Lori Darks Love Blog {Valentines Week - 13th February}

Today's Love blog is from Texas!! Yes that's right! 
This girl is fellow blogger but she does it a different way... She is a YouTuber and blogger. 'I'm married to my better half. I am a lover of vintage, lace and Jesus'.This is just a little snippet about Lori. Their is a video blog under this text, check it out. Especially if you are single! 

13th February Love Blog
As many of you know Valentine's Day is here! Some people love this holiday, others hate it. I'm impartial. I've never really hated it or loved it. Even though I'm married now, I had a fair share of Valentine's Day as a single lady. I hope my tips and pointers help! Ladies, always remember your worth and how beautiful you are on this Valentine's Day and every single day.

Social Media

YouTube: www.youtube.com/gracefulandlovely
Blog: www.iamgracefulandlovely.com
Instagram + Twitter: @loridarks

Make sure to tune in tomorrow for the amazing Kerrington Sweeneys Valentines Day Blog!! It's not to be missed! 
Love Jessica Louise Xoxo 

Submit and Straighten

Welcome to a blog that's been placed on my heart, I hope it helps you or makes you understand a little bit more about myself. 

What path do you belong on? What path have you been on the past? What have you done to change that?

Before my life with Christ, I was heading onto paths which scared me and I didn't want to be on them, there was nothing in mind I could do. 
Just before I started attending church my path I was walking on was unpleasant and included people who I did not want to have wandering on my path with me. 

Some people haven't got a relationship with God and have a 'great' 'content' life. That's okay, but it wont stay like that forever, you'll have bumps on your road. But with God, your bumps will not be there forever. He will straighten them. 

Do you like the path your on,or heading too?

We are all on journey and we are all given a path from God, he created the bricks and stepping stones for your path. We might not like it, we might love it. I personally love it, I'm useless at making decisions so relying on an almighty God makes me have a kind of peace and inner strength about the future.

Proverbs 3:6  In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Only by submitting your self to God, only then he will make your paths straight. 

I love this piece of scripture, because I hate the idea that I'm on one path my entire life, I love the fact he will make our PATHS straight meaning that we will be on more than one path throughout our lives, but if we commit and submit to him he will make every path straight. 

Psalm 1119:35 Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.

When God directs us we need to take that direction and instruction because after all he knows us best and knows where we need to go, not where we want to go. Sometimes we need to trust in him and his plans.

Jeremiah 29:11 
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 

God has a plan for you and he knows exactly what path your on and were your heading, so trust in the Lord and just trust his guidance. We are all in need of some guidance, we can't do this on our own. We are all different but in need of the same God. 

When I came to Christ, I chose to follow God and God's commands and in return he guided me on to the right path, the path and plan he had for me all along. It was amazing seeing the change in my self whilst choosing his path (In reality his plan chose me).

By submitting to the Lord, he straightened my path and that's the best thing I've decided to do. 
I ask you now to think about this... Have you fully submitted yourself to the Lord, if not why? He has an amazing plan for you and if you haven't submitted yourself to the lord, how can you get to see a little part of your plan, God doesn't show you the plan for the rest of your life, he gives you a small segment of it, he shows you this ,to give you peace and hope for the future, you future with the Lord. 

Today Remember : Submit and Straighten 

And Also remember God sends us difficult paths but he will always provide us with strong shoes. 
He will provide patience, strength and wisdom. Just Submit. 

Thank you for reading today's blog. Have an amazing day.
Stay tuned for big news coming very soon! 

Thank you & God Bless 
Love Jessica Louise Xoxo

Email me on jessica@bibleforwomen.co.uk
Instagram and Twitter - @bibleblogwomen 

Giving God Our Best - Guest Post

Welcome to The Bible For Women and here is a lovely lady I would like to share with you all...Enjoy her guest post!

Kelly Harris      

I am the daughter of two pastors. Both of my parents have a ministry located in the state of Georgia. My sister and I have been a vital part of the ministry working in different areas such as the praise team, dance ministry, children’s ministry, and many other areas. I work as the church administrator. I started Confessions of a PK Heiress because I wanted to share Christ in a relevant way through the eyes of a PK (preacher’s kid). I love Jesus Christ and I am passionate about sharing him with others!!

Giving God Our Best 

The word best is defined as: of the most excellent, effective, or desirable type or quality.  When I think about giving God my best I think about two stories in the Bible specifically, the story of Cain and Abel (Genesis 4), and the widow that gave her last two mites to God (Mark 12:41-44, Luke 21:1-4). Both stories focus on giving your best to God.

  We find through the story of Cain and Abel many different lessons to be learned, but specifically the difference between giving God your best based on obedience to God vs. giving God what you think He deserves.  Cain gave God fruit because he worked the fields. He believed that God would be satisfied with the fruit because it was time to give, not because it was considered satisfactory. Abel gave the first born of his flock and their fat to God, and God was pleased with his giving. Abel’s offering was considered his best because he gave God his first. The shedding of the blood from his sacrifice was out of obedience to God and to cover his sins. Cain’s fruit was rushed and out of sheer disobedience. He gave God what he thought was enough.

