Clarity With Charity

When you Want to Give Up…

January 15, 2014

Last week I started remodeling our bathroom. Under the spell of yet another “DIY Delusionism” I optimistically thought I could be done by Wednesday.

One week later, I am still wearing my painting pants.

The bathroom remodel has drug on for a few reasons but one of the main ones is how long it took to tape off the bathroom.

Are you a taper or a free hand painter?…if you can cut into those nooks and crannies without leaving a mess and without using tape I ~~hate~~ admire you.

“I am NEVER, EVER, painting another cabinet again!” I said …after my husband astutely pointed out after my triumphant declaration that I was “done with the cabinets” that I still had to paint (3 coats) and seal (3 coats) the back sides of the cabinet doors.

I collapsed on our bed in the fetal position and cried a few self righteous tears for all the pain and suffering I had endured to turn 90’s orange oak into hip, glossy white. Not only did it take 6 coats to complete the transformation but on the last coat of sealant my brush had begun to shed these tiny black hairs, which instantly crystallized into the sealant.

Tweezers, God’s gift to my eyebrows (let’s hope every 8^th grade picture before I found tweezers has been burned) and now the savior of my cabinet dilemma. I painstakingly picked every miniscule dark hair from the cabinets hardening surface with my tweezers.

Somewhere between the tweezers , the painters tape and this really awesome mask I wore….

God showed up…no not in human form…the paint fumes weren’t that bad.

But He showed up as I removed the tape.

Taping is my least favorite part of painting.

It takes a long time, especially in a bathroom, where there are all sorts of corners and cabinets to cover.

But without tape I am nothing.

I have tried to do the detail work without tape before, and I ended up having to scrape paint streaks off baseboards.

I go through a whole day of prepping: filling holes in the wall, cleaning cabinets and that mildew in the window sill above the shower you are always telling yourself you are going to clean but never do, and finish taping off every corner – then I get to go crazy!

I take the roller making zig zag patterns and writing my name on the wall.

A sweet moment of spontaneous artisan zeal.

As I ripped off the tape to reveal my clean edges, I thought about the whole day off prepping behind me, so that in only 2 hours I could complete my goal: painting the walls.

Without the painstaking care I had taken to tape, clean and patch, I may have finished painting the walls, but I would have known I took the lazy way, and everyone else would have known too.

It reminded me of my journey with the Lord.

There are moments where He feels so close, so present. Where we see His power move in unexpected and miraculous ways. Where a breakthrough comes that has been believed and longed for, maybe for years, maybe for a lifetime.

But there are more moments where my walk with Jesus feels like taping.

I get up and I read the Bible, thinking “am I really going to get anything out of this today?” I experience trial, setbacks and pain in my own life and in the lives of those dear to me. I pray sometimes with great faith, and sometimes only as a sheer act of my will. I crank up the worship tunes and feebly sing along.

There are days where I don’t experience the presence of God, days where I ask for an answer and I don’t get one (or I don’t get the one I want).

Yet in the those seemingly tedious moments I am preparing for something greater: eternity, greater spiritual authority, intimacy with Jesus and to see heaven come to earth.

I say: God I can’t do it anymore! He says: “My grace is sufficient for you. For my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:19)

The tape rips I place it across the baseboard, preparing for a paint stroke to come.

I say: Lord, why would you allow this pain to happen, why can’t you deliver me with one word? He says:

I am your shield, your glory, and the lifter of your head. (Psalm 3:3)

The tape rips, I carefully cover the line between window and window sill, preparing for a paint stroke to come.

I say: Lord what good can come from this trial? He says: Rejoice in your sufferings, suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope. (Romans 5:3)

The tape rips I painstakingly maneuver around the edges of a mirror, preparing for a paint stroke to come.

The tape rips: I see white against a fresh warm gray. I see near perfection, I see a new beginning, I see beauty I have prepared for.

The walls are ready for an artist’s play…

The tape rips: I hear the words…

Do not ever give up or think your life is insignificant, especially the parts that feel of least importance.

He isn’t into your performance: But He is looking for your humility

He’s not obsessed with perfection: But He wants your faithfulness.

He’s not looking for a formula: He’s looking for a relationship – with you.

So if you find yourself today: doing dishes, changing diapers, working two jobs, and going to class when everyone is sleeping in.

When you forgive without their apology, bless instead of curse, forget your own pain and care for someone’s sorrow.

When you pray through the night, open your Bible and cling to the truth of His word all the while whispering “God please help me.”

Be encouraged: the victory is coming, the breakthrough will be released…

but you must keep taping.

If you don’t keep taping you won’t be ready for the victory.

If you harbor unforgiveness and are filled with pride – yet pray to find your spouse – you won’t be ready for the two most important phrases in any marriage, “I’m sorry” and “I forgive you”

If you aren’t faithful to complete the tasks at your current job how can you be ready to handle the additional responsibility a promotion brings?

If you complain and whine about how hard and boring school is, and you can’t wait to be finally in “real world” – you will find something else to complain about…like your boss, or your alarm clock, or your entry level pay.

