Waiting On Your Mate With God Devotional 5

A Courting Guide

I hear all the time how horrifying it is to date in modern times. But when has dating ever been easy? Dating itself is a very new and modern way of finding a spouse. Before this people used to court in various ways. Some ways were good and some ways not so much like arranged marriages. Although these ways may seem ancient, they had better success than dating has. The biggest difference I have observed from the past way of finding a spouse is you had a community or family to support you and help you make this decision. Unfortunately so many of us come from broken homes and fractured relationships that we just don’t have that support like we used to. Thank God for the Holy Spirit and the discernment He brings.

What do you know about the difference between dating and courting?

Do you think courting is old fashioned?

Are you willing to leave behind dating?

Will you trust God only to help you find the one?

“It is written in the Prophets: ‘They will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard the Father and learned from him comes to me.” John 6:45

Jesus quoted the prophecy above to remind the people that we are now led by God himself and though we may lack spiritual guidance in the people around us, God will always teach us His ways directly. Modern dating actually does the opposite. It takes out the Lord being in control and puts you in control. It’s you deciding who you want to be with based off your limited knowledge about yourself and others. It may sound unrealistic to rely on God to help you court, but you can never fail when God is in control. Here are some steps through my own experience that will help you court effectively.

Ask all the questions and do not let your feelings for him stop you from asking important ones!

My husband and I asked every question we could think of, all over text message. In between our work days we would respond to questions and at night before bed we talked on the phone. We quickly became fast friends and it was becoming obvious we were falling for each other. So I prayed one night to the Lord for discernment. “Lord, I really like this guy and I need to ask him the important questions. The answer to these non negotiables will determine if I move forward with this man in an actual relationship. It will break my heart if the amswers are not what I want to hear but I am putting you first above all else.” I sent my husband the first question.” Do you want children in the future?” His answer was yes. Then right before I could send the second question he actually sent it right back to me and asked “Do you have a relationship with God?” and I said, “God is everything to me.” And those two questions confirmed to us both that God had led us to each other.

What are your top 3 non negotiables? If he does not want those things in his future it may be time to move on.

On your meet ups don’t focus so much on what your doing get to know each other deeply.

My husband and I went to the movies our first time hanging out together. It was during this time together I learned just how much the Lord meant to him and I felt convicted about some of the lack in my own faith. On the way home we talked about spiritual things and our beliefs about the world around us. This conversation continued to confirm we were absolutely made for each other. It’s important to express your deepest beliefs with each other even if you think the guy your talking to may judge you. Your beliefs matter. These beliefs are what makes you who you are and it’s important that you match up with your future spouse because these will be the foundation of your marriage and your family. The Bible constantly warns us to not be unequally yoked. It never tells us we should marry a spouse in hopes of turning them towards God. In fact the Lord consistently warns His people that those who marry outside of the faith will have issues with thier spouses turning them away from Him. This is why it is forbidden for God’s people to marry anyone who is not of the same faith. So do not ignore this important step.

Take it slow it will be so worth it!

My husband and I definitely did things backwards at first. We had sex before we were married and we became parents before we were husband and wife two months into our relationship. But not too long after we discovered I was pregnant we decided to sleep in separate rooms and wait until marriage to have sex again. Someone said to us it doesn’t really matter at that point since we were already expecting a baby. But redemption does matter and we wanted to honor God! It reminds me of the story of the King Nebucanzer. Where he was warned to turn from his sin and choose God. But he continued to sin and got exactly what God said he would get. Nebecanzaer could have just said “What’s the point? I’ve been punished might as well keep going and live my life!” But he didn’t. He praised God and gave himself fully over to the Lord even more so and God blessed him with an abundant life better than his life before. It’s never too late to start over. Our desire to honor God never stopped despite our mistakes. God even gave us favor in trying to do that in the blessing of our daughter. She was born beautiful and perfectly healthy a testimony to God’s faithfulness when we repent and choose Him. Our blessings only increased and the Lord continues to this day showing us favor. Do not rush into anything and if you already have it’s not too late to turn things around. You will be blessed.

