You In The Mirror

This one is for the girls. (Men feel welcome to read and encourage the girls in your life). Confidence, self image, perfection… these are words that have invaded my mind for many years but have mainly been accompanied with negative thoughts. Can you relate? I’m writing this because I’m betting that you answered yes to that question. There are many things that teach us how to interpret what we see and how it makes us feel. Sometimes it’s the way others describe us specifically or if they are just referring to a topic that we relate to. For me, acne has been a sore topic for at least a decade. There were years where I had very little breakouts but I still flipped out over a blemish and other years where I experienced horrible cystic acne that seemed to have taken over my face. Anytime someone would talk about others who had acne or just complaining about the one blemish on their face, it always seemed to affect me. I started to hold onto all of these opinions and negative thoughts about acne and those who suffered with acne. Like most girls who experience acne, I ran to cosmetics and really relied on them to make me feel better about myself. But more than that, wearing makeup became apart of who I was.

Now you may think that this is just a girly post but this is a serious identity issue that I have recently been overcoming. Identity issues are something that everyone faces at some point in their life and I desire that through sharing my experience that you too will find the real truth about your identity.

So basically I believed that I couldn’t be taken seriously or even loved (to a degree), without makeup. Why? Well because the one thing people look at most when they talk to you is your face. I thought that people would think my face was unattractive or unappealing and therefore cause them not to look at me or engage in conversation with me. This fear caused me to stay home many nights because I was ashamed and/or embarrassed to be seen. Now writing this all out it sounds somewhat silly but when I identified myself as someone that others didn’t want to engage with or be around then of course I found myself alone and sad.

Time for happy thoughts!! Right now I am still seeking dermatology help and being more careful about what triggers my acne but through this I have experienced a lot of personal growth. One of the biggest leaps of faith I have taken to help my skin has resulted in me not using makeup on my face for the last two weeks. Specifically anything for my skin like: foundation, concealer, and powder. Now for most girls who use makeup daily you will know how weird, awkward, and uncomfortable it is to look at the mirror and see all the imperfections that you think need to be covered up. It has been years, and I mean years since I have gone out into public without some sort of foundation or powder. I can honestly say that not using those cosmetics for two weeks was not easy at first. However, after a few days my complexion actually started to even out and I became more familiar with the new girl looking back at me in the mirror. This leads me to say that what we focus on will organize how we think about everything else. So when I began to focus on the fact that going without makeup would be beneficial for the healing process of my skin, I actually gained a new found confidence. I don’t feel like I am walking around with a mask on and wondering if people would still love and accept me if I didn’t put the mask on. If anything the people who see me on a daily basis have commented that my skin looks good and that they couldn’t tell that I wasn’t wearing makeup. This leads me to believe that the cosmetics may not have even been covering/hiding what I didn’t want people to see. (This is not a post against cosmetics but rather pinpointing my reliance on them to identify myself)

So my question to you is: What Is Your Mask or What Are You Trying To Camouflage? Maybe you don’t struggle with acne but there is something about yourself that you are afraid to let other people see or know about. Do you have a scar, a lisp, an illness, or even being overly conscious of your body weight? Whatever it is I would encourage you to see if it is affecting the way you see yourself and they way you try to portray yourself to others. You will be really surprised when you stop hiding whatever it is and see how much confidence you can find and how many people will still love and accept you as you are.

 

God didn’t make any mistakes and He especially didn’t make a mistake when He created you. Ephesians 2:10 says “For we are God’s masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which He prepared in advance for us.” A masterpiece is often referred to as an artist’s best piece of work. So I would encourage you to believe that about yourself, that you are God’s masterpiece. Make up or no make up, muscles or no muscles, perfect speech or slurred speech. YOU ARE FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE!

 

Challenge for the ladies: Try to not rely on makeup so much but rather show your natural beauty. If you accept the challenge or have experienced not relying on makeup please share your story in a comment.

Be Like Anna

Simon Forbes Blogging Page

Matthew 18:2-4
He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Originally I had another topic in place to post about this week but I had an amazing reminder and revelation this week that I felt it would be more appropriate to share with you all. It’s a simple, but yet a beautiful truth that we will always need to refresh ourselves with.

