Brokenness in Sexual Impurity on GIRL REPURPOSED

Today I am over at Girl Repurposed talking about how the sexual impurity in my life led me to surrendering my life to Jesus. If you are struggling with sexual impurity or have struggled with that in the past, this is a must-read.  I have found healing and freedom in the truth and purpose of Jesus Christ.

Read my story HERE

Plant | Water | Grow: Shame in not Sharing the Gospel?

Grab a hot cup of your favoritest coffee, put on your biblical lenses, and lets dig into this together.  A few weeks ago, I felt as small as a piece of dust.  No really, I felt disrespected and so unloved.  I felt shamed and guilty for not doing something apparently I should have been doing and thought I was doing: sharing the gospel.

I think there is this thinking that if you aren't always sharing the gospel with someone then God won't love you.  That notion can not be farther from the truth.

The Lord has given us different gifts and talents, and therefore, we use them accordingly.  

I have a very outgoing personality in a small setting, but put me in a room full of 20 people who I don't know, and I clam up like an oyster.  I am frightened easily and hate conflict with bold personalities. My gift is encouraging and leading, with a humongo emphasis on encouraging.

As a Christ-follower, yes, our job is to share the gospel with those around us; but to be angry at the Church because the Church isn't sharing the gospel and to be angry at Christ-followers and to refuse to engage with Christ-followers because you don't SEE them sharing the gospel on a daily basis is wrong.  

As a Christ-follower, yes, your job is to be a part of the Church, to serve the Church.  You exist to serve the Church, the Bride of Christ, the Church is not an ends to serve you.

As I was sharing these sentiments with my mother-in-law, she looked at me and passionately said these comforting words:

"You should not feel guilty if you don't get to share the complete gospel presentation every day when you are living a consistent life in a world of unbelief and confusion."

I thought about those words and couldn't agree more.  What is weird is to see someone who says they are a Christ-follower, and then actually see them loving others the way Christ would and obeying the commands that Christ commands of them.  That is so challenging in today's world, because so many people cozy up in "cultural Christianity."  When other people see the obvious consistency in the Christ-follower's life, and the consistent decline of worldly activities, that's when you make an impact on an unbelieving world.

My mother-in-law passionately continued on:

"The Holy Spirit is in you, it is your gift from God to do whatever he has for you.  For me, I am on the phone all day with my lost peers.  I can't be constantly presenting the Gospel while being required to get work done, so I rest in knowledge and the power of the Holy Spirit that lives in me that as I listen to them and as I respond to their conversation as we share our life, like, "how was your day? how was your day..." I can share how God is working or I say I am praying for that and to God be the glory.  I do not know how my words are playing out and how the Holy Spirit is multiplying that in their life."  

I love the verse 1 Corinthians 3:6 which says,

"I planted, Apollos waters, but God gave the growth."

So should I be sharing the gospel and take those opportunities when they present, ABSOLUTELY! but should I be shamed and feel guilty when I am not sharing? Never.

I am in no way justifying not sharing the gospel or shying away from opportunities to share the gospel: both of those are sins and we need to boldly take those opportunities.  The great commission is the last command given to us by Jesus.  That IS our purpose in life, but it is also our purpose that we live a consistent life.  You might be the waterer, you might be the planter.

What I am trying to say, is that if you are living a sacrificial life, by daily taking up your cross, dying to yourself, and following Christ, you should not shame yourself or allow anyone else to shame you for not sharing the gospel.  Your life and the way you live it, speak volumes to an unbelieving world.

Take the opportunities to share the gospel, build one another up in love, live a life worthy of your calling.

1 Thessalonians 5:11-14

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up just as you are doing.  We ask you brothers to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work.  Be at peace among yourselves.  and we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all."

Ephesians 4:1-3

I therefore a prisoner for the Lord urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

I would love to hear your insight and feedback.  

Have you ever been shamed or made to feel guilty for not sharing the gospel?  

