lame, and undoable in today’s culture, but personally I think it’s a beautiful display of honor and respect towards one another. Courtship, could easily become just another type of “worldly casual dating” very quickly, if some simple Guidelines are not followed. Here are a few tips to make sure that won’t happen in your Courtship:

  1. He **MUST** be a Believer of Jesus Christ! 

2 Corinthians 6:14 states…”Do not be yoked together with ANY unbelievers…”

Make sure you both are on the same page about your faiths. He should have a very solid relationship with Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior! Is this the man you want to be the Spiritual leader of your home, one day?? Keep that in high priority in your mind, while you are in this long deciding process.


  1. Honor your Parents! 

It says in the Bible in…

Exodus 20:12…”Honor thy Father and thy Mother.”

What a better way to show honor and respect, towards our parents, then having them assist us in this new-exciting experience of courtship?! Have them highly involved in your Courtships, ask for their wisdom often! Especially, while making any decisions with your courting ‘partner.’


  1. Have Accountability Partners!  

Learning to be Accountable can be a bit of a difficult task for some, but it is a must in the beginning steps of a courtship. We all are way more responsible when we are held accountable for our actions. Make a list together of your resolutions and guidelines for your courtship and give that list to some mentoring couples and accountability partners. These could be your parents, other married couples from your Church, friends, roommates, family members. Basically, you are looking for people you trust and respect to be able to talk with openly about your relationship. They should be able to ask you at any time how your are doing….if you are properly keeping your resolutions–and you need to be able to answer them honestly.


  1. Pray, Pray, and umm….Pray!

Pray tons together during your courtships, have God’s presence with you both, all the time. Seek His Face together, do your devotions together, do your Bible reading together, speak words of encouragement over each other’s Life. Keep this a fully-Christ centered friendship.


  1. Don’t ever be ashamed!!

When people ask you…”So are you two Dating?!”

Never be ashamed to answer back, with “Actually, we are courting and loving every minute of it!” When they ask…what’s the difference between courting and dating? You can then begin to explain, what makes your friendship, so very different than the worldly relationships of today. Never be ashamed as a couple of your Courtship!


6. HANDS OFF!

2 Timothy 2:22 states…”Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts…” 

During a courtship, it’s not time to see if he’s a good kisser or not. It’s a special time, to seek The Lord’s guidance in hope of a future marriage. Many people in casual dating relationships, have the mindset of “It’s just holding hands and kissing…nothing will make us go past over the “cliff.” But it just takes one little step, to tumble over into that dark pit…’the loss of purity.’ Keep yourselves as focused on God as possible in your courtship. Remember, words can be just as touching and lovey dovey, as holding hands or kissing.  Speak your love for each other instead of showing it in the ‘physical’ ways.


  1. Don’t let your complete Guard down!

Guard your hearts and do not dive emotionally into a courtship relationship head first. Give yourselves time to learn about each other. Do not open up all your intimate secrets, desires and longings to each other immediately, just because you are courting. Allow your relationship to grow stronger naturally. Keep the mystery alive by not revealing everything all at once…The problem with “dumping” on each other emotionally early on in a courtship, is that if you later discern that you are not called to marriage you could have many regrets over having shared those intimate thoughts and secrets with someone who will not be your husband. You need to be honest with each other, but that does not mean you have to reveal everything right away. As the friendship grows, you will discover a natural pace for sharing those emotional intimacies.


  1. Be active together in your Faith community! 

Courtship is a great time to grow in your faith together and to spend time together in your faith communities 🙂 In this way your relationship is supported by like-minded people who will become for you that community that celebrates with you in times of joy, consoles you in times of grieving, and that lifts you up in times of hardship! We cannot live in isolation, we need that community to be there for us, which means, we need to be there for them as well.


  1. Be involved!!

Have fun attending church events and activities together, volunteer service time together, and join in prayer groups and Bible studies together. These opportunities to spend time together, in a larger group settings, help you to learn much about each other by seeing how each other deals with a variety of situations and other persons…and are great opportunities to dedicate your time together and talents to The Lord.


