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

{EVENT} Inspiring Girls Night…

UYM

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

Amy's Posts, {Love}

{Love} His Love. 

UYM

Written by: Amy Gauvin

 Greetings Ladies 🙂 I hope you are all having an amazing day so far! Today I would like to talk about how much our Heavenly Father Loves us❤ I have been a single Mom for 3 1/2 years now. I lived on my own in a house for a year and absolutely loved it!

Times got a little tough and one day out of the blue, my Mom had asked me to move in with her to help us out. She was living by herself and opened her home to my girls and I. I wasn’t so sure..I prayed about it for a month. God had shown me that it was for a reason…even if I didn’t know why…and it will be blessing in the end.

I had to take a leap of faith and trust that he put this on my Moms heart to open her home to us. Also… Lets get real ladies….I haven’t lived with my Mom since I was 16! I had to suck up my “pride” and put my “wants” aside…knowing this is my path. I moved into my Moms house in March of 2014.

While I was living at my Moms…my sister was diagnosed with cancer. I was now starting to see why moving into my Moms was important and seeing Gods plan. My Mom and I could help my sister with everything we had, we were able to because we were living in the same house and could help eachother as well!
I truly was blessed by my Mom. To come home from work and smell Mommas home cooking!! Awesome! She helped me with my girls school work and let me have “me time”. Most of all….our relationship had grown to a whole new covenant❤

The time had come where God was leading me to start my life on my own again. I recently moved into my own place!! This is where God showed me how much he loved me!
I didn’t really have much for my new place…I had the bare essentials. Three weeks prior to moving…

I tithed purposely towards knowing God is going to provide everything I needed! He had shown me in those weeks he was listening and watching! He showed me he was going to give me back what I have lost and more! Double for your trouble! I have been waiting patiently for 3 years for this day…I was excited to see what He was going to do and how!

Ladies, this is how much He loves us…He put it on many peoples heart to bless me. I was blessed with a new 48″inch flat screen T.V., Queen bed, double bed, single bed, new bedroom set, dressers, desks for the girls, dinning room set, lamps, washer and dryer, leather sectional, coffee table, love seat, keurig machine, tools, food and so many little things!

He knew EVERYTHING I needed!! He met every need! His love NEVER fails! If He cares for a little sparrow…how much do you think he cares for you? Trust, Lean and Rely on him and He will provide your every need. He wants to bless His beautiful children because, He LOVES you that much!!

I am excited for this next season of my life! I hope this testimony of His LOVE blesses all of you today!!
Take that leap of Faith…Go on the adventure with Him. Trust Him knowing His Love never fails and He sees the end before you understand it 🙂 In the end you will be blessed❤ Enjoy the ride!!!Love ,Peace and Joy Ladies! Xoxo

Until Next Time,

~Amy

Kerrington's Posts, {Life}

{Life} An Encourager In need…

UYM

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 

Marnie's Posts, {Faith}

{Faith} A Bug’s Life.  

UYM

Written by: Marnie Pouget

Remember that moment in Pixar’s, A Bug’s Life, when Heimlich transforms into the beautiful butterfly, but he doesn’t?

caterpillarI admit that in that moment I felt let down. The overweight, unrefined caterpillar was supposed to emerge from the cocoon as a majestic, distinguished, exquisite creature. Instead he was the same old, same old with some minuscule winglets popped out for good measure. He enthusiastically embraced his new life as a butterfly but there really wasn’t much of a change to celebrate.
At our church we sing the old hymn, Just As I Am.

I love the words and the contemplative tone as the decision to surrender a life is pondered and accepted. “Just as I am, thou wilt receive, wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve; because thy promise I believe, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.” ~Charlotte Elliott

And it’s true. There is welcome, pardon, cleansing and relief. The calling to come, just as you are. Every time I hear this song,  I can hear my sister’s voice, the clear, sweet melody and as I close my eyes, I am thankful for such mercy and grace that welcomes a sinner with a repentant heart. “Come just as you are Hear the spirit call, Come just as you are, Come and see, Come receive, Come and live forever.”

 “Life everlasting, Strength for today, Taste the living water, And never thirst again.” ~Crystal Lewis

The offer is free. Just as Jesus offered the woman at the well, living water (John 4:14). He knew who she was. That she had had five husbands and the man she was with was not her husband. This was not secret to him. He told her the circumstances under which she was living AFTER his offer of eternal life. He wanted her to come, just as she was.

When Jesus called Saul on the road to Damascus (Acts 9), He knew exactly who Saul was but, God called Saul then and there. The zealous persecutor of Christians. Self-proclaimed as the worst of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). God called and Saul came just as he was.

