Hosanna Emily's Blog, page 11

I'm a Warrior. You Are Too.

I was outside with my little sister as we cleaned a dirty porch and brushed away cobwebs.  She used a squirt bottle to spray a white chair, and then she wiped the legs with a paper towel.  It came back brown with spots of spiderwebs.  She threw it on the ground with a "yuck!"
I laughed, looking down on my own towel - twice as dirty.  Tossing it beside hers, we began to share stories.
Or rather, I retold a story from Revelation, and she listened.  And somehow, the old tale blew me away.
(ps)       For my 5-year old sister, I gave her a much more concise (and less descriptive) narrative than the one that follows.  People say knowing your story's audience is important for some reason...   =)
























The heavens opened.  Lightning spewed like a fountain.  A million rumbles like thunder or like a resounding drum burst in an echoing chamber.  The light had a noise all its own.  It shook me, tore me, made me tremble and fall and hide my face.
And then the storm changed.  Light split the skies.  The noise seemed to quiet, intensifying the emotion that hung in the clouds like a whip ready to snap.
Light growing, growing.  The entire world was the sun, burning my eyes and seeping through every atom in my body.  But I still looked up, still gaped into the blindness.  Until it parted.
A white horse.  Yet not the beast itself, although the steed broke through the clouds in thundering power.  Pure white, brighter than the most stunning flash of lightning, yet the light didn't come from the animal.  The horse arched its neck and pranced from the place between heaven and earth.
My eyes caught on more.  The light.  It came from the One who rode.  He charged like a man entering battle.  With every pounding of the horse's hooves, I heard the Rider's name pulsing through the air.  Faithful.  True.  
His eyes were like a flame of fire, burning sharper and hotter than fire itself.  Crowns adorned His head, sparkling in the colors of the rainbow yet gold all at the same time.  And still His holy names rang through the air, ones I could not comprehend nor grasp.  Yet one caught - The Word of God.  His robe was scarlet, like the blood of His enemies.
An army rode behind Him on white horses, but I couldn't focus on them.  For there was still more, a million things in His countenance that were beyond my understanding.
The armies behind Him stilled as the world was overcome by the Rider's weapon.  Out of His mouth flew a sharp sword.  And with it He struck the nations and ruled.
I just hid there, watching it all, wishing I somehow understood this thing that was too great for me.
Another booming rang, His names continually pouring out.

KING OF KINGS.AND LORD OF LORDS. 

(story taken from Revelation 19:11-16)
























As I read Revelation's story, I'm blown away.  This. is. God.  This is the One we can talk with, love, be a child of.  He calls us His own.
The One who slays every enemy is our Defender.  The One who created the stars says "I formed you."  The One who can melt mountains lifted up His hands, allowed Himself to be marred and bleed, and died for us.
What type of love is that?

And yet, we don't live like it.  We hold onto our little fears, wondering if His plan is good enough.  We forget to pray when it's the greatest honor one could give us.  And we worry that we're not reading the Bible enough, memorizing enough, being a "good enough" Christian.

Guys.  This is God.  Riding on the clouds, knowing your name.  Where does "good enough" fit anywhere?

You are immensely loved.  Every fear you face is also facing a King who fights with a sword that spews from His mouth.  Every word He says is true.  Powerful.  All-consuming.
Yet it doesn't end there.  I told my sister this tale, and then I turned to her.  "This is so cool, right?  But did you know that we also have swords in our mouths?"
God has given us incredible power.  The hugeness of God is something we can never grasp, never comprehend.  And yet He offers us a tiny piece of His glory.

We're His ambassadors to a broken world.  The words we say are swords in the hands of warriors.  How are we using them?
Do we love with the type of sacrifice Jesus had?  Do we fight the enemies in our lives and slay the attackers who bewitch those around us?  Do we encourage and serve because all of us are in a battle, and we all need someone to get our back?  Are we on white horses, trailing after our mighty King who charges from the heavens?
Because if we're not living every moment and speaking every word for Him, we're either waving around a sword like a silly child - wasting our words on trifling moments - or we're slaying our own armies.
Our words and actions show who we are.

The hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor, But through knowledge the righteous will be delivered.

- Proverbs 11:9

A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.

- Matthew 12:35-37

(see also James 3:5-8)

Let your words speak life.  Truth.
If we really understood the power of Almighty God as shown in Revelation 19, everything would be different.  We'd love more, rejoice more, fear less.  Jesus is changing the world, and He can change you too.

The One we follow is called The Word of God.  He spoke the world into being, and He can also slay the enemy with the power from His mouth.
You have a sword too.  You're a warrior.  Let's fight these battles, following the King who reigns over the oceans and mountains yet call us child.  Every battle can be won by Him.  Every sin defeated.

And despite our minuscule smallness compared to His grandeur, there's a promise.

I have loved you  (Isaiah 43:4).








 

Exalt the LORD our God,
And worship at His footstool -
He is holy.

- Psalm 99:5

~♥~

You Are Meant to Shine

There's mist, drizzling down outside my bedroom window.  It's grey and white, somehow at the same time.  Soft.  Cold.
I look further.  In the distance, there's a tall structure standing silently.  It's probably a cell-phone tower.  But over the last few weeks, I've stared up at it and wondered.
Because it used to shine continually.  Every morning, every evening, the tower would shoot out a blinking light.  In the thickest storms when I could only see blackness, it would radiate.  In foggy mornings, I could push open my window and see the light.
But recently, the tower stopped shining.  Maybe the cell-phone company shut down or the tower has an electrical issue.  Yet I still look at it, hope to find it shining through this dreary mist.  Hope one day it will shine again.  Sometimes it does, fleetingly, and then turns off again.  
I used to think the phone tower was like Jesus, the way He always shines in our darkness.  Now I look at it differently.  The tower is a lot like me.























If we're followers of Jesus, we have a lot of responsibility.  The Bible calls us  ambassadors for Christ .  We are light .  We are children of God.
I look at the tower outside my bedroom window.  That's us; that's me.  I'm standing in a dark world, a representative of the very Light of the World.  This life is my opportunity to radiate Jesus to a broken culture.  To broken hearts.  Not because of my own power but because of the strength He holds.
There are problems though.  Sometimes it's fear.  Pride.  Weakness.  Sin.  And my light flickers off.
I become a candle hidden under a basket.  The fog comes, the wind, and I'm an ugly grey tower, standing with my light turned off.
All my reasons for failing to represent Him are silly, especially when I look at what He has done.  Especially this last Easter.
I read about how strong Jesus' love is.  How He agonized because of what He would go through.  How He was abandoned by every friend.  How the entire city chanted His death.  He was flogged and mocked and beaten and struck and murdered.
Because He loved me.  Because He loved you.
When Jesus died, light fled from its Maker, and "there was darkness over all the land" (Matthew 27:45).  Are we doing the same?
Do we stand here in our age and hide our lights?  When He prompts us to share our faith, call our hurting friend, wake up early to spend time with Him, sacrifice ourselves and live for Him, do we do it?

Is Jesus our all?
I don't want to forget His story or let it become so old that it seems to lose its power.  I don't want Easter to have been a time we just skimmed through a tale we've heard a thousand times.  Jesus has given us life, a future, and a hope.  And He bled so we could have it.
You have a purpose.  Go shine your light in this broken world.  Listen for His voice and obey.

Jesus wants to be King, Lord.  That means He receives all the glory, honor, and praise.  That means He is ultimate in your life.
Yes, it's hard.  But, dear friend, He died for you.

This is a letter to myself, a reminder that my comfort isn't priority.  Because I often live like it is.  I live like my light doesn't need to shine when the wind blows, when darkness comes, when no one is looking.

I look outside my window where the cell phone tower sleeps in the mist, and I don't want to be like that.
Keep shining, friend.  He is the reason.  ♥

   

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.

