Tag: Christian Empowerment

Loving all of Me

Published on by Johnnatta GilesLeave a comment

Not too long ago I turned 33. WHOO HOO! I spent my time reflecting, breathing and being alone with my family in my favorite place, Gatlinburg Tennessee. Today I found this draft that I started a year ago but it never was finished. But sometimes it’s just not the right time. Today I finished it and I want to share it with you.

Loving All Of Me

The night has ended and as I go about my routine getting ready for bed and doing last minute chores the silence of the night has got me thinking. In the middle of a conversation with the Lord while hanging up my clothes, in my thoughts a truth has surfaced that I never really realized until that night. I have only been on this self love journey for two weeks now but man is the Lord doing a great work in me. Sometimes the discovery of these truth inside of me bring joy and more acceptance of who I really am and other times they reveal confusing sad realities.

When I was younger I struggled with anxiety and depression because of the constant abuse. Sometimes the way I would get through those episodes I would say “I am Beautiful.” I thought if I believed I was beautiful I could love myself even though no one else did. I learned at an earlier age that words were powerful. This was my way of attempting to instill something better in myself than I was getting from those in my household. But sometimes words are just words. Without the right heart they float out empty and void. Blowing to the wind and never giving life nor darkness. For how I can believe I am beautiful but not love myself? How is it that a women can undeniable believe that she is beautiful, inside and out, but hate herself at the same time?

I stop for a second. Not sure I even know this answer as I am writing it but trusting that the Holy Spirit will give me the wisdom to my sad reality. The answers points back to the why that explains the how. Why do we believe that beauty brings self acceptance and love? Because the world tells us it does from the moment we are young. How many of us dive for the new make up trends, the new way to dress, the new way to act or carry ourselves to make us believe “I love me.”. Oh yes girl I believe it! Look at how much I love me! How many of us buy the clothes that gives pieces of our bodies away in an attempt to outwardly say I am proud of my body so I am going to show it. If you got, flaunt it!

When we have done all we can to convince ourselves that we are beautiful and those things become to us what self love is, it’s just another way of hiding the fact that both inwardly and outwardly when we truly look at ourselves we do not love what we see.

Let’s stop trying to love ourselves and start doing it. Ready set break it. Break the lies, break the masks, break through the mold that you have created and let yourself stand before God, naked and true. All that you are. And He will come by and see you there, cover you with cloth, feed you with truth and then one day, you will be able to stand and to be clothed in splendor. I’m ready for that, are you?

And when I passed by you and saw you struggling in your own blood, I said to you, ‘Live!” Yes, I said to you in your blood, “Live!” I made you thrive like a plant in the field; and you grew, matured and became very beautiful. Your breast were formed and bare. When I passed by you again and looked upon you, indeed your time was the time of love, so I spread my wings over you and covered your nakedness. Yes I swore an oath to you and entered into a covenant with you and you became Mine says The Lord God. Then I washed you in water, yes, I thoroughly washed off your blood and I anointed you with oil. I clothed you in embroidered cloth and gave you sandals of badger skin. I clothed you in fine linen and covered you in silk. I adorned you with ornaments, put bracelets on your wrists, and a chain on your neck. And I put a jewel in your nose, earrings in your ears and a beautiful crown on your head. Thus you were adorned with gold and silver, and your clothing was of fine linen, silk, and embordered cloth. You ate pastry of fine flour, honey and oil. You were exceedingly beautiful and succeeded to royalty.

Ezekiel 16:6-13

Our self love journey starts with self acceptance not self worship. When we really face all that we are He will be there to build is back up again. From the inside out. This is my current reality. Something I am now facing but not sure when I will be able to truly say “I love me.” This is my season. To accept all of me so one day I can become the best in me.