As the teachers of the law, and the Pharisees brought before Jesus, a woman caught in adultery (John 8) they were ready to stone her. Jesus challenged the accusers “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” (John 8:7) The accusers all left and there was no one to condemn her. Jesus knew her sin but he welcomed her to come just as she was.

God calls us to come just as we are. His mercy and grace are free gifts. There is nothing that you can do to earn forgiveness and salvation. You don’t have to clean up and straighten up before you come.

But here’s the thing. I hear too many people who have “come as they are” and they want to stay as they are. They have miniscule Heimlich wings, to indicate something happened but, they have fully embraced their definition of who they are and they aren’t willing to let it go. I hear comments like “it’s just who I am” and “that’s me –take it or leave it”.

The Samaritan woman at the well, recognized Jesus as a prophet and went and told everyone about him. The townspeople came to see and believed first because of her testimony but also because they too saw and heard him. (John 4:39, 42)

The adulterous woman was not condemned but was told to “Go now and leave your life of sin.” (John 8:11) Saul, when something like scales fell from his eyes, and he could see again, got up and was baptized. At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. (Acts 8:18, 20)

We are called to live transformed lives. Lives that are evidence that something has changed.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” ~Romans 12:2a

Romans 6, encourages us that the old self was crucified with Christ and is dead and we are alive in Christ no longer in bondage to sin.

Romans 8:29, reminds us that…

“those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.”

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” ~Ephesians 4:22-24

God calls us to renew our minds, to live lives that are no longer in bondage to sin, to be conformed to the image of His son and to be made new in the attitudes of our minds. We are called to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

When we come to Him, he seals us with his Holy Spirit and we are told in Galatians 5, that the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

As we walk with Him, these fruit will abound. Who wouldn’t want more of this fruit in their life? He wants you to come just as you are but He doesn’t want you to stay just as you are. Don’t embrace in a strangle-hold your definition of who you are. Be willing to be transformed into all that God wants you to be!

Caterpillar cris.

He calls you to a Bugs Life. Or more accurately, a butterfly’s life. Where the transformation, in process, is evident.

Until Next Time,

~Marnie

Joceline's Posts, {Beauty}

{Beauty} Just One Thing…

UYM

Written by: Joceline Sweeney

{Beauty} Just one thing.I remember (back in the day… I have to say that because after all, I am 38 years old! ) when I was a teenager I was surrounded by what I considered to be beautiful friends, blond ones, tan ones, … In my mind this is what pretty looked like and let me tell you when I look into the mirror all I saw was a pale faced-freckled girl, with frizzy brown hair!

Definitely NOT what I considered to be beautiful. I struggled with much insecurity about my looks because at that time, I hadn’t learn to appreciate my own unique, beautiful qualities. I began to try to change myself to look more “beautiful.”  My first plan of action was dying my frizzy brown hair with this “wonderful” new product called ‘Sun In.’ Most of you won’t even know what that is but, the girl on the bottle had gorgeous blond hair and the promise on the back of the bottle was, if you sprayed this product in your hair and applied some heat it would turn your hair a beautiful shade of blond. But as far as I can recall, they neglected to inform you (or I may have skipped the warning parts!) that the more time you spent in the SUN (a source of heat!!) it would continue to lighten your hair!  My hair turned a brazen blond-orange! (not as in sweet red headed orange no no…orange like the actual fruit!) It completely dried out my hair and I had to brush it very gently because it would literally break off if I didn’t. It was like straw!!!

ON top of ruining my hair, I tried laying in the sun to tan my pasty white skin, yep you guessed it, all I got was MORE freckles!!  My plan to “beautify” myself was seriously crashing and my skin was burning!

One day in our school devotional time, my teacher was talking to us about finding “just one thing “that we liked about ourselves, something we may have even found beautiful …Hmmm, I literally sat there for quite a few minutes trying to think of something…nope I wasn’t getting anything, but then I remembered I had thought my feet were kind of pretty, although rather large, I found them kind of cute, so I focused on those. Then before I knew it, as I was thinking positively about my feet, I continued to find ”just one thing” that I liked about myself. A new appreciation for my uniqueness had been sparked.

I was, much to my surprise, now embracing my porcelain skin, with all of those sweet sun kissed spots and when my hair finally returned to its normal color, it really wasn’t that bad, it was so much better than straw!

So if you struggle like I did (and still sometimes do!) with insecurity about the way you look…Stop and find “just one thing”, focus on that and then keep repeating, until you too can truly appreciate how beautiful the girl in the mirror really is!!!

