Throwing Stones at Josh Duggar

Got a controversial issue on my mind this morning. So while I post about it here, it isn't up for debate or discussion. Just food for thought.


Throwing Stones at Josh Duggar:

I do not condone such behavior as what has recently come out. In fact, if the show had been put back on the air today, I can't say that I would want to watch it.
BUT..... The problem here isn't Josh Duggar at all. It's the Christians....

 Most of you know the story about how the Pharisees brought a woman caught up in adultery and threw her at Jesus' feet declaring her sin and just waiting for Jesus to make a wrong move. See, it wasn't even so much about her sin. The Pharisees weren't really after her. They were after Jesus. They wanted him to make a wrong move so that they could condemn Him. Are you following me here?
So Jesus bends down and begins writing in the sand. I can't help but believe maybe he was writing things such as "unfaithfulness, lying, cheating, stealing, murder, hatred, judgment, etc..." in the sand. I wonder if he didn't write out the sins that the Pharisees were hiding in their own lives.
Then he stands up, looks them right in the eye, and says those powerful words that still pierce the heart of every Christian today; "He that is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone at her."

One by one, the dropped their rocks and walked away.

Back to modern day.

Josh Duggar, caught in the very act of adultery. You know what I've seen in the last two days? Christians. Christians who are picking up their stones, piling them up in their arms, and throwing them as hard as they can at Josh because of his sin.
And you know what frustrates me about that? Do you have any idea who is watching?

Josh's babies.
 His wife.
His mother.

They all sit back and watch you pick up stones, desperately wanting to rescue him from such hatred. They want to help him be free. Truly free from sin. While some of you want to see him stoned to death. And they just sit there, helpless, and watch America tear him down and strip him of everything but shame.
Meanwhile, our Nation is falling to pieces, and God is being taken out of everything little by little. And Christians wonder why?! Why was prayer taken out of school? Why can't our children talk about God? Why are people being killed for their faith? Why, why, why?
You wanna know why?

It's not because of Josh Duggar.

It's because of the Christians who viciously pick up stones. Those who turn one man's sin into America's biggest controversial issue. The world wants nothing to do with Christianity, because they believe Christians are the most judgmental people to ever walk the Earth. And after the last couple of days, all I notice is that you are proving them right.
So, put down your stones. It's time to walk away. Help the man who is trapped in addiction, and love him back to Jesus. Until then, stop wondering why this world is "going to hell in a hand-basket."

Forgiving your Judas!

He knows what has been done. But he goes on with his evening anyway, as if nothing is wrong. Nobody suspects.

He fills up this bowl of water, and he makes his way down the line. And finally, he gives us an example of one of the most beautiful, selfless acts ever to take place. He bends down, and washes the feet of Judas.

He knew.

Jesus knew before he even made his way to Judas that he had already been betrayed. What a searing pain when the person you love and trust, and spend all of your time with abandons you. We can't even imagine.

But Jesus did it. He wasn't angry. He didn't complain while washing the dirt off of Judas' feet. He didn't spit on them, or mumble under his breath.

I believe that Jesus thought about how much he loved Judas. How special Judas was to him. I believe that he had already forgiven him.

This is our example.

First, you need to pay attention. Jesus was not blind to the things that Judas had done. This was one of his very best friends. So... Watch out for your Judas! 

Second, at some point in your life, someone will betray you. When they do,  remember that Jesus didn't accuse. He didn't retaliate. He simply loved. And he forgave.

Keeping forgiveness from someone is like choosing to stay trapped in a jail cell of bitterness, serving time for someone else's crime!

God, I ask You to forgive _______ for whatever they may have said or done to come against me. Just as you have forgiven me of all my sins, wrongdoings, faults, and shortcomings, and as Jesus forgave all those who persecuted and crucified Him, as well as those who personally attacked Him, I know that I can forgive anyone who has come against me. I am not moved by what I see, by what others do to me or say about me, nor by how they treat me.  I don't hold a grudge or resentment against anyone, and I refuse to allow my flesh and carnal nature to dominate me. I will not be ruled by my emotions or feelings. I will not think evil of anyone, because my full trust is in God, not man. Thank you for helping me to forgive others and walk in love. In Jesus name I pray, Amen!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prayer

Am I the only one who struggles with prayer? Like, I went to church, and the pastor was telling a story about a woman who prays several hours a day. I remember thinking, wow, that's awesome. Wish I could do that. 
And then it hit me... I CAN. And so can you.

My biggest problem was that I would run out of things to say after just 5 minutes. Or I would get so distracted that usually, my conversation went a little something like this... "God, I want to thank you for today. Please, help me to be all that I can be today and to be a blessing to someone around me.               *(looking around)... speaking of someone, I forgot to call so-and-so... I better do that before I forget.*
 
And that would be it. I found myself getting so frustrated when, at the end of the day, I would realize how much I neglected to talk to God. So then I would start praying again, and I would fall asleep after 2 sentences!

Am I the only one?

One of the most fundamental things that a Christian can do is to pray; because, where there is little prayer, there is little power.... Prayer doesn't just change things... It changes me.

Another thing that I struggled with a lot when praying was the feeling of "Who am I?" I mean, I'm just me. But to ask for a miracle? Or for God to do something awesome for me?

God made the sun stand still... But that was for Joshua. I'm not as great as he was.
God sent fire from heaven... But that was for Elijah... I'm certainly not as great as he was.

