SUMMER 2023 EMAG
Tracee L. Padilla
Editor-in-Chief
Tracee L. and Edwin Padilla Creative Design Karen L. Haynes Content Editor
CONTRIBUTORS
C T bl f
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THE OWL
When all hope seems lost ~ you will walk again too
SHATTERED IN A MILLION PIECES
From broken to restored.
SO THIS IS 60!
Coffee with Kathleen
WHY I GAVE UP MY QUIET TIME
How I discovered being with God was more important
THE TABLE OF BLESSING
The importance of creating an atmosphere of Christ in our home.
TAPESTRY
From deep self-hatred, Renee turned to drugs and alcohol that led her to a life-changing event
LIES THAT REVEAL TRUTH
Unpacking the truth to find peace that surpasses all understanding
GROWING PAINS
How encountering life challenges leads to spiritual growth
WALK BOLDY. FEAR NOT.
Life lessons in learning how to not allow circumstance doubt God's plan for your life
SQUEEZING JACK
When getting uncomfortable leads to change
WHAT WE BELIEVE
Unveiled Living.
PAIN INTO PURPOSE
When life requires our faith to be stretched.
TAKE THIS CUP
Spiritual encouragement when the weight of life becomes unbearable.
HOW DOES YOUR BEANSTALK GROW?
KIDS KORNER
FROM TRACEE
Never in a million years would I have imagined myself creating a digital magazine, but back in 2019, I felt a compelling tug at my heart to take the plunge Now, as we release our Summer edition, while a little later than I had hoped, I am thrilled to see the vision that God birthed in my heart slowly but steadily coming to life
This edition focuses on our journey of growth and learning, highlighting the process we ' ve undertaken to reach where we are today. Our mission has always been clear - to provide you, our readers, with stories that foster connection and spiritual encouragement. We aim to challenge you in your walk with God while reassuring you that we all share more similarities in our lives than we could ever imagine.
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each one of you for being an integral part of this ministry Your faithfulness in returning to our magazine time and again has been a beautiful source of inspiration Looking ahead, I can see an exciting vision taking shape, one that will continue to transform this digital magazine into an essential part of your life.
As we move forward, I envision the magazine evolving into something you can't live without – a constant companion in your spiritual journey. Together, we will keep dreaming and bring alive amazing ideas and weave stories that touch your hearts, leaving a lasting impact on your lives.
May you continue to grow forward in pursuing all your dreams and aspirations, accomplishing great things for God's kingdom Our team is committed to supporting you on this journey, and we can't wait to share the incredible stories that lie ahead
Tracee Padilla
BY CENDRINE HOSODA
THEOWL
WHEN ALL HOPE SEEMS LOST, YOU WILL FLY AGAIN TOO
Contributor: Cendrine Hosoda
Cendrine is a Swiss native who has lived in the States for the past 25 years. A retired homeschool teacher to her two kids, she is embarking on a new adventure as a Life Consultant and writer. In her free time she likes to read, enjoys cooking, has a passion for healthy living, and for deepening her walk with God
Growth is painful.
As a child, I remember waking up at night with aching legs, the pain permeating deep in my bones. I would wake up my mom, and she would tell me, “Go back to sleep. It’s just growing pains.” In adulthood, I’ve come to learn that we get spiritual growing pains too. We tend to view growth as a positive thing, but by no means is it comfortable. Sometimes I would rather stay in my cozy little bubble than deal with the deep ache of spiritual growth
In fact, I did go through a period in life where I refused to leave my comfort zone, where I didn’t grow I had a lot of traumas shoved deep down inside that I hadn’t dealt with and life’s circumstances were causing it to bubble up a bit
Instead of dealing with the pain , I continued to put on a perfect face, a fake image, and an empty smile. I didn’t want to show others my imperfections. I could handle it myself. However, the more I pushed it down, the harder it tried to force itself back up– like trying to hold a beach ball underwater When it began
When it began to feel unmanageable, I started to drink to disconnect from the pain.....But God didn't give up on me. "
to feel unmanageable, I started to drink to disconnect from the pain. As time went on, my problems only grew. But God didn’t give up on me.
One night after a worship service, God spoke right to my heart. For the first time it was like my eyes were opened to my own dysfunction. At that time it seemed my life was spiraling downward. It was like God was taking me down to the very bottom to start from scratch and build me back up. He shattered my heart into a million pieces and proceeded to painfully piece me back together bit by bit This was one of the most painful periods of my life It was also by far the most rapid spiritual growth I have ever experienced in my life
Over the years, spiritual growth has caused me to lose friends, change jobs, quit drinking, foster children, go to counseling, start ministries, go back to college, have hard conversations, humbly admit that I was wrong, ask for help, come back to church after bowing out for a period, and more. This process of tearing down strongholds in my life and restoring and building me up contained both good and hard components
Looking back, it was the hardest of these moments that produced the most growth. However, in that moment, I would have done anything to get out of it and to have God flip a switch and make me better. I now realize the path of healing that was laid out for me was to prepare me for my current ministries. I can more effectively help hurting people when I've been through the challenging steps I'm asking them to take, when I completely understand how hard is for them to endure this process
My path to recovery.
