♡ My Testimony: UPDATED ♡

Last year I shared my personal testimony and a lot has happened since then so I thought I would write an updated version! BUT before you read the updated please check out my 'first part' so you know where I'm following from: Testimony

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So, from where I left off, I had the opportunity to do a dance course at a college. However, this did not fall through. LAST minute, a week or so before I was to start it and move to a whole new city with a deposit paid for a house share, I received a phone call saying that I could no longer attend due to me being the only person on this course. I was heartbroken- I did not know what this meant for me, or what to do next. With everything feeling like it was crashing around me, I honestly did know what was going on. I prayed that they could find other people, that they could make a way for me or anything. I was convinced dance was for me so I was confused! After there being nothing to do at college, being left unsupported and alone. I prayed that God would make a way, He got me this far, so I know He would not have left me. Not long after, maybe even hours after this happening something came to me 'Primary School Teacher'. I was like huh, well it doesn't sound that bad of an idea, I've always just wanted to be a teacher but I always thought I would not have the patience for it. Well, let's just say God thinks otherwise. I stepped massively out in faith, with everything in God's hands- believe me there were a few tears along the waiting- I moved out to the new city. With no idea if I could get a place at their university. I moved into my house share. Paid a months rent. I was there- so what next?

I prayed and prayed and seeked God every single day to make a way. With a couple of weeks til the welcome week, I applied to a Primary Teaching course and saw an Education studies one too. I had my heart set on the Primary course. I waited, and prayed and waited up until the LAST DAY OF WELCOME WEEK. Then I received an email saying I would not be able to join as it was too late for the Primary course. So, I was led to phone about the Education Studies course, if they would take me on. Guess what? All my prayers had been answered. God made a way. He did it. Imagine it being the last day of an induction week, and they let you join their course! After praying for patience a few months before this, I certainly did and still am learning to be patient in the waiting- but that is a whole other testimony in itself. I learnt a lot about faith during this time, I literally had to lean completely on Jesus because man had failed me and will fail me. But how about this: on the morning I got a call about the dance course, I woke up with this on my heart "Unwanted by man doesn't matter when you are wanted by God! You're let down by man- never let down by God". How about that? God had prepared me the very morning about what was to come. When I went back to that note I had written, I knew I was in His hands. 

So after the call back to check I could join the course, everything was final, I had to change it on UCAS, they accepted me and everything was going smooth again! I began on Monday and instantly knew this course was for me! A few months into living in this flat, some of the people living above me were bring a lot of trouble to the house- in fact they brought the police multiple times. Raids, drugs, and darkness. I did not want to be here. I remember praying with my boyfriend constantly to protect us because there was a definietely a spiritual battle going on. From when we first came to this point, a darkness had formed, and it would make you feel sick. It was like I could not even see in the corridors because it felt so dark. The only light places were where we had been praying. Because God was with us. I'm including this as part of my testimony because, as you read in the first one, I suffered a lot with fearing man. This, my friends, this experience taught me and knocked the fear for man right out of me. I had to look to God to protect me. And I knew, if God is protecting me, then nothing can come to me. The song for this period was Psalm 23 I am not alone by Peoples and Songs. This carried me through this time. I remember lying alone one night, feeling fear, my boyfriend was at football and I was locked in the room knowing what was taking place- then this song came on. It was like God played it for me, to comfort me to realise He is there with me, and I really am not alone! So, I'm guessing you want to know how God got me out of this one? Well, He did- big time. First, the ring leader was arrested and caught but only for less than 24hrs, then more darkness felt like it came back. They were more hard work than before with hygiene, drugs and safety. We just had to look to the Lord and He did come through. We went to the boys, and prayed with them. And not long after our housing agency informed us we could go move to another property and it felt light again.

Fast forward to the end of my first year, my boyfriend was finishing his course, so moving next year back to this city alone was not something I wanted to do. I prayed that whatever I am meant to do for Him to tell me. Then this idea of moving back home to my local university to transfer - same course, year 2. I was not sure if I was thinking this myself, so I prayed if this is what you want God, let everything, even the smallest of things, let it go smoothly.

And guess what? IT DID! The whole process-which can usually be known as being difficult- went smooth! I knew this was God's will for me. He answered my prayers- gave me confirmation! 

Fast forward to today. I have nearly finished my first week of my second year and I love it! I know that I want to be a Primary Teacher and this course is perfect for it. 

You see, God takes us through these experiences but He never lets go of our hands. He knows what He is doing. He answers prayers not in ways you thought of- and they work even better for you than you could think of. Let this testimony be a reminder for you as it reminded me, God has His hand on you through your life. Your highs and lows. He has perfectly painted your life. It involves some storms but it is He who carries you through them. 

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Maybe next year will be a whole new update! Until then! Thank you for spending your time reading this update! I've loved looking back on what God really has done for me. God is amazing, He truly is.

See ya! ♡ 

What does doubt create?

In a world full of doubt, it seems impossible to do the opposite. Doubt creates blockage. What does that mean? It means that when Jesus tells us that when we ask in prayer- BELIEVING- we will have it. So when we doubt, we create more room for the enemy to snatch and steal. So the more we water our doubt, the more it grows. However, when we fuel our faith, our trust and belief- we close that gap. God's Word is 100% truth. He is a promise-keeper. So hold close to your heart Mark 11:22-24. God knows our hearts, our desires. Trust in Him and believe. It is a relationship. I mean, who knows us better other than the One who created us? God is greater than any doubt. It takes faith the size of a mustard seed. It takes believing when you ask Him in prayer. He simply breaks it down- just believe. 

"So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. Forassuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them."- Mark 11:22-24

Stop giving into that doubt. Stop feeding it to grow. Listen to God and His Word not the enemy and his lies. Incline your ears to Him. Learn to truly trust and believe in every word that God says because it is truth.

