r e t h Sit Still my Daug
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Summer 2021
learning to be still in a noisy world
I said “no” twice
saying no to the good and waiting on God’s best
He took my Shame away
Hope for Tomorrow
Crash of the Dragonfly
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Inspiration
Table of
8 Eve - Hope for Tomorrow
She received the first curse but also was the first recipient of hope.
40 Crash of the Dragonfly
Her worst nightmare had come true but even in disaster God is still sovereign.
74 Let's Get Moving
Summertime is the perfect opportunity to enjoy some fun, healthy activities with your children and keep them moving.
56 Knowing God
Why is it so vital that we take the time to know God?
86 Life In Focus
After growing a successful photography career, Christy now wants to pass on her passion to the next generation.
20 I said “No” twice
Sometimes it takes more courage to say no to good things in order to wait on the best. For Julie, that meant saying no to two men.
106 He took my Shame Away
She thought she had it all yet her heart yearned for more, she never thought she would find it at church.
In the Home 82 Wedding Floral Tips
Wedding florist, Anna Nicholson, shares a few helpful tips for brides.
52 Garden Party Summer Tablescape
Grace in my Space Sarah Symonds shares how to create a beautiful tablescape suitable for any gathering.
34 Summertime Delights
Ready to enjoy the best this warm season has to offer? Get started with these amazing recipes by Cook 2 Flourish.
Contents
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For the Moms
98 Go with God - A Guide to get Moving Postpartum Life is busy but children take it to a whole new level, Eliza shares helpful tips to encourage and keep you going in this new season.
Of Interest 72 Mind, and Soul
Read a few tips that can help your well-being.
112 Your Quiet Time
A few tools that can help your quiet time plus a three month Bible reading plan.
96 5 Simple Ways to Meditate on God's Word Learn a few helpful tips to help you meditate more.
70 Rahab's Rope There is no way to truly understand the horrors endured by the women rescued from sex trafficking, but one ministry strives to give them a fresh start and a lot of love.
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Joys of Summertime by Elaine Knotts
It’s summertime, the grass so green, The butterflies and birds are adding To the beauty of the scenery. The flowers that were planted earlier have grown, as they gently blow in the breeze. Their colors are so vibrant and their fragrance, how it does please.
The sounds of kids playing in the neighborhood, is music to my ears. Ballgames, bike rides, and at night, Catching lightning bugs, is such a delight. Each season supplies such joy, Which the Lord reveals in so many ways. From the beauty of the flowers to the sound of Birds that sing so cheerfully in the morning, To start us on our way.
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hope for tomorrow by Sarah Schurman Have you ever done something so bad that you felt
you could never move past it or ever seek forgiveness? Is there something in your past that you believe is so unforgivable you are afraid to share it with others for fear of being turned away? Does the weight of shame from your previous choices hold you back from your potential today? If so, you are not alone and you are not the first; that title goes to a woman named Eve. Hers is a story that is relatable in so many ways. She was created in a perfect world yet succumbed to temptation and did her best to fix her mistakes but only succeeded in making it worse and tried to hide from God because we fear His disappointment and rejection. Sound familiar? We all have been in a similar predicament at one point in our life, but not only is Eve’s story relatable, it is also filled with redemption, something that is as much offered to us as it was at the beginning of time. Before we really begin to unpack her story, let’s lay a foundation first. God formed man in His image, both male and female were created in His image but it was not generic. Sometimes we forget that God endowed each gender with qualities and characteristics that are unique to their own gender. Man represents God’s strength; he reflects a God who protects. Woman represents God’s gentleness, and His mercy. We reflect
this to the world, together as man and woman we represent a clear image to the world. Think about that for a moment, men and women have a distinct role in displaying the complete image of God. This is why the gender issue is so important because the more we drift away from God’s original purpose the more distorted His image becomes to those around us. It is vital that we embrace who we are created to be because those who are lost need to see God, the whole, complete image of who He truly is and that is only accomplished when men and women live as they were formed by God. As women, we also represent something else that is special about our God, He is a relational God, a God who pursues and wants to be pursued. As women we want to be pursued by a man, not the other way around. We want a man to seek us out, to learn about us and invest time in us. Our God is the same, for He desires us to seek Him.
“Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart” Jeremiah 29:12-13 We were given this desire to be pursued so that we can share it with the world, so that the world
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Hers is a story that is relatable in so many ways. She was created in a perfect world yet succumbed to temptation and did her best to fix her mistakes but only succeeded in making it worse and tried to hide from God because we fear His disappointment and rejection. Sound familiar?
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would know that our God wants to be found by His creation. We possess something that the world desperately needs and Satan surely does not want us to share it. He will do everything he can to hinder us, including filling our heads with untruths just like he did with Eve. He tempted her in the garden and made her discontent with perfection, that is mind blowing and scary at the same time. He is an adversary that should never be underestimated. He was powerful enough to persuade a woman who lived in a perfect world to want more and he has only had more time to perfect his tactics. He caused her to believe that God was holding out on her; sadly, she felt it necessary to take matters into her own hands which would only make things worse. Too late she realized her mistake and her consequential nakedness, making a feeble attempt to cover her sin with large fig leaves sewn together. Hear-
ing God’s voice coming toward them in the garden, both Eve and her husband Adam quickly shielded themselves in the leafy foliage. This is an interesting and revealing part of the story as we read the persistence of God. He called for them and did not leave until they came out in the open. He knew where they were and why they were hidden but He refused to leave them there, He pursued them for several reasons. The first being that what had transpired needed to be dealt with and second, He loved them too much to ignore them in their now sinful state. Though sin would now separate them from the presence of God, it could never separate them from His love. What a beautiful reminder this is to us: our God loves us too much to leave us behind so, instead He relentlessly pursues us desiring to restore our
Summer 2021 | Sit still my daughter 13 broken relationship. Our rebellious choice to sin hurts and grieves His holy heart, and we know that He is disappointed in us, which often leads us to withdraw from Him.
all mankind could receive the forgiveness that restores them into the presence of God, a God who is actively pursuing His creation. She who had given into temptation was promised a way of redemption.
But our loving God actively pursues us, desiring only to offer us forgiveness if we confess our sins, a forgiveness that can restore us to full fellowship with Him. No amount of scars, wounds, or flaws can deter His pursuit or hinder His cleansing forgiveness. We are too valuable to be cast aside. Will there be consequences for our actions? Yes, just as it was for Adam and Eve, but we will never be able to deal with them or face them properly until we have come clean and made our heart right with the Lord.
There is something else that is thought-provoking about Eve’s story and that is her name. It was not given to her until after the fall. On the outside of the Garden of Eden, as the two sinners face a whole new way of life, Adam gives her the name Eve meaning mother of all living, a name representative of who she would become.
For this first couple, their fellowship would be forever altered, they would witness the consequences of their actions on the entire world. Animals turned on each other, the earth no longer willingly gave of her fruit but required man to work hard for it, and man would turn on their own kind, something they would witness first hand between two of their children. For Eve, this must have been especially hard because she was reminded of her disobedience daily, yet even in this God was gracious by extending her hope. The day she and her husband were handed their judgement she was given something special, a promise of hope. Someday, through a woman, God would send His son to earth, born of a virgin, so that
Names are powerful and have meaning, so much so, that there are numerous times God changed the names of certain individuals in the Bible. Abram became Abraham, Jacob became Israel and Sarai became Sarah and, remember, we will also receive a new name in heaven. This name tells others what type of person we were on earth, another reminder that our
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From Miss to Mrs
Through 2019, I had a verse card with a paraphrased version of that verse stuck to my closet door. Hanging there for a while, I usually forgot Once upon a (recent) time, that verse had been nigh on about it, but one day I remember noticing it and, in to discouraging ... a moment of pride, thinking how untrue it seemed. “Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” Psalm 37:4
As I was growing up, my mom would quote Psalm 37:4 just about any time I wanted something: a scooter, a best friend, anything. I learned that if God wanted me to have my desire, He’d give it to me in His time. But MY job was to delight in Him first. “Serving the LORD is the greatest adventure of your life,” Mom told me. I didn’t really know what that meant for me as a little girl, but I never forgot what she said, and it created a desire to pursue God’s will for my life. I wanted adventure.
