Woman who fears The Lord is to be praised!

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. 
                                                           -Proverbs 31:30


  Day 1. 31 days of beautiful
Day 2. You are beautiful
Day 3.Why I chose to make "all things beautiful" my topic
Day 4. You are altogether beautiful 

31 days of Beautiful// You are all together beautiful. Day 3

 You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you. 
                                                             -  Song of Solomon 4:7
            
I am so blessed and amazed to know that even when I am at my worst, when I have a bad day, in a grumpy mood, or I just can't seem to get out of my yoga pants.

When I'm having one of those days to where the laundry doesn't seem to make it in the washer, Evelynne's toys doesn't seem to get put away and on the days where I just feel like a failure as a wife and a mama. 

When those circumstances come my way, and when emotions build up inside of me, when thoughts come to me about how I'm a mess and have fallen apart.

Jesus whispers with the softness of His Mighty voice "Beloved, You are all together beautiful,my love; There is no flaw in you at all. Not because of who you are or what you have done.. But because of who I Am in you..I died for you my love.. So that you may have life. I know there are some days when you feel like you just can't hold on any longer, you feel like your strength is decreasing, and you feel like your beauty is quickly fading.

Remember my love, I Am your Anchor that will hold you steady when the waves come.

I Am your strength that will keep you strong in not only joyful times but trying ones as well.

And I Am Your beauty and the One who makes you Beautiful.

And Everything I am in you never fails. I am the same today, yesterday and tomorrow. I will never change. And I will always be with you to give you your every need. I will never forsake you my beautiful one. For I died so that you may live the abundant life I willed for you. 

 Day 1. 31 days of beautiful
Day 2. You are beautiful
Day 3.Why I chose to make "all things beautiful" my topic

31 days of Beautiful// Why I chose to make "Beautiful" my topic.

 
You know I really didn't have time to think  about this whole blogging every day a month thing. And to be honest I'm not even 100% positive that I'm gonna be able to blog every day this month. But you can bet yourselves that I'm gonna try my hardest.

While I was doing my daily blog reading I noticed that a lot of  my blogging  friends were doing this 31 day of October challenge. Where you pick a topic to write about and then write about that topic everyday for the whole month of October.

When I first read that I thought "Wow, what a pretty cool challenge!"  And just decided to give it a try. Just so you know I am not the kinda of person that would just decide to do something out of the blue. Especially something you'd have to be this dedicated for. Because my goal isn't just to write blog posts, it isn't just about writing words.

I have a goal to write from my heart with each and every post. I have a goal to inspire someone with each post, to encourage them, and to make their day a little brighter with The Love of Jesus.

And to really mediate like that every day. It's gonna be hard work. But with the inspiration of Christ and His Strength. I can do this!

I didn't give myself much time to think of what to write about for this month.. To be honest I didn't even pray about it before He already gave me the topic. "All things beautiful".

Because we live in a dark world. With negativity, fear, worries that tries it's hardest to destroy even the smallest candle of light.

And plus I feel as though you pretty much have no limits when it comes to beauty.. Because I try my hardest to see the beauty in everything!

I chose to write about beauty for 31 days to encourage and reveal what beauty really is!

It's not Photoshopped.

It's not flawless.

It's not skinny or curvy.

It's not a zit free face.

It's all about Jesus and who He is in us.

It's about the beautiful things He has created that so many have took for granted.

It's about choosing to find the beauty of joy in not so beautiful circumstances.

And it's about the beauty of being completely sold out to Christ.

Will you join me this month as we experience the beauty of this life this month. And never stop!

                                            Much love, Darling!
                                              xoxo- Heather

31 days of Beautiful// You are beautiful.

Hello lovelies, Today I am writing my first post on my 31 days of beautiful series  I'm super excited about it!
Today I'm going to be talking about physical beauty.. The kind of beauty that seems to matter most in this world and the the kind of beauty that really seems to matter less to God.

Physical Beauty.. Why is it so important? Perhaps because so many people have made their physical beauty their identity, perhaps they think it's all they have going for them, or perhaps some believe they will never be truly happy in life if they are not physically beautiful.

Growing up in a house full of girls with only two poor boys. I've quickly noticed how important physical beauty is to women. I remember my older sister spending hours on her make up/getting dressed/doing her hair. And I remember the tears that were cried by my poor younger sister who would hide in the bathroom crying because someone pointed out a flaw on  her beautiful face.

I myself have had major insecurity issues because I didn't qualify myself as beautiful. I didn't even think I was close to it. And because of that I was desperate to find a way to be beautiful I was willing to take a path that could eventually harm myself. I've always felt insecure about my weight. But somehow after taking two weight loss pills daily and surviving on slim fast drinks every other day I somehow felt better about myself.. That lack of nutrition and weakness flowing through my body from lack of food felt amazing. As long as I felt skinny I was happy.