The widow that gave her two mites was pleasing in the eyes of Jesus because she gave all she had at the time of offering. Her livelihood was found in those two mites. During that time, a widow earned less than slaves and was most likely destitute or homeless unless she had family. The two mites that she gave were worth the fraction of what a penny is worth today. It’s safe to say that the widow could have purchased food to eat with those two mites or anything else she desired, but she gave it to God instead.

Jesus commended her for this because she unlike the rich who gave a portion of what they could give, gave all that she had knowing she could possibly be without for days to come. She demonstrated her trust was in God alone and not her economic status. She understood that God was the ultimate provider of all things not her income or lack thereof.

It’s not enough to give God the bare minimum when we know we can give Him more. Cain and the rich knew that they could give God more, but they gave Him what they thought was sufficient enough.  Growing up I was taught that God wants us to give Him the “three T’s” our “Tithe, Talent, and Time” it wasn’t until I grew up that I understood the importance of each area in our Christian walk with Christ. God desires for us to give all of these things in honor and obedience to Him. All of these things are gifts to us from God. God has given to us in these three areas (money, talent, and time) to thrive and flourish in if we are good stewards. Being good stewards over these things begins with giving God our best in each area and following His direction in each area.

How do we give God our best in these three areas? I’m glad you asked.  Begin by putting God first in all of these areas and supersede where you begin. The giving of tithes is the Biblical principle of giving a tenth of your first fruit to God. During Biblical times the first fruit was considered the first of your harvest and/or flock to the temple. Today, our first would come from the income we bring home. Giving of your tithe is an act of obedience to God and it shows gratitude for the income. When it comes to the area of giving my tithes to God (because I am a faithful in the area of tithing) I always seek God about how much more I should give. I start at 10% of whatever I earn and give more.  In today’s time acquiring money for some is a hard thing to accomplish. There are some who are in the same position as the widow concerning their finances. They don’t know if they will have enough for tomorrow or the next week.

Despite all of this, the widow still gave back to God what belonged to Him. She didn’t give it because He needed it, but she gave it because she recognized that it belonged to God. Seek God in the area of financial giving and follow His direction. Don’t feel burdened about not being able to give to God when you are without the finances to give.   

God gifted many of us with different talents. Some sing, some dance, some are artistic, some are performers, and some are good with building and crafting new things/ideas. We are all different in the area of talents, but we must recognize our talents are gifts given to us to help edify others and glorify God. Giving of our talent to God is the giving of ourselves to be useful in our local church to help draw others to Christ.  I have the talent of singing, dancing, and I am artistic.

I have been told on several occasions I should audition for American Idol, but I always tell people that my talent is reserved for God. I do not desire to acquire fame or fortune off of the talent God has given me. I am satisfied with using my talent to help draw others to Christ and encourage others in the ways of Christ through worship. No matter what your talent may be, big or small, it was given to you to be a blessing to God and others. If you have the talent to sing, use it to worship God. If you are artistic use it to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If you have the talent to build things, use it build things to edify the body of Christ.

God gives us a lot of time. He has given us 1,440 minutes in one day. How much of that time have you spent with Him? Does He get your left overs? Does God only know you on Sunday’s? Giving God your time allows you the opportunity to know Him on an intimate level. I know many people that start their day with God before they go to work. I know many people that end their day with God. There is no required time of day to give to God, as long as you give Him your time. During this time you need absolutely no distractions. I usually turn the T.V. off and my phone is on DND (Do Not Disturb). This helps me to learn of God and to hear from Him. The time given to God is not confined to your own personal study time, but also the time you spend actively in your ministry. 

Being active in your local church is necessary for edification, but it does not take the place of your personal study time.

Giving God our best demonstrates our love, obedience, and faithfulness to Him. God gave us His best when He sent His son Jesus Christ to die for our sins. All He wants in return is our lives in return and gratitude for what He has given to us. There are many ways to give our best to God. I expounded on the three areas above because they are ways we can demonstrate giving, obedience, love, faithfulness, honor and reverence to God. If we put God first in every area of our life no matter how big or small, including those three areas, and supersede in every area. We have given God our best. If you don’t know where to start or how to start seek the face of God and ask Him for direction. Every man is different, but every man can accomplish greater through the help of God. 

WOW! Thank you all for reading this amazing ladies guest post! You can find her on instagram @pk_heiress 

I hope you enjoyed this blog and if you have any questions feel free to email myself on jessica@bibleforwomen.co.uk or instagram us on @bibleblogwomen 

Thank you God Bless 

Jessica Louise Xoxo

One Day at a Time - Guest Post

Hello Girls! What a week its been! This week has been a week of playing business women with the blog and organizing the schedule. I have been a busy bee! On the site I have introduced a few very special people to you recently- check them out if you haven't already. Check out the three part series "Natural Sparkle". Now here is another super inspiring lady! I have so much respect for her and I honestly think she is amazing! Give her read in her guest post... 