If God promises to bless those who want His will, why hasn’t He given me MY greatest desire: a husband? I know I’m not perfect. I’ve had plenty of spiritual temper tantrums (like the one I was having right then). “But Lord, everyone else is married or engaged or with someone (so I’d convinced myself ). Why won’t You let me have a man? What could You possibly want me to do as a single person for the rest of my life??”
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My “greatest” opportunity for love was gone. I had survived Bible college without a Mrs. degree. Freshman year, I was pumped. This was it. I was going to meet some handsome young preacher, and we would ride off into the sunset living happily ever after. I snicker about it now. Here’s how my college years flew by: • Freshmen year: Wonderful college experience. Guys galore. No boyfriend. • Sophomore year: Best roommates in the world. A boyfriend for the summer. Not the one. • Junior year: Great spiritual growth. Harder classes. No boyfriend. • Senior year: Student teaching in the spring. Graduated. Short relationship in the summer. No Mrs. degree. No prospects at 22. Practically an old maid, right? (I’m still laughing...) I started using my college degree and taught upper elementary grades at a Christian school. God was still at work (as He always is)
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behind the scenes. After two and a half years of teaching, I receive a text from a guy I had talked with a few years back but hadn’t been interested in then. My nerves tingled. This could actually turn into something. I’d seen many older relationships become Mr. Right! Maybe this was it! We talked for a few months, soon became girlfriend and boyfriend, and even progressed to engagement. But something was off, and I knew it. I didn’t have God’s peace. My fiancé was a great guy, but I couldn’t shake the thought that he wasn’t for me. Of course, being a very attached girl (was I the only one who hung onto a relationship just to have a relationship?), I didn’t want to let go. I wanted to be married so badly, I was almost willing to marry the wrong guy. Praise the LORD, God stopped me. It was hard to let go of my marriage dreams. I suffered hurt for months after. But it was worth letting go––100%. GIRLS, DON’T DO IT! No matter how desperate you feel. Whether or not God has someone out there for you, marrying the wrong guy will NOT suddenly turn him into a prince. Left: enjoying one of my adventures overseas, this was in Portugal. Above right: my roommates in college, we are still friends today. Right: enjoying serving the Lord by singing in a church service.
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Left: celebrating my friend’s graduation. Above: visiting the Great Wall of China. Right: dressing up for my students. Marriage doesn’t magically change your feelings or hesitations about someone. Even if you make it all the way to your wedding day, don’t marry someone you KNOW isn’t right for you––period! I had another short relationship about a year later. God was still at work, using this one to help me take a stronger stand for Him. It was even harder to let go of this relationship, but I knew if God had someone for me, my knight in shining armor had to be so much better than anyone I’d ever dated. Summer 2019 through the New Year of 2020, I had a few prospects, which was more than I’d had since college. And almost as soon as I started talking to each of them, God removed my peace. I felt hurt. I was so tired of a broken heart. My desire for someone had only strengthened since college. But God used my despair to bring me to the point where I could finally say, “I’m surrendered to be single for the rest of my life.” Sure, I still teared up over it. I still held onto hope. But, as of January 2020, I finally
settled in my heart that whatever God had planned, it was going to be okay. His will is always best. And I was determined to be all right with that. February 2020. One of my brothers went soul winning one night and met a sweet, Godly couple who told him they met on a Christian dating site. So, my brother suggested I do the same. I had been dead set against the whole online thing for years. I had even recently told someone that I would NEVER sign up because of all the weird stories I’d heard. But something about his suggestion grabbed me. I asked a few Godly friends about it, and they all said the same thing. Why not try it? Okay, I will...with cautiously optimistic expectations. BUT GOD. God had different expectations. About a day and a half after making a profile, a cute homeschooler sent me a smile. I had already made a mental note that I would appreciate a guy who listed out specific standards in his own life (music in particular).