If you beg God for favor and answers, yet ignore Him after you receive what you want, you’re not in a love relationship with the Most High God.

So keep taping,

when no one notices, everyone has put their tape away and you are accused of being a blue tape fanatic.

Just keep taping.

What about you? Is there an area of your life you need to continue to be faithful in? Have you seen the reward of diligence in the smaller areas of life?

Blog Link Party

Special Giveaway today from Jesus’ Economy – an Organization bringing Holistic Change Worldwide!

January 13, 2014

Happy Monday Friends!

Today we are having an incredibly special give – away from an organization called Jesus’ Economy.

Jesus’ Economy has graciously agreed to giveaway one of these adorable purses to one Clarity with Charity reader. All you need to do to enter is sign up for their newsletter at the end of this post. KEEP READING for your chance to win!

Ok y’all…is this not one of the cutest bags ever! I love all the color which makes it stand out from a neutral purse, but the colors blend seamlessly with all kinds of outfits. I also love that the bag says “peace” on it, as a reminder to pray for those who made it – women from a trade school in Haiti, who are being transformed by the gospel and the opportunity to learn a trade.

Empowering women through the gospel and the marketing of goods in Haiti, is just one of the many ways that Jesus’ Economy is changing lives around the world.

John Barry, the founder and CEO of Jesus’ Economy, shares from his heart today about the trans formative work that Jesus’ Economy is doing around the world.

What is the vision and purpose of Jesus’ Economy?

Jesus’ Economy creates jobs, plants churches, and meets needs in the developing world. We provide an online fair trade shop to fund transformation in the developing world.

To elaborate further:

In each community we serve, we offer microloans, church grants, and meet basic needs. Each developing world project is implemented by developing world leaders. Our store’s products come from entrepreneurs receiving microloans and other developing world artisans. We buy products at a fair price to create jobs. We live by principles: 100% of your donations go where you designate.

To elaborate even further:

We start commerce and churches at the same time in the same communities. Corruption destroys jobs; healthy churches end corruption. We train leaders in skills and ethics and hold them accountable. We connect church leaders to global donors. We connect entrepreneurs to global commerce and investors. We broker their goods to the right people that need or want them to ensure that there is always a buyer and the economic situation is constantly improving.

We believe that this will result in a new global, spiritual and physical economy for those that need it most.

How did Jesus’ Economy begin?

In May 2012, God awoke me in the middle of the night with the vision for Jesus’ Economy. My wife, Kalene, and I then began the organization. In September 2012, we officially incorporated, with several other founding members.

How is Jesus’ Economy transforming lives?

Everyday the efforts of Jesus’ Economy are part of a larger life transformation process. Economy is in our name because everything we do is part of a cycle of empowering people to lift themselves out of poverty.

Today, we have fair trade partnerships in Zambia, Haiti, Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya. By buying fair trade products from artisans in those countries, often through the cooperatives or organizations the artisans partner with, we are able to help fund everything from education, to orphan care, to basic business training. And this is in addition to the artisan making a profit and us then reinvesting any additional profit on our end into microloans, church grants, the meeting of basic needs, and a little bit into our ongoing operations.

One of my favorite stories is that of John Nyarwa, which I recently told on our blog.

We’re working with a start-up entrepreneur in Kenya, named Alvin, who wants to get out of the cattle business because he isn’t making enough to support his employees. Through our partnership with Alvin and his company, he has been able to give work to several bead-workers and leather workers. At fair wages, they’re creating sandals, which are gorgeous, and available for purchase on our website.

The other incredible thing about Alvin is that he is actively engaged in empowering women in his community to escape (or overcome) female genital mutilation and forced early marriages. Through various efforts, including being the program coordinator of a local non-profit, Alvin is helping young women continue their education and be independent.

I hope you have been inspired and encouraged today by this incredible organization! If you would like to enter to win the purse all you have to do is sign up for their newsletter, where you will hear even more encouraging stories of what God is doing in the nations of the world! Entries will be received through this Friday, January 17th, at 5 p.m. west coast time, so be sure to enter!!!

An Incredible Miracle after a Horrific Accident, Part 2: Everyday Heroes!

January 7, 2014

I hope you enjoyed the first part of my conversation with our Everyday Hero: Shonnie. If you missed Shonnie’s story you can find it here.

Today, I will depart from my typical Q&A format and let Shonnie share her incredible testimony of what God has done recently.

Shonnie, mentioned yesterday that the pain she experienced after her accident was excruciating….

Shonnie: For me, it seemed that pain was all that I was feeling. I had pain in several different places in my body, at varying degrees of severity, on any given day. One of the worst areas of pain is in my lower abdomen. I have suffered this pain for the last five years. It has increasingly gotten worse over the years, to the point of becoming debilitating – more debilitating than the paralysis.

I have sought the help of multiple doctors, tried several different medications, and have had quite a few medical tests performed. I even went the holistic medicine route for two and half years which required eating a very restrictive, organic diet, and shelling out thousands of dollars for supplements; nothing seemed to help me. The pain only continued to get worse.