Love Johnnatta

A Bitter Sweet Birthday

Published on by Johnnatta Giles3 Comments

Today’s independence day is very bitter sweet. I’m not new to patriotism like so many are today. I grew up loving my country and had deep respect for our men and women in service who fight and have fought to keep it safe. I have always thanked them for their service and I still believe to this day they are our real heroes. I thank God everyday I was born on this soil. Yes even if some of my ancestors were traded here by force because this is the greatest country on this earth and no one will ever convince me otherwise. In our infancy our founding fathers knew that.  They were always trying to make changes to an imperfect society so that it could be a place of freedom for all one day. And here we are their dream realized fully free in so many ways. My generation is the most free of them all yet many of us are allowing it to be torn apart. I don’t understand the hearts of mankind sometimes.

The other day I came out to my porch and happened to look over my shoulder. I was surprised to see my flag hanging on the side of my house. Our flag has a rip in it. You can barely see it but my husband said your supposed to replace it if it does. So we put it up in the laundry room not even for one second touching the ground. We were supposed to go hunting to replace it but the flags are only now surfacing and we just forgot with everything going on in our lives. So I was surprised when I saw it hanging outside. My husband just decided to hang it up anyway. I went over to it to see if I could see the tear. Its hardly noticeable. I stood back and just looked at it. There is something powerful about that flag I can’t explain it. But for the first time in my life when I looked at that flag my heart heart. Even as I write this my tears are falling. Because just like that tear that is barely noticeable on my flag there is also a tear in this country that not enough of us is noticing. A rip that may never heal. I’m not talking about political divide. No, political division is actually what made this country great. The differing ideas and arguments created conversation and battles to change and better this country. I am talking about the spirit of our nation. There is a giant rip in the heart of it and not enough of us is trying to heal it. Its only getting worse and as many continue to ignore it our country will continue to decay. My heart is broken and its hard to celebrate with a broken heart. But as long as it is still day I will continue to love fight and pray for my country men and women. To speak out against injustice, to stand on truth and thank God for the soil my house stands on and my beautiful children run and play on. I will always love and be praying for the U.S.A.

Announcement

If you like listening to podcast while your doing things throughout your day I just started a new one called “The Unbothered Christian Podcast” It is My Father’s Symphony meets my Culture in Christ Videos from my ministry channel. I will be giving powerful inspirational short episodes every Wednesday mornings 10:00am EST. There is already a few episodes up right now! My podcast is listener supported so if you would like to donate to help me continue to grow and create here is the link: https://anchor.fm/janet-giles/support

I hope your blessed as always!

You Can Find my podcast on these platforms and more:

https://anchor.fm/janet-giles

Allowing God To Fill My Vessels: Update

Published on by Johnnatta Giles4 Comments

“Read the words, pray and allow God to pour himself into all the vessels you’ve laid out before him.”

-Lisa Bevere “Lioness Arising”

This year I started new journeys with so much uncertainty. I can imagine what the widow thought when Elijah told her to go and collect all the jars she could get from her neighbors. She must have thought to herself “Doesn’t make sense but okay.” That’s how I felt when I set off to create my You Tube channel and began making changes to my photography business . I did not understand the whys and I was only told to do with no further instruction.

Throughout the process, revelations came with each obedient act. And in me the purpose of God began expand and create in ways I never knew was on the inside of me. And now the Lord has been calling me to pour my time into these vessels so He may provide for me in powerful ways.

But I miss My Father’s Symphony every moment I am away from it. But I am learning to let God fill the vessels He wants to fill and not hinder the spirit. I have a work to complete and only the Holy Spirit can help me do that. Only He knows the vessels that need to be poured into greatly in this season, so that I can receive all that He has for me.

I just want you to know that when I am away it is because of the Lord leading me away. But I will always come back when He leads me back. I will be sharing more often my videos here so you can come on the journey with me. And in everything may I inspire you to follow God with your full heart wherever He leads you. Rather that be in the form of a video or a written post, that is always my aim.

I am hoping to take some time to rest before the new year is here, sitting before the Lord and allowing Him to fill me up. So that everything I do is for His glory and His praise. May God bless you in this holiday season and I pray that the new year brings you closer to Him with everything you do.