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by Robin Cook
Cook 2 Flourish
Summer produce is so refreshing- the bright colors and juicy flavors are just what our bodies need in this warm season! Here are some simple summer recipes for you to enjoy at backyard barbecues, farm fresh fiestas, or when you have oodles of zucchini to use! Follow me on IG for more fun recipes @ cook2flourish
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Serves 1-2 2 cups spiralized cucumber or zucchini 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil, regular or herb infused 1/8- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, to taste Real® salt, to taste Pepper, to taste ¼ cup torn or sliced basil leaves ¼ cup cherry tomatoes, halved or diced heirloom tomatoes ¼ cup kohlrabi, shredded (optional) 1 Tablespoon green onion, thinly sliced OR sliced olives (optional) Directions: 1. Simply add the ingredients in order to the bowl and toss. Add extra basil for a garnish, and tailor the flavor to your liking.
Makes approximately 1 1/2 cups ¼ cup onion, chopped 2 garlic cloves, halved 1 ½ cups organic tomato, diced ½ cup fresh organic cilantro, loosely packed 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon ground cumin ½-1 teaspoon REAL® sea salt, to taste 1 teaspoon fresh squeezed lime juice, optional ½ cup diced fresh ripe organic peach 2-3 Tablespoons coconut sugar, monk fruit OR raw honey Directions: 1. Place the onion and garlic in food processor and pulse ten times. 2. Add in the tomatoes, cilantro, cayenne, cumin, sea salt and lime juice (if desired), peach and sweetener. 3. Pulse until desired consistency is reached. Refrigerate or serve immediately.
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Makes approximately 1 cup 2 cups fresh cilantro or mixture of greens (pea shoots, radish greens, cilantro, parsley) 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 Tablespoon fresh garlic 1 Tablespoon onion ½ teaspoon REAL® sea salt ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes 1 Tablespoon Lemon juice 2 Tablespoons key lime white wine vinegar (or white wine vinegar) ¾ cup organic extra virgin olive oil Directions: 1. Pulse the herbs and spices until finely minced/chopped in a food processor. 2. Add in the liquids and pulse until the desired consistency. It is like pesto or an herbed oil dipping sauce. This is a flavorful condiment for baked chicken, wild salmon, steak, spaghetti squash, roasted vegetables, and more!
Makes 1/3 cup 1 ½ Tablespoon smoked paprika ½ Tablespoon ground cumin ½ Tablespoon garlic powder 1 Tablespoon coconut sugar 1 teaspoon onion granules ½ teaspoon ground coriander ½ teaspoon REAL® sea salt Dash cinnamon Directions: 1) Combine all the spices together in a bowl and stir well. Pour into a spice container. (Use organic spices if possible.)
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A professor stood before his philosophy class with
some items in front of him. When the class began, he picked up a very large and empty industrial sized plastic mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into a jar. He shook the jar gently. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full, and they agreed it was. The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous “yes”. The professor then produced two cups of coffee from
Summer 2021 | Sit still my daughter 53 under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed!
“Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your spouse out to dinner.”
“Now,” said the professor as the laughter subsided. “I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things—your family, your children, your health, your friends, and your favorite passions—and if everything else was lost, and only “Play another 18. they remained, your life would still be full.” There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal.” “The pebbles are the other things that matter like your work, your house, and your car.” “Take care of the golf balls first—the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.” “The sand is everything else…the small stuff. If you put the sand into the jar first,” he continued, “there is no One of the students raised her hand and inquired what room for the pebbles or the golf balls.” the coffee represented. The professor smiled. “The same goes for your life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are most important to you.”
“I’m glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.”
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a simple garden party summer tablescape that is effortless and beautiful
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by Sarah Symonds Grace in my Space
Are you looking for a themed summer tablescape idea?
