What Purity is.

 Purity..  A word that is often mistaken, misused, and really misunderstood.

If you were to ask me what purity was and what it meant four years ago the answer would have been  different than my take on it now.. In fact total opposite.

I would have told you that purity is when someone saves sex for marriage. That was it. A very limited inside the box answer. But that's what I thought and believed defined purity. And unfortunately I wasn't the only person who thought  that.. My answer was influenced by older generations of women who believed that and passed it down to me and I have spoken to so many young women who believes the same thing..

Yes, saving sex for marriage is so so important and it's an act, an example and  a stand on purity but it's not what purity is. In fact you could still be a virgin who hasn't even kissed someone before but that doesn't mean you are pure. Because purity isn't physical. It's spiritual. It's a heart matter.. If your saving sex for your husband/wife but then looking at pornography, and lusting after young men or women it's really no different than hooking up with them in the first place. Because Jesus made it very clear that He doesn't look at the outer appearance but He looks at your heart! Which in my opinion is so much harder to control than physical.Sometimes we don't even  realize we're lusting after something until we have already done it.. Which is why on our own it is impossible to be pure.. to live a pure life.

But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."  -1 Samuel 16:7

But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Matthew 5:28

I have realized the hard way that purity even has nothing to do with us.. It's not something we could conquer on our own.. But Jesus, He is clothed in purity and righteousness and self- control.. He is what makes us pure, righteous and it is Him who strengthens us with self-control. It is not our strength but His alone.

 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. -Isaiah 1:18

 Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ Isaiah 41:10

And Praise God for that because that means our purity can't be lost! Even when we do mess up and make mistakes. There is no sin that is to big for Jesus to forgive.. After all He gave His life so that you could have His! And this brings me back to a personal testimony a few years back while Leon and I were dating. If you have followed me for a while now or have read my "Purity and forgiveness" post  you would know that my Darling husband and I were not the best examples for living out purity for that short  season of time. Though it was a huge goal for me to do so. Mistakes happened that I learned from.

I remember feeling so much shame. Leon and I didn't actually have sex but boy did we almost sometimes. I personally didn't see a difference and still don't. To me giving into the flesh is giving into the flesh. I remember thinking to myself that there is no going back. I've committed the sin that we Christian often call "the big sin".. The one I was positive with in myself that I would never commit! My stance on saving intimacy for marriage was so strong... I thought nothing could break that! And afterwards I was broken.. I gave up on myself. I was not only mad at myself I also thought I failed Jesus, I failed my relationship, I failed in all hopes of being a great role model for other young women who are striving for purity, and I just thought I was a failure in itself.. A failure who was impure.

But you know what? God is so awesome. He is good and His Amazing love endures forever and doesn't stop when you do something that wasn't the smartest idea. In fact, I believe that's when He knows you need Him the most.. When you've fallen I believe the only thing He wants to do is pick His precious daughter up, give her the biggest bear hug, tell her He loves her and to keep running the race! I believe He is right there besides you cheering you on saying "You got this My precious Darling ! Because I am right here with you!"

In this culture we find that hard to believe. At least I did! Because we have earthy imperfect fathers.. Fathers who don't always show love, affection, encouragement and forgiveness. In fact  a lot of dads out there are just heartless. But God is perfect in Love.. And no matter what you have done and will do He will forever be perfectly in love with you! After all what you have and will do is no surprise to Him.. He knows it's gonna happen.. That's why He sent His only Son Jesus to  give His perfect life for you so that it wouldn't change a thing between His relationship with you.. You see, He  thought of The Way to bring you back to Him even before you left.

Don't put your life on hold until your married.

Hey Darling, 

I've wanted to write you for a long, long time.
Today seemed like it was finally the time and I hope that you'll hear me out.

Lately, you have really been on my heart.
I see so many of you longing for a love that is true and real. 
I see so many of you left feeling lonely, and seeing the circumstance of 
singleness as some kind of illness or identity.
 and I know how you feel,
because I've been there.


I have seen so many of you put your life on hold until you meet someone special..

I have seen so many of you make the decision to sleep.. To just sleep your life away until this dashing handsome man comes  driving   riding on his noble steed to come and kiss you awake.

And you know what? I was a complete victim to this when I was single. I was asleep throughout my whole single life.