- Matthew 28:18-20

(ps)  Over the course of Easter, I enjoyed  this music album  that offers an instrumental approach to the story we celebrate... as you listen to it, remember the love that bled and the reason we shine.  For Him.
God's got this.  *hugs*

~♥~

Cover Reveal Summary + Giveaway Winner

Hello Friend!
I'm here, typing out the words that say The Torch Keepers' cover reveal is over... but, for me, it's not.
I'm still incredibly blessed.  If you joined the reveal team, prayed for this novel, sent an encouraging note, or even smiled when you saw the cover - thank you!  I wish I could send you a letter, hand you a copy of the book, thank you in person.  But instead, I pray for you.  ♥
I hope you're the winner of the giveaway, but, either way, here's a fun, quick video my brother made for the cover release.  And yes, it was raining when we made it.  =)






Ahh!  Guys, God is so, so good.  All the time.  And I'm not just saying that; it's true.
In every single victory, every single pain, He is good.
God blessed me by bringing you here.  And also through all the amazing people who helped share The Torch Keepers' cover!  I already knew the cover by heart, and their posts still excited me.  XD
These are only a few of the eager people who helped, but to everyone - thank you!

Alea Harper
Allison Tebo
Brooklyne
Jordy Leigh
Julian Daventry
Laura A. Grace
Lila Kims
Michaela Bush
Molly Anne


AHH!  And now to announce the winner of a signed copy of The Torch Keepers (coming out September 1)!




The winner is...

...

...

...

...

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Sarah Faith!



CONGRATS!!  I can't wait for you to hold your own copy!!  *cheers*

And a last announcement:

The Torch Keepers is on Goodreads;  for you book-lovers, hop over and add it to your shelves!

I will love You, O Lord, my strength.
The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer...

- Psalm 18:1-2 

~♥~

Unplanned movie review

Two weeks ago, I sat in a theater where we waited for the premier of Unplanned to begin.  I heard it dealt with hard topics.  I heard it was hard to watch.
I didn't know it would be this hard though.  And so powerful.


















As one of the youngest Planned Parenthood clinic directors in the nation, Abby Johnson was involved in upwards of 22,000 abortions and counseled countless women on their reproductive choices. Her passion surrounding a woman's right to choose led her to become a spokesperson for Planned Parenthood, fighting to enact legislation for the cause she so deeply believed in. Until the day she saw something that changed everything.

Details:

110 MinutesBy Pure FlixDirected by Chuck Konzelman + Cary SolomonRated:  RReleased: (currently in theaters)

Negative Elements:

If you're looking for an easy watch, this isn't it.  (spoiler alert)
Unplanned is rated R, and, although many debate if it deserved that rating, it's hard to watch.  The movie portrays abortion on camera, and at least three intense scenes made me want to crawl under my chair.  There's blood - a lot.  It's graphic.  Unplanned depicts a woman going through an abortion, showing the baby on the monitor as it's stolen out of the womb.  It reveals what happens when the abortion pill goes wrong (aka, intense cramps, blood clots).  It shows a girl who nearly bleeds to death.
Graphic, yes.  But it's powerful (more on that later).
There were also a handful of crude words thrown in that I didn't appreciate.  No profanity but some un-tasteful language.
There are other elements that are hard and better for solely older viewers (such as pregnant teens, references to adult-level issues).  I definitely wouldn't recommend this for anyone under 16.  Even teens and adults might want to use discretion in knowing if they can handle this hard topic.
Heads up:  you'll probably cry too.

My Review:

The movie starts out with a quote, "My story isn't an easy one to hear. I think I probably ought to warn you of that up front."  And it was true.  One scene shows a large barrel being wheeled away from the abortion clinic, and the viewer instantly knows what's inside: aborted babies.  It's impossible for me to see that and not hurt.
Abortion is a theme that breaks me.  Through the movie, I experienced so many emotions:  horror, disgust, laughter, tears.

And it was amazing!  The movie, the music, was so strong.  Scenes gripped me, cut into me, held me tight.  It hit hard and impacted me in a way that few movies do; I won't ever forget Unplanned, and it's one of my favorite movies.  I mean talk about a movie that makes viewers go from victorious cheers to crying in a few minutes (it's so mean).

