Guest-Writers, UYM

{The Diamond Movement} Day 8!

The Diamond Movement

Written By: Megan Kincheloe

Not too long ago, I turned on the television and was immediately captivated by the Miss America pageant.  I am always in awe of how hard these ladies appear to work to prepare for this huge, once in a lifetime event.  Shortly after tuning in, it was time for the swimsuit competition.  As the first finalist took the stage, a very catchy song began to play and the beat was easy to bop along with.  After a few seconds, I became mindful of the lyrics to the song. “Baby I’m worth it, Uh huh I’m worth it.” (Fifth Harmony) I found myself singing along before long and then my Spirit quickly became saddened.  I started to think about our daughter and how she would define her worth as she continues to grow up and mature.
Not much time elapsed before I realized where the sadness originated.  Deep in my soul I was hoping our sweet girl would not follow in her mother’s footsteps as she learned to define her worth.  I desperately wanted to wake her up in that moment out of her sound sleep and teach her about her worth as a Princess and a daughter of the King.  I let her sleep.  Unfortunately, for quite a while after this moment, sleep evaded me.  I continued to ponder all of the ways I used to determine my worth in this world.  There lies problem number one.  I was attempting to ascertain my worth using worldly criteria.  Here are some ways that went down…
I based my worth on how many friends I had.  Sad, huh?  Don’t get me wrong…I absolutely LOVE people.  My philosophy has always been ‘the more, the merrier.’  I always confidently described myself as an extrovert.  Then I spent the past several years getting to know myself and decided that I could easily fall in love with being slightly more introverted.  God showed me the value of having a few, solid friendships and filled me with such peace as I learned the beauty in solitude. Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (NIV)  In these solid friendships, there is no devaluing of worth…because Christ is at the center of them, and you naturally inspire and encourage each other to be the best version of yourself you can possibly be.  And when you fall, there is no judgment. 
I based my worth on my appearance.  I specifically remember feeling super insecure if I was having excessive breakouts.  I struggled to look people in the eye, and would talk and laugh with my hand up close to my face as if I needed to cover them up.  I was also embarrassed because I never had name-brand clothes.  My mother was frugal and spent her money wisely, and while I never wanted for anything, I always wanted better.  I appreciate this so much at this stage of my life, however; back then I saw this as another reason to doubt my worth.  I wasn’t good enough to hang with the ‘in crowd’ because my pants didn’t have GAP stitched on them.
Sisters, let me tell you why you are invaluable.  Psalm 139:14 tells us, “You are fearfully and wonderfully made.”  Way before that even, Genesis tells us we were created in the image of God.  IN THE IMAGE OF GOD.  My gracious ladies!  Will you just pause for one moment and think about how our Heavenly Father grieves when we doubt our worth?  He created us and even numbered the hairs on our heads.  When we devalue ourselves, we are criticizing His handiwork!  His masterpiece!  You do not have worth because of anything you have done, sweet gals…but because of who HE is.  Nothing you say, nothing you do, nothing about your appearance, and nothing about your circumstances could ever cause Him to waiver on how much you are worth to Him.  You are worth so much that He gave His one…slow down and soak this in…He gave His ONE AND ONLY SON so that we may have eternal life.  ETERNAL LIFE.  I don’t know about you…but that convinces me that oh yeah, I’m worth it.

About Megan: 

Megan Kincheloe

Megan loves Jesus and is passionate about sharing His love with others. She loves to write and encourage other women to be bold in their faith. God has recently given her a burning desire to minister to teens to ensure they know their value in who He has created them to be. She has been a Christian for as long as she can remember but strayed away from living a lifestyle that represented Him well. She is forever grateful for His grace and mercy and endless pursuit of her heart, and hopes that her writing will encourage others to press forward in His grace. Megan has been married to Chris for 10 years and has 2 awesome children, Graycie and Colt.
Megan faithfully serves on the writing team at We are His Daughters! You can find more of her writing here: www.weareHisdaughters.com
Guest-Writers, Sienna's Posts, UYM

{The Diamond Movement} Day 7!

The Diamond Movement

Written By: Cindy Morrone

A Providential Moment (….way better than rubies)

As I stared into those beautiful baby’s eyes, something beyond a gaze happened.  A bond had transpired.  It was in that moment, that very moment, I knew that I knew I was exactly where I was to be.  A providential happening had just occurred!  