(P.S. My husband loves my freckles!)

Until Next Time,

~Joceline

Angela's Posts, UYM Runway, {Beauty}

{UYM Runway} Summer Sensations!

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Written by: Angela Ridsdale

IMG_2840One of the hardest things to do in my daily routine is to get dressed. As I start to look into my closet many thoughts run through my head.

Does this look okay? Am I comfortable? Is this okay for the weather? Am I covered and acceptable? Is this outfit going to change my path on the journey I want to be on with God?

And that’s just on the days when I can stop and think before the rush of my daily lifestyle. I’ll admit sometimes I lose sight of what it’s all about. I put my own comfort first not realizing how that may be affecting others around me and ultimately my relationship with God.

As the summer presses forward we, as women of God, are faced with the hard battle of being comfortable, weather permitting, and modest. Which is really hard when the culture that surrounds us is probably thinking the exact opposite. Especially when the stores follow suit. Keep this in mind when you are picking an outfit for the day:

“But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.” ~Ephesians 5:3

Since, maxi skirts and dresses are becoming a trend it may make our summer easier! outfit 5outfit 1

They are fun, flowy, and simply modest. Since the summer is hot always make sure to get skirts and dresses of a lighter material so that it doesn’t become too much on a hot day. Sometimes with lighter skirts and dresses I have found that they are see-through. And a majority of the time the built-in slips never go far down the legs.

outfit 2I would highly recommend adding a slip to your wardrobe! It can add inches to dresses and skirts that were never long enough before and will help you too keep your sanity and the clothes you love. outfit 4

outfit3Or if you are crafty and are up to a challenge you could add fabric to the bottoms of clothes to make them longer yourself.

“She is clothed in strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” ~ Proverbs 31:23

Until Next Time,

~Angela

Life in the Spirit, Rachel's Posts, {Life}

{Life In The Spirit} The Spirit like a Dove.

UYM

Written by: Rachel Shaw

Life in the Spirit

Matthew 3:16-17 “And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him”

The Holy Spirit is often illustrated to us as a dove. Within various churches that I have visited, there have been several paintings of Jesus with a dove on his shoulder. I think it’s safe to say that the dove represents the Holy Spirit.

In Matthew 3 at Jesus’ baptism, Scripture says that the Spirit of God descended like a dove. The Holy Spirit has the same characteristics as God. Just as we respect God and all of His authority, we must also do the same for the Spirit because the Spirit is also God. One morning at our church, the pastor told a story about a couple that had just moved into a new cottage. As they settled in, they liked keeping the windows open for the fresh air. Shortly after they moved in they noticed that there was a dove that would sit just outside the window every day. Over time, they made friends with the dove that sits among the tree branches outside their new home. They noticed that every time tension rose in the home from an argument or if they were being loud or disturbing, the dove would fly away. When the peaceful moments returned to the home, the dove flies back to the tree branch next to the couple. As they observed this pattern, they realized that the dove would not adjust to their lifestyle and if they wanted the dove to stay, that they would have to adjust to his.

We can apply the same concept to our lives with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will not reside inside of us if we live destructive, selfish lives. The Holy Spirit will simply not adjust and get comfortable with our sin. Rather, in order for us to live our lives with the Spirit residing in us, we must be willing to follow God’s will, and to change our lifestyle accordingly. We ought to love the Lord our God, and love other people as He instructed in scripture. It is such a blessing that God has given us instructions throughout scripture on how to live this earthly life to the fullest. It’s an even greater blessing that he has given us the Holy Spirit to guide us through each moment.

Thank you Lord for giving us the wonderful gift of the Holy Spirit. I pray that it resignates inside of each of us that we must change our lifestyle to live in harmony with your Spirit. We commit to a life of following in your footsteps, and to living our lives close to your Spirit. I pray that we draw near to you and you draw near to us.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Until Next Time,

~Rachel

Marnie's Posts, UYM

{Worth} His.

UYM

Written by: Marnie Pouget

 

I am a photographer and scrap booker. A writer. A baker.  But I am not a crafty person. At all. I try. And fail. I want to be crafty but rarely do my attempts turn out pretty or even useful. My sister is a creator. She has done it all in the crafting department, it seems, and everything she puts her hands to is beautiful work. Ceramics, toile painting, upholstery, stained glass, pottery. She finds beautiful craft ideas and just does them. I am envious of people who can create naturally because I just can’t.