One of the best aspects?  After the movie, some of the behind-the-scene people and an actress came forward for a Q+A.  The story behind the movie is incredible, guys!  And there was such a big prayer team during the production; the makers described times where volunteers lined up, praying as the team recorded.  Wow.  That's how movies should be made - with Jesus in the center of it all.
To summarize:
Unplanned is hard to watch.  But in doing so, I was challenged, impacted, and encouraged.  It. is. so. good.

It's also based on a true story!  That blows me away.  And I just pray that this movie saves precious, unborn lives.


Other Notes:

If you're interested in seeing Unplanned, I recommend you check out this thorough review by Plugged In .
And guys, life is so, so beautiful.  That includes you.
God has a purpose and plan for your life; don't ever give up on that.   ♥

For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb.
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.

- Psalm 139:13-14

(ps)  If you didn't enter in the giveaway for a signed copy of The Torch Keepers, you only have a few days left!  Hop over to  this link  before it ends!


~♥~ 

If You're Looking for Purpose

Dear Purpose-Seeker,
I know what it feels like.  Sometimes there's a million things going on in life, but you sit back, wondering what the point is.  Or something ends - the vacation, the project, the graduation - and everyone asks the same question:
What's next?
They think that graduation or completion means you suddenly have a huge life purpose.  That you totally have this thing called life under control.  *cough*
Do you ever look at life like I do?  Do you wonder what the point is, what's step #2, where you're supposed to be going?
I tried to hide from it.  I fled into school books, grabbing fistfuls of As and throwing them around me.  But when the last college class slipped away, it stared me straight in the face.
What's next?
And I don't know the answer.
Everyone tries to give us those answers.  We could travel here or work there, do this or serve at that.  The pressure builds to make decisions.  To take steps forward.
Somehow doing the same thing we've always done seems suddenly wrong.  It's like they expect us to all of a sudden radically change the world.
The secret?  We are.
There is purpose in life for you, for me.  And it doesn't have to look like what they expect.  You can change the world in college, in cleaning houses, in babysitting, in leading that little Bible study.  It's okay when you're "still just ___" if that's the calling He has for you.
Changing the world sounds a lot more fun if it involves traveling overseas or writing a bestseller.  But maybe right here, right now, you're on the training grounds for something much bigger.
Be faithful.  If you know what to do today - right now - then go ahead and do that.  Step #2 will come later.
And here's a hint:  your ultimate purpose is always going to stay the same.  It's to have a heart like His.  To love Him more than anything else in the world.  And to live like that.
I found this graphic and made it the screensaver to my computer because it hits me hard.  Sometimes I think my ultimate purpose is to love people, share the Gospel, change lives.  But it's not.
























We cannot truly love others well unless it overflows from our love for God.
Whatever you're doing, do it to bring a smile to His face.  Maybe we need to stop seeking our mission or purpose and instead seek the Purpose-Giver.
So dear Purpose-Seeker, I'm right with you.  Maybe it's a new stage of life or an old one that never made sense.  Don't listen to the voices that ring all around you.  Listen to His voice.
Seek Him in everything.  Write the book for Him, say the word for Him, paint the picture for Him.  And then it has purpose.
Love,
A Fellow Purpose-Seeker

(ps)  Although our ultimate calling is the same, God gives us different individual stories.  What's yours?  I've love to hear about the purpose you're seeking.  ♥

We love Him because He first loved us.

- 1 John 4:19

He must increase, but I must decrease.

- John 3:30

And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.

- Jeremiah 29:13

Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; Unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.

- Psalm 127:1

~♥~

The Torch Keepers cover reveal + giveaway

IT'S COVER REVEAL DAY.
But first, some rambling.






Once upon a time, God inspired me to write a short story.  I shared it, and two girls scribbled their feedback on the edge of the paper:  This story should be part of a longer work.
I laughed - no way!  I was busy, too busy for a new story.  But I tucked the papers away so I could read their comments again.
And God worked.
He threaded new ideas into my little piece of imagination.  He turned my modern story into an allegorical fantasy.  He held my hand every step of the way.  And today, He brought so many encouraging, beautiful people together to help with the cover reveal.
I'm overwhelmed.  That the Lord loves like this, that people choose to support and celebrate and cheer The Torch Keepers into life.
Thank you.  ♥  And please, please let Jesus be the center of your life, your writing, your gifts.  He does change the world.
Ready for the cover?
My cover designer, Alea, has been working on this since she heard The Torch Keepers' name.
Here's her story.