But then I read in James 5:17, where God says that Elijah was human... Just like me. The difference? He prayed EARNESTLY.

ear-nest (Noun): a serious and intent mental state <a proposal made in earnest>

***********************************************************************************************************

There was an elderly man. I'm not sure what his name was, so we'll call him James. He was in his final days of life, so he called a pastor over to see him. This pastor came over, and when he arrived, there was a chair next to James' bed. As the pastor was about to sit down, James said, "I know this is going to sound odd... But, could you not sit there?" The pastor agreed, but thought this to be strange. The visit went very well. They talked for a while about their families and God. And when the pastor got ready to leave, the old man said, "I bet you're wondering why I asked you not to sit in that chair."
The pastor shook his head, and said, "Well, yes, actually. But I respect your wishes, so you don't have to tell me."
James smiled and said, "I always had a hard time praying. I wasn't sure how to talk to God. And someone told me to put a chair next to my bed and imagine Him sitting next to me. So that's what I am doing. I sit here, and I talk to God, and we just have the best time!"
The next week, James passed away. The pastor came by to check on the family. "Thank you for coming to see my father last week." his daughter said. "He told me he really enjoyed his visit with you. But there is one thing that I do not quite understand. And I have asked several people. Maybe you will have an idea. My father has kept a chair next to his bed for quite some time now that he would never let anyone sit in. But this morning, when I found him, he was laying in his bed, leaning over, with his head in the chair."
The pastor only smiled as tears filled his eyes. "Yes. I know very well. Your father passed away in the lap of our Father."


This is such a beautiful story! But I shared it to prove that it's okay to struggle with prayer. In fact, most people do! but it's up to you to find a solution! If you have to, put a chair in front of you, as James did. If you have a hard time finding the words to say, I am going to share something with you that I have found to be very helpful. It is called the A.C.T.S Model.

Adoration: Begin your prayer by taking a few minutes to thank God simply for who He is.
Confession: Is there anything in your life that shouldn't be there? Now is a good time to confess and receive forgiveness. Be specific. God already knows anyways.
Thanksgiving: God does so much for us. Have you thanked Him lately? Take this time to thank Him for all that He has done, all that He is doing, and all that He is going to do!
Supplication: It's perfectly okay to ask God to move in your life! He wants you to! Do you have a need? God already knows, but He's waiting for you to ask Him!

So now that you have the A.C.T.S Model, go talk to God! This is not the only way to pray, but if you are looking for discipline in your prayer life, this is the best way that I have found! So what are you waiting for? Your Heavenly Father is waiting to hear from you!

Life Lessons

Her name is Jane.

I heard her telling another young Ugandan girl that she loved Karen Kingsbury.

I have a whole collection of her books.

On September 8th, I found Jane walking across the church parking lot. I handed her 4 of Karen's books.
Now, if she were an American child, she would probably shrug it off, and maybe add a simple, "Thanks."

But not Jane.

With tears in her eyes, she dropped to her knees, and threw her arms around me. After a few seconds, she put her hands in the air. "He has answered my prayer... I just asked God for books!"

I reached down, and pulled Jane to her feet. That day, she thanked me numerous times, all for something that I had sitting on a shelf for over a year, almost untouched.


She taught me a valuable lesson.

In general, many Americans worship God for what He has given us. We are blessed. These beautiful Ugandans have little to nothing... They worship God simply for who He is.


If one day you woke up, and you had nothing, would you still love God? Think about that for a minute.

If all you owned was a couple pairs of clothes and the shoes on your feet, would you consider yourself blessed?


I have never seen a more beautiful smile than that of a child whose world has been torn apart by complete poverty.


I want to share one more memory I have of these beautiful children.

Maureen is 9 years old. She has changed my life, and taught me lessons that I will forever cling to.

I sat down next to her as she was eating her hotdog. Half eaten, she held it near my face. I shook my head, and told her she should eat it. She pointed at something else on her plate, and again, I told her that she would be hungry later, and she should eat the food for herself.

She looked at me with those big brown eyes, and said, "Have you ever eaten anything from me?" My answer was quick... No.

She pointed to a pile of crackers on her plate. "At least eat a cracker."

So now, I was curious. "Why do you want me to eat your food?"

And her answer left me in tears.

"Because I love you, and I want to give you something."

Maureen had nothing to give. All she had was the food on her plate. Yet, she was willing to give even that away.


What about you? If you had little to give, could you still love enough to offer everything you had to someone else?


Maureen gave me more than a cracker that night. She changed my perception on life.

So I challenge you... Serve God for who He is. Love with complete abandon. And be all God intended you to be.

Unconditional Love

Tonight, I want to tell you a story of  unconditional love.
One of the most beautiful love stories that I have ever read comes from the book of Hosea. And the story unfolds a little something like this:

God told Hosea to marry a prostitute. So, Hosea did as God commanded him, and he married Gomer (We can't be sure that Gomer was actually a prostitute when she married Hosea, or if that came later on in the marriage. But he knew that one day, she would be unfaithful to him). He loved Gomer with his whole heart. He wasn't rich, and couldn't give her all of the fancy jewelry or beautiful clothes, but he gave her everything that she needed. He took care of her, and loved her. But Gomer wanted more. She wanted not what Hosea could give her, but rather, what he couldn't give her. She wanted the riches. So, she left. Just like that. She was gone. Could you imagine how Hosea must have felt? His wife... The woman he loved with his whole being.... The woman that God told him to marry... Has left him for another man. I don't know about you, but if I were Hosea, I would have questioned God. Why? Why would a faithful God ask him to marry an unfaithful harlot?
Anyways, back to the story, Gomer became enslaved in prostitution. She was no longer her own, but sold as property. Oh, the shame and regret that Gomer must have felt when she was being "auctioned off" before all of these people. She had a wonderful husband and three children that loved her very much, and she had given it all up for this life, that wasn't even her own anymore. But it's too late for all of that.... Right?