This past summer was the worst it’s ever been. I use an electric power chair on a daily basis which has given back to me some of the independence that I lost. This summer my chair broke down and I had to use a manual chair which greatly limits my independence. I also developed a new problem. I began having severe muscle spasms in my low back. Even on good days, I was generally uncomfortable in my abdomen and I would think, “I can’t wait to get into bed to get relief from this pain in my stomach,” only to find that as I would lie down my back would begin to hurt severely. Finding a position that was comfortable was difficult to do, which made sleeping through the night an allusion.

I basically focused on surviving from day-to-day and praying that things would soon change. On the most severe days, when I was most desperate for others to pray for me, I would make a post on Facebook simply asking God to take away my pain and people responded to my posts and partnered in prayer for me.

At the end of August, I was approached by one of the leaders in my church who asked me to pray about being one of the leaders of the small group Bible study that met in my home. Before my accident I worked in full-time ministry and had been very involved in my church, leading Bible studies, disciplining and mentoring women. But the eight-year hiatus I had been on had left me a bit rusty; not to mention the myriad of changes that had taken place, not only physically but mentally, spiritually and emotionally, as well.

I immediately had several reasons why I could not be a Lifegroup leader, but I agreed to pray and ask God if I should or not. As much as I long to be the girl that I used to be – loving, serving, and ministering to people – when considering it logically I didn’t see how it could possibly work.

The amount of time that is required in dealing with a disability is like having a part-time job, plus the time commitment of being in school, add to that the debilitating pain that pops up on a regular basis and forces me to lie in bed the entire day, trying not to breathe because the slightest movement increases the pain.

I felt like I had plenty of valid reasons not to add more responsibility to my proverbial plate. But God would not accept any of my reasons. In fact, He told me “Yes!” not once, not twice, but three times! (I had to know beyond a doubt that He was really calling me to do this.) I remember having a conversation with Him where I told Him that between school and the pain I needed something off my plate if I was to become a Lifegroup leader. I didn’t feel like I could honor the time commitment and do my job well, especially if I was lying in bed unable to move.

But God, in His severest of mercies, didn’t see fit to honor my request. As I was beginning my fall semester in school, I informed my friend that I was willing, out of obedience to God, to be a Lifegroup leader. It seemed like God was testing my obedience to Him, because the day of the Lifegroup meeting that it was to be announced that I was going to be one of the leaders the pain in my abdomen was the worst it had ever been.

I was already lying in bed, praying that it would leave, before Lifegroup began. I got up out of bed to attend the meeting but only lasted halfway through the night. I went back to bed but couldn’t get any relief. Nothing I tried to do helped.

There are definitely so many things in life that I don’t understand about God, why He chooses to act in some situations and seems to sit on His hands in others. But what has bewildered me the most in my situation may surprise you. God choosing not to remove the debilitating pain before I became a Lifegroup leader didn’t surprise me much. It is a request that He has denied many times the last five years; not only a request from my lips but from many others as well.

It’s actually when God says, “Okay, you have carried this particular cross long enough, now I will take it away” that has bewildered me the most.

For you see, it has been nine weeks since the Wednesday night it was announced that I would be a Lifegroup leader and that was the last day that I suffered the horrific, torturous, debilitating pain!

I remember that as the first week went by I was surprised to realize that my pain had been mild to moderate the entire week. I honestly couldn’t remember the last time that was the case. When the second week went by and the same was true for it, I was so afraid to tell anyone because I just knew it was going to come back. I was so afraid to even dare to hope that I had been healed. It was a month before I really began telling anyone that the horrific pain that had plagued me for so long was truly gone.

I have cried so many happy and a few bewildered tears. I have walked with my God long enough to know better than to believe in coincidences. Do I believe that I would have been healed of the debilitating pain if I had chosen to not obey God and lead a Lifegroup? No, I don’t believe I would have been.

I have suffered a great deal in the last several years of my life, a lot of hardships and difficulties. I haven’t always had a lot of joy during this season, but I have had a lot of peace and security. Sometimes when we obey Him, God likes to surprise us with an added blessing when we least expect it.

There are still a lot of things that I don’t understand about God. But I do know one thing, whether I had been healed or not, it pays to obey Him.

Charity: Thanks so much for sharing your testimony Shonnie, it gives me the chill bumps everytime I read it. I agree, we don’t always understand God and His ways, but we can always rest, knowing that HE IS A GOOD and POWERFUL GOD!

Have you been encouraged and inspired by Shonnie’s story? Leave a message of encouragement to her in the comment section below!!!!!!

Everyday Heroes: Meet Shonnie, she found hope after a tragic accident, and is helping others overcome obstacles.

January 6, 2014

Happy Monday Friends!

I hope you had an incredible weekend. I have some great news, Beth Moore is giving away four More FREE BOOKS, in addition to the six I told you about on Friday. Breaking Free, one of her most popular and powerful books is available for free on your Kindle or Tablet!

Click HERE for more details!

Now on to sharing an inspiring interview with a friend of mine, Shonnie. I first met Shonnie when we were a part of the same church and Lifegroup together a few years ago. Her story of seeing God’s faithfulness in the midst of unimaginable circumstances is powerful and I know you will be encouraged by her life as much as I have been!