Looking back at myself and how ridiculous I was for thinking that way makes me shake my head at myself and how I was acting. I was so focused on feeling skinny that ruining my own body was an option. It's sick really and even more sickening is that so many women and young women are going through the same thing and the media encourages it, even inspires it. Planting the need to be skinny in the minds of so many. Leaving us so obsessed with with how we look physically we forget to leave room for the most important thing to work on beautifying. Our heart.

 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”  1 Samuel 16:7

Ladies, The media is a place that lies and deceives. It tricks you and tells you that you need to fix yourself before you can feel good about yourself. It tells you that you'll never feel good about yourself  unless you buy this beauty product that's way out of your budget, it tells you that you'll never be happy about your fashion style until you wear these five hundred dollar boots, and that you'll never be truly beautiful until you have been photo shopped and completely flawless..

Can I tell you something Sisters?  The world is full of liars that are on a mission to make you feel horrible about yourself. They are of the world and you don't have to fall victim for it.
The reason why we believe these things are not because they are true (Because they're far from it!) but because after hearing it and reading it we speak these things over ourselves. And when we keep telling ourselves we'll never be happy until I  _______ . We start to believe it with all our heart. And that's a problem.

But be of good cheer Darling and keep your chin up. Because even though you may be thinking negative about yourself right now God is thinking VERY differently about you!

He says you're beautiful.
So the King will greatly desire your beauty; Because He is your Lord, worship Him.
                                                                                           - Psalms 45:11

He knows everything about you! Even the hair on your head he has numbered.
But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. - Luke 12:7

He has searched you and known you, He knows your every thought and every desire. He is always where you are. His thoughts for you are so precious to Him.. They are so full of Mighty Love that our hearts are not even close to contain it!
                                    -Psalms 139

My sisters, there are so many words in this Awesome word of God's unfailing love for you! So many I don't even think this post could handle. But may I encourage you to read some of this truth next time the media tries to steal your joy? And to start speaking The thoughts of Jesus over yourself?  It's incredibly life changing once you know that you are beautiful.

And not because of your physical beauty. I honestly don't think that's what Jesus is referring to. Even though we are all physically beautiful because God created us in His image. But I believe what Jesus means by beauty is our hearts. 

The Lord made it very clear in the scripture about that He doesn't look at the physical body, but He looks at the heart.. Now I'll be the first to admit that I sometimes get to carried away with outward beauty and not focus enough on inward beauty. The world has gotten the hang of making outward beauty it's focus. Which as always a total opposite of God's way, and thoughts.


 "Rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God." 1 Peter 3:4

The heart is so much more precious to our First Love than  physical beauty ladies.  Now, I'm not saying we shouldn't wear make up, or dress fashionably. I believe God wants us to look our best and dress our best. Because we represent Him. But He doesn't want us to make it our main focus.. He doesn't want physical beauty to go through our minds 24/7. Because to Him it's not beautiful at all.

Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.  -Proverbs 31:30

So, my darlings, I want to encourage you today. I want you to know that YOU.ARE.BEAUTIFUL!

Not because the world says so, not because I say so, not because of your wardrobe, make up products, weight loss, or weight gain, not even because of who you are but because of who Jesus is in you. And He has made you absolutely flawless girl! He thinks you're beautiful love! And I just happen to agree with Him! Because it would be totally a bad idea to disagree with The King of kings.


                                       Much love to you today, Beautiful!
                                                    xoxo-Heather. 

31 Days of Beautiful..

Hey lovelies!  So, today I found this pretty cool linkup for blogging everyday in October.. Obviously I'm already a day late because I just saw that some of my blog friends are joining and thought it could be a fun/challenging experience and new ways to make some friends. 

So my this Month topic is going to be all about beauty!

And the true meaning of it and what beauty really is!

Because often times I really feel like the world doesn't have a clue on beauty.

And I believe God's idea of beauty needs to be revealed.

                                                   Will you join me?
                                                    XOXO-Heather.

Step out in faith.

Do you ever find it hard to step out? We're always so fearful of making the wrong decisions or pursuing something because we're afraid that it may not be in God's plan for us, or dreaming big because of the fear of failure..

Being a worship leader has always been something that has been on my heart.
 Talking and loving on Jesus through music has always been my favorite way of expressing my love for Jesus because there are no limits and there is nothing more intimate.

I prefer to sing praise to Jesus instead of speaking praises to Him.. Which are both very highly important.

I prefer Singing in tongues instead of speaking them because singing I feel clears my mind more and allows The Holy Spirit to move.

In fact If my life could just be a musical where I sing every sentence I feel as though my mood and insight on things would always be better.. However, I think eventually I'd drive everyone nuts!

I love to worship but have always doubted the fact that a worshiper was my calling. Maybe it was because I compared myself to easily to other worship leaders.. Speaking poison over myself by saying I wasn't as good as others, and that I wasn't qualified to lead.

One thing I have learned on this journey my friends is that Comparison is the main thing that can keep you from doing what God has called you to do.