My path to recovery led me to become close friends with people I would never have otherwise spoken to It taught me how to be authentically ‘me ’ And in reality, it taught me who I really am. It showed me that allowing others to see where I fall short is okay; it’s okay to let others help me. Recovery led to me a closer connection with God, although, I had a period where I was stagnant in my growth–in fact, backsliding is probably a better word, God used that time in my life to contribute to my growth in the future. Not only that, He made up for lost time by accelerating my emotional and spiritual growth.
And my friend, wherever this journey finds you, I can promise you that He will do the same for you too
Contributor: Megan Jean
Megan grew up in rural Wisconsin where she was always the quiet girl with a book in her hand She is now working on her lifelong dream on becoming an author Out of her struggle with trauma and mental health, she created Jordan Crossings blog to empower those who are healing from trauma and to educate Christians on how to minister to those that are hurting Megan is a member of Proverbs 31 Compel Training She has a B A in Pshychology with an emphasis on crisis counseling and is currently working on her Master's degree in clinical mental health counseling She is married to a firefighter, has two children, and is currently on the path to adopting her two foster children
So this is 60.
It's the beginning of a new decade for me with my future stretched out before me, waiting to see where I'm going and what I'm doing next. I feel like I'm standing on the precipice of a new life. I've gone to school, made a career, and raised my children and 'Now what, Lord?'
Sixty sounds old, but I don't 'feel' old. Sure, I have some aches and pains but my brain still thinks I'm young. Our minds and spirits don't feel age the same way our bodies do. My mom used to ask, "How old are you in your
head?' She called it a 'Mental Age,' always saying she was 18 and lived her life with passion and joy. I'm 23 in my head. My body may be aging but I still have so many plans. I also know that God still has things for me to accomplish that I am uniquely qualified to complete.
I feel blessed to have made this milestone when many people never have the privilege of aging. One of my senior clients, when asked how he was doing he would say, 'I'm on the right side of the grass!' A sentiment I now repeat often.
As I dream and make plans for the future, I am learning to love.
As I dream and make plans for the future, I am learning to love; love God, love others, love myself. I want to be known as someone who loved well. We are living in a world of conflict. We often see the motto: Everyone is going through something so just be kind. Certainly, good words to live by; simple, but not easy.
Jesus told us the greatest commandment is this: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Matthew 22:37-39) I’ve abbreviated it into two simple steps: Love God, Love Others. Everything else is not my concern–God can sort it out.
As I look back on 60 years, there have been many seasons in my life with great memories, challenges, heartaches, and milestones And there have been wonderful years of childhood, learning and growing up. Then the tumultuous years of adolescence trying to “find myself”. In my adventurous twenties when I found love and attended college, not once but twice, I changed career directions. My thirties saw our family expand to three children, a dog, cats, rabbits and other pets. Working shift work started to wear thin in my forties as our kids’ teen years challenged us. In the fifties, we saw changes to our grown family and a major move across the country to start a new life in the west.
Overall, life has been good. But our perspective is also what drives our memories. I could choose to see only the hard times, the tears and challenges. Or I could choose to remember the joys, laughter and victories of the years spent with friends and family. My faith journey started in my late teens and has also seen an ebb and flow over the years as my faith has been challenged and tested–at times wavering but always rebounding as God has been faithful.
Live wisely so our days will be long.
The Bible tells us that our days are numbered. And the book of Proverbs often instructs us to live wisely so our days will be long. No one is guaranteed longevity so I believe we need to cherish each new day and to enjoy our friends and family–love hard and hug harder–smile through the tears and seek joy in each day. There are clouds in life but there is always a silver lining to be found if we search for it
So, as I look forward to the next decade of my life and all that it brings, I seek joy and I choose to love. Love God, love others, and love myself. May you also find peace and blessing in those simple thoughts.
Contributor: Kathleen Knapp
Kathleen lives in western Canada with her husband. She is the mother of 3 children. She shares her heartfelt experiences as a parent raising and releasing children with special needs. Through her personal experiences she shows understanding and compassion for parents struggling, feeling isolated, and losing faith. She is recently retired and enjoys new hobbies such as photography, painting, piano, line dancing and playing pickle ball.
HowIdiscoveredbeing
withGodwasmoreimportant.
BYJOYWENDLING
"Get up before your kids wake up."
"Read your Bible when the kids go to bed."
"Let them watch a Christian cartoon during your quiet time."
"Give them their own bible or devotional."
"Leave a Bible open on your kitchen counter."
"Have a quiet time basket."