So there’s a little special lady who I love seeing when I get the chance, yes my American beauty is a very special lady, however it is someone who I am related too. I am a proud uncle to a beautiful wee…

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Lead By Serving

Lead by Serving

Leadership. This is truly a word that is interpreted in some many forms and fashions. I want to use this blog post to take some time to share what I have learned about Servant Leadership. I have chosen this type of leadership because I have seen it in action and it is very effective.

It may not come as a shock to you but I would like to first point out a major characteristic of how Jesus lead. Mark 10:45 says “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” I think that we can find similarities in the culture of Jesus’ time as well as our current circumstances. We are all familiar with the viewpoint of a Dog eat Dog world where one person must over power others to survive. Also, I think it is fair to examine the characteristics of leaders who lose sight of moral and ethical viewpoints when they allow their power to rule over them.

I think that it is very beneficial to consider leading by serving as a way to benefit you and those affected by your influence. Also, it prevents pride and promotes a lifestyle of humility. In your own time I would certainly encourage you to search and study the words: leadership, pride, humility, and service.

So what does a Servant Leader look like and what can we develop in ourselves to become one?

The leader is not only looking out for their own benefit but rather sees a bigger picture. Wikipedia actually states it very well. At heart, the individual is a servant first, making the conscious decision to lead in order to better serve others, not to increase their own power. The objective is to enhance the growth of individuals in the organization and increase teamwork and personal involvement.

I have personally been so blessed to meet great leaders especially through my church community. In 2012 I met Pastor Seth Ready, a true servant leader. Shout out as we celebrate his birthday this week! During 2012 our church didn’t have a sustaining ministry for young adults to be apart of. Seth and his wife Nirva have truly done an amazing work at creating a community of young adults that is authentic and real. Our Sub30 Ministry is a community where I feel so loved, accepted, and yet challenged to become all that I was created to be. To create this type of environment is not an easy thing to do and simply could not have been done by sheer effort to be “popular, relatable, and showy.” There are many characteristics of Seth’s servant leadership that have made an impact on my life, not only as I see myself but also how I see and treat others. Part of being a servant leader is simply allowing others to have an input or voice on how to improve or adjust how things are done. He spent about a year teaching and training leaders before we actually launched weekly services and more events as a ministry. Seth then developed a core team of committed leaders and meets with them on a weekly basis to make collective decisions on the details of how the ministry operates. This has given core leaders and volunteers the ability to serve in their full potential and have a sense of ownership and belonging. Seth is also very aware of what people are going through in their lives, outside of the nights we have church services. He takes time to get to know where people are at in their life and really prepares messages that are beneficial for all who are apart of this community. There is such a consistency in our ministry of people living life together, serving together, and growing together as a result of Servant Leadership.

When people feel that they are important and cared for they are most likely to respond with respect. What better way to lead than to put others first. A Servant Leader is humble, selfless, empathetic, and genuine. Let this blog and Seth’s example of how to lead by serving encourage you to put others first. It’s not about what you can gain from it but rather what you give for the sake of others gain. I promise you serving is much more rewarding than being a dictator. We were made to live together in harmony, to encourage and build up one another. If you want to be a successful leader take the time to develop servant like qualities and watch your sphere of influence react with positive change. Serve on brothers and sisters, Serve On.

 

PS check out a special mix Seth & Nirva’s recently released.

XOXO

 

God’s Not Dead: My Journey to the Holy Land

Wow, where has the time gone! We are already in April and so much has happened since my last post in the beginning of February. This blog post is dedicated to recap my experience to Israel that happened the last two weeks of February. Let me start off by saying that if you do or do not believe in the life of Jesus Christ, your life WILL be impacted by going to Israel.

I am beyond thankful to my employer: Educational Opportunities Tours for such a meaningful trip. So if you’re ready, continue reading but rather take a journey with me as I recap. I enjoyed the first few days staying in the Northern part of Israel while lodging near the Sea of Galilee. The best part of starting a journey in the Northern part of the country is that you really experience more of the natural landscape. Because of this, when you are going to historical, archeological, and biblical sites you are able to better imagine what it was like during the life of Jesus. We took a breathtaking boat ride on the Sea of Galilee where I reflected on the many stories where Jesus ministered and made relationships. It really took me a day or so to really fathom that I was in “The Holy Land”.