Doubt creates blockage.

Thank you for reading! God Bless!

Until next time.. x

In the Season of Waiting...

In our lives, each one of us will go through different seasons. There are different seasons for different people, there are different reasons for them also. As a whole, they are all part of God's plan. One season that I know is experienced across all Christian's is waiting. We all wait for something- answered prayers, an answer, a path- we just wait. I am currently in a season of waiting, so I write this as a fellow Christian woman who is waiting. Our reasons for waiting are all unique to our own. What I am waiting for, somebody else may have, what I have may be what somebody else is waiting for. It's no competition, God just knows each one of us best and in depth. 

In the season of waiting, there are a few lessons we can learn. Waiting produces faith, in the midst of waiting, we have faith that God will deliver- you wonder why some things take seconds for God answer yet some take years? It is because His timing is not ours, He teaches us through these moments. He can teach us patience, faith, trust or for us to just grow closer to Him.

We must understand and know that waiting is not a bad thing. Through the waiting, He moulds us and teaches but also He prepares us for what is at the end of that waiting. We must daily be preparing, by digging deeper into His Word, communicating with Him. Be honest with Him, He knows everything. Speak to Him, as He is our Father, sometimes we just need to ask Him and you will be surprised how He answers. 

Let the season of waiting be an addition to your testimony to share to others. Enjoy the season of waiting, for God has a plan and path for you! Just look to Him to keep on it!

While being in my own season of waiting, some verses have stuck to me that may also encourage you as they did for me:

❁ Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.- Mark 11:24 ❁

❁ Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!- Psalm 27:14 ❁

❁ But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.- James 1:4 ❁

❁ Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content. I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.- Philippians 4:11-13 ❁

What can you do through the season of waiting?

1. Trust. You have got to have faith in God, you've got to look forward to see how beautiful your creator has painted out your path. It is easier said than done, believe me I have had moments where I have crashed down and cried out to God questioning why, but that's when Mark 11:24 came to me and it encouraged as well as comforted me and I have believed in that verse and trust God for He is not a liar, He is a promise-keeper; remember that!

2. Grow. You have God's Word, stick yourself into it and grow! Let God do His work in you, give your all to Him. He is the potter and we are the clay, we as clay can't build or change ourselves- only our Creator. Take time to spend with Him, fellowship with others, worship, pray- do whatever it is that let's you did deeper into God's Word. Just do it- it is the best thing you can do! I can not stress that enough. Whenever I feel down about it or feel like I'm drifting- when I pick up my Bible- everything changes, I have this sense of peace and encouragement. It's only God who can do that.

3. Don't focus on what you don't have. You can't get everything by the click of your fingers. So while you don't have what you're waiting for, soak in the moments you are in and be content. Focus on what God has already blessed you with, give thanks and praise. 

4. Don't let satan win. Satan will do whatever he can to destroy you. That is a simple fact. So any doubting thoughts, anything that will remove your focus or steal your joy is him. We must realise that Jesus has already won, He paid it all. Sin does not have any dominion over you now, and certainly satan does not. We are God's chosen people, His beloved children- we are His. So walk in confidence of that today!

Where a season of waiting can seem never-ending; trust that God's timing is perfect, and it will all work out because He is the perfect painter, perfect creator and He is in control!  Remember : Until the door is open, Praise HIM in the hallway! 

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Thank you for reading this post! Feel free to get in touch for any prayers, blog ideas etc! Praise God!

Until next time... Bye! x

God Turns Chaos into Peace!

Have you ever felt like your mind is an absolute mess? Like it is so fuzzy that you can't even see past the cloud- or like you are thinking 1,000 thoughts at once? Something that I went through not so long is just that, it's like you can't even open your eyes because your mind is just a fuzz. I felt like I couldn't escape the thousands of thoughts, like I had to think them all at once.

That was until I realised what I was missing. My mind was so fuzzy because I had shifted Jesus from my focus, I let my mind become a occupant of the things of this world and not fully on Jesus. In times like this, we literally just need to be still but also, we need to re-align and reset ourselves with Jesus. This is about laying everything at His feet, giving Him control back of everything that occupies you and your life- it is about asking God to take out the things He doesn't want and to place/keep what He does. It calls for a time to examine ourselves to look at what we have been consuming and asking God to clear it & then re-aligning us with Him.

The moment I sat down with worship blasting through my ears and with my journal and some pens, I promise you that there and then God started to cleanse the fuzzy mess to bring my focus back to Him. I had a peace cover me, my mind no longer thinking thousands of thoughts but it was being re-centred back to Jesus! Sometimes we can go off on one, but you know who is always there waiting to grab us in His arms? Yep, you got it, Jesus. No matter how many steps you have taken, He still will have His arms waiting for you. Countless times we can get eaten up by this world, and countless times God has grace & mercy to bring me back on the narrow path. Sometimes in this crazy life, we need reminding of who holds our future and who holds everything from beginning to forever and it is HIM! Praise the Lord that He has a plan for each and every one of us because we would be walking in twenty different directions at once. He has a reason behind every turn, every direction and every path but it is to ultimately keep you on the narrow path that few find to reach Him in eternity. 

So, do not panic on those days where your mind feels messy and your life feels messy, God is waiting for you to just simply turn to Him- to fix the chaos back into His peace. He is always letting us know that He is there and He is the answer for all your needs. He turned my fuzzy mind to a clear, peaceful space. He has re-aligned me to seek His will and not my own nor this worlds. 

Lord, keep us walking down the narrow path, keep us focused on You, let it be You that occupies our minds and lives and not this world. Reset us Jesus, we need you every day. Even though we may feel fuzzy and messy, remind us that all we need is You, because You alone can turn the chaos into peace.

