Share Your Story: Andrea

I'm so honored to have Andrea from Ever After Blueprint sharing here today.  Not only does she have an awesome blog, she has an beautiful story.  She is opening up her heart and sharing about her difficult journey of becoming pregnant today.  I honestly couldn't help but cry as I read her story and how her faith was stretched.  She has a beautiful and faithful heart for Christ.  I know you will be blessed today by Andrea...

I got married young. I was just out of college and married to my high school sweetheart. We were young and in love and had our whole lives ahead of us. We always knew we wanted a family, but we had time. We joked that we were on the 10-year plan. We would travel and work and get established before we started having babies. Fast forward 5 years and a mortgage later and we were ready to start a family. I stopped taking birth control and we assumed we’d get pregnant within the year. 

It was exciting to think about starting this new chapter of our lives. Each month we would dream about the possibility of having a baby, figuring out when he or she would be born, and counting down the days until we would know if we had made a baby. But as the months turned into a year, and one year into two, and we still weren’t pregnant, the excitement waned and questions and fears crept in. We wanted to be parents and were committed to raising our children in a Godly home, so why wasn’t God answering our prayers?

No one talks about not being able to get pregnant. Lots of people talk about NOT getting pregnant, so it’s just assumed that when you want to have a baby it’s easy. 

The phrase “trying to get pregnant” was something I struggled with. In my mind, if I was trying to do something and not succeeding, then I was failing—and I don’t like to fail! If I was failing, my immediate reaction is to assume there’s something I’m not doing right and try to fix it. 

Anyone who has had a hard time getting pregnant has probably been through a time when “making a baby” starts to be more like work than play. It’s the means to an end, instead of an act of love. When you are tracking symptoms, taking temperatures, and watching the clock, making a baby becomes a science instead of an act of love. Friends counseled me to keep the magic alive and enjoy the process, but some days this was easier than others. 

As more and more of our friends started to get pregnant, I couldn’t help but wonder when it would be our turn! I wanted to be happy for them as they started their journey of motherhood, but I couldn’t help but feel left out. During this time of waiting and uncertainty I went through stages of doubt and questioning God. 

I knew if we were going to get through this, Adam and I had to be a team. We had to be open and honest with each other. That meant talking about our frustrations and fears and falling on our knees day after day asking our Father to answer our prayers. 

After close to two years of trying to get pregnant, two things happened. I started to realize Adam and I couldn’t go through this process alone. I was losing hope and realized we needed others to walk along side us. Around the same time, our church started to have times of prayer at the end of every service. Asking someone to pray for me (us) wasn’t easy, but it was such a blessing! Week after week, Adam and I asked for prayer. It was so freeing to be open about our struggles and have our brothers and sisters in Christ come along side us and pray with us. 

Looking back, I can see that it was pride that kept me from sharing our struggle sooner. It sounds silly, but I wanted to be able to surprise people with the news that we were pregnant and I couldn’t do that if we told them we were trying! (If you can’t tell, I’m a little stubborn and like to be in control!) It seems like a small thing, but it was a hurdle for me to get over to first tell people we were trying to get pregnant and then, more importantly, ask them to pray for us. 

I was really good at praying for other people, asking them how they were doing, and caring for their needs, but when it came to my own struggles, it was easier for me to keep them to myself. I told myself that other people’s concerns were more important than my own. Now I realize how prideful I was. The church is a place for sick people. It is a place to be vulnerable and I was being a hypocrite! Here I was expecting people to be open and honest about their issues and concerns with me, but I wasn’t willing to be the same with them. I would rather put on a happy face and pretend like I had everything figured out. Asking for prayer would mean admitting that I needed help, and that wasn’t something I was good at. 

There were times along the way when I was discouraged. I questioned God and why he would make us wait what felt like so long to have a baby. A friend had a word that was so encouraging for me during this time of waiting. She reminded me that God had given us the desire to have a family and he would honor that. I clung to that promise when everything in me doubted.

Eventually, Adam and I went to a fertility doctor to see if there were any physical reasons we weren’t able to get pregnant. This was another humbling experience. I firmly believe that if God wanted us to be pregnant he could have made it happen without us going to a doctor, but I also believe that he gave us doctors for a reason. We both had a variety of tests done to see if there was anything preventing us from conceiving. The first several tests came back fine, which was a blessing and a curse. 