Do not skip premarital counseling.

When you do get engaged to be married pre martial counseling is absouletly worth it. Think of it as the final moments to get to know each other even more and test your relationship’s resilence. Our counselar said to us that it was his job to try to break us up because if we can talk about the hard things and get through them we can have a succesful marriage. That sorta terrified me but once we got started I saw the power and fruits of it. Because of counseling we had the tools we needed to deal with communication issues and our first few years were greatly blessed. Many people wait far too long to do counseling as a couple. They tend to start when things have gone wrong. But if you would start off getting help in the beginning your will avoid a lot of headaches the first few years of your marriage. If you have a trustworthy minister or Christian counselor led by the spirit and biblically based, ongoing counseling will greatly bless you as well. There is a reason the Bible encourages it because having a neutural party help you come to reconcilliation and understanding helps avoid years of marriage hardship. But if you don’t have this support pray together and study the word together. Share scriptures with one another throughout your work weeks. Find time to pray and Bible study in person. That alone will be enough because the Holy Spirit is the great counselor.

Prayer

Pray that the Lord will help you move out of the dating mindset and show you how to court for your spouse. Pay that He would help you be brave to express your no negotibales and put Him first above all else. Ask the Lord to give you strength to be patient even when you know you love the man in front of you. Pray that the Holy Spirit will give you self control which is a fruit of the spirit. Pray for the man you are speaking to, even if you have to part ways. In Jesus Christ name. Amen.

Christ Mindset

The Lord is faithful to me therefore He can lead me to the right person. I have peace that surpasses all understanding so I do not have to fear when I give things over to God. He knows me deeply and knows what’s best for me.

Heart and A cross

Waiting On Your Mate With God | Devotional 3

It is a misconceptions that single people are greatly selfish and live only for themselves. While this can be true for some people for some that is not true. When I look back at the time of my life before I met my husband, I realized much of my life was filled with others. I worked, spent time with nieces and nephews and went out dancing with my friends almost every weekend. There were the occasional full weekend to myself but really most of my month I was spending time with someone. I began to realize quickly I needed to set some boundaries with the people I loved. I was healing from a past abusive relationship and I knew if I kept myself busy all the time I would not heal from that trauma. So I began to set aside my Sundays for myself and some Saturdays I resisted calling friends. To be alone and isolated is not wrong or weird. When the Lord puts you in this season He is doing something in your seclusion. Yield to this season and watch the fruits of it show up in the next.

Even the Lord knew how important it was to prioritize alone time with His Father.

“Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Luke 5:15-16

Are you afraid to be alone?

How can your isolation bring you healing with God?

What are the things that bring you Joy that is just for you?

What day or days can you pick to just give time to yourself?

It is important we practice self preservation so that we do not loose ourselves in the world around us and we can heal from past mistakes. This becomes extremely important when we become wives and later mothers. Learning this importance now will give you the tools to face life’s future hustle and bustle without loosing your true self. Many people say that once you become married you loose yourself but maybe they never learned this important truth before. Life will happen married or not and it’s important we have boundaries. The worries of this world will try to drag you down into pits of despair and you will never reach true empowerment and freedom. But if you just give yourself time with God, you will regain rest for your soul and keep it.

What would your life look like if you had constant peace?

Prayer

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Phillipians 4:7

Pray that you will have opportunities that will give you more of your time back. Petition the Lord to heal you of your fears of loneliness. Ask the Lord to reveal to you how to use your alone time fruitfully. Pray for understanding of how to implement boundaries respectfully with your loved ones. Ask the Lord to help you be strong when you are enforcing these boundaries as well. Thank the Lord for His promise of perfect peace. In Christ Jesus name. Amen.

Christ mindset

It’s okay for me to be alone. Boundaries are good for me and for my loved ones. My alone time will be fruitful and bring in perfect peace. The Lord hears my prayers and wants what is best for me.