Charity: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, where you live and what kinds of activities you enjoy?

Shonnie: I grew up in Bryan, TX and moved to College Station, TX 7 years ago. It’s a long story but God gave me the house I am living in. I am in school full time for a Christian Counseling degree online through Lousiana Baptist University.

Charity: That’s great! How close are you to graduation?

Shonnie: I have 4 classes left and May is my goal to graduate.

Charity: Congratulations, that is a big deal! What do you enjoy doing?

Shonnie: I like to hang out with family and friends. I love going to the movies, watching tv and reading non school related books. Right now I am reading * Heaven is for Real.

Charity: I bawled through that book.

Shonnie: Its so good! I have really enjoyed it.

Charity: Can you tell us about your accident?

Shonnie: My story begins in July 2005. I was working at the time for Still Creek Boys and Girls Ranch, a Christian Children’s Home. On July 11, I went swimming with seven of the girls who lived at the Children’s Home. After picking up my boss we headed into town to get snow cones.

As I was driving, I went off the road and when I came back on, the van hydroplaned and rolled over a few times. The girl who was sitting next to me in the passenger seat had a dislocated shoulder. My boss who was sitting in one of the seats behind me broke his arm, vertebrae and some ribs. The other six girls who were sitting with him in the back of the van were miraculously unhurt; they didn’t even have a scratch that required stitches. The driver’s seat took the brunt of the impact. I broke my neck and was instantly paralyzed from the chest down.

Charity: What has recovery has been like for you since your accident?

Shonnie: It would be an understatement to say that my life changed that day. I feel like I was taken out of one life and dropped in an entirely new one. Every single aspect of my world changed. I spent the entire first year in the hospital doing intense physical and occupational therapies. When I was discharged from the hospital my parents moved in with me so we could figure out how to live the quadriplegic life in the “real world.”

Shonnie with her parents

In the second year after my accident my brother became a personal trainer and we started an intensive, exercised-based, recovery program designed to retrain the nervous system so that over time it “comes back to life.” A majority of the exercises were passive repetition in which I tried to connect with the movement of my legs in order to retrain new nerve pathways through the blockage in my spinal cord. In the four years that we worked out together I did recover some strength, movement, and sensation; but often times the first sensation that a person recovers is pain. For me, it seemed that pain was all that I was feeling. I had pain in several different places in my body, at varying degrees of severity, on any given day.

Charity: Wow, that is a very intense daily struggle. I would imagine in addition to the physical pain you have experienced, there has also been emotional pain from the accident. How have you been able to work through that?

Shonnie: These last eight years have been quite a journey through rehabilitation, grief, and pain. In the process of trying to recover, not only physically but emotionally as well, I began asking God what His purpose was for my life now that so much had changed. I felt Him lead me to pursue a degree in Christian counseling at an online University. I have always had a heart for people who are hurting. This was an easy decision for me except for the fact that due to the concussion I sustained in the accident my working memory, my ability to recall, has been effected; because of this I started out taking only one or two classes a semester.

Shonnie Scuba Diving!

Part of my education included a three week internship with a counseling ministry in Colorado Springs. During this time I also received counseling which helped jump start my own internal healing. Part of my counseling included walking through forgiving different people, myself and even God.

Five years before my accident something happened that tore my family apart. One way I coped with that pain was by being busy and staying active and doing ministry work. However, after my accident I was forced to sit still.

Growing up I had a legalistic perspective on faith, I believed I had to earn God’s approval and love and favor. When my accident happened God taught me that He loved me even when I could do nothing, and I couldn’t serve anymore and I had to be the one being served. It was really a hard concept for me to wrap my mind around that God loved me even if I could do nothing. Through this process I became really secure in His love for me whether I do anything or not. My motivation for helping people now is different, its not seeking God’s approval but is driven from a heart of love for others.

Charity: Thanks so much for sharing all that Shonnie! It is incredible to see the revelations God has given you about your identity as His daughter. Are there any other ways you have seen Him bring good out of your accident?

Shonnie and her siblings

God used my accident to bring my family back together. All of my family relationships are so much better. I have gotten to know my brother so much better because we started working out together after the accident. My parents lived with me after the accident and my Mom was with me everyday at the hospital. Last year they moved out and are now doing missionary work. God used that time to really heal my family. He uses everything for good!

Charity: That is amazing, how encouraging!

Tomorrow we are going to continue sharing my conversation with Shonnie. YOU DO NOT WANT to miss it!!! Shonnie will be sharing an incredible testimony of a miracle God has done in her body.

*(Note: Clarity with Charity is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. These are my amazon affiliate links, if you should decide to buy them, I receive a tiny percentage.)

Free Beth Moore, A.W. Tozer, Andrew Murray,and Stormie Omartian Books!

January 3, 2014

Hey Friends!

I was so excited to hear about these incredible *Amazon deals on Beth Moore, A.W. Tozer, Andrew Murray and Stormie Omartian Books for your kindle or other e-reader I just had to share them with you!

