Sunday, April 13, 2014
Friday, April 11, 2014
A Little of My Story
Hi all! I feel like I have been absent from you for a while and I apologize. I've missed sharing what the Lord has been teaching me so let me tell you what's been happening lately!
We (Tiffany, our friend Sybil and I) just completed a study by Jennie Allen titled Restless. This study blew my world right open and turned it upside down - in a fabulous way! This study helps us to intentionally begin to recognize the threads in our lives that are floating in the breeze so to speak. Threads are moments in our life that have had an impact on us either positive or negative. The challenge was to look at these moments and figure out how the Lord has brought us to this point in our lives through all that we have gone through. This book met me right where I was at. Over the last several months I have been trying to narrow down what it is that my calling is. What is my purpose? How does my Father want to use me to impact this world? I am one of those that wants to do EVERYTHING! If you are a multi-tasker like me with a broken heart for the lost and the hurting, it can be easy to jump from one ministry to the next without actually developing and growing in the area where the Lord has called you to be.
About 13 years ago at the age of 18, I went through the darkest period in my life. I was dealing with a very difficult betrayal in my family and my world as I knew it was falling apart. I strayed from the Lord for a while as I sought to drown my pain however possible. Through counseling and support from my friends and family, I began to work through my pain. Over the course of a few years, the Lord healed myself and my family in a way that is nothing short of a miracle. The enemy could have used that very dark experience to break me - and he almost did. But my God is so much bigger than that and out of that experience has been born in me a desire to help families struggling in the same way we did. I told the Lord a few years ago that however He wanted to use me and my story to help others, I would do it. For a long time I felt the urge to write out my story. I had told it in many different forms to different people but wanted to get every single detail out in one spot. I sat on that idea for a long time. One morning in church the Lord said to me, "Now Julie". How do I know it was Him? It was an undeniable voice and it seemingly came out of nowhere... I knew I had to sit down and write it out. I figured I would write it as it came to me and then I'd have to go back and cut and paste to make it all flow and make sense. After three separate sittings at my computer I had gotten it all out. I sat back and read it and it was perfect. Right there in front of me was my story in the perfect order with all of the details just as I wanted them. How did that happen?!! I knew what I needed to do next... I needed to send it to someone. I sent it to a few of my close friends and then I sent it to my pastor. I said in my email to him that I was just being obedient to the Lord and if he could think of any way my story could be useful then to let me know. A week later he emailed me back and said that they were preparing to film some testimonies on relational healing for an upcoming sermon but the lady they had in mind had backed out. He asked if I would like to share a little bit of my story. I was scared but I agreed. My church is a large one with a congregation of about 2000 including all of the services. On the day my testimony was shown in service I had my whole family sitting next to me in support. I know that what I had to say was powerful and that lives were touched. Since that day a few years ago, I have had several people find me and ask me to speak. I have never sought out any speaking opportunities! I have only been obedient to say yes when they ask. I almost chicken out every time I'm about to speak! But, I refuse to let the enemy stop me from using what he intended as destruction, to bring life to others who are hurting.
All that being said, I'm now at a point where I know I need to take the next step in reaching people. For a long time I've had an idea in the back of my head that I've been sitting on. A couple of weeks ago during a rare quiet moment with the Lord (I've got small kids, believe me those moments are hard to come by!), the Lord said to me again, "Now Julie." I knew it was time and I feverishly started writing notes. My dream right now is to write a curriculum and start a support group for girls who went through what I went through 13 years ago. I've searched and found nothing quite like it anywhere yet. I've learned through our study that when something is God's will, it's most likely not going to be mapped out cleanly in front of us. We most likely won't be able to see the big picture. We need only to take one step at a time in faith that God will lead us. So I am taking one step at a time, and I'm excited! I didn't think this would be a big project or one that would require much of my time in the future, but in another moment of clarity the Lord said to me, "How do you know?" I've twice found myself putting God in a box regarding this project. The reality is, I don't know how the Lord's going to use me, I know only that He's called me and that's good enough for now. I'm learning to not rely so heavily on my need to plan everything to a T but rather say, "What's next God?" And then take the next step.
I'd love to keep you updated on how this goes. Part of my purpose for writing this post is so that I can look back and say, wow, look where I was 6 months - a year ago! Would you ask the Lord what the next step is for you? I guarantee you were put on this Earth for a VERY specific purpose and I know for many it's a struggle to discover just what that is. Ask the Lord to remove things in your life that are a distraction from what He really wants you to focus on and if you'd like prayer for this very issue, let us know! We'd love to partner with you in prayer.
