Uniquely Yours Ministries

{Love} She wants a Gentleman…

August 13, 2015August 21, 2015 UYM

Written by: Kerrington Sweeney

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

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

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

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

Lover Of Christ.

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

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

Values and Protects Purity.

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

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

Respectful.

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

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

Trustworthy.

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

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

Honesty.

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

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

Hard-working.

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

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

Willing to wait.

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

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

Humble.

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

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

Courageous.

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

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

Loves us.

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

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

Until Next Time,

~Kerrington

Taylor's Posts, {Life}

{Life} Life is a Journey.

August 12, 2015August 21, 2015 UYM

Written by: Taylor Horner

Life can get very hectic. I am in a stage of my life where going to graduate school, looking for a home, getting married, working two jobs, and becoming a new auntie are all happening at the same time. Though these are all positive things, the amount of attention and time needed for all of these aspects of life can lead to me forgetting to take time out for myself and care for my own, personal needs.

I am the type of person that seriously enjoys a busy schedule, but I am reminded constantly that God has to fit into our busy schedule. He has blessed us with the life we have and we need to make sure to take time and thank him for that. It is so important to take care of your own personal needs, and that includes taking time out for devotionals.

God has one of the busiest schedules we can imagine; yet He always finds time to listen to our needs and watch over us- to the point where he knows everything about us. The least we can do is give back to Him by giving up our time to be in the Word of God and grow in Him.

1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

God truly wants to spend time with you, and there is so much you get out of spending time with God! We grow in knowledge and understanding as we walk through the trials of life. When life gets busy our stress level can rise! That seems like a perfect time to indulge in God’s word and immerse yourself in His joy that cannot be shaken through life circumstances.

I have set a time to do my devotionals that is most helpful with my schedule for the day. Every night I spend time before bed in God’s word and praying, this has made all the difference for me, by scheduling time with God I never miss out on an opportunity to grow in His word and work on my own self.

I encourage all you beautiful ladies to schedule a time that works best for you to spend time with God everyday. You never have to worry; God will always be waiting for you- no matter the time in the day!

Until Next Time,

~Taylor

Kerrington's Posts, {Faith}

{Faith} Something in the water.

August 11, 2015August 21, 2015 UYM

Written By: Kerrington Sweeney

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until Next Time,

~Kerrington

Marnie's Posts, {Beauty}

{Beauty} Don’t Dehydrate.

August 10, 2015August 21, 2015 UYM

Written By: Marnie Pouget

As the younger brother to two older sisters, it is typical to be surrounded by and participate in the “girl”side of childhood. Dolls, dress up and princess movies are par for the course. In our house the girls were quite taken with Polly Pocket and the first movie was on regular rotation through the DVD player. Little brother was captivated by the movie, also.

Polly and her friends are on the cutting edge of fashion and quite aware of the latest beauty tips which are shared liberally throughout the show.

During a last minute flight to a private island, Polly, hostess extraordinaire, provided her guests with a satchel filled with “everything a girl needs for the lengthy overseas plane ride: flavored lip gloss, ionized face mister, bottled water and moisturizer. Everyone who’s anyone knows the #1 rule of flying…”

My boy would join enthusiastically in chorus with Polly’s friends “Don’t dehydrate!” This was great advice from Polly and I used it copiously to insist that my children drink their water daily. It is well known that water makes up about 60-70% of your body’s composition. Drinking water provides numerous benefits like promoting clearer skin, helping the body flush out toxins and waste, regulating body temperature, lubricating joints, and carrying nutrients and oxygen to the cells.

According to the Mayo Clinic. “Every system in your body depends on water.”

“Lack of water can lead to dehydration, a condition that occurs when you don’t have enough water in your body to carry out normal functions. Even mild dehydration can drain your energy and make you tired.” I am sure we can all recall a time when we experienced that parched feeling. The dry, desperation for a drink that compels us to search for refreshment. We may not always recognize our thirst but it is real and satisfaction is necessary.

