Featured Guest Blogger: Mary WyattAs a little Child As a little child, we weren't taught so much about faith. However, I believe it played a major role in our household after the death of my father. I was still in elementary school and watched my mom struggle to care for us. She never complained, but believed everything would work itself out. Once in middle school, my mother enrolled us in Sunday school with a local church. We were so eager to get on that school bus every Sunday and some Wednesday. It was the treats for us! I know, that wasn’t the best way of thinking. However, I’m sure the church knew those treats were a method to get kids excited about attending church, more like a bait. Now going to church kept me grounded while living in a subsidized community and my faith grew, but the latter happened. Most of us went our own way and may have read the Bible a few times in high school. But becoming a high schooler vs being in middle school was totally different and I needed GOD THE FATHER, THE HOLY GHOST, & JESUS CHRIST. And so, this was the place GOD used to help me learn about faith. I became pregnant my senior year and had to homeschool several months before graduation. God will never fail you Unfortunately, my son did not come home with me due to a medical condition called jaundice. Jaundice is a yellow discoloration of a newborn baby's skin and eyes. Infant jaundice occurs because the baby's blood contains an excess of bilirubin, a yellow pigment of red blood cells. I believe this was my test of practicing faith. Day after day, I went to visit him in the hospital and his level wasn’t getting any better. The longer his levels were abnormal, the longer it took for him to come home. Regardless of what the doctor reported, I rested on Isaiah 53:5 NLT which says, “But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.” A week later, praising GOD, my son came home with me. It wasn’t long before my faith grew bigger than that mustard seed. There have been many trials I’ve overcome to get my faith to where it is today, which is discussed in my book series, The Girl Who Lived Behind The Fence. You see, no matter what life brings you, still develop your faith. I went from co- parenting my son to becoming his only living parent three days before his 3rd birthday. At times my flesh felt alone, like everything was against me. I had to muster up my faith to believe GOD at HIS word. Hebrews 13:5 says, Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, I will never fail you. I will never abandon you. My faith partnership Over the years, my faith partnership with GOD taught me I don’t have to do anything alone, but have faith. Hebrews 11:6 says, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Faith can be the missing link from bringing things to pass in our lives. Even through the challenges with being heartbroken, abused, a single mom for a few years, it allowed me to prepare for my new life in CHRIST. Only because of my obedience to have faith in GOD was I able to see the fruits of my labor. I believed GOD for another chance to have a child after making some terrible decisions which are shared in my book series and I received my blessing. I believed GOD for a husband and I received my blessing. I believed GOD for more and I’m receiving my blessings.
Please know a partnership with GOD works both ways, HE requires us to do something in order for HIM to work on our behalf. Just like a contract you sign on a dotted line before any services or agreements are enforced. At the end of each day, I challenge you to see where your faith level may be. If your levels are growing, then you're on the right track. However, if they are not getting any better, think about what could be affecting your faith and limit that stream. Founder at Motivational Mary www.motivationalmary.com
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Living by faith means living in a material world, while consciously abounding in spirit and believing in things unseen. Today's guest blogger, Andrea Brown, shares with us what she has learned about faith and living for Christ each day. Featured Guest Blogger: Andrea BrownThe Righteous Shall Live By Faith How do you live for Christ each day? The answer to this question was provided years ago in the book of Habakkuk 2v4, where the prophet reveals, “the righteous shall live by faith.” But how do we live by faith practically? The crucial component is the Gospel, whereby we are established in righteousness by faith! Many people believe hearing the Gospel is a one-time event, but we need to keep on hearing the Good News, which will enable us to walk by faith in His righteousness. The Gospel is the foundation of our faith. The Faith is specific, not in ourselves or our situations but the faith, notice (the) definite article, points specifically to Jesus because He is the faithful One. We have a living faith; it is not a one-time event but a continuous process. We live the Gospel in our daily lives, exercising our faith in everything we do, in parenting, in marriage, in work life, in school life, even when we rest. People have many ideas of what the word Gospel means, but it simply means Good News. But what is the Good News? The Bible gives us the answer in the book of Acts13v38-39, “Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; and by Him, everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.” The Good News, our sins are forgiven and by no merit of our own but based