Everyone seems to have advice on how to have quiet times as a mom I have even tried or said some of these things myself But God has been changing my heart and mind on this over the last few years He has been showing me that growing with Him is more about being with Him and less about the details of how I pursue growth He has freed me from the shame and guilt that I used to have when I realized I had gone a whole week, or month, not in the Word again
And you know what happened as I began to embrace this growing with God instead of feeling like I HAD to do a certain type of quiet time at a certain time, in a certain way? I started consistently being in the Word which now has been going on 3 years strong. Every day - through pregnancies, babies, and even twin toddlers!
When you have little ones, it can be hard to prioritize your faith. There is so much pressure as a Christian mom with young children to do it all, but only after you have given the first part of your day to Jesus through in-depth Bible study, a
hen journaling is this possible. Never mind that you were through the night, the toddler still isn’t sleeping more a time, and the older ones wake up at 5:30 am.
d has taught me–maybe it will work for you too
Invite Jesus into your daily life
God doesn’t want my first 30 minutes–He wants all 24 hours
If I compartmentalize Him into the first few minutes or even the first hour of my day, this would turn my quiet time into only an item on my check list. But, when I began inviting God into my entire day, that is where my growth really started to happen
at God taught me im with my kids. Him to use my e to disciple my e me. Wow!! The rted showing up
Inviting God into all 24 hours of my day allows me to know Him more intimately and to experience His love, grace, and wisdom more often. It helps me model for my kids what it looks like to live with God, not simply for God.
God is a creative God. Our time with Him can be creative, too I listen to my Bible each day as I get ready and it has nurtured and caused me to grow in so many ways I expect God to show up each morning on the drive to school as my kids and I pray and discuss our faith I taste and see His goodness as I drink my brewed cacao
I ask for help when I feel like I am losing it. I ask for forgiveness when I do lose it. I am still and know that He is God for a very short moment when everyone is buckled in their boosters and car seats before I turn the van key. And at the end of each day I reflect on the way He delights in me, just as I delight in my girls when they first fall asleep.
I don’t have a typical “Quiet Time” everyday and that is okay.
I am growing and you can, too. God doesn’t want only your first 30 minutes of the day; He wants all of it.
Invite Him into your day and see what growth happens–there will be newfound freedom, love, joy, creativity, wisdom and His presence.
REFLECTION:
What can you do differently in your day to invite Jesus into everything you do?
What ways can you show your children how to walk with Jesus daily?
What books of the Bible do I want to focus on in this season I'm in?
Contributor: Joy Wendling
Joy is wife to Kyle and mama to 5 girls. Her understanding of the important role of parents in a child's life and faith led her to earn her Master's in Youth, Family, and Culture from Fuller Theological Seminary, complete a certificate in Parenting for Faith from Cliff College, and become a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach. Joy loves to walk with Christian mamas as they pursue Christ and seek to disciple their children for him Most days you will find Joy gazing at mountains and water with a kid or two in the hammock at her island home
THE TABLE OF BLESSING
As a wife and mother of three adult kids, my kitchen table was always the heart of our home. It was at this table where tears would fall, laughter would abound, growth evolved, dreams spoken yet to be lived, and love multiplied It was an atmosphere full of aspirations and hope surrounded with the fragrance of God that Paul speaks about in 2 Corinthians 2:15 (NLT), “Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God”
When we look at the word ‘mother,’ in Hebrew it is Am/Em which means: ‘strong water-giver’ and the one who ‘binds’ the family together.
A MOTHER IS A STRONG WATERGIVER AND THE ONE WHO BINDS THE FAMILY TOGETHER.
EVERY DAY WE LIVE WE ARE GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY,
as mothers, to set our table and invite our children to sit at it. The atmosphere created here is what helps bind our families together in the love of God. We may not realize this truth, but we cultivate life-changing, God-inspiring examples every single day by exhibiting
HOPE, LOVE, GRACE, FORGIVENESS AND PERSEVERANCE IN OUR HOMES
BUT WHAT IF WE'RE HAVING A DIFFICULT DAY?
What if the battle within us is causing the atmosphere in our home to be filled with anxiety and stress?
That's
where Jesus comes in.
It’s not about being a perfect parent, because that will never happen. But it is showing our children the activated word of God living out and through our lives throughout the many difficult seasons of life.
I recall a particular time in my life being on the mission field and feeling overwhelmed. Learning a new culture that didn’t quite understand my ‘quirky’ personality left me feeling alone, while also struggling at that time with the battling depression my ex-husband was walking through. I found myself caving into the stress and weight of it all and it was then that I noticed it was affecting my responses to my children. My wake-up call was one particular day while buried in piles of laundry, sinking in the despair of emotions, my little 4-yearold daughter came up to me asking a question. In my response, I snapped at her. Something I had never done before. Startled by my reaction, she sadly walked away. Conviction hit me immediately as I crumbled to the kitchen floor. Tears streaming down my face, I asked the Lord to forgive me. I knew at that moment I was not cultivating the fragrance I wanted to create in my home.
THE OIL PROTECTS.
You see, the oil protects. It creates a barrier that stops the enemy in his tracks. The oil calms our unsettled emotions and removes fearful thoughts. He provides the very peace we are looking for.