Beth Moore’s Bible studies and books have been a HUGE source of encouragement to me and also have provided me with a significant increase in understanding the Word of God! I have also been greatly impacted by the writings of A.W. Tozer, Andrew Murray and Stormie Omartian.

I hope you will check out at least one of these amazing books while they are free ( typically are between $15-$20). I have also included a Beth Moore book that is only 99 cents right now.

Be sure to tell your friends about this incredible deal!!!!!! What a great way to start off your 2014 reading list.

Beth Moore’s books should be free through January 10th, I am not sure about the other books, so I would suggest downloading them ASAP! Happy Friday!

Just Added Free Beth Moore Books:

MORE Free Beth Moore Books:

Free A.W. Tozer Book:

Free Andrew Murray Books:

Free Stormie Omartian Book:

My 2 year old niece’s make – up lesson.

January 2, 2014

Since I can't show you any pictures of the kiddos, here's one of the "other kids."

Since I can’t show you any pictures of the kiddos, here’s another one of the “other kids.”

Hello Friends!

I know that many of you are returning to work today after your Christmas break. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and New Years! What did you do for Christmas, I would love to hear about it in the comments below.

I want to share with you a precious and profound moment from my Christmas vacation.

I spent Christmas with my Mom, Brother and Sister – in – law and their 2 adorable foster kiddos. I wish I could share with you their pictures, but because they are a part of the foster care system I can’t. So just imagine the 2 cutest kiddos you have ever seen and that is what they look like!

Christmas Eve I was doing my make up at a make shift vanity table I had created at the kitchen table using a mirror propped in a napkin holder. My niece, ( I’m going to refer to her as “Sweetie Pie” to protect her identity), decided she wanted to play with my make up as well.

Sweetie Pie is 2 years old so I knew that her playing with my mineral make up could be a little messy.

I gave her a small amount of mineral powder which she diligently applied to every corner of her face. She then insisted that I put my purple eye shadow on her eyelids. Because her eyelids were closed she never noticed that I switched brushes, so that I was using a brush without purple eyeshadow. Although I could tell by her studious glances between the mirror and my face that she might have been noticing a discrepancy between her lids and mine.

When it came time for mascara, I told Sweetie Pie to close her eyes. I had planned to use my switching brushes trick from earlier and instead of using the mascara wand on her eyelashes use a clean brush to gently rub her lashes.

But Sweetie Pie was having none of that. She immediately shook her head no, looked straight in the mirror and began to imitate my “mascara face.” She opened her eyes wide and her mouth even wider into an oval shape. Sweetie Pie had figured out my tricks and was demonstrating that she knew the real way make up should be applied. Shocked at her perfect imitation of my mascara facial expression, and realizing I had been outwitted by Sweetie Pie, I laughed while I stroked the real mascara on her eyelids.

This adorable make up session with Sweetie Pie made me think:

1. I should never underestimate the intelligence of a 2 year old!

2. Who am I imitating and who is watching me?

Ephesians 5: 1-5 (ESV) Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Photo Credit: Scott Liddell

I want to imitate God and Him alone.

But there is a tension – a tension to imitate the people around me, the ideas I see, the images portrayed. These may even be good images or good people.

But if I am not looking to God first and foremost I begin to imitate people instead of God.

Jesus Christ was the perfect imitation of who God is.

Remembering Sweetie Pie’s instantaneous and perfect imitation of my facial expressions – fills me with a craving to know Jesus more.

If I know Him more, I can imitate Him better.

If I imitate Him, I will change and I will see trans formative change in the people around me.

This is my prayer for this new year:

Jesus, I want to be like you! Help me love the socially unacceptable. Let me open my arms to the lowest and the neglected.

Jesus, fill me with the same power that conquered death so that when I touch others they are healed mind, body and soul.

Jesus, give me a righteousness that looks like yours – pure, simple and humble –keeping my own self out of the pursuit of righteousness.

Jesus, give me boldness to speak your truth with love as my motivator and without fear of people’s opinions.

Jesus, I choose to actively maintain a constant connection with you, everyday – so I can look more like you.

I may have given Sweetie Pie a make up lesson this Christmas Eve, but she gave me something greater – A picture of how to watch, learn and emulate. May I be one who watches you Jesus, learns about you, and is quick to emulate you.

Do you experience that same struggle, to emulate others instead of Christ? How was your Christmas? What did you do to celebrate?

New Years Goals, Plans and Promises Free Printable Worksheet for 2014!

December 31, 2013

Happy New Year’s Eve!

I have made a free printable that I hope will help you remember the sweet promises God has for you in the next year along with any goals you have! I hope you will print this and take a few minutes to fill it in and then hang it somewhere you will see it as a reminder for the incredible things God has for 2014!

As I mentioned last week, I have a unique twist on New Year’s Resolutions that I do every year. Click Here or on the graphic below for more about Finding God’s Promises for your life in the new year!

Thank you to Tiny Sea for their adorable Chevron pattern and We Lived Happily Ever After for their delightful arrows.