Wrong.

So, in walks her prince charming (Hosea, of course). And he buys her freedom back for 15 pieces of silver, and one and a half homers of barley. He makes her his wife once again. He doesn't call her names, or tell her what a failure she is. Instead, he tells her that she will be faithful to him, and he will be faithful to her. Now that, is unconditional love.

So, why would God tell Hosea to marry her if he knew what was going to happen? Because God wanted Hosea to understand how He felt about His children. But let's take this a little bit farther. God wanted somebody to understand how He feels about YOU. He loves us with this unconditional love that makes absolutely no sense at all! We have committed great whoredom, and departed from the Lord (Hosea 1:2). Every time that we turn away from God, or mess up, or become complacent, we give His love away for the love of the world. We are ALL guilty of it. I am Gomer. You are Gomer. But knowing that we would be unfaithful, God saw that one day, we would need someone to save us, even though we don't deserve it. So He paid the greatest price... He gave His Son. There is no greater love.

So I challenge you. The price has been paid and we no longer have to be slaves to this life of whoredom. Will you accept this love? Or will you allow sin to enslave you? The choice is yours.

"I am married unto you." -Jeremiah 3:14
"Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings." -Jeremiah 3:22

I'd Like to Indroduce You To... Me.

I want to take just a moment to be real with you all. I am a firm believer that you have never seen a person as they truly are until you see them at their point of brokenness. When stress is built up, and life just plain hurts.
At this moment, I am broken. I hurt. And I am struggling. But I want all of you to see this side of me. Because when the good times pass, and the lights go down, and everyone is gone, this is who I am. And yet through all of it, through the hard times, through the pain, and everything that's wrong, I still want you to know, that at your darkest point in life, there is One on whom you can depend. And I promise you that He won't let you down. I know this, because on those dark days, like today, He wraps me in His arms.
Now, this is just one bad day. My life is not horrible. I am not depressed. But I know how it feels to be broken. And I have come to this surreal place, where, even when the world is crazy, and I feel like people have let me down, and everything that could go wrong, does, I can't be persuaded to give up. Because even through it all, I feel Him. And I want you to understand that no matter what you go through, He's there. When you smile, He's there. When you cry, He's there. When you feel like giving up, He's there. Even when you turn your back on Him, He's there.
So this is me... This is who I am. My name is Heather. And I am here to admit to you, that I do not live a perfect life. I do not have it all together. And I fail (and fall) almost daily. But despite all of my imperfections, I have a perfect God. And that's ALL that I need.

Trifecta!

Hey guys, sorry it's been so long since I have posted anything. I want to share something with you! The reason that Generation_31 exists today, is because of 3 amazing women that God placed in my life this past summer. Each woman taught me something so valuable about myself, and my ministry. Lucy Reyes is one of those women. I have asked her to write something for all of you, and this is what she sent me. I absolutely love what she had to say here, and I know that she spent much time seeking God for what to write. I am so excited to share this with you, so check it out, and let me know what you think! -Heather

 

 

Trifecta!
By: Lucy Reyes

God is not into playing games like 'hide and seek,' 'catch me if you can,' or even 'phone tag' but His principles are similar to sport games that require teamwork, trust, and discipline.

In this case, it's an eternal prize that is up for grabs, where the trophies come in form of jeweled crowns.

He is not your opponent and He is not your adversary. He is your friend and your Coach.

He is on your team and is actively scouting for the new season in your life.

He has pre-appointed and anointed, new talent on your behalf and is drafting the best available, most valuable players that would fight earnestly along your side.

Teammates who can play their hearts out on the next level and are worthy of playing on Sundays! A team that can reach the Promised Land together! Future Hall of Famers for Jesus Christ!

It's going to be a battle of epic proportions and He has hand picked those who are suited up with The Full Armor of God.

The season is a marathon and not a sprint, therefore it calls for runners who can endure the race of Faith till the very end, not halfway, not until the last quarter but in and out of season until the Final Call is made.

He's pitching not only one gem but many gems. Although, he's been quiet so far, when He throws, He throws rainbow jumpers right before the whistle blows!

You must know, I am only the announcer coming to announce The Year of the Lord's Favor.

Gear up, submit your best game plan to Him, and remember that you fight from a standpoint where victory is already won.

Whether playing at home or away, you are predestined for greatness and only love will lead you to the end zone with The Sword in your hand. In Jesus Name.

Follow Your Dreams

I was the little girl in school who had absolutely no idea what she wanted to be, or do when she grew up. Even through high school, my biggest struggle was how I wanted to spend my life. That is a pretty big commitment afterall. A life sentence, so to speak. How could I possibly limit myself to an occupation?