So as a mom, we have been given one of the most influential positions in the lives of our children for them to learn the greatest example of who God is and it starts with the table of blessing that we create daily for them to come and sit. Ask Jesus today into the finite details of your daily life and allow him to change the atmosphere of your home just like the anointing oil he pours over our head, as you begin to cultivate the fragrance of God’s presence. . .one that is full of
OVE, FAITHFULNESS, COURAGE, JOY, AND EVERLASTING STRENGTH.
Contributor:TraceePadilla
TraceeistheonebehindthescenesofUnveiledLivingMinistriesthatshestarted in 2018 with a passion to help empower women to find their true freedom in Christ Traceeismarriedtoherbestfriend,Edwin,andhas3adultchildrenand3 grandkids She and her husband reside near the coastal town of Ocean Isle Beach,NC,withtheircat,Kiko
is a production of Brite Light Media along with Unveiled Living Ministries
Tapestry
Who We Are.
what he starts.
Lies that
by Tricia Clark
YOU KEEP HIM IN PERFECT PEACE WHOSE MIND IS STAYED ON YOU, BECAUSE HE TRUSTS IN YOU. ISAIAH 26:3 ESV
Ever find yourself twisted up in a conversation you felt in your gut was deceitful, yet this person decided to throw in a tidbit of truth to keep you entangled?
It can leave your heart and mind spiraling, wondering if you will ever really know the whole truth. This battle sweeps you into a 'crazy-making cycle,' and your mind is left picking up the pieces of your weary soul.
Sifting through the ‘crazy-making’ mind games others have played is agonizing in the worst way. You try desperately to wrap your mind around every detail of the conversation, wondering which pieces of the puzzle made sense, and which pieces smelled like smoke.
The level of energy and passion you put into the conversation is completely exhausting and defeating.
My mind has been trapped in a wheel of insanity that has kept me spinning for decades. Trying to sort the truth from
the lies leaves me wondering how much more my mental capacity can handle.
Surrendering myself to Jesus seems to be the only logical voice in this relationship I can put my full trust in. It was when He pressed me to open up and tell my story that I was able to get wise counsel. Counsel that would help me see the lies (or half-truths) I was being fed. Realizing when I smelled smoke— although this person claimed there was no fire— I needed to pay attention to the information my spiritual gut was giving me.
Waving the white flag feels as though the enemy has won. But the truth is, God has been fighting this battle with me and showing me what actions to take for my mental and emotional wellness.
The reality is, I may never know the truth And you may never know either
PEACE THAT SURPASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING
The closest we may ever come to finding closure may be to relinquish unpacking the 'truth' in exchange for 'peace that surpasses all understanding.
So how might this look as we move forward?
We can: guard our hearts more carefully in the presence of this person. rationalize that we may never be able to trust anything they communicate. learn not to expect honesty from someone who is not willing or capable of providing it. seek God in helping us discern who is worthy of our trust.
Applying these measures will help ensure safety around the borders of our hearts while guarding us against those who wish to break in and steal our vulnerability
It's not the end of your world or mine if we never know the truth But it does give us information about this person's character and whether we will be a willing participant in their mind games. We can also remember God gives us biblical freedom to choose how we will navigate this relationship moving forward.
Contributor: Tricia Clark
Tricia is a passionate advocate for empowering and validating women in their walk with Christ She has dedicated herself to equipping and restoring the hearts of women, guiding them towards a life of strength and victory as they pursue their identity in who God created them to be. She and her husband reside in Lakeland, Florida.
GROWINGPAINS
byTiffanySnyder-Thompson
As I conversed with Tracee about this summer ' s theme for the Unveiled Living E-Mag, the concept of 'Growing Forward" sparked deep reflections on life's meaning. At this particular stage of my journey, I found myself contemplating what this growth entailed and how it applied to my current season.
Life, I realized, is an intricate tapestry of seasons. We all find ourselves on mountaintops, in valleys, or somewhere in between. Each phase offers unique challenges and opportunities for growth. Yet, amidst this continuous evolution, have you ever felt that progress in one aspect of your life comes at the cost of setbacks in another? Sometimes, progress requires us to take a few steps backward in spiritual, emotional, mental, or financial aspects. It is during these moments that we must be vigilant, for the enemy seeks to undermine our hard-earned progress and drag us down (John 10:10).
The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. John 10:10 NLT
Yet, there is hope. On the Cross, Jesus bore the weight of every iniquity, sin, and infirmity, liberating us from the grip of strife and shame (Isaiah 53:4). His message is simple yet profound: love (Matthew 22:34-40). Love is the greatest commandment, the cornerstone of our relationship with the Lord, and the foundation of our interactions with others.
Throughout my own seasons of growth, I encountered what some call "Growing Pains" – moments of doubt and fear. But God reminds us not to fear or be dismayed, offering us everlasting life through Him (2nd Timothy 1:7 KJV). This verse became my anchor during times of anxiety, guiding me through the turbulence. God yearns for a genuine, authentic relationship with us, inviting us to come as we are - Isaiah 55:1-3, Revelation 22:17.