At that point I remember not knowing how to pray. On the one hand if we found out something was wrong, that would explain why we hadn’t been able to get pregnant, but on the other hand, there was a chance the doctor would find something that would mean we wouldn’t be able to get pregnant, and that would be devastating! Now I see it was another opportunity for us to trust God. 

I clearly remember the last time we were prayed for before we found out we were pregnant. I didn’t even want to be prayed for that day, but God knew what we needed, and two different friends approached Adam and me after church and asked if they could pray for us. Of course we couldn’t say no. So once again, we humbly bowed our heads as our friends laid hands on us and earnestly asked for our prayers to be answered. In those moments, when I was at the end of my rope, God knew exactly what I needed. He is so good! When we couldn’t pray anymore, that is when our friends walked beside us and continued to petition on our behalf.

(photos: Carrie Krupke Photography)

When we finally got pregnant, it was so sweet to be able to tell our friends and family that we were having a baby after they had been praying for us! By inviting them to walk with us through our journey they were able to rejoice with us when our prayers were answered! 

Today it is amazing to hold my darling baby boy and remember all the prayers that brought him here. God is so good! I echo Hannah’s prayer in I Samuel 1:27: “I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him.” This reminder is especially sweet when I’m longing for a nap or a stretch of sleep longer than 2 hours!

(photos: Carrie Krupke Photography)

As I look back on our journey, I see how God used it to humble my heart and deepen my faith. It is so hard to be stuck in the waiting, not knowing how or when your prayer will be answered. There will still be times when I struggle with God’s timing, but I know God is faithful. He will sustain me when I can’t take another step or pray another prayer. And when I make it to the other side and look back and see how God was with me through the hard times, it’s beautiful. My prayer is for God to use my experience to comfort and encourage other women going through a similar situation. I’d love to hear your stories!  

Thank you so much Andrea for sharing with us today!  I know your story has been a blessing to me.  Please make sure you visit Andrea's blog and let her know what her story meant to you!

Andrea blogs about marriage, decorating, and life at EverAfterBlueprint.com. 

Read about how she fell in love with her high school prom date, her favorite things about living in an old house, and why she loves decorating her mantel. 

If you would like to share you story too just send me an email, I would love to chat! 

Have a wonderful weekend!

PS - Check out more stories from everyday women here.

Share Your Story: Christie's Adoption Story

Something that I love about blogging are the connections and friendships you make.  Over the last several months I have connected with a sweet blogger and Youth Pastor's wife - Christie.  She blogs over at Satisfaction Through Christ and has such a precious heart for the Lord.  She and her husband have adopted one beautiful baby girl and now have been given the opportunity to adopt again.  As you can imagine, adopting is not always easy and there are financial obstacles that you have to get through.  This family is being faithful to God's call and God is providing!  I would love for you guys to meet Christie, to hear about their adoption story and learn how you can support them.  If you are a family considering adoption Christie is such a great resource and loves to help and give advice.   Take some time to hear her story! 

A week ago we received a phone call saying that we'd been chosen by a young birth mother in Florida.   Chosen for what?  To adopt her baby!  A story that started three weeks ago from a simple Facebook message has turned our world upside down, for the greater!  For the full story and our adoption announcement, please visit here.

Late last week our adoption agency gave us 15 days to come up with the first $10,000 needed for our precious baby girl's adoption.  To say that we were not prepared for this is an understatement!  As you read in our adoption announcement, we were waiting on fertility results the day that my friend contacted me.  So, to need $10,000 in such a short amount of time was a bit overwhelming.  But, the Lord soon laid an idea on my heart -- Operation 10:10:1 {10 Days: $10: 1 Baby Girl}!

I knew that friends and family were just as overwhelmed with the cost of adoption as I was and I figured, let's just chip away $10 at a time!  

In the last week we have raised close to $4,000 towards our $10,000 goal!  I've been amazed at the response, the love, and the support from the online community!  

When Megan gave me the opportunity to share our story here, I knew that the Lord was giving me another avenue to give Him all honor, glory, and praise!

So, will you join us today as we seek to be obedient to the call that the Lord has on our lives?  We knew when we said, "Yes", that this was so much bigger than ourselves.  But, we knew that the body of Christ was big enough to accomplish it!

$10 and a prayer means more than you'll ever know!

 

What an easy way to help support a wonderful family!  Adoption is such a precious act and example of Jesus' love for us.  I love the willingness and faith this family has to follow God, even when the task may seem bigger than them.  Praying for you Christie!