While in the Northern part, we went to sites such as Capernaum, the mount of Beatitudes, the site of feeding the 5000, and a beautiful baptismal site at the Jordan River. While at the Jordan River I saw many groups from all over the world having baptism services. In our group, we took some time to remember our own baptisms. For me, I recalled being in middle school and really desiring the fullness of life promised in The Bible. As I looked around I saw a young paralyzed boy dressed in a white robe being carried into the river by a pastor. He proceeded to talk to him and then submerged him into the river. I was so touched by this that I began to thank God for this young boys’ life and asked God to bless him to do many things to further the kingdom of Christ. I was so overwhelmed with emotions but yet I felt the Holy Spirit so presently alive in me as I prayed for that boy.

In moments like that I cannot deny that God exists because I experienced God’s heart for others through the amount of compassion that overflowed inside me.

The second half of the trip we stayed in Jerusalem which is more in the center of the country. During those five days or so we visited a lot of sites such as: Jericho, Bethlehem, the Upper Room, Mt of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane, and even traced Jesus’ last few days of life. Every site we went to the guides would share the archeological evidence that supports what the Bible says. It is so surreal to walk where Jesus walked and to have so many visuals to remember. There were many moments where I put away my camera and really took in what I was experiencing. I can honestly say that going to these places that credit the life of Christ has truly given my faith another firm foundation. I read scripture differently now that I can visualize the places I went to and understand the history and geography better.

There were so many people visiting from all over the planet to see for themselves what it is they have heard and read about it this Jesus fellow. The unity and body of Christ is so much bigger than just our own family or our local church. It is worldwide! I would strongly encourage everyone to travel to Israel at some point in their life. Jesus lived, died, and rose from the grave; Hallelujah to the risen savior!

Xoxo

p.s. This is just a portion of my experiences in the Holy Land so if you want to know more just ask.

 

Hope For The Brokenhearted

Time helps heal but God is The Healer. Here’s an experience that I have gone through in hopes that it will be a testimony for all to believe in the power of God.

Approximately three years ago I was very head strong on how my future would play out. I was going to go to college, become financially stable, and with my income I would help charities that would benefit both people and animals. I never dreamed of the perfect wedding day or a raising a family. Little did I know God wanted to offer me a better plan. It was in the early months of 2011 that I encountered God in a way I never thought possible. In short, God revealed to me that I would be a wife and mother like my family has never seen. That same year this new found truth was confirmed two other individual times through mature believers from my church. (If you want to know more details about the experiences just ask)

I began to seek counsel on how I could ever become suitable as a wife or mother. I went through many counseling sessions in which I came to realize I had a lot of hurt, resentment, and was simply Brokenhearted . I began to forgive and move on from the lies I believed such as: people can’t be trusted and that marriages don’t work out.
Later that year I also became a nanny to three precious girls ages 1,3, and 5. Little did I know this was God’s plan to teach me how to care and love children.
Lastly, God continued to strengthen my spirit and character as I dug deeper into The Bible as well as books that taught me about biblical marriages.

Through this ongoing process I entered a long distance relationship with a guy I met while in seminary. He spent some time here in FL during the beginning of 2012. Over the next year we continued to stay in contact to encourage one another and simply grow in a friendship. Long story short.. He came back in January of 2013 for a quick visit and we have now been dating since February 16,2013. I was blessed to spend 3 weeks during the summer of that year in Ireland (his homeland) with he and his family. When I came back I nearly cried for the following 3 days!! I felt as though a part of me was missing and I was determined to find a way to be where he was, whatever it took, and as quickly as possible. ODD HUH? How did this all happen?! How did I get to a place where I was vulnerable to love and such a level of trust in another person. Remember, GOD IS THE HEALER.
I experienced such deep emotion that I never knew before. But looking back I now know that I needed to go through that to believe that I really cared about this man and that this was not just a dream, it was a real relationship that required time, affection, and a lot of my heart.
My life verse really got me through that time. Philippians 4:7 And the peace that surpasses all understanding will guard your heart and mind through Christ Jesus

Simon (my man), just left 4 days ago after spending five weeks together. I’m writing this because every time someone has asked me how I’m doing, I truly have so much peace. Not only has time matured our relationship but it has also built trust and peace that surpasses the unknown of when our paths will become one. Just like when I needed to mature and gain peace about life 3 years ago, I need to go through that now too.