Water is crucial to a beautiful, healthy physical life. Living water is crucial to a beautiful, healthy spiritual life. As our physical bodies thirst, so our spirits thirst.

“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?” Psalm 42:1-2a

We may not always recognize our spiritual thirst but it is real and satisfaction is not only necessary, it’s crucial. Unfortunately we can be led into seeking spiritual refreshment in the most unsatisfying places. Our search ends because we are feeling dissatisfied and discouraged and often we just settle for something less than satisfactory simply because we are weary. At other times, we find ourselves in a spiritual desert and we keep chasing after the mirage. That reflection of the sun on the sand deceives us to hope that we have found the oasis. Desperately desiring the quenching of our parched souls we press on in our futile attempts.

In response to the Samaritan woman’s questions “Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water (the water from the well) will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:13- 14

“To him who is thirsty, I will give to drink, without cost, from the springs of the water of life.” Revelation 21:6

As with the Samaritan woman, Jesus offers us the spiritual cleansing and refreshing that comes from salvation through Him. We can choose to drink of the water he offers and never thirst again.

“On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” John 7:37-38

In comparison to the desert the oasis is a lush and vibrant place of refuge. The word oasis is defined as “a fertile spot in a desert where water is found.”

When we dwell at the source of the living water, in communion with God, that refreshing living water will overflow from us. We will be an oasis. A fertile spot in a desert where water is found.

Until Next Time,

~Marnie

Angela's Posts, UYM Runway

{UYM Runway} Made New.

August 9, 2015August 8, 2015 UYM

Written By: Angela Ridsdale

Don’t let the summer and heat be an excuse for skipping out on modesty this season.

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honour God with your bodies.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-29

This passage should not be taken lightly. Consider the words I am not my own, for I have been made new. You are made new in Christ and I encourage you to think this way when getting dressed for the day! This season yields a lot of tops, which are very practical for the summer heat but definitely not modest. This includes a lot of crop tops….To be honest with you I own some of these crop tops but I wear them a little differently than most. I pair them with bottoms that are high waisted and actually cover up the areas intended to be shown by them.

Keep in mind, however, not all high waisted bottoms are going to reach the bottom of the crop tops. If you choose to try this trend always opt for a longer top just in case. Or layer up! Layering is a great way to keep yourself modest with anything you choose to wear. Try a cami under a normally too short top or even under a shirt with minimal sleeves.

If you are worried about being too hot when layering try wearing things hat are not as tight and more flowing. Remember what you wear should make you feel comfortable so find out what that is and go with it.

“For everything in the world, comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and it’s desires pass away but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” 1 John 2:16-17

Until Next Time,

~Angela

Guest-Writers

{Sisters Week!} “Prinsen Girls.”

August 8, 2015August 6, 2015 UYM

Savoring Sisterhood.

Written by: Sharon Parish, with collective thought and discussion with all of the sisters (Amy McMillan, Steph Watts, and Jackie Prinsen).

Psalm 90:12 “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.”

Before my husband and I ever had kids, I told him that if we ever had one daughter, then we would have to have a second daughter. I grew up surrounded by my four sisters in a house with one washroom. I would have told you that I’ve experienced the good, the bad, and the ugly of sisterhood for years – up until the last few years. My view on sisterhood is so different now than I ever thought that it would be.

From left to right: Sharon, Jackie, Caroline, Steph, Amy

We had a great childhood – all five of us, spread over 8 years. Sure, we had our differences, ranging from hair color, beliefs, hobbies and everything in between, but we had a lot of the same, too. We all loved family and had family as a priority – most of the time. The four oldest were always busy with work, life, love and everything that comes between. The youngest, our little Caroline (always seeming tiny, meek, and quiet to those who didn’t know her well) was consumed with desires to travel and see the world. She didn’t waste her time. She went through college for travel and tourism. She surrounded herself with great friends, never wasting her time on a boyfriend, knowing that she’d know the right one when she met him. Even though her calendar was always full, she mysteriously would find ways to individually single out us girls and spend time with us – one on one, as often as possible, but also in the fun group dynamic that the five of us together would present. With the five of us together, the laughs would bellow out, as the sisterly love was being shared – along with opinions on each others’ choices in clothes, hair styles, vacation destinations and everything else that girls chat about. Often described as an old soul, we would joke about how she was the youngest and smartest for always having fun, yet maintaining high standards for herself. She was, in essence, a girl who was wise beyond her years, teaching us girls lessons over and over – oh, and how to dance.

