|The Journey: Even When You Cannot See| 

By Livy Jarmusch 

“And they said to one another, ‘Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked with us on the road and while He opened up the scriptures to us?’” Luke 24:32 

Sometimes life can be confusing. It’s like the road map is turned upside down, the GPS isn’t working, and all the road signs that are supposed to tell you where to go, are in another language! They say that life is a beautiful journey. They say that it’s not about arriving at your destination, it’s all about the joy of getting there. But when you’ve been on the road for eighteen hours, you’ve run out of snacks, and you can’t find a place to take a bathroom break, it isn’t quite so fun anymore! 

Do you ever wish that you could just hurry up and get there? Dash to the next mile marker in your life, and graduate High School? Fall in love, get married? Get that new job you’ve been hoping for? 
Wouldn’t it be easier if you could have a head-on, insta-collision with destiny, like…tomorrow? Just imagine how blissful it would be to wake in the morning and find yourself smack-dab in the middle of God’s perfect plan for your life! Maybe you’d be a successful business woman, serving as a missionary in a foreign country, or finally recording the album that you’ve been dreaming about your whole life! 

Whatever it is that you’ve been waiting for, I’m sure you can relate. Maybe you’re longing for a new door of opportunity to open. Are you desperate to hear a fresh word of direction from God, about your life and your purpose? Maybe you’re wanting some clarity about confusing or hurtful things that are happening.

Wherever you’re at on this journey of life, I know that we’ve all reached the point where we’ve pulled off to the side of the road, shut off our engines, slammed our heads on the steering wheel and cried out, “God, where are you? I’m totally lost! I need direction! I need to hear your voice. What in the world are you doing? Are we just going around in circles? Just give me SOMETHING to work with here!” 

How strange a season it is when we lift our voices to Heaven, and hear nothing in return. 

The Bible says, “Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all of your heart. I will be found by you declares the Lord, and I will restore you…” Jeremiah 29:12-14

On those days when I’m seeking (and I’m pretty darn sure that I’m seeking with all of my heart!) and I don’t get any clues, encouragement, cute little love letters from God, or radical “burning bush” experiences, I can begin to wonder what’s wrong. In moments like that, when God feels so distant and far away, it’s easy to panic. I know the truth that He will never leave me or forsake me, and He hears every prayer. He is perfectly faithful…so what in the world is going on?! 

The Lord is always speaking to us. His favorite thing to do is reveal who He is, how much He loves us, and the amazing plans that He has for our lives! He loves to reveal the reality of what’s happening in Heaven, which is His perspective, and make that manifest in our lives. The job of the Holy Spirit is to guide us into all truth, and take the things that belong to the Father, which belong to Jesus, and declare them to us! (John 16:13-14) So if God is always speaking, why can’t we hear Him? 

The Book of Esther is one of my favorite examples of a time when God appeared to be silent. Esther’s story is so unique. The Bible is full of story after story of God revealing Himself to His people in dramatic, ground-shakingly epic ways! The Red Sea opened, manna came down from Heaven, lions' mouths were shut, miracles were performed, miraculous wars were won, and God’s hand and voice were so clearly seen! To many characters in the Word, God revealed a new part of His nature and character. To Hagar, He was El Roi, “the God who Sees.” To Abraham, He was El Shaddi, “the All Sufficient One.” To David, He was El Sali, “the God of my Strength.” To the woman who had been bleeding her whole life, Jesus revealed Himself as “Healer.” To the woman who had been caught in the act of adultery, Jesus reveled Himself as “Redeemer.” To Paul, Jesus revealed Himself as “Strength made perfect in my weakness.” 