I remember one day in specific when my 5th grade teacher went around the room and asked each of my classmates what they wanted to be when we grew up. I heard some pretty great answers from my friends. Police officers, nurses, lawyers, fire-fighters, the list could go on and on. When the teacher stood in front of me, my answer was quick, and false. "I want to be a teacher." (Okay, so this statement was not at all correct. But hey, it earned me some brownie points.) The truth was, I had no idea what I wanted to be.

It wasn't until the 10th grade that I finally decided that I had to choose. I had a dream, and I needed to give it a voice. I didn't want to be average (Don't get me wrong here, teachers, nurses, police officers, lawyers, and every other occupation out there is very important. God calls everyone to a specific job. But not everyone is capable of those things. I guess that's where I come in).

Truth is, I had always had a dream. A dream that I didn't dare to tell anyone. It's like when a mother tells her child that he can be anything he wants; even the President of the United States. She probably doesn't actually believe her own statement. And those around the child will eventually fill his head with statements such as, "You need to choose something more realistic."or "Well, that's a great dream and all, but you should definitely make sure you have a backup plan for when that one falls through."

You see, I have one of those unrealistic dreams. And it is simply this: I want to change the world. I want to leave this place better than it was when I entered it. Pretty unrealistic dream, huh? Well, I don't know about you, but I would say that people called Martin Luther King Jr. crazy when he told the world about his dream. Or what about the Wright brothers, when they were building their first "flying machine?" How many times had they been ridiculed for their dreams? How many times had someone told them it simply could not be done? These men impacted the world.

　

　

With that being said, I have 12 reasons that you too, should follow your God-given dreams:
1.) If you don't follow your dreams, you'll crush them... And eventually, you'll stop dreaming altogether.
2.) There are few things that are worse than regret. What will you regret tomorrow that you didn’t do today?
3.) Dreamers who took action have created everything around you.
4.) Following your dreams doesn’t always turn out as planned, but hey, it makes for some great memories.
5.) Personal growth happens only when you stretch yourself. If you don’t follow your dreams you’re not stretching.
6.) You want to be remembered. Everybody does. We remember those who follow their dreams.
7.) Your dreams and your actions define who you are. If you do what others tell you to do then you’re letting them define you.
8.) When people who look up to you see you following your dreams it will inspire some of them to follow their dreams as well.
9.) Following your dreams makes you interesting.
10.) You learn a lot from failure. Not everybody will get everything right 100% of the time. Since you will probably fail at times, you’ll learn a lot too.
11.) There are no rules in life so why limit yourself to what everybody else is doing?
12.) You might live to be 100 years old, but tomorrow is never promised. Take a chance.




So, here's to the crazy ones. The misfits

"The people who are crazy enough to believe that they can change the world, are the ones who do."

Message to Women: The Power of Your Life

When the history of the world is finally told rightly-- one of the great joys when we reach the Wedding Feast of the Lamb-- it will be as clear as day that women have been essential to every great move of God upon this Earth.

I wanted to say, "nearly every great move," not wanting to over-state a crucial point and recognizing that there are moments when men have led the way. But Stasi chimed in and said, "Those men had mothers, didn't they?!" I was thinking of Moses who seemed to lead the Exodus, but it quickly dawned on me that it was his mother who saved his life as a baby (at the risk of her own life, and the lives of her entire family). It was his sister who stayed with the babe and suggested a nursemaid when Pharaoh's daughter took him for her own (That nurse would be, of course, his mother). Okay. I concede. Women have been essential to every great move of God.

Certainly there are those amazing moments in the Old Testament like the story of Rahab, who secured the Hebrews' successful military launch into the Promised Land. And Esther, who saved her people from genocide and secured the future of Israel... and of the world. It's clear that women supported the ministry of Jesus, financially and emotionally, and women were the ones who stayed with him when nearly all the men hightailed it and ran. As we read the story of the spreading gospel and the birth of the church in the New Testament, we encounter women like Lydia, whose home became the staging point for the evangelism of Thyatira and Philippi; women like Nympha and Apphia, who hosted the emerging church in their homes--again, at great risk to themselves and their loved ones. There is Priscilla, who risked her life to help Paul spread the gospel, and Junias, who was with Paul when he was in prison and whom he called, "outstanding among the apostles" (Romans 16:7).

And of course, the salvation of mankind rested on the courage of a woman, a teenage girl. What if she had said no? What if any of them had said no?

To try and give honor to women in the sweep of history is impossible here. It would be easier to think of any of the great or small turning point's in God's rescue of mankind and try to find one where women were not irreplaceable. From the beginning, Eve was God's gift to the world-- His ezer kenegdo (help mate) for us. History is still unfolding, and your existence on this Earth as a woman is proof that you have an irreplaceable role to play. You are a woman, are you not? An ezer kenegdo to your core. Your lingering disbelief (may it be fading away) that anything important hangs on your life is only evidence of the long assault on your heart by the one who knows who you could be, and fears you.

There is much life saving that needs to be done yet, and someone needs to do it. Not in a pressure filled, You'd better get to it kind of way. Rather, an invitation. Your feminine heart is an invitation by your Creator. To what? To play an irreplaceable role in his Story. Isn't that what your Lover wrote there? Some dream, some desire, something so core to who you are, it almost hurts to think of it. The very longing is such a part of your being it's scary to even give it a voice. You may not know the dream itself yet. But you know the longing to play an irreplaceable part. That is a good beginning.