One Day at a Time

One of the most antagonistic comments I heard growing up in the southern United States (so picture this in a soft, slow southern drawl, ok?) was, "Gotta just take it one day at a time". 

Why did I hear this so much? Well, I was born with the innate ability to worry about everything. I have the propensity to over-plan and micromanage. In short? I'm type A.

As a Christian, this personality type and high-strung temperament are a direct contradiction of Scripture. I know this. What we hear God say hundreds and hundreds of times in the OT is to NOT be afraid. Then, when Jesus shows up to bring us the NEW law? Fully God and fully man in all His glory? He spells out this little goody: "So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will take care of itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own" (Matthew 6:34). 

How could I not worry about tomorrow with a hurricane on the horizon, though? Literally! (It was an actual occurrence!) On a smaller scale, how could I not worry about the math test in the morning? How could I not worry about and fear the unknown? To combat all of that, I still chose to take things into my own hands. Even as a child, I tried to control as much of life's idiosyncrasies as possible ...

I'm sure you know that God has a way, though, of bringing us all into submission with His will. The uniqueness of what Jesus did on the cross is that He not only freed us from eternal damnation-- He freed us from the earthly predispositions of our flesh. The things that might very well have destroyed us without Jesus are the things that we are equipped to overcome once He dwells in our hearts!

As a college student, I learned much more about God's Word and the nature of God than I had necessarily planned on. Isn't that funny? 

The more I hid God's promises in my heart-- like that He would never leave me or forsake me (Hebrews 13:5) and that He had plans to prosper me and NOT to harm me (Jeremiah 29:11), I began to BELIEVE Him. I felt the change that age and maturity do bring with a sprinkling of God's special peace on top. 

Now without giving you a Tolkien-length exposition into the past decade of my life, I am going to share the most miraculous thing that God has ever done for me-- the moment of true and permanent transformation that directly correlates with overcoming and accepting changes in your life.  

There I was in my kitchen two and a half years ago. 8 months pregnant. Relatively happy, but as always, stressed. I counted all of my little one's kicks. I wrote, re-wrote and published my articulate and likely completely patronizing birth plan by this point. My future son's closet had been stocked and restocked. His nursery was ready for the impending apocalypse and our home was spotless. My husband had been coached (bless him) on exactly what to grab and what to do once my labor began, and though thanking God every step of the way, I found that I was the one calling the shots in my first child's early life. 

In that kitchen on that specific day, I realized that I hadn't felt my son kick the entire night. As calmly as I could, I pushed around in my tummy. I drank orange juice and laid down on my left side. I called my nurse. I waited. Hours passed and I still felt nothing. Now completely panicked, I called my mom to drive me to hospital! 

This wasn't supposed to happen to me! 

Jay was at work. I hadn't grabbed my bags. What if I had to deliver today?

In what seemed only seconds, I was told that there was only a faint heartbeat left in my little one's chest. They had to get him out and NOW. No pain-free, relaxing labor-- we were talking C-section. 

Somehow, Jay got to me in time for them to begin the surgery, and I remember willing myself to swap out my tears for quiet prayers while they worked on saving my little one. 

Then he was out and he wasn't crying. 

Then I was being sedated. 

Then I woke. Completely disoriented from the drugs and trauma, I remember a voice informing me that Nolan was alive but that there was something wrong... AND that I couldn't see him until I had recovered more. So, a lifetime later, they wheeled me into the tiny NICU where my son was. I could tell there was something they weren't telling me and I could see tears in my loved one's faces as we approached his crib. 

Here's what I saw: a fuzzy, milky white little baby. A precious, skinny, grunting baby hooked up to seemingly hundreds of foreign objects. All I knew was that he was mine and that I wanted to hold him. Let me tell you, I've hardly put him down since. 

I'm one of the luckiest people on the planet because God gave me Nolan-- one of the smartest, toughest, most radiant toddlers anyone has ever met. Yes, he has a rare genetic syndrome known as Treacher Collins Syndrome. Yes, he has had many surgeries and needs new things from me every day. Yes, I can't control any second of any day. Yes, I can't control the mean things children say. Yes, I can't plan too many months ahead, but there is FREEDOM in that. 

God transformed me that day in the kitchen from the high-strung first time mom I had created into the mom Nolan specifically NEEDED-- the one He had actually made me to be all along. A kinder, more accepting wife. A more purposeful and thoughtful friend. A more capable and intelligent adult. An advocate. A survivor. 

