Keep Calm and Carry On

I never liked this quote to be honest.

It annoyed me.  I think mostly because it became such a trending quote.  On everyone's pinterests, bumper stickers and pendants from here to tim-buk-tu.

I read a blogpost a few days ago, the topic was mantras.  What is a mantra you may be asking yourself?
It is: an often repeated word, formula, or phrase, often a truism(a self-evident, obvious truth)
I don't remember what else the blog said, but what did catch my attention was that it asked the reader to find a mantra for themselves.

For whatever reason keep calm and carry on was what came to mind.
I found it bizarre that this was the phrase that leapt forward into my mind.  Like it had been sheepishly hiding itself just waiting for this exact moment to spring forth with excitement that I was looking for just the right words to say to myself.

Keep calm and carry on.
Keep calm and carry on.
Keep calm and carry on.

Have peace and self control.  Be humble and gentle.  Be patient.  Stop for a moment.  Breathe.  Don't rest on this.  Don't overthink this.  Don't be irrational.  Let go.  Move along.  Carry on.
All these words and phrases sum up this little phrase I'd for so long despised.  Yet after repeating it, over and over, I realized how much this phrase could and did mean to me.

I long to live my life with peace and self control.  To walk every day, every moment in the fruits of the spirit. I don't want to become irrational in any situation, I don't want to be stuck in a moment of anger or frustration.  I want to be humble and gentle.  Soft spoken and loving with my words and my thoughts.  I want to breathe in and take a moment to gain clarity in a situation.  I want to be discerning, I want the Holy Spirit to lead.  I want to let go of the negativity that so wants to creep it's ugly way in and take over. I want to keep calm and carry on.

I find myself repeating this little phrase now.  Even when I'm not in a situation that needs it's use.  I think in doing this I am setting myself up for a more than likely positive situation next time I find myself in a negative situation.  I am already creating a habit.  I am already walking in that peace, self control, humbleness, gentless, kindness, love and power.  So when I come head on with a situation that I might have otherwise reacted to in not such a lovely manner, I think I'll already be walking into this situation with a calm to just carry on :)

Do you have a mantra?

I challenge you to find one today.  It could be a word, a phrase, a bible verse.

Maybe you need it to remind yourself you are significant and beautiful.
Maybe you need it to walk with bravery and courage.
Or maybe like me you just want to have more peace and self control in every day situations.

I have a few words and phrases that I like to say to myself.  You can have as many as you'd like/need.
If you're not sure where to begin...Ask God to show you.  He will :)

Love and blessings,

Christy Creative Dreamer Dawn

What We're Listening To Wednesday - Give me a song

Sometimes, there are no words that can/need be spoken.  Just a song.

Love,
Christy Creative Dreamer Dawn

What We're Listening To Wednesday - Rejoice and Lament

I find myself drawn to this song for a few reasons. 

#1.  It is like poetry...and I love poetry ;)

#2.  I like the word lament.  I sort of knew what it meant and being the nerd that I can be sometimes, I love looking up words and their definition.  This is what I got: 

la·ment: to express sorrow, regret, or unhappiness about something

#3.  There is a time/season to feel out your feelings.  You're allowed to feel.  Just don't get stuck and dwell on your feelings.  Move through the process, you can still thrive through the process of pain, hurt, sadness...just make sure you continue to move and push forward.  

#4.  When the season of lamenting is done...REJOICE.  

Don't forget that through the lamenting, you can still have peace, joy and love.  If you are walking through a season of lamenting, lean on God, trust in Him, continue to ask Him for the best, continue to hope, believe, and dream.  Let your suffering produce deeper roots in Him, let your sadness/hurt from the past catapult you towards a bright future.  God's hand will never stop moving in your life if you allow it, He will continue to bless you even in your time of lamenting and when you look back, you will see that those feelings, each and every single one of them...got you to where you are today.  

Rejoicing with you, 

Christy Creative Dreamer Dawn

Thankfulness

Definition: Expression of gratitude; acknowledgment of a favor.

                     1. Gratitude; a lively sense of good received.

What We're Listening To Wednesday - Explode My Soul

What We're Listening To Wednesday

This whole album is worth a listen, but this song in particular has captivated me.