All I did was dream, day dream and then dream again.

These dreams were all about How  I would one day meet my husband, how many kids I wanted, when will I meet him, oh, and my personal not so favorite but did so often was I wonder if _________ is the one!?! I had a lot of those ones.

And when my eye often caught Marriage Material I often day dreamed about them. I guess you could say my mind was pretty booked with dreams..

Ladies, May I encourage you today?

As a Married mama, I see now the true blessing that singleness really is..

It's a beautiful, strong and powerful situation to be in. Though the world may say otherwise but it's true!

I'm not saying Marriage isn't because it certainly is! But in a different way.. They're both awesome!
But don't miss out on the blessing and gifts of singleness because singleness is just a stepping stone before marriage.. It's a preparation and much more than that.. And if your not happy being single you're  certainly not going to be happy being married either! Because you'll be lacking the one thing that can keep you satisfied.. Jesus


You see singleness is not just a preparation .. It's an opportunity to fully seek after God with everything you are! To know Him, develop  an intimacy with Him, and allowing Him to show you things beyond imagination  Without the distractions of marriage and babies. It doesn't have to be a process of waiting.. It could be a process of amazing opportunities.. And once you realize the single life doesn't have to be a miserable, waiting season I really believe you'll enjoy it much better!

I'm certainly not saying that you shouldn't dream..  That's far from what I'm saying here.. I believe dreaming big is so important and I'm a proud supporter.. But It certainly shouldn't come before God's plan and His thoughts in Your life.. Putting your dreams and thoughts that can lead up to unhealthy thoughts and decisions before Jesus is no bueno and leads to a dead end where no dreams are fulfilled..

So ladies, I encourage you to let go of the 24/7 day dreaming and start some 24/7 Jesus dreaming..  He'll show you things that your own dreaming can't  even imagine or comprehend. And express way more undying, unconditional love for you than ever imagined..  

His love is real ya'll! Don't wait to be married to finally figure that out.

So many women have the understanding that romance and love can only be found in relationships... That you won't feel treasured, cherished, and loved until we meet our Mr.  And for the women who feel that way I can totally understand why they'd be desperate and lonely during they're single life.. Because what girl doesn't want to be cherished, adored and loved? As women were were created to love these things and to desire these things. We were not only created to love God but to also be loved by Him.  To have a relationship with Him. 

But what is not seen is that even when she does  find a man who does love her, cherishes her, and adores her.. It won't be enough. Maybe at first. Maybe longer. But eventually he'll get old.. The sweet things he had done for her won't be enough and because as human's we're not perfect and he will mess up.. He'll forget about her some days, some days he won't be able to fill her every need, some day's he'll be to tired to spend time with her, and some days he'll rather hang out with his bros.. And you know what? That's okay, it's normal, healthy and it does not mean he's not a marriage material man.  But you'll still need more, you'll still thirst for more because the man you have slept day dreaming about, the man you have waited for all these years will soon no longer be of interest to you anymore because when it was him, his love that you thought you longed for it was really a more perfect love you desperately needed. A love that can only be given by  perfection.. All that time what you were really seeking was Jesus.. The creator of Love and romance.

I really hope I made my point across.. Darlings, What I'm saying is as single ladies.. you are not a  lesser woman.. You are not just a girl and being Married doesn't make you loved, a real woman, or a respectable woman.  It is Jesus who makes you loved and it is your attitude that makes you a real respectable woman and how you handle your single life.

I'm telling you this not with empty words. But with experience. Don't be the girl in need of a man to come and rescue her from the life of singleness.  But be fully independent on Jesus and He will fill your every desire and that will make your future marriage with the man after God's own heart even stronger, more loved filled and powerful. Don't wait to fall in love with Jesus until you're married. Do what you can now to strengthen your relationship with Him. Go on missions trips, start a blog, write a book, start a sisterhood community. Get involved and let God use your singleness to do powerful things. 


                                                                       Love ya, girl! And keep shining for Him.
                                                                                             xoxo- Heather Leigh.

31 days of Beautiful// Blogs that I find beautiful and so worth reading. Day 6.

Today I'm inspired to share with you ladies just some of my most favorite blogs here in the community!