Life changed in the year of 2013. Caroline was 23 at the time, and she was diagnosed with breast cancer. A fluke, that’s what the doctor’s kept calling it. They threw everything and the kitchen sink at her. The good news, after her double mastectomy, chemo and radiation, was that SHE BEAT IT! While she was ill, she determined to keep her spirits up and plan for her future. She smiled almost constantly and amazed everyone who knew her. She researched everything possible to continue living well. She took the lead in our sisterhood. She didn’t let it become all about her. She turned her focus to her life and to us – her older sisters.

She spoke to us about love. She spoke to us about decisions we had made and were yet to make. She encouraged us to be vigilant about our health. She encouraged us to eat clean. She called our behaviors into check. She made us think twice about ever complaining. She made us laugh and look to the future, instead of worrying and dwelling on her struggles. She planned her return to school, as she was determined never to feel like she wasn’t making the most of her second chance. She danced as often as possible, especially at our sister Steph’s New Years’ Eve wedding on December 31, 2013. We had survived the worst year of our lives. How emotional it was to share Steph’s wedding with all of us girls together, closing off the nightmare and boldly looking to the future. The roller coaster was over.

Almost one year later in November of 2014, about a month after her return from a European trip with a cousin, Caroline thought she had pulled a muscle. She went to the doctor’s and received devastating news. Later that evening, on the heels of telling us that she had been given about 3 months to live, she put a smile on and encouraged me to tell my parents the secret news that I had told her two weeks previous. We were expecting again! She was ecstatic! She was determined to meet this baby. She assured us that she would be doing everything in her power to be there. As time went on, Caroline was in immense pain, yet she put a smile on and hid it from us. Christmas came and went, and she soaked it all in. It hurt so much to watch her as she lovingly sat on the couch sipping ‘tea’ from a tea party my daughter had prepared for her. She would quickly hide the pain of knowing that she wouldn’t be there to watch the kids grow up. She would pop up on my doorstep to visit with me and the kids, while popping pain meds to make sure that she ‘stayed on top of things.’ She pushed her pain aside to make sure that WE were ok.

Her spirit was strong, but her flesh was weak. When I was 19 weeks pregnant with this little baby, she quickly and peacefully passed away. A couple days before she died, she left us an amazing blessing. She made it known that she would not change anything about her life – not even getting cancer and all that she had been through. She had no regrets. At the age of 25, she was able to die and know that she had made good decisions and she was satisfied. She knew that the afterlife had much more for her than Earth, which is still extremely painful for us to accept. Of course, it’s our own selfishness to want her here with us forever. She was, after all, a really awesome sister.

The blessings that she has given us in the last few years will never be forgotten. This new daughter has a name chosen specifically for her by Caroline, which is funny, because we didn’t even know the gender when Caroline chose it. I will be forever grateful for the lesson from her about living as full and rich of a life as possible. Her love and wisdom will live on in so many. She left us such a legacy and changed our perspective on sisterhood completely.

A sister is so much more than someone who shares a bloodline and a home growing up. It goes down to the core. It can be so much more if you embrace it. A sister KNOWS. I can call any of my sisters and not need to say a word. They KNOW. I’m not saying that you need to have something tragic happen. I am saying that I wish I’d have known that this bond could be so deep years ago. Learn who your sisters are. What makes them tick? What encourages them? Connect with them. Make memories with them. Remember that life is unpredictable and everyone’s days are numbered. Make wise decisions. Pray about what direction to take in life. Pray for your sisters. Keep in mind that what you do now does matter. People are watching, and we are constantly teaching someone with our actions. What do you want your life to teach others? What do you want people to remember about you? How do you want your sisters to remember you when you are gone one day?