Heart and A cross

Practical Ways To Get Your Pink Back!

Practical Ways To Get Your Pink Back After A Baby 

The days of just surviving after having a baby is over! A new trend called “Getting your Pink Back” is in. As a mother of 6 children I can tell you this is something I have struggled with maintaining and have tried many different ways to getting myself back after each child. Here’s my advice!

Wait.. what does getting your pink back even mean?

Many influencing mom have their own takes on it including one of the first referencing flamingo’s and their offspring. Look that up later! But here’s my take on things. As mother’s when our babies are first born our instincts are to nurture our new life in the world. It can take a lot out of us as we focus on our baby’s needs and in some areas we do the bare minimum for ourselves just to get through the day or even years. This isn’t a bad thing but after a certain period there comes a time where we gain a little more sleep and get small bits of time back in our day. The problem is the latter part when we tend to find ways to fill up the new recovered time with everything else but ourselves. We go back to work, we give our kids more of us as they grow and if we have them, our spouses and partners more time as well. That’s when we find there’s little time for ourselves and so the neglect continues when it doesn’t necessarily need to.

I’m always going to advocate for both mom health and baby health. But one doesn’t have to be without the other. You can nourish your body even in the “healing” phase of motherhood which is postpartum and beyond to get your pink back so to speak. Here’s a few ways to do that from my own experiences.

Begin the Healing

Yoga may not be your thing but some form of stretching works wonders. You can take 15 to 20 minutes everyday and become stronger with little effort by doing stretch exercises. I call them my lazy workouts though there’s nothing lazy about them. They really do work if your goal is focused on healing instead of immediate weight loss. Focus on abdominal repair work outs and check if you have diastasis recti .This is a common condition post pregnancy but also can be healed naturally. Wear your belly support bands ladies during pregnancy and get ones for postpartum too they really work!

Clean eating can be as easy as switching from fast food hamburgers to nutrient dense soups and casseroles. WHAT I can eat a healthy casserole? Absolutely! Change your basic cheap macaroni full of preservatives to ones with better whole ingredients and Voila! Carbs are not always your enemy. It’s what the carb is made of that is!

Start A Natural Beauty Routine

Your skin needs you babe! Our hormones are fluctuating during the first few weeks to even years after having a baby and it’s not the time to experiment with chemical ridden cosmetics. Get to know your skin by investing in natural products or go the DIY route. A face mask daily refreshes the skin and gives you a little treat. My favorite masks are mud and charcoal. Begin a morning and night routine and do your best to stick with it!. My favorite two cleansers are raw unfiltered honey and castle soap. Moisturizers I live by is aloe vera leaf (from the plant) and olive oil. If these natural products don’t work switch up and find ones that work. Natural soaps like goat milk soap is great to cleanse the skin with. Coconut oil and caster oil are great oils for moisturizing to try as well. Don’t sleep on the ice! It really does work! Use ice cubes or ice rollers to shrink pores and improve circulation. It’s not just a beauty routine but a self discovery journey as well!

The Mama Clothes May Have To Go!

From maternity clothes to the clothes you bought just to exist in during the 4th trimester, it’s time to let them go! It’s okay to freshen up your closet to match your current season. You don’t have to throw them away but you can save them for future pregnancies or donate them. Find clothing that flatter your body and make you feel good instead of going by trends. Trends can be exciting but also very disheartening if what’s on trend doesn’t look as good on you as it does on everyone on social media. Have a friend, spouse or family member go with you shopping to help with the baby while you try on new clothes. Or browse the Internet during nap time and shop from your own style board you made on Pinterest. This is one of my favorite things to do after having one of the kids to get my “pink” back! 