 Sarah at Tealography.
This girl... I love her so much. She's my bestie, my sister, my friend.
I can't tell you how blessed I am to have met her in this blogging community.
Sarah and I met last December when she stumbled upon my blog. We thought it was pretty cool that we had a few things in common.. And as e-mails came and went we were amazed by just how much we had in common! We are both so passionate about the unborn, we love to write, we were married the same year, we're both young mama's to beautiful girls, we're both literally on fire for Jesus. Really the list goes on and on here! She is the first blogger that I exchanged my digits with, I don't think there is a day that goes by where we don't text or email. She also has the most gorgeous baby girl!! Who happens to be Evelynne's future pen pal! She is such a blessing and encouragement to me everyday. And I'm so glad that our paths were brought together. She is one of the reasons why I'm so glad I started blogging.. Or how else would I have met her?
I defiantly  encourage you to go check this girl out.. If you like me than you're gonna LOVE her! because seriously we're sisters.. Twins separated at birth ;)

BTW. Her and I have been talking and we will be working on some new fun link ups and would be sooooo exited if you would join in with us! We'll both keep you updated ;)

Heather at Finding Beauty in the Ordinary
Heather was the very first blogger that reached out to me.. My blog was literally not even out there yet really. She was the first "big" blogger I found and she was the one who inspired me to push my blog out there! She has helped me so much in the blogging area I honestly don't know where I'd be without her and with her beautiful baby girl being just a few months older than Evelynne those "Mama posts" are exactly what I need to hear. There is seriously never a time when her posts don't give me chills, make me tear up or just a simple reminder of how much I love this girl!

Ruthie at The Chronicles of Ruthie Hart
Ruthie is just one of those girls you can't help but to love. She is just Ah-maz-ing! I just love her so much!
Without Ruthie I'd still be a "no reply blogger" I would have spent the rest of my blogging days wondering, asking, left alone to wonder why nobody's talking to me.... Okay maybe not that dramatic! But anyways, if you want to be a true blogger and make true friendships it is super important to not be a "no reply blogger". Truth!

Karla at Forever Newly Wedded
Okay not only does this girl participate in the most  fun and exciting link ups but she is just amazing in itself.
There is not a day that goes by when her posts don't make me *sigh, tear up, smile, or eeek with the romance of newly wed life. She also leaves lots of sweet comments about how cute Evelynne is..I love her honesty ;) Her and her husband and new fur baby are on a goal to forever and ever live the newlywed life and I say they're doing a heck of a great job doing just that! An example that all married couples need! 

Erin at Sweetness itself
Oh sweet Erin. If you haven't met this girl you totally need to! Her love for Jesus is just amazing and inspiring! She writes about purity and glorifying God with her single life.. I can't help but wish I was more like her when I was single. She is actually coming out with a new book really soon called "The Darling Diaries". She is defiantly a lady worth looking up to and a woman worth waiting for!

Sarah at The Not Quite Military Wife
Sarah is a new Englander! So these past few weeks I have loved seeing her life through all these beautiful pictures of England.  I find Sarah's blog to be extremely positive and pretty funny as well! And I seriously can't get enough of her baby girl!! She is absolutely precious!!! I am such a fan and I admire this girl!! She is a proud Military wife and a wonderful mama!

Amy at Sweet home Santa Barbara.
Oh dearest sweetest Amy! All I can say is that I love her so much. She is also doing this 31 day challenge on "Pure"  And I am seriously loving it! and highly recommend that you go check it out! This girl's got  Jesus and He looks amazing on her!

These are just some of my most favorite blogs to read while I get my morning cup of goodness. It's a great start to a beautiful day!  I seriously can't get enough of these ladies. They have done such an amazing job at making my day! I only hope I can do the same for them! 


Why am I posting my favorite blogs and what does this have to do with beauty do you ask?
Because these ladies are beautiful. Not because they have lots of followers, not because they're gorgeous physically, but because they take time and effort to make the day of others, to be an encouragement, and blessing. They desire to fill your day with laughter and they allow Jesus to use them to make your day! These ladies are role models and these ladies are true definition of what Beauty is. 

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 

Beloved,

and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary.  Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. -Revelation 2:3-4

 I want to encourage you today to never forget your first love.. This is a verse The Lord had laid on my heart lately. It's pretty deep if you ask me. 

