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 Finale

EEEEK! The last piece of the three part blogging series .
Natural Sparkle has been about showing you that you are all individuals and unique but you are all beautiful! 

I asked this lovely lady to write a little in this blog and she accepted... Here's a little bit about her... 

Josephine Woolley 
Heeya! I'm 16 from Indonesia. I'm a high school student grade 2. My major is science. I'm a Christian, as a Christian, sometimes God says no and sometimes He says yes on my prayers. But I know His plan is the best and my unknown future is in the hand of Him, Jesus is the all-knowing God. Sometimes, God let me pass so many bad things, and  I may not know all His plan upon me. 
But one thing that I always remember is He never gives me any hard things beyond my capacity. I think Jesus is my closest friend.

When we choose to follow Jesus, the journey in is not easy at all, He's not always gonna make things easier for us, but sometimes He will calm and strengthen us through it all.

I don't talk too much to people who aren't close to me, I'm not really sociable hahaha..

I like singing n playing badminton. I'm in a choir named Thomas Choir in my school; I'm one of soprano members.

If you have any thought or questions or you wanna know more about me, feel free to ask. My Instagram username is joss98yossie, tumblr: joss98yossie.tumblr.com, twitter: yossie_98

She's true and honest and that's why I had to have her write on here. 

This is her piece on beauty and having a natural sparkle.

When we talk about beauty, we may often compare ourselves to other women, whether it's us who feel more beautiful than the woman or vice versa. The important thing to remember is that beautiful women are those who know how to appreciate n respect the beauty of others.

The most important thing when we feel physically beautiful is that God doesn't see our appearance but God looks at our hearts (I Samuel 16:7). The real beauty is when we are trying to have a pretty soul, heart and mind. Skin or a beautiful face shape is just a bonus from God. Real girls aren't perfect, but perfect girls aren't real. Never change what you have now, because we are fearfully and wonderfully made! (Psalm 139:14)

Simple Short and TRUE!

I would like to add to this by saying girls when you wake up in morning before you start applying a full face of makeup, look at yourself, really look at yourself. God loves you when you look 'a mess' on a morning.

when your having a really bad hair day, God doesn't care, He loves you anyway! 

Tell yourself every day that you are beautiful (with no makeup on your face) Speak positive - Think Positive. 

We live in a society where people judge us for the way we look, lets not join there side and judge ourselves as well. Love yourself and love each other. 

You all have a natural sparkle and you all were given that sparkle from your creator. Thank Him every day for the skin your in and the person you are. 

You are fearfully and wonderfully made - Remember that as your slogan in life. 

Thank you for reading this beauty series! 

Brittany Nicole featured in the first Natural Sparkle and now is a monthly guest blogger for the site! 

Anna Nicholls is the Bible For Womens new Photographer and she has also written a guest post called Team Work - Check it out! 

Josephine Wooley featured in the finale blog of Natural Sparkle! 

Here are the girls who made this possible... 

Brittany Nicole & Josephine Woolley & Anna Nicholls & Jessica Louise 

Thank you and remember YOU are BEAUTIFUL! 

Love Jessica Louise Xoxo 

Email me on jessica@bibleforwomen.co.uk

@bibleblogwomen

Don't forget to keep your eyes open for more of Brittany's writings on the website every month also please check out Brittany's own blog out!

http://brittanynicolexoxo.wordpress.com/ 

She is truly beautiful inside and out! And I love her writing's there pure and just easy to read and you get to know her on a deeper level! Can't believe you live half way round the world! I'm sooo blessed to have you on this journey with me and I hope to visit you one day! I'm very excited for your next monthly blog, I'm emailing you ideas right now!! Love Jessica Louise your partner in Christ - UK&USA 

XOXO

Team Work Guest Post - Anna Nicholls

Hello Girls! I welcome you all to a fresh new guest post all including wisdom on teamwork. This girl is a super sweet 14 year old girl and she's the youngest guest blogger we've ever had on the blog. site . But she speaks with so love and passion about Christ so age doesn't really matter, so please read on and enjoy her.  

Working together as a community using team work to spread the word of God is something anyone is capable of doing. For example some Christians struggle to get to know God as personally as they wish, some are good at building a relationship with God yet they may not be able to talk about God to their friends or maybe someone is a better preacher than another person however this is what allows anyone (using teamwork) to be known within a Church.

On a number of occasions in a day we need to work together along-side someone else such as - school work, running a business, looking after family etc. Paul reminds us in Romans 12 that bodies don’t function well unless they work together. Neither does the Christian community - coming together with our separate talents and ideas makes learning about God so enjoyable. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 tells us that, “Two are better off than one, because together they can work more effectively. If one of them falls down, the other can help him up. But if someone is alone and falls, it’s just too bad, because there is no one to help him. If it’s cold, two can sleep together and stay warm but how can you keep warm by yourself. Two men can resist an attack that would defeat one man alone. A rope of three cords is hard to break.” 