Explode my soul is an awakening, a calling upon my spirit.  The words seem like they were stolen from the depths of my very being.  Every time I play this song, I feel myself wanting to run down a sidewalk shouting "explode my soul...explode my soul, Lord."  I've decided against the shouting out loud in public scenario.  Yet I continue to sing this from a place that is being changed, transformed, challenged, encouraged, restored, healed and moving towards an explosion that will I'm sure, shake things up :)

I hope you find this song to be of encouragement.  Maybe you'll find your spirit drawn to another song, or perhaps you'll interpret the lyrics differently and they'll mean something entirely opposite of what they mean to me.  None the less...be blessed ♥

Love,
Christy Creative Dreamer Dawn

P.S., please share in the comments what you are loving listening to, we'd love to hear :)

WILL YOU TRUST ME??

WILL YOU TRUST ME??

Will you trust me??? Four words that on their own are so simple, and yet when put together so complex.

TRUST… by definition is the firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability or strength of someone or something (google dictionary).

WILL YOU TRUST ME??

            God started asking me this question in November of last year. I have recently felt a desire and calling on my life to enter into a place of ministry. And I could feel God asking me, “Ashley, will you trust me”. My initial response was “sure God…whatever you want”. My answer was quick and easy, because it didn’t require much sacrifice. The next request was a little harder. “Ashley, will you trust me?”…

            “Sure God, I already said yes”…

            “Then give up your position at work…let me meet your needs, rely on me”…. Suddenly trusting God was getting a little bit harder, was requiring more.  Suddenly I realized that trusting God was a choice…a choice that would require something from me. Suddenly I realized God wasn’t looking for a quick response, or an appeasement, but a decision, a declaration, and an action.

            As I am growing up in my life, I have learned that trust is more than a feeling. Many times we decide whether we will trust someone or not based on past experiences, based on what we know about someone’s character. We believe that someone must earn our trust. That they must first be tested and found true. I trust my husband because we have weathered many obstacles together. I have found his heart to be true and full of love, and ultimately because he has proven himself faithful over and over again.

            So too is it with our Father God. Our ability to trust God often seems based on past experiences. However, God is looking for so much more than a feeling of trust. God is showing me that the trust that he desires is actually an action….an action that comes in the form of

 SURRENDER.

(To cease resisting and to submit to an authority)

In my life, I have weathered some storms….I know that they are not all behind me, that there will be more to come. And God has been asking me “Ashley, do you trust me enough to actually let go…surrender your circumstances and your life to me”. See friends we can say we trust God, but until we can loosen the hold on our lives and live our life in total surrender and abandonment to God’s will and plan, do we truly trust him??

            I actually believe that there are two forms of surrender… I believe that there is a forced surrender and a chosen surrender.

            FORCED SURRENDER: Let me immediately clear up the thought that God forces us to surrender to his will and plans…NO!!!! God is not an abuser, dictator or enforcer. He is not vengeful, and he does not MAKE us do anything. However, life has a way of causing us to surrender. We have no control over situations and circumstances that enter into our life. Death and illness are not gentlemen, they come into our lives whether we want them to or not, and they have a way of forcing us to surrender to our circumstance. People in our lives make decisions that impact us, and often we have no say in the decisions made, but are forced to live with the resulting consequences and repercussions.

            Instead, God is asking us to enter into a chosen surrender. A place of knowing that no matter what obstacles or painful circumstances we face, God is there for us, lovingly holding us, walking with us, and has the ultimate say over our future. Because once we understand and realize this, than there is no fear in letting go, in surrendering our hearts and lives to our Father.

Jeremiah 29:11 says “For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”.

            I think sometimes as Christians we foolishly allow ourselves to misunderstand this declaration by our Father. We want to believe and therefore allow ourselves to believe that it means that life will be easy, pain free, without difficult trials and circumstances. If this is your thought friend, than you have mistaken, it is actually quite the opposite. Jesus says in John 16:33 “In this World you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the World!”

“In this World you will have trouble”

            The words YOU WILL are not a possibility, a happen chance or a maybe…They are a guarantee. You will have trouble, there will be pain, there will be heart ache….But even with these guarantee’s we can still be confident in surrendering to our Father. Why?

“And we know that in ALL THINGS God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

            IN ALL THINGS….In sickness, death, pain, uncertainty, confusion, loneliness and anything else that the World will throw at us…God works for THE GOOD of those who love him. Paul actually says in Ephesians 3:20 “now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine”. God can do more than good and even more than great in our lives when we surrender ourselves to him.