There was no fanfare or headline announcement, no; it was so much bigger…..it was confirmation that I was valuable, worthwhile, and precious.

Me!

Me…sitting at our kitchen table in our humble abode, with sweat pants and a hoodie on.  I am pretty sure my teeth were brushed, but doubt my hair was combed or that I had a stitch of make-up on.  Me…not sure what the day would hold and warding off fears, anxieties and insecurities about my ability to handle what the day might bring.

And just like that, an awareness had occurred that all of that just didn’t matter.  It wasn’t about how I looked; what you could see on the outside.  It wasn’t even about what I thought I had on the inside to offer.  It was about sharing what was so freely given to me; unconditional love.  Love on purpose without an expectation of receiving anything back.  His love to pour on others.  

It hasn’t always been this way for me.  For certain love has always been available.  Surely for all of us.  You too.  But there was a time, I was so uncertain about my worth, never knowing this kind of love.  So I desperately attempted to fill that empty hole inside.  Filling in vain and doing worse only led me down a path of self-destruction.  

What I did may look different than what you may be doing but the search remains the same and will end up in the same place……take warning!

You see, it wasn’t until I turned from finding my worth in how I looked or what I could or couldn’t do and instead, let my saving relationship with Jesus define me.  The path to finding out who you truly are; what you ….you…have been created to do; your life purpose; your worth and value starts when you know how precious you are to God.  How much He loves you.  Just for you; just because He does.

‘For I know the plans I have for you, ”declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

Jeremiah 29: 11-13

And as soon as we get this, the crazies start to happen!  Miracles of transformation!  Take warning!

You, my dear friends, are listening to a barren woman (one whose body has not been able to have children) share such a moment; bonding with another being that calls me, “Mama!”

About Cindy Morrone:  

Cindy Morrone

When not on the front porch swing beside her husband of 20 some years, she can be found being a Mama to her precious, twin daughters.  Now a stay-at-home, homeschooling Mom, Cindy has also recently had the joy of fostering with her family.  Outside of her home, she loves being a youth leader in her church.  Cindy is also honoured to be involved with We Are His Daughters ministry blog, and Women of Influence as the Teen Conference Coordinator.

Guest-Writers, UYM

{The Diamond Movement} Day 6!

The Diamond MovementWritten by: Mandy Lawrence-Hill

….worth far more than diamonds. (Proverbs 31:10 MSG)

The definition of worth is: “the level at which someone or something deserves to be valued or rated.”

Our culture is insistent that we find our ‘worth’ in various ways.  Where do you find your worth?

Do you find worth in your education?  Perhaps you have a degree or two from a prominent university, framed and boldly centered on your office wall.  Do you find your worth in your job?  Maybe you’ve climbed the ladder and have worked REALLY hard to earn the position you possess today.  Do you find your worth in a growing platform?  Maybe you have double the number of fans on Facebook or Twitter as your competitors.  Do you find your worth in your family?  I’ll bet you are pretty proud of the hard-working husband and beautiful children you call your own.  What about a car?  A boat?  Your hair?  Your home?  Your passion?  Your talent?  Your ministry? (Ouch)

Now, what if the very thing in which you found your worth was stripped away.  Would you still be worthy?

What if you have none of these things?  Does that make you worth less?

1 Peter 1: 3-7 says this: God has something stored up for you in heaven, where it will never decay or be ruined or disappear. You have faith in God, whose power will protect you until the last day. Then he will save you, just as he has always planned to do. On that day you will be glad, even if you have to go through many hard trials for a while. Your faith will be like gold that has been tested in a fire. And these trials will prove that your faith is worth much more than gold that can be destroyed. They will show that you will be given praise and honor and glory when Jesus Christ returns. (CEV)

Worth has nothing to do with anything you can possess or obtain in the physical sense.  Nothing you can buy, earn or create on this earth will increase your worth.  The value you feel in any of the things I mentioned above, or anything else other than God Himself will soon fade away.

It is only when you put your hope and faith in God, without reservation, without holding back, that your worth is far greater than diamond or rubies, my friend. 

Don’t settle for anything less.

Father God, thank You SO much for the hope that comes from the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus, and His truly miraculous resurrection.  We are so sorry for placing our value in anything other than the faith and hope we have in You, God.  Please forgive us.  Thank You for the reminder than without You, we truly are nothing; and in contrast, with You in our hearts we are YOURS and that makes us absolutely invaluable.  Thank You, God. Amen.

