Hello Siestas! I pray you are well and blessed.
My name is Amy. I grew up in Texas and New Mexico. I’m blessed to have been raised in a loving home where I grew up as a Pastor’s kid. While I am no longer living in either of those states, I still claim Texas as my ‘Home Sweet Home.’ I love to read, cook, organize everything, and writing. Just recently I took up knitting!
I chose a scripture that while I know it – I don’t live it. For that reason I don’t have it memorized like I should. It carries so much promise I knew I needed to share it with you.
“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” Proverbs 31:25 NLT
I could write about my insecurities and fears all day. In fact, I have re-written this post four times now. Why? I have a fear of what other people will think of me – of how I will sound when people read it. The funny thing is that I want to be a writer. My heart and passion are in encouraging others, listening to their stories, and teaching God’s Word.
It has taken me a few years to find out this is what I really want to do with my life. My education is not in English or Communication, but I have figured out that it doesn’t matter. As my pastor says, “God does not call the qualified, He qualifies the called.”
For years I have allowed my insecurities and fears to control me. I allowed the enemy to use them to hold me back from God’s call on my life. It has crept into my life in many areas: with my weight (a struggle that has lasted over fifteen years now), in finding a spouse, with other relationships, with job opportunities, with life goals I’ve wanted to achieve, and so much more.
Coming into this year I knew I had to change focus. My problem wasn’t that I didn’t know the issues I needed to deal with, or even the solutions to those issues, it was in the action to take the steps to achieve them. We’ve all been there at one time or another, right? Take my weight issue, for example: I’ve known for years I’ve needed to admit it, work on it, and conquer it. My problem wasn’t admitting I needed to lose weight. I had admitted that to family, friends and even myself. My problem wasn’t in knowing what to do – I had read everything, been to a dietitian, nutritionist, a few trainers, and tried many diets. My problem was simply doing it.
I have a wonderful younger brother. He has grown into an amazing man of God. He is my best friend and the best person in my life when it comes to being honest. He isn’t afraid of hurting my feelings. He loves me enough to speak truth. He talked to me the other night about this very issue of weight. His words, while truthful and hard-hitting, held so much grace. While I was carrying on about feeling alone with no one around to help me, he said “Amy, in the physical sense you are alone. You are alone because you are the only one who can physically do this. I can’t step into your body and make you – it’s up to you. But in the spiritual sense, you should know better. You are so strong. Physically you are strong. Spiritually you are strong. But you’re also strong mentally. If there is anyone I know who can do this it is you. You really are a warrior. You just have these jabs the enemy keeps hitting you with. You are in this for yourself!”
I need to hear those words. My eyes watered when he called me a warrior. I don’t know that I’ve ever been called that before. It made me realize that I’ve allowed my insecurities and fears to control me for too long – not just in my weight, but in many areas in my life. To hear someone I admire so dearly call me a warrior! I associate warrior with words like boldness, courage, dedication, steadfast, determined, unstoppable. To see my brother’s confidence in me helped me to understand that is how Christ sees me – like a warrior! I needed this to kick me into high gear.
Now I’m determined. I won’t allow fear or insecurity to hold me back from what God is calling me to do. It doesn’t matter what the issue, I can conquer it. I am a daughter of the Most High God. Dear Siesta, you are too!
I want to encourage you that whatever issues you are facing this year, remember that Jesus adores you and calls you His daughter. His Word says that we can confidently walk forward in life wearing strength and dignity as our fashion statement. We can walk into our future knowing that we are warriors for Christ. We don’t have to know the future to face it with confidence. The Word says we laugh without fear of the future! We don’t have to fear what is to come, our future mistakes, our insecurities and how they will play out.
We just do our part and take a step. Our confidence comes in knowing he is taking us one step at a time as Psalms 37:23 says: “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.” NLT
My prayer for us, Siestas, is that we take Him at His Word. He delights in the details of our lives, He knows what is to come, and we can confidently take the step, the action, and move forward, without fear.
Ana from Dayton, TX
Colossians 1:16 ESV
For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities–all things were created through Him and for Him.
“The Lord will go forth like a warrior. He will arouse His zeal like a man of war. He will utter a shout, yes, He will raise a war cry. He will prevail against His enemies.”
Carolyn, Maryville,TN
Now unto him that able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy. Jude 24 KJV
Patricia from Richmond Texas
the Lord knows the days of the blameless, and their heritage will remain forever; they are not put to shame in evil times, In the days of famine they have abundance.
Psalm 37: 18&19. ESV
Tessa from Nacogdoches TX
Song of Solomon 7:10 HCSB
I belong to my love, and His desire is for me.