Love Janet

To Fear the Lord is Wisdom, To Shun Evil is Understanding

Published on by Johnnatta GilesLeave a comment

In these end times as lies are spread like wild fire to choke out truth, let us not forget what our God says about who He is and who we are . Who we are as sinners and who we are as redeemed children in Jesus Christ. How we are to worship Him and how we can seek and find Him. I can’t even began to explain to you the countless useless arguments people have thrown at me to defend their version of God’s word. And I am sure you’ve seen and heard the media, certain groups or communities claim that they know the true God and He’s is okay with their lifestyles and choice of worship. My response as always is never my own truth and believer yours should not be either.

Do I need to say anymore than what the Word already says? Do I need to interpret, add or remove from our God’s words that has been preserved for thousands of years? I know better and I read so many times that He is the same today as He was yesterday. His law remains and no amount of time will change that law. No new “woke” generation will change who He is. And no old religion has authority over the covenant of our savior Jesus Christ.

My husband sent me these two scriptures that solidified everything the Holy Spirit has been leading me to do all the years of my life. Seeking wisdom and knowledge. Walking away from sinful people and my own sinful desires. Allowing Him to restore truth and life in me. It takes a warrior to stand up against the dark forces in this world. And we are all called to be one. We can no longer ignore the death in us. If we do not turn from the lies and defend the truth, we will soon join the grave with the living dead among us.

Job 28:12-28

But where can wisdom be found?
    Where does understanding dwell?
13 No mortal comprehends its worth;
    it cannot be found in the land of the living.
14 The deep says, “It is not in me”;
    the sea says, “It is not with me.”
15 It cannot be bought with the finest gold,
    nor can its price be weighed out in silver.
16 It cannot be bought with the gold of Ophir,
    with precious onyx or lapis lazuli.
17 Neither gold nor crystal can compare with it,
    nor can it be had for jewels of gold.
18 Coral and jasper are not worthy of mention;
    the price of wisdom is beyond rubies.
19 The topaz of Cush cannot compare with it;
    it cannot be bought with pure gold.

20 Where then does wisdom come from?
    Where does understanding dwell?
21 It is hidden from the eyes of every living thing,
    concealed even from the birds in the sky.
22 Destruction[a] and Death say,
    “Only a rumor of it has reached our ears.”
23 God understands the way to it
    and he alone knows where it dwells,
24 for he views the ends of the earth
    and sees everything under the heavens.
25 When he established the force of the wind
    and measured out the waters,
26 when he made a decree for the rain
    and a path for the thunderstorm,
27 then he looked at wisdom and appraised it;
    he confirmed it and tested it.
28 And he said to the human race,
    “The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom,
    and to shun evil is understanding.”

James 3:13

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure: then peace loving. considerate, submissive. full of mercy and good fruit. impartial and sincere. Peace makers who sow peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

Seek Him while He may be found.

New Section + I Am Woman

Published on by Johnnatta GilesLeave a comment

Last year I turned 30 years old and boy was I excited! I remember when I was a little girl, I always said that my 30’s would be my golden years. I had goals guys, big dreams and big goals. I wanted to be settled down, in my life, in myself and better off than what I was raised in. And I can proudly say that I have achieved that in many different ways. But my plans changed over the years, about 100 times as they do when your young. But as I got to know the real me, I realized that there was much more to womanhood than I knew.

I created the section I Am Woman here on my blog, to share the journey I have had as a christian women in today’s society. A place where I can unload as I continue this journey of womanhood that will go with me even into eternity. I will always be evolving and growing as a women of God and I have daily struggles that will help create the future me. I hope it inspires and blesses all who come across these posts and as always these are my opinions and thoughts. They are meant to encourage and to be shared so if your going through what I am, you know you’re not alone. I can’t promise what’s to come because honestly I don’t know. I will do my best to remain true to my heart and I will always be on the side of truth. May you, through my testimony and God’s love, come to do the same

Daughters of Zion let us all remember that the God of our youth, the God of our being and the God of our hearts, Loves us, Sees us, Hears us and Knows us.