You know, living the life we live, the fast mode we're used to, and the blessings that have become so ordinary to our sight. We often forget about Our first love.  Especially in the busyness of  day. 

Sometimes we don't even realize that we have forgotten the most important One in our life, The One that completes us, The One who is constantly waiting for us to draw near to Him so He can show us the things unseen, The One who calls us "Beloved". 

And that is why I believe the rate for divorce is high, Mama's are burned out and feel a loss of patience,  Ladies in waiting are done with waiting, and ministries aren't ministering. 

Darlings , right here.right now. Lets dedicate our lives once again to the One who first loved us. 
Lets remember that it's only the love of Jesus that can complete us.

My Married sisters, Let us stop seeking  the love and perfection from our husbands that is impossible for them to give you. Lets stop giving them our one hundred percent just to expect one million percent from them. Because truth is we are never going to get a million percent from them and sometimes we may not even get that one hundred percent.
But let that not determine our unfailing love for our husbands. Let us love our husbands like Jesus loves us! And let us remember that the most important thing in marriage isn't to serve each other. It's not to cater each others every need. It's about living your life working together as a ministry, sacrifice, and to serve the One who can fill our every need. 

My mama's, Lets not forget to get some Jesus time in before the day starts.. Meet Him in the morning of the day before the little darlings get up.. Lets give Him the first of what we are so He can give us the first of who He is! Let His love over power us so we can share that love with our children as we continue to plant seeds in their life that will stick with them forever.  I'm telling you it's much better than a cup of coffee! 

My single sisters, I know sometimes it's hard to wait.. You want to be loved, cherished and cared for by a man. And Jesus knows and understands and He's bringing you your promised one. But until then let Him continue to romance you and draw you closer to Him.. Choose Jesus to be your Beloved, your main Man, your Everything. Because it is only Him who can and wants to fill your every need and every desire. 

And to all of my sisters in Ministry, Whether it's blogging, across country, in the church or even in the home. Let us remember to not be so soaked up and focused on serving God that we forget about Him. Let us not be so focused and busy preparing things that we forget to include God in the midst of it all. I believe that's one reason why the Church isn't reaching, healing and ministering. We're so focused on schedule and plans and running around like a crazy person that we forget to sit down sometimes and just love on Jesus and let Him be the ministry.

So my sisters, my friends. Today let us be reminded and never forget His unfailing love that's captivating.
Let us never forget our first Love during the craziness of our lives but instead run to Him. The One who can turn it into something beautiful and peaceful once again.

You're beautiful!

  "Who are they to tell you that you are ugly when God has already spoken that you are beautiful? -Heather leigh

Happy Wednesday  lovelies, Today I want to talk with you about something that has burdened my heart.

When you ladies get up in the morning and  look in the  mirror do you ever feel instant insecurity about your appearance?

Or when you look at the cover of a magazine about the sexiest women alive or something like that? Do you feel not as pretty?

Do you know where those lies are coming from? The enemy. The king of lies.

You see, those are lies I heard so much during my teenage years. So much that I started to believe them and claimed them as my own. 

I thought I was ugly, I thought I was fat and I thought I was stupid..

All this because of a little lie.... A little lie that I let have a bigger impact on my teenage life  then it should have.

I'm honestly not sure if I actually had a minor eating disorder or not.. But regardless, the mindset I had wasn't healthy.  There were days where I skipped meals, went a day without eating and took weight loss pills.. Healthy right?? Nope.. 

I was such a people pleaser and so focused on fitting into smaller jeans I was desperate..

I actually still have to remind myself to eat to this day. Not for the sake of loosing weight but I'm just not a huge eater.. One thing I have learned though about focusing too much on outer appearances though is that whether you are overweight, curvy or on the thin side people will always have a negative side. Kinda just like pregnancy.

"You're too skinny to be 30 weeks pregnant"    "Are you eating enough"  "You need to like go home and eat now!"

When I was in my early stages of pregnancy I was really sick. I couldn't hold nothing down as much as I tried. Not even water. And ended loosing 20 pounds from the whole experience. And because of my long torso it made me look even skinnier.. Though people may have meant for those comments to be considered as compliments it was hard for me not to take them as a slap in the face.. Especially when this one lady asked me if I was eating enough. I was so upset about that due to my earlier years..