Click Here or on the picture to download a free copy:

What are your plans for New Years? I will be celebrating at a friend’s house. They live in an area where it is legal to shoot off fireworks…wooohooo! Should be a BLAST (no pun intended!) Happy New Years, Friends!

Seeking and Finding God’s Promises for the New Year!

December 26, 2013

Hello there Friends,

I hope you had a beautiful Christmas day yesterday! I was celebrating with my hubby, Mom, brother, sis – in – law and their precious foster kids. We had an absolute blast!

Today I am…tear…more tears…on a plane heading back to Texas.

But the good news is I am about to share my favorite New Years Tradition….are you ready…Oh I am so excited to share with y’all because I know how powerful and encouraging it can be!!!

I call this tradition: Promises from God for the New Year.

While everyone else is vowing to give up caffeine, facebook and a plethora of distractions, I prefer to ask the Lord what His promises are for the next year!

I have been doing this for about 5 years now.

What I do is take some time during the last week of December to pray and ask the Lord one simple question:

God, what are your promises for the next year?

Then I write down whatever I sense He is saying. Often I hear:

– Promises for me.

– Promises for my marriage.

– Promises for others – friends and family members.

– Scripture verse or verses.

I keep this list of promises somewhere safe (for me that is my journal). Sometimes throughout the year I will go back to that page in my journal when I want a reminder of the things the Lord promises.

I try to keep this list in mind, as I pray for people and situations throughout the year.

Now this is the BEST PART: During the last week of December I pull out my old journal and find the page entitled: Promises for the Year. I then read the promises, some I have remembered and some I have forgotten about and I see all the incredible things that God has done throughout the year that matches up with His promises to me. It is an absolute blast and so faith building to see that God is speaking to my heart and also to reflect and thank Him for the promises He has fulfilled in the past year!

Will you join me this year in Asking God what Promises He has for you this year?

A few thoughts for this activity:

1. Believe that You can hear from God! If you have acknowledged your need for a Savior and asked Jesus to be your Savior from your sin, and have complete rule and authority in your life – then you have been adopted into the family of God! Wooohoo!

Romans 6:23 ^“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life inChrist Jesus our Lord.”

Romans 8:15 “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba,Father.”

This means that you can hear from God because He is your Father, not just any Father the best Father. Doesn’t a Good Father LOVE to TALK to HIS CHILD? Yes! That is who we have, a Good Father and He loves to speak to you.

In John 10: 27-28, Jesus refers to Himself as being a Good Shepherd and we (followers of Jesus) are like His sheep:

^”My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”

Not sure if you are in the family of God? Today is a great day to become a part, click here to learn more.

2. Learning to hear and recognize the voice of God takes time and practice. I didn’t recognize my husband’s voice until we had talked on the phone several times, but now I immediately recognize his voice even in the midst of a crowded room. We may not immediately recognize God’s voice if we are out of “practice” or haven’t “practiced.” That’s Ok, this is a great day to start. And the good news is, God wants to talk to you! How exciting!

One thing that has helped me grow in being able to recognize God’s voice is spending intentional time with Him everyday. If you would like more practical tips please check out the series: Why I Spend Time with Jesus Everyday

3. God will speak to us through his Word, the Bible and also to our hearts. Some people see pictures in their minds of an impression God is giving them. Others will have a strong sense of peace in their hearts. Some people may hear words or phrases in their mind.

When we think we hear God speaking to us we always want to ask:

– Does this line up with the character of God or Who God is? We can know who God is by reading His Word!

– Does this line up with the Word of God?

For example if you sat down to do this spiritual exercise and thought you heard God say, “you will be alone.” You could know that wasn’t the voice of God because God’s Word promises us: “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5). But if you heard, “even if you feel lonely this next year I will be with you.” Write that down! Because that lines up with God’s character (He is always with us) and it lines up with His Word!

– If you’re not sure, that’s ok too. Write it down anyways, and then spend some time looking it up in the Bible and talking to a trusted pastor or friend.

4. There may be some fun promises and some challenging promises.

– For 2013, I felt like the Lord promised my dear friend Katy would get married (she was not engaged at the time) and I would be a part of her wedding! This was such an exciting promise. It was a joy to be a bridesmaid in her wedding this year and see the answer to many prayers through her new marriage.

With sweet Katy on her wedding day! Isn’t she a radiant bride?

– However for 2013 the Lord also gave me the verse:

Isaiah 43:2

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”

When the Lord highlighted that scripture as a promise for 2013, I literally thought “uh oh! I think God is preparing me for a challenging year.” It wasn’t necessarily a promise I wanted to hear, but it was a promise I desperately needed and that I continually went back to over and over again as we walked through the pain of two miscarriages. I am so thankful God gave me that verse as a promise (even if I didn’t want it…ha..ha) because as the trials of this year came my heart could rise in confidence remembering His Word to me – that no matter the struggle or pain He had promised I would not be overtaken! He had promised I would not be burned!

So are you ready? Grab a cup of ~~water since you gave up caffeine for the year,~~ coffee, your Bible, your journal or a piece of Paper. Quiet your heart and ask the Lord to help you. You may want to take a moment and pray something like this.