About Mandy:

Mandy Hill
Mandy is the founder of the ministry blog ‘We are His daughters’ and thoroughly enjoys writing and providing leadership to this ministry.  Mandy is an imperfect work in progress!  She loves the Lord with her whole heart and counts it her biggest privilege to serve Him in ministry however He leads.  Born and raised in Nova Scotia, she now resides in southern Ontario with her family.  She has been married to her handsome husband Nathan for 10 years and together they have served in ministry for the entirety of their marriage.  Nathan & Mandy have four beautiful children; Benjamin, Sophia; Spencer & Grayson.  Mandy is passionate about singing, worship leading and music.  She loves reading, writing, taking pictures, studying the bible and sipping salted caramel mocha’s at Starbucks while chatting with a friend!  She strives to be tidier, more organized (yes, she is a little compulsive!), a little more Martha Stewart-esque, and a little less ‘unglued’.  Most of all, she seeks to be holier and to love God through serving her family and her community.

You can find Mandy here:
On the web: 
www.weareHisdaughters.com
On Facebook: www.facebook.com/weareHisdaughters
Twitter: @mandyhill84
Pinterest: weareHis

Guest-Writers, UYM

{The Diamond Movement} Day 5!

The Diamond Movement

Written By: Micca Campbell

“Far More Valuable Than Diamonds.”

Women are rarely satisfied with what they see in the mirror. Some feel they are too short, or too tall, or too thin, or too heavy. The list never seems to end because women tend to focus on the flaws or at least what they consider to be a flaw.

For some, it might physical dissatisfaction, while for others it might be that they’re not smart enough or outgoing enough or worthy enough. A multitude of studies indicate that the way a woman sees herself determines to a large degree the way she acts and reacts in life. A person’s self- perception or self-esteem tends to be a leading factor in the way she measures her worth. If she sees herself as a victim, she’ll allow others to prey on her. If she sees herself as a loser, then she’ll never measure up. If she sees herself as a piece of junk, she’ll begin to think of herself as nothing more than a pile of

(Okay. That’s enough of that.)

But is underscores the point. The way a person sees themselves determines their thought process, actions and reactions, and their destiny. Many never reach their God-given potential and purpose because of an overwhelming feeling that says, they’re not enough. This is NOT how God views His children. And it’s definitely not what He had in mind when He created the human race.

Here’s the thing. When God created man and woman, He made them exactly the way He planned. When He designed each individual, in their mother’s womb, He planned their size, the color of their eyes, and the color of their skin, as well as everything about them. Just as God proclaimed His creation good in Genesis 1, He proclaims that that both men and women were made perfect in His site. So when someone talks about things they don’t like about themselves, they’re disagreeing with how God made them. God does not make junk.

According to Psalms 139: 14, each person is fearfully and wonderfully made. And because God’s work is wonderful—therefore, each person is wonderful. When a woman allows these truths to take hold of her reality, she begins to see her worth through the eyes of God. It changes everything. For example, take a look at Proverbs 31:10.

“Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.”

The Message put’s it this way, “A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more Rubies and diamonds are expensive commodities, yet according to God a good woman is a greater treasure worth far more than expensive jewels. It gets better!

In 1 Peter 2:9-10, Peter paints a beautiful portrait that portrays a person’s worth “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that you may proclaim the excellences of him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have

First, a person doesn’t choose God, but rather He chooses them. They’re not chosen because of their race, sex, or culture, but by the “mercies of God” to be Secondly, they are favored. The Lord saw their guilt and sin and showed them mercy. He didn’t stand off. He didn’t judge. He drew near with love and favor and Thirdly, they become God’s treasured possession. They now belong.

Maybe they’ve never belonged anywhere before, but now they do. They belong to God and His forever family. That’s not all. Since God owns everything, to be called his own possession has to be something special. And it is. God’s people are Christ’s inheritance, and God doesn’t give junk to His son. No, he gives Him something of worth.

Something precious far greater than diamonds. Fourthly, they are holy. To be holy means to be set apart. A Christian has been set apart by God for God. They may not feel very holy but when God looks at them He sees the holiness of His Son. Therefore, acting any other way than holy, contradicts their identity in Christ. On good days and bad, God sees nothing less

Finally, Those belonging to God are royalty. They are children of God—the King of Kings. This means that nothing stands between them and their relationship with God. Just as an early king might have a prince or princess, God’s children are also considered a prince or princess of the King above all kings. No relationship is closer and none more valuable than a royal child of God.