Have a blessed day,
We (Tiffany, our friend Sybil and I) just completed a study by Jennie Allen titled Restless. This study blew my world right open and turned it upside down - in a fabulous way! This study helps us to intentionally begin to recognize the threads in our lives that are floating in the breeze so to speak. Threads are moments in our life that have had an impact on us either positive or negative. The challenge was to look at these moments and figure out how the Lord has brought us to this point in our lives through all that we have gone through. This book met me right where I was at. Over the last several months I have been trying to narrow down what it is that my calling is. What is my purpose? How does my Father want to use me to impact this world? I am one of those that wants to do EVERYTHING! If you are a multi-tasker like me with a broken heart for the lost and the hurting, it can be easy to jump from one ministry to the next without actually developing and growing in the area where the Lord has called you to be.
About 13 years ago at the age of 18, I went through the darkest period in my life. I was dealing with a very difficult betrayal in my family and my world as I knew it was falling apart. I strayed from the Lord for a while as I sought to drown my pain however possible. Through counseling and support from my friends and family, I began to work through my pain. Over the course of a few years, the Lord healed myself and my family in a way that is nothing short of a miracle. The enemy could have used that very dark experience to break me - and he almost did. But my God is so much bigger than that and out of that experience has been born in me a desire to help families struggling in the same way we did. I told the Lord a few years ago that however He wanted to use me and my story to help others, I would do it. For a long time I felt the urge to write out my story. I had told it in many different forms to different people but wanted to get every single detail out in one spot. I sat on that idea for a long time. One morning in church the Lord said to me, "Now Julie". How do I know it was Him? It was an undeniable voice and it seemingly came out of nowhere... I knew I had to sit down and write it out. I figured I would write it as it came to me and then I'd have to go back and cut and paste to make it all flow and make sense. After three separate sittings at my computer I had gotten it all out. I sat back and read it and it was perfect. Right there in front of me was my story in the perfect order with all of the details just as I wanted them. How did that happen?!! I knew what I needed to do next... I needed to send it to someone. I sent it to a few of my close friends and then I sent it to my pastor. I said in my email to him that I was just being obedient to the Lord and if he could think of any way my story could be useful then to let me know. A week later he emailed me back and said that they were preparing to film some testimonies on relational healing for an upcoming sermon but the lady they had in mind had backed out. He asked if I would like to share a little bit of my story. I was scared but I agreed. My church is a large one with a congregation of about 2000 including all of the services. On the day my testimony was shown in service I had my whole family sitting next to me in support. I know that what I had to say was powerful and that lives were touched. Since that day a few years ago, I have had several people find me and ask me to speak. I have never sought out any speaking opportunities! I have only been obedient to say yes when they ask. I almost chicken out every time I'm about to speak! But, I refuse to let the enemy stop me from using what he intended as destruction, to bring life to others who are hurting.
All that being said, I'm now at a point where I know I need to take the next step in reaching people. For a long time I've had an idea in the back of my head that I've been sitting on. A couple of weeks ago during a rare quiet moment with the Lord (I've got small kids, believe me those moments are hard to come by!), the Lord said to me again, "Now Julie." I knew it was time and I feverishly started writing notes. My dream right now is to write a curriculum and start a support group for girls who went through what I went through 13 years ago. I've searched and found nothing quite like it anywhere yet. I've learned through our study that when something is God's will, it's most likely not going to be mapped out cleanly in front of us. We most likely won't be able to see the big picture. We need only to take one step at a time in faith that God will lead us. So I am taking one step at a time, and I'm excited! I didn't think this would be a big project or one that would require much of my time in the future, but in another moment of clarity the Lord said to me, "How do you know?" I've twice found myself putting God in a box regarding this project. The reality is, I don't know how the Lord's going to use me, I know only that He's called me and that's good enough for now. I'm learning to not rely so heavily on my need to plan everything to a T but rather say, "What's next God?" And then take the next step.
I'd love to keep you updated on how this goes. Part of my purpose for writing this post is so that I can look back and say, wow, look where I was 6 months - a year ago! Would you ask the Lord what the next step is for you? I guarantee you were put on this Earth for a VERY specific purpose and I know for many it's a struggle to discover just what that is. Ask the Lord to remove things in your life that are a distraction from what He really wants you to focus on and if you'd like prayer for this very issue, let us know! We'd love to partner with you in prayer.