It has for me for a long time. I got so easily lost in watching leaders worship God.. And instead of getting lost in worship with them I would throw myself a party with Pity and claim that I would never be good enough..

Comparing. It needs to stop! It's such a worldly thing that is encouraged in our generation so much.. It's in magazines, TV.. Pretty much anything media. I believe it's one of the enemy's biggest tools. But you don't have to be affiliated with that. When things pop into your head telling you "You'll never look like that!" You'll never be as good!" Start speaking truth over yourself!

I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. Psalm 139:14

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. -Phil 4:13

I think another thing is that we go about waiting on the Lord all wrong.. We sometimes believe that we just need to sit here and expect God to hand everything to us. But it doesn't work that way at all. and it has taken me a long time to process this.

I believe we sometimes get so caught up in whether or not this is our calling that we miss our opportunity to bless God. I don't believe it's God's will for us to be a couch potato.. I actually know it's not!

He wants us to live, and step out in faith.. He can't guide our footsteps if we don't start walking.
We need to stop thinking about whether or not something is our calling and just start moving, and stepping out in faith. God will be blessed and He will bless you.

If you feel led to be a worshiper don't just sit there and wait for them to call you and ask if you would audition but get in there and get involved and if it happens to not be your calling well then at least you will know and can open your mind and allow The Hold Spirit to plant you elsewhere. And the same goes for everything else. Acting, writing, painting. (etc) He's gotta plan for you girlfriend, but He can't move if you don't.

I totally feel like this post is like popcorn.. It's everywhere! So sorry about that. I'm feeling quite passionate about this right now because I actually did it.

For almost two whole years I have debated, questioned and wondered whether or not being a worship leader was my calling. I've always had a desire to do so but never had the guts to just step out of my comfort zone.

But two weeks ago I stepped out. I was tired of this feeling of missing out, I was tired of excuses, and tired of waiting.. And I'm positive Jesus  was done with waiting on me too!

So, after thought and prayer I sent my pastor a message on facebook.. (professional right?)

This is what I wrote Him.

Heather: Hey Pastor Joe!! I was 100% positive I had your email address in my email book but I can't seem to find it anywhere! Tried to be more professional but that didn't quite work out lol.. Anyways, I have been praying and thinking (a little too much!) About my calling in life.. I know I have a calling with ministering to women of all circumstances and I know now I also have a calling for worship. Worship is something I have always had a heart for.. But I spent a lot time wondering whether or not it was an actual calling.. And doubted it was my calling when I compared my voice to others because personally I don't really like my singing voice. But if God does and if He can use it so be it! A lot has kept me from stepping up into volunteering my voice at church. Fear being the biggest issue. Because I have never led worship for a Church so thirsty for Jesus. It terrifies me.  Anyways, I feel like I'm all over the place here.. I just want you to know that God has put a calling on my life to worship and I'm not 100% sure I'd be dependable of being the actual worship leader until I no longer depend on a ride there so I was thinking until then just singing a song every now and then and see where that goes. What are your thoughts Papa Joe?

Just so you know He's not my real papa. He's more like a Spiritual dad to Leon and I. Evelynne calls him Grandpa Joe. This was his response.

Pastor Joe: You are so precious Heather, I will stand in agreement with you concerning your calling. Lets set up Sunday the 29th as your first opportunity to sing a special song for us. This should give you some time to select a song and prepare for the service. Thank you for sharing, you are a blessing to all of us.

Heather:  Sounds good!! 

The whole "sounding good" part was a totally step out in faith! After he said "two weeks" my whole insides shook.. I haven't sung publicly in three years and never in front of my Church family whose love for The Lord means so much to me along with their desire to go deeper in His presence daily. I wanted God to use me to help with that! So, I rebuked nervousness and decided and turn it into rejoice. And the last two weeks I rejoiced, practiced, and rejoiced again. And the 29th of Sunday quickly came.

Before I knew it I was sitting there in the front. Seconds before my name was called out I totally forgot my lyrics.. So, I kept repeating it in my mind and  received the Holy Spirit to help me remember.. He did a great job and we make a great team!

I realized yesterday that even if a worship Leader isn't my calling in life. At least I'll know by stepping out. It is not a situation where I'd lose. Because God would have the glory of my stepping out in faith and He would be pleased with the worship I brought Him.. Besides I believe we are all called to worship. It's why He first created us is it not? To love and adore our One True God? I know it's why I was created because I can't get enough. Worshiping Him is what I long to do for the rest of my life.

Darlings, today I want to encourage you to step out. I want to encourage you to chase your dreams with every strength that God has put in your body and just run and keep running until you win.

                         There's this sign at church that I absolutely love that says:
                                                         perseverance:
               Our greatest glory lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.

Don't be afraid to fall  Lovelies, because Jesus will always be there to pick you back up every time! 
But have perseverance and never give up! God's gotta plan for you but you need to start taking steps so that He can direct you.

                                              Much love xoxo- Heather Leigh