So, let it be known that in the process of growing, there will be ups and downs, moments that may trick us into believing we have failed. But do not succumb to this deception, for you are not a failure. You are a cherished child of the Most High King, loved and adored beyond measure Don't be entangled in the mind's games, falsely believing you haven't lived up to expectations. Instead, seek forgiveness from the Lord if you have strayed, and move forward with the knowledge that He has countless opportunities in store for you. Trust in His divine guidance, for He can open doors that no man can shut and close doors that no man can open.
As I sit here, I have prayed earnestly over this article, and the Holy Spirit's voice speaks, saying, "Keep it simple." Our Heavenly Father is gentle, and His love surrounds us each day. Keep your head up, for no weapon formed against you shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17). Remember, greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4). You are chosen by Him!
Let us pray: "Dear Heavenly Father, I am grateful for this day and for the journey of life I am on. Help me honor you in all that I do, and may I be slow to speak and quick to listen during times of growth. Lord, let me not be discouraged by the growing pains but instead, let me know that I am Your chosen one, created for such a time as this. Help me hear Your voice and tune out the noise that says I am not good enough or that I am going backward and will never catch up.
Your Word assures me that I have power, love, and a sound mind. I declare these attributes over my entire being, aligning myself with You and Your purpose for my life. Guide me each day, and may I be obedient to Your still, small voice and Your commandments. In Jesus' mighty name, I pray. Amen."
Contributor: Tiffany Snyder-Thompson
Tiffany is a warrior that stands beside you in your darkest seasons. Having survived a past abusive marriage, struggled with the loss of a child, finding herself at a Teen Challenge over 16 years ago, God turned her life around She is a single mom of Salem, who lights up her world She lives in the greater Nashville, TN, area
WALK BOLDY. FEAR NOT.
by Margarita Beck
I wanted to go to Spain so much I could scarcely think of anything else. I wanted to help my missionary brother in his endeavor to pioneer a new work in Northern Spain. I could speak Spanish and I had a nearly brand new ministry license, plus experience in witnessing, leading Bible studies, etc. But, was I hearing a replay of my own desires or was it really God calling me to go to Spain?
I decided to voice my desire to the Lord and to begin the proper paperwork, praying that God would show me His will by either opening or closing doors. For the next six months I never in my life saw so many doors open and close before me.
My brother, Ted Haynes & Family (Tracee's parents)
From the beginning, I realized that if my husband had any reservations at all about my going to Spain, God definitely was not for my going, either Jim, however, almost immediately sensed God's hand in the situation encouraging me to proceed with my plans. My minister and our area Presbyter were also behind me persuading me to make application for a short term assignment to Spain.
I thought I saw a door closing when on the application form I came to the question, "Do you have a chronic illness?" Six years earlier I had to take early retirement from teaching because of an illness - systemic lupus erythematosus. I didn't want to lie and I couldn't even fudge on the question. So I answered "The doctor says I have S.L.E., but the Lord has graciously been helping me to be actively involved in His service "
Praise the Lord, another open door! A few weeks later, I got a letter confirming an assignment to Spain. I would still need approval from the European board, but the national office saw no need for concern on that score
Things were beginning to move rapidly. I had to apply for a passport. But first I would have to obtain a corrected copy of my birth certificate. I had known since my 16th birthday that my name and birthdate were incorrect, but had figured that making the corrections would be a long, difficult process. I had no choice now. I had to have the correct birth certificate. Another door opened! The Austin, Texas, record's office had accepted my Mother's affidavit and a copy of my infant baptismal record as sufficient evidence to amend my birth certificate All I had to do was send them $3 and they would send me an amended copy.
So far, so good, except for a small nagging voice which kept repeating the concerns of well-meaning people: "You're really thinking about going to Spain alone?"
One day in May, I went to an Aglow meeting During the praise and worship time, I sensed a message from the Lord welling up in me. The urge to share the message with my sisters was so very strong, but every time I opened my mouth to speak, someone else broke out in a prophecy, a message and interpretation in tongues, or a chorus Before I knew it, we were being asked to be seated.
"This can't be," I thought. "I have something from God to share." Then I heard another inner voice. "I'm talking to you. This message is for you. You listen." So I listened to what God had to say to me He said, "Walk boldly in the path that I have put before you. Fear not to walk in the steps which I have ordered for you."
Another open door God was reassuring me that it was His will that I go. He had been opening doors for me and now He was telling me to walk through them boldly and without fear. I confidently announced to my church family what God had in store for me - an 8-week missionary tour in Spain to help my brother in his work there
Then all of a sudden things began to go awry. I waited and waited for my birth certificate and for approval for my trip from the European missions board. Day after day I prayed the mail would bring me answers to my prayers. I had to begin calling those things which were not as though they were. I wasn't completely positive that I was going to Spain at this point I thought I had God's approval, but without a passport and board approval, there was no way I could go as scheduled. But I kept telling everyone I was going. I couldn't have heard God wrong His message to me that day in May had seemed so clear. I was to walk boldly and without fear.
just in time.