Thanks for stopping by today!  Have a wonderful weekend!

 

Share Your Story: Audrey

We are blessed with another story today from a wonderful young woman.  I have had the privilege of seeing Audrey mature from a teenager that's part of our youth group to a strong, confident and beautiful woman of God.  She is truly a great example of pursuing a Godly walk and I'm so excited she is sharing with us today!    

Tell us a little about yourself - 

My name is Audrey. I’m 24 years old and live and work in Raleigh. I graduated from Carolina two years ago and have since worked at a public relations firm in the area. My parents and three younger siblings all live in the area and I love being able to see them on a regular basis. I also love writing, running, spending time with friends and exploring Raleigh (restaurants, flea markets, etc.). 

How did you become a christian? 

I became a Christian as a six-year-old. My parents are the ones who shared the gospel with me and I still remember specific parts of the conversation I had with them that led to my understanding that Christ was Savior and my decision to turn my life over to Him. 

Because I was so young when I first came to know the Lord, my understanding of what it looked like to be a Christian slowly developed as I grew and matured. However, the things that I understood that day at age six – that Jesus died to take the punishment I deserved for my sins, that as a result I could know God and have a real relationship with Him by repenting of my sin and accepting Jesus as the savior, and that doing this would mean giving my life over to God and allowing Him to be the “boss of my life” – are the core truths that my faith rests on today.

Tell us about a tough time/decision that you have faced - Did you feel close to God or far away during this time?

A couple of valleys from recent years come to mind. One was graduating from college with no idea what came next. I remember sitting on my parents’ couch the night after I graduated crying and saying I didn’t know what was going to happen next in my life but I didn’t see how it could possibly be as good as the past four years of my life had been.  

Recent months have also brought confusion as some of the circumstances and well-laid plans in my life came undone. It’s been painful and left me with big questions both for the now and for the future.

When these “valley moments” first hit I think the initial feeling is loneliness and maybe feeling a little farther from God. As soon as I turn a difficult situation over to Him it’s always a game-changer, though. He makes His presence very apparent to me and leaves me feeling closer to Himself than I did when everything in life was good. 

How did God move through this situation?

My faith was definitely short-sighted at the time of graduation, but God used the months that followed to show me that he is in control. Over those months as I got a job, moved out on my own and got connected to a church and new friendships in Raleigh, I saw God’s faithfulness at each step. He provided for every need and walked beside me through the tough days. Now looking back I know it was silly of me to expect so little of God.  

While the more recent days of uncertainty have been more painful, I can see how the lessons he taught me two years ago are important reminders to me now. He has used the hard days to strengthen my faith and help me hold onto my plans with a loose grip, knowing that His plan for me is better than what I envision for myself. He has also shown me through pain what I don’t think I would have ever been able to see through times of happiness, that my need for God is the deepest, most important need in my life and that true satisfaction and joy comes from Christ alone and is completely unrelated to life’s circumstances. 

Do you have any advice for someone going through a similar situation/circumstance?

Pray that God will help you trust Him. You don’t have to understand what’s going on in your life, why it’s happening or what comes next to trust that God is in control and is working for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28; Jer. 29:11). 

Spend time with people who are an encouragement to you and point you toward growth and healing in the hard times. There are so many people who say shallow things to try and make you feel better or who feed the discouraged feelings that come so easily when you’re in a valley – those aren’t the people you need to be spending time with. When you’re in a vulnerable place seek out your friends who are walking with the Lord and who have a track record of speaking truth and seeing life with the right perspective. 

Tell us about a favorite memory or moment. 

One summer while I was in college I had the opportunity to spend six weeks in Asia on a mission trip with a group from my school. It was a blessing in my life in so many ways. It pushed me so far outside of my comfort zone that it required a whole new level of trust in the Lord and God used it to develop in me an incredible love for a people and nation that I had hardly thought about prior to that summer. 

How did God move through this event in your life? 

It was definitely a perspective-shifting time in my life. I went over wanting to make a difference in other people’s lives; and while we certainly saw that come from the trip, I also experienced such a deep sense of purpose, satisfaction and joy in my own life that summer. I think it was the first time that I saw with absolute clarity that not only was I supposed to love God and make Him known, but that loving Him and make Him know is also what makes my life truly satisfying and joyful. 

What would be the one piece of advice you would give other young women?

