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.
Kristen Johnstone, Boulder, CO
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go for to you I entrust my life. Psalm 143:8 NIV
Michelle O’Banion, Grandview, Tx
No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Joshua 1:5 NIV
From Tishomingo, OK
I can do everything through Him Who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13
Jean Abilene, TX
‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
Revelation 21:4 NIV
Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing.
Rev. 5:12
Jen Ferguson, Cedar Park, TX 78613
“Let all that I am wait quietly for God, for my hope is in Him. He alone is my rock and my fortress and I will not be shaken.” Psalm 62:5-6, NLT
Michelle Rademacher – Aurora, IL
“for those blessed by the Lord shall inherit the land, but those cursed by Him shall be cut off.”
Psalm 37:22 (ESV)
Jackie siple Rockledge FL
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
John 1:1 ESV
Col: 3:2-3 Set your mind on the things above,not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Deena from Amarillo, Texas
“I walk in the strength of the Lord God. I tell everyone that you alone are just and good.” Psalm 71:16 TLB
Kim Bignon- Orlando, Florida
“Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.”
Isaiah 64:4 NIV
Sabrina Shivley – Bryant, AR “Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men , so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:3
Diane, Longmont, CO
Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Romans 12:13 NIV
Christy, Summit, MS; ” For this God is our God forever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.” Psalm 48:14 NIV
Kim Foley, Arnold, MD
To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.
Colossians 1:29 NIV
Melissa, Sacramento, CA
“About brotherly love: you don’t need me to write to you because you yourselves are taught by God to love one another.”
1 Thessalonians 4:9 HCSB
Karen Erickson – Richardson, TX “Cease from anger and forsake wrath; Do not fret it only causes harm.” Psalm 37:8 NKJV
Lori, Louisville, KY
For by grace you have been saved through faith.
And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God
Eph 2:8
Matthew 6:12 NIV
And forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors;
Proverbs 3: 5,6
Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.
Kelley, Houston TX
And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide himself anymore, but your eyes shall see your Teacher. And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,”….. Isa 30:20-21a (ESV)
Katherine Emerson, Livingston, Tx
“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1st Corin 13:13 NIV
Amy, thank you for sharing your heart! I relate very much to your fears & desires – Proverbs 31:25 is one of my very favorite verses, I have a piece of wall art hanging in my home with the scripture. I have to look at it often when I feel fearful and I’m reminded that God’s got it all covered!
I John 2:15 (NKJ). Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
Suzanne
Tenaha, TX
Romans 12:2 NKJV
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2
Karin – Toronto, Canada
“I have sought you with all my heart; do not let me wander from your commandments. I have treasured Your Word in my heart, so that I may not sin against You”
Psalm 119:10-11 (HCSB)
Cheri Bunch~Louisville, KY
“Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse them.”
Romans 12:14 ESV
Deborah E. Bell, Bridgeton, New Jersey
(18). may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,
(19). and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:18-19 ESV
Teresa Cianciotto, Dickinson, TX “Whoever gives thought to the Word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.” Pr 16:20 (ESV)
Addy Cianciotto, Dickinson, TX “Whoever gives thought to the Word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.” Pr 16:20 (ESV)
Gabby Cianciotto, Dickinson, TX “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Cor 12:9
Crystal, Andrews,NC – Ephesians 6:10 “Finally be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.” ESV
For God so loved the world, thst he gave his only begotten Son,that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
John 3:16 NASB
Diana Scott, Romulus MI
Proverbs 11:25 NLT
The generous will prosper; those who refreshes others will themselves be refreshed.
Yael Hernandez, New York, NY
“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” Proverbs 31:25 NLT
Patti Egbert, Brush Prairie, WA
“…the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation…” 2 Peter 2:9a (NASB)
Paula Weatherly
Huffman, TX
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Romans 12:14 (NASB)
Matthew 6:34 TLB
So don’t be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time.
Tracy, Kountze, Tx.
being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; Philippians 1:6 NKJV
Judy C- New Braunfels, TX-
“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—”
John 1:12 NIV
Arlene C. from Georgetown, TX says: Yahweh is great and is highly praised; His greatness is unsearchable. Psalm 145:3 HCSB
Alice Hinckley, Dallas, TX: “I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 HCSB
Maggie, Atlanta, GA
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. MSG Proverbs 3:6
Linda, Las Vegas, NV
They {God’s compassions} are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:23. NIV
Carol Rea Midland, Texas
…Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27b
Erin D. Conway, AR
“The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for Him, and if full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete.”
John 3:29 (NIV)
Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel, for which I suffer hardship, even to imprisonment as a criminal, but the Word of God is not imprisoned! for this reason I endure all things for the sake fo tose who are chosen so that they may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory. Glory to God! 2 Timothy 2:8-10
Alison Sparre, Sacramento CA
16 And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever;
17 that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not behold Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you, and will be in you.
John 14:6-17 NASB
Louise in Irvine, CA – Psalm 31:4-5 NIV – Free me from the trap that is set for me, for YOU are my refuge! Into YOUR hands I commit my spirit; Redeem me, O LORD, the God of TRUTH!
Lauren Gross, Pineville, LA
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.” Colosians 3:15 NKJV
Billie, Greenville, Ky “…who was faithful to Him who appointed Him, just as Moses also was faithful in all God’s house.” Hebrews 3:2 ESV