In Jesus' name, Amen

God Bless! Thank you for reading!  ♡

Deepening my series: talking to God

Last time for this 'Deepening my...' series I covered prayer where I uploaded a prayer journal resource so to continue with the topic of being able to talk to God as part of our personal relationship with Him.

He is our Father, and always has His ear ready to listen to our needs, our requests and when we just need to vent- anything, He is there. 

Feel free to use this to just pour out what is on your heart to our caring Father and let Him know everything. This comes with two sections: 1: can be to write random words, phrases or anything  2. can be to just pray and ask God for anything, on whats on your heart or even just to tell Him what you need to.

God Bless ♡

Stop pointing your fingers.

Something that constantly keeps appearing to me, in recent and distant events is that we need to stop pointing our fingers. Jesus told us to take the speck out of own eye before removing the plank from others. This is because He knows that humans are hypocritical. Believe it or not, we all can be hypocrites, some know it and some are too blind to see it. Ultimately, there needs to be change. 

Something I saw before was that when we point our finger, three are pointing back- it is a reminder to check yourself instead of being quick to point at others. We point our fingers, always being confident that the problem is not with us, but with the person we are pointing at. Do not take pride in yourself, do not be a hypocrite. We must examine ourselves as Jesus tells us, so we can seek Him to be changed. We most definitely are not perfect yet we judge and point to others as if we are. My point is, who do we think we are pointing fingers when there is only ONE who can truly judge us.

Change needs to start with yourself. As much as we would like to, we can not change others but we can change ourselves through asking and seeking God. The message that I'm trying to put across is, as followers of Christ, we are not meant to be like the world and we shouldn't be so quick to point people out. Pointing at others should not make you feel good or better about yourselves. If you want to point at anyone- point at yourself and begin to ask for change. If someone has offended you, pray that God will help you to not be quick to offence, that He will shape you to deal with the things that may offend you.

Pointing fingers also does not just come down to judging- but comes down to spreading harsh words about someone- ultimately you aim these words at them for someone else to begin to think and point negatively and harshly. It literally comes down to doing to others what you would want done to you. With having such an attitude and harsh outlook towards someone, if that was to be applied back to you, how would you feel? Of course, you would think it is not fair, or that you haven't deserved such treatment. This is why it is so important to think before we speak and act- our words and actions ( especially as Christians,) are being watched more than most people so by you saying that one harsh thing, think about how that is representing Christ. In all honesty, we can slip into moments like this, we all have, but start re-aligning yourself with God and His truth- ask yourself 'How does this represent Christ?'- don't be selfish to please your flesh. Be self-less to please God and put Him first.

Jesus teaches us to love, He teaches us to encourage others, to serve, to be kind. Pointing fingers, having a bad attitude or acting ungodly does not serve God, it does not edify you, it does not have any good impact. Light and darkness does not mix, God has made that pretty clear. We need to serve God and not serve this world nor our flesh. Change starts from you. Stop pointing your fingers and seek God to change you.

Thank you for reading! God Bless !

♡

What's Love Got To do With it?

Love. We all think we have got it right? I mean you say you love your family and friends? Yet your actions speak different. You say you love your enemies right? Until they actually do something against you? But I mean you pray for them? But how can we pray for people we don't actually genuinely love? Love comes from deep within your heart and your heart is what God knows perfectly and with detail. God- who knows our thoughts before we think them; knows our prayers before we pray them; our actions before we do them and our words before we speak them. He knows all. And He most definitely knows our hearts.

To be able to pray for others, it has to come from a place of LOVE.

To be able to help others, it has to come from a place of LOVE.

Why? I mean why can't we just act without love? 

Because without love- it is nothing.

God is Love. In John 14:15- Jesus says to us ' If you love me, keep my commandments'

You know why? Because obedience to keep commandments comes from a place of love- you want to listen to them because you genuinely want to do what they say because that is love. You can easily avoid most sin when we have a genuine heart of love. 

The greatest commandment surrounds love. 

But why is this SO important?

Because in a world full of hate and evil, there is limited space for actual love. The love you see in the world is not love. Love is laying one's life for the whole world after living a perfect life. Jesus did just that. He is love. He shows us time and time again what love is. Most people think love is just a feeling. It is so much deeper and more than that. Look how God loves us endlessly- in fact, we turn from Him daily and disobey Him- and He still LOVES us! Most of our backs have turned on Him- and He still loves us. The love He has for us is true Love. 

The world's love does not even come close. 'Love' today is full of lust, is full of sin, is full of pride. 

God defines love to us time and time again. 

Look at the words Paul writes showing the definition of Love- THIS IS GOD BREATHED. This is God telling us- look this is love not the kind you think. The world defines love yet is parading it around. Yet God tells us- Love does not parade itself. Satan has corrupted the most greatest commandment to turn it into sin. This is so true Christians are deemed against the world and different. From what may seem so small- Satan and this world has corrupted it into evil- it is all setting up towards his overall plan through the great tribulation.

I ask you all to examine your hearts. Ask God to show you if you have love and to create love within you- to let His love pour over you and surround you. To let His love be the only love you need and to be the only definition you follow. I pray you feel God's love today and that it is poured over you all- that He sets it in your heart to love.

Thank you for taking your time to read this post! Praise God for He is love!

God Bless! xx

♡ Deepening my... Series ♡

Hey everyone! ♡

I have decided to create a new series called 'Deepening my...' where I will be setting up different resources and activities to help deepen different parts of our Christian walk.

First up is 'Deepening my prayer life' .

As we follow Jesus, it is so important that we constantly seek God and talk to Him; which can be through prayer.

'But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.'

Matthew 6:6 NKJV

'pray without ceasing,'

I Thessalonians 5:17 NKJV

'praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—'

Ephesians 6:18 NKJV

The Word constantly tells us how important it is to pray and speak to our Father. Jesus would constantly go into prayer- He would go to an isolated place, where no one was around, early in some cases and speak to our Father. Jesus is our perfect example!