Have a blessed day,
Thursday, April 10, 2014
The Lord Has No Equal
I got the rare chance last Saturday morning to have a girls morning. Just me and my best friend talking for an hour at Starbucks then doing some shopping. Before she met me, I sat and read a random Bible passage from Isaiah on my YouVersion Bible App. It was the "Verse of the Day" and I decided to read the whole chapter. Wow - it blew me away! I had to share it with you. We may think the words we speak or write can be powerful or have meaning, but nothing compares to the Word of God!
Isaiah 40:12-31 NLT (portions)
The Lord Has No Equal
"Who else had held the oceans in his hand? Who else has measured off the heavens with his fingers?
Who else knows the weight of the earth or has weighed the mountains and hills on a scale?
Who is able to advise the Spirit of the Lord? Who know enough to give him advice or teach him?
Has the Lord ever needed anyone's advice? Does he need instruction about what is good?
Did someone teach him what is right or show him the path of justice?
No, for all the nations of the word are but a drop in a bucket. They are nothing more in dust on the scales.
He picks up the whole earth as though it were a grain of sand.
The nations of the world are worth nothing to him. In his eyes, they count for less than nothing - mere emptiness and froth.
To whom can you compare God? What image can you find to resemble him?
Haven't you heard? Don't you understand?
Are you deaf to the words of God - the words he gave before the world began? Are you so ignorant?
God sits above the circle of the earth. The people below seem like grasshoppers to him!
He spread out the heavens like a curtain and make his tent from them.
He judges the great people of the world and brings them all to nothing. They hardly get started, barely taking root, when he blows on them and they wither. The wind carries them off like chaff.
"To whom will you compare me? Who is my equal?" asks the HOLY ONE.
Look up into the heavens. Who created the stars? He brings them out like an army, one after another, calling each by its name. Because of his great power and incomparable strength, not a single one is missing.
Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth.
He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.
Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion.
But those who trust in the Lord will find their strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint."
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
There's God
I have been wanting to write this post for a while now and have been a little timid because it can be a touchy subject. But here I go! :]
I think many you would agree that lately there has been a lot going on in our world. So many shootings, crime, natural disaster, disease, cancer, etc. It seems never ending. There is always something that seems to be going on in our lives and those around us. I am with you there! But lately I have been reading One Thousand Gifts and God has been touching my heart and showing me the beauty he put on Earth and in people. Yes, there is still A LOT of hurt and pain going on but there is even more beauty in God, His creation, and His love. I got to go outside today and sit on the cement by our pool in sweat pants and a tshirt, sun shining on my skin for the first time in what seems like FOREVER. And in northern Indiana that is a gift :] Considering we spend 75% of our lives under cloud cover here and haven't been able to go outside without freezing for about 6 months!! But I'm not complaining about the lack of sun and warmth, I just enjoy them more when they are around!
To my point... God is blessing us every day ladies! I know there are hard things going on in each of our lives but he desperately wants us to connect with him and see his beauty. Join with me and looking for those specs of beauty, specs of light in our seemingly dark world!
Today mine were sitting outside, seeing spring flowers starting to grow(pardon the fence that got in the photo... :] ), and having a day off work!!! When I took a moment to pause and look at what God wanted me to see, I could appreciate what he was giving me! How about you? have you paused today and seen your blessings?:]
Also I just want to say again I know many of you are going through rough times and this post is not meant to hurt you or make you feel guilty but to help you to know God is still there for you and he still loves you! If there are any of you reading this that need prayer and are having a hard time right now, who aren't able to see God's blessings and you would like someone to pray for you please feel free to comment on this post or contact us on Facebook we would like to pray for you!
Thanks be to God for His gifts!
2 Corinthians 9:15
God Bless and have a great rest of the week:]
I think many you would agree that lately there has been a lot going on in our world. So many shootings, crime, natural disaster, disease, cancer, etc. It seems never ending. There is always something that seems to be going on in our lives and those around us. I am with you there! But lately I have been reading One Thousand Gifts and God has been touching my heart and showing me the beauty he put on Earth and in people. Yes, there is still A LOT of hurt and pain going on but there is even more beauty in God, His creation, and His love. I got to go outside today and sit on the cement by our pool in sweat pants and a tshirt, sun shining on my skin for the first time in what seems like FOREVER. And in northern Indiana that is a gift :] Considering we spend 75% of our lives under cloud cover here and haven't been able to go outside without freezing for about 6 months!! But I'm not complaining about the lack of sun and warmth, I just enjoy them more when they are around!