Believe what the Bible says and let its truth be the foundation you build your life on. I think often the first step toward drifting from relationship with the Lord – and to be blunt, wasting our lives on trivial things – is ignoring God’s Word or allowing ourselves to pick and choose what portions of it are true and applicable to their lives. If you believe that the Bible is God’s Word, then it’s important to trust what it says is true, timeless, for our good and has authority to steer our decisions.

What are some of your favorite pieces of scripture and why?

Isaiah 26:3 – “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.”

• I love the reminder this verse provides. If we fix our minds on Christ and place our trust in Him, we are kept in perfect peace. That’s so the way I want to live my life. 

Philippians 3:8 – “What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish that I may gain Christ” 

• I so easily get caught up in other pursuits, but this verse reminds me that every other thing in life is a waste in comparison to knowing Christ. To put it simply, Christ is better. 

 Thanks so much Audrey for sharing your story today!  Check back next Wednesday for another story!  

Share Your Story: Lindsey

 

It's Share Your Story Wednesday! Today we are blessed with the precious Lindsey.  Lindsey has such a gentle and kind spirit and has a huge heart for serving others.  I can't wait for you to meet her! 

Tell us a little about yourself: My name is Lindsey, I am a freshman in College attending the University of North Carolina in Wilmington where I will be studying to become a nurse. I was raised in a loving Christian home by my parents Tim and Sharon. I also have two brothers, Bradley who is twenty-two and attends North Carolina State University, and Wesley who is fifteen and in High School. Throughout my high school career I was on the Varsity Cheerleading squad and really enjoyed the girls, sport, and the life lessons that God thought me through it. However, my greatest joy came from hanging out with friends, staying involved in my youth group, and of course my soft spot for children.

How did you become a Christian? I was raised in a Christian home, so God was nothing new to me, and I am very grateful for that. My dad’s job caused my family to relocate so when I was five years old we moved to Apex, North Carolina; here we found an amazing family in Salem and were quick to join. Going to church to me was something I was forced to do and that I wasn’t very happy about, however this all changed once I joined the youth group. My freshman year I had the opportunity to go on the youth groups annual trip to Caswell summer camp, I was hesitant at first but I wanted to be involved with my youth group and heard that Caswell was a trip you shouldn’t pass up. It was here that God become real to me. I began to realize that my life was to be devoted to serving God and following Him where ever He was going to take me. Being a Christian in high school isn’t easy; we are different from everybody else, and having loving, Christian friends to experience fellowship with was a blessing within its self. God blessed me, and all of the other youth, with a strong and solid support system through Salem Student Ministries. Two people who were very influential in my salvation are Justin and Megan. They taught me what it meant to live a life for Christ. They also allowed God to work through them to help me through the struggles and pressures of high school. Not only are they my youth leaders, but my spiritual role models. For this I am extremely grateful, and I know that God will continue to use them in amazing ways. 

Tell us about a tough time or valley you have experienced in your life -My junior year of high school I found out that I was experiencing minor medical problems. I was afraid for my future and what it had in store. I was confused and wondered why God was allowing this to happen. I grew angry toward the situation and felt hopeless and helpless. Over time I distanced myself from God and began to resent Him because of my illness. My youth group, being my main support system, was there for me and helped me realize the truth. The truth was that my God is stronger than any struggle that I face, and through that I found peace. This illness was actually a wonderful blessing and I am so grateful that God has put it in my life. It taught me so many valuable life lesions. I’ve learned that God uses these valleys in our lives to allow us to cling to Him, grow closer to Him, and trust in his almighty power. It has given me the sympathy I need to help other people who are suffering, which led me to choose a career in nursing. By becoming a nurse I can show Gods love to other people by letting them know that there is a great God who loves them just as much as I do. 

What would be your advice for someone going through something similar?  My advice for anyone who is going through a rough patch, or valley, is to cling to Christ. Let Him use these tough situations for His glory and understand that no matter how tough your situation may be God will never leave you or forsake you. Through these experiences you have the opportunity to grow closer to God and create an intimate and deeper relationship with Him. Use your hardship, grow from it, and share it with others.