When I was approached by Jessica Adams, here on this fantastic site, with an opportunity to guest blog, I jumped at the chance! I love sharing God's faithfulness, goodness and POWER in my family's life. This is the tip of the iceberg, and if you'd like to read more about Nolan, our day to day life, my personal revelations and everything in between here's our blog:proverbs31intraining.com !

Back to this series, though, I can offer you this advice:

If you find that you fear the unknown and might not be the best equipped at overcoming adversity and change, you are SO not alone! 

What can you do, though really? 

Take it one day at a time. 

I know, I know. I understand the words finally. Today and today alone can be your personal victory. Today you can read to your child. Today you can love on your co-workers. Today you can eat healthier and take the stairs. Today you can prepare for the business or scariness of tomorrow. Today you can seek God and place Him deep enough in your hear through His Word and your prayers that tomorrow cannot shake you. Today you can HANDLE it. Today you are sufficient. You are victorious. 

My favorite quote is "God doesn't call the equipped. He equips the called" and my "life verse" is definitely this: "For God hasn't given us a spirit of fear or timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline" (2 Timothy 1:7). 

Fear of the unknown isn't of God. When our plan derails off the tracks of life and we are forced to rely on God...as we watch something new emerge from the horizon and its terrible, beautiful or something in between, we can be empowered. We can still experience joy and love. There is, and always will be, a glimmering tomorrow. 

My prayer for you all is that you embrace the changing tides and the occasional crashing waves with the grace you possess through Jesus and that you BELIEVE this: you are strong enough to endure the storm. It likely has the power to transform you into an even lovelier woman than before. I know now that everything intended to derail me somehow hasn't. Who's with me? 

Allyson Faber

If you would like to share your story email me on jessica@bibleforwomen.co.uk I'd love to chat with you! God bless Xoxo 

Natural Sparkle Part 2 - Guest Post

Hello and welcome to the second part of the natural sparkle blogging series.
I would like to thank you all for reading and following the blogs and writings from guest bloggers, and now I would like to welcome you to the first monthly guest blogger - Brittany Nicole.

 

Hey ladies!

I was asked to write a guest post on “Natural Sparkle”. I will admit, when I first read the email saying to write about natural beauty, I almost declined this amazing opportunity. For years I've struggled with self-worth, depression and body image issues. I've dealt with a very slight eating disorder that caused me to try to change my body in unhealthy ways. All my life I was told that I’d be prettier if I lost weight, and had numerous jokes about me looking pregnant. I was always taller than everyone else, and hated it. I actually wanted to have surgery to become shorter! That’s how much I hated my body. I had severe acne until recently, and I wasn't happy in my own skin. I felt like I didn't belong in my own body. I was so different on the inside from what I thought my appearance portrayed. 

It wasn't until this past year, during my freshmen year of college that I became comfortable in my own skin. Yes, I still have acne. No, I didn't loose weight.  Yes, I’m still almost 6 feet tall. 

My appearance didn't change. My outlook did. 

Genesis 1:27 says, “ God created man in his own image…”

God created ME, in HIS own image. If I look at myself in disgust, or hatred, then what am I saying about God? Am I saying He’s ugly? Am I saying he deserves to be thrown every negative comment His way? Does He deserve to be put down for not looking the way society says He should look? NO. 

So why do we do that to ourselves? If God made us in His image, then we should not put ourselves down. We should not look in the mirror and tell ourselves everything that’s wrong with our body. We should not wish to have something God didn't give to us. There’s a reason I’m not short. There’s a reason my skin isn't perfect. There’s a reason my hair isn't red and curly…. The reason is because that’s not the way God made me. He made me in HIS image. He made me the way HE wanted me to be. Why should I put down Gods creation? He obviously knew what He was doing. So why don’t we step back, look at ourselves in the mirror, and THANK Him. Thank Him for making us the way He wanted. 

I know, I know. It’s not easy looking in the mirror, seeing a pimple, and saying “Thank you God for my pimple”. I realize that! Trust me! But we live in a world that isn't perfect, but we worship and belong to a perfect God. He made us perfect in His eyes, so why should we think otherwise?

Now, after trying very hard to stop obsessing with my looks, I am finally able to be myself. I still have acne, but I am able to walk outside without makeup on. I am finally able to wear a bathing suit without wearing a shirt and shorts over it. I am able to wear my hair up confidently without feeling like I look ugly. I now can wear shorts and tank tops boldly

My challenge to you is to look in the mirror, and say one POSITIVE comment to yourself every time you look into it. Train yourself to say positive comments, and slowly you’ll be able to avoid all the negative comments. 


I’m not saying it’ll be easy, but with a little positive words of encouragement to yourself daily, you can slowly start to let your natural beauty sparkle, just like God intended. 

WOW!!!!! How amazing is that! Just what a lot of us needed to hear!
I just want to say a huge thank you to my new guest blogger and friend and inspiration to me Brittany Nicole. 