Then I got a call from the European board, but not with the message I expected. The European board wanted me to wait six months to a year before I made the trip
Wait?? I couldn't wait. After all I had gone through that summer, I just couldn't wait.
I made an appointment to talk the situation over with our Presbyter and prayed that God would speak to me thru the Presbyter in a very definitive way. After I explained the latest development to Bro. Dan, his very first words were, "But your brother needs you now, not 6-12 months from now!" So for the next 2 weeks, I continued to call out those things which were not as though they were, even going so far as to purchase my plane ticket.
Another open door! In late August, I received my birth certificate and was able to apply for my passport It would arrive
Another open door. The European board decided now was the time for me to go. I began to make my final preparations for the trip. I had my passport, my ticket, board approval.....but I also had a pain in my abdomen from time to time. The lupus medication had caused an ulcer to develop and I figured that was what was happening again. The x-ray, however, revealed that I had a mass of stones in my gall bladder The doctor was insisting on immediate surgery. After assuring him that I was confident that God would take care of me while I was in Spain, he reluctantly consented to putting off the surgery for the time-being.
I now understand the second part of God's message. God did intend for me to go to Spain and no matter what happened, I was to keep my eyes on Him and not my circumstances.
That week I grew less confident with every passing day as the pain become more constant and intense. Every day I called out to God to explain to me what was happening and to take the pain from me.
Toward the end of the week, I was reminded of God's message to me of that day in May at the Aglow meeting. The first part of the message had always been very clear to me to walk boldly in the path that God had placed before me But, the second part seemed to have no special significance for me, only a mild admonition not to be afraid to walk in the steps God was ordering for me. Now, I looked back at how I'd spent that week and realized that I had been so fearful concerning the turn of events that I nearly bordered on panic, not understanding why my body was being attacked and why I was not able to hear God for all my crying out
What I learned in this journey:
God is faithful. 1.
God's Word is true 2
God never lies. 3.
God never changes. 4. I can always depend on God. 5.
A question that arose in this process was, can God rely on me?
God has a place and a plan for all of us. Every one of us are His children and He has given us a task.
Many times I realized I could've allowed my circumstances rule my thoughts and my decisions, but I had to hold fast to God's message to me = WALK BOLDLYFEAR NOT.
Contributor: Margarita Beck
Margarita is a retired ordained minister who has achieved many God accomplishments in her life way ahead of the times she was living She faced a diagnosis of lupus and was healed many years later. She's walked through depression and anxiety, worked her way through college while being a mother of four rambunctious boys, and received her Master's Degree Having a heart for the hispanic culture, she went on many missions trips to Mexico and Spain Now retired, she lives with her husband of over 60 years in Spring Hill, TN
r a y e r f o r
S t a y i n g F a i t h f u l
T h r o u g h L o s s
In life, we all experience disappointments, setbacks, and loss. God wants to comfort us in defeat and give us hope. God can use a difficult time in our lives to grow us into the people he created us to be. How we respond to failure and disappointment will affect our future.
The Bible vividly shares what happens when we trust God especially in the face of pain and loss
Today's prayer is to release the seeds of destiny, walk through the darkness, and enter the land of faithfulness
The apostle Paul wrote, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28). Jesus, we are thankful for your promise to work out all things in our lives, good and bad, for our good. We ask for faith to believe this promise during painful and challenging times O God, grant us patience to trust you when trying times persist Heavenly Father, thank you that we have been called according to your plan and purpose Thank you, Lord, for causing all things to work together to achieve your great redemptive goal and purpose for humanity
And thank you, Lord, that so often we see your gracious hand working in our lives on the other side of the story. Father God, for it is ultimately your plan to gently transform us into a lovely image through the kindness of the Lord Jesus. Papa God, with your watchful eye and gracious hand, no suffering is wasted, for you are always at work for our good and your glory
Jesus, we admit at times, we don't always comprehend why trials come Father of glory, we admit our weakness to you that we struggle to imagine that anything good can come from the hard times Yet we can rest in the security that our Sovereign King has our lives in the palm of his hand
May we know that the peace of God, this divine rest that is beyond any and all of our human understanding, will stand watch over our hearts and minds in Jesus, the Anointed One.
To God be the glory, forever and ever Amen In Christ's love, Bob Perry - Workplace Prayer
SQUEEZING JACK
BYMISTIEDOYLE
"You need to squeeze him. Make him a little uncomfortable."
This is what one of Jack's therapists told me during a session. We were discussing why my son had plateaued and wasn't saying new words.
It made sense. Why would he need to speak if all his needs were being met with a point or whine? He had no motivation to change or grow.
So we started squeezing.
Instead of handing him a drink or snack, we began asking him to say the word. He wasn't a fan of this new method. To be honest, neither was I. A lot of frustration. A lot of crying. And I'm not just talking about Jack.