To my point... God is blessing us every day ladies! I know there are hard things going on in each of our lives but he desperately wants us to connect with him and see his beauty. Join with me and looking for those specs of beauty, specs of light in our seemingly dark world!
Today mine were sitting outside, seeing spring flowers starting to grow(pardon the fence that got in the photo... :] ), and having a day off work!!! When I took a moment to pause and look at what God wanted me to see, I could appreciate what he was giving me! How about you? have you paused today and seen your blessings?:]
Also I just want to say again I know many of you are going through rough times and this post is not meant to hurt you or make you feel guilty but to help you to know God is still there for you and he still loves you! If there are any of you reading this that need prayer and are having a hard time right now, who aren't able to see God's blessings and you would like someone to pray for you please feel free to comment on this post or contact us on Facebook we would like to pray for you!
Thanks be to God for His gifts!
2 Corinthians 9:15
God Bless and have a great rest of the week:]
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
anchors the soul
Hi there! I'm Allyce and I blog over at Anchors the Soul, a lifestyle blog where I share my journey and how God is leading me through every twist and turn!
To get to know me a bit more, visit my "About" page or any social media links here!
One of my favorite aspects of blogging is connecting with other God-fearing women and utilizing my small space as a somewhat larger platform to share how Jesus is working in my life. I've been participating in the #shereadstruth community this year and have loved every study! I'm constantly challenged and feel as though my time with God is more intentional, as many of my posts are a reflection of this.
With all that being said, I'd like to thank the ladies here at Girls of God's Heart for allowing me the opportunity to guest post today! I'm truly honored to hang out here and share a piece of my heart with the readers here!
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Today's focus was on 1 John 2:15-17
"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life-- comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever."
Ok so this was hard hitting for me. Sentence by sentence I felt as though God was prodding at my heart, reminding me that the things that I tend to consume myself with SEEM important, but don't have much of an eternal impact. For instance, having a yellow shirt to wear tomorrow does not impact eternity. So there's no need for me to stress about something so trivial. I can't tell you the amount of times I subconsciously compare what I have or want to someone else, how much I complain about the things of "this world." Obsess about the things I think I need and these thoughts literally consume my mind DAILY. But what God is telling us here is to do the very opposite.
Fix your eyes and give your attention to the things that will impact eternity.
Fix your eyes and give your attention to the things that will impact eternity.
It's hard not to love the world. God's creation is beautiful and something to be in awe about. But it's a place full of sin where we naturally find temporary comfort, love and satisfaction.
"The temporary things in the here and now can be so lovely, but let's not love them above the One who created them all." #shereadstruth
"The temporary things in the here and now can be so lovely, but let's not love them above the One who created them all." #shereadstruth
I've feared when that day comes when God takes me home and I get to experience Heaven and the wonder of eternity. I'll say it again. I've feared that day because I have feelings of not wanting to leave Earth and all that is in it. And in my honest of hearts I've often wondered if there will be a Starbucks and a Chick-fil-A in Heaven. I'm not sure about Starbucks, but I'm fairly certain there will be a Chick-fil-A. :)
I'm challenged today to shift my thinking from worshiping creation to worshiping the Creator.
It's easy to get caught up in the daily grind, to let our sinful desires take over our good intended hearts. I hold tightly to the things of this earth, the things that bring me comfort and satisfaction.
My prayer for this week is that with God's help I can start to shift my selfish ways of thinking to having more of an eternal mind set, where my focus and my intentions are fixed on worshiping my Creator, not creation.
My prayer for this week is that with God's help I can start to shift my selfish ways of thinking to having more of an eternal mind set, where my focus and my intentions are fixed on worshiping my Creator, not creation.
Monday, April 7, 2014
He still gives us grace
Grace.
What does that word mean to you?
When I think of that word, I think I am lucky that God breathes His grace over me. I am blessed. I look around at my life and think to myself, wow. God does love me. My life is covered with His grace.
But lately I am trying to focus on giving others grace. I want God's grace to shine through me to others.
Others, who may not even know God.
Others who know of Him.
Others who simply think God has forgotten about them.
Others who already know & love & live for God.
We all need grace. And we all need to give grace.