Continuing in my pregnancy it was very rare when I got a "You look great!"  (Which is a comment I'd prefer. and it makes the comment a lot less awkward!

After I gave birth to my darling baby girl.. I was able to get back into my pre pregnancy clothes within a few weeks and then they ended up being too big for me. I guess with the weight I already lost from morning sickness and the weight loss from constant nursing made me underweight. Leaving me a little insecure once again.. And the comments I received seriously made me feel worse..

"You're so skinny."  Where did your butt go?"  "Man, I'm so jealous"? "You don't even look like you had a baby!" "Girl, you lost your curves, you looked so much better with curves."

How do you respond to those kinda comments? To me it makes the conversation totally awkward. "Thanks?"   I feel like if I were to say thanks it would  make me sound vain or if I were to say nothing at all I feel like I'd be rude..


I'm telling you these things not because I'm complaining about my physical body. Because I finally love my physical body. Do you know why? Because it's no longer my focus.

I have realized  that body type is such an obsession these days where being skinny is dangerously desired  and to some who aren't skinny either don't think their pretty or they believe their prettier than thinner women..

I read this quote the other day that I didn't take fancy of at all..

 "Real women aren't a size 4 ladies, Real women have curves".

I know and understand that this quote is meant for the media's models and all but seriously? Do we have to go as far as calling them fake women? The only thing fake about them is their body on the magazine what was Photoshopped...  And you know some girl's can't help the fact that they are size 0's 4's 6's 24's  Some women can't help their size due to circumstances or it's just the way they were created. Beautifully.  

Darlings.. Whether you are overweight, underweight, curvy or thin.  I just want to tell you that you are beautiful. Maybe the media would disagree because of the zit on your face or the stretch marks, or the freckles but you know what. Who cares what they think?  My question to you is "Who are they to tell you that you are ugly when God has already spoken that you are beautiful? After all,  He created you perfectly and completed you with His Son Jesus who defines your beauty.

So sisters, let today be the last day that we agree with the lie that was told.. The lie that told us we are not worthy, that we are ugly, that we are fat, that we are skinny. But instead let us believe the truth that will set us free. We are beautiful! Not because of who we are but who Our Beloved Jesus is in us..

Lets stop with these worldly desires to lose or gain weight just to fit in with the media's  Photoshopped beauty. And desire only to be healthy. The way it's meant to be!

And please... Can we stop identifying and labeling people as skinny or curvy.. A "You're beautiful" would be perfect and even more perfect is "Your heart is beautiful!" 

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

                                             Love you, beauties!! XOXO  -Heather

What I want my daughter to know & you to know too!

  First off can you believe my baby girl will be 9 months on Sunday? Man oh man oh man! Any way now that  that's out of the way and off my chest.

When I found out I was pregnant I was super excited about the responsibility God has anointed and blessed me with. It's something I take very seriously and I feel it should be.

These nine months have been such a fun and loving experience.  There hasn't been a day that went by when I didn't thank Jesus for my dearest Evelynne. And just watching her grow, doing new things each day and exploring what nature has to offer her excites me and has me thinking about what I desire to teach her and have already started!

I look forward to teaching my daughter so many things. To read, write, to find  beauty in the simple things in life. But  I believe really the most important thing I can teach my daughter, reveal to her and encourage her to receive and to know,  is her true identity in Christ! Because so many in the world are going to try and deceive her, and tell her who they think she is.  It is so important that those things don't matter to her and that the only opinion that should and does matter is from her Heavenly Beloved, Her Heavenly Father and King.

To remember that she is beautiful beyond compare. Not because of her looks or what she wears.  But to remember that she is beautiful because God made her that way. He looks at her, adores her and knows what He has made is really good! Genesis 1:31

To remember that she is the Victor and never the victim. Because she is the true daughter of the most High God. A spiritual warrior that cannot be defeated.



"But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." -1 Corinthians 15:57

  I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. -Philippians 4:13  For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. -Romans 6:14
To remember not to fear because she is perfectly loved. And that nothing can harm her. To know that she has the authority to stomp serpents, to heal the sick, raise the dead, and no evil thing will come near her. To know that evil is powerless when the Children of God are unafraid. And that God has given her the Authority to do such things.