However, the day my sister told me that she was expecting their first child, I decided I was going to knit a sweater with a matching bonnet and booties. I had never picked up a set of knitting needles in my life BUT I was determined to teach myself. And I did. I bought a beginner knitting book with great diagrams and instructions for a lovely sweater set. I bought the yarn and needles prescribed. I painstakingly followed the directions provided, often referring to the pictures and I managed to “cast on” the correct number of stitches.

I had no idea about knitting a swatch to make sure my knitting was the correct size. And when I read that recommendation, I thought it was such a waste of time. I tried to run the yarn through my fingers but the feeling of it annoyed me so I didn’t. My mother told me that my tension would be off. I didn’t care.

In spite of all of my inadequacies, after a significant amount of time, I managed to knit a beautiful sweater set for my lovely niece. When her brother came along, I had to be fair and knit him one also. But I didn’t like knitting enough, so that pretty well ended my knitting projects. I feel slightly guilty that I have never knit a thing for my own children.

Through that experience, I learned that knitting is a two-handed process with a purpose. I can barely knit well with two hands, I wouldn’t want to try with just one. And honestly, I think knitting with no purpose is just a waste of time……and yarn.

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. Psalm 139:13 When you were created, God had his hands all over you. You were created with intention and purpose. You are “fearfully and wonderfully made” Psalm 139:14b.

He chose your parents – the right parents for you. Not the perfect parents. They aren’t perfect (but neither are you). But the right parents. I realize that for some, this is a hard pill to swallow. Your parents are not only not perfect but they are so far from perfect, that it is hard to understand why you were placed in their family. But you were.

He chose your siblings for you. When he placed your siblings in your family, you weren’t an afterthought. No “oops what was I thinking putting this child in the same family as (insert your name here). Your siblings are an important part of who you are and who God has you to be. You have a purpose and responsibility in their life and they have a purpose and responsibility in yours. Don’t miss out on the blessing and joy of your siblings or the important relationships you should have because you are too busy questioning God’s wisdom in placing you together.

1 Corinthians 1:25 reminds us “For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.” I don’t always understand His ways or purposes but just as I see a bigger picture of life’s circumstances than my children, I know that He sees and understands the bigger eternal picture of our lives.

You were born in this time and place in history for a reason. There are things for you to do and things for you to learn. Don’t waste your time bemoaning your circumstances and miss the opportunities and lessons God has for you.

As a work is completed the artist adds his mark, identifying it as his own. The painter adds his signature, the potter adds her stamp. The photographer adds a watermark. It’s important. An artist’s work is their creation. A reflection of themselves. A precious piece of who they are. They created this work and it is theirs.

You are the creation of the Master Artist. Made in His image. A reflection of who He is. As a wise friend, Bob Tissot, says, “You are a unique, unrepeatable masterpiece of God.” He created you and you are His.

Until Next Time,

~Marnie

Taylor's Posts, {Love}

{Love} Searching for Love.

UYM

Written By: Taylor Horner

It seems like everyone is always searching for love. Love is something that most of us hope to find someday and we usually prefer the sooner the better! As we grow older and those around us start dating and “falling in love,” it can be easy for us to get caught up in the moment and be in a hurry to find someone as well. Sometimes being without a significant other while those around us have someone they love can make us feel insecure and left out. I want to remind all you beautiful ladies that the right person is WORTH THE WAIT.

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God has someone planned for you that surpasses what you can imagine, and that person is worth waiting for! When we go for people who may not be who God has in mind it usually leads to heartbreak. When we get anxious to find someone to date, we tend to settle and compromise with what we want in a partner. God does not want you to settle or compromise. God has someone who is a perfect match for you; someone who fits into the plan of your life and someone who can help your walk with God become stronger. When we start searching for love instead of praying for the right person to come around we will be missing out in the wonderful plan God has for our lives. It is so important to pray to God to help prepare you for your spouse. While you are in this time of waiting for “the one” it is a perfect opportunity to work on strengthening your relationship with God and also better understanding yourself as a person- what your needs, wants, and goals are for the future. This can help you decipher what type of person would work in your life and what type you should walk away from.

I have been engaged for almost a year now and I am so happy that I did not settle in my relationship. My fiancé is someone who I know God planned specifically for me. We both have similar goals in life and this man treats me like absolute gold. He helps me strengthen my walk with God daily. EVERY single woman deserves someone that treats her like gold, just like how God treats us.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

God loves us so much he has a plan made especially for us, and that includes that perfect mate! Searching for love can lead to us settling, but praying and waiting patiently for who God has planned for you will bring you to your happily ever after. Be patient woman of God; know that good things come to those who wait!

Until Next Time,

~Taylor