What is a favorite memory or event from your life and how did your faith grow through it?  One of the most memorable moments of my life would have to be our youth group’s international mission trip to Costa Rica. It was a trip of firsts for me, first plane ride, first international trip, first experience with another language, and a firsthand encounter with culture shock! God worked in so many miraculous ways in Costa Rica, and surprisingly the language barrier wasn’t a problem. We were able to feed the homeless, play with orphans, do yard work, street evangelize, and witness door-to-door. This week was filled with emotions that I had never experienced before. God was working though each and every one of us by using all of our specific talents for His glory (what a great God!). The people in Costa Rica were lacking many things that Americans consider “common essentials.” However, they seemed so happy and content. This made my heart ache to know that all of these things I was blessed with I took for granted, and didn’t even need! Through this experience I saw God in a different light. I understood that life isn’t about material possessions, the grades I make, who I'm friends with, or what I wear; but it’s about the God you serve and how you serve Him. Although it was such a unique and amazing experience to go work for Christ in Costa Rica, there are always opportunities to be a missionary where you live. Even if you are at work in your cubical or a high school student at your desk, God can still use you to show His unfailing love. 

What advice would you give other teenagers?  Being a teenage girl in high school is one of the toughest things in the world, and not to mention you are adding your faith into the mix. The pressures to fit in and be popular are tremendous, and you can’t conquer them without Christ. I have always struggled with the idea of “never being good enough.” I would cry to my mom because I didn’t think I was cool enough, pretty enough, smart enough, or talented enough. I thought that everyone was better than me. But that’s so false! I had let the world put pressure, stress, and anxiety in my life that I couldn’t handle on my own.  God made me in His image with specific talents and gifts that I can use to benefit His kingdom. All of the things that high school feeds you are wrong, and once you start focusing on pleasing God and not the world your life will change forever. Being a Christian may cause you to lose friends, or may even prevent you from being the most “popular” kid in school, but you have to remember that Jesus didn’t have it easy either when he was dying on the cross for our sins. High school was stressful and I know that college isn’t going to be any easier, I will be tempted to do things that I would of never imagined, but I must stay strong in my relationship with Christ, cling to Him, and he will sustain me. 

What are some of your favorite bible verses?

Palm 118:5 (NLT) In my anguish I cried out to the Lord, and He answered by setting me free.

Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) Do not fear for I am with you, do not be dismayed, For I am your God I will strengthen you and help you, I will lift you up with my righteous right hand.

Psalm 55:22 (NIV) Cast you cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. 

Philippians 4:6 (NIV) Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 

Colossians 3:17 (NIV) And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. 

Thanks so much for Sharing Your Story with us Lindsey! 

Share Your Story: Chloe

I'm so excited to get started back up with our Share Your Story series.  We start back up with a sweet, sweet young woman, Chloe.  I can't wait for you to get to know her!

Tell us a little about yourself-Before I can get too deep into my story, you should know a little more about me. The past 18 years I have grown up in the great city of Cary, North Carolina with my loving parents, an older brother, and an older sister up until this past fall when I began my first year of college at UNC Asheville.

When did you first experience God and become a Christian?-When I was younger, faith and God were not really a big part of my life and I knew very little about either. However, in about fourth grade my good friend Allison often invited me to her church Salem Baptist for GA’s and Sunday school. Soon after, I got really involved with the youth group, which immediately changed my life. I felt so welcomed by everyone, like they actually wanted me there, which encouraged me to attend youth trips and meet more people. It quickly began to feel like I was part of an incredible family and something bigger than myself. On one trip in particular I realized I didn’t really have a personal relationship with Christ and that I wanted that more than anything. That night, my sister and I both gave our lives to Christ and we both later got baptized along with my mother. Having an amazing youth group to back me up, encourage me, and lead me the right direction was an awesome blessing for a new believer like me. This group of students over the years really helped me define what I believe and grow immensely in my faith. Not only that, but it’s also given me every single one of my best, life-long friends and given me the greatest memories of my teen years. I really cannot express how much this youth group means to me and how much the students and especially the leaders changed my life.

