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.

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 

He will work it out for your good.

             Mistakes are often your best educator. As long as you don’t quit, you will never lose.
                                                          -Paula White.

Dearest friends, Today don't let your past mistakes hinder you, don't let them define who you are.. But instead learn from your mistakes, remember that it is only Jesus who defines who you really are and let Him take your circumstances and use it for His glory as a testimony that will blow others away. 


And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. - Romans 8:29




Hey ladies, I am also co-hosting over Hannah's awesome blog hop. 
Go check it out and meet some new mama's :)

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

In our marriage we:

desire our marriage to look and be like this everyday.

totally agree with this!



& especially me. We need to be reminded of this.


absolutely believe this is the way it should be.. Especially in Marriage. 



say "Amen" to this!  And praise God because of His Truth.. In this season of life we are in right now. It's so easy to get  frustrated, down, and just upset. And for me with Leon working all the time at night. It's easy to feel lonely too! But we know that we are not victims but we were made to overcome. Leon and I are going through hard times right now.. But we hold tight to the awesome truth that God isn't finished yet..  And instead of letting our emotions be ruled by "circumstances" We make our circumstances be moved by our faith! Amen.

 know that with Christ we can do all things.. Heal the sick, raise the dead. and do the impossible for The Glory of Jesus Christ and only in His Powerful Name.. We know that if we ask God for anything together in His Name. It will be done.

We know that "tough" season in life can be just as refreshing as a "good" season. It really just depends on how your attitude is and how you choose to look at it... You can either be moved by your circumstances or take control of them and refuse to let it steal your joy.. You'd be surprised by how quickly a "tough" circumstance can change into a good one.

Though this is a hard season in life for Leon and I right now. We hold tight that there is a plan and a future for both of us.. We know we won't struggle financially for much longer, we know that Leon and I will get back to the newness we once had, and we know that now and at the end of it all. God will get all the glory and this experience in life is going to minister to millions of young married couples one day. We know that Jesus will take what the enemy has tried to make for bad. And use it to do amazing things! Because God is just awesome and groovy  in that way! (yes, I said groovy! Don't judge! ;)

He always keeps His promises.

Just sitting here going through my old personal blog posts while my loves are asleep. I came across a poem I wrote back in 2011. I was very blessed to have met my daughter even before she was conceived. God has promised me a little girl and even better He gave me a picture and a memory of her as well. and it still amazes me every day that she is here in my arms today. 

A dream of you. 2011
A dream one night, I dreamed of you.
I dreamed of a little girl. Some how I knew.
You are going to be a big part of my life and many others.
You are going to be a pearl in the heart of your Father's
It's so weird how I can love someone I never met.
Or dream of the day we will.
But somehow I know I can be patient for you.
I will listen to Jesus as he says "Be still"
I remember holding you in my arms. I remember the feeling of a mother.
It is an awesome feeling that can't compare to another.
Your small hands, light hair and tiny feet.
I can't wait til the day we meet!
I remember in my dream. The feeling was so real.
Your precious hands I could actually feel.
And then I woke up and realized it was a dream.
I know this was a dream sent from God. a dream to prepare for you.
I know this is something that will one day come true.
Waiting on The Lord is what I will do. And when He brings you to the world
to God I will dedicate you. I love you.

God always keeps His Promises dear friends! Remember that Awesome truth!

 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
 

Hardest Moments From The First Year of Marriage.

 
The first year of Marriage is always different for everyone. For some it's their best and most easiest year, full of romance and well, you know! And for some it's not the easiest and even pretty difficult sometimes. This first year of Leon's and my marriage was a rough year but I have learned one very important thing this year and that is to never leave your partner behind!

Unfortunately when many couples get married, when they say their vowels and when "For better or for worse."  come from their lips they really only mean for the better. And that really makes my heart cry. Because in so many occasions the great stuff comes after the hard stuff.. But no one stays around and waits for the great stuff to come. & this saddens me because once the great and wonderful stuff comes all of the hard stuff is nothing afterwards.

 The first year was a pretty hard year for Leon and I. Leon worked for a company where sometimes he had work and sometimes he didn't and when I had to leave my job at Panera Bread because they weren't giving me enough hours. Well, that made money extremely tight. So when he did get a big check we really had to make it last until I got a different job which never happened because of the economy. Nobody was hiring.
Which was major inconvenience on our part.. Eventually Leon and I prayed about it and being a stay at home mom was my calling. We decided to trust God to provide our needs while I stayed home.

In late February I started having dreams and one vision of a little girl and me being a mother specifically. I knew I was going to have a girl first and that these were dreams of her but I didn't know it would be so soon. Until I received this one vision while I was sitting in a prophetic conference teaching of a baby girl and then the word "Fath" appeared. I honestly didn't  know what to think. "Maybe, I was gonna have another little girl named Faith?" And than it hit me.. The thought that I was pregnant crossed my mind. And I was terrified but so full of joy at the same time.  The thought of being a mama, carrying a baby inside of me, and just everything about Motherhood is just wonderful, I always knew I was going to be a mama, and it was always something I've dreamed of doing. I was really excited about meeting my little girl in 9 months but I was terrified by the fact that my husbands job wasn't a steady one.

 
But with that vision God has told me to be still and not to worry. To have Faith because He was going to provide our every need. And not long after Leon and I returned from the conference. Sure enough I was pregnant with my most favorite girl in the whole world!  I felt so much joy in my heart. I couldn't even describe it!