Lord, thank you that I am your child and that you are my good Father. I want you to speak to me. I want to learn to hear your voice. Please help me. Thank you that your Word says that like a sheep hears the voice of its shepherd, that I can hear your voice. Thank you for the blood of Jesus that cleanses me from all my sins. I plead the blood of Jesus over my mind, heart and body right now and also over this space I am sitting in. I declare that you have full rule and reign over my body and mind and over this place I am occupying because I have submitted my life to you. I command any scheme of the enemy to confuse, deceive or distract me in this time to leave and say that only the Word of God will be heard in this time. Jesus give me a fresh gift of faith to believe that you will speak to me in this time. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Remember it starts with one question: God, What are Your Promises for 2014?

I can’t wait to hear the awesome things He does one year from now!

Are you going to join me in asking God for His promises for the year? Let me know!!!!! Any other favorite New Year’s traditions?

My Christmas Card to You!

December 23, 2013

Hello Friends,

Since I love Christmas cards and unfortunately cannot send a paper copy to each and every one of you, I decided to make you a special Christmas greeting!

Special Thanks to the Blog: We Lived Happily Ever After for their Gorgeous Free Graphics

I hope your Christmas week is wonderful and filled with sweet times with family and friends.

This month for me has brought a mix of emotions: rejoicing in the joy that we have at Christmas time but also grieving the loss of our baby, Alexander, who we miscarried last December.

If you also have experienced a roller coaster of emotions this season, I want to share with you a few verses about Hope that I have been reading over and over again the past month. I have clung to these verses when I don’t feel hopeful. As I have meditated on the Truth of God’s Word about Hope I have experienced Hope rising anew in my heart.

Psalm 119:81 “My soul longs for your salvation; I hope in your Word.”

Psalm 39:7 ” And now O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in You.”

Romans 5: 3-5 ” More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”

I love each and everyone of you and pray for you continually – My prayer for you this Christmas is this:

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13

Things will be quiet on the blog until this Thursday as I spend Christmas with my family. What are your Christmas plans? I would love to hear about them!

Everyday Heroes: Meet Kate, She Sees Fashion and Faith as the perfect opportunity to run a Kingdom Minded Business

December 18, 2013

Today, we continue our ongoing series, Everyday Heroes! This series includes interviews of “everyday” people who are loving Jesus and loving others well through their vocations and calling. I am so excited for you to meet Kate, so let’s get started!

Charity: Kate, Welcome to the blog and thanks so much for agreeing to be interviewed! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Kate: Hi! I’m Kate and I’m twenty two. I am a recent graduate of Texas A&M in College Station, TX, where I graduated in May with a degree in Biomedical Engineering (seriously by the GRACE of GOD!). I bought the store, Northgate Vintage in August of 2012 and managed to keep the store running through my senior year of college. Towards the end of that year I did some major decision making. As much as I LOVED being in College Station and running the store, I was drawn towards a job opportunity that came my way. I took a job with St. Jude Medical, in Austin, TX. It is a biomedical device company. I work for the Cardiac Rhythm Management division which covers the sales and programming of pacemakers and defibrillators. My job is to program the pacemakers to understand and respond to each patient’s intrinsic cardiac activity. It can be pretty intense but so rewarding. To relieve some of the stress of my job I’ve settled into some hobbies. I love running with my roommates golden retriever, Riley! She adds an extra challenge…I’ve almost landed flat on my face twice when she forgets I’m next to her! I’m also taking a barre class. This January I’m joining the Austin Rowing club with my friend Mollie!

Charity: Wow, you are one busy girl. I am amazed that you bought and operated Northgate Vintage while you were still in college! Tell us a little bit about your store Northgate Vintage, where is it located, what products does it sell and who is your target audience?

Kate: Northgate Vintage is a unique shop located in the Northgate area of College Station. To get up to the shop you have to climb a spiral staircase from the street level! It is housed in one of the oldest buildings on Northgate so it carries a sense of historical charm. Northgate Vintage or NGV, sells boutique clothing, jewelry and TOMS as wells as a selection of Men’s and Women’s Vintage clothing. The goal of NGV is to be an accessible and affordable for college students. We offer high quality clothing with style at a price that won’t break the bank!

Charity: I love your commitment to offering affordable fashion what college girl or non college girl doesn’t love that! I know the story of you becoming the owner of Northgate Vintage is unique, can you share about it with our readers?

Kate: It’s a pretty unbelievable story, which is why I refer to it as a miracle! I knew the previous owner of the store that occupied the space. He decided to pack up the small business life and pursue other opportunities. After finding out the space and the store were up for grabs I immediately started dreaming about what I would do with a store! I imagined what I would sell, what it would look like, who would come in, and the potential impact I could have on students and customers. I truly believe these were God-breathed dreams!

northgate vintage, faith meets fashion, kate vincent, vocation, calling

My Dad happened to be a part of a small investing business, Vital Seed, that invests in Kingdom minded entrepreneurs. In a matter of days I met with them, spent hours explaining and answering their questions about my dream, and walked away with their support and a check in hand! Three weeks later the shop opened up for business!