  1. Keep the Romance alive! 

Remember romance doesn’t just mean kissing and holding hands, Romance can be simple sweet gestures. Roses, pandora charms, chocolates, walks in the park, picnics, etc. Without all the Physical attachments in your courtship you have more time to focus on the little romantic things to do, to make your partner smile 🙂


…To end this post, I would like to be completely clear that if you are a Christian and are in a casual dating relationship, I’m not at ALL saying that what you are doing is a bad thing… Your life, your decisions! But for all the single ladies out there (including myself)…I want you today, to make a choice. A choice that could very easily change the entire course of your life. Don’t just date because it’s the thing to do, evaluate the situation you are in and never forget to consider a Courtship.

Until Next Time,

~Kerrington 

Kerrington's Posts, {Faith}

{Faith} Your Day will come.

Written by: Kerrington Sweeney 

Watching Friends receive huge blessings and living full lives, is sometimes an overflowing bucket of mixed feelings and emotions for me. Happiness and joy for them of course, and at times a bit of jealousy. Yes, Jealousy. Thank goodness for God’s grace. 

“For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.” ~James 3:16 

…The pure sight of excitement watching a ton of my girl-friends my age, this past year start new sweet relationships with their beau’s, was starting to rub off on me. 

“When will my day ever come?!?” Was the question, I asked frequently of myself. 

 

Thoughts of, Are my standards too high? Should I be working out? Should I dye my hair? Should I lose weight? Should I try and become less of a “church girl”? Should I get a new wardrobe? Should I be changing the way I live my life? ….Why am I still single?!?!?

When these thoughts arose in my heart and soul….The Lord shattered me with a glimpse of hope and of instruction. 

“Kerrington, Your day will come. In this continued season of waiting, I want you to do nothing but, listen to me. Don’t ever change your standards or the way I have created you to be, just to get that significant other. I have created you unique on purpose the way you are, and I intend to keep you that way. You are my precious daughter, in whom I am well pleased…Continue on this journey with me as your guide and you will bear much fruit in the near future. Come my daughter, and follow me.” 

After hearing these wise words so vividly from God; I thought back and I couldn’t even believe myself for thinking the things that I had been. I was ready to lower my standards, and completely alter my close relationship with God. I was ready and prepared to start changing my body image. I was ready to change my life, in sheer hope of…”Maybe somebody will have me?”

I felt so ashamed of my past thought life and on spot asked God for His forgiveness. Once again, He washed me, white as snow and cleared my “Life slate” of the filthy darkness. It was a brand new day in my life! I was ready to take it on, with the Lord’s almighty help.

In this season of my life, I have truly learnt many difficult lessons, on being genuinely happy for others. Even when they receive something, I so desperately want, have waited for and have desperately petitioned in prayer for. 

“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” ~Proverbs 14:30 

Today in closing, I leave you with a challenge. Some of you may not even take this seriously, and some of you may take time and follow through with this. God’s got something waiting for you, I suggest to follow through 🙂 

…May your hearts be at peace in the Season of life that you are currently in. Leave all jealousy and feelings of envy at the foot of the cross. Walk in absolute freedom and awe of your Heavenly Father. Worship Him, with everything you have within you. Pray to Him on your knees, till they blister. Honour Him today with your Life. Thank Him, for the Life He has truly blessed you with. Pray for those friends who have received the blessings before you and Always remember,

“Your day will come.” 

Until Next Time, 

~Kerrington 

Angela's Posts, Kerrington's Posts, Life in the Spirit, Rachel's Posts, UYM Runway

{EVENT} Inspiring Girls Night…

Written By: Kerrington Sweeney

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Our very first Girls Outreach event was such a wonderful success! Thank you to everyone who poured in lots of time (My Family and The UYM Team)

To those who donated such beautiful items to this event, we wouldn’t have been able to bless these girls and women without you! Also a HUGE warm Thank you, to all our guests who came out to show your support!

