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.
Cedartown, GA
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NIV
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Vickie Gainous, Cairo, GA
Therefore, my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 NRSV
Anna Lange, Mobile, AL
Titus 2:4 KJV
“That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,”
Maria from Tallmadge, Ohio
You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering , you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. 1 Thes. 1:6 (NIV)
Lisa from Waycross, GA
Donna from Albany, GA
“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” Proverbs 31:25 NLT
Elizabeth Miller, Cullman, Alabama
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, James 2:19 NIV
Sherry Winston-Salem, NC
if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14
ESV
Audrey, Ohio
Titus 2:11 TNIV
For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.
Linda Dameron
Cape Canaveral, FL
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect.”
1John 4:18
NIV
Ingrid from Uxbridge, Ontario, Canada
(Moved on Friday, hence the late posting…)
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, (1 Timothy 2:1 ESV)
Jamie C. Irvine, Ky.
You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.
Psalm 119:114 NIV
Jamie, Wichita, KS
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
Ephesians 4:2 NIV
Pat Wagar Jekyll Island, GA
“Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings, and He knows everything.” I John 3:20 NLT
Peggy Hodge, Monroe, LA
“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.” Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (NKJV)
Lesley
Steamboat Springs, CO
Psalm 103:2 NIV
Praise the Lord, my soul,and forget not all His benefits.
But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
Ann
Mandeville, la
Valarie, Cincinnati “My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.”
Psalms 62:7 NLT
Diana, Indianapolis, Psalm 62:1 NIV
Truly my soul finds rest in God;
my salvation comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
Jody Bowhay in Huntsville, AL NIV
Ephesians 5:15-16
“Be careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil.”
Jennifer, Fort Worth
1 John 2:15 “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.” (NKJV)
Edmond, OK
Let us then draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in the time of need . Hebrews 4:16 ESV
Claudia, Franklin, TN
“And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison; and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.” Acts 12:7 KJV
Amy, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
It is He who reveals the profound and hidden things; He knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with Him.
Judy Conn, Ashland, KYColossians 3:15-17New International Version (NIV)
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Katie Houston, TX – “Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit since the Spirit of God lives in you.” Romans 8:8-9 (HCSB)
Christina from Decatur, TX
Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as man who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.
HEBREWS 13:17 NLT
Michelle C., Chespeake, VA
Finally, be strong in the Lord and His mighty power.
Ephesians 6:10 (NIV)
Sarah-Brookhaven, MS
“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus The Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” Colossians 3:6-7 ESV
Sherri Huff, Mechanicsville, VA
“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14
Merilee New Sharon Iowa
Psalm 46:1CLB God is our refuge and strength an ever present help in times of trouble.
Laura from Apopka FL
“Peter saw his opportunity and addressed the crowd. “People of Israel,” he said, “what is so surprising about this? And why stare at us as though we had made this man walk by our own power or godliness?” Acts of the Apostles 3:12 NLT
Proverbs 18:21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
and those who love it will eat its fruits.
Kim Lee, Faison NC: “Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come.” Proverbs 31:25 (NKJV)
Wendy Davis
Oriental, NC
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful;
Hebrews 10:23
Monica Pribe, Blacklick OH “For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now” Romans 8:22 ESV
Sheryl, Rocky Mount, NC Psalm 92:14 NLT “Even in old age they will produce fruit; they will remain vital and green.”
Lisa
Hendersonville, TN
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life’s;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever.
Ps. 23:6 NKJV
Debbie B., Marietta GA
Esther 4:14
For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?
Peggy, Yorktown, VA
Matt 6:25 Therefore I tell you do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink or about your body, what you will wear. Is life not more important than food and the body more important than clothes. NIV
Kathy, Leamington, Ontario, Canada
Heavenly Father “…hide them in the shadow of your wings …” as my children and grandchildren leave for the mission field…”
Psalm 17:8b NIV
(my special verse and prayer for the coming 2 1/2 yrs)
Janeth O’Dell, Neoga, IL,
“Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart,”. Psalm 15:1-2 (NIV)
Sally
Sturgis, MI
I Peter 2:4-5 (ESV)
As you come to Him, a Living Stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
Rachel H., North Alabama,
“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God.”
Luke 12:6 ESV
Louisville, Ky
1 Thessalonians 5:18 AMP “Thank God in everything no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks, for this is the will of God for you who are in Christ Jesus the Revealer and Mediator of that will.”
Ali C., Pleasanton, CA- 1“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” Psalm 1:1-2 ESV
Proverbs 31:25; New Living Translation (NLT)
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity,
and she laughs without fear of the future.
Sarah Carroll – Springfield, Ohio
By the way – I had this referenced tattooed on my back just a couple of months ago. I love my tattoo and what it should be reminding me of. Thanks for this blog post reminder, too.
Rhonda Nelson Grapevine, TX
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”
John 15:12 NIV
Nedra, Blue Springs, MO “…yet I will exult in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.” Habakkuk 3:18 NASB
Therefore He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him,because He always lives to intercede for them.
Hebrews 7:25 NIV
Beth Belflower
Caddo Mills, Texas
Galatians 6:9
9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. ESV