Have you ever faced a big future decision or walked through a valley regarding your faith?-I could never have dreamed of having the life God blessed me with. And I never could imagine having to leave it behind either. But, all good things must end, right? That was my battle senior year. I started to realize that I was soon going to have to face the real world, leave my beloved family, town, and church family behind, and I was going to have to be a responsible, independent, adult. This was incredibly scary and stressful. Anyone who knows me at all knows that I cannot make decisions whatsoever (it runs in the family). So the idea of having to decide on my entire future in just a few months seemed impossible. Now, in this case most people logically think through things and turn to God for His wisdom and guidance, but I did the complete opposite. I completely shut out reality and even God Himself. I placed said church family as “number one” in my life and decided to make the most of the little time I had left with them, putting literally everything else as second priority to them (yes, even God). This led to some drama naturally and left me cramming to make a decision about college one month before the deadline. With my circumstances, UNC Asheville was essentially my only option so I accepted somewhat unwillingly. My original plan to go there and room with my cousin failed and I liked the campus, but didn’t care enough to look at the academics so I felt unsure about going there. I had heard so many awful things about how “Christians were not accepted there,” it was an “extremely liberal school” (like that’s always a bad thing), and how “all the strange people go there.” All year I had just expected God to place my future in my lap and I wouldn’t have to lift a finger, but at this point it felt like He had just not been paying attention. Needless to say, all of this combined gave me some serious doubts, and being far from God at the time didn’t help. The more I thought about it, the more I disliked it and really believed I had made the wrong choice. I even got upset with God. I mean, how could He send me to such an Anit-Christian, non-popular, weirdo-filled school four hours away from everything I love, right? So I did what I do best again and simply ignored it all.

How did God move and change you through this situation?-One of my last trips as a member of my youth group that summer brought me the confirmation and peace I had been longing for. We were at one of my favorite places in the world, Camp Caswell. It is always the best week of every summer, and this one was no different. That year’s theme was about finding our identity in Christ (how fitting). One night towards the end of the week God shook me and completely broke my heart of stone and remolded it into something beautiful. I was sitting on top of what has been deemed the “Spanish Fort” by our youth group, reflecting on what God had done that week with my friends. I’m not entirely sure how, but God told me that He had wanted me at UNCA for a reason, to do what I love most-to help people. He told me that it was going to be my mission field, preparing me for my future, and that I was going to impact that campus. Like I had heard so many times that year, I finally realized that God had a plan for me all along, to give me a hope and a future, and I was the one not paying attention. I felt a peace and even an excitement about it. After the “camp high” faded a bit I had a few more doubts throughout the summer, but God continued to reassure and grow me. Once I arrived in Asheville I knew God was right and His hand had been in my future all along.

Do you have any advice for someone in a similar circumstance as you?-In every stage of life we are faced with big decisions that are often life-changing. And it never gets any easier or any less frightening. My advice is to not worry, which I know is easier said than done. But worrying does absolutely nothing good for us and essentially is us not trusting God. Whenever you feel doubtful, worried, scared, or whatever simply turn to God. He knows everything about your life and wants what is best for His children, He will never steer you wrong. God has the answers, and He’s just waiting for you to ask for them. I also encourage everyone, whether in a good, bad, or okay stage of life, to find a strong group of other Christians to be closely connected with. Their encouragement, guidance, and love are so vital to growing deeper with Christ.

Tell us about one of your most favorite times or events in your life.-Going to UNCA has honestly been one of the biggest blessings of my life. I never thought I would find anyone like my church family back home, but within the first week God led me to the wonderful people of Campus Crusade. Again, I was immediately accepted and felt wanted there, I even was offered rides to church and was invited to hang out with these kids I hardly knew. I was truly shown God’s love by these people. Cru could never replace my Salem family, but they sure come close. By October I had already become best friends with everyone in Cru and had found my suitemates for next year, and now I’m even a leader. Cru has given me opportunities to grow with other Christians on my campus, reach out and serve my community, and encounter God daily. God has also placed an inspiring, new church family into my life where I have gotten involved with an amazing Bible study that has taken me in like family. Both of these groups have been an incredible blessing and have helped me challenge my faith in so many different ways and really strengthen what I believe. Through the past year I’ve learned that God really does know what He is doing, He will provide what is best for us no matter what. And most importantly, I’ve learned to always trust God with everything. We like to think we have it all under control, but He wrote our life story, so why shouldn’t we turn to Him for guidance?

What are some of your most favorite pieces of scripture?-I have always loved Romans 8, but particularly verses 35-39. It is an incredible reminder that nothing in the entire universe, including ourselves, can separate us from the love of Christ. Because “we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” More than conquerors!!! Why should we ever worry about anything if that is true?! God loves us no matter what, and because of that we can conquer the trials of this world through Him who died for us. Along with that, I also love John 16:33-“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” This is a beautiful reminder that God knows we will face hard times and that life isn’t easy, but if we live in Him, we can live in peace. Because if we are in Him, He is in us and He has already overcome all that we will face in this world.

Thanks so much Chloe for sharing your story today! It was such a blessing and encouragement.  

Hope everyone has a wonderful Wednesday!  If you would ever want to Share Your Story just email me!