I’m always an easy-going hostess but I love a simple and sweet theme. So, today I’m sharing a simple garden party summer tablescape that is effortless and beautiful. Does it make me a bad design blogger to admit that I rarely do tablescapes in real life? I’d like to think it just makes me honest. I always adore beautiful tablescapes that are elaborate, full and intricate. However, when it comes to real life I just don’t want the hassle. Could I pull it off? Yes, for an extra special event, I could pull on my big girl pants and dive into the depths of tablescaping (probably not a word…but you get the picture). On the other hand, I can also be completely satisfied with an extremely simple and sweet garden party summer tablescape. And I think that’s where I’ve landed in my design journey. Just being ok with being the simple girl who enjoys soft linens, fresh flowers, and dirty terra cotta. There is so much beauty to behold in the simplicity of an intricate basket tray, the aged patina of ironstone and the etching of antique brass.
56 Sit still my daughter | Summer 2021 TABLESCAPE HOW-TO So, now that I’ve convinced myself that tablescapes don’t need to be elaborate to be beautiful, I wanted to share a few simple tips for how I pulled this one together.
my snowball arrangement while the terra cotta pots are stacked precariously on top of each other. {Tip: I layered smaller terra cotta pots inside the bottom one so the top ones don’t fall in. Dirt also does the trick.} CONSIDER CONVENIENCE
ADD OUTDOOR ELEMENTS
Next, I added a beautiful, but casual, basket tray to hold plates and napkins so that it can be easily Obviously, the theme is a nod toward a garden moved to wherever the food is placed. Most of my party with the aged terra cotta, fresh flowers, and brass parties end up being buffet or potluck style so I want planters. But I also wanted to have a slight picnic to keep the running back and forth down to a minifeeling to it. mum. KEEP IT CASUAL
And that’s it! A simple, sweet, truly effortless garden party summer tablescape. One that I can pick One of the easiest ways to make a tablescape up and put everything away in minutes. But, also feel more causal is to use linens that aren’t properly small enough that I can keep it out and enjoy it on a placed. This table cloth is actually gigantic! I’ve simply daily basis if I wanted to. folded it into quarters and draped it at an angle for a more backyard party feel. I hope that this idea helps prove that living and designing in I also used layering to make this simple grace doesn’t have to be complitablescape more casual. The ironstone platters elevate cated or pricey.
there is beauty in simplicity
I hope this article on creating a beautiful garden tablescape has been helpful to you! I’d love for you to join my blogging community for daily newsletters, freebies, DIY guides, and exclusive discounts! And join me daily on Instagram as we build a community of haven makers! ~Sarah Symonds www.graceinmyspace.com
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God
by Amy Johnson
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Knowing God? How in the world can anyone adequately speak on a
topic so vast?! And yet, what subject could be more important or more glorious for us to consider? Perhaps it will help if we break it down into three basic questions: • Why is “Knowing God” important? • What does “Knowing God” mean? • How can I enter into “Knowing God? But before we even answer those questions, I want to give you a word to remember: INVITATION.
Everything in the Creation around you, everything in the Word
60 Sit still my daughter | Summer 2021 of God from beginning to end, and every circumstance of your own life, whether good or bad, is an INVITATION from the heart of God for YOU to seek Him and know Him. This is personal. This is GOD calling YOU. Think about how God established this world. We are born craving intimacy. We long for closeness with our parents. As we grow, we long to be pursued by Prince Charming and to live “happily ever after” with him. We long to have children, to love and to nurture. Make no mistake, we are made in the image of God; these very longings for love and relationship that we find in our hearts are really the call of God upon us. He is personal. He is love. He invites us to know Him in a deeply personal, intimate way. The very creation invites us to know Him. The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows His handiwork. An honest study of creation and science is meant to lead us to worship the Creator. Everywhere we look, God is revealing Himself and inviting us to know Him.