Have you ever shied away from opportunities? (I have)

God's Control and My Freedom

The phrase, "God is in control of everything" is challenging to me because I like to dot my i's and cross my t's myself.  I like to do everything and plan everything and vocalize everything and and and.....

But

The reality that "God is in control of everything" is comforting because it takes the unnecessary pressure off of me and glorifies the lord. 

As I was reading in 1 Samuel 1:21-2 I visible saw how the Lord is in control and we are not.

Our Birth: verse 21

Indeed the Lord visited Hannah, and she conceived and bore three sons and two daughters.  and the boy Samuel grew in the presence of the Lord.

See Job 12:10 and Psalm 139:13-16

Our salvation: chapter 2:1

My heart exults in the Lord, my horn is exalted in the Lord.  My mouth derides my enemies, because I rejoice in your salvation.

See Ephesians 1:11 and John 14:6 and John 3:16

Our protection: verse 9

He will guard the feet of his faithful ones, but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness, for not by might shall man prevail.

See 1 Corinthians 10:13 and Romans 8:31

Our knowledge of God: verse 12

Now the sons of Eli were worthless men.  They did not know the Lord.

See 1 John 2:5 and Psalm 46:10

Our lives: verse 25

If someone sins against a man, God will mediate for him, but if someone sins against the Lord, who can intercede for him?  But they would not listen to the voice of their father, for it was the will of the Lord to put them to death.

See Proverbs 16:9 and Romans 9:21

These verses are challenging enough if you just read them by themselves, but I challenge you to read it in context and as a whole.  They seem like they can come off harsh (especially 1 Samuel 2:25), but God is sovereign over everything and everything is for our benefit and for his glory (Romans 8:28).  We have to keep our biblical lenses on and not judge whether WE think something is fair or not.    His ways are SO much higher than our ways, and his thoughts are SO much higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-11)

I have learned that true freedom comes in relinquishing control to the Lord.  I recognize that I can't control as much (or anything) as I would like too.  It is easy to say that we have completely surrendered our lives to Christ, but then try to control finances, or a relationship, or our children, or a job, or..... I know this because I have tried to control lots of things in my life since becoming a Christ-follower.   

It is comforting that my birth or the future births of my children is not up to me. I would screw that one up.

It is comforting that I don't have to DO anything to be saved, that my salvation rests in Christ alone. That would be tiring.

It is comforting that the Lord is protecting me, even when I don't realize it. I would be dead by now.

It is comforting that knowing God deeper is by God's provision. 

It is comforting to know that my life and everything that happens in my life is not solely up to me, it is up to God, the author and perfecter of my faith, the one who called me out of darkness, the one I strive to live for and bring glory to him.  

How have you seen God working in your life and revealing his sovereignty to you?

929 Coffee Bar: Our Wedding Reception

Next Sunday is our first wedding anniversary.  It seems like just yesterday we were meeting for the first time in Starbucks over our quite times, having our first date at Strange Brew Coffeehouse after a delicious meal , and celebrating our wedding day at 929 Coffee Bar.

Nic Dampier Media

It seems like our entire relationship has revolved around coffee and Jesus.  I had to meet Mark once twice three times before I knew his name.  Before knowing each other, Mark and I sat at the same table in Starbucks each day while I had a break from work in graduate school and he had a break from undergraduate classes.  During that time, we would do our separate quite times, listen to sermons, visit with friends.  It was neat to watch (from across the table) his relationship with Christ grow.  Being Starbucks friends, having never exchanged numbers or Facebooks, allowed us to cultivate a guarded mutual respect without expectations of a relationship.

So it is safe to say, that it was literally Jesus (obviously) and coffee that brought us together.

What I love about coffee houses (in general) is the vibe you get when you walk in, smell the fresh grinds, and see both familiar and unfamiliar faces.

Nic Dampier Media

If you frequent a coffee house, the baristas become your friends and strangers can become your family.  In my case, literally, Mark became my husband.