on the finished work of Jesus, which takes faith, and it is this same faith that we use every day. Our lives should be marked by the miraculous as believers in Jesus; we now have access to all the resources of Heaven. Our part is simply believing in the finished work of Jesus and believing we are declared righteous. Unfortunately, the Gospel is twisted into some religious construct or guise of tradition that involves our working to deserve the favor of God. The flesh always has someone hankering after self, looking at what we must do qualify or be accepted by God. But I'm here to tell you, the Gospel never point to us but always points us but to the Person and work of Jesus. Often it is hard for people to comprehend there is nothing for us to do except believe in Jesus; however, this is the grace of our Lord. This is why the Apostle Paul quotes the prophet Habakkuk in the book of Acts. “Beware therefore, lest what has been spoken in the prophets come upon you:” Acts 13v40. “‘Behold, you despisers, Marvel and perish! For I work a work in your days, A work which you will by no means believe, Though one were to declare it to you.” Acts 13v41, these words of Paul were taken from the prophet Habakkuk 1v5 “Look among the nations and watch— Be utterly astounded! For I will work a work in your days Which you would not believe, though it were told you.” The Apostle Paul knew the Gospel is the Grace of our Lord Jesus. He also knew people might succumb to mixture (the Law and God’s Grace) missing the simplicity of the Gospel. The reason it is Good News is that it is unmarried and underserved favor received by faith, and that same faith is for us to use in our daily lives. Beloved, it’s not based on you but based on Jesus. Living a life of faith is one where we continue to rely on Jesus for everything. Our lives become more dependent on Christ. We press into Him and receive all we need through His nail-pierced hands. A few final thoughts, which I pray will bolster your faith. Consider the miracle of the loaves and fishes; in every Gospel account, we notice that the disciples gave their little to the Lord, and when they did, Jesus blessed it and gave them back more than enough to distribute to the people. Beloved, may I submit this is an example of our lives of faith. We come to the Lord with our lives as well as our needs. He receives them, blesses them, and then gives us the strength, power, and recourses to help us and bless those around us. In our coming to Him, by faith ~ we are supernaturally supplied. The life of faith, that mustard seed Jesus speaks of, is faith in Him to be all we need. Final meditation | “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”Romans 1v16-17. Beloved, we are continually being saved through the message of the Gospel, for it is where we come to understand His righteousness is a gift. If you haven’t heard the Gospel recently, let me encourage you to listen to Him, speak through His finished work. As you move into your next, consider it an opportunity to use faith—the faith in Jesus Christ, which is supplied when you first believed. “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” Romans 8v32 -- May God's Grace and Peace be with you! TheOneThing1 | by Andrea Brown About AndreaMy name is Andrea Brown and I am the writer behind TheOneThing1.org. I thrilled to be here with you. A little background, I became a Christian early in life, but the ministry I was under was full of mixture. I was taught I was saved by faith, but it was my works that would keep me in good graces with God. If you can imagine, my life literally became Romans 7 live and in color. I was desperately working with the desire to do the right thing but often spinning in the wrong thing, always placing myself under the Law and condemnation.
My walk became based on my effort, attempting to work my way to be right with God yet never having His approval. I was like Martha, busy doing, and never resting, enjoying the presence of God and the finished work of Christ. One day my father gave my husband and I a book called Destined to Reign by Joseph Prince, and my eyes were open to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It was at this point everything began to change. I realized "it is finished," and I am wholly loved by Jesus. I no longer walk a tightrope based on my behavior but daily rest in the finished work of Jesus Christ. My experience prompted me to begin TheOneThing1.org. I pray my writing conveys the finished work of Jesus. It is His word that continues to libetate me and I pray His words given through me will bring readers with freedom to you. My niche remains undefined at the moment. I currently share gleanings from my time in Bible Study, unveiling Jesus in the scriptures. My mission is to encourage the saints | My motivation is to make Jesus known | My method is writing my journey. Andrea’s full bio can be found at: https://www.theonething1.org/about
About Helen Don:
Helen Don is a obsessed with photography and family. She loves making family picture day a good experience for parents and their children. Her goal is to make parents and kids comfortable during their photo session. Helen has a family of her own and loves spending time documenting her children's lives in pictures. Helen has poured so much of herself into into her photography business and in teaching others the craft. She is very passionate about sharing what she has learned during her 10 plus year photography journey.