As I sit here with the clock nearing midnight, with a two and half WEEK old baby on my lap, I look at the relationship that my daughters already have. Of course, at this age, the baby is just along for the ride, but my heart is greatly warmed when my older daughter, Norah, asks to hold Evelyn. While Norah holds her, I often overhear her telling Evelyn about her family. Without skipping a beat, she goes through all of my sisters’ names. She lovingly tells her where everyone lives…. and, then, she gets to Caroline…. “she died. I know it’s sad, but I’m going to tell you all about her.” It makes me sit back and truly savor the sisterhood that I have.

We hope that through our experience you can come to value your sisters a bit more while you still have them here. Thanks for reading!

Joceline's Posts, Kerrington's Posts, Life in the Spirit, Marnie's Posts, Rachel's Posts, Sienna's Posts, Soul-Searching Sundays, UYM, Video Blogs, {Beauty}, {Faith}, {Life}, {Love}

{BIG REVEAL} UYM Promo Video!

August 7, 2015August 8, 2015 UYM

UYM Promo video posting — Click Image to watch video!

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

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

Until Next Time,

~The UYM Team

Amy's Posts, Guest-Writers

{Sisters Week!} “Gauvin Girls.”

August 7, 2015August 21, 2015 UYM

Written by: Amy Gauvin Dedicated to: Stacey Gauvin-Deacon

Good morning everyone!! First I would like to say, this week has been a blessing reading the blogs about sisterhood .

When I was asked to write a post for sister week, I knew in my spirit this was a chance to honor my beloved sister Stacey. Stacey and I are three years apart and though it might not seem much of a gap, growing up it seemed like she was soooo grown up and It seemed would never catch up to her.

We shared a room almost the whole time living under the same roof. I am sure most of you all understand the “rules” that came with sharing a room..lol. The imaginary line was drawn in the room and if you crossed that border…watch out!!! Stacey was stuck with a little clingy sister(me) that wanted to touch her stuff and do everything she did. Ya you could say I was a leach that she couldn’t get rid of without the help of Mom or Dad…lol. The most funniest memory of my sister and I sharing a room was how well she handled someone getting sick. I had the flu and I remember getting sick in my bucket beside the bed and as I leaned over to get sick I see a whoosh of my sisters pillow and blankets hightailing it off her bed and out the door….not to return again until I was better!!! She would get sick at just even the sound of it!!!
When my sister got her own room….to be honest… it sucked…..even though she was in the next room…she was sooo far away it seemed. I knew she was in her teenage years and she would get away with not having clingy little sister anymore tagging along. I remember always sitting at her vanity in her room(of course she was gone out with her friends, she would of kicked my butt!lol). I sat there and played her cassette tape of a mix she made off the radio and I did my hair and makeup like she would. I sat there and wanted to be just like my big sister. I looked up to her and I still do!

The day came when Stacey moved out of the house…that was another sucky moment. she would pick me up and I got to have sleepovers at her house and go grocery shopping with her (she always bought me beef jerky as we went through the checkout line). It helped me feel like she wasn’t so far away
Growing up into women and having families of our own, brought a new relationship of sisterhood that I always wanted. She has held my hand through every trial I have had. She never judges me on my decisions and always stood by my side. She gives me sound advice when I asked her for it. She is their to pick up pieces when my heart was broken. She encourages me everyday to never give up. The strength that comes from within her is never ending. I look up to her in a light of being unshakable. She is my super hero!
My sister is going through the struggle of her life right now. Her cancer returned unfortunately 😦 Even though she is going through this…she still holds everything together! She is still my super hero!
I need to be honest with the emotions that came along with her diagnosis. I was mad, angry, sad, confused…there were times where I questioned God. How could this happen to my sister? How was I gonna live without her…my super hero that couldn’t be shaken down? God gave me a sister more precious than gold and everyday is a blessing with her. I don’t know where I would be if he didn’t bless me with her. I needed to put my selfishness behind me and step up to the plate like my sister has all these years for me and be there for her when she needs it the most. I am to lift her up when she is down, be her shoulder when she needs it, be her cheerleader, be everything for her!
In a blink of an eye….he showed the true meaning of sisters. She is sewn into my heart and the love we have for each other is never ending. It is a reciprocating Love that will never go away I love You Stacey! I claim now in Jesus name that I will see a miracle happen with my sister! God is healing her as we speak!!!
I want to close in saying this, if you have never had a sister before ladies….YOU DO! We are all sisters in Christ! Just like he sewn my sister and I together, God has sewn all of us together in our hearts.