But slowly...we began to see...the squeeze was causing change.
Seasons of Life
Certain seasons of life have a way of squeezing us, don’t they? The longer they last, the more discomfort we feel. When the grip is tightening with every passing week, it can often feel frustrating. For some it pushes up fear and anxiety, for others sadness and despair. I don’t know about you, but hard seasons have a way of making me the best version and the worst version of myself. A few times I’ve questioned if any fruit of the spirit is evident in my life!
What will we do with all this discomfort? Will we fight it, kicking and screaming? Will we give up and surrender to depression? Or will we grow?
Let it grow.
“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing” James 1:2-4 (NLT).
So let it grow.
Sounds so simple, but we all know it isn’t. Growing isn’t always simple or pleasant. But if pain brings growth, I don’t want to avoid the process. Because when the dust settles I want the lessons I'm learning to stick.
In the nine months following my conversation with his therapist, Jack started saying almost 100 new words. There are many reasons for this and I don't want to discredit amazing therapists or the power of prayer. But I have to ask myself, "What if we didn't squeeze?" Accept the squeeze friends.
The growth is worth the pain.
Contributor: Mistie Doyle
Mistie and her handsome husband had four children in three years. They are now attempting to raise them without losing their minds. She's an elementary school librarian, and occasionally speaks at women's events. When she's not writing, she enjoys organizing and pretending her house is clean.
BY REBECCA WHITAKER
AND WE KNOW THAT ALL THINGS WORK FOR GOOD TO THEM THAT LOVE GOD, TO THEM WHO ARE CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE ROMANS 8:28
I remember sitting in my second grade classroom as clearly now as the day I sat in that tiny chair and waited for my turn to answer the question. I knew exactly what my answer would be! "What do you want to be when you grow up?" My heart beating outside my chest with excitement as I listened
to my friends say, "A policeman, Fireman, Teacher, Nurse...." It was an easy answer for me and came from the very depths of who I was.
A Mom.
Even then, I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that was my life's calling. The Lord had placed that desire in my heart so early on that I never wanted or imagined being anything else.
I was married at the young age of 19 and tried for 15 years to get pregnant. I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome; it was deemed virtually impossible for me to get pregnant.
Oral medications, painful shots and inseminations were all unsuccessful. Emotionally, the vicious cycle of getting my hopes up and being left in a puddle of tears every month when I started my cycle was more than I could bear most times. Why would the Lord give me this overwhelming desire to be a mom but not allow me to get pregnant?
During this time, my best friend became pregnant During her pregnancy, she bought a book called “Supernatural Childbirth.” We both read that book. She was believing for a natural delivery and I was believing to conceive. That book changed the course of my life with the missionary’s true story of her own fertility struggles and eventual birth of her children. It was filled with scriptures to encourage me and to decree life over my womb.
Little did I know that my faith would have to be stretched again. After 15 years of marriage and trying to get pregnant, I found myself going through a divorce. At the time, I still had no idea how I was going to be a mom. I didn’t even have a husband now
But God.
I did wind up remarried and I have two beautiful boys. Every time I look at them, I see God’s good hand and blessing on my life and I could not be more thankful. They were definitely worth the wait!
Little did I know that my faith would have to be stretched again.
It did not make any sense to me why I went through so many years of pain and seemingly unanswered prayers. My friend, it was not unanswered, it was just in God’s timing…not mine. Speaking from my heart to yours, let me reassure you that God will never allow the pain that you have endured to be wasted. He has a purpose for the pain You may ask, what and how? It is not easy to see or understand this while you are enduring, but when you come out on the other side of your struggle, the Lord will use that area as a way for you to authentically minister and pour into other people’s lives for His glory.
The delay has purpose.
Seeing our pain as a tool God can and will use for His glory, doesn’t feel natural or even possible. The key is to trust. . .trusting in God that He will not waste our pain and our tears. Trusting that one day we will see clearly where we have been broken is where our true ministry lies For it is only in our brokenness and through our pain that we can truly identify with others experiencing the same pain. Through adversity we are able to feel their hurt, the disappointment, the anguish, the despair. And then you can throw them the lifeline of hope because of His tender mercies that brought you through.
If you find yourself in pain right now, there is hope The delay–it has a purpose; and the pain has a purpose. It is all a part of the beautiful tapestry of your life that God works together for good. What the enemy meant for harm, God had a purpose in it. And through it all we learn to trust in Him and His timing.
Contributor: Rebecca Whitaker
Rebecca is married to the love of her life, Terry. She is a blessed mother of two amazing sons, Elijah and Sam She is a passionate follower of Jesus and has been saved since she was a young child. She is currently writing her first book and is on a journey to minister hope and healing to others in need. She and her family reside in Bristol, TN
TA K E
T H I S
C U P
by Beth Nelson
After I shower in the morning, the first thing I do is grab a cup of coffee A 'good' cup of coffee My latest go-to has been Scooter Doodle coffee. It's like drinking Christmas in a cup. The best part is when I snuggle into my recliner, coffee in hand while reading a devotional, meditating on verses and writing in my prayer journal. In this place I gain a sense of comfort where I use this time to remind myself of who I am and what I live for. This practice centers my heart and intentions for the day.