These truths are reminders that God’s children are very dear to His heart. When they finally grasp the height and depth of His love for them, no other opinion matters but His. God says His children are worthy to be called His own, they are far more valuable than diamonds, they are wonderfully made, chosen, favored, treasured, holy and royal. If women could only see themselves through God’s eyes instead of their mirrors, their beauty would far surpass that of a jewel.

About Micca Campbell:

Micca Campbell

Micca Campbell is a national speaker with Proverbs 31 Ministries. She is the author of, An Untroubled Heart, and is currently working on her new book, Empowered Woman. Micca also writes regularly for Encouragement for Today daily devotionals. To the surprise and amazement of her children, Micca was named, “Mother of the Year,” by Lifeway Parenting Magazine in 2004. She is directionally challenged, a rock-star in the shower, afraid of bugs, and the girl whom Jesus loves. Connect with Micca by visiting her at her website, Facebook, and Twitter.

Guest-Writers, UYM

{The Diamond Movement} Day 4!

The Diamond Movement

Written By: Gaye Demers

When I was asked to write a post on “worth more than diamond ” or rubies according to some translations from Proverbs 31:10, I immediately thought of how unworthy I felt.  In Isaiah 64:6 it says, all my righteousness are as filthy rags and in Romans 3:10 no one is righteous not even one.

How blessed I am that a great and mighty God, Creator of all things, sent His Son to die for me.  He knows who I am, what I am.  My inner most thoughts are known to Him.  And yet I am worthy in His sight.
In Proverbs 31:10 it says “Who can find a virtuous woman?”.  When I looked up what the word virtuous means it said; moral excellence, goodness, righteousness, principled, upright.  Another meaning said in the world it would be classed as a person who does good things.  The one definition that spoke to my heart described a woman who filtered every decision through the Word of God.  WOW.
The verse goes on to say “For her price is far above diamonds”.  I know that my price is worth far more than diamonds for it was paid by God’s Son for my salvation.
May I be that virtuous woman to my husband, my children, my sister, my friends, my church family, and to everyone I meet.  God please help me to be all that You created me to be.  Help me to honor Your precious Son’s sacrifice.  Help me to filter every decision I make through Your Word. Amen!!
About Gaye Demers:
Gaye has been married to her patient and loving husband Gerry for forty-eight years. She has been blessed with three great kids who married wonderful spouses and as a result have given her nine incredible grandkids ranging in age from six to twenty one.
She loves to garden and change furniture around and is active in church activities. Above all else she is excited to see what the Lord has in store for her next!
Guest-Writers, UYM

{The Diamond Movement} Day 3!

 

The Diamond Movement

Written By: Rylie Zdunich

“Worth Far More than Diamonds.”

Diamonds are cherished, valuable, precious and costly.  A diamond called Koh-I-Noor, part of the British crown jewels, is estimated to be 3.5 times the wealth of the world!  Proverbs 31:10 says: “A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds.”  What makes a “good woman” worth so much?

The woman described in Proverbs 31 who is worth far more than diamonds, who is to be “admired and praised” is worth so much because she fears the Lord and knows Him.  Every task pours out of her loving and caring heart, one that knows its identity, and knows where its strength comes from.  A woman who is secure in her identity and knows that she is a daughter of the King of Kings acts like it!  She walks out her Father’s will confidently because she knows she is valued, loved and cherished by Him.

She knows her worth and her identity are not found in accomplishing tasks, but first and foremost, in loving and being loved by her Father.  If she tried to find her identity in anything but God, she would eventually face burnout, but by His strength working in her weakness, nothing is impossible!

Each time He said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness”.  So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.

2 Corinthians 12:9- Knowing that you have the Spirit of God living in you, giving you strength, and finding your identity by being in communication with the One who created you is the only way you will find your true worth.  I think one of the biggest insults to God is doubting our worth.  He has placed His Spirit in us, which is the greatest gift He could give, and we cheapen ourselves, thinking that we are worthless. He formed us exactly as He wanted, and we dare to tell Him that we’re unhappy with ourselves and how He made us.  We are temples of His Spirit, and we should live like it!

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous- how well I know it.