Pam is a certified fitness instructor and has her own Health & Fitness coaching business. As a certified Health Coach, it is Pam’s desire to help people experience positive physical, spiritual and mental change. She has her BS in Psychology and Human Services and is currently working on her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Pam is a new breast cancer survivor, which has helped her put her favorite scripture, 2 Timothy 1:7, into practice on a daily basis.
My Story
Life is not ideal and perfect expectations will surely disappoint. “Live in the moment”, they say. But, at times, living in the moment is an adage that is seriously overrated. Because the pain and heartache of the current moment will not always honestly project the beautiful reality of tomorrow. In those perplexing seasons of life, it is unclear how to respond. Do you cry? Or is it a time to celebrate? I was a 20 year-old college student and, in that moment, tears of sorrow were appropriate. I’d just left the Pregnancy Center with news of a positive pregnancy result. I was officially an unwed Mother, in an unplanned situation. I was overwhelmed by the prospect of becoming a Mom. But even more so, I was unhappy that I was walking into an uncertain future. In that moment, I felt very alone. In earnest, the future would give me a new story of purpose and retrospect would confirm the Lord had been present all along. In the days ahead, I would make significant choices and, in the years ahead, I would reap the excellence of God’s goodness. I by-passed the abortion clinic and walked down the aisle to the alter. It was my immediate family and church family that would attend my wedding and raise cheerful plastic cups to me and my new husband. Extended family members would not discover the faith to see a hopeful future for us. It was the first time I was able to confirm my membership in the household of faith. Had I known the amazing power of his excellence, I certainly would have celebrated more and cried much less. Had I known then, what I know now, I would have been more courageous and less fearful. Had I fully understood, that God forgives and forgets, I would have lived each day without guilt or anxiety. I would have enjoyed so much more confidence. That Little Baby That little baby boy of my youth, was born healthy and strong. In time, he grew to become a toddler, a boy, a teen and then a man. The Lord would help me to see him growing inwardly as he became an example of gratitude, generousity and joyfulness. He blesses those around him and gives of himself selflessly. He has a passion for sports and a dedication to family. He is a beautiful son to me and he continues to fill my heart with great joy. I'd known for some time that I wanted a family of four children, two boys and two girls. But that little baby boy would be my only son. He is a great brother to his sisters and I’m proud of the husband and father he has become. He does so many things well. We may choose to shed tears when we face difficult times and laugh out loud when things go our way. As a Doula, I rejoice with the families I serve! Other times, I realize some miraculous moments can be perplexing. In those moments, I can offer hope, reassurance and comfort in the moment knowing that good things can come from difficult and perplexing situations. *Need to define your "Why?": I offer BREAKTHROUGH Coaching. Email me for information at [email protected]
My Gift to You!
I know how important it is to live a confident life. That is why I give one on one coaching sessions. Breakthrough Coaching is confidential, powerful and available by invitation only! Tell me your story. A Free Download for You!
| I am grateful for you! In 2020, the Abundant Life website came to life and began to flourish and you have been a part of this experience. I thank you. Here are just a few things I was blessed to accomplish this year:
As a Doula, I had the pleasure of providing Doula services to 5 families this year!! You can be assured that plans for 2021 are underway! As my way of saying, "Thank You!", I have included a free download in this blog post. Click the link in the left column to download. Your presence and participation means so much! Blessings to you and your family! In loving kindness, Evelyn Tinsley The Abundant Life Doula
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