The Word of God encompasses the entirety of human history from beginning to end, and EVERY PART of it is an invitation from God Himself for us to know Him, and to choose our stance of heart toward Him. Those are carefully chosen words: “Choose our stance of heart toward Him.” The very fact that we have a Bible in our hands is proof that God has given mankind the capacity to CHOOSE. (Forget the age-old debate between God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility: the Bible teaches both, and we must be content with mystery. We may rest in God’s sovereign love and power, and we must also choose our response to Him.) But I do not merely say we must choose a “right response”, but a STANCE of HEART. A “stance” is not merely an act, but a deliberately chosen posture. It’s an attitude towards something. It will be expressed in action, but it is deeper than action. In light of all that God reveals about Himself in His Word, what stance of heart must we choose? HUMILITY, SURRENDER, and FAITH. It is only when we choose THIS stance of heart that we will truly enter into the knowledge of God.
Summer 2021 | Sit still my daughter 61 This subject of knowing God––of hearing and responding to His personal invitation to know Him–– is deeply meaningful to me, because I have experienced the difference between knowing a lot ABOUT God and actually knowing HIM. I responded to the Gospel and prayed to “ask Jesus into my heart” when I was six years old, several years before my parents even came to Him for salvation. I was very aware that the Lord had heard my prayer and received me - after all, Jesus said, “Suffer the little children to come to Me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of Heaven.” However, once my parents did come to Christ and I began to receive good Bible teaching on a daily basis, my spiritual pride seemed to grow in proportion to my knowledge. I was the “good girl”. I embraced truth, stood up for what was right, shared the Gospel with my friends, memorized the most verses in Vacation Bible School, and enjoyed the praises of my teachers and youth group leaders at church. I was honestly very full of myself without even realizing it. I knew a lot about God, but it felt like He was a distant overlord that I was constantly attempting to please and impress. I did not live with a moment-by-moment awareness of His personal Presence or favor. I didn’t really “know” Him. Thankfully, God doesn’t leave us where we are! When I was fourteen, my parents brought us to a summer conference at the Evangelical Institute in Greenville, South Carolina. And even though we had been attending good churches for several years, I had never before been in meetings like those conference meetings. The Presence of God was powerful, and the Lord Jesus was obviously a living reality in the lives of the men who spoke. I recognized that this was an experience that I didn’t have, and I longed to have it. I became hungry and thirsty for God. When we returned home, I found a book in my parents’ room and felt compelled to pick it up and read: it was The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer. God used that book to speak powerfully to my heart and change my life forever. I drank in every chapter as cold water to a thirsty soul. Three points that especially impacted me were these: God is a PERSON: as such He can be KNOWN, and He WANTS to be known by us. The biggest enemy to really knowing God is the self-life, and the self-life can take on a religious form and seem to thrive at the very altar of God. This
broke me completely. I saw how full of spiritual pride and arrogance I had been, and I cried out to Jesus to save me from ME––not just from my “sins”, plural, but from WHO I WAS––because I could not break those chains of pride on my own. If I find in my heart the hunger and thirst to know God, it’s because HE PUT IT THERE FIRST. He is CALLING. He is INVITING. If we hunger, we may take heart! It is God’s doing, and He is more than willing to answer our cries to know Him. It was the beginning of a whole new day for me. I began to experience what Jesus meant when He said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” (Jn.10:27) The Word of God came to life. No longer did my “Christian life” consist of trying to excel within a system of conduct––it was now a vibrant walk with a living Lord. If YOU find yourself hungry and thirsty to know God, then take heart, because this can be the beginning of a new day for you too. So now let’s go back and answer our three questions: WHY IS “KNOWING GOD” IMPORTANT? First of all, “Knowing God” is important because the Lord Jesus Himself equates it with LIFE. He declared, “I came that they might have LIFE, and
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Your Mind...