I have waited a very long time to write this blog. Why? Because coming to a place of surrender in my life is actually the hardest thing that I have ever done. Nobody wants pain or challenging circumstances in their life, actually we would do anything to avoid them… at all cost. But no matter what I choose, pain will come. The only thing that can take my worldly circumstances and change them into something beautiful and prosperous and good for me is my Father God. So let me ask you…Knowing what you know, what do you choose…. A forced surrender to life’s circumstances that will come whether you want them to or not, or a chosen surrender to a Father God who loves you more than you will ever know or ever be able to contain…

With a heart full of love,

            Ashley

Surrender All

Question:How is your relationship with God?
                Is your desire for more of Him and less of you?
               Are you giving more and more pieces and parts of your life to Him?
What I'm getting at is....
               Are you in a relationship......or not?
I think sometimes we know the right things, say the right things and maybe even do the right things but is that all? Is that all there is too it....NO, most definitely not.
You need to be desiring more from God and pressing into Him. Giving everything that you have and all that you are over to Him. Desiring His will for your life above everything else and pursuing....always pursuing. He needs to be first in all things.
He has so much to give, to teach and we just need to ask. It's not enough to know the Bible, go to church and live a good life, you need more and God wants more.
Start now if you haven't and keep going if you have.....ask for more.
More Love, Joy, Peace,Patience, Wisdom, Strength, Discernment.....keep asking and keep pushing into Him. Go deeper, be bolder.
Absolutely every single part of you needs to be fully surrendered to God. Your future, your past, your family, your friends, your talents, your gifts.....everything. And it starts with something small....say, your day. Just giving your day to God but don't stop there.....keep taking those small steps and it becomes easier and easier to trust God with the bigger things....say, your family. It's time to put aside the old, the broken and the worn out and let the Perfect One take over. Little by little, bit by bit until your life is not your own. You were created for a reason and for a relationship with God your Heavenly Father. Let Him guide, direct and be the center of all.

Love you all and pray your desire for more will grow, TinaMarie

A few more verses for you guys to mull over ;)
Gal 2:20....I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Col 3-1-4....If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. 
Prov 3:1-6....My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding
John 15:5....I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

Hearing God's Voice-Part 1

Comparison steals joy!

Comparison steals joy.

Did you hear that?  Comparison steals joy, among other things.

It begins with little remarks, little jabs at yourself, that at first seem so harmless.

It may even appear that you are humble.  That you are just praising someone else's

strengths.  Yet you are subtly discrediting yourself.

Remarks like...

"She/He is way better at ______ than me."

"I am not pretty like ______."

"I don't have the qualifications like ______."

"I can't do ________."

 "She/He has more of _______ than me."

Add in whatever word(s) applies, but you see how these little snippets can tear down?!?!

There is no encouragement in it, for yourself or the person you think you are praising.

It doesn't build someone up to have you torn down in the process.

It doesn't comfort someone to have you point out all their strengths whilst you indirectly point out all your weaknesses.

Every comparison breaks you down a little.  Every comparison makes you pull back a little more.

Every comparison IS A LIE!!!

A lie from the enemy, a lie to keep you trapped, to keep you chained, to make you feel worth less, to make you feel invaluable and useless.

And in the comparison(LIES) you lose...Joy. Peace. Trust. Strength. Courage. Freedom. Uniqueness.  You lose you.

You have been created for a purpose that ONLY you, yes, only you can fulfill.

You have been created uniquely to be you and you alone. 

You have been created to SHINE. 

You have been created for GREATNESS.

But if you want what everyone else has and to be who everyone else is, how will the world experience and see you?

I read this wonderful quote from Marianne Williamson (usually misinterpreted to have been a quote from Nelson Mandela):

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

This quote has really stuck with me for some reason.  Maybe because I too have compared myself.  I too have stepped back to let others shine.  I have shyed away from being to great, to talented, to fabulous, to ______! 

But I realized, I want the world to experience me.  The me, God purposefully and intricately created.  He made me the way I am for a reason.  He is within me and wants to shine all the creativity, beauty and goodness HE IS through me.  I am like him, why would I want to hide His creative, beautiful, good, fabulous, talented, brilliant daughter from the world.  Why would I want to be like someone else that is showing the other creative, beautiful, great attributes of our Heavenly Father? 