I pray you draw closer to God through these series and that the LORD will draw closer.

Thank you for reading ! If you participate- tag me on instagram '@graceoverpride' and use #GOPdeepenseries

Until Next Time.. God Bless ♡

♡ Refresh. ♡

There are times in our Christian walk where we become overwhelmed, unsure where we are meant to be and more. These times require us to just be still. As God tells us to 'Be still and know that I Am God.' We must obey this, and stop rushing around this crazy life. It calls for a refresh.

What do I mean by 'refresh'?

• Set your priorities straight. When you rise, do you start your day with Jesus or with the world? This can really set the tone for your day, when we do not give God our day, our first waking moments- just our time in general- we can be setting our day up to just be crazy. God wants us to put Him first, and what is better than starting your day with Him? Ask for His guidance- He is always MORE than enough! God is greater than this world, than your plans, than your chaos. He is the only one who can set your paths straight. 
• Do all for the glory of God. In everything we do, it should be to please God not ourselves and this world. Pleasing God means doing things for others, not out of a boasting or un-genuine love, but put others before yourself. It means, thanking and praising God throughout your day, giving Him the glory! It means, acting on the Word not just reading it to say you have read it. It means, walking in love and the Spirit, not by lust and the flesh. Ask yourself when doing anything, is this pleasing God? or is this pleasing my selfish desires? Am I actually seeking God's will or is it your own?
• Take care of yourself. The Bible clearly states how our bodies are the temple and dwelling place for the Holy Spirit. So, take care of it! It does not mean going on a mad disciplined diet, but look after it! Drink water, eat well, exercise and keep clean. In most cases, our presentation is what the world looks at- before we open our mouths, they see your presentation. We are meant to have a gentle and quiet spirit, our fruits are to produce good. But presentation is also how you physically present yourself. 
• Renew your mind. Your mind is the battlefield for satan to trick, deceive and deflate you. So, that calls for you to constantly renew your mind. How do we do this? Turn to God in prayer, turn to His word, call upon the name of Jesus! When we are not in the Word it is so easy to slip into the worldly mentality, that is why we must renew our minds with the Holy Spirit's guidance when reading the Word. Put on your armour of God. We may lose some battles, but we will win the war! Jesus has already won- remember that!

My overall message to you is that is okay to ask God for a refresh- He knows. If anything He wants us to constantly be coming to Him! He is our Father. It is okay to be stuck in chaos and to ask for help because God will pull you out- just ask Him. It is okay to just stop, because God wants us to be still and focus on Him. This world is evidentially a playground for satan, he constantly wants to trip up believers. So when you feel lost, know that Jesus will guide you home. When you feel trapped, know that Jesus will free you. When you are confused, know that Jesus will give you understanding. Jesus is always the answer. 

Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who  is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?

I Corinthians 6:19 

The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

Exodus 14:14 

Thank you for reading this!  God Bless you all! 

Be Kingdom Minded!

♡

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This World Needs Love.

" Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’  This is the first and great commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ "

Matthew 22:37‭-‬39 NKJV

Jesus tells us that love is the most important commandment, we must firstly love God and our neighbour as ourselves. But what exactly does this mean?

1. Loving God with ALL our hearts, soul and minds. God is our Father, full of love and compassion as well as mercy! He is our creator! He is always there for us! It is so important to love God, this is through our obedience as well as putting Him before all things. In this world, you can often slip into the mentality that 'this' is so important, which then begins to replace what you are putting first. This is idolatry. Putting anything above or before our LORD! Place your focus on Jesus. Tune in to the Holy Spirit. Don't be consumed with this world. With everything we do, give the glory to God, give Him all the praise and thanks! Put Him before everything. In every aspect of our lives, we must put Him there! Love the Lord- a genuine LOVE for Him! He loved us before we loved Him!

2. Loving our neighbour as our selves. Neighbours refers to everyone in this world, whether they are your family, friends, someone from a different religion, different part of the world or even your enemy. Love them truly. Bless your enemies, not curse them. Put God first, put others before yourself. Treat them as you would want to be treated. Loving our neighbours with a genuine love, from Jesus who lives within, is not to just do something for show. It is not always about giving money. It can be genuinely being there for someone, and caring for them. Praying for your brothers and sisters in Christ, praying for those in need. It's about spreading kindness, to spread the love of Jesus. Jesus is love. When they see you, make them wonder why you are different- it is because JESUS lives within you! Spread His love. It might be as simple as a smile and conversation to someone who looks down- change someones day- shine Christ! Spread how amazing Christ is and His love for us all! 

Why is this SO important as Christians?

This world is filled with hatred, bitterness, darkness and evil- day by day the world becomes that bit more wicked and corrupt. This world needs Jesus, to see His light, love and glory.  This world is blind to satan's traps and deception. Spreading the light is so important as we are in the last days. This is through spreading love, showing the world how amazing God's love is for us. Spreading kindness and love- having a gentle spirit. Not travelling in the direction of this world and its ways. Not holding a grudge and gossiping about someone who has done wrong across you. Not insulting others. Not promoting hatred. It's about spreading love into this dark world. We must go against the direction of the world. We are not here to fit in with the world- but to be different for we are set apart.

This love is not for show, it is not to boast. It is to be genuine, it is genuine from Christ. He gives us that pure love. God shows us daily what true love is- because He is love!

How will you make a difference and spread love?

All glory to the LORD.  Thank you for reading this post. Hope you have a blessed day! God Bless xx

https://youtu.be/srwvoKpHfL4

David & Goliath: What is strength?