AHHHH IT’S TIME FOR HOSANNA’S COVER REVEAL!
Her book is beautifully written (it’s almost poetry, guys) and has so much heart. I’m in love with all of her characters (except the ones I want to slam into a wall…you know who you are). This is definitely one to be excited about.
A few months ago, Hosanna asked me to make the official cover for The Torch Keepers. It was such a fun process, and I loved every second of it.





This was the original cover design I made the second Hosanna told me about her new story idea. It didn’t fit the story very well, but…well…the story hadn’t even been written yet.




A few months later, after I beta read the book, I found a font that screamed The Torch Keepers. So, naturally I had to create a new-and-improved version of the fan-cover.
Fast forward a little while to when Hosanna won the Storytellers award, and she asked me to make the official cover!
I knew that somehow I had to make the cover blue and green, a desert, and blue and green fire.
Yeah it took a lot of attempts.


     












And then, after many small adjustments, we came up with the FINAL COVER!









The King's blue flame quivers as a new fire arises, and Kadira must hold fast to the torch. It's destiny; she's a torch keeper.
A fiery revolution sweeps across the kingdom of Érkeos, and each person must choose a side. Kadira, a girl set apart to serve the King, finds her city engulfed in emerald flames. Her blue eyes mark her as the enemy, and she flees from death. It stalks her anyway. When she meets Rekém, the Liberation warrior sent to kill her, she rebels against the King's ways. Two armies collide; indecision isn't an option. As hearts and lives hang in the balance, Kadira and Rekém could bring destruction or liberation to the entire kingdom.



coming September 1, 2019



*hides face and laughs and cries*  I don't even know what to say... God is so good!  Looking back over the past covers and where He took Alea and me is amazing.  ♥
And thank YOU for every single word of encouragement, prayer, advice.  It means so much!
Now...

Giveaway





a Rafflecopter giveaway

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

- Hebrews 4:12

~♥~

Live for Something Bigger || a guest post

Happy first day of spring, dear friend!
It's my favorite time of the year.  Already, I have seeds planted, windows open, and I'm rejoicing in this sunshine.  Who cares about that morning frost when there's green and flowers and buds?
Yesterday the beauty of spring sank in.  I grabbed a handful of hanging baskets that clung with clumpy, dry dirt of last fall.  Massaging the hard dirt, I let it fall like dust.  And then seeds.  Water.
And as I did it with my baby sister strapped to my back, I talked to God.  I let my fingernails get dirty, sank my callouses into the wet soil.  But I also realized something.
My flowers don't usually grow.  If they do, they don't usually blossom.  And if they even do that, they won't live long.
But I planted and gave them to God.  I gave the hints of life, those seeds waiting to grow, to Him.  And I'll let Him take care of the rest.
It's in those times of heartfelt surrender when life matters.
So live for eternity.  When you plant a seed, write a book, sing a song, do it because you love Him.  Then it truly matters.

In the big things, the little ones, do it to bring a smile to His face.  What purpose!
I got to write a guest post on this topic over at Young Ladies for Christ - hop over there for the full article and check out some of the other lovely ones!
Friend, you are so loved.  Live for Him.   ♥
Read the post here.





Psst - Did you sign up for The Torch Keepers cover reveal?  If not, you can still do it!  Hop over to this link  to become a part of the release, preview the cover early, and win entrees in a giveaway!

I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.

- John 17:4

~♥~

Cover Release Sign Up

Announcing:

The Torch Keepers has an official cover.  And you can be part of it's official release.

*cue fangirling*








See the book simply screaming for a cover?!

Alea Harper designed a beautiful, epic design for The Torch Keepers (and I'm sure I'm not biased. *cough*).  AND IT'S BEING RELEASE ON MARCH 28th!!
Alea is seriously amazing.  I mean, just check out other covers she's made including The Worth of a King  by Kendra E. Ardnek and Good Things I'll Never Do Again  by Nichole.



