It was really hard for Leon the first three months of pregnancy because I had horrible morning sickness. I was seriously on bed rest the first few months because I couldn't keep anything down. My poor husband had no idea what to do!


And through out the year everything we needed was provided. Everything  for Evie's nursery and clothes, Leon's job increased financially. And when September came he finally got accepted in the police academy.
We're still just making enough to make ends meat. But we're trusting God for all of our needs and we know He will provide. It was a really hard year for us financially but I know this is just a season and the next season I'm believing that Leon and I will be so well off financially that we can bless others who are having the same financial issues  as we were.


Another hard thing for me specifically was I was moving into a place with two other loved ones. My Mama inlaw and my sister inlaw  Ashley. Leon and I never lived with each other before Marriage so I was not only getting to know my beloved hubby. His likes and dislikes I was also getting to know his mama and sister. It was really hard for me at first because we all live SOO differently and to top it all off I was an emotional pregnant woman going through morning sickness.. However. this is no longer an issue. I love these ladies. <3

Four Months!

                   
Four Months already! It's just so hard to believe sometimes. There are many things I still don't understand when it comes to being a mom.  Like why is it that my days always feel so long and yet my weeks and Months feel so short. Will the rest of my days as a mom feel like this? Or is it just the days of having a child that needs me much more than often.  And how a beautiful smile from my little girl when I wake up in the morning could make me more refreshed from a night of four hours of sleep..  God's grace is never ending.

It's so nice to know that God has my back in all circumstances. Especially in Motherhood. It's quite obvious I couldn't do this without my Beloved Father. He gives me everything I need to complete this wonderful mission of Motherhood. Without Him I'd be lost with no direction and certainly in no condition of raising a child.


If I were to tell someone the secret to a successful mother I would tell her that there is no secret. I would tell her that the answer to this question is the answer that every Mom should know and that the answer is "God"  In fact He should be the answer to all things shouldn't He?  Yep He's that Awesome!

It takes God in your life and in your spirit to be a Mom. His love, His Joy, His Peace, His Patience, His Kindness, His goodness, His gentleness,  His Faithfulness, And His Self- control. And very important His Grace. Remember apart from God we can do nothing. But with God, we can do everything! And of course we'll never be the perfect mom but that's okay. Because God doesn't look for perfect moms He looks for obedient ones.

 Happy Monday Lovelies!!

Be still....

This morning I read Mark 4:35-40

"And the same day, when the evening was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships. And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?"

I feel as though we can definitely apply this truth to our lives daily.  God can take every situation, every sea and every season and calm it. And He can work all things out for the good!

 It is so awesome to know that Our God is so Mighty and Powerful! There is nothing He can't do! He can remove every burden, cleanse every heart, fulfill every desire and calm every storm! We serve the Most High God!

Do you have any burdens tonight? Do you have a heart that needs to be made whole? Do you need healing? Do you need waters to be calmed in your life?

Cast all your cares to Jesus. Because He loves you more then you can even imagine! It doesn't matter where you have been, and what you are doing, He wants to help.


Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30

Cherish every moment.

Leon has been off of work for almost a week now. It was great having him off but why he was off wasn't so great. In fact it started out as quite a terrifying event.

It happened on Tuesday. (The day after his birthday actually) When Little Evelynne was in the swing while I was managing to get a quick blog post in before she realized I slipped away. When a story slipped in the news feed about a police trainee being shot in the head at practice.. My jaw was dropped. I thought the Police academy was supposed to be a safe place before they were sent out to the not so safe places. I must admit I was a little really worried about my husband considering I heard about a police trainee  being shot in the building he was training in that day and I haven't even heard from him.. Right after reading the news I called him right away and no answer. By this time I just decided to pray and keep myself busy and not letting the enemy plant thoughts in my mind that it was Leon who was shot. About 15 minutes after I got a call from him. (I have never been that quick to answer my phone before) It was my dear Leon with a shaken up  voice  that sounded like he was in a hurry. "Hey sweetheart, Something happened at work. I can't talk but to tell you I won't be home until later. Love you, bye!"  So many questions left unanswered. But that three second call that I received was probably the most relieving call I have ever received in my life. But that whole day I was still shaken up and feeling for the man who was shot and praying who ever it was he was okay. Now I'm sure many of you would have thought "Okay, this man was shot in the head. He's gonna die, no doubt!"  I even found out through other officers that he was dead. But when I found out he was still alive I continued to pray. Leon And I both serve a God that performs miracles every second of the day and I have the faith that this man will live and declare the works of The Lord. And it turns out he is still alive to this day and is healing better and responding daily.

Leon didn't return home until 3:00 Am that morning. He was actually in the same room when his buddy was shot so he had to stand as a witness. He said when it happened and they were taking him away. He brought everyone to the next room and started praying and declaring "Life" into this man. "Breath" he declared and after that the paramedics said "He's breathing" I constant praise and give glory to God for His forever faithfulness.

When Leon came home that morning I greeted him with such a big hug. I guess this is the start of Leon's career as an officer and a police officers wife for me. It was a great reminder to never take my dear husband for granted. To never let a hug be loose, to never let a kiss go unsweetened, and to never let circumstances get in the way of  quality  time or even a simple "I love you" That day will be a reminder to cherish every memory and to enjoy creating them. And most important never leaving your family behind.

 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.’  Is 41:10