Angela Wagner, El Paso Tx (formerly Pittsburgh Pa)
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self control” 2 Timothy 1:7 ESV
Michelle from Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. Proverbs 31:25 NLT
Clearwater, FL
Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings.
Psalm 17: 8 NIV
Kim, Richmond, Tx, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Phil 4:6 (NIV)
Andrea Larmer, Hephzibah, Ga
“In God – I boast in his promise – in God I trust, I am not afraid. What can mere men do to me?” Psalm 56:4 (NET)
Geri, Deer Park, TX
See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.
Colossians 2:8 ESV
Tempa Babington, Palm Bay, Fl
“Because she(he) loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue her(him); I will protect her(him), for she acknowledges my name. She(He) will call upon me, & I will answer her(him); I will be with her(him) in trouble. I will deliver her(him) & honor her(him).”
Psalm 91: 14,15 NIV
Nov. 15, 2015
Josephine M. Kerley
Ecclesiastes 8:15 Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun. (KJV)
Donna, Athens, GA
And from his fulness have we all received, grace upon grace. –John 1:16 (RSV)
Kristen Schwark Indianapolis, IN
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm147:3 NIV
Sarah, Queretaro, Mexico
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 (NIV)
Michelle Rodriguez, Beavercreek, Ohio
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” Colossians 3:23 NIV
Hebrews 12:2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him, endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of God the Father.
Elisabeth
South Africa/Modesto, CA
“My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.”
Psalm 139:15
Laurie Watkins
Arlington Tx
Behold, God is my salvation: I will trust and not be afraid:
For the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song he is also
Is become my salvation
Isaiah 12:2
Barbara Severns, Eagle, Idaho
Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future.
Proverbs 31:25 NASB
Dawn, Cape Coral,FL
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”
Isaiah 52:7 NIV
Margaret Neil, Jackson, TN
James 3:17
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure, the peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. NIV
Fawnda Dooley
Denton, TX
“And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast.”
1 Peter 5:10 NIV
Meg, Alexandria, VA
“I know, O LORD, that a man’s life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps. Correct me, LORD, but only with justice-not in your anger, lest you reduce me to nothing.”
Jeremiah 10:23-24 NIV
“Let the righteous one rejoice in The Lord and take refuge in Him! Let all the upright in heart exult!”
Psalm 64:10 ESV
Suzy Zumbro, Annapolis MD
Psalm 25:7 (ESV)
Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for the sake of your goodness, O LORD!
Linda Patterson Wolcottville IN
Is any of you in trouble? He should pray. Is any of you happy?Let him sing songs of praise
James 5:13 NIV
Jen Z. Greensburg PA
Wait for the Lord ; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord .
Psalm 27:14 NIV
Brooke Rosetti, Wiggins,MS
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Matthew 6:21 NIV
Marilyn Owen — Seattle
“Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.”
Ephesians 4:28 NIV
Sherie
The Woodlands, TX
“You are my refuge and my shield;
your word is my source of hope.”
Psalm 119:114 NLT
Emily, Loveland CO – “Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.” Ephesians 6:13 (NASB)
Deb, Loveland CO – “But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.” 2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NKJV)
Candice Simpson
Bloomington, Indiana
Little children, we must not love with word or speech, but with truth and action.
HCSB 1 John 3: 18
Doris, Madison, MS:
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” (KJV)
Jerrie – Longview, TX
For it is by faith you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV
Susie McNeely
Russellville AR
John 15:17New International Version (NIV)
17 This is my command: Love each other
Judy Berey, Mandeville, LA Psalm 90:17 NKJV “Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands.”
Lindsey Buchanan St. Augustine, FL
“There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears.”
-Philippians 1:6
You have caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water; but You brought us out to rich fulfillment. Psalm 66:12
Salley Sutmiller, Tulsa, OK
“Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works!”
Psalm 105:1-2 ESV
lori Smith little rock ar
Matthew 6:33 NIV
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Cece, Gilbert, AZ
If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!
Matthew 7:11 (NASB)
Dawn T. – Orland Park, IL: “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.” Jeremiah 31:33b (NIV)
Ellen Roth from Bad Axe Michigan:
Psalm95:2 (ESV)
Let us come into His presence with thanksgiving;
let us make a joyful noise to Him with songs of praise.
Thanks Beth so much for getting your pic with us last weekend in Toronto! You rock! The whole LPL was wonderful!!
Melissa Teakell, Wichita, KS
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.
John 15:12 NIV84
Toni Schumacher Amarillo Texas
Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He delivered them out of their distresses. Psalm 107:6 KJV
Willa, Rock Springs, WY
In a loud voice they were saying:
“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and praise!”
Revelation 5:12 ESV
Jackie Watson from Marietta, Ga. “Those who look to Him are radiant, their faces are never covered with shame.” Psalm 34:5. NIV