Ahh, I so wish I could just sneak The Torch Keeper's graphics in that photo.  But not yet.
Want to join?
You can be part of the official release for The Torch Keeper's cover, view a copy in advance, and get extra entrees in a giveaway that will be hosted soon!
To sign up, hop over to this link or fill out the form below.  I'll be contacting you with secret info on the book and information on the cover release!
The 28th of March - be waiting for a giveaway, behind-the-scenes info, and an official cover!
And while we're waiting, what's one of your favorite book covers?



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How to Fight Your Giant

I'm not supposed to be here.
There are two mountains around me, and I'm in the middle.  They tower, high, like stone walls ready to tumble and crush me.  And I stand here, my feet wet in the valley brook, sun burning my eyes.
I run a hand through my short curls.  They catch on windswept tangles, and tears leap to my eyes.  I thrust up my chin and ignore the voices cutting around me.
"He just came to see the battle.  Insolent."  My brother's voice rains like ice.
Even the King's whispers meet me in this battlefield.  "He's not able."
I straighten.  But my shoulders don't rise to the height of a man.  They're right - I'm too young, too weak, too scared.
Blood flushes into my face.
Across the valley, I hear the laughter of the enemy.  And there, in the midst of them, stands my giant.
He's four feet taller, a whole lot stronger, and way better armed.  A servant struggles under the giant's shield as the warrior watches me, sword, spear, javelin in hand.
I kneel.  My knees are wet in the water as I fish my hands through it.  It's cold, like the autumn wind.  I find five smooth stones - one for the giant and four for his brothers.  The rocks slip into my shepherd's bag.  Fitting, huh?  I should be far away, tending those helpless sheep.
My face rises.
The whispers rise too.  The mocking, the laughter, the doubts.  And they're all true.
I can't do this.
But this battle isn't mine.  It's the Lord's.
So I run.  I run towards the giant, towards his taunting voice.  And as my legs throw me towards death, I declare, "There is a God in Israel!"
My hand slips into the bag.  I feel a stone.  And I thrust it into the sling.
The sling swings; the stone flies.
I watch my giant fall.

adapted from 1 Samuel 17

                              

We're facing giants.
They're not like Goliath, and yet they're exactly like him.  Because no matter who or what the giants are, they still trample us with their lies and threaten to destroy us.
We fight giants of doubts.  Of sickness.  Of those lies that say we don't have purpose, that we can't do this thing called life.
The lies slither around us, waiting to strike and steal the little breaths of life we have left.  But another voice calls, promising to crush the serpent's head (Romans 16:20).
It's the voice of Truth.
So many years ago, my favorite song was "Voice of Truth" (listen here).  And, strangely, this morning Jesus reminded me of the way the lyrics fit perfectly with what He is teaching me.
Because "Oh, what I would do to have the kind of strength it takes to stand before a giant with just a sling and a stone.  Surrounded by the sound of a thousand warriors shaking in their armor, wishing they'd have had the strength to stand."

                                         

I want that faith, that trust.  But when the giants come, I shake in my armor and hide.
And yet God gives us the option.  He didn't command David to run.  He didn't force David to fight the giant.  The Bible doesn't even record David praying about the decision.
David saw a giant.  He heard the mocking voice.  And he slew it in the Lord's name.
When I hear my giants, I pray urgently for a way to escape the battle.  I find any excuse and run - the opposite way.
God doesn't always command us to stand and fight.  But when we step up in faith, what victories come!
The secret lies in believing the Truth.

...But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.

- 1 Samuel 30:6

If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

- John 8:31-32

  The Truth is that God can move mountains.  He can still raging waters.  He can slay giants.  He can defeat death, raise the dead to life, and destroy armies with a word.  He. Can.
And He promises that we can do all things through Him (Philippians 4:13).