My son will be 3 in June. We are almost out of the terrible twos. And quite frankly, he nailed the terrible twos. The kid is like clockwork. Very particular about things (he gets that from his daddy, not me...). The kid needs his sleep. He doesn't mind sleeping in and I love that. But when mommy has to wake up him up all things turn upside down in his world.
At those moments when I want to yell and scream and just totally lose my cool, I look for Jesus. I look for Jesus in my sons eyes. It brings tears to my eyes searching in those big brown eyes because you know what.. I see Him right there in my sons eyes.
So often we get caught up in our situations we act crazy because we are human, and that will happen. But to try to not act all crazy, to find grace in the moments when I would rather scream at the top of my lungs, but instead calmly search for Jesus.
How true is this situation in our lives? When I rant and rave because things aren't "my" way.
God still covers me in grace.
NO MATTER HOW I ACT.
What does that word mean to you?
When I think of that word, I think I am lucky that God breathes His grace over me. I am blessed. I look around at my life and think to myself, wow. God does love me. My life is covered with His grace.
But lately I am trying to focus on giving others grace. I want God's grace to shine through me to others.
Others, who may not even know God.
Others who know of Him.
Others who simply think God has forgotten about them.
Others who already know & love & live for God.
We all need grace. And we all need to give grace.
My son will be 3 in June. We are almost out of the terrible twos. And quite frankly, he nailed the terrible twos. The kid is like clockwork. Very particular about things (he gets that from his daddy, not me...). The kid needs his sleep. He doesn't mind sleeping in and I love that. But when mommy has to wake up him up all things turn upside down in his world.
At those moments when I want to yell and scream and just totally lose my cool, I look for Jesus. I look for Jesus in my sons eyes. It brings tears to my eyes searching in those big brown eyes because you know what.. I see Him right there in my sons eyes.
So often we get caught up in our situations we act crazy because we are human, and that will happen. But to try to not act all crazy, to find grace in the moments when I would rather scream at the top of my lungs, but instead calmly search for Jesus.
How true is this situation in our lives? When I rant and rave because things aren't "my" way.
God still covers me in grace.
NO MATTER HOW I ACT.
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Love is… But am I?
Love is PATIENT. It never gives up. Am I patient?
When my toddler is unhappy and whiny and I have no idea why, am I patient with him? I need to be taking time to come to his level, attend to his needs, and hug hime. When my husband forgets to do something important that I've asked him? Do I give him grace? I should be understanding there's a lot on his mind, and forgive him. When God says wait, do I push forward with my own agenda? He's God, my guide and creator. He knows what's best for me. I should trust Him when He says wait. He has a better plan than mine could ever be.
Love is KIND, caring for others more than self. Am I kind?
Do I give of my time to people who are in need? Am I courteous and hold the door for someone who needs it? I should be saying "thank you" more often, sending loving cards, and investing in people's lives. God help me to be kind to people I don't want to be. And most of all to the people closest to me. Give me a kind hearted spirit.
Love does not boast and is not prideful. Am I boastful? Or prideful?
Do my actions or words show off myself and my accomplishments? What are my intentions behind my actions? Lord, teach me to be humble.
Love is not self-seeking. It does not get mad at every little thing.
When I communicate my feelings and needs, I don't want it to be completely self-seeking. Yes, I need to be able to communicate what I'm feeling, but I also need to be listening to others and their feelings. What are my intentions in my actions? Do I focus on what I'm getting out of it? Love is not about me. It's not "me-first". Jesus - remind me to let the little things go. Allow me to give grace and forgiveness on the little things that anger me.
Love PROTECTS.
Am I protecting my marriage by keeping my vows sacred? Do I look out for the best interest of my husband? Do I protect my friends and family by not breaking their trust or gossiping about them? God - allow me to learn what it means to protect my family and friends. And to protect my spiritual life.
Love TRUSTS.
Do I assume the worst or think people's intentions are different than they are? Why don't I just expect the best in everyone? Trust is hard, especially when you've been hurt or your trust has been broken before. I pray I can trust my husband without reserve. And be trustworthy. And trust the Lord without borders.
Love HOPES.
Do I hope for the best or always expect the worst? I have hope in the Lord and the promises He has planned for me because of His love for me. Help my love for others in my life, and people in general, to show hope for their lives.
Love PERSEVERES.
I never want to give up on love. That's what Jesus' life was about. That's why He died on the cross. I will always fight for love and what is means to love someone. Jesus- show me how to continuously love like you and never give up fighting for love.
LOVE NEVER FAILS.
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