Mom Hair But We Do Care

We are at that point, in society that we just don’t give a you know what. We’re doing our best and it’s become very popular to just accept others as they are and ourselves. Which I love! But at one point we have to rise up out of the “it is what it is” survival pit. It has it’s place but we are moving on. Rather we want to admit it or not there’s something powerful about our hair. It can change everything about how we feel about ourselves and in fact sometimes one of the first things we do when going through a big change is we change our hair! I was notorious for big chops when I was younger. And if you’re ready for it girl do you! But you can also go in for a refresh hair cut to clip your ends or try a new layering style. It doesn’t even have to be a hair cut. When I was pregnant with my last munchkin, my goal was to grow my hair after she was born. I’ve been trying new routines to see which one worked with less effort as having 6 kids ain’t no joke! But I am determined to find time to give to this goal. I wash my hair once a week, deep condonation with one leave in product after washing, style my hair once, do an oil treatment before shampooing and repeat.  This protected my hair from shedding too much during the dreaded postpartum shed and my hair is healing and growing! Getting a fresh start with our hair feels like letting a load off and it’s very refreshing.

Girl YOU MATTER So Act Like It!

You gave life to someone else now you must give life back to yourself. You don’t have to go to the gym, take a bunch of supplements or spend a bunch of money to get your pink back. The natural ways are always cost effective and the most effective from experience. But remember don’t be so quick to jump on this trend right after birth because at the end of the day you and your baby’s bond is what matters the most. Enjoy the newborn phase because it’s the quickest of them all! 

xoxo

Johnnatta

Womanhood in Motherhood

One topic I would love to dive deep into on MFS is my experiences with motherhood. I cannot even begin to count how many times strangers have come up me (and still do) and tell me how beautiful and well behaved my children are. Deepening on the conversation and the time I have I kindly thank them and tell them it’s because I do my job. with a lot of hard work. Once my mom asked me how I did it with all the children I have and I told her point blank, THE LORD. Although these explanations can be seen as generalizations, in reality these simple responses hold much stories, revelations and true spiritual maturity on both my part and my husband’s.

Is Womanhood and Motherhood two separate things? In reality the are one and the same

I heard a saying, maybe a few, that motherhood and womanhood are two different things. Have you heard the whispers of this belief? It was loud and clear in my teens and even as a young woman. But I don’t hear it as much around me as I used to. But everyone once in awhile it pops up online. Oh the world of technology where nothing is really forgotten!

I’m a bit rebellious against the world, doing the opposite of what I’m told to do and instead embarking on journeys to figure things out for myself. I have been called stubborn and I have bluntly agreed. I can be taught but I’d rather do the teaching. In order for me to impart wisdom I have to seek truth for myself. And this was one of those things.

Was I no longer a woman when I became a mother?  As I raised the first when she was my only, I came to the realization that, a full womb does not mark the end of me but creates a stronger me, if I let it. Motherhood has raised a lionesses on the inside of me I never thought I could be. It taught me in fact how powerful women can be. How powerful I can be. Motherhood is an added bonus to womanhood. In order to become a mother you must first be a woman. It’s apart of the journey for those who choose it and it can take on many forms.

I never had to give up all of me to be the best mother I could be. Things change like they do with any life decision. I shifted, I molded and even sometimes I had to go into a type of metamorphosis. Becoming something new so I could expand my view on life and my capacity to love and learn. The parts of me that died away after I held those small fist and counted every tiny toe were replaced with fresh new eyes that saw wonder in a new way.  I had changed for the better. But much still remained and I still remain true to those things that will always be apart of who I am.

Don’t be afraid to be who you are in front of your children. In truth we should be growing with them while raising them but not in self denial. Self sacrifice is good for the common good of you both. But if you find the need to make changes that surly is for the best for your child just know that is not a form of self denial. Too often women fall into this trap and warrior women it brings on nothing but regret shame and unfulfillment which inevitable trickles over into to your mothering.

My children created the woman I am today. I have watched them grow and they have seen me at my rawest truest form. They know full well that I am their mama but I am also my own separate person. Sometimes as women we need to remember that for ourselves. I am proud to be both a woman and mother. They are apart of who I am and always will be.