Nine Twenty-nine Coffee Bar is a unique little bar located in the heart of Starkville, Mississippi.  Travel down Main Street, USA and visit for a while.  The name Nine Twenty-nine comes from the national day of coffee.  What I love about 929 on this day is that it hands out free coffee, a small, but so worth it treat.

Here is a list of many things I adore about this coffee shop:

Hand crafted syrups Industrial look Hand-me-down science tables Live music Bottomless coffee Free water! Ginormous booths Bingo night Choose your own mug!

A limited, but eclectic menu to make decision making a breeze Fresh baked pastries and quiches Repurposed wagon coffee tables Free samples of baked treats Hosting a variety of meetings Random $1 off coupons awarded Independent art nights Welcoming feel for strangers to become friends A personalized touch of homeyness and genuine care in their baristas.

I have got to say, I have been to many, MANY coffee shops, and the baristas here top anywhere I have ever been. 

Nic Dampier Media

929 graciously allowed us to use their facilities to host our wedding reception on March 8, 2014.  We knew that we wanted to incorporate our love for coffee into our wedding day.  We selected bride and groom specialty drinks which everyone adored.  Not only could our guests try our delicious selections, but they could also try a variety of coffee from 929.  We had our food spread downstairs with plenty of seating and light for our 200-250+ guests!  The upstairs was used for cake, coffee, music, too much dancing, and memorable visits with our guests. (The police even got called because apparently we were making too much noise in a college town during Spring Break on a Saturday evening).

   

We had some of the sweetest baristas help out on our special day.  Each barista is always so cheery, genuine with their conversation, and helpful when unsure of what to try.  I have made some of the greatest friends from across the counter.

From the rustic industrial look to the delicious handmade blueberry pastries, and from the old lifted garage door letting natural light in to the Brooklyn cookie sheet wall, Nine twenty-nine coffee bar is one of the most enjoyable places to hang out, visit, and study.

When you come visit me in Starkville, this is a place we will make sure you grab a cup of hot java.

Nic Dampier Media

Another goody: Coldwater Books and Coffee Shop, Tuscumbia ALABAMA

50-WORDS: your testimony

Testimonies are powerful.  It is the story of death to life.  We were dead in our sin, but God being rich in his mercy made us alive together with Christ (Ephesians 2).  You can't get deader than dead, and without Christ, you are dead.  

50 words is not a lot.  It's enough to start a small conversation.  Important details and essential words.  You can share 50 words in the signature line of your email, 50 words can spark a conversation with your barista as she makes your beverage,  50 words is detailed but short enough to utter in casual passing at work. Where can you share your 50 words?

Our testimonies, our selves, are living and breathing works of art created new in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17-21) and it is our mission to share Christ's love with the world (Matthew 28:19-21).

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Renee Young

author of this blog: Mulling Over My Morning Coffee

This is where I post about biblical truths through metaphors and analogies, relatable and transparent struggles, and advice through the lenses of the bible.  I write over too much coffee and filled journal pages. I desire to build community, meet new people and call them friends, listen to struggles, encourage those around me, and shine the overwhelmingly bright Light of Jesus Christ in the darkness. 

Striving to be the best: running, academics, looks, popularity, boys. Cultural “christian” living as if God didn’t exist at all. Pushing far past lines I ever thought I would go. Broken.  Jesus called me out of darkness. Adopted me as a child, he chose me. Fulfilled. Striving to serve Him.

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Here are 7 ladies I absolutely adore.  They each have an incredible and unique story of once being without the love of Christ and now having a transformed heart that bears his image.

1. Terrence from Girl Repurposed

Bloglovin | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

After growing up in the country-side of Philadelphia, Terrence Hebel is currently living in the Dallas, TX desert where her husband is a student at Dallas Theological Seminary. Terrence blogs about how God is taking her life and completely repurposing it to make it even more beautiful than she ever could have hoped for or imagined…complete big dreams and a beautiful daughter, Eliana Grace.