DAVID AND GOLAITH:

 1 Samuel 17

GOLIATH: To the world, he is seen as strong- you physically wouldn’t want to ever face him let alone battle him. He has the height, strength and stance to make you want to run away. 1 SAMUEL 17:4-7

DAVID: A man of faith, he is actually STRONGER than the giant- this being only because of one reason- HE HAS GOD! God is his STRENGTH

In fact- He wins the battle with the 5 stones he had. His faith in the LORD was all he needed 1 SAMUEL 17: 37

Strength: This being something that the world see’s as muscles, toned and physically fit. But that’s actually incorrect. You can only be strong from one source- that is the LORD! This strength can go against ALL giants, ALL powers- EVERYTHING.

GIANTS: In life we face many giants, but how are we meant to keep up and defeat them? There’s only one answer to that- that is the LORD. He is how we fight our battles. He is the only way. Put your full armour of God on every single day- ask for your strength- God will give it! This strength comes from only HIM. Your giant may seem massive,. But to God that is minor- He is bigger than all your problems!

DAVID: Has his armour on but takes it off- He had not tested it nor could walk with it on. The world can offer you it’s ideal strength- physically it seems strong but it won’t let you even walk with strength, it’s non-existent. He was himself, BUT he had GOD- his strength came from God not the armour or sword. 1 SAMUEL 17:39

You can train your body all you want- but you won't be strong. You need to be in the Word, talking to Our Father, putting the whole armour of God on and being filled with the Holy Spirit. That is the only strength you need and that is the only way you can have true strength.

Our strength comes from the LORD- creator of the heavens and earth!

God Bless!  

♡ Our Hearts are like a Watered Garden. ♡

Picture this.

There are two gardens. One is beautifully crafted, blossoming new flowers and is growing daily in its beauty. The other is filled with overgrown weeds and nettles- it's crowed and hard to walk through.

Now- which one would your heart look like?

♡

As Christians, we must be pushing to walk in faith and love, shine the LORD's light and glory, and to be walking daily with Him. Our hearts are to be like a watered garden. Soaked in the Word, watered by our Father! Each and every day we should be growing, blossoming new plants - this is like how we should be growing daily in our faith and blossoming in it through our life. Our life being here to serve the LORD. We only can grow through the LORD- and that is through being in the Word, it's through prayer- our personal relationship with the LORD! It's the best relationship you can have!

♡

Sometimes we must stop and evaluate our selves as this world can entice you in causing you to start becoming dry and overgrown in areas. So we must ask the LORD to reveal to us where we are drying up? What are we actually feeding our souls and hearts? Is it the Word and God? Or is it the world and sin? Are we indulging too much into the world's pleasures and ways? Are we falling into that trap satan has set?

♡

We must keep our hearts, souls and faith watered. This goes for being watered daily too- soak in the Word every chance you get! Let your garden be overflowing with blossoming flowers, planted and watered by Jesus! When we grow in our relationship with Him and faith- we begin to grow and blossom, in a way the world could NEVER offer.

You have a glow which shines from within as that is where Jesus is living. Our bodies are the temple where the Holy Spirit dwells- so we must be watering them, and taking care of them! The LORD lives within, and He deserves the most!

So- which are garden are you?

Thank you for reading this post! Thank you to the LORD for giving me this opportunity to share this with you all! Have a lovely day!

♡

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♡ Are you walking in line? ♡

"that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory."

1 Thessalonians 2:12

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In this crazy world we live in, we can slip up and end up walking down the wrong path or end up taking the wrong turning. Through this, we must question ourselves- Am I walking in line with the LORD or with the world? God will direct us and place us where we need to be, He is our guide and He will help us stay in line with Him. 

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There is only one path, and that is the narrow path which many few find and it leads us to Him with everlasting life! This is the only path we should be walking down and keeping in line with!

God wants us, He does all He can to keep you and protect you as we are His children and He is our Father!

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Our lives are to be a reflection of Christ- we are here to serve the LORD, and shine His glory and love and to spread the gospel and His amazing works! Let us be living and walking examples, let us be the light that shines bright because Jesus lives within! We are called to walk in line which means to walk WORTHY of God! We can't be sinning and sinning the same sins over and over again! We can't be going into the worlds ways and the Word. We need to be firm in our path and faiths- let no evil persuade you to walk along the broad path! Time is running short- Jesus is coming, we need to be prepared and be spreading the Word and spread Jesus' name and works!

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The LORD is our shepherd- and He will guide us! He wants us to be with Him! Remember that! He wants you, He is calling you- to walk in line down the narrow path- walking worthy of Him!

Thank you for reading this post! Thank you LORD for guiding me, I pray this speaks to at least one of you! Make a change, walk in line with God and spread His name and works! 

♡

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♡ Quiet Time with God Series- Bible Time ♡

One of the best ways for God to speak to us is through the Bible- His Word! When we dedicate our time to God, He will speak to us, guide us, even bless us! Jesus wants all of us, not some of us, not half, not a percentage nor share with the world -no. He wants us all! He literally died on the cross for us ALL- ALL of Him! 

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Make time for Jesus

Where it is waking up earlier to start your day, whether it's late at night, in the day- make time for the LORD! He literally gives us His all, and at times we don't even show Him how much He means to us! I join you to make sure you dedicate a time of your day to Jesus with me! He deserves all our time- remember we are here to serve God not the world and it's desires!

Act on the Word

Don't just read the Word being half-hearted and in a rush, dedicate your time, every minute! Soak up the Word and act on it- apply it to your life and make a change! Don't be disengaged with the Word, you won't grasp the full picture God wants you too- give your time and act on it!

What is God telling me?

When you are doing your Bible Study, quiet time etc, think about this - what is God telling me? Why has He led me here? He has a meaning behind why you have read this, even if you flicked the page and just come across it- God did this on purpose- what is the Holy Spirit revealing and why? Don't just read for the sake of it.