Be proud, stand tall.

oxoxo

Johnnatta Giles | Owner of VC

Where I’ve Been

It’s been a long time since I’ve written on My Father’s Symphony. I’ve welcomed a new daughter, opened a brick and mortar store and I’m continuing preaching the gospel while being a homeschooling mom and homemaker!

There are many things still yet to come for me as I continue to let God pour into all the vessels He has given me. But now in one area of my life I’m coming back full circle and that’s writing. I have a beautiful teenage daughter that is an amazing artist and becoming a writer herself. We have decided to work on a few projects in the coming year. One of them is a children’s book for me and hers may be a tween novel from what she’s been sharing with me.

Writing and music have always been a part of who I am as an artist. While away from this blog, I longed to be back doing this very thing. Stay tuned, there is much more to come. Catch up with me on living woman ministry channel on Rumble, where I discussed two doctrines every Christian should be careful with. Write you soon!

Women Are More Than Helpers: VIDEO

I am excited to share my first ever ministry video for Living Woman+ The Real On Womanhood. It took a lot of courage to study these coming subjects and challenge modern Christian doctrine in order to bring us back to original will of God for womanhood. I hope it inspires you to seek the truth in your own walk with the Lord and as always never take my word for it! Get out your Bible, be led by the Holy Spirit and do your research! May God bless you!

I am Woman + Who was Eve?

Photo by: My Joy in Mae Creations

After I had my son, whom I thought then would be my final child, I started to hunger for a deeper understanding for what womanhood in Christ really was. Keeping house, submitting to my husband and serving in my church and community, seemed to be what I found every where I searched for this wisdom. But I did all those things and yet who I was as a woman never surfaced inside of me. You see, I had no women to tell me or show me what womanhood was. All my life I longed for an older women to pass on her wisdom to me as I rapidly grew from little girl to young lady in a blink of an eye. To my dismay all the women in my life either abused me, abandoned me or just simply forgot about me.

After becoming a mother and years of healing that lead to many dilverances, I looked to the word of God. I started where a large majority of Christian women are referred to when seeking out this very wisdom, Proverbs 31:10 The Wife Of Noble Character. And although the scripture paints a beautiful description of a women whom embodies virtue, I felt that it isn’t at all what womanhood really is.

My first thought was Eve herself. When I decided to look at Eve I realized, well there’s not much to see. We don’t know nearly as much as I would love to know about both Adam and Eve. I’m nosy that way. So I reread the small part of her story over and over again. Moving onto other scripture sometimes and coming back to hers, and then one day, something captured my attention.

Whats in a name?

“Adam named his wife Eve, because she would become the mother of all living”

In Genesis 3:20 I notice the first clue about Eve. She didn’t choose her name, but Adam did. I saw the pure reasons why Adam may have given her that name. With my whole heart I believe that he saw her for more than just a partner, a helper or someone he would be intimate with, he saw her as life itself in the flesh. Her name alone must have reminded her every day of the power she held. That power was given to her graciously from her Creator. Despite her betrayal, He made her to do only what He can do and that is the power to create and give life. That humbled my heart. God gave such a magnificent piece of Himself to women what does that say about me as a woman?

Realizing this gave me an appreciation for the fact that I as a women, hold such a powerful gift that no man could ever do, the gift to give life. Not just in child bearing but in heart, body and spirit. It created instantly a pride in me I never possessed before not even after I birthed my own children. Every time I choose to love and nurture another human being on earth I am naturally able to spark life into them. The moment I speak up for the lost and choose to love the broken, life is being created, through love, with each word, and each action.

That’s why its much more natural for us to do because it’s apart of who we are! That was the moment I saw differently how I could impact my household as well. By embracing this gift in me I now know how to pray over myself and my family in times of much needed spiritual warfare. Who says we’re not super woman? Okay maybe not that one but you know what I mean.

The Breath of Life

“With the help of the Lord I have brought forth a man.” Later she gave birth to her brother Abel.