Ezer is woven into the fabric of your feminine heart. You must live this out. What lives, what destinies are hanging on your yes to God?

Excerpt taken from "Captivating" by John and Stasi Eldredge.

The Master Potter

A couple went into an antique shop and saw a beautiful, magnificant teacup sitting high on a shelf, and they just fell in love with it. They said, "We have got to have that teacup." They began to admire the teacup, and all of the sudden, it began to talk to them. It said, "You know, I've not always been like this. There was a time when nobody would have wanted me. There was a time when I was not attractive at all. There was a time in my life when I was just an old, hard, gray lump of clay. The master potter came and picked me up one day, and began to pat me, and shape me, and I said, "Leave me alone! What are you doing? That hurts! Just leave me alone!" And he simply looked at me and said, "Not yet."

And then he put me on this wheel, and began to spin me around, and around, and around, and I just got so dizzy that I couldn't even see where I was going anymore. I just felt like I was losing it. Everything was spinning, and I felt sick to my stomach, and I said, "Let me off of here!" And he just said, "Not yet."

Finally, the day had come where I took another shape. All that patting, and molding, and pinching gave me another shape. And I thought, "Ah, finally!" But then, he put me in this furnace. It was called the 'First Firing.' And it was so hot in there. I couldn't believe how hot it was, and I thought, "I can't stand this. I'm going to die. Just get me out of here! Don't you love me? Why are you leaving me here?" The oven door had a little glass piece in it, and the master would look through the glass, and just smile. He had a certain look in his eyes, but he would not let me out! He was watching over me. He never took his eyes off of me, but just wouldn't let me out. He would just smile at me and say, "Not yet."

Finally, the oven door opened, and he took me out, and sat me on a shelf. And I thought, "Man, thank God that is over!" But then he began to paint me all over with this stinky paint, changing my color from gray to this pretty blue that I am now. And I said, "This stuff stinks. It's choking me. I do not like this smell. Just stop it!" And he would just look at me with that look, and say, "Not yet."

Then he put me back in the oven a second time, and it was twice as hot as the first time. I sure didn't expect to be in there again. I thought, "I know for sure that I am going to die in here! This is the end of me! This will finish me off! Get me out of here, God, I can't stand it!" But he would just look through the glass, and say, "Not yet."

Then once the door finally opened, and he took me out, and sat me on a shelf and let me cool off. And after I cooled off, he came by and let me look in a mirror. I looked at myself and I just could not believe how beautiful I was. I could not believe how I had changed. Why I didn't look anything like that old, gray, lump of clay that I started out being so long ago. Back then, nobody wanted me, nobody liked me, nobody paid any attention to me. They just kicked me around and walked all over me like I was a piece of trash. But now, I'm special! But I wasn't always this way.



You may be in any of those stages, but God will NEVER take His eyes off of you. Let Him make you into the person He wants you to be... Even if it means going through the fire. You will never be the same.

Amanda's Testimony

Hey, everyone. I want to share a beautiful testimony from a dear friend of mine. Amanda is 24 years old, and truly understands the love of God, because she, like so many others, has a story of forgiveness and healing. I pray that you find healing for yourself also through her testimony. You are not alone. No matter what situation you may be facing.
(If you would like to share your testimony of hope and God's love, or any other message that you feel God has laid on your heart to share, feel free to email me at heathermountjoy@yahoo.com)

Amanda Lowery:

Age. 24

 

My Testimony ...