Here are the printables which can help you with your Bible Time! Feel free to download them and print them for yourself!

Hope you have a lovely day! I hope these help with your Bible Time and that God guides and reveals to you what He wants you to know and even to share! Thank you for taking the time to check this out! Thank you LORD for guiding me to do this series, I pray it helps at least one person LORD!
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♡ Back to Uni, College or School- as a Christian? ♡

So the time is coming near- back to school season- you've got all your pens, books and your brand new bag- but something is missing? You're not spiritually prepared?

As a Christian in school can be challenging as it's a time of wanting to fit in which could lead you to being dragged along in the world's way not God's way. We need to avoid this at all costs, because that's where you become either a luke warm Christian or completely turn away- basically letting the devil win.

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How can we avoid this?

It's simple. God is the answer. 

1. Prayer- Seek God in this time leading up or even when you are there. Pray that 

He guides you to the right friends, that are even Christian themselves to help you uplift one another along your walk! Pray also for protection, that you are safe from any evil , and that you keep focused on God! Don't let the world get in the way!

2. Make that difference- I know as humans, our nature is to want to fit into the crowds of school, work and society- but why? Standing out is a lot better, so be the light in school, make people question what it is about you that's difference! It's a great way to spread God's glory too! We must not conform to this world, so definitely don't try to fit into it- that is not why were here, we are here to serve the LORD! 

3. Spread Love, Kindness and be forgiving! This ties in with the previous point, but to show that difference we must spread love through our actions as well as kindness! There's a difference between being kind and then being walked all over- with God, you can stand against anything- that means God will guide you and help you when we seek Him! There is most likely going to be a time where someone does something across you or is really trying to wind you up- pray for them and forgive them- bless them not curse them! We must love all one another!

4. Wear the Armour of God! This is an important one too, this is something that we must be putting on every single day! Before you go to school or college, uni, even work- pray to God and put that armour on, helping you go throughout your day fully equipped! 

5. Mornings- They can be rushed if you choose too, it can be a battle if you choose to- don't let it. Make more time, start by waking up that little bit earlier and speak to God and be in the Word! The best way to start your day is with Jesus! It will set you off for the rest of the day!

5.

This one is more for the university students! You do not have to join in with the drinking and partying path- seek God, He will guide you! Read Proverbs 20:1- Ask yourself, what is more important- to be cool and right with the world or to be right with God?

" Wine is a mocker, Strong drink is a brawler. And whoever is led astray by it is not wise." 

Pray for wisdom-  I turned to Proverbs 20:1 and that's when God pressed this idea on my heart because I know it can be hard when it comes to this as you want to fit in! Trust me, God will make a way for you to find the right crowd, don't fall into satan's trap that drinking is the only way to fit in- it's a lie! Having wisdom is way better to seek and have than being seen as foolish by God! Satan wants you to drink, because you lose control of your mind so it's easy for him to creep in and devour you! Scripture tells us to be sober, that means not getting drunk or being intoxicated because the devil will come running at you as you fall into his trap! Be strong in your faith and be sober- focus on God at all times! It can get hard with work loads increasing, but you have Jesus to help you every step of the way!

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Remember, you can make it a battle if you choose to, seek God and ask and you'll receive! He is there for us in every circumstance, every minute, any time, any place- Jesus is there with His arms wide open for us! You have Jesus along the entire way! You never know what God has in store, whether it being a chance to witness and spread His Word and glory in school or that you find friends who will guide you in the right direction! How amazing is He? He will provide!

Thank you LORD, for blessing all of us, with the chance to even have an opportunity to spread your love and glory! I pray we all can use school, college, university or work to spread your Word LORD and that we can all be that light and set an example! Thank you LORD- In Jesus' Name Amen!

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I hope you all have an amazing school year and that God continues to guide you and bless you as you grow in your walk and faith! Thank you for reading this- God pressed this on my heart to write today and I hope it helps even one of you! God Bless, have an amazing day!
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♡ Quiet Time with God Series- PRAYER ♡

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One of the most powerful, amazing ways to spend quiet time with the LORD is through prayer! This can be to just talk to Him throughout the day, to seek Him, give thanks to Him, asking literally anything! Can you believe we actually have the chance to seek the LORD in ALL we do! We can actually speak to Him any time we want, any hour, day, moment, night- anywhere!

One of the most important ways to grow in your relationship with God is to have quiet time with prayer! This is means having a place where it is just you and God, no distractions, no one around, just you and Him! Trust me it's one of the best feelings in the world! You literally have Him to yourself, as you speak to Him and seek Him!
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On my Instagram, I challenged anyone who read my post to make time for Jesus, but this time I want to challenge you to make time to start your day, alone and in a quiet place by yourself, to seek God just you and Him this week! 

God can hear you in your mind when you pray, when you whisper, shout, sing- anything He can hear you- He is so powerful and amazing!

I created a prayer sheet which can help with your quiet time, because you can actually write your prayers to Him- this is a way you can also look back on to see how and when He answered you! You will be amazed!!

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Here are the print outs I made! Feel free to save them, download then and print them off so you can have more quiet time with God! I pray these help you and help you grow in your relationship with Jesus as well as your faith!

There are 4 sheets to chose from, or you can use them all!- ( save the pictures or download by clicking the name here of what you want!) :

1. Blank

2. Flower

3. Space

4. Colour

I hope this helps you to grow closer to God! Have a lovely day! God Bless- spread love, happiness and most importantly God's Word and love! ♡

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♡ Quiet Time with God- Series ♡

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One of the most important things is to have quiet time with God, this can cover a few things such as prayer, Bible time, praise and worship and listening! With the guidance of God, I have created a new series which I'll be doing on my blog which is called 'Quiet Time with God'! This is to help those who want to get closer to God, and who want to have more quiet time! Sometimes our days can be jam packed with worldly tasks and we can forget to have or prioritise the most important thing of all- God!

