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.
Jennie Spearin Granite Bay Ca.
” And now dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true,, and honorable and right, and pure, and lovely , and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise”
Philippians 4:8 NLT
Chris Robertson from Fort Wayne In
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21 NIV
Beverly – Jackson, TN
“He gave them these orders: ‘You must serve
faithfully and wholeheartedly in the fear of
the LORD.”
-2 Chron. 19:9 (NIV)
Cherie, Joseph, OR. “She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” (Proverbs 31:25 NLT)
Nancy Terwilliger – Lebanon, Tn
I Peter 1:6-7
You rejoice in this; though how for a short time you have had to struggle in various trials so that the genuineness of your faith more valuable than gold, which perishes though refined by fire, may result in praise, glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
HCSB
Patrice, Midland, TX
Psalm 34:17 (NIV)
The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles.
Kathy leesville,la As cold water to a weary soul, so is good news from a far country. Proverbs 20:25 NKJV
Kim Davis
Bristol, Tenn.
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” (Col. 3:14 – NIV)
Rose K., Oneida, TN-
“But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:26-27 (KJV)
Proverbs 31:25 NLT
She is clothed with strength and dignity;
She can laugh at the days to come.
Lisa Jensen–Lyman, WY
But you, O Lord, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high. Psalms 3:3 (NLT)
Mary Goins, Bluford, IL
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
Psalm 90:12 NIV
Isaiah 40:31 NIV
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Danielle Rye, Cedar Park TX
The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. Psalm 145:18 NIV
Kathy Rye, Cedar Park TX
The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. Psalm 145:18 NIV
Amy, you have blown my socks off. I just wrote that very scripture down in my prayer notebook just before opening my laptop this evening to do some scripture research. Glory! Thank you for your boldness in speaking openly about your challenges that I also struggle with; insecurity, over weight and writing. Regarding the life long weight thing, I am gaining victory over my appetite as I am losing weight under a MD’s care and an astounding number of friends praying consistently for me. I have lost about 48 pounds this year. Glory! Regarding writing, you might check out Jeff Goins as he is a Christian and holds great online webinars about how to begin the writing process and ways to become published. I will pray for our sweet Jesus to continue to bless you with more of Him and less of you!(pun intended.) And, that you will find yourself laughing without fear of failure because you are truly clothed with strength and dignity! Blessings.
Darcy, Spokane, WA
“Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord. There is surely a future hope for you,and your hope will not be cut off.” Proverbs 23:17-18 (NIV)
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, but it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42
Lacy, Eugene, OR
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, but it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42 NIV
“Above al lelse,guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” Proverbs 4:23 NIV
Colleen, Cape Town, South Africa
The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.
Psalm 37:23, NLT
Nancy Gordon
Lafayette IN
“Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:23-26 NIV
Renee, Kodak TN Philippians 2:3-4 NIV
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
Donna Banks from Franklin, TN
‘Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation”
Psalm 42:5 (ESV)
Julie Grissett
Sugar Land, TX
“When the earth and all its people quake, it is I who hold its pillars firm.”
Psalms 75:3 NIV
Melody
Myrtle Beach, SC
“…and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.”
Ephesians 6:15 NIV
Samantha P. From Texarkana, AR
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
Isaiah 26:3 NIV
Michelle, Hart, MI
1 Peter 1:22 ESV
Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart.
Mary Cordova, MD
‘I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.’ Psalm 9:1 (ESV)
Rene’ Pingel, Cape Girardeau, MO
Look to the Lord and his strength, seek his face always. 1 Chronicles 16:11 NIV
Martha, Georgetown, TX, “The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” Psalm 32:8 NLT
Holly Barrett, Crossnore NC
“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”
Mark 6:31b NIV
Dawn Tolley, Appomattox, VA
2 Timothy 1:14 “Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you – guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit that lives in U.S.” (NIV)
Beth Bellow, Houston. Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified–
For the LORD your God goes with you,
He will never leave you nor forsake you.
Sandy in Amarillo TX
I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine.
Song of Songs 6:3 NIV
Lesa, Garden City, Kansas
John 15:8. NIV
“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”
Pam Jackson, Blue Springs, MO
“Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,” Ephesians 6:14
Terri, Cadillac, MI (20 & 21) I’m coming! Slowly, but surely!!!
“Be patient then, brothers, for the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield it’s valuable crop, and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains?
You too be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.
James 5:7-8 NIV
“It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” I Corinthians 13:5
Sherry
Choctaw, OK
“Bless the Lord, all his works, in all places of his dominion. Bless the Lord, O my soul! ”
Ps. 103:22 ESV
Lisa, Houston, TX
Love is patient; love is kind. Love is not jealous, it does not put on airs, it is not snobbish.
1 Corinthians 13:4 (NAB)
Gale
Montgomery TX
Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.
Psalm 62:8 (NIV)
Karen from Iowa: “But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people”. Luke 2:10 NIV.
Pelican Rapids, MN “Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.” Psalm 25:4 ESV
Christy Chattom, Jasper, AL
Hebrews 4: 16 (NIV)
Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Pam Williams, Olive Branch, MS
The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust Him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. Psalms 28:7. NLT
“Let the word of CHrist dwell in you richly.”
Jennifer – Milford, OH
“Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel” Ephesians 6:19 (NIV)
Psalm 55:22 KJ. Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee.
Dana, Ashland, KY
“The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.” Psalm 37:23
p.s. GREAT POST, Amy!!! I changed my verse to yours after receiving encouragement from you!
Nancy from Ethel MO
Ephesians 2:10 NAS
For we are His workmanship,
created in Christ Jesus for good works,
which God prepared beforehand
so that we would walk in them.