Psalm 139:13-15

Wouldn’t a Creator and Father know the intended purpose, worth and identity of His creation?  He created us exactly as He wanted!  Wouldn’t someone who is an expert know the worth of something?  He knows every detail of your very being and says, if you follow Him, you are worth more than diamonds!  So I encourage you today, woman of God, live like His daughter, be led by His Spirit, and never doubt that you are worth far more than diamonds!

About Rylie Zdunich:

RYLIE 01

Rylie is an avid tea-drinker, God-worshiper and lover of all dogs and cuddly animals. She recently got engaged to the love of her life, Branden, and is excited to see what God has in store for them both in the years to come!

Guest-Writers, UYM

{The Diamond Movement} Day 2!

The Diamond Movement

Written By: Sylvie Beveridge

What is my worth?

This is a great big question. My mind thinks of my worth when I was a little girl, my worth when I was dating, my worth being a wife and a mother. But, the answer to “what is my worth” in the eyes of Jesus, is the only one that really matters in the long run.

Proverbs 31:10 “If you can find a truly good wife, she is worth more than precious gems!” (Living Bible)

What do you think of the word, “worth”? Consider the Webster’s dictionary definition: deserving of, value, equal in possessions to…

Growing up my worth was in the love and encouragement of my parents. Nothing was impossible for me to do. They instilled in me that with God’s help all things are possible. There was nothing I could do to make them love me more or less, and it is with these same glasses that I can believe God is looking at me today.

As a young lady hoping to find my mister right, there were some bumps in the road called rejection. Yes it hurt, but through the healing of my heart, I was always reminded that I was truly loved by God. God used those rejections to build character and discipline in my life and to prepare me for the best He had for me (my husband, Daniel).

In my barrenness, for 7 ¾ years, I continually needed to remind myself that I was still loved by my husband and most of all, Jesus loved me more. One day I had to give up my dream and in my desperation, I pleaded “God, if You will not give me a baby, please take this desire away”. It was at that time, when it was out of my control, we found out we were indeed going to be blessed with a baby. Although, the pregnancy was not without more health concerns, I found myself, yet again, believing by faith and trusting God. At last our Elizabeth was born. Because of this, I learned that my worth is not in the ability to be a mother.

The worth of a person is best summed up by our Creator, when He said “I value your worth so much that I gave you My only begotten Son, Jesus, to pay the price on Calvary for your sins”. This was done so we could have a right relationship with Him.

Today, what is your worth? Is it who you are with, that you have material things, the opinions people have of you, your job, or even which association you belong to? Remember, you are a precious gem, beautiful in the eye of the Beholder. Your worth as a human being, is you are made in God’s image, this goes beyond riches.

“You are worth more than a precious gem”. Imagine right now that the Lord is looking down at you with love and adoration, because to Him, you are HIS. That is your worth!

 About Sylvie Beveridge: 


Sylvie is the bride to Daniel for 26 years, mother to Elizabeth, a step-mother and young grand-mother. She loves to sing, bake and spend time with her family and friends.

Guest-Writers, Kerrington's Posts, UYM

{The Diamond Movement} Day 1!

The Diamond Movement

Written By: Kerrington Sweeney

 I am NOT an object. Am I the only one feeling like this? Have you ever experienced a moment in your life, where you have felt like, you are just an object. Well, I have… Millions of women have suffered being told “Women are not people, women are objects—look sexy or no one will love you.”

The medias bombarding screams of terrible lies at us women, are a constant obnoxious overload. Making us at times, feel inadequate about ourselves simply, as human beings. The use of the female body (which is so often digitally modified these days) is one that disgusts me to the point of distraught. It is broadcasted not as a fearfully and wonderfully made creation but, rather just a sex object.

The female body is way to often turned into a product. Sold, for male pleasure. It is turned into something to look at and to have those “feel good” moments. This has become the hideous normal in our culture. Objectification designates that ‘woman creatures’ have no rights. As if, our existence is oblivious. Turning any living creature into an object is an act of oppression. Objectifying women is not only to blame for just one specific culture or religion. Look at the media, objectification is happening in all cultures, religions and countries. We are being so strongly affected by what we see in the media that it starts translating into our everyday lives. Women are never portrayed as icons of worth, strength, and confidence.

The world portrays us women, as icons of being sexy, and of being a man’s pleasurable object. It’s a horrific global epidemic. Women of all ages, are thrust forcefully onto a never-ending search and quest to find true acceptance and a sense of worth in today’s corrupted society. “Why is my worth defined by my outward appearance?” After a short while, if not introduced to the truth. It is easy for us, to fall into believing that our only worth is in our outward appearance and we look at ourselves from the outside. For many women, it becomes a new cultivated life style. Every living moment is spent striving frivolously creating an outward appearance that will gain true acceptance and will be ‘worth’ desiring in the worldly standards.