Its a path written on all of our lives, to stand together and lift each other up and encourage one another. Its a reciprocating Love that only woman to woman can understand. We will never stand alone, we have each other How awesome is that!!! Peace Love and Joy XOX

Until NExt Time,

~Amy

Guest-Writers

{Sisters Week!} “Cyr Girls.”

August 6, 2015August 4, 2015 UYM

It’s interesting that as I am beginning to write this little entry about the anomaly that is sisterhood, my sister and I find ourselves in the middle of a disagreement.

Fitting? I think so.

Allow me to introduce ourselves.
Nikki (right) and Casey (left) – sisters born 3 years apart, beautifully single and living the dream.

When we were young, our journey of getting to know each other began. We spent our days playing outside all the time, Case in her tree house (we use this term loosely as it was made of one board that held an old rotary phone) and I reading. From Casey’s perspective, I was “never outside, because I was always inside doing homework.” She asked me to add that. I disagree.

We got along pretty good as far as siblings go. We went to a Catholic elementary school and attended Mass the odd Sunday. Our childhood was littered with family gatherings and music. Always music. In fact, even to this day Case and I both sing and play the guitar on the music team at our church and throughout our community.
It is a legacy that we both treasure.

After we both decided to follow Jesus in high school, our lives changed as we started to really find out who God made us to be. Case was the outgoing, ridiculously friendly extrovert who could make her enemies turn friend with her crafty words and I was the closet ‘crazy’ introvert who came alive with her closest friends. I always seemed to be the planner, the refined one (Case is nodding in agreement) and Case, the expert storyteller, able to captivate an audience even if she was talking about something as plain as sod. It didn’t take long until we started to realize that we were totally different which brought many relational challenges and triumphs.

One of the simplest examples of this is that when we go to social gatherings, Case’s tank gets full and mine slowly drains. You can imagine the dismay when 9 o’clock rolls around and I’m ready to head home while she’s just warming up. This is no problem except that we carpool… every time. Needless to say, we’ve learned a lot about honoring one another over such a simple situation.

We recognize that not all natural sisters are able to say that they are best friends. We are so proud to be in the category of those who are. The truth is, when you let someone so close to your heart, it’s risky business – sister or not. The only way we were able to treasure each other and as a result, our relationship, was by letting Jesus show us who He made us to be and then honoring each other for the differences and similarities. Most importantly, it’s giving each other permission to be herself.

It feels dumb to say, but we do feel like we compliment each other and together we are able to conquer more because we’ve learned how to do this life side by side. Sound familiar married couples? I wholeheartedly believe that this relationship of honor, respect and constant discovery of who we both are is completely setting us up for the day that our handsome men come to sweep us off our feet. Isn’t it beautiful that this Jesus who cares about the most intimate details of our hearts, would prepare us for one of the most significant shifts in our lives using the relationships we have right now? I am so thankful.

There is something about sisters – shared experiences, intrinsic knowing and the ability to push the buttons that no one else even knows exist. All you sisters out there know exactly what I mean. On that note, I’ll let you use your imagination as to what our opening disagreement was about… Oh, the privileges of sisterhood!

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{BIG REVEAL} Friday!!!

August 5, 2015August 21, 2015 UYM

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

Until Next Time,

~Kerrington