You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

- 1 John 4:4

So, dear friend, fight.  Fight those giants, stare them in the eye, and be prepared to resist the ones coming next.  Walk on water with your eyes on Him.
Not because of what we can do.  Those doubts are right - we can't do it.  We're weak.  We're too young, too small.
He isn't.
So rejoice!  Face fear!  Step outside of your comfort zone!  Read 1 Samuel 17 and believe His promises!
It's terrifying.  But your God is able.
I'm writing this for myself, because I need to step out of my boat and let Him guide me through the waters.  To pick up my stones. I fail (a lot), but I'm praying for the courage to fight a giant.  And I'm cheering you on!

                                     

Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.

- 1 Samuel 17:47

~♥~

Knowing Your Why || guest post

Dear Reader,
Today I have an inspiring post from my friend Livy Lynn!
I got to meet this girl in person (♥) - and her heart is overflowing with a passion for Jesus.  She has encouraged me so much in my walk with God and writing (and her book is pretty amazing too).  And now, Livy is sharing a video course to help support new bloggers!
So if you're praying about your purpose, your why in life, keep scrolling, my friend!

   

Purpose. It’s a popular word thrown around in the Christian community. We all want to know our purpose, right? But what does that really mean?

Choosing to passionately embrace our purpose and live fully right where God has planted us, is what He’s called us all to do. And while we have a basic understanding of this in a very abstract manner, have we ever taken the time to truly break down this topic and discover how it really applies to our lives, in a practical way?
That’s what we’re going to do today!
I could talk for hours about purpose, identity, knowing your why, fulfilling God’s call on your life, etc. because I am SO passionate about this, but let’s start with the basics! No matter where you are on this planet, in spite of your age, family, background, skill level, dreams, accomplishments, etc. - we ALL have the same, number one goal!
Jesus says in Mark 12:30, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” 
This is always our greatest and highest calling, to know the Lord, to love Him, and then, “love your neighbor as yourself.” (verse 31) No other commandment is greater than these. 
This simple, single-minded goal, is the foundation for everything we do in life. 
As we’re reminded of what our true purpose is, we can take this a step further and ask the Lord, “God, what does it look like for me as a unique individual, to love You with every part of who I am? To use everything You’ve given me, my time, resources, gifts, talents, etc.?”
The Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20) was given to all of us, but the steps we take to fulfill it are not all going to look the same. Some of us will serve in Africa, others will raise families at home, some will write books, others will adopt orphans, and some will start successful businesses. We all so unique, fearfully, and wonderfully created, and God delights in our individuality! (Psalm 139:14) Doesn’t it make sense that even though we’re all working toward the same goal, our lives are going to look different from one another?
So how do you find what it is that you’re called to do? How can you embrace your potential and serve God with everything you have?
When I graduated High School, these questions caused me to feel insecure. What if I messed up? What if I chose the wrong path? What if I started pursuing something that wasn’t God’s will for my life?
I battled with these questions, until one day during my prayer time I felt the Holy Spirit ask, “What would you like to do?”
The question shocked me. “What would I like to do?” I argued, “You are God! I’m going to do what YOU want to do!”
But the question lingered. I felt prompted to journal about what I would like to see change in this world. And so, I let my pen run wild as I imagined myself running an online magazine for Christian teen girls. I was heartbroken by all the damaging, lie-filled messages that attack the hearts of young women, and I loved the idea of providing a resource that offered Biblical truths and reminded girls who they are in Christ! The more I wrote, the more excited I became.
When I was finished writing out this beautiful vision, I felt the Lord say, “Go for it.”
And just like that, I was off! Within a few months, I launched Crown of Beauty Magazine and momentum continued to grow. The Lord blessed that ministry so abundantly as I connected with readers around the world. I planned conferences, hosted events, and spoke at various locations around the country. Looking back, I realize all these beautiful blessings in my life and opportunities to serve, never would’ve happened if I wouldn’t have stepped out in faith.