This twisted mindset is placed as an attack from the enemy to completely destroy women’s confidence and self-worth. The way the world has treated us women has now affected the way we as women actually live. It has affected the way women see women. We no longer are equal in our sex. We are constantly on the look out. Her hair is so lushes. Her face is so clear of acne. Her body is so flawless. Why can’t I look like her??

These are just a few of the hundreds of comments I have heard in the community of young women. We are daily-blinded by how “Beautiful” is portrayed by the world. As a young woman, I have had moments where my appearance from the outside, gains this monumental importance, worth, value and attention from the opposite sex.

This attention was not sought but, rather forced onto me, as I innocently walked down the walk-way one spring afternoon with my young lady, Best-Friend. Hearing the horn honk, along with the loud whistles and non-sense shouts from the pick-up truck full of young men that recklessly drove by, were utterly unbearable. I walked away from that situation feeling violated, ashamed, dirty, and worthless. Why was this my fault? Why did I feel this way?

Proverbs 31:10 (MSG-Bible) says… “…Worth far more than Diamonds.” When I read this verse, I wept. I ‘Kerrington’ was worth more than diamonds??? How could that be? I for sure didn’t even feel worth a penny in those moments but, God seen me as a beautiful diamond.

A couple years back one of the wisest young women I personally know, spoke some very powerful words to us at a Youth Conference in an all girls session. I will never forget this analogy for all my life. She said: “Imagine if you had a big beautiful diamond ring, and you were walking along and then you accidentally dropped it in to the mud…Would you pick it up? Yes! Of course you would…Why?

Because it’s still a diamond. It’s still is valuable and worth something, even when it’s all muddy.” Ladies, we truly are that diamond ring in so many different aspects. We may have had a rough past in relationships, in life, etc. We may feel all “muddy” covered with sins and completely worthless but, God washes us clean…Because we are WORTH it! We are worth diamonds in His eyes!

Never forget…

You are beautiful.

You are valuable.

You are cherished.

You are mighty.

You are powerful.

You are pure.

You are worth it.

You are a diamond!

Until Next Time,

~Kerrington

Uncategorized

Happily Ever After, goes up in flames.