Much Love

J.S

My Joy In Mae Creations Photography https://my-joy-in-mae-creations.business.site/

The Ocean Valley

Published on by Johnnatta GilesLeave a comment
When the sea moves back to the deep, I will sink and crash into You

I wrote this on our way home from Virginia, where I learned again to release my control over my life and give it back to God. From recent traumas I had picked back up what I had laid down because of fear. I struggled with myself and God because I lost so much and the thought of letting more go was hard for me to swallow. Before this trip I had been giving Him control again little by little and hoping He would give me mercy. I am so glad He is rich in it because I was struggling so hard with my flesh. But one night on this trip the battle ended and I once again rested in familiar waters. There will be moments like these in our lives. It is important to understand that you are human and will frequently go through trials that may test your faith greatly. You may have to re do some things you’ve already done. But don’t ever think these are setbacks in your faith. For some seasons there may be some familiar bridges we have to cross again, but once you cross them they lead to another place you never were before.

Psalms of My Heart #3

No desire is more greater

Than to be at the shores you call me to

No hunger is more fiercer

Than to be able to climb the mountains where I can hear You

Yes this is where my heart sleeps

Where I lay it all before You

When the sea moves back to the deep

I will sink and crash into You

When I am surrounded by hills in the valley

I will not shake for I choose to see

Only You can make something that beautiful in me

I’m moving from what was

And now I’m accepting what is

I haven’t always listened

But now Lord I am all ears

I have walked far

This journey has been so long

But no matter where I go

No matter what I see

Your home is always where I belong

J.S Giles

When I am surrounded by hills in the valley, I will not shake

Everything or Nothing at all

Published on by Johnnatta GilesLeave a comment

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Tuesday night my husband and I were doing one of our favorite things. Whispering about the things of God in the night as our little ones begin to fall asleep. My husband mentioned something Dr. Tony Evans said that is so true. If we could have a do over and change the things we did or get away from the people we should have never been around, we would be farther in our relationship with God than we are now. Although I am not in the habit of thinking on “wisha couldas” I can see the wisdom here and have the humbleness to realize that our past can help change us for a better future. I also know to be true that not every mistake was meant to be made in order for me to grow. I have made many that I know for a fact I never had to go through in order to learn a lesson. I do well to remember that but I am human. Stuff happens.

I have been listening to the Tony Evans series called “Taking God Seriously”. It has confirmed everything I have been hearing the Lord speak to me about these last 5 years.  Almost 3 years ago I began walking away from everyone I knew in order to be closer to the Lord on a deeper level and fully follow Him. I am guilty of putting myself and people above God. Meaning I have ignored the scriptures telling me how important it was to be separate from those who do not follow the ways of the Lord (2 Corinthians 6:14- 18). I listened to the Church’s lies shaming me for only allowing those in Christ in my inner circle believing I was wrong instead of asking God what He had to say about it.

Until I gave up and laid all of it at His feet.

Are we really willing to lay it all down? Are we really ready to walk away from everything and give up what we think we know? Has your Abraham moment come upon you? Have you been called into a foreign land? Away from it all. Have you been spoken to of promises yet to come? Have you taken the only thing that you love more than anything on this earth and laid it on the altar? Are you ready to end it for the sake of growing closer to Him?

If  you’re in an Abraham season know that the Lord will restore, renew, redeem, provide and give you everything He has promised. While you wait on those promises to come full circle keep your eyes OPEN and listen to the voice of the spirit. Obey Him in faith and He will come through.

For those who have yet to enter into this truth.

I know it’s hard to understand at first. It’s how we are raised. It’s how the world teaches us. It’s about you and what you can do. You have the power to do great things. You have the power to change the world. Let’s get real.. I have never had the power and never have you. And I no longer want to be in control. I have learned it is not my duty to bring people to salvation not even my own children. That is all up to them and Lord. I don’t have to put myself in situations or around people who will hinder my walk with God in order for them to see the love of Christ. The word says that creation alone is evidence to His existence and love. It also prophesies that after Christ’s death, the Holy Spirit ministers to all men unbelieving and believing. My main focus is to grow closer to the Lord so He may use me for His glory through His power.