Thy word have I hid in mine heart... Psalm 119:11
What we choose to memorize is ours forever, no one can ever take it away. To hid God's Word in our hearts ensures that we have access to His truth whenever we need it. Over the course of the next three months try to memorize the verses on the left. We will only be able to defeat our enemy by holding fast to the truths found in the Word of God about our God. In moments of temptation, the Holy Spirit will bring the verses we need to mind that will aid us in being victorious. staying ed help his e n u o y if gt try usin k c a r t n o g app! amazin
Psalm 1:1-3 1. Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
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& Your Soul
Be still, and know that I am God... Psalm 46:10
• create a to-do list: this helps clear the mind of all the tasks that can pile up and ease the stress of having to remember it all. Doing it right before bed lets you go to sleep knowing everything you need to do is written down. • listen to your favorite praise song: music has the ability to lift the spirit especially songs that remind us of the promises of God and His goodness. Play it in the car or while enjoying your favorite beverage. • write a note to a friend: sometimes when we take a moment for someone
else our own cares and worries disappear. Taking the time to complement or thank a friend for their friendship and impact in your life can remind us just how blessed we are to have them. Plus they will receive a blessing too when they receive your note. • take a break and go outside: nature with it's beautiful, calming color palette can aid in relaxing the mind and body as soon as you step outside. Going for a short walk around your neighborhood is a great way to burn off those stress hormones and refresh your soul.
92 Sit still my daughter | Summer 2021 different ministries and missionaries by coming alongside them. In 2019 my husband and I had an incredible opportunity to travel to Argentina and Peru to work with some missionary families. We worked with the Greenwoods, the Fitzgeralds, and the Deightons, filming and photographing their unique ministries where they serve. It was amazing to see up close and personal how God was working through these families and to have a small part in it. Sadly we ended up not being able to travel in 2020 because of Covid-19, but our good God already made a way for us to still be a blessing to one of His workers. Emily Snodgrass, a missionary in Peru, was coming home on furlough and needed someone to put together an updated presentation video. She wanted to show her supporting churches all that had taken place since her last visit to the states. We were
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my teachers at the Academy of Arts, gave me a boost in confidence which was just what I needed!
I have learned so much over these last few years and now wish to go beyond helping missionaries and ministries by mentoring others. My desire is to spend some time with individuals who wish to learn more about photography and potentially turning it into a business. To me, mentoring means someone coming alongside in a certain subject and guiding them in a hands on manner. I was blessed to have several in my life, people who invested themselves into me and brought out my best. Ben Maciejack, one of
Another special person from the Academy is Dr. Nicky Chavers. He would spend so much time sitting with me, looking through the composition of the many pictures I had taken to see which ones could be used as promotional photos for the website, brochures and such. His influence and instructions in that area really helped me in my own business later as I looked at what made photos emotional keepsakes. This is why I want to mentor others, to pay it forward. I already know I don’t have all the answers
Previous page: me and my husband doing what we love and a little peek behind the scenes.
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Summer 2021 | Sit still my daughter 95 for every person, but I love to share what I know with those who are where I was. I am now offering a mentorship program and am excited to see what the Lord does through it. I look back over the past 11 years and see the hand of God very visibly, directing and guiding my steps. I will be the first to say that it has not always been easy and sometimes the path was not vividly clear. I struggled to see where I would fit into God’s plan, I doubted myself over and over again. My choice of where to attend college was another big question, I knew I wanted to pursue my gifts in photography but wasn’t sure where. But God. He had it all planned and orchestrated. He guided me through it all. I am so amazed and humbled to see where the path has led. What started out as a hobby has now turned into a business with multiple ministry opportunities tied to it. I would never have imagined running the business side of things honestly, but God has given me the wisdom and skill I needed to do all that was required. As I continue on my journey of this never ending learning of my craft, I am grateful that I have never lost my burden and desire to glorify the Lord. C. Lyn Creations continues to donate money or time to different ministries as the opportunities arise. It doesn't always mean traveling to a different country, but when the Lord opens the doors we give what we can when we can from the bounty that the Lord gives to my business.
Follow Christy on IG @c.lyncreations or visit her website clyncreations.com to see all of her incredible work.