In this series, I have created some printables which you can print for yourself and complete in your quiet time with God! 

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Check out my social medias to keep updated when I post so you don't miss it! 

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Thank you for reading! Keep an eye out for my next post!

God Bless ♡

♡ My Testimony ♡

All my life, since a young child, I have always believed in God and would call myself a Christian with ease. I went to Sunday School, Church, my parents brought me up as a Christian. But there came a time where I thought I said the sinner's prayer- I saw thought because I didn't actually confess with my mouth but each night I would repeat it because I thought the last time didn't count ( I was only young). Then high school came and I would still call myself a Christian to anyone who'd ask and I definitely believed. In all honesty, I was calling myself a Christian without knowing what it truly meant to be one. Skip forward to 2018 after falling away by being TOO much of this world and being selfish, materialistic, anxious, having panic attacks, fearing every single thing that could possibly exist, watching horror movies for a thrill, listening to music that didn't promote God but the world - little did I know, I was inviting a devil to personally get in my head from doing all of this, I was inviting him in by entertaining the things of him and not God! I'd always feel a heaviness on my chest- constantly! I would put it down to panic attacks but now I truly know the reason- the devil had it's chains all wrapped around me pushing me right down.

So, 2017 I began University- something I THOUGHT I was passionate about - notice thought being in capital letters? Yeah- lil miss who thinks she knows everything here got it wrong! So now we are in 2018- the start of the year God really got my attention with something that happened right at the start of the year-all from that moment I went through ALL kinds of emotions. Little did I know, God was strengthening me and preparing me. 

At the start of university, I thought yes this is everything I've ever wanted wow look at how amazing this place is! Ha- slowly one by one, everything about university started to beat me down one by one leading to me to be filled with fear, anxious and to ultimately begin to stop eating- it really impacted, my love for my course was being shrunk as I began to have no motivation to even go. It got to the day before my first ever proper assignment due date, I had been putting it off because of all that was going on- usually with things like that I am the first to just get it done and to understand this. But for some reason, I had no motivation to do it, I couldn't get my head around the assignment or anything and no-one could help me. Throughout this time, I still would be praying every night but again little did I know God had something greater for me- I just had to seek him. That very night- I made the decision to leave university the following day- and I did, weirdly everything went so smoothly and easy, but I remember the exact moment I was walking back to my flat thinking, well where do I go from here- what am I meant to do.  Next thing you know, I got accepted STRAIGHT away into a college for my course and this way I'd be able to be with my boyfriend and take a different route- this is something I came across before choosing university but just put it down. God will make a way- I'm telling you that now! So, there was a period that I was with my boyfriend for a long period every day- and it was from this that both of us started to get into the Word, I brought my Bible to his flat and started to watch Bible Project- I didn't straight away go to my Bible til one day I was like 'pass me my Bible please' then from then it all changed. From thinking reading a verse a day and then going back into the world to where I am today- I am so thankful! From that moment, I got stronger and stronger as everything seemed to fall into place, I had nothing to do, so I would spend each day in my Bible, watching Christian videos, learning more about God and myself! Then skip forward to 3rd June 2018- the night of this date, both myself and my boyfriend accepted the LORD into our hearts, repented and confessed with our mouths! God put us together for a reason, as throughout my journey we both were strengthening together and getting closer to God together! After I accepted the LORD, I brought a notebook, to begin a Bible Journal, and every day I would be in the Word, learning more and more - understanding things I never used to understand when I tried to read before! I remember trying to read Genesis and the first few lines baffled me, for some reason I couldn't get my head around it- it was because I went in without the Holy Spirit. Each day, more and more , I learn more and the LORD helps me understand and gives me wisdom and helps guide me and so much more- more than I could ever imagine. I even was led to create a new Instagram named ' Grace Over Pride' which the LORD helped me name as I was trying all different names then I came across James 4:6- and I knew then that God led me to that so it instantly came in my head- Grace Over Pride- and it was the only one that worked.

 Every day I am working on my relationship with him and my faith as well as myself. Not only have I noticed changed about me but my boyfriend and family have- that means a lot to me because I know God is chipping away at me helping me along my way. I can tell you something straight away- those panic attacks have gone, my fear is for the LORD, I don't have the obsession with the world and the things in it- I long and thirst for Christ, I want to live my life to serve him and only him! I want to be only walking down the narrow path- God has done so many things in my life, things I didn't even realise until getting close to Him that all this time- he was preparing me, and leading me to these moments! I feel reborn and new- I am born again! Since then I feel like a completely different person as the way I put it is that God has taken the worldly lens' that I had on and gave me brand new lens' which have adapted my sight to see everything in a different way!

Fast forward to today- every morning, day, night I have sat down in my little corner, made time for Jesus- and have been stuck in the Word, learning new things every time. The Holy Spirit guides me in ways you couldn't imagine! The LORD is always with me, I turn to him for everything! Yes, I can fall sometimes into the world but the LORD has given me strength to bring myself back through him - for example, I kept going on social media rather than having Bible time and study- so I was led to fast for 3 days and the desire for social media has been removed thanks to God! He has strengthened our relationship- and it will continue each and every day!

Thank you to the LORD, for everything he has done in my life to shape me to be who I am today- LORD thank you for guiding me and never leaving me- thank you Jesus Christ for dying on that cross for all of our sins- you took the punishment for us - you have given us that chance LORD to be with you forever and ever! Thank you God for using your only son! All glory to God for he is amazing in every single way!

I pray this helps anyone who the LORD guides to read this and make the best and biggest change in their life which is turning to Jesus and repenting! 