God didn't intend for anyone of us to be a replica of another.  What a bore that would be to have us all be the same as the last.  What good would that accomplish? 

I am rambling now, LOL ;)

I hope you understand though, you are you...you are uniquely and perfectly you. 

Don't let comparison steal away the you God created.  Don't let it take away your joy.

Instead, be proud, shameless, free, joyful, fearless, brilliant, worthy, creative, bold,  courageous and live your life out loud as YOU! 

Cuz no one else can do it ;)

Love,

Christy Creative Dreamer Dawn

p.s, I didn't want to add creative dreamer to my middle name for this blog(in the beginning), but that IS what I am and I am no longer afraid to declare that in my life, among other fabulous truths ;)  What truths will you begin to declare and live out loud in your life? 

His Way

Today I read this bible verse:

Psalm 18:30
God's way is perfect. All the LORD's promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.

Again!
His way is perfect.
Again!
HIS. WAY. IS. PERFECT.
PERFECT.

I don't know why today, but that hit me like a ton of bricks.  How many times I've tried to go it on my own. How many ideas I've tried to make work.  How many plans have I made.  How many dreams have I dreamed and goals I've written down.  Countless.  And to be honest, yes sometimes they've turned out good or alright.  But never perfect.  Not unless I've turned to abba, and asked him to reveal His ways.

How should I do this?
What's the best way?
What are you thinking?
Will you share with me your ideas?
Will you show me your heart?
Will you guide and direct my footsteps today?

The best part is, when I've asked Him to show me: He has.  He is so faithful.

I know these questions excite my Heavenly Father.   I know he can hardly wait for me to ask Him for his help, to show me His ways and His ideas.  I  mean, c'mon, His ways are PERFECT.  They're the BEST.  His ways are much more brilliant, rewarding and perfect than any plan I could ever conjure up.

He wants to surprise us.  He wants to lavish His gifts on us.  He wants to walk beside us.  He wants to fill us with His love and peace.  And He wants to whisper to us His perfect ways.

And yes, His ways are perfect. But this doesn't mean:
Your life looks perfect or you look perfect.

What it means is:
When you yield your ways for His perfect ways(will), your life will reflect Him, YOU will reflect Him.

I am going to continue to repeat the verse to myself.

I'm going to try and start my mornings with those questions and listen to the voice of God.

I'm excited to see all the great things He'll do, go the places He'll lead and to see a continual transformation of myself and my life that begins to look more and more like my Heavenly Father and His ways.

Matthew 7:11
So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.

He wants to impart to you good and perfect gifts.  He wants to show you his perfect ways, but, you have to ASK.

I ask you to join me on this challenge to seek the Fathers ways, in all things, every single day.

P.S, I wasn't going to write a blog about this bible verse.  "I" had my own ideas/topics for what I thought I was going to write about. Obviously HE had a different idea, LOL!!!

Blessings,

Christy Creative Dreamer Dawn

Take A Step

I'm feeling a stirring in my spirit, an excitement, anticipation, for what...I'm not quite sure.

My desire is to follow where He leads.

To trust in His plans no questions asked.

Why then do I question? Why do I hesitate and hold back? What am I doing!?!?

His ways are perfect(Psalm 18:30) and mine......are not.

I believe that living by faith, while hard, is absolutely necessary.

So what are we doing? How are we building up our faith? Are we responding to the voice of God and stepping out of our comfort zones? No, well, why not....are we afraid? Afraid that He won't be there to guide us, to speak through us, to use us. Are we afraid to take that step of faith because it might not actually be Him speaking to us. There are so many things that cause us to shrink back and be afraid but still God calls, draws you in, speaks. To increase your faith you must decrease, decrease your doubts, decrease your fear, decrease your emotions and begin taking some of those small steps. That is how your faith will increase. A wise person once told me "so what if you mess up" learn from it and keep going. I want to encourage all of you to take a step of faith and if you think you are all alone in the difficulty of taking that step, you're not. We all struggle with faith in one area or another. You may be struggling with hearing Gods voice or trusting in His plan......I struggle with a fear of prophesying in church and it not being from God. Thankfully, my faith in Him and my desire to follow enables me to try. Every small step/victory strengthens my faith...my trust in Him and His guidance and direction for my life.  Don't be so afraid or worried that you loose out
                                                                     on the amazing adventure God has for you!