  

Was I 100% sure God wanted me to start this magazine? Honestly, in the beginning, I wasn’t. But I had to get over the fear of being wrong. I had to get over the fear of making mistakes and realize that God created me to make a difference, right here, right now, right where I’m at, with the limited resources I have. Sometimes we feel like we have to understand everything or be more equipped, or have more money, or be 100% sure of something before stepping out: but that isn’t how faith works. Sometimes, Jesus asks you to walk on the water. Sometimes, you take a step before the staircase appears! Sometimes, you knock on a door before it opens. And then, once we take that first step, God is able to move.
Since the launch of Crown of Beauty, I had a lot of young girls ask me, “How do I figure out God’s will for my life?”
I love to share everything we just talked about above. And then, I ask, “What’s one thing that absolutely breaks your heart? What’s something you wish to see change in the world? Human trafficking? The orphan crisis? Global poverty?”
I then follow that question with, “What’s something you absolutely love to do? Write? Sing? Draw? Lead Bible study? Host parties and get-togethers with friends? If you can take those two things, a problem in today’s world, and couple it with something you love to do, brainstorming a unique and one-of-a-kind solution: do it!”
You don’t need to sit around and wait for a thundering voice from Heaven to tell you, “GO TO AFRICA! LOVE ORPHANS!” If you have a passion for orphans and let’s say, you adore making jewelry, launch a business to raise money for them! Use your writing gift to discuss a topic that needs the light of God shone on it. Write songs that encourage broken hearts. USE what you have, for His glory!
Living in the plans God has for us isn’t nearly as complicated as we imagine it might be. For me, personally, I couldn’t step into God’s plan for my life, until I stopped listening to the voice of fear. I believe that’s true for a lot of us. We need to be bold and very courageous, like Joshua was, and possess the land of our destiny!
Then, one we take those steps of faith and boldly decide we’re going to do something, we have to keep our WHY near at hand. Stepping into new areas of life is never easy. Doing things we’ve never done before requires hard work, patience, prayer, and perseverance. The biggest temptation the enemy throws at us, in hopes of getting us to give up, is to QUIT.
Knowing your WHY is remembering why you’re doing what you’re doing, and staying focused on the people you’re making a decision to help. This is true for anything in life. Whether you’re launching a business, starting a blog, writing a book, starting a Bible Study: we must always keep our why in the center of our hearts and at the forefront of our minds!
So before you start your new project, I would highly encourage you to pause and take a few moments to write down your why. Ask yourself, “Why do I want to do this? Why do I feel like this is what Jesus would do if He were in my shoes? What do I want to see happen for this particular group or people I’m ministering to?”
Pray and ask the Lord to help you, then write down your why, and keep it somewhere you can see! Look back at it often, especially on the hard days, when you feel discouraged and struggle to believe that what you’re doing is making any difference at all. Remember that God has chosen you before the foundations of the world (Ephesians 1:4) and He has GOOD plans for your life (Jeremiah 29:11). You can trust him! Even with the hard stuff.

  

I know a lot of you are bloggers and blogging is an arena where it’s especially important to know and remember your why. In fact, this is the very first step I encourage all bloggers to make, when taking my brand new video course called Fire Starter: Launching a Blog that Blazes! If you’re a blogger (or even an aspiring blogger!) who would like to take their blog to the next level, you can find all the information for that here: Fire Starter

To celebrate the release of Fire Starter, I’m giving away a free Skype Session to talk about blogging goals, writing advice, and how to take your blog to the next level! (Or, if you’re too shy to video chat, we can totally do it over email.) My sweet friend Bella and I love coaching bloggers and authors through our Cheerleader Sessions (click here)!  This is our first time giving away a free session and we’re SO excited!
Entering for a chance to win is super simple! Just hop on over to my blog and sign up for my free email updates (and I’ll throw in a free e-book, just to say thanks!) and you’re all set!
Click Here!
Keep writing, friends!
Lots of love,~Livy Lynn




About the Author:

Livy Lynn is a twenty-something author, singer, and songwriter. She enjoys crafting YA fiction that is pure, lovely, inspirational, and of course, entertaining! When she’s not writing, you can usually find her playing guitar, blogging, drinking peppermint tea, connecting with new friends, planning her next trip to Disney, or pinning images of Europe and Golden Retriever Puppies!

Come get connected at www.livylynnblog.com




~♥~