Brittany Nicole will be guest blogging every month so keep your eyes peeled for more awesome pieces from this beautiful young lady of God. 

Thanks for reading I look forward to you connecting with us. 
Email me on jessica@bibleforwomen.co.uk

Love Jessica Louise and Brittany Nicole 
God Bless you all Xoxo 

Purifying and Providing.

Purifying and Providing. 

Hello! Well over the past week I have been a busy bee... Myself and my boyfriend went on a road trip in the UK. We visited Dalby- Where we attempted a high ropes tree course, and I myself got a few bruises and poorly thumb, then we traveled to the city of Leeds, where we went to a theater to see a musical called Wicked! After that we found a little bar with a brass band playing which were phenomenal, After Leeds we ventured to Lancaster and had a lovely day there, the next day we spontaneously decided to go to Blackpool, pleasure beach(theme park) it was really great, lots of fun! After Blackpool we drove to Morecambe where Kieran met his band and they gigged on the night, after the long gig came the even longer drive back home!!! And of course the Sunday included Church where we both attended! 

Well that was why I haven't been blogging recently, I've literally had no internet service or the time. So I hope you enjoy this new blog. 

Lets start with some amazing scripture... this is one of my favourite pieces of scripture!
Starting with James 4

-Submit Yourselves to God

''4 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? 2 You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

4 You adulterous people,[a] don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us[b]? 6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:

“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”[c]
7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.


11 Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister[d] or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. 12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?'' 
                                           http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+4&version=NIV

  I love this, basically resent the Devil, we all have our stuff, our problems that get in the way sometimes, we need to block the devil out, build a wall from Gods foundations -THE BIBLE - THE WORD OF GOD - and just say goodbye to the doubts, the conflicts and horrid thoughts, draw nearer to god, he wants to be in a relationship with you! He will not barge into your life, we have the free will to let God in, open the door and let God draw close to you.
Open the door and he will gently walk in. 

God will purify your heart and mind, from all the badness and negative in the  world, he will provide you with peace and hope for a better future, he will provide you with love, unconditional love, after all he sacrificed his only son for us, for you! For everyone as we are all his children. 
Our great almighty God is a purifying God, he cleanses your soul and mends your heart, he is the ultimate cleaning being, he cleans and cleanses us. But he is providing God, he fills us with fruit for our soul, scripture to feed on, the Holy spirit to have a relationship with! Isn't that just amazing? 
He loves us so much he wants us to be cleansed and at peace with one another, but he also wants us to be spiritually fed, on his words and wisdom.


 

When researching James 4  I came across this brief of the scripture and I totally agree with it .... Your worldly desires cause conflict. Resist the devil, draw near to God. Who are you to judge your neighbor? You boast in arrogance.

You were created for a relationship with God so you can have a humble walk with Christ. Your life is a walk, you walk through things that may stick to you and things you may drop along the way, but you walk forward, sometimes you take a few steps back or sit on a bench when it gets tiring but you can either chose to be with God or without God, I choose God, I choose Jesus, I have searched for something to fill me spiritually and I have found Jesus! 

I hope you find Jesus and choose Jesus, and I pray that you have a humble walk with God, and repel the Devil and draw closer to your creator.

Have a lovely and blessed week! I'll be in touch with more blogs this week! 

Don't forget the Mens mini site - www.bibleformen.weebly.com
Also email me on jessica@bibleforwomen.co.uk with any thing you want to say about the blog etc.

Blossom and Bloom Finale!

Blossom and bloom has been amazing! It has brought people closer to God and now I want to share a very special lady with you! 

Guest Writing today is a beautiful young lady of God. Her names Kerrington! She is a guest writer for blossom and bloom finale! Wahoo! 


Kerrington is a 16 year old homeschooled gal, who currentlyabides in Ontario, Canada.She has a burning passion to see Women of all ages rise up and be everything God has called them to be. She adores journaling, shopping, and Star-bucks! She desires to continue following Jesus Christ more and more intimately each day!Her favorite pass time is Blogging on her own Blog…Which you can find here at: www.kerringtonuniquely-yours.blogspot.com

Kerrington- 
Straight from a Servant's heart!

"If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will be my servant also. If anyone serves me, the father will honour him."
-John 12:26

Ever since a very young age,
I have grown up in the church serving and volunteering.
I was born with a very BIG servants heart!

Whether it be cutting pickles for the Church picnic, to leading the Children's worship...I was there.
Passionately serving, serving, serving and some more serving.
I think you get the point,
I was always serving.

For quite awhile...
I just was going to church, to serve.
Never to receive...running around getting little jobs done for the Pastor's or in the Sunday school room teaching the Kiddos about Jesus Christ, cleaning the closets, vacuuming...and so much more.

Whenever I would have the opportunity to sit and receive...
A guilt would then overcome my heart. Or when the clip-board for volunteers got passed around the congregation and I wouldn't put my name on it, because I was simply just to exhausted...the devil then started to play with my mind in that time of pure exhaustion.
It was definitely NOT what church was intended to be like.