I choose to have this cup.
Matthew 26:39
When I choose to focus on this time in the morning, my cup overflows and I'm able to move into my day and fill the cup of others in my life
However, not all the cups I hold in my day bring comfort. Some of the cups hold stress, fear, and anxiety. The opposite of 'Christmas in a cup.' For years I believed I was less than because of my list of 'not enough's.
Not organized enough.
Not strong enough.
Not smart enough.
Not pretty enough.
Not good enough
I believed if I knew it all and understood the why, I would be so much better at holding all of my daily cups but I discovered that it doesn't do any of those things.
In Matthew 26:39 we can see the struggle of emotions that Jesus had and he knew exactly what was going to happen and why.
"He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me Yet I want your will to be done, not mine ”
Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My, Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me Yet not as I will, but as you will "
He fell with his face to the ground and asked for the cup to be taken away! He was perfect! He knew the outcome! Those feelings were real and he felt them.
I have fallen more times than I'd like to admit. "God, please!" I've begged. "Take this away!" I am almost certain you have likely said the same No matter what our circumstances are, Jesus knows how it feels to want this cup to be taken away But notice the second thing He said, "Yet not as I will but as you will."
He knew this was not a desirable cup, not wanting to go through it either but in his perfect relationship with God, he relinquished his power or control over to God's will knowing that God had the best outcome planned We are shown the perfect response. Not my will, but yours.
There may be cups you are holding today that are not pleasant. We are given a choice to pour out the stress, fear, worry, and anxiety to make room for God to do his will When we make room for him, he will help us carry our cup and fill our cup with love, joy, and peace. Trusting his plan ~ "Yet not as I will but as you will."
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, although I do not always understand the cups brought forth in my life I recognize you are good, you are perfect and so is your plan for my life I ask that you help me to pour out the negative emotions and allow you to fill me with your peace, strength, and love Not my will but your will Thank you for your son, Jesus who was still willing to hold the cup of death on the cross even though he knew what was going to happen
In Jesus name Amen
What cups are you carrying that are undesirable?
What do you need to pour out of your to cup to make room for God?
Contributor: Beth Nelson
Beth comes with an eclectic background, a wide range of experiences and stories from farm life, education, and leadership Her nonsense whit makes her relatable and encouraging Practically speaking, she understands we've all been a mess from time to time and shares through life experiences how it all can be managed with spiritually inspired leadership
G R O W ?
HOWDOESYOURBEANSTALK
THERE WAS A STORY TOLD LONG AGO OF A LAD NAME JACK.
The next day Jack was amazed that the beans had grown into a beanstalk so high that it covered the cliff and their cottage and disappeared above it.
Knowing he was a good climber he thought that he could climb the stalks, but first he decided to ask his mother if he should, remembering what he had done with the cow.
With his mother's permission Jack began the long climb up the beanstalk. Along the way he grew tired, yet his strong desire helped him not to give up. When he finally reached the top of the beanstalk, what he saw was a beautiful countryside filled with streams and pastures covered with sheep.
As we can see so far, in this tale Jack did some growing up from first being a thoughtless boy to one who started thinking and seeking guidance before he went off doing something that could or couldn't end up working out.
Once we believe that our Creator God sent His one and only Son, Jesus, to die in our place for our sins, we can begin to grow more and more in knowing and believing the love God has for us. Our thoughts and attitudes will constantly change for the better. When we believe in the name of God's Son, Jesus, we become a brand new person inside with a new life.
Contributor: Michelle A. Balts
Michelle is the sister of Tracee, friend, school teacher with over 30+ years of teaching in the Christian School sector and having spent the past 13 years homeschooling her daughter. She has been married 23 years. In her spare time she enjoys sewing, Quilty, hand-stitching, drawing, painting, nature, and walking on the beach. She lives with her family in Wisconsin.
This is your personal invitation to the This is your personal invitation to the greatest party ever! greatest party ever!
There's someone bigger and more powerful than a lion or a wolf. He is our Creator and Father of all in heaven and on the earth; Who so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life.
We each have to choose Him to be our Father God. We choose to believe that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die in our place for our sins, and that Jesus was raised from the dead three days later.
So if you're ready, believe in your heart and say with your words, "Jesus, be my Lord. Take my life and do something with it."
Welcome to the Kingdom of God!
we believe.
Be Yourself.
Be Yourself We embrace the power of vulnerability and the joy of laughter, recognizing that they are perfect companions on life's journey.
Stay Connected.
We believe we are not meant to navigate life alone. Together we find strength and support for our journey ahead.
Live Free.
We believe together in tragedy or triumph, we can remove the veil we hide behind and live in the freedom that God has given us.