Thank you Inspired Christian Storehouse for the use of your beautiful facility and for believing so-highly in our Women’s Ministry.

Angela Ridsdale, one of our Monthly-Writers captured this night through the lenses of her camera…and for that we are all so very grateful!

What a memorable night it truly was, for us all.

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 Our very first “UYM Ministry Table.” Looking forward to using all this cute stuff again at other events. It was the perfect place for the young girls and ladies to sign up for, daily emails of encouragement from our blog and just to read a bit more about our ministry.

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I had seen this idea done at a couple women’s conferences over the past few years and just had to have this at our girls event. The Bathroom Mirror of Encouragement!

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Weekly Writer, Joceline Sweeney planned a super-fun game to start off the night with some laughs. The girls and ladies just loved it! Great memories.

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UYM Worship, Featuring Olivia Wilson & Drew Pouget. Incredible time spent worshipping Our King. Such a deep love for worship was brewing that night.

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While we were worshipping together, My Sister Ireland Sweeney was prophetically painting, a beautiful master-piece of artwork, to give to one of the ladies that night. Such a talented young lady.

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A quick picture of myself, taking a moment simply soaking it all in… I couldn’t believe it, Our very first event was here! God is so good.

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Myself and Weekend-Writer, Rachel Shaw had the opportunity to Guest-Speak that night. We spoke together to the ladies on Love, Relationships, and Season of Waiting.

Everything was beautiful that night! We are so blessed, to be continuing to serve God with our whole hearts. We are made with one true sole purpose, and that is knowing Him, and making His name known.

Looking forward to hosting another Girls Outreach Event soon!

Until Next Time,

~Kerrington

Kerrington's Posts, {Life}

{Life} An Encourager In need…

Written by: Kerrington Sweeney   
Ask anyone, I would be described as “the encourager.” I try my very best, to always stay positive and optimistic. A bright light, in all sorts of crazy situations and a hand stretched out, if help is needed. 

A shoulder to cry on. A voice of wisdom and encouragement. A text away to get instant prayer…that’s just who I was created to be. I am always at a moments notice, ready to give up anything and go without something, to see someone go further in their walk, with Jesus Christ. 

A few months back, I went through a very rough battle season of my life. I was physically attacked by sickness, emotionally drained and spiritually on a desperate searching quest. Searching for something more. Something to quench my never ending thirst of strength, in both my physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. 

Between hospital visits, tons of doctors appointments, many sleepless nights and the horrific daily throwing up sessions for almost an entire month… I had absolutely no strength left. No encouragement to give. I was in a state of lifelessness. Weak, tired, and exhausted. 

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.” ~Ephesians 6:10

In those moments, I felt like doing nothing, but drop to my knees and cry for hours. Being on the other end, of having to receive encouragement from others, then having the pleasure of freely giving it. Being that Encourager, in desperate need of my own dose of encouragement and prayer, was not a place I liked to be in. 
The incredible amounts of encouragement and prayers, I so graciously received through that time were each a sincere blessing to my weary heart. My Friends and Family, sent prayers, gifts, flowers, cards, text messages and phone calls. Tearing up just thinking of the amounts of true love and care that was shown to me…

“Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” ~Matthew 11:28

There was of course, at least 10,000 reasons I could have complained about my situation. Which yes, I still complained…I’m human! I complained about the terrible physical battle I was fighting, that felt like a never-ending cycle of sickness. In amongst my pain and struggles, I daily challenged myself to find 10,000 reasons to be thankful to The Lord. For He, did not put that attack on my body. He was there to restore, equip, and heal me. 

I just had to simply believe. The battles you may be fighting, the hurts you hold on to, the struggles that are constantly bombarding your everyday life…Give them up. Hand the keys over to God, let Him lock those things out of your life. He has plans for you. I pray, this post was encouraging to you. 

I pray, that you are able to walk away from here today and have the strength to encourage a “Sister” in need today like I once was. Bless you readers! 

Until Next Time, 

~Kerrington 

Kerrington's Posts, {Faith}

{Faith} Answering the Call. 