114 Sit still my daughter | Summer 2021
Have a plan: Choose a book of the Bible to read through rather than simpy opening to a random passage.
Ask questions: Not familiar with the word? Look it up in the dictionary or in a Strong's concordance
Be teachable: Come to God's Word expecting to learn something, be ready to act on what you read. Looking for a Bible reading plan? Use this three month plan with a theme that is unique for the month. Graphics provided by Have Faith Studio
Summer 2021 | Sit still my daughter 115
J U N E
R E A D I N G
1. Ephesians 2:8-9
16. 2 Corinthians 12:9
2. Philemon 1:25
17. Romans 6:14
3. Romans 5:15
18. Ephesians 1:6
4. Acts 20:24
19. 2 Timothy 4:22
5. Hebrews 4:16
20. 1 Peter 5:10
6. Isaiah 30:18
21. Romans 5:2
7. Philippians 4:23
22. Titus 2:11-14
8. Numbers 6:24-26
23. Luke 2:40
9. Psalm 23:6
24. Acts 20:32
10. Psalm 103:8
25. Matthew 6:14
11. Revelation 22:21
26. 1 Peter 1:13
12. 2 Timothy 2:1
27. 2 Corinthians 13:14
13. Galatians 2:21
28. 2 Peter 3:18
14. Romans 16:20
29. Romans 11:6
15. Acts 15:11
30. John 1:16-17
P L A N
For it is by grace you have been saved,
—
it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. ~Ephesians 2:8-9
READING THE BIBLE WITH A RENEWED SPIRIT WWW.SITSTILLMYDAUGHTER.COM
116 Sit still my daughter | Summer 2021
FRUIT OF THE
J U L Y
is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
R E A D I N G
P L A N
1. Galatians 5:22-26
16. Philippians 4:7
2. 1 John 4:16
17. 2 Timothy 1:7
3. Titus 3:2
18. Ephesians 5:8-9
4. Ephesians 3:16-17
19. Hebrews 10:23
5. Galatians 6:1-5
20. Colossians 3:12
6. James 3:17-18
21. Romans 13:10
7. Romans 5:1 8. 1 John 5:2-3 9. Colossians 1:9-11 10. 2 Peter 1:5-9 11. Matthew 7:15-20
let us keep in step with the Spirit. us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other." ~Galatians 5:22-26
12. Nehemiah 8:10 13. Romans 8:5-6 14. Hebrews 12:11 15. 2 Corinthians 6:6-7
22. James 1:2 23. Titus 1:7-8 24. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 25. 1 Corinthians 13:13 26. Romans 15:13 27. Proverbs 25:28 28. Romans 12:1-2 29. Ephesians 4:1-3 30. 2 Corinthians 3:17 31. John 14:27
READING THE BIBLE WITH A RENEWED SPIRIT WWW.SITSTILLMYDAUGHTER.COM
Summer 2021 | Sit still my daughter 117
WALK IN THE
A U G U S T
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said,
R E A D I N G 1. John 8:12
16. Isaiah 60:1
2. Acts 13:47
17. Matthew 5:13-16
3. Matthew 4:16
18. 2 Corinthians 4:6
4. Genesis 1:3-5
19. 1 Peter 2:9
5. John 1:5 6. 1 John 2:8-10 7. Psalm 18:28 8. Luke 11:34-36
Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” ~John 8:12
P L A N
9. John 3:19-21 10. Psalm 27:1
20. John 9:5 21. Psalm 139:11-12 22. Philippians 2:14-15 23. Micah 7:8 24. Romans 13:12-14 25. Psalm 119:105 26. Matthew 6:22
11. Revelation 21:23
27. 1 John 1:5-7
12. Acts 26:18
28. Proverbs 4:18
13. John 12:35-37
29. Ephesians 5:13-14
14. Habakkuk 3:4
30. Psalm 19:8
15. James 1:17
31. Ecclesiastes 2:13
READING THE BIBLE WITH A RENEWED SPIRIT WWW.SITSTILLMYDAUGHTER.COM