 Take a step....trust me, it's worth it.

TinaMarie

*quote is taken from the song Oceans(Where Feet May Fail) by Hillsongs. I was listening to it on repeat while editing and posting this blog.....LOVE that song!

When Did We Become So Mean? Being Bullied - Part 2

I've been bullied by WORDS.

In my head were the words, "run Charlene, run!" It was a moment, similar to Forest Gump, as I ran towards the woman's bathroom. I didn't make it in time. Instead, I recall asking and mildly pleading without creating a scene, "just let me in, please!" The door never opened. I walked away.

Twas, my first week of grade nine. We didn't have cell phones, which truthfully I think having access to texting or snap chat or Facebook or Instagram would have been detrimental for me. Instead, we had MSN. Plus, the slowest dial up internet that almost made cyber bullying a challenge. Hence, why we resorted to written notes torn out of our lined duotangs and than crisply folded in all sorts of shapes and sizes.

A few days later, I was given a note. It kindly informed me that I wasn't allowed to be friends anyone. The words, "wasn't allowed" stung and suddenly I lost the closest friends that I had known for six years. Those words, like many other words, changed and transformed areas of my life that didn't require additional pain or hurt or rejection. 

So, why do we use WORDS to bully?
Charlene


RUFFLES,
and that's pretty much what I remember.
It was grade 7(or 8) and this lovely girl in my gym class would use that word to refer to my underdeveloped chest. 
Pretty much, I had no boobs when almost every other girl was developing.
My mom has told me that I cried at home but I do not recall.
All I remember is Ruffles and the name of the girl that came up with it.
I am so thankful that the small amount of bullying I received did not affect me in any long or lasting way.
People can be mean, can bully, and to be honest, the only thing I can think of is....what has happened to them.
TinaMarie



Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.

So wrong...so wrong.

Words do hurt. 

Being called words that in no way reflect or describe the real you.  Being told lies about yourself.  Being harassed with words that cut deeper than any knife.  That cut to the core of your being, that make you wonder if you even really know who you are.

I was bullied with words throughout jr-sr. high school.  I was a misconception because of the words spoken about me.  I was bullied without reason, not that there actually is reason or justification for bullying.  I was bullied with words, by girls who probably didn't even know my name, and most certainly didn't know me. ME!  A real, live, breathing, feeling, growing, uncertain human being.  Just trying to figure out who I was and being told who they thought I was with such crude remarks and hurtful words. 

I remember thinking if those that had spoken such hurtful crass things to and about me, had only just taken the time to know the real me, my heart, well, maybe they'd have not spoken so rashly, maybe they'd have even liked me.

I wish I knew why.  I wish I could have been more confident in myself.  I wish I could have taken a stand.  I wish they could have really know me.  I wish, I wish...words didn't hurt so much.

♫O be careful little mouth what you say♫

Christy Dawn

One Guy. Two Girls. I was the girlfriend and she was the new girl in town. She liked him, I liked him, and he could not decide who he liked.  Within weeks, I became the ex-girlfriend and she became the new girlfriend. It felt like my whole grade six world shifted from me being “in” to me being “out”.  I was no longer one of the popular girls in school, rather my friends became her new BFF’s.  For the first time, I felt like an outcast, unwanted and alone.  I would walk through the hallway and the “in” group would just chuckle and laugh or even worse, they would silently watch me pass by.  Rumors spread that I was  a flirt. As a result, girls choose to not be my friend in fear I would steal their grade six boyfriend.  I felt so alone. I hated going to school and could not wait to get out of middle school.  I was not bullied by words, but I was bullied by their actions. Actions do speak louder than words.   

Challenge:  Jealousy, envy, lies, misconceptions, and rumors are all little seeds that shape and mold our thoughts and actions.  Either we water these little seeds or get rid of them before they grow into nasty weeds.  Take a moment and look into your heart, do you see weeds or good fruit growing?

xoxoxo

Chantelle

How was I bullied...With words, statements, labels. Who was I bullied by??  MYSELF…”Ashley, you’re not good enough, not pretty enough, you don’t have what it takes, and you will never measure up”. I was never bullied by anyone else but my own thoughts, my own declarations. And what even gave me that right? This world can be tough enough, mean enough, hurtful enough without me hurting myself in the process. It is time for us to break the cycle of self-bullying. How do we do this? By no longer speaking over ourselves our truths, but declaring over our lives God’s truth.