The bible refers to God as Emmanuel which translates into God with us. Know that God heals and as time not only goes by, but as you live life with God you will mature and gain all you need. Maybe you need peace, hope, trust, stability, joy, love.. Whatever you need God desires to give you. Seek him and his plan for your life and when go through tough situations they will not be easier, but you can certainly have peace through it.

Be blessed
Xoxo

Ps the photo is a charm Simon gave me on his last visit. Everyday I see it is a reminder of God’s grace and wonderful plan for my life 🙂

Fog is in the air

So the other morning I was driving in the worst fog I have EVER experienced to this day. It was early in the morning but the sun was shining. As I took a well known path on my way to work I began to feel very fearful and nervous. I could not even see the lines that marked the edge of the road. If someone was in front of me I could only see their lights if I was less than a cars link behind them. Instead of driving on autopilot (knowing the roads that I travelled daily) I had to slow down and pray for peace.
How many times in life do you feel like you are in a fog? Not just a light mist, I mean a full on can’t even see your next step kind of heavy fog..
Well I can tell you that at the beginning of this new year I have experienced a lot of transitions and testing of faith. I have been distracted and led astray by the littlest of matters. I believe that this year is going to be one that I see a lot of promises come to pass. With that being said I have definitely felt like I’ve been in a fog as I can’t logically see how I’m getting to those finish lines.
So as I was driving through the fog I realized that spiritually I was approaching this year with fear and hesitance. I wasn’t trusting God to be in control of how the promises would come to pass. Instead I tried so hard to see how I could navigate my way through this scary fog. Why?! Why would I possibly think I could defeat the fog on my own. Then I realized that I hadn’t fully given God the reigns for what he wants to do but also HOW he wants to work in my life.
So let’s go back to my car, as I drove slower than usual I told God “I trust that you will get me to work safely, please just fill me with peace.”
And you know what?! He did just that. God got me to work safely and all fear and anxiousness went away. The word says in Psalms 119: 105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Whenever you feel as though you are in a fog, ask God to meet you where you are at and He will. Trust that just as The Bible says that He will light your path if you walk with Him.
Fun Facts: Fog disappears when there is an increase in temperature. Also, visible light can be measured through color temperature.
So just as physically fog can be lifted or rather disappears, so can spiritual fog. The Bible also states that God is light in 1 John 1:5. So if you allow God to lead your life then He, being light, will cause the fog to be lifted and will light your path.

Don’t focus on the fog and all of the distractions that come along with it. Rather focus on the one who is light and walk with Him knowing and trusting that He is omnipresent. God has gone before you, He is beside you, and He is guarding your back.

I pray your vision and peace will be restored through Christ Jesus !

Xoxo
Kellie

Red Light Green Light

Imagine this: you are driving through town and you are coming up on a light that has just turned green. So, you watch the car that was stopped to see when they begin to accelerate yet they are staying at a complete stop. You honk your horn ‘gently’ to alert them but they stay put. You can’t go around because all the other lanes are zooming through the light. That fateful moment comes and the light turns red. You may be a patient person but not being able to get through the light because of one person may cause you to be a bit irritated.

Now take that same example but imagine you are making a life decision: maybe it’s moving to a new location, getting a new job, joining a gym, or deepening a relationship. Life brings many opportunities and transitions but it is a wise choice to first observe what is ahead of you before you make your next step. Many times I have missed great opportunities because I was simply: comfortable. Now as a human being and as a Christian, being comfortable for too long is never a good thing. One reason is because we begin to find security in that setting or circumstance. We slowly build a dependency on this means of security if we are not careful. Then when God presents a new opportunity for growth or blessing we may not even see it or we may be filled with fear because it’s new and may come with many unknowns for the future. Just like the car at the green light, the person was aware that the light was green but simply chose to stay there because they were comfortable.

Let me point out that if you are unwilling to get out of your comfort zone you may possibly put yourself and others in harms way. The car stopped at the green light could have cause themselves and you to be rear ended by someone zooming through the green light. I think that sometimes we don’t realize that our decisions to better ourselves or to take a new opportunity also can affect those around us. For instance, lately I have been reading more health blogs and taking healthy precautions because I want to have energy to spend time with people in my life now but I also want to be healthy and energetic years down the line when I have children. I want to be prepared to care for them and play with them in the backyard. I strongly encourage that you take time to learn and stretch yourself mentally, physically, emotionally, and most importantly spiritually. Take a moment to really comprehend the verse below.