Written By: Kerrington Sweeney
Little did I realize dear readers, that my Happily Ever After was already burning in flames as I carried filthy bondage. I was still clenching on to my hurts, my grudges and my past regrets. In fear of truly letting them go. …
I so wanted this to be it. I wanted to be in a relationship. I was done waiting. I was tired of answering “No”, to the question: “Do you have a boyfriend yet?” Many sleepless nights waiting up and thinking about what I could have, maybe done differently to make those guys in the past truly “Love me.” Why was I desperately willing to change ‘me’ so that maybe, they would have later on loved me?
I still vividly remember the day, I let everything go. It was a rainy mid-September Weekend…My girl-friends and I packed up and headed out on a camping trip to a Provincial Park where we would spend the next 3 days together in fellowship. I went going into this trip, knowing that there would be tons of talk of boyfriends and lovey dovey-ness. Because most of them were either dating and one of them was married. I knew it was going to be a hard weekend for me, but at least I got to spend time with some of my very best friends.
It was 2:56am on the Sunday Morning. Today was the day to let go. My friends and I had been up chatting the hours away. Discussing boy-friends, husbands, our futures, our weddings, and so on. Don’t get me wrong, I love talking about that kind of stuff, but just it was brutally painful reminders of something I so desperately wanted and didn’t have.
As the night went on, I briefly mentioned to my group of ladies that it had been an emotionally rough month for me. I vulnerably shared with them, that this all had begun to be a distraction to me in my relationship with Jesus. I shared how I was struggling to read my Bible, and truly be happy again when my heart was so filled with sorrow and hurt.
Then right then in there, my sweet friend said these words: “Girl!! It’s time, to let this all go and to move on with your life. It’s time to move forward. You are stronger than all of this, I know you…Are you ready?” In those moments. I knew she was absolutely right, but I didn’t really want to listen. I was still holding on to my hopes of a ‘Happily Ever After.’
I wrote down somethings that were hurting my life, things that I couldn’t let go of, in big-bold lettering, on the closest thing to paper that I could find, while camping…(Yay for paper towel!) After that, I grabbed the lighter and I quickly exited the camper we were staying in. Walked over to our campsites fire-pit with complete confidence. I lit that paper towel, corner to corner. I dropped it into that fire pit with hopes that this would be my last heart ache. My last time of sleepless nights of worrying about my future. My last time trying to ‘fix’ myself just for a guy’s attention. My last time of saying “Well, maybe next time.” As I was watching that paper towel catch fire.
My heart began to ache. Memories flooded my mind. There was, what I just couldn’t let go of, going up in flames right in front of me. A sense of closure was beginning to take place of that chapter in my life.
Isaiah 43:18-19 says… “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
Although, I had been wandering around in the spiritual ‘wilderness.’ God still always had a plan for my life. He carefully held and guarded my fragile heart through it all. He was my comforter when I felt all alone. He was my lead when I was lost and wandering. He was and is my forever love, my saviour, my King.
Dear Readers, When you look to your left and to your right and you feel no one is there for you in those dark valleys of your life…I challenge you to instead, look up. Because the creator of the universe is doing mighty work in your life and in your heart. You may not understand it. I, for sure didn’t… I questioned God endlessly, time after time: “Why would you put me through this?” I am further reminded of the song lyrics from the song
‘Oceans’ from Hillsong United:
“You call me out upon the waters The great unknown where feet may fail. And there I find You in the mystery In oceans deep. My faith will stand. And I will call upon Your name And keep my eyes above the waves. When oceans rise, my soul will rest in Your embrace. For I am Yours and You are mine. Your grace abounds in deepest waters, Your sovereign hand will be my guide. Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me. You’ve never failed and You won’t start now.”
We never truly know what God’s will consist of. Like I have said before, God’s will is sometimes the scariest, unknown place we ever will walk into. But, we need to TRUST Him. Let the filthy bondage go. Release the clench of your hurts, your grudges, your past regrets and your fears. Let go. Let God.
Until Next Time,
~Kerrington

 

Joceline's Posts, Uncategorized, UYM

{Worth} Celebrate.

Written By: Joceline Sweeney
I am on the worship team at my church. Oh, how I love to sing and worship, but there is a particular singer, I want to tell you about and if she reads this post she will know I am talking about her.

“Am I worried about that?”….NO! Because everything I am telling you, I have told her.

She truly has an amazing voice. Clear, strong and beautiful. Angelic. When she sings it is absolutely mesmerizing. You can’t help, but feel completely surrounded by the presence of God. The anointing that falls when she sings is heavenly. All I can do, is just breathe it in.

This would be the perfect place for Satan, if I allowed him to come in and trip me up. Because remember, I too am on the worship team. I could allow thoughts of ungratefulness for my voice to creep in, feelings of inadequacy to fill my heart or jealousy and envy to rot my bones. Instead, I choose to celebrate the talent that God gave her and receive from it. 
 
My soul is refreshed when she sings, my heart is encouraged. If I allowed Satan to have his way, I would miss out on the gifts that God has for me through her singing. God is using her talent to benefit me! Are there any areas in your life that Satan wants to stir up within you? Don’t give him the chance!

Maybe your place is to celebrate with a friend who just received something you’ve been praying for.

Maybe your place is to celebrate for the lady whose blog just received more hits than yours.

Maybe your place is to celebrate for the coworker who seems to be getting all the attention for her accomplishments.

Maybe your place is to celebrate for the girl who seems to always know the answers in Bible Study. 

When we celebrate for others it doesn’t take away from our talents and what God has blessed us with.

The talents that others have, if you take the time to see, can be a tremendous blessing to you.

Let the time you celebrate with a friend who’s received something you so desperately want, be an encouragement to continue to pray as hard as she did.

Let the time you celebrate someone else’s blog that is also reaching others for Jesus, be an answer to prayer, of lives changed and transformed for His glory.

Let the time you celebrate your coworker be a blessing to others around of Jesus’ genuine love.

Let the time you celebrate the girl who knows it all in Bible Study, be challenge to you to dive into your Bible and fill your heart with the knowledge of God.

Anytime Satan comes to try and bring you down into the pit of jealousy or envy, stop. Because, the talents that others have, are truly a gift to you from God; you just have to take the time to learn from them and Celebrate!

Until Next Time,

~Joceline