Church in my eyes, should be a place of refuge and of strengthening.
A place where you come in incredibly weary and leave fresh,
and totally renewed!

Which Church...Yes! Is all of those things, but not when you have the mindset of always having to volunteer, to be close to God.

God dropped this letter upon my heart, when I started thinking about this post...

Dear to all Faithful Servants,

I know that this may seem like some sort of shock to you...but did you know that things wouldn't run properly if you weren't around?!
Did you know, we would feel as if something was missing if you wouldn't be here??
Did you know that we as a church family appreciate everything you do for this ministry?!

Volunteer, You are so very much appreciated, not only by your church families, but also the visitors of your church.

These people come in and see the diligence and faithfulness in your work and they are so blessed by it.
I know sometimes that you're willing and always ready to serve gentle spirit, may have grown quite weary and felt almost maybe, misused
over the past few months with the Churches being busy at work, preparing for the coming revival...
But I see your tired spirit,
And I'm here to fill you up
and restore you...So that you will be able to serve me with a joyful heart,
more and more faithfully!

I'm so proud of you!!
Seeing you surrendering your hands and feet to me, so that we all can extend the kingdom together, is such a joy to see :)

All the Volunteer hours that don't get noticed... I appreciate each and every one of them. I am always with you, if you need to chat.

I'm with you when you are busy running around doing tons of Volunteer work, I'm with you when you are in the prayer room for a few moments of rest, I'm with you In the grocery store when you are about to get the courage, to witness to someone.
Thing is, I'm always with you!

I'm your strength when you are weary, your peace when you feel in complete chaos, I'm your God and I'm always with you ❤️

Always remember you are appreciated...
I see every minute you are passionately serving me and I am
so incredibly proud, words can't even describe it :)

Love always,
~God,Your Proud Heavenly Father!

Galatians 6:9 says...
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

So if you are new to this journey of volunteering in your church, embark with a joyful-serving heart, pray and ask your Heavenly Father, what he would have you to do!

If you grow weary in your well doing, don't give up...
Pause and find sweet rest
in Him.

Until Next time,

~Kerrington


WOW! What an inspiring young lady! I believe that Kerrington will have an amazing life with Christ at the center and encourage others in the making to become closer to God. I am very excited to have met her and to have worked with her! I am blessed and humbled by her support.

Blossom and Bloom part 3.... There's not much more I can add to the wonderful writings of Kerrington but I will just say that my life has changed for the better since I have started serving and volunteering at my church! I want my church to grow and bloom into a beautiful place of worship and I'm doing my part to make sure that happens. 

I hope you have enjoyed this blog series and I hope it has encouraged you to serve in church and serve Jesus in your life! Because there's nothing more important than a strong relationship with Jesus! 

Simply God is Love and Love is God! 

Have an awesome week!!! 
Lots of Love 
Jessica Louise Xoxo

God Bless :-) 

Blossom and Bloom Part 2

Hello my lovelies I have had such a hectic week! Started a new job to earn some extra pennies for my summer holiday in June 2014!!! I now have 2 jobs (one I am still waiting for more work- supply teaching) but hopefully I’ll get more work and be an ever busier bee.

I now work with my best friend she is such a funny and free spirit, she’s not a Christian but she’s very open minded and supportive to me.

My best friend got me the job and now we are working together (which is awesome, as we basically get paid to walk and talk really) the job is to pay for my holiday with her so it’s going to be amazing just to leave cold rainy England and venture to Turkey (again).

Last year at Cherish Women Conference at the Life Church I met a beautiful girl called Lesley and we have kept in touch and it’s just amazing that children of the Lord can keep in contact from long distance and share our separate journeys with each other and pray for each and just be there for one another.

Follow Lesley on Twitter- @barnorelle 

We have spoken recently and are very excited at what God’s doing in our lives and how he’s connecting us together. Therefore watch this space for news and what’s in store for Bible for women in the NEAR future.

Let’s start with Blossom and Bloom part 2

The questions I asked last week included ‘do you believe that God wants you to serve in your church?’ The answer (in my opinion) IS YES!!!  

If you follow Jesus then you should serve him in church, our purpose first in life is having a relationship with God and others around us. We were created to be in a relationship. Our calling is personal but I know my calling is to spread the word of Jesus through my love of writing – my blog and my website and to influence the young minds of children with Christ – I am serving at Kids Church at the creativity and crafts area.

Using my skills to influence others is what it’s all about. It’s my calling in life. What’s yours?

My pastor Angela at my church has influenced me hugely on this! I have woken up every day and before I get out of bed I have asked myself ‘What’s my purpose? And what’s my calling? And this is such a great way to wake up and just question your entire life and make it clear for the day ahead that everything you do is in the Lords name.