After reading this scripture in Genesis 4:1-2, I realized Eve knew who her God. She knew that He was her helper and her strength but she also knew by the birth of Abel, that God held their very life in His hands. Abel’s name has been said to mean “Breath” now I believe that’s exactly what it means. But every where I have researched it says his name was given, because like a breath he would not live long. I am not going to go into a rant on that vague speculation. But what I do know is that Eve knew how her own existence came into being.

I know good and well that child birth can give you a whole new perspective on life. It’s terrifying at worse and humbling all around. And I am sure once she went through it under the curse for the second time she knew that God is the giver of life and therefore named her son after the same Spirit that was breathed into her as well. Therefore his name most likely means “Breath” not because of a short life but because of the Life Giver.

Eve knew who her God was and that in Him, He creates life, death, darkness and light. He is able to save and He is able to destroy and there was nothing she went through that had not already passed through His hands. He’s got her back! Though Eve was a woman created to give and create life, she knew that without her God none of it would be possible. These two powerful lessons are the first I have learned about who God made me as a women.

I may have inherited a fallen flesh, but I am a Queen forevermore redeem by my Savior, restored to my former glory through the Creator.

I hold the power of life within myself and I am able to bring that life into my arms and in the world around me.

A power that creates love, unity and justice that leads to humble hearts and stories of forgiveness.

That same power allows me to be the head and never the tail. And to have full authority over everything God places into my hands.

It gives me the ability to no longer be the victim, but the warrior that fights for the freedom of others leading them to their own victory.

All of this is what Eve taught me and the Holy Spirit gave me. This is the woman that God sent his son to die on the cross so that we may be restored back to. Daughters of Zion behold your God and let Him bring you into true womanhood!

J.S

New Section + I Am Woman

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/

My Season: Destiny

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I have this thing about windows. All my life I have grown up looking out of them. Dreaming hoping and wondering about the world beyond them. They have been a place to cry, to think, to pray, to dream of my future. I remember having a very hard time envisioning my future. I had so many things I wanted to do with my life and the first was to escape the house I was in. But then what? What was the plan after I ran away? Was there more to life than just survival? All I knew was how to stay alive and I wasn’t sure if I would be able to on the streets.

I never really thought there was much for me beyond just staying alive and loving God. I told God when I was a teen that if His love was all that I had that would be enough for me. If I suffered my entire life and knew He loved me I could survive. It was His love that kept me alive all those years and it would be His love that would continue to do so. But my “plan” was not His plan at all.

I may have thought I was born to suffer but I always knew I was meant to do something powerful one day. I just didn’t know how or what that was. And It didn’t matter at one point because I didn’t believe I could do it even if I figured it out. I could have never  known the hell I would have to walk through would be apart of that call. Honestly if I would have known back then what was coming ahead in order for me to get to the place I am now, I would have ran full speed away from that path and onto the easier option. And who knows where that would have lead me?

For 8 years I have been on a journey leading to my destiny. And I can honestly say I have not reached my full potential in my character to step fully into the Call on my life. I am in a season of  learning to submit my flesh to the Holy Spirit. To surrender my will and allow the Lord to guide me. I feel like I am going through things I already went through years ago. There are times where I get so annoyed and think “Seriously? Have I not already surrendered that to God?” In those moments I feel like I am wasting time on things that I should already have moved on from. But I am seeing that old wisdom can look different with new realities.

One of those things I’m struggling with questioning if what I am doing is God’s will when I have been told time and time again it is by Him. I have seen what happens when I give just a piece of this thing away. The Glory for Him that comes from it. It is undeniable. I worry that the Lord will get tired of my questioning and doubting. But I am so glad He is patient with me because I need a lot of pushing right now.

I am really needing reminders of why I am doing the things I am doing. And God knows exactly what I need before I do.

As I was watching my husband ‘s and I’s favorite show “The Flash” one of the Characters said something that sparked life into me. She said;

“You know what makes a great speedster? It isn’t their speed. It’s being the light that everyone needs when the world goes dark. It’s the kind of person they are. The kind of person that always wants to help. ” 

That reminded me before I even knew me He knew me. And this call was placed on the inside me. It’s apart of who I am not some thing I just picked up on the side of the road one day. I have been walking toward this for 8 years through the guiding of the Holy Spirit. So now I am in the season of praying for the courage to continue forth.