 The Word of God says “for YOU created my inmost being, YOU knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise YOU for I AM FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE. Your works are wonderful and I know that full well (Psalm 139:13-14). Every one of us are God’s individual creations, made with love and given individual abilities, gifting’s and talents. God said “I have loved you with an everlasting love, I have drawn you with loving kindness” (Jeremiah 31:3). Isn’t it time we show ourselves the same love and kindness that our Creator and Father lavishes upon us?

With Love,

Ashley

Proof Of Your Love ~ 6:21 Worship

Self Control

Daring to Dream

Have you ever really wanted something? I don’t mean really wanting a shirt or a certain pair of Lulu Lemon pants, or even that “maybe someday I’ll …..…” kind of thing. I mean a dream that is buried so deep inside of your being. A dream that you have hoped for, prayed about, wept over, desired with every fibre of your heart. The kind of dream that is so deeply woven into the fabric of your heart that the only rationale for the dream is that it was put there by our maker. If you have, than you know exactly what I am talking about. Your desire for that something gets you in your gut every time. Perhaps it is the desire to be married, or to have a child, or the desire to achieve a certain occupation. Have you ever wanted that certain “something” so long, that eventually you have lost hope, and as a way to protect yourself and your heart, you let that dream go? Stopped asking God for it, stopped desiring it, because the reality of NO is much easier to accept than unanswered possibilities, unfulfilled hope, and uncountable tears? I have. And I know that there are others, who just like me have also given up on their dreams and desires. I also believe that some of us haven’t only given up on one particular dream, but have given up on dreaming all together. Why dream when the stakes are impossible, when the only assurance in our mind is a broken heart, disappointment, and failure. Yup, I’ve been there too.

The Bible tells us a story about a woman in a very similar situation in 2 Kings 4:8-37. It is the story about a Shunammite women. If you have an opportunity you should read the story in the Bible. The Bible doesn’t tell us her name, it only indicates that this women had almost everything she wanted and most likely everything that she needed. It also indicates that because of her desire to honor and care for “the holy man of God” (vs. 9) Elisha, that she loved and served the Lord God, and caring for God’s prophet was a tangible way to express that love. The Bible tells us that because of her servant heart and desire to care for the prophet, God through his servant Elisha wanted to do something in return for her to reward her. This is where we learn that this well to do Shunammite women had a desire buried deep inside of her heart.

““14What can be done for her?” Elisha asked.

Gehazi (Elisha’s servant) said, “Well, she has no son and her husband is old.”

15Then Elisha said, “Call her.” So he called her, and she stood in the doorway.

16“About this time next year, Elisha said, “you will hold a son in your arms.”

“No, my Lord”, she objected. “Don’t mislead your servant, O man of God!”

17But the women became pregnant and the next year about the same time she gave birth to

a son, just as Elisha had told her”. (2 Kings 4:14-17).

When I read these verses of scripture, my heart can’t help but wonder how long had this women desired, longed for, and asked for a son, and then just settled. You see, her response to Elisha “No, my Lord”, she objected. “Don’t mislead your servant, O man of God!” shows that a child, a son, truly was her heart’s desire, but in an effort to protect her heart from further damage, from unfulfilled dreams, she had settled for good enough, and quit dreaming, quit asking God for the true desire of her heart. And don’t you believe that she was justified? I do. Scripture states “well, she has no son and her husband is old” (vs. 14). The Bible has now indicated to us that the physical probability of this women and her husband conceiving a child together was very low for two reasons, (a) her husband was old, and (b) for whatever reason, they had never been able to conceive a child before. This is the Shunammite women’s impossibility. We all see the impossibility of our dreams, don’t we? Long before we can or will ever see the possibility, or the hope.

But now I want to tell you the truth, share the hope that we have for those who belong to Christ Jesus. Physically it may have been impossible for this woman to conceive a child, mentally she may have given up on this dream, and emotionally the Shunammite women may have closed the door on her dreams and separated herself from her desires. HOWEVER, it did not mean that she couldn’t have the child that she had before so desperately desired. WHY? Because there is someone who is able to grant unto us the deep desires of our hearts even when the world tells us they are totally impossible. WHO do you ask? GOD!! The Bible in Luke 1:37 states “For nothing is impossible with God”. Or another way to phrase this verse “For everything is possible with God”. This means, even when the world tells us that our hopes and dreams are impossible, when our dreams align with God, than anything becomes possible!