Using team work is more effective and worthwhile than on our own. In Acts 24 Paul specifically mentions seven people who were part of his ministry team. He brought others along, not only to train them, but also to keep him encouraged.

Surround yourself with positive happy people that will help you and vice-versa.

- Anna Nicholls - London - 14 years old.

I hope you all enjoyed her writings because I sure did! Anna is also a great photographer and now has taken up the role as the Bible For Women's very own photographer... So most of the promo photos will have been shot by Anna her self! The Bible For Women Team is growing and flourishing into a beautiful organisation! 

Please Enjoy the site and email and contact me if you too want to be involved with the team. 

Thank you and God bless 

Jessica Louise Xoxo

Email: jessica@bibleforwomen.co.uk

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 

Natural Sparkle Part 1 - Introduction

Jessica Louise –

Hello! Welcome to the brand new three part series which will be available or the next three weeks (one blog a week). The blogs will be all about you! And how we as girls need to be comfortable in our own skin and bodies. We need to take care of them and love them!

I have spoken about this a lot of blogs recently… about loving ourselves because God created us and loves us.

You need to be comfortable in your own skin, not the skin others try to give you. What I mean is BE YOURSELF! No one else but yourself. Don’t take bad habits from people, stay positive and comfortable in your own skin.

The Real You - Ask yourself are you comfortable in your own skin? Are you being the real you? Or are you putting on a brave face or hiding a secret life of sin?

Be true to yourself and God. Because at the end of the day he’s the one who will always be there for you, if you sin, repent, if you cry, take comfort in the lord, if you are joyful, thank the lord!

It’s as simple as that.

Honestly, when I am feeling down, and things aren’t going my way, I have to think ‘no they might not be going my way, but there going Gods way’.

You’re a natural beauty – You are naturally beautiful, God didn’t create you and want you to cover you skin and complexion with layers of makeup! He created you to shine your natural beauty.

When I feel down I hate putting makeup on! I hate trying to look better and improve myself, I’d rather wear no makeup and lose the skinny jeans and trade them in for comfy pants!

 I asked myself the other day why do I feel like I NEED to apply loads of makeup? The only answer I could come up with is ‘society’ and what everyone would think if I left the house with no makeup on, and how they would judge me. The truth in fact is that I decided to leave the house for the day with no makeup on, jeans and baggy shirt and wavy hair… The truth is no one even noticed or batted an eyelid.

The problem with feeling like I needed to apply makeup to leave the house was created by myself. No one cares if I have no makeup apart from me, no one cares if I wear baggy tops, apart from me, and no one cares if I have wavy hair, apart from me. See a pattern?

So girl, get those makeup wipes and show the world your natural sparkle. I’m not suggesting you bin all your makeup because were girls! We need some makeup now and again and glitter and pink lips. But just tone it down and don’t put a full face of makeup on for sunbathing or a dog walk round the corner and back.

Be real. Be free. Be natural. And reveal your sparkle.

Thank you.

I would like to now introduce you to the NEW monthly guest blogger!

Brittany Nicole - 

Who may I just say is super inspirational and I think you guys will love her!

I asked her to guest blog for this series therefore please keep an eye out in a weeks’ time for Part 2 with Brittany Nicole. Here’s a little message from her…

“I'm 19, from Georgia (USA). I'm a strong Christian but my relationship with God has had its ups and downs these last few years.

I love writing, and I'm currently writing a book and hope to be a Christian author. So I decided to start a blog so I could continue to write and also hopefully help others in need. I've struggled with anxiety, body issues and depression, so a lot of my posts on my blog are about that. But I relate them all back to my Christian faith.

I am a sophomore in college, majoring in education, and am planning on becoming a deaf education teacher. I have a YouTube channel for my sign language videos as well! (YouTube.com/brittanyznicole)

I guess the main thing to know about me is that I love God with all my heart and I personally know that having a relationship with Jesus isn't always the easiest. So I try to get that point through with my posts because I don't want people to think it's an easy path, but it's definitely a path that is worth taking! I hope this helps to give you a little idea about me. 

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask! My personal Instagram username is brittanyznicole, if you want to find me on there to see who I am on a more personal level.”

Guys I can’t wait to share her first guest post on The Bible for Women Site! It’s super exciting to be partnering with this young lady! I think she’s pretty awesome!

Email me on jessica@bibleforwomen.co.uk

If you want any more information etc

God Bless Love

Jessica Louise Xoxo

Be Brave

This topic has been popping up here and there and everywhere recently.

To be Brave. Use bravery every day. It is a trait and not a skill.