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Weekend in a Glimpse

Last weekend we took our students to Camp Caraway for our Fall Retreat.  We had an amazing time together as a group.  God was working and it was evident.  We are so excited about this upcoming year, we know that there are greater things yet to come.

This happened...one of the funniest things ever.  

We talked a lot about Going Back to the Start last weekend- Spending time with Jesus (reading His word) develops a deeper Love for Him which leads us to obedience - which unity is a by product of.  If we want to bring Jesus to others we have to be united, time to get Back to the Start.   

If you love me, you will keep my commandments.  John 14:15

I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.  John 17:33

Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11

So next week Share Your Story comes back!  I'm excited to start back up again. There are some awesome young women who have great encouragement to give so check back next Wednesday for that!

Have a wonderful Wednesday! Thanks for stopping by!

Share Your Story : Heather

Today's story comes from one of my sweet friends Heather.  I have known Heather since I was little and we grew up going to the same church and youth group.  She has the most beautiful family and I am so blessed to know all of them.  Heather is full of courage and strength and despite the many trials she has faced she has an incredibly positive outlook on life.  She's a great mom and encourager and I can't wait for her to share her story with all of you!!

Tell us a little about yourself!  I was born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina and no matter where I've moved throughout my life, I've always ended up back here. My parents were high school sweethearts and even though they had their ups and downs, they taught me that when you make a commitment, you keep it. I have a younger sister who is married and they are the Godparents to my children (that's how much we love them!) Growing up was difficult, I was diagnosed with severe idiopathic scoliosis at 12 years old and put into a very uncomfortable and embarrassing back brace for 7 years. We made the best of it and I learned that if you want something bad enough, no matter what challenges you face, you can do anything you want to do with hard work, positivity and prayer. I LOVE to write, sing, design jewelry, laugh! I have so many hobbies, it's tough to list them all!! God and my dad have truly given me the mind of an entrepreneur. That gift, paired with my mom's non-stop positive attitude makes for an exhausting and productive combination! I LOVE being a mommy. I never knew how amazing it would be to actually have a child of my own and watch them grow and learn and become a...person! It is an incredible blessing and honor to know that God selected this child just for you. 

When was your first encounter with God and How did you become a christian? Who was influential in your salvation?  I grew up in church and my mom was the one who always took us. I remember singing in church all of the time and just adoring my youth group and the support and unconditional love I received from the people around me. After I was put into a back brace, I really started to worry about life, death and began searching for answers to the tough questions of WHY did God let this happen to me?!? I asked Jesus to be my Lord and Savior when I was 12 and was baptized at Salem Baptist Church. Somewhat out of fear, but I made the decision to follow Christ and since that time have learned that becoming a Christian is more about love than fear.  My mom was probably the most influential person when it came to my salvation. She “lived” her walk and that was the biggest influence to me when I see the person I've become today.
Tell us about a tough time/decision that you have faced- You know, it would have to be two things, the first would undoubtedly be my back brace years. I was in so much pain and people around me had no idea. I was picked on ALL of the time. It was just an awkward age anyway, but throw a big, bulky back brace into the mix - on top of that, I had to wear my mom's clothes because we couldn't afford to go buy a new wardrobe and those just are not the “best years” of a girl's life! But I learned SO much. I lost friends, because they were worried about what I had being “contagious” and it was different. But my mom would come back with “You are so lucky! Now you know who your REAL friends are and most people don't ever know that!” She was so right.  My “OMG Moment” had to be one particular day which had been extremely rough at school. I went into my room, cried and cried and threw my Bible on the bed asking God “why are You doing this to me?!” When I picked up my Bible, it was literally at the page that read “Who can straighten what God has made crooked?” I never questioned Him again. He knows what He is doing and faith is all about trust. Even though I still have moments of uncertainty, I always put my faith in God.

