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.
Malorie Elrod, Sharpsburg Ga- “Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.””
Mark 5:36 NIV
Susan Jezek, St. Petersburg, Florida
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
James 4:6a NRSV
Valerie Gordon, Columbus, GA
The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Psalms 37:23 NLT
Sarah Stephenson, Auburn, AL;”By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who has called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory & excellence. And because of his glory & excellence, he has given us great & precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature & escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.” 2 Peter 1:3-4 (NLT)
Wendi, Simi Valley, CA
1 Thessalonians 5.16-18 (NIV)
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus
Judy~Simi Valley, CA
“Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.” Matt 2:2
Linda G. Crawfordsville, IN
Psalm 103:3
Who pardons all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases;
(NASB)
continuing to memorize Psalm 103:1-5)
Claudia from Edmond, OK
You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of Your presence and the pleasures of living with You forever. Psalm 16:11 NLT
Mary Saul
Houston, TX
Psalm 2:2. ESV
The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take
counsel together, against the LORD and against his Anointed,
saying,
Sara Martin, Houston, TX: Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9 NIV
Robin Byrd, Columbia, SC
“I will cry to God Most High,
(ElElyon) to God who
accomplishes all things for me”
Psalm 57:2. NAS
Aubrey Eubank Palmetto, GA
Proverbs 18:10
The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and they are safe.
Jo Ellen Chance, Shawnee, KS
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
John 14:27 ESV
Callee from Houston, TX “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” James 1:27
“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” Proverbs 31:25 NLT
Lindsey in Houston TX
Gail, Atascadero CA
And your ears will hear a word behind you, “This is the way, walk in it,” whenever you turn to the right or to the left.
Isaiah 30:21 NAS
Misty Schoepheoerster, Abilene, TX. Psalm 28:7 (ESV) – “The Lord is my strength and shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.”
Psalm 89: 1 – I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever. Psalm 89:1
Pegram, TN
I will be your God throughout your lifetime- until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you. Isaiah 46:4 NLT
Whitney Holder, Wilmington,NC. “Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children. And walk in love, as the Messiah also loved us and gave Himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.”
Ephesians 5:1-2 HCSB
Denise, Winfield, MO.
James 1:6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. NIV
Laura, Englewood, CO
For every kind of animal, bird, reptile and sea creature is subdued and has been subdued by humankind. James 3:7 NET
Cindy, Smithfield, NC
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not of your own doing; it is the gift of God.
Ephesians 2:8 ESV
Gay
Round Rock, Tx
“Fear not for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”
Isaiah 43:1b-3a
Kirsten Pierce, Boones Mill, VA . “She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” Proverbs 31:25 NLT
Corydon, IN
1 Sam 14:6b
Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or few.
Elizabeth Peck, Oak Ridge, TN: Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 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 he right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV 1984
Betty Murphrey, Wendell, NC
Psalm 113:3 ESV
From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the LORD is to be praised.
Vicki, Surprise AZ
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation always be full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Colossians 4:5-6
Marilyn brown in The Plains,OH says:
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live in peace with everyone. / Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Rom.12: 18, 21
Tasha J. Edmond, OK
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
(2 Timothy 1:7 NIV)
Psalms 103:17
But from everlasting to everlasting for the Lord’s love is with those who fear him and his righteousness with their children’s children .
Heidi Worthey, Moreland, GA
I have been without Internet access, so I am posting my Nov 1st and Nov 15th verses today!
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you. “May peace be within your walls, And prosperity within your palaces.””
Psalms 122:6-7 NASB
Deb, Becker, MN
I cried to him with my mouth, and high praise was on my tongue. Ps 66:17 ESV
Melody, Jefferson Georgia
Isaiah 54:17 (GW)
” No weapon that has been made to be used against you will succeed. You will have an answer for anyone that accuses you. This is the inheritance of the Lord’s servants. Their victory comes from me, declares the Lord. “
Kathy, Easley SC
1
God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
2
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea
Psalm 46:1-2 NIV
Wendy Karabensh
Vero Beach
“Cast all your anxiety on him
because he cares for you.”
1 Peter 5:7
NIV
Crystal. Livonia. Michigan
“Serve the Lord with gladness. Come before his presence with singing.” Psalm 100:2 kung
Hoping to be able to confirm I can come to celebration this week!!! So excited. Been doing ssmt for years and haven’t been able to come. This year hopefully!!!
Lisa Parker – Arkansas
Jesus answered,”I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
John 14:6 NIV
Amy Guth, Canton, MS
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!”
Psalm 100:4 ESV
Carol, Oak Park CA
Now to him who is able to do immeasurabley more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen
Ephesians 3:20, 21 (NIV)
Faye from Calgary,
“But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression. May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
Psalm 19:12-14 NIV
Jessica L, Shelby, NC. “Seek the Lord and His strength; seek his face evermore!” Psalm 105:4NKJV
Frances, Orange, TX
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 100:4 NIV
Francine Thacker, Burnet, Tx
Fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 ESV
Brenda, Crosby, TX
But I trust your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. Psalm 13:5 NIV
Rebecca, Birmingham, Alabama
“May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.”
2 Thessalonians 3:5 NIV
Amy M, Fifty Lakes MN
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:26 (NIV)
Psalm 61:2-4 NKJV
From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a shelter for me, A strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings.
Alison Wagler, Vancouver, BC. Psalm 23:3 Msg. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.