There is no fear in love but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
-1 John 4:18

 
Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. That she has the very abundant life that God has given to her through His Son. 
-1 John 4:17

And when He had called unto Him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.

-Matthew 10:1

Before she was conceived God knew her and sanctified her.

Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. -Jeremiah 1:5

 
She is the Bride of Christ. And she is cherished and crowned with glory and honor.

 

To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:  -Colossians 1:27

 

 For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. 

-Psalms 8:5 

And She was created for His Glory to do the Mighty things that God has anointed her  to do. And only she can do! 

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. -Revelation 4:11

Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him. -Isaiah 43:7

And that she can go to Jesus with anything and He will answer her and show her mighty things in His Name.   Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. -Jeremiah 33:3 


I have mentioned before that I believe the most important thing for a woman to know or anyone in general is to know their Identity in Christ! Because once they know that. Nothing will be able to stop them. Not fear, not condemnation, not people, and not even circumstances! When we know our identity in Christ we are dangerously unstoppable! 

I want to teach my daughter these things because I believe it is the most important thing a Born again Christian can know. If they don't know this, they will be stomped on and deceived by what the world thinks they are. My desire and dream is that my daughter knows who she is in Christ. That she can stand tall as a believer looking down to no one. 

 To have such authority in Christ and allowing Him to work miracles in her life. 

My uttermost prayer is that what people say doesn't move her.

But what she says moves other people. 

That she can stand inline at a grocery store and not envy or be discouraged by the half dressed model in a magazine. 

But instead pray for her and pity her.

 To not be effected by piers but instead her piers be effected by her. 

I believe God has given Leon and I such responsibility by placing this little love muffin in our hands A responsibility we will take most seriously. I can't tell you how blessed I am to be a mama!


                                                            Dearest Darlings,
                     If you don't know your identity in Jesus I highly recommend that you find out.
                     It's the identity Jesus overcame the world with and He wants to place that identity in you.
                    But loves, He can only give it to you if you receive it! And trust me you'll be glad you did!                                   Because you will NEVER be the same.

If you have any questions  or need encouragement on "Your identity in Christ" please feel free to e-mail me @ Heather.l.Riley.LWACW@gmail.com. I'd love to chat with you!

                                         Until then Love ya sisters! 
                                            XOXO - Heather

p.s Don't forget to come back tomorrow for the 2nd week of the "Finally Fall Link up" It's topic is  "Your  fall wardrobe" Dream or reality! But really you can link up anything fall related!

I am confident.

I am confident that with God I can do anything! For am loved so by the Maker.
 It has nothing to do with me, but it has everything to do with my Lord who Strengthens me. 
For when I am afraid I will trust in Jesus always. It is God's Name I praise. 
For it is in God I trust and will not be afraid. 
For In You I am strong and In You I have taken heart. I have hope in my Lord. I have no fear of sudden disaster. For my confidence is in My God and not my own. And my foot will not be snared.

"the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love"  
-PSALM 147:11

                                Be confident in the One who holds your day today, friend.  
                                                                      Love you!  
                                                                XOXO -Heather

He is Willing to fill all your needs.

Only God is able to meet all needs, only God is able to heal, restore, deliver, and bring a person to wholeness! - Paula White

Friend, I encourage you today to trust and rely on God for every need and even want.. He wants to give you healing, He wants to give you wholeness, He wants to bless you financially, He wants all your needs to be met and He wants you to feel and know  His Love. But all He can do is give it to you. You have to be the one to receive it!

                        Receive His love and everything He wants to give you today friend.

                                                         It will change your life!

                                                         Much Love XOXOXO - Heather

The girl behind the blog// Encouragement.

Hey ladies! (and gents you're always welcome!)  I'm linking up here today with the beautiful Ashley &  Nadine! And I'm so excited about it. This is my second time linking up and I don't know why it's only my second.. I'm always forgetting about it which makes me sad.. Anyways I remembered this  time!!

 

So these are the questions for today if you wanted to head over to these lovely ladies pages and link up.

Introduce yourself and your blog 

What is something that encourages you in the blog world? 

What is something that always encourages you in real life? 