I grew up in church, my parents were Sunday school teachers and i accepted Christ when I was 10 years old. My parents sheltered me growing and i was a very active member in the youth group through out middle and high school. I was in leadership classes 8th grade thru my senior year of high school. I always got the most christ-like award every time my youth group went on a retreat. I was a girl after God's own heart and always eager and excited to share God with everyone I met. My senior year is when it started go down hill. I had started dating this guy that had graduated a year before me. I had the idea to save myself for marriage and only three months into the relationship he started to pressure me for sex. He threw out all the classic lines and back then I was the type who thought I always had to have some sort of male companionship to satisfy me. i got comfortable in the relationship and told myself I couldn't find anyone better and gave in for the fear of having him leave me. Come to find out being in that relationship and given in to his desire didn't satisfy me, it only added to my emptiness. My life just continued to get worse. Being shelter for most of life i decided to do it all on my own when I turned 21. I got involved in the wrong crowds, partied, did drugs, and gave in to more guys. At the time I believed that was the only a guy would ever accept me, because having them accept for who I was never worked out too well. After all that I'd always end up single and broken hearted with a little more added to my emptiness. In the midst of this journey I would always run back to God then always run away. I wish I could tell you after all that had happened previously that it got better but it didnt. My freshman year of community college I got a job working at Bi-Lo and met a guy there that I was working with. We started dating and Like all the times before a red flag would go up giving me the que to leave but I didnt. I was this guys first girl friend and telling him my past and then that I gave it all up to Christ I thought he'd be understanding but the only thing he was was just anothe rdesriring guy. I tried and tried to bring him closer to God and every time Id grow closer to the Lord he grew more angry. This I just could not understand. Well he also started preasuring me and what I should've done was run but I stayed and ended up giving in all over again. I wrestled with that regret for the whole three years we dated. wish I could tell you that our relationship got better but it didnt. The whole three years of that realtionship I prayed and prayed That God would change him and that he would see the light I had with in me and be drawn to that. Only to realize the light I had wasnt so bright anymore because he had dimmed it so much. Finally I had enough and just prayed to God that he would move or move me and thats exactly what he did. Jacob ended up breaking up with me and in was one the roughest and toughest breakups ever. I literally went crazy and drove myself insane thinking about it constantly. I turned against God and told him That Id much rather have jacob back than follow Him again becasue the pain of being without jacob was more than I could handle. I told God I didnt need his help and I didnt want his help because i have messed up so bad and disappointed him so much and it would be unfair for me to ask for his help. I ended up going into a deep and dark depression for half a yr. I had reached the lowest I would ever go, I even thought of harming myself so I could leave this world and be in pain no more. Until one day, I had enough of feeling so awful I fell to my face and told God I give up, I couldnt do this alone any more and couldn't handle the pain on my own. that was the day i told myself from that point on I was never going to let any man, any one or anything ever bring me down that low agian. if anything bothered me I was just going laugh about it, shrug it off, keep my heead up, keep smiling and keep moving foward. Today I can tell you that God reveals to me every day how much he loves me and that he is always here. I dont worry about finding a guy to satisfy the whole in my heart and my loneliness. because that spot has been filled by a pretty important guy already ... God! God has called me into the ministry of missions and working with the youth. I tell everyone i still get lonely but now IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL! I am perfectly fine if God doesnt have a special someone for me and if its not in his plans for me to get married and have a fmaily because the joy I'd would get from witnessing to others and helping orphans would be infinately greater than the joy of having a family! I look back on that day when I thought I couldn't make anymore and just look up, smile and thank God for making stronger than I could ever have imagined! Because of the pain, disappointments and emptiness I went through. After overcoming that, God laid on my heart to start a mentoring group for young teenage girls, called "STILL THAT GIRL" based on Britt Nicole's song. Its for girls like me who have and had that passions to change the world but got lost along the way. You're still that girl! Dont let your trials and pain hinder, hide and ever take away that passion. Its still in you, Remember God doesn't hate you, he'll ALWAYS love you just the same as he did before you fell! He may hate where you're at, so listen to his voice, he's calling you by name, speaking to your heart to pull you out of the darkness and tell you of better things to come! AND BELIEVE ME THERE ARE BETTER THINGS TO COME! Our God is not a God of comdemnation! He's a God of love with a sweet voice!

If you are wanting to share your story please don't hold back of the fear of judgement! We are here to help and never to judge. Your story is a story of mircale given to you by God, its a gift. Don't let what others think stop you from reaching out!

Psalm 51:17
"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, broken heart and contrite heart. O God, you will not despise!"

 

 

 

 

Lily Among Thorns

I want to share with you what has been on my mind lately. I came across a scripture the other day that really stood out to me. Song of Solomon 2:2 says, "But Solomon replied, Like the lily among thorns, so are you, my love, among the daughters." (AMP)
What exactly does it mean to be a lily among thorns though? I recently read a book that emphasized being a "lily white princess" in the eyes of our Father. Leslie described "lily whiteness" as being washed clean, whiter than snow, and to remove sin's residue from our inner being; to be set apart.
Earlier today, I asked some of my Twitter followers to describe to me what it meant to be a set apart christian. Here are some of their answers:

1.) To be in the world, but not of it.

2.) To be real. Not hypocritical.

3.) Living a Godly lifestyle, without allowing yourself to be persuaded by the world.

My challenge to you is to become one of the few in this generation: a set apart young woman (or man) who allows the passionate intimacy she experiences with her Prince (God) to completely transform every other area of her life. This kind of fairy-tale romance between a young woman and her true Prince does not come without sacrifice. It does not come without pain. But it is the most priceless gift we will ever be offered. And it is the most beautiful, fulfilling existence we could ever know or imagine.

As we seek to live the set apart life, we will not likely be understood or appreciated by the world around us, and often not even the christian world. But we are not on this journey alone. Our heroic Prince is with us. He is tenderly shaping us into His princesses-lilies among thorns in this generation. In His presence is the fullness of joy. Live for His applause alone.
#Captivating


"Trust Me, My child." He says. "Trust Me with a fuller abandon than you ever have before. Trust Me, as minute succeeds minute, every day of your life, for as long as you live. And if you become conscious of anything hindering our relationship, do not hurt Me by turning away from Me. Draw all the closer to Me, come, run to Me. Allow Me to hide you, to protect you, even from yourself. Tell Me your deepest cares, your every trouble. Trust Me to keep my hand upon you. I will never leave you. I will shape you, mold you, and perfect you. Do not fear, O child of My love, do not fear. I love you."

-Amy Carmichael

Isaiah 61:1-3

Just wanted to share one of my favorite scriptures with you I've found my purpose through this passage. This is what God has called me to do. I pray you find the same.
"The Spirit of the sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives, and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God. To comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair." -Isaiah 61:1-3 ♥
This is the passage that Jesus pointed to when He began His ministry here on Earth. Of all the scriptures he could have chosen, this is the one He picked on the day He first publicly announced his mission. It must be important to him. It must be central. But what does it mean? It's supposed to be really good news, that's clear. It has something to do with healing hearts, setting someone free. Let me try and state it in words more familiar to us.
God has sent me on a mission.
I have some great news for you.
God has sent me to restore and release something.
And that something is you.
I am here to give you back your heart and set you free.
I am furious at the Enemy who did this to you, and I will fight against Him.
Let me comfort you.
For, dear one, I will bestow beauty upon you, where you have known only devastation.
Joy, in places of your deep sorrow.
And I will robe your heart in thankful praise in exchange for your resignation and despair.
You are the glorious Image Bearer of the Lord Jesus Christ- the crown of His creation. You have been assulted. You have fallen to your own resources. Your enemy has siezed upon your wounds and your sins to pin your heart down. Now the Son of God has come to ransom you, and to heal your broken, wounded, bleeding heart, and to set you free from bondage. He came for the brokenhearted captives. That's me. That's you. He came to restore the glorious creation that you are. And set you free... To be yourself.
#Captivated

You Are More Than Enough!