Ephesians 4:4 - There is one body and one Spirit, and God chose you to have one hope.

By serving the lord and following his word you can only hope to reach the kingdom of God.

Speaking from personal experience some Christians ‘cant’ serve as there life is a mess, they have way too many things to do before they even consider serving. I used to serve at a food bank and because my personal life was literally falling apart, personally I had been through a lot, I stopped serving, when the truth is that when your life isn’t going the way you planned you need to serve its good for your soul and faith. It strengthens you by helping others.

“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honourable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”

― Ralph Waldo Emerson

I believe this to be truth.

“When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.”

― Maya Angelou

While at a Christian conference last year, I realized how important it is to help others, by simple donations of clothing and money. For example Cherish conference had a giving bucket and before you get the bucket, you get to watch a small clip on the screen to what your donation can do to help others, then you get the opportunity to contribute.

I decided to split my money into 3 days’ worth and give a third each night, and it’s a great feeling knowing your donation is going to help others in need.

I’m not saying you NEED to give your wages or money to every single charity as you would be broke, but think about if you really need that fancy pair of shoes or that new black bag and think do you NEED those accessories or does a girl in Uganda need water. 

Think. Pray. Act.

Giving to others doesn’t mean money, it could be food…. Or even love and compassion. You can give love and compassion to people who need it, give the gift of conversation to others who just need someone to open up too. That’s serving the Lord!

So in the next week I want you all to wake up and come up with at least 3 good deeds you can do to help others and put others first . If you want to let me know how you’re doing, email me on jessica@bibleforwomen.co.uk

I’d love to know how this had helped you or what else you want me to speak about.

Interested in guest blogging…. Let me know as I have quite a few people currently writing for the blog now.

Questions for the next week.

Have helped more than 2 people this week?

    Have you asked anyone if they would like to go to church?

    Has serving at church strengthened your faith?

Again let me know your answers if you want a 1-1 talk with me.

I hope you all day have a lovely week! Have a blessed day and remember be a blessing to someone else who needs a little light on their life.

Thank you for reading! God Bless

Love Jessica Louise Xoxo

Blossom and Bloom - Part One

Welcome to the BRAND NEW 3 part blog series which will question you and your way of life. 

The Series will begin every Saturday for 3 weeks and all you have to do is read the blog and answer the questions. If you want to send me your answers to be published on the final blog then you are very welcome to do that. 
jessica@bibleforwomen.co.uk
I pray that this blog will be used to glorify God and show others who don't believe what their missing out on. Thank you for supporting me and the prayers you have prayed over the       Bible For Women.

Lets Start with a piece of scripture- Colossians Verse 3 Chapter 23-24

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

This piece of scripture is all about serving, this is something that has been very important to me, especially recently, I have become more involved in my church and now I am helping at Kids Church with arts and crafts. 

God has gave you gifts and talents where you can use your expertise to serve God and spread his word throughout the nations. 

In the words of a brilliant christian author Caroline Barnett "Remember you are not responsible for changing the entire world or doing grand acts of service. Every bit willingness matters to God" this was taken from her amazing book called Willing to Walk on Water. I bought this book at Cherish Conference 2013 and this was such a inspirational event! If you haven't already, book for Cherish 2014 its going to be so encouraging and life changing! 

Activity 1 - Think about your skills and try to think about what your good at (This is a hard thing for most people as we don't like to be modest, but try your best)
For example - Have a passion for working with children - Therefore you could serve in Children's church groups. (Like me, I start serving at Kids Church this Sunday- Super Excited!)

You could serve Jesus and church by inviting people to church and bringing people closer to God. In the next 2 blogs I will go into further details and length to serving in church, what it does for the church and also for your faith.

Proverbs Chapter 11 Verse 30 - A good life is a fruit bearing tree; a violent life destroys souls. If good people barely make it, whats in store for the bad? 

This to me is very important, A life with God in the centre is a good life and will be praised and rewarded in the long run. In heaven you will be rewarded with eternal life. Why do people chose to live a violent life, to me this makes no sense, would you not rather live in peace and have a flourishing faith and loving family and church family. Violence is never the answer, NEVER! 

Violence does destroy souls and especially the soul of the corrupted person. 
To me it's as simple as a Disney film, Good always conquers evil, good characters always come out on top, they always live happily ever after and so could people on earth, they could live in peace and serenity and have a beautiful life with Jesus Christ, he is risen therefore he is a living God.
Without God you haven't got a firm foundation and you will crumble, but the upside to crumbling is you may find God if haven't already, for example we all love looking at the stars in night sky but before the stars come out and are visible we need to see the dark skies.
When darkness is upon us don't forget to look for the stars because there ready to shine through the darkness and give you light and hope.

The light and hope is Jesus Christ! 