                                        How do you go about encouraging the people you love? 

P.S Sorry if you can't hear me..I need a new camera because the video tech on my camera is slowly dying on me.. =( 

Email me at Heather.L.Riley.LWACW@gmail.com if your interested! I'm so looking forward to getting to know you. =D

Over coffee.

Love to you on Monday sweet friend! It's rainy here and it's defiantly a great day for two good friends who are in love  with Jesus to go on a date and talk about our main Man!

The One who holds our tomorrow in His hands and gives us hope everyday as He writes our future.

If I were having coffee with you today, I would share with you a book that is on my list called "The Believers Authority" By Andrew Wommack. I am so filled with the Holy Spirit as I read this book as Andrew goes deeper on who we are in Christ and the Authority we have in Him. We actually have the Authority to do everything Jesus did on earth. And that's exactly what Jesus wants us to do here on earth. Everything He did. He wants us to be love with skin on. To love those who are hard to love, to heal those who can't be healed, to raise those who are dead, to cast out devils and to be the light of the world! I believe with all my heart that when we know our identity in Christ and carry it with us we can really do all things in Jesus. And that makes a little devil terrified haha! Praise Him!!
 

 If I were having coffee with you today, I would ask you how you were doing?
I would ask "What has God been doing in your life?"  & I would ask if He has revealed anything to you about Him lately? He's so mysterious isn't He? A relationship is never boring with Him because as long as you keep spending time with Him He will constantly show you things. Things about Him, things about the future, past and present and He will even show you things about "you". I love how Jesus knows me more than I know me. He knows my name, my every thought, every word I have said, every thing I have done in my past. He knows everything about me and yet, He still calls me loved. He still loves me with a Love that can't be taken away, can't be decreased and obviously can't be hidden. I hope everywhere I go people see the Love of Jesus in me.
 

 His love is just something I can't get over. It's higher than the mountains that I face everyday, it's stronger than death itself and the best part IT NEVER FAILS, IT NEVER GIVES UP & IT NEVER RUNS OUT.
His love is forever. It's a cup that never runs out of living water. He's so High and Mighty.

Oh, can I get an Amen!?! 

 

  If I were having coffee with you, I would tell you how sad it makes me that people get so caught up in religion they don't take the time to really get to know the real Jesus. They get to know their religion, they swear by their religion and follow their religion and they put limits on God. It makes me sad because they think they know Jesus but they don't, they think they know His love but they don't. They know their religion.That's why I believe so many depart, they go astray because their not getting filled, their not satisfied. I believe they fall because they didn't know Jesus and who He was in the first place. That's why I believe it's our job to show them who He is! Who He really is. Because once you know who He is you're NEVER gonna want to leave Him again!

If I were having coffee with you today, I would tell you that I pray that Evelynne will know the love of Jesus and I really believe she does. Her and I will be worshiping together in the morning and I'll look over and see her smiling and being so joyous. I believe she was feeling the love of Jesus and worshiping Him in her own baby way. I'm just so looking forward  to watching her grow into the the lovely lady God has created her to be. I really believe that this little lady has the heart of David. A love for worshiping her main Man.I can't believe she's gonna be 6 months on Saturday! (HALF A YEAR AAHHH!!)

 

 You know. I really want to tell you this morning that Jesus loves you! He really does. And that He's here with you. And if you're going through something He wants to help you and make a way for you. Because He love and cares for you more than you know! 

He wants to make you a victor.

He wants you to have victory over your weakness and troubles.

He wants the mountains in your life to move.

He wants you to have joy and love.

He wants you to know that you're beautiful.

He wants you to know He cares.

He wants you to know that you are LOVED..

This is what I would tell you if we were having coffee today dear friend. I only wish and desire we were really having coffee in person. I would ask you if I could pray over something in your life. I would ask you if I could lay hands on you and command whatever is going wrong in your life to be made right again. I would command every fear to be gone, every doubt to cease, And every stronghold to be released. I wish I could do this in person but since we can't if you have a prayer request email me here and I would be happy to stand with you on something as we take it to the feet of our Heavenly Beloved together.

This is what I would tell you Lovely if we were joined together enjoying a warm (Or cold) Latte in the comfort of a coffee shop loving on Jesus together. What would you tell me?