If the Lord calls me to speak to someone I do. If the Lord calls me to a place to serve I do. But if He does not I do not move. I have taken the Lord seriously. His word and His voice is the only thing I make a move on. So many people called me not a Christian because of the choices I have made in order to fully walk with the Lord. But what they don’t know is that I’ve heard that before. It was the first thing the enemy said to me the moment I decided to follow God fully at the age of 17. So that line was old news and just another cheap shot from Satan whom I have known my whole life. And who is he? He knows me not. What do you have to do with me serpent? Nothing at all. I believe this is the fear of many Christians. That when they take God seriously they will be made fun of, kicked out of the “Christian Club” then labeled as odd, weird or down right unsaved.

But lovely ones..

Did not the Lord tell you that’s exactly what will happen? “If they hated me they will hate you also.” He was talking about the world and the religious people. Why did they hate Jesus? Because He took God seriously. He refused to play politics and He refused to compromise. He refused to follow the religious leader’s doctrine and He refused to sit quietly while doing it. If you love the Lord lay down everything you think you know. As matter of fact believe that you know nothing and see what the Lord will show you.

Taking God seriously or submitting unto the Lord is the next greatest step after receiving salvation. It can be the reason why you have not seen the miracles of God in your life. It can be why you have never heard the voice of the Lord. It can be why you have not known Him as protector, provider, healer, deliverer, friend, father, savior, life-giver. You can miss out on not just a few of those things but ALL of those things and more! Submission is key. Taking Him seriously is key.

The falling away is great. The children of God walking away and falling into the traps of lies, witchcraft and paganism is major. If this scares you it should because we are in the end. Get back to the word and stay there for your sake. There is no time to one day be close to the Lord. No time to one day follow Him fully. The time is NOW. While the Light is still here take God seriously!

You are Loved Heard Held Known and Seen.

Psalms of My Heart

Published on by Johnnatta GilesLeave a comment

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What do you do with relationships that are estranged? Will there be reconciliation? Will there ever be peace between you? What can you do when you have hurt another sister or brother in Christ? Can they forgive you? Can you forgive them? I have had my share of those situations. I look back and see how much I have changed even in the pain of it all. Walking through that fire I have learned something so profound. These situations are never easy. It takes the directing of the Holy Spirit for reconciliation. And it takes forgiveness and change in order to grow in any relationship. Some relationship doors close forever and sometimes you know right away what relationships those are. Some never close and you grow together even in pain, despite the past. Those are the refining moments for a better future. At the end of the day only the Lord can tell you what He wants for the both of you or all of you. Because He loves you all and knows what you need to grow closer to Him and become who He has made you to be.

  Let them Speak, Let them Walk

If anyone has something to say

Let them come

Let them speak

Maybe we can change

Maybe we can grow

Let me ask for forgiveness

Let us seek truth

Hope in the Future

Hope in the tomorrow

Let there be better days

Let love overcome pain

If anyone refuses the Light

Let them walk

Let the door close

There can be peace

There can be rest

Let me let them go

Let me forgive and move on

Hope in the King

Hope in a better me

Let there be freedom

Let love remain in me

May God be with you in every area of your life. May His voice guide every relationship in your present and the future. Seek His truth. There is nothing too hard for Him to do. No matter your pain, confusion, anger or guilt there is and will be healing in Him. He will restore and He will make all things New.

Life Updates

Published on by Johnnatta GilesLeave a comment

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Fall is finally here! But it still doesn’t feel like it here in Kentucky yet. Mother Earth what’s going on with you this year? I’m so confused!

How I feel about fall is exactly how I feel on the inside these days. I see what’s happening around me I can even outwardly feel it but I still don’t understand it and I don’t know how to feel about it.  I took a break by the leading of the Holy Spirit. He had something to say to me and needed me to sit still in order for me to receive it. I struggled to obey but the Spirit in me that wants nothing more than to hear from my God won over my defiant flesh. With a violent past like mine, it takes years to get on the path of deliverance and standing in the season of healing and The New. I am now standing in The New but it doesn’t feel like it. Have you ever been where I am?