Now, I don’t want to give the misconception that just because we will, wish or dream for something, we will be given it. My friends, this is not always the case. In Jeremiah 29:11 God said to us, his children “For I know the plans I have for you…plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (NIV). God is ONLY the giver of good and perfect gifts (James 1:17), and what may seem perfect in our minds, may be a shortcoming to all that God has in store for us. As God’s children, we need to trust him, and hope not in all that we want, but simply HOPE IN God.  God says in Psalm 37:4 “Delight yourself in the Lord and HE will give you the desires of your heart” (NIV). Sometimes when I first read this verse, the human parts of me become excited because I think, yes! God wants to make all my wild and crazy dreams come true. But honestly, until we seek God’s heart, our dreams might just be feeble shells compared to the dreams and plans that God has for our lives. Ephesians 3:20 states that God is “able to do immeasurably more than ALL we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work in us”.  As God’s beloved children how can we truly discover the desires of our heart unless we seek the one who created our hearts. I believe that as we seek God than the desires of his heart can’t help but become the desires of our hearts. And all the things that once seemed so important begin to pale in comparison to the reality of all that God can do in us and through us as we begin to live in God’s reality and not our own. 

I don’t know what God has in store for my life. I have so many dreams for myself and my husband, and many of these dreams seem quite impossible from where I am now. But, I have chosen (yes it is a choice) to restore my hope for the dreams and deep desires of my heart. Why? Because my hope is not in those dreams but in God himself. I refuse to limit God to the impossibilities of my mind. I may not know all that God has in store for me and for my husband, but I WILL stand on God’s promise that He has not only good plans for me, but incredible plans for me. Plans that will prosper, fill me with hope, and give me a future. I choose to stand upon the stronghold that God can do immeasurably more in my life and the lives of my family, if I don’t limit him to possibility and probability, and to what I see as good and perfect. I am choosing to rest in the fact that God’s promise to me is perfect gifts, and only perfect gifts! “For He (God) has made ALL things beautiful in its time” (Ecclesiastes 3:11). My life, my unspoken dreams, my desires are woven into my heart because they were placed there by my Father and Maker. Our God does not lie and he is never unfaithful, it is our choice, always has been our choice whether we will trust him…trust him with our dreams, our hopes, and trust him with our future. I’m choosing to trust God, what are you going to choose?

Hoping and Dreaming with you,

Your Sister in Christ,

Ashley

With Him

When Did We Become So Mean? Perspectives on Bullying - Part 1

When did we  become so mean....

 

Left alone at the playground.

Locked in a bathroom stall. 

Called a loser or slut. 

Money stolen from your locker, again. 

Threats on Facebook 

Bullying.

Whether a victim of bullying or been a bully, everyone has been impacted by this growing phenomena. What is the birthplace of bullying?

Jealous- feeling envious of others achievements or advantages.

Insecurity- not confident in oneself; fear of not being accepted; feeling unsafe.

Judgement- quick to judge someone based on their outward appearance or actions.

The value of friendship has been misplaced and instead the heart of bullying has been clasped by many. When did we get so mean? 

Yet, bully can be terminated. Through the power and hope of Jesus Christ, we can together replace:

jealous with unconditional love,

insecurity with assurance,

judgement with mercy. 

Together we can.

Chantelle

Where have I become so mean?

Simple, with my words. Truthfully, I've been bullied and I've bullied. 

How? 

Words. I feel like I am a song on repeat. So, I'll state it again and again, as if it's the climax of a catchy Katy Perry song, yet why don't you use your words? Don't use them to tear yourself or anyone else down, rather use them to properly express yourself. In all honestly, I have to daily instruct myself with one rather blunt statement: use your words. I pray that you join me to use your words and ask yourself: where have I become so mean?