Written by: Kerrington Sweeney

(Click image to read more about: Kerrington Sweeney)

I am a Passionate servant of Jesus Christ my Lord and Saviour. I am a redeemed Daughter of the precious Almighty King. To be honest, I am definitely a work-in-progress but, I feel so blessed to be able to continue serving God with absolutely my whole heart. I feel God’s ‘call’ to become a Women’s Pastor and Women’s Counsellor one day, and by God’s amazing grace I hope to fulfill both of those callings! From day one, I have grown up in the church; I’ve been raised by Godly parents, who also had Christian up-bringing’s. I have been homeschooled my whole school career. You might say that I’m considered to be, one of those “Church girls.” Every time you say that you are a Church-going, Homeschooled girl….They instantly think you are some sort of a social out-cast…Who has no place in this world; Someone who has no dreams, no passions, no desires.

As the years of my childhood went by, I started finding out, that I had a true love for writing…but I never truly pursued it. Until, I was 9 years old…I felt the “Writer’s Call” on my life. Not in a church service, a prayer room, or a special spiritual spot. I felt it…in my living room. This, is where God began to plant in my heart a true love and passion to see women of all ages rise up. He planted words deep into my heart. Words, that would touch many broken lives. This Call, among others was simply placed before me…not forced onto me. This call, was a free gifting for taking or saving for later. 

I was simply called. Not with a booming voice or a flash of lightning. A gentle and very tender whisper, from my precious Heavenly Father in the comfort of my own home. The Uniqueness of how it all happened still amazes me. What a BIG God we serve!! I live in daily awe. During this time, is when I decided to write and self-publish my very 1st book! I even had a mini book release party with my parents and Grandparents. It was a day, forever etched in my memory bank. 

Time has gone by, it is now September 2013 in our little story. I am 15 years old and I have just been asked to Guest-post on my dear friends women’s ministry blog. This is when everything truly started to unfold. That November of 2013, I started praying and petitioning God, about starting my own ministry blog for women and with much consideration and God confirmations, I launched my own blog that month. 

This was a huge step for me, in faith trusting God’s “call” to start this small online women’s ministry….As I began, followers started trickling in. Of course, that is NOT how we judge our successes off of but, it is so encouraging to know that people are reading your work and are enjoying it.

 
Ever since that step in faith and act of obedience to God, He has opened many doors of opportunity for my Blogging Ministry… Such as being featured and interviewed on a Christian Radio Station based out of Sudbury, Guest-posting on a blog in England,  and also being promoted world-wide by many other Christian women bloggers, and having many dear friends become Guest-Author’s on my Blog!

A year and a half, has now gone by in our little story and God has spoken to me very vividly in a dream, that now was then, the time to begin preparations of a brand new website but, this time…to have an official writing team, ministry photographers, videographers, networking partners, advertising teams and more, the whole show! At first, I was a bit afraid because, I was to be the leadership of it all? Why me God? Am I truly capable of coordinating all of that?? These were just a few of the dozens of worries racing, in my mind. 
It is now October 2014 in our little story, preparations have already begun for the exciting reveal of this brand new ministry. I am getting more and more excited to have the opportunity to work with other Christian women writers but, who would they be? I thought. This was a fear in the back of my mind. As time went on, God truly planted in my heart a permanent peace about those decisions that had to me made. After a long while of praying deeply into the writers, He made it so crystal clear to me, in His perfect timing, who they would be.

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It is now July 7th, 2015, We are HERE!!! It’s been a joyful, stressful, yet so rewarding experience that I have been SO blessed to be apart of. As I sit here writing this, I am reminded of the incredibly-encouraging people who have been such a support to me ever since I started this journey towards this new ministry. I appreciate everyone of the words of encouragement, that have been spoken. I so look forward to continue writing and by God’s grace, touching more lives than ever before! I know that this Women’s Ministry is NOT at all about me or The UYM team but, rather that when they read our posts, they are instantly pointed up to Jesus! Because that friends, 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. 

Until Next Time, 

~Kerrington