It takes courage to stand and speak when you don’t think anyone is listening. To leave everything and everyone you know in order to follow Jesus fully. It takes courage to walk where no one else is walking. It takes courage to stand in the gap and when the heavens ask “Who will go forth” you say “Here I am. I will Lord.” He is working on me even in the toughest times.

And even when I want to give up for no apparent reason He is faithful to bring people across my path to get me moving and keep me walking forward. So here I am  Lord. Arms open giving you my life so I may keep it! There is no peace without you and you are everything I will ever need. May all those who seek truth find it through me pointing them directly to You. The King of Kings and God of all. El Shaddai may YOU be glorified forever. Amen.

Do you feel the same? If so know I get it. It can be hard when you know you hold something powerful but don’t know how or when you will release it to those who need it. On the road you grow weary, confused, doubtful, fearful and insecure. But none of that will change this fact:

You were made for such a time as this and He is so much more than all of this. You were born with those gifts rather you use them or not. But He will guide all things for His Glory. All you have to do is say:

Here I am. Yes I will.

#ourdestinyhisglory

Building

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Yes I know I have been absent on here. But only for a little bit.. just a little bit.  Aside from the fact I have a family to raise and Co-Lead, there have been things I have been working on that I have not talked about.. until now. As you will find out the more you get to know me I am a women that wears many many hats.  As you have read in my previous post there is so much on my heart. But I have learned the art of contentment and building. 

Building…. Yes that has been the Word for this season of my life.

The Lord and I are building on the call of my life. He, laying down the foundation, paving the way ahead, and cheering me on. And I am being faithful and obedient in placing the bricks in the areas He directs me to. So in time I may walk fully in this magnificent ministry He has designed in me to bring to the World. Many nights I have prayed for the peace of God and called upon the wisdom of rest while laying in my Fathers lap. His love washes over me and He works even as I sleep. My mornings are filled with praise for a new day ahead of me. I know that I will find every tool, every stone I need waiting for me to get to work on this beautiful thing that for now is His and mine alone.

For the first time ever I am now going to reveal to you what I have been working on. I feel it’s time. There are hints in here but not everything will be revealed. This is what the Holy Spirit has directed me to share:

The Book is Coming

I have finally started the editing of “the book”. I have a goal to when I want the editing to be done so it can be sent in to be published. This book carries my heart, spirit and soul. Tears are still being shed as I edit.  For a while I was so afraid to send it out into the world. Afraid the wolves my rip it apart. But who are they? And this story is not my own. How can I hoard something that has never belonged to me? It would be utterly selfish. The cover is done and my heart sings every time I set my eyes on it. For the longest time I had no idea what to do about the cover. Until Rebecca came :). I am amazed at the work I have done through the Lord and how He took care of it all. My very first creation will be such a huge part of my heart. Glory to God for what He has done and what He will do through it!

I’m starting a YouTube Channel.

If any of you have followed me from my previous channel or my previous blog from blogger you know I used to have one. This one will be very different! I had no idea the Lord would call me back on there in the first place. I thought I was done. But it makes complete sense now why last year I started working on it again. The things that the Lord has done I could have never came up with myself. I am so excited for the opportunity to know even more of you out there and share with you some major parts of my life. All for the Glory of God. Because guys I was so okay with just this corner on the internet, even Instagram was His idea. But I do it for all of you. The channel itself will not be active until after the book is ready to be sent into the publishers. I hope to hear from you guys over there when it does!

Now that you know, I will be updating on these things as this year finishes up. Things are evolving in so many areas of my life each month. And with fall harvest, canning season and homeschooling starting up, I have got to get BUSY. I know the Lord will lead me as He has been. I am always amazed at the things I get done. But I know I can’t do anything apart from Him and I can do all things in Him.

Write soon. God bless you guys.

J.S