We need to introduce Christ to nonbelievers, we need to get more people into church's and serving and making an impact on this world, because at the end of the day that's what were here to do. Serve the Lord, because he gave his only son to die for us so we can live in peace and have a beautiful life on his beautiful planet. 

Question Time:
1. Do you believe that God wants you to serve in your church?
2. If you are already serving, what are doing?
3. If you aren't serving, why not? 
4. Have you asked God to use you? 
5. Do you believe that serving in church can strengthen your faith?

Email me your answers - jessica@bibleforwomen.co.uk
Or Tweet me @bibleblogwomen 

Thank you for reading my introduction to serving at church in the Blossom and Bloom Blog! This is something that means a lot to me and I have recently started serving more in Church and want to help encourage others to serve if they aren't already. 

Enjoy the next 2 blogs... there a lot longer than this one so have a coffee! 
Thank you and God Bless
Love Jessica Louise Xoxo


www.bibleforwomen.co.uk


Check out Moriah Peters album I choose Jesus and the song BLOOM - Amazing Song and the theme of the blogs so enjoy! 

I also would like to Thank Paradox Church and my loving church family for the opportunity to serve at Kids Church! Thank you I am truly blessed to have you all surrounding me and giving me encouragement and inspiration. 
Love Jessica Xoxo

Thank You Beautiful Girls of God.

Hey girls! 
First I would like to thank you amazing girls of God for reading this blog! I have had page views from all over the world including The United Kingdom, United States of America, Switzerland, Germany, Nigeria, Spain, Israel, Mexico, Philippines and South Africa!
I am seriously over the moon that i might of actually impacted people! 
My purpose in life is to spread the word of God and inspire people and encourage them to a life with Christ! 

Recently I have had my dreams shattered of moving to america, but now i realise that this is all part of Gods plan and his journey for me. 
When you fail or crumble just pick your self up, brush off the dirt. Brush all the broken pieces away and DON'T LOSE HOPE! Hold Gods hand and think ' what does god want me to learn from this?' ask him! Connect to him and ask him, ask and you will receive the answer.
I was just about to lose hope when i realised... Wait a minute I am a daughter of The Lord Jesus Christ and I am protected and I am never alone.

If things don't go according to my plan I know that there going towards the plan my creator has for me! A better and well- suited plan for me, he knows me better than anybody else and I've got to trust this and trust him with my life!
Therefore after my recent plans being torn up, it left room for a new plan.... An exciting plan! God has amazing things planned for me and super amazing things planned for every girl of God! Don't lose hope and faith! 

My new plan is reaching out to Girls all over the world and hopefully sharing experiences with others and preaching his word to girls who need to hear...

'God loves you and he loves you for who you are, the imperfect warrior fighting off the devil with his word' 

So heads up and watch this space as I figure out what he has in store for me, I have a feeling whatever he has up his sleeve isn't going to easy but I'm going to stick with it and pursue my dream!

Girls don't stop dreaming, just because one of my dreams didn't go to plan doesn't mean the rest of my dreams won't. I have confidence and strength given from God and I'm going to use my gifts and be thankful for all I have.

Thank you Beautiful girls of God! Keep reading this blog and I promise I will try my hardest to blog topics which you can easily relate to and things which can help you and inspire you in your life.

Love you Girls of God! 
 God Bless
 Love Jessica Louise x o x o 

Love and Relationships Introduction

Hello Girls! 

I hope this blog clears some things up about Love and Relationships through the word of God.
  Love is summarised in 1 Corinthians Chapter Thirteen Verse Four-
Love is patient and kind; it is not jealous or conceited or proud; love is not ill-mannered or selfish or irritable; love does not keep a record of wrongs; love is not happy with evil, but is happy with the truth.Love never gives up; and its faith, hope, and patience never fail.

1 John Chapter Three Verse Six
This is how we've come to to understand and experience love: Christ sacrificed his life for us. This is why we ought to live sacrificially for our follow believers, and not just be out ourselves. If you see some brother or sister in need and have means to do nothing about it but turn a cold shoulder and do nothing, what happens to God's love? It disappears. And you've make it disappear. 

Girls! How incredible is that? God would sacrifice his only son for our sinner selves at the time. 
That's love, he is love, his love for us is unconditional, he doesn't ask for anything in return. He loves anybody and everybody, you cant be in a relationship with God unless you open your heart fully. Gods door is always open, our door is closed unless we open it. It only opens from our side, so open your door and invite god into your life. Begin a relationship or strengthen your relationship with God. A relationship with God is surprising and wonderful. Let Christ Jesus save you! Open your door!

God is love- He taught us love when he sacrificed Jesus! That is unconditional love.
Live sacrificially, love everyone! We are all children of God therefore we need to love each other and be there for one another (in my opinion we need to share our journeys with god with each other and inspire and encourage each other).

This blog will continue for a few weeks as I believe it is an amazing topic throughout the Bible. 

Thank you for reading this blog. 
God bless
Jessica Xoxo