I looked for love in the wrong places. Which made me a girl who I hated. Then I met Him. I still hate the disgusting sin I've done, but now I have someone who knows everything but still tells me how much He loves me constantly. I found love: Jesus.

2. Cassie Lee from Sage

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Hello, friends. I am so excited to be here with you all today. A huge thanks to Renee for having me. If you don't know me already, my name is Cassie and I blog over at Sage. I'm an atheist turned Jesus-loving gal that is married to the man of her dreams. We currently call the Midwest home, but our hearts are back on the West Coast where we were both born and raised. My testimony is dirty and rough around the edges, but I know you won't hold that against me.

Before Jesus I was an atheist; one that wasn't afraid to get in your face and tell you your God was a made up character & your religion a hypocrisy. My heart was cold, my soul broken. Now, I am chosen; given grace that's not a result of my doing. 

3. Kelly from Southern Komfort Blog Bloglovin | Twitter | Pintrist | Facebook

Kelly is a God-fearing, sweet tea drinking, Southern woman trying to figure out this crazy thing we call life.

Typical young "Christian" void of substance. An overwhelming broken spirit due to my own failed attempts to do this life on my own. Realization that I can't do it alone and redeemed by my wonderful Savior. Continuously  sanctified day in and day out. God is always good.

4. Victoria from Through * For * By Bloglovin | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Victoria blogs over at Through * For * By where she hopes that her readers will find something that will brighten their day, encourage their soul, and give them a reason to praise God. Feel free to e-mail her at victoria.mjfh@gmail.com she would love to hear from you!

Jesus Christ has: Died.

 Cleared my debt. Changed my ways.  Made me new.Jesus Christ is: Alive. My hope. My Savior. My peace.Jesus Christ declares: Life. His Father’s glory. His Father’s faithfulness. His Father’s grace.Through Him. For His glory. By the grace granted in Him. Faith is kept.

5. Amber from Wildbloom

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I blog over at Wildbloom, a space designed to share glimpses into my heart.  I adore wildflowers, coffee, photography, sports, and most of all the One who has radically changed my life, Jesus.  Some say I am a true girly-girl while others see me as an outdoors tom-boy.  I like to think I am a unique blend of both.  I post about my faith, document each month with photos, and share tie-bits of what is going on in this Oklahoma girl's life.  

I was raised in church, but the Gospel didn’t become real to me until my early twenties. After years of chasing temporary fills and fleeting forms of love, I surrendered my life to Jesus. in Him, I found wild, life-changing, furious, True Love. He is my portion and my salvation.

6. Rebekah from Wholly Beloved Bloglovin | Pintrist | Instagram | Facebook

Hi, I'm Rebekah Elaine! As the creator and author of Wholly Beloved, my mission is to inspire people to live a healthy & fulfilled life, knowing that they are wholly loved, fully capable, and created for a purpose. There has never been a better time to become your best you & love every step along the way. I'm with you all the way!

My life then, un-surrendered to Christ. I searched for validation in the world until I became tired of running. I returned to my home in Christ & learned what true Love was. Guilty, ashamed, and broken became rescued, redeemed, and His beloved. My life now, devoted to pursuing my savior.

7. Dees from Life of a Coach's Wife Bloglovin | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
I am a wife, daughter, friend and disciple of Christ.  I try to live in a manner that inspires other people to know what makes me “weird.”  I mean, let’s face it, Christianity isn’t the norm, so I am fine with being weird.  I work for Mississippi State University, and my husband coaches high school baseball.  Both of us are perfect examples of the Lord’s redemption and provision, as individuals and as a couple.

Shame. Fear. Unworthy. All this and more defined me before I accepted and understood Christ’s love for me.  Sin is still a part of me, but it is no longer who I am.  I am His.  I am loved.  I am REDEEMED.  I am overwhelmed and incredibly thankful.

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What is your 50-word testimony?

How do you plan on using this snippet to engage with people around you?

How will you use your testimony to reach out to others who are currently walking in your former footsteps?

I'd love to hear your thoughts, your testimony, and how you go about sharing your story.