The second most difficult moment of my life was losing my mom. She only wanted two things in life: to go to Heaven and to be a grandmother. She got both in the same day. We had watched her go through a very painful cancer for 3 years. Night after night spent in the ER holding her hair as she threw up and waiting for help. It was just something no one should ever have to go through. To watch this woman who had taken care of usand to feel so helpless as her child was unbelievably heart wrenching. Three years came and went and we had never left her side, not even for our 10 year anniversary. This was OUR battle and even if it was just a check up, we were ALWAYS with her at every appointment. The ONE night in 3 years my sister and I went to the beach to surprise our friends who just so happened to ALL be in town at the same time and share the news that I was pregnant, turned wrong over night. My husband and I were going to tell our family the news that weekend when I returned and mom was doing great, so we went. The next morning, we raced back home as my mom started to bleed out. I'll never, ever forget riding with my sister and two of my best friends as we flew back to the hospital, screaming into the phone as the nurse held it up to my mom's ear, “Mama, please don't go, you are going to be a grandma and I need you here!” Seconds later, my husband beeped in and told me that she had passed. As we pulled up to the hospital, I saw all of our friends and family lined up out front with arms opened wide and as I tearfully got into my dad's car, I looked at him and told him that I was pregnant. He had lost his wife and gained a grandson all in the same hour. It was so bittersweet.

How did God move through this situation?  - Oh our God is a great and mysterious God! I have NEVER felt like more of a Christian than when I lost my mom. Heaven had become even more real and I could literally FEEL that “peace that passes all understanding” fight my human sadness! It was an amazing experience. Although going through a pregnancy and the realization of not having my mom to call and help me through a time in a girl's life when she needs her mom the most, I have become stronger and have grown into my role as a mother (on the job training!) I know where my mom is and I know I will see her again. There are moments when I am with my family and I get overwhelmingly sad because I feel like she is missing out on her grandkids and they will never know what an amazing grandma they had. But it all comes down to this: if God came to me and said “Ok, Heather, you can either have your mom back or leave her in Heaven” I honestly, would have to leave her where God needed her to be because He is all knowing. 

Through all of these trials and valleys I would write. My mom was a writer and taught me so much. But after having my first child, I went through a very low period and the realization that my mom was not coming back. Each day, I would write about the emotion I felt from resentment to hopelessness to regret, I was shocked at these feelings and that no one told me that I would go through this myriad of emotions! So, as I would find verses and prayers to comfort me, I realized that I had written a book. I slowly put it all together and started looking for a publisher. It got picked up and “The First 30 Days as Mommy” was released this year. I dedicated to my mom, of course, who taught me everything I know about being a mom. I pray that it helps other mothers through the toughest and most wonderful experience of their life!  Without going through these tough times, I would have never been able to share God's word with others who need it and that is what we are here for. 

Do you have any advice for someone going through a similar situation/circumstance? -
“Trust in the Lord with ALL of your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all of your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3: 5,6. That just says it all. No if's, and's or but's. Just trust plain and simple. We can beat ourselves silly trying to figure out the “why's” of life, but we never will. So don't waste your time asking why, spend your time seeking God's will and let Him handle the rest. You WILL have moments of anger and sadness and that's ok. Pray your way through it and repeat to yourself that you put your trust in Him. He will never forsake You.


Do you have any spiritual role models in your life? - ALL of my youth group leaders! Seriously. The Pressley's, The Andrew's, The McGeeHee's, The Cotten's, The Winstead's, The Jone's, The Hunter's, (oh gosh, if I leave anyone out, I will feel terrible!) But these people helped shape me into who I am today. I am AMAZED at the fact, especially after having kids and being so busy, that these self-less followers of Christ opened their hearts and homes to dozens of crazy teens without complaining or giving up on us. That is TRUE service to the Lord. 

What would be the one piece of advice you would give other young women? - I stayed a virgin until I was married and it is one of the best decisions I have ever made. Marriage is such a sacred and beautiful thing created by God, and He really does know what the best path is for us. Saving myself for marriage has created a bond with my husband that is ordained by God and so special that you really can only experience it if it you wait. It is SO worth it (difficult at times) but such a wonderful gift when you do!

What are some of your most favorite pieces of scripture and why?- Definitely Proverbs 3: 5,6 mentioned earlier. But I LOVE the verses in Isaiah, one in particular that my youth leader, Mark Pressley taught us “God sits above the circle of the earth”. Think about that. We didn't discover that the earth was round until 1492, but it was right there in the Bible the entire time!

“Be still and know that I am God” is another favorite that I try to practice daily! Just sitting, breathing and trusting in the Lord is amazingly comforting.

Thank you so much Heather for pouring out your heart with us today.  You are such a blessing to so many and I see so much of your loving and sweet mom in you.  Thanks for sharing your story!


If any of you are expecting or know a new mom, Heather's book - "The First 30 days As Mommy" is such a great book.  I know personally those first several weeks are definitely the toughest and I love how encouraging and totally relatable her book is.  Check it out here!!

Check in each Wednesday for a new story!!