Earlier today, I asked my Twitter followers what issues they believed most young women face on a daily basis. The number one answer I received?  "Self-Esteem/Self-Worth"
 
When I received all of these answers from so many girls who were facing this issue every day, my heart broke for each of them. It was only a few months ago that I was in their place. Asking myself over and over again, "What is wrong with me?" And answering my own question with phrases like, "You're not pretty enough. You're not smart enough. You don't have enough friends, or the nicest clothes. And you will probably never amount to much in this life."
 
It wasn't until God placed three amazing people in my path to teach me a life-changing lesson, that I was able to see myself as being valuable! Each person taught me a different lesson, using different scriptures, which I will share with you later.
 
Society has completely distorted the mind of young women in our generation! One thing that society taught me, that I allowed myself to believe for years was that if you believed that you were beautiful, or valuable in any way, then you were just conceited and arrogant. But this could not possibly be more wrong! Confidence is beauty! Just last night, I happened to see something that a friend of mine posted on Twitter, and I want to share it with you! She said, "When you see me passing, it ought to make you proud #phenomenalwoman." I can not even describe to you how much I love to see posts like this! I could not possibly agree with her tweet more! This particular woman, is beautiful, inside and out... And she knows it! Not because she is conceited or arrogant, but because she knows who her God is!
 
To prove my point, I also asked my Twitter followers what society has taught them about physical beauty. Their answers?
 
1.) Skinny is perfect.
2.) To be what everyone else wants to see & also to show it off
3.) That you have to be unhealthily thin, have straight white teeth, wear skimpy clothes, and be really tan to be "cool."
4.) If you aren't "model" material, you aren't beautiful enough.

Guess what ladies? Society has lied to you!! Proof? Even models aren't "model material!"

True beauty is having confidence in yourself. It's knowing who you are, despite what society tells you about who you should be.

You are enough....

You are a child of God (John 1:12)
You are precious (Psalm 139:17-18, 1Peter 3:3-4, Isaiah 43:4)
You are beautiful (Song of Solomon 4:1)
You are valuable (Proverbs 31:10, Malachi 3:17, Luke 12:7)
You have a purpose (Jeremiah 29:11)
You are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27)
You are chosen. (1Peter 2:9)
You are crowned with honor (Psalms 8:3-5)
You are a new creation (2Corinthians 5:17)
You are loved (Psalm 36:5)

Ruth, Chapter 1

God has given several beautiful examples of Godly women throughout the Bible. One of my personal favorites is Ruth.  She set the perfect example of who we should be as women... Willing to leave everything behind, not worring about who she would marry, but how she could get closer to God, and to the woman that God had placed in her life. She was more worried about God's plan for her life than for her own. If only more women today had the same sense of wreckless abandonment. For those of you who have not yet read the book of Ruth, I have posted the first chapter below (Amplified version). Or, if you would rather read it from your Bible, you can skip to the end for the "points to ponder!"


1IN THE days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehem of Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, his wife, and his two sons.2The man’s name was Elimelech and his wife’s name was Naomi and his two sons were named Mahlon [invalid] and Chilion [pining]; they were Ephrathites from Bethlehem of Judah. They went to the country of Moab and continued there.3But Elimelech, who Naomi’s husband, died, and she was left with her two sons.4And they took wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah and the name of the other Ruth. They dwelt there about ten years;5And Mahlon and Chilion died also, both of them, so the woman was bereft of her two sons and her husband.6Then she arose with her daughters-in-law to return from the country of Moab, for she had heard in Moab how the Lord had visited His people in giving them food.7So she left the place where she was, her two daughters-in-law with her, and they started on the way back to Judah.8But Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, Go, return each of you to her mother’s house. May the Lord deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead and with me.9The Lord grant that you may find a home and rest, each in the house of her husband! Then she kissed them and they wept aloud.10And they said to her, No, we will return with you to your people.11But Naomi said, Turn back, my daughters, why will you go with me? Have I yet sons in my womb that may become your husbands?12Turn back, my daughters, go; for I am too old to have a husband. If I should say I have hope, even if I should have a husband tonight and should bear sons,13Would you therefore wait till they were grown? Would you therefore refrain from marrying? ((NOTE:sons who could become your husbands: The Old Testament Law stated that if a man died, his brother had to marry the widow to protect her and carry on the family name. Naomi’s comment here (“sons who could grow up to be your husbands”) refers to levirate marriage, the obligation of a dead man’s brother to care for the widow (Deuteronomy 25:5-10). This law kept the widow from poverty and provided a way for the family name of the dead husband to continue.)) No, my daughters; it is far more bitter for me than for you that the hand of the Lord is gone out against me.14Then they wept aloud again; and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law [good-bye], but Ruth clung to her.15And Naomi said, See, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law.16And Ruth said, Urge me not to leave you or to turn back from following you; for where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people and your God my God.17Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. The Lord do so to me, and more also, if anything but death parts me from you.18When Naomi saw that Ruth was determined to go with her, she said no more.19So they both went on until they came to Bethlehem. And when they arrived in Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred about them, and said, Is this Naomi?20And she said to them, Call me not Naomi [pleasant]; call me Mara [bitter], for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me.21I went out full, but the Lord has brought me home again empty. Why call me Naomi, since the Lord has testified against me, and the Almighty has afflicted me?22So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter-in-law, with her, who returned from the country of Moab. And they came to Bethlehem at the beginning of barley harvest.