Charlene


LOVE The Different
    I think a huge thing we lack is realizing we are all different and we will never be the same, think the same or act the same. And just because someone is different does not give us the right to judge, bully, or try to change(only God can do that). We are called to LOVE unconditionally.....without reason or cause.
    There are so many lessons I learned as a kid that spring to mind as I write this, such as, and I quote, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." Simple, so simple......why, then, is it so hard to do. Is it that you have not heard these wise and profound words? If not, please watch Bambi and heed Thumper's parent's advice ;)
    But back to LOVE......LOVE is patient, LOVE is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. LOVE does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.(1Cor.13:4-7)
    Now this seems a little more difficult.....patient, being patient is hard and I know it, pride, something else I struggle with. For some it may be trust and hope or for others, keeping no record of wrong. Whatever you struggle with in the previous verses know that through God all things are possible and if you seek Him first and put Him first you will learn what TRUE LOVE is and find less and less difficulties in LOVEing others instead of judging, bullying or trying to change them.
Let God LOVE others through you.
Xo TinaMarie

The Silent Bystander

When I think of bullying, I am overcome by an overwhelming sense of regret. Why do you ask? I was never one who purposefully or actively participated in bullying, nor was I often on the receiving end of tormenting words or actions. Instead, my role was that of the silent bystander. Many situations play across my mind of relentless bullying, verbal and emotional cruelty to others. And instead of standing against it, I silently turned away and attempted to pretend that it didn’t exist. Does this action make me any less guilty? Nope, not really. By doing nothing at all, I became a silent participator. So if silence isn’t the solution, then what is? The answer at its most simple state is LOVE. The Bible tells us over and over again that we are called to love. What does love look like? Well it certainly does not take the form of nothing nor does it often take the form of silence. No, love looks like Jesus. Love is an action. In one of my favorite passage of scriptures Paul clearly shares what love is (and yes, this is the verse that Tina shared, but could it be that there is a reason we need to hear it more than once?)

“Love is PATIENT,

                Love is KIND.

It does not ENVY, It does not BOAST, It is not PROUD. It is not RUDE, it is not SELF-SEEKING, it is not EASILY ANGERED, it KEEPS NO RECORD OF WRONGS.

 Love DOES NOT delight in evil, but REJOICES with the truth.

                Love ALWAYS PROTECTS,

                                ALWAYS TRUSTS,

                                                ALWAYS HOPES,

                                                                ALWAYS PERSERVERES.

LOVE NEVER FAILS.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Not only does the Bible tell us HOW to love, but Jesus also told us WHO we are to love…

“LOVE the LORD YOUR GOD with ALL your HEART, with ALL your SOUL, and with ALL your MIND…

And LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.

Matthew 22: 37-39

So instead of anything else, instead of inflicting cruelty and pain, instead of responding in silence and turning away, may we always choose love. To always be love, share love, show love, and respond in love.

                With a humble heart,

                                Ashley

It's not okay...EVER!

I believe bullying has been downplayed.  You hear such sayings as...

They deserved it.

It's all in good fun.

I'm just joking.

The justifications go on and on.  But it's not okay.  There is no justification for bullying anyone, friend, family, co-worker, our peers or strangers. 

It's not okay to call someone names.  It's not okay to push someone around or be aggressive in any way shape or form.  It's not okay to share private pictures of someone all over the internet.  It's not okay to provoke someone who says they want to commit suicide and tell them...ya, go do it then.  It's not okay to hide someone's possessions, like their lunch or their clothes after hockey practice.  It's not okay to create fake accounts to pester someone on facebook.  It's not okay to write horrid, despicable statements to a stranger on youtube, just because you will never have to face this person.  It's not okay to threaten someone's life.   It's not okay to "teach" someone a lesson.  It's not okay to retaliate because someone did it first.  It's not okay to harass the guy who likes a different team, or the girl who dresses differently.  It's not okay to bully based on someone's race, gender or different ideas/opinions.  It's not okay to point out someone's flaws(God only created beautiful and good...we are unique and different for a reason)

There are so many more examples I could give that are not okay.  It's not okay for any reason, it is never ever okay. 

Yet, for some reason we downplay many of these acts of bullying.  And we justify them.  Why do we justify them?  Why do we not recognize the hurt being caused by allowing the downplay of our words and actions?  Why do we not see that countless acts of suicide are happening because we won't accept that we were the catalyst for someone taking their own life?  Why are we not taking responsibility for our children, for our youth, for ourselves and our actions/words? 

Why are we downplaying bullying?

We are a hurting human race.  We are a selfish human race.  We have lost respect for ourselves and others.  We inflict pain to hide our own.  We want to fit in, we are jealous/envious, we are competitive, we are angry...so we bully. 

No reason is reason for any form of bullying.  It is not okay...EVER!

Christy Creative Dreamer Dawn