♡♡♡♡

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♡ Being the LIGHT in this world ♡

" You are the light of the world."- Matthew 5:14

As a Christian, the Bible tells us that we are the light in the world- the light that shines in the darkness. But what does this exactly mean?

What does being the light mean?

From reading my Bible and with the guidance of God, I have come to an understanding on what this means. We need to be the light in this dark world for it is filled with sin! We can't be flickering, we can't be turned off because through having Jesus within us we are SHINING bright and we need to show the difference. Love is one of the differences we can make- show how you love not through words but actions through Christ, show that you love everyone as it should come from genuinely within - even your enemies. Kindness- this can be hard to find in this world so we need to be filled with it as we know we have it when we have Jesus as we can spread his Word, we can show it through our acts of helping those in need. BUT not be like those who help to brag or showcase how many people they have helped- but do it out of the good, kindness and love in your heart as that's where the Holy Spirit is living.

When I think of light, I think of it being bright, it allows you to see what you thought you could see in the darkness.

Jesus is the switch of our lights,  if we turn that on that switch we are lit and are so bright and we can be the light in this dark world. With Jesus as the switch, he will never turn it off , the only way for us to turn it off is if we do through us turning away and becoming part of the darkness. We won't flicker like a bulb going out because God is everlasting and if we turn to him and never look back our lights will always stay bright because we have the switch of Jesus. We are the only reason for it flickering, that's when we need to look at ourselves and ask if I am putting God first or me and the world?
As soon as we turn that light on we can notice changes- things we couldn't see before when we were walking in the dark. Why? : Because without God we are nothing- we're like a light bulb that hasn't been turned on- we're meant to provide the light and the switch is right there, we need to find it and turn it on. This is just like how Jesus is standing there with his arms wide open and we are blinded by the world and have turned our backs but  as soon as we turn around, and see him- he takes off that blindfold and you can see a whole new world and path. Without being the light, it's so easy to walk down the broad path because you know most people are walking down there as it's so easy to find. Where as with the light you can now see the narrow path and you can walk down there with God guiding you. 

" The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."- John 1:5 

How can I find that switch?

If you're wondering where or how you can find that switch to turn on your light- it's simple. Turn to Jesus, know he is your saviour and that he died on the cross for your sins and repent of all your sins! Accept Jesus into his heart! Once you do that, everything falls into place, you'll be filled with a peace and with a new kind of love you didn't think was possible! Get your heads into your Bibles and absorb the Word and meditate on it so you can apply it to your life now. All the answers are in there because that is God's Word! God is always there for us, we just need to talk to him, praise him - through Jesus he hears our prayers and he can guide us down that narrow path leading to everlasting life!
"The faithful love of the LORD never ends!"- Lamentations 3:22
With God , there is no end to his love - he will always provide- nothing is impossible to him! SO, turn to Jesus- become the light in this dark world and spread the love of Christ and the Word of God!

Ways for me to shine my light:

1. One of the major ways to shine your light is through sharing the Word- to be able to spread the Word you need to be reading it yourself and absorbing it so you can gain understanding and wisdom!
2. Fear the LORD, not the world! Don't give into the world and the devil- satan wants you to be scared of him as it opens a gateway for him to plant fears and doubts! He wants you to move away from God and come more into the world! With God- be firm in your faith and FEAR HIM ONLY!
3. One of the greatest commandments in the Bible and the most important- as said by Jesus himself- is to love God and love others! This is where "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." - Galatians 5:14 Comes into place as we need to be loving one another not just through words but through actions! Neighbour is everyone- your enemies included! You should bless them not curse them! This is where people will notice a difference and your light will come through as they see that you are slow to anger! We should helping our brothers and sisters in Christ when we can- reach our our hands to them and help them! Give God ALL the glory!
4. Our ways will be changed through God's guidance- but we should be trying to be more like Jesus in his characteristics and actions- he always showed love, he showed love for God and everybody else! He followed the commandments set out by our Father and he respected them! He prayed to God and praised him! He spread the Word of God- he understood the scriptures and applied it to his life! He was unbelievably kind- he stood up for God in the temple! We should grow to these characteristics as Jesus lives in us! The Holy Spirit will guide us and our mind - we need to pray -repent and spread the Word!
5. We should forgive others as God forgives us! God won't forgive us if we can't even forgive our brothers and sisters- how can we expect him to! This shines the light in this dark world as people hold on to grudges and don't forgive in this world today- so we need to show love through forgiving all!
6. Avoidance of sin- yes we can fall into it but we shouldn't be looking out of our way to join it and have a mentality of ' Oh I can repent'! NO! Let me stop you there- that is the devil talking, he wants you to abuse God's love and faithfulness and compassion! There is a difference between knowing and wanting to sin or that your about to sin and not knowing that you did sin! God will correct us and speak to us if we don't know what we are doing is a sin- he has done it to me and he showed me a scripture to show me the way!
7. Wear the Armour of God:
This is what I made on the Armour of God for those who are unsure on what exactly it is-

These are some of many ways we can be the light in this dark world! Most importantly is that you seek God and read the Word so God can speak to you through it and show you the way! He knows all things before you even think it- he knows everything - he is our Father and loves us unconditionally! Turn to God first- he will provide and guide you! The Word is his own and it will give you guidance, correction, wisdom, understanding, love and more! God will use it to show you the way as well as speaking to you in many other ways!
All Glory goes to God as he has guided me with this post as I started it a week or so ago and struggled to finish it- but he has showed me the way and spoke through me today and I pray it speaks to at least one of you!

Thank you for reading this! Thanks to God for guiding you to read this and for him giving me this opportunity to write this message which he has led me to do! He knows all things and he is there for you at any time! Turn to Jesus, accept him as your saviour, that he died on the cross for you and repent of your sins so you too can be saved and become the light in this world!

 God Bless you all- have a wonderful day! ♡

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