PROVERBS 10:14 “The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invited ruin.”

We will never reach the point of being all knowing, (though I’m sure we have all had those moments of pride or know someone who is a know-it-all), but you should always be ready for the light to turn green when an opportunity for growth presents itself. Please be encouraged that just like traffic lights, God will give you times where you will be in one growth process or stable environment for a period of time just like sitting at a red light. However, you will never know the fullness of the life he has for you if you don’t adhere to when he calls you to be still and when to move.

I encourage you to examine your life and where you spend your time. Do you have designated time where you are growing in your relationship with God, growing in your own character, and growing in relationship with others? Be open to change and be bold to take steps to a better you. Don’t sit in a place of comfort and watch the world pass you by but rather team up with God and allow him to show you the fullness of life he has promised you!

Visit the link below to hear a great tune to lift your mood 🙂

Prince of Peace

 

In our current society I’m sure we have all had the following conversation.

“Hey how are you?”

“I’m great, just staying busy!”

I highly support taking time to reflect on priorities and doing self assessments but what I want to ask you today is are you practicing peace?

I will be honest and say that I have been that busy bee and quite frankly I still am. However, my life changed when I learned how to practice peace. What exactly is peace? Well many of us relate peace to harmony and the absence of stress. When I think about my busy schedule and all the things that I want to accomplish the first thing I typically feel is a bit overwhelmed.  I am wired as a very goal oriented and driven person so I am generally in task mode 90% of the time. There have been many moments in my life that have led me to the place where I just couldn’t take it anymore. I had my gall bladder removed as a preteen and also went into a period of depression my senior year of high school because of the stress level I continually lived in. I want to testify that there is a God who freely gives peace to those who simply ask for it. The Word says in Philippians 4:6-7 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests  be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” 

So how do you practice peace? Well if you are anything like me when I started this, receiving peace was not very simple. It was something I had to learn and practice anytime I felt anxious or overwhelmed. I believe that to practice peace you must first believe that God will give it to you. Secondly, you have to spend time with God in prayer, which means to take a break from the busyness of life and make Him your full focus for that moment. Thirdly, simply thank God for who He is and what He has done for you. Pray from a place of victory, for example: God thank you that even though I’m having a rough day, you have given me peace that surpasses all understanding. This is how you activate your faith even if you don’t see how things could possibly get better. I promise you that in those moments God would shower me with peace that would directly cause my heart to be full of gladness and even my attitude would be completely altered. I was recently rear ended this week by a car that was going very fast. As I recently reflected on the accident I remember waiting for the police to show up and I was humming a worship song to calm my shaking body. Three years ago I was also in an accident but I was a complete wreck emotionally and I did not have peace whatsoever. I cannot help but to chuckle at the completely different person I have become because I have learned to practice peace. I have not yet arrived but this principle has forever changed my life.

Again I ask you, are you practicing peace? Do you need to take a moment to put God as your primary focus and ask him to shower you with peace? Notice that the scripture say that his peace surpasses ALL understanding. I hope that whatever stress or busyness that you are under today that you will practice peace. It is possible!

 

xoxo

It’s Time: Here and Now!

As my first blog I want you to know that I have been putting off beginning this for over a year. If you read my bio you will know that I have battled with the fear of not being accepted. I have been overlooked and not heard for most of my life. Growing up I experienced many forms of abuse at home and in the world. So when I was encouraged by a mentor to begin blogging I was bombarded with many doubts and lies of the enemy. The one that challenged me the most was “do you really have anything new to say that someone hasn’t already said”.  As I put a lot of thought into this question I began to receive peace from God. The peace came with a truth that unity within the body of Christ is very vital to present truth to our world. How much greater of an impact would it be if we as Christians were all proclaiming the same message? Think about a sporting event; if there is a few people shouting “BOOOO” and the rest of the stadium is shouting “ONE MORE GOAL” then the majority of the stadium is what will be heard. I want my blogs to encourage and challenge the way you see life. If you read it and the topic is something you have heard before than let it encourage your belief and lifestyle. If it is a new perspective or idea that you have not thought about or lived out in your own life than feel free to challenge it and maybe even experience a new level of personal growth.

I’m so excited that you have decided to join me in this journey so please subscribe to keep up to date with the latest posts. Have a blessed day and may the peace of God be with you!

 

xoxo