Your past has always been apart of who you thought you were. You wore your pain as your identity. Thinking you would never be truly free of the demons that haunt in the night and stalk in the day. So you embraced it and told yourself “It’s just who I am.” But here you stand now on brink of freedom, in a new place and a new you. The old cannot come. It shall not enter here! But you can’t see how what you were will never be who you are becoming. It’s hard to see yourself a fully NEW creature. Your Mind just cant umderstand it but your heart knows…it knows your exactly where your supposed to be.

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Guys I tell you the truth….. I have recently stood back, looked at myself and thought who is that? I don’t know her. I have always been a person afraid of the unknown but I am realizing more than ever in this season of my life that the unknown is exactly what I want. No matter how uncomfortable it makes me. I may not understand myself like I used to or know myself like I once did but this is exactly where I want to go.

In the Freedom of The Unknown there awaits Adventure and The New.

I will forever be that curious girl with the big brown eyes venturing into the very thing that scares me just find out whats there. And it will be for the better for me. Because It’s a place my Creator designed for me to walk into.

It’s strange…. but it’s SOOO GOOD! I hope if you are where I am, you will follow the Holy Spirit’s breadcrumbs so you may be lead to the bread. The feast! The New!

It’s time for School, are you Anxious?

Published on by Johnnatta Giles2 Comments

boy in brown hoodie carrying red backpack while walking on dirt road near tall trees
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Can you believe it? It’s almost time for those kids to go back to school. I bet you can’t wait or if your little one is a new school yard chum you are freaking out, having anxiety and asking every one on Facebook to pray for them… and also YOU. Okay maybe that last part was more from my experience. I know that school time can bring on a mixture of emotions. As I grew up I always imagined waking up before my kids, fully dressed, with hot breakfast on the table and lunch boxes ready to go. But that just didn’t happen at all.

Actually the year my eldest entered kindergarten was the hardest year of my parenting life so far. And there are so many reasons why that was. But it was not what I dreamed of.  I got to wake up twice that entire year.  In my robe mind you on shuffling my feet across my kitchen floor. I could barely keep my eyes open because 3 hours ago I was just breastfeeding her baby brother. So I had to stay in bed as her dad got her ready and walked her to the bus.

But every morning the sound of the bus would awaken me and sometimes I would cry. My heart was aching knowing my daughter was an hour away from me and on a school bus (which I detested from childhood experiences).  So I decided every time the bus came i would pray. Pray for her protection and trust that the Lord was with her. Because for the first time in my life I was not standing beside her and protecting her.

School time can bring on so much joy for some parents but anxiety for others. Especially in light of all the school shootings and the moral decline in our school systems and class rooms. I just want to give you some advice on some things to try that may make it easier for those who are anxious.

Pray

Of course this has to be the first advice I give you. It is the most important thing. When you are over whelmed from anxiety or fear  it’s hard to get a grip on things. He is the anchor for your very soul. He promises to be your strength when you are weak and He will help you to become still in order for peace to enter in your heart. Trust in the Lord to lead you to peace.

Look Forward

It really helped me when I thought about all the things that she may tell me when she got home. I kept an eye on the clock reminding myself that in a few hours she will be home.  Fill up your time with productivity but never forget to rest. Do something for yourself. No matter how small it is.  It will help take your mind off those worries.

Focus on the Good

Be honest with the Lord or friends about how you feel. But don’t focus on any negative thoughts. They will only lead you right back to the place of needing to be rescued from anxiety again. The only way to keep your peace is to do as Philippians 4:8 says.

Weekends are for fun

Don’t let the worries of this world steal your joy and rob you of intimacy with your children. I planned my weekends to focus on spending quality time with my daughter. Our week days were filled with studying, home work, house chores, dinner. It didn’t leave much room for quality time with her so I always planned something for the weekends. Take the Saturday and go for a walk. Teach your kids to breathe as you breathe. They may be feeling the same anxiety you are too about heading back.

I know this world is getting darker but remember Who Holds The Light. That light even among darkness is for you. And He even creates light out of darkness. Pray for the ones who are without love and who are victims of the evil in this world. Pray over the school year and our educators at the schools and in the homes of homeschoolers as well. I am praying that this year would be different and that there will be great change. In Jesus Christ’s name. Amen

From one Parent to another

God bless this school year and may He protect and watch over our children!