That was just the start; from the very beginning I know I had the FAVOR of God on the whole effort. He provided incredible friends that gave up so much sleep and time and energy to support and help me. I am still in awe of my community and how they loved me so well! Becoming the owner of Northgate Vintage was a whirlwind adventure, and I am so thankful for the divine way it happened.

Charity: That is an incredible story Kate. I love how when God puts dreams in our hearts they are always too big to accomplish on our own. It always takes His power to fulfill them. I love that you trusted Him to give you what you needed to make these dreams a reality. What is your favorite part about being a small business owner?

Kate: I love the freedom to make decisions and guide the business in certain directions. I enjoy being able to have a vision and have the ability to see it happen. While the challenge is an added stress, it is rewarding to see the business improve and my “baby” grow! I also get to share it with an incredible friend. This past summer, Julianne Webber, became my business partner! She is a woman that walks in so much wisdom and is such a loving support. Together we make decisions about our employees, events, and clothing. It’s such a blessing to have someone to carry it with me, and also someone local in College Station. She’s also amazingly gorgeous.

Julianne Webber, northgate vintage, faith meets fashion, kate vincent, vocation, calling

Julianne and Kate

Charity: I agree, she is so beautiful! As are you! What challenges have you faced starting a small business?

Kate: The first year was obviously challenging as I was finishing my last year of undergrad. I don’t know if I would advise starting a physical location business while still in school! It was pretty rough for a couple months. (I’ll take this moment to apologize to friends and family for my disheveled appearance during this time haha). There were several nights a week that I was up until 3 or 4am and usually my days with school and work were 8am-10pm! Yikes! So thankful that season is over!

Charity: I don’t think I have ever seen you looking disheveled! But wow, I really can’t imagine keeping that schedule, only the grace and passion of the Lord could have kept you going during that period! I know you have been referencing your Christian faith throughout the interview, but could you explain to us more how your relationship with Jesus affects your business practices?

Kate: I fully believe this business is a gift from God. Because of that I treat the whole experience differently. I make decisions to steward the business and see it grow because I want to see God given all the glory. I am not out to make my fortune with this business. While I do operate to make a profit, and make the largest profit I can, the outcome of the store’s performance does not affect how I view myself or how I feel as a business owner. You see, it was never mine to begin with. Having this freedom allows the business to be generous with its income. I love being able to give to different ministries and organizations and bless people in need. NGV also carries many products that give back to ministries and sustainable third world efforts. As a Kingdom business its sole purpose is to give God glory and see the name of Jesus made known. Having that as a purpose drives our decisions to be full of integrity, honesty and to strive for excellence, and it removes the weight of failure. I can’t fail because it’s God’s dream!

Charity: That is so powerful Kate. I loved what you shared about your worth not being based upon the performance of the store. It can be so difficult (I know!) to not base our worth on performance, but when we are where God wants us and obeying what He says to do, you’re right, the weight of performance is taken off us! Thanks for that fresh reminder, I needed that today! How does owning Northgate Vintage fit into the calling on your life?

Kate: I never grew up dreaming of owning a shop. I’ve never called myself an expert on fashion or business, but I have always liked starting things. I think God has given me the desire and capability to see dreams pioneered and begun. I don’t know exactly what this looks like for the rest of my life. I would like to think that this store will continue to grow and continue to be a haven for college students on Northgate for years to come. I imagine I could move back to College Station and continue to work in the medical field while still running the store on the side. I also have really thought about church planting too. Who knows? It could be the perfect amount of work for me as a stay at home mom …..wayyyyy in the future ha…ha. I’m excited to see what unfolds!

Charity: I’m excited to see too Kate. God has already done amazing things through your life, I can’t wait to see what He does in the future. What would your advice be to readers who are interested in starting a small business, specifically one in the clothing industry?

Kate: I would say the most helpful thing would be to work for a clothing company. Work retail in a small setting, and in a large setting. I think that understanding the processes and the work that goes on behind the scenes will really give you a picture of what it takes. I would recommend reading some blogs for small businesses and getting in touch with your local small business development center. Spend several months planning and creating a business plan. Also do research in your local area for similar businesses and determine what will set you apart! Once you’ve done that you will be in much better place than I was to talk to investors.

Charity: That is excellent advice Kate. Anything else you want to share?

Kate: Just that sometimes you don’t have to have it all planned or figured out. Sometimes risking everything with God is ridiculous! But as ridiculous as it was I learned so much. I took a crazy risk (with the blessing of my parents and mentors) and was challenged in ways that I never would have been if I hadn’t. It was crazy but I don’t regret it! I also just want to say thanks for taking the time to interview me! I love your blog and you!

Charity: Awwwww, thanks Kate! I really appreciate your encouragement and you taking the time for an interview. If our readers would like to contact you or learn more about Northgate Vintage, how can they do that?

Kate: I would love to connect with anyone who has questions!

Website: www.northgatevintage.com

Kate’s Email: northgatevintagecs@gmail.com

Instagram: @northgatevintage

Facebook: www.facebook.com/northgatevintage