First it popped up at my church then at Cherish Conference multiple times and in the music charts- Brave my Sara Bareilles and Brave album by Christian singer Moriah Peters and Bethel Worship Music “You Make Me Brave” I FINALLY realised God had planted a message for me.

Get up! Out of your comfort zone, and Be Brave!

Being brave isn't easy sometimes as we are only human remember and we can't do things in our own strength but with God it's a totally different scenario.

Philippians 4:13- I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Sometimes we need take a leap of faith, when I went to do a tree high ropes course, I prayed so much before taking a leap of the platform, but I knew God was with me because I could not of done that alone I could not of jumped out of tree without knowing God had my back.

The Holy Spirit is our guide he guides us and helps us out. He's like our best friend who's always there for you know matter what silly stuff you may do or say.

When I jumped off the platform I was so scared “EEEEEEEPPPPP” Let’s just say there was a lot of screaming nevertheless it was a relieved scream because I did it. I did it! And the view was spectacular, the trees made a blanket underneath me. A bright green blanket laid beneath me as I flew over with speed.

This is this same in real life problems, we can be scared to jump into something, so we pray to God for his support, and with the strength he gives us we take it gratefully and jump! He's always there to catch us.

When on the tree course think of it this way, our cables and the wire we are connected too are our prayers and connection to the Lord and the Harness is God himself.

 Our prayers and God himself are connected to each other, it doesn't really work if you want God and don’t pray, how can you have a relationship with someone you don’t talk too and communicate with? The thing to remember is when you pray you are connected to a love that never fails! He will always catch you, he will pick you up when you fail. So don’t be scared, BE BRAVE!

We are always connected to his wire, and if we keep connected we can experience amazing things. We need to trust in The Lord and his harness and jump, jump and enjoy the view!

Through Christ we can be brave. Because we know he's always there, he's always been there and he's always going to be there.

Leave your house today and lift your head up!

Don’t be ashamed to follow Jesus.

Don’t be scared to be who God created you to be.

Stand out from the crowd.

Get out of your comfort zone.

And Be Brave because others will be brave too.

Bravery is contagious!

I hope you enjoyed this blog! 

Email me on jessica@bibleforwomen.co.uk

Have a blessed week, lots of love and prayers 

Jessica Louise Xoxo

Eat Beauty 2

{Personal Beauty}

Do you believe you are beautiful?

Let’s get straight to the point! Everyone reading this right now, most of you will say no. But the truth is you are beautiful through the eyes of the Lord.

He created all things bright and beautiful. You are bright and beautiful! Fact!

Genesis 1:27- So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them.

Psalm 45:11- So will the King desire your beauty; because He is your Lord, be submissive and reverence and honor Him.

Ecclesiastes 3:11- He has made everything beautiful in its time. He also has planted eternity in men’s hearts and minds [a divinely implanted sense of a purpose working through the ages which nothing under the sun but God alone can satisfy], yet so that men cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.

Proverbs 31:30- Charm and grace are deceptive, and beauty is vain [because it is not lasting], but a woman who reverently and worshipfully fears the Lord, she shall be praised!

Do NOT be Vain!

Galatians 5:26- Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

This is super hard today, it’s difficult in today’s society to not think of what others are going to think of you, yes I love to get all dressed up and look all girly and pretty but that’s just me. But at the end of the day are others going to judge you at the end on your appearance? No!

When you leave this life people aren’t going to remember you perfect eye liner, your super skinny leather pants, you bright pink lips. There’s going to remember you by you and your personality, the things you did in your life, not the way you looked.

People will say ‘She was an amazing lady who loved God’.

People will NOT say ‘She was skinny, and tall and looked great in hot pants’

You are more bothered about your vanity than other people.

God is the only being to judge you, stop thinking about what others are going to think of you.  

You are either being judged or you are doing the judging! Think about that next time you’re walking down the street and you think to yourself an insult about a girl walking past you with a bright green hat. Don’t judge them on their fashion choices. Because fashion does not make you beautiful.

You are beautiful in your own skin. 

Your flesh and bones make you beautiful. Your wonderful structure is a masterpiece created by the Lord. Don’t change yourself. Love yourself the way you are.

 Love yourself as God loved you so much he made the blueprints for you.

Please girls! Be nice to each other, don’t judge each other because at the end of the day were all in this together and don’t have to like each other but we do have to LOVE each other.

Love each other and pay each other compliments.

You are beautiful girls! Sooo beautiful inside and out. Don’t forget your true beauty in your day to day life. Your true beauty is having the Holy Spirit inside you.

I hope you enjoyed this blog!

Email me on jessica@bibleforwomen.co.uk

Have a blessed week, lots of love and prayers

Jessica Louise Xoxo