Points to ponder:
1.)  Describe Naomi’s condition after ten years in Moab?  
                                                          NOTE: There was almost nothing worse than being a widow in the ancient world. Widows were taken advantage of or ignored. They would equate to the homeless in American society. They were almost always poverty stricken. God’s law, therefore, provided that the nearest relative of the dead husband should care for the widow; but Naomi had no relatives in Moab, and she did not know if any of her relatives were alive in Israel

2.) Are you surprised by Ruth's decision to stay with her mother-in-law?

3.) What was Ruth giving up by choosing to stay with Naomi?


APPLICATION FOR DAILY LIVING:

1.) When her sons died, Naomi believed that God had turned against her and Ruth (chapter 1). Why did she feel so desperate? Have you ever felt this desperate or have you known anyone who felt bitter like Naomi? If so, what caused these feelings and how did you or your friend get through this difficult period?
                                                 

2.) What did Ruth do to help Naomi when they got to Bethlehem in Judah? (2:1-18). What seem to have been the risks for women who did this kind of work? How could the fact that Ruth was a foreigner (from Moab) have made the situation even more difficult Are there people with different cultural or religious backgrounds living in your community? If so, how are they treated?

Reflections: You are enough.

Ladies, you were born an original. Do NOT die a copy. God did not create you to be just like somebody else. Actually, He instructs us to not conform to the ways of this world. Dare to be different... Dare to be YOU. You are more than enough. And you are precious to the Father.

¹⁴ I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

¹⁵ My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

¹⁶ Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.

¹⁷ How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!

¹⁸ If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.


-Psalm 139:14-18

What Not To Wear: Modesty

Hey, ladies. I want to share something with you that God has really been weighing heavy on my heart lately. One that every girl struggles with at some point in life.
So, let's talk modesty.
One statement that I hear quite frequently is, "Well, God looks on the heart... Not the way I am dressed. So I can wear what I want... Right?" Actually, no. It is true that God looks on the heart. But He is the ONLY one who can look upon your heart. What about everyone around you? They see your outward appearance. What you wear on the outside reveals a little bit about who you are on the inside.
I love the way that Nancy DeMoss describes modesty. She said, “As women, clothing and appearance are some of the most powerful and important means we have of sending a message about our hearts and our values. So here’s the question. What do your clothes and your appearance communicate about you?"
Which now brings me to a few questions of my own.

1.) When choosing what clothes to wear, whose attention do you desire and whose approval do you crave? Are you seeking to please God or to impress others?

2.) Who are you trying to identify with? Is the Word of God your standard, or the latest fashion?

3.) What do your clothes say about your heart?

4.) If I were to pick any random person off the street and ask them to tell me what kind of person that they believe you are, just by your dress, what would they have to say about you?


"And I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves." -1 Timothy 2:9 (NLT)

With this being said, I want to share one more thing with you that will speak the rest of my message for itself. There was a "survey" given to a group of teenage guys about modesty. They were all asked the same question... "What do you think when you see a girl dressed immodestly?" This is what they had to say:

Bless her heart. She must feel like she has to dress that way to get attention. — Ryan, 18

Sometimes I let my guard down and think something I shouldn’t. I try to glorify Jesus with pure eyes and pure thoughts. — Geoff, 15

They need to respect themselves and everyone else around them by dressing more modestly. — Travis, 16

Do you want my sweatshirt? I really struggle with lust, so when girls dress inappropriately, it’s really hard on me. Especially, when I’m in a classroom and can’t escape from the temptation. — Jake, 16

I think that the girl is convinced that it’s the only way she can get attention. It makes me think she’s not self-confident and that she’s easy. — Tom, 16

I think she probably doesn’t have the best relationship with God, she probably isn’t that smart, and she needs guys to look at her, which has a whole different set of meanings attached to it. If she’s pretty, it’s hard not to look. I’m not perfect. I try not to linger and let my thoughts progress to lust. — Matt, 18

My heart says, “Look out!” My mind says, “Oh yeah!” — Trevor, 14

My first reaction is, “Wow.” But then the Holy Spirit is like, “Dude, what are you doing?!” These girls are giving way too much of themselves away to the world. — Ben, 17

I think that if they really felt like they were pretty, they wouldn’t have to dress that way. They have no respect for themselves or their parents. — Mario, 14

I think they are desperate. — Alex, 15

I wonder if her parents have any control over her. — Landon, 14

Sex. — Joe, 15

Well, sometimes I want to look, but eventually I realize that they aren’t the kind of girls I want to be with. — Chris, 16

Where are her parents? — Daniel, 16

I think that she doesn’t have good parents and needs attention. — Cabe, 14