But in Esther’s story, God’s name is never mentioned. He doesn’t reveal a new part of His character by splitting open the heavens and performing a miracle. God’s name is nowhere to be found. Not even once, through the whole book! God never speaks through a prophet, “Thus saith the Lord!” or confirms his promises by wetting some fleece like he did for Gideon. As the Author of Esther’s story, God never signs His name in a big fat Sharpie marker. The flashing neon light of God’s presence and direction is nowhere to be seen. But when I read the book of Esther, my heart burns within me. I don’t see the Author’s name, but I know He has been there. Signs of the Author’s style, voice, and faithfulness are seen so clearly. His presence, His voice, and His direction within this book are so clear, if only you know what you’re looking for. I recognize the work of His providential hand, maneuvering every person, event, and word, according to His perfect plan. But do you think Esther was aware of this? Was she getting a play-by-play of God’s plan, or do you think she looked at the upside down road map in front of her, and asked God, “What in the world are You doing?!”

The Lord is revealing His name, nature, and character every single day. It may not be in an obvious, burning bush or sea-splitting way, but He is speaking, moving, and directing. Every line and scribble in my life that appears to be so messy, out of place, or just plain puzzling, is there for a purpose. The Author is weaving together a most beautiful story. I just don’t see it yet. As much as I don’t like to admit it, sometimes I’m like the guys who were walking down the trail of life in Luke 24. In their story, Jesus had just risen from the dead. The miracle of all miracles had taken place! These guys had every reason to be excited, whooping and hollering for joy, because God was working in their life in such an amazing way! But they were so confused. They were afraid, and perplexed, and totally blinded to the most beautiful thing that was happening right before their eyes. 
“Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was seven miles from Jerusalem. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him. 
And He said to them, ‘What kind of conversation is this that you are having with one another as you walk and are sad?’
Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him, ‘Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem and have you not known the things which happened there in these days?” 

They continued to explain to Jesus everything that had happened, the report of the resurrection, and how some friends from their group went the tomb and didn’t see Jesus there. As these men walked on the road with Jesus, “He expounded to them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself.” Beginning with Moses and all the prophets, Jesus revealed Himself in a way that these men had never heard before. It was so different from what they were used to, they didn’t even know that Jesus was talking to them! 

Finally, when they got to their house and broke bread together, something that they were used to doing in the past, “their eyes were opened and they knew Him, and He vanished from their sight.” 

Suddenly, everything made sense. When the Spirit of wisdom and revelation hit them, they could see clearly. They had the “a-ha!” moment they had been aching for, and everything was clear and sunny and bright again! Jesus was alive! And He had been WALKING with them that whole time! 

“And they said to one another, ‘Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened up the Scriptures to us?’”

I love that verse. Even though they couldn’t see Jesus in the way they were used to seeing Him, and God wasn’t doing things the way He used to do, their hearts still burned within them. They knew Him by the Spirit, and they recognized that He had the Words of life. Something inside of them was drawn to what Jesus was saying. They didn’t know why, but a magnetic force pulled them in and tugged on their hearts. God was doing a brand new thing in their lives, and even before their minds or human understanding could comprehend it, their spirits knew. Their hearts burned with passion and fresh fire as He spoke.Sister, you are never traveling down the road of life all on your own. Just like the men in this story, Jesus is right there with you, guiding you, speaking to you, and opening up the Scriptures to you, whether you can recognize Him or not! Maybe you don’t feel God holding your hand like He used to, as you would joyfully blaze forward on this trail, and you’re wondering why you can’t feel the warmth of His presence. Perhaps in the past, Jesus lifted you up on His shoulders every time a freaky snake would jump out to attack; but now you’re standing there, shaking in fear, because you’ve got a sword in your hand, and you need to kill the snake. Maybe He used to always sing the same song over your heart, a lullaby of sorts, and suddenly He changed the dial on the radio so you don’t recognize the tune! Any of these shifts and changes can cause us to freak out. But we must remember and hold fast to the truth: the Lord is doing a new thing. Just because I can’t recognize it, or make sense of it yet, doesn’t mean He’s not with me and guiding every step of this process. 

What if Esther compared her story to the stories of what God had done in the past? What if she didn’t step forward in boldness to save her people, because she didn’t have a burning bush experience? Sometimes we can get so used to Heaven's manna from the past, that we don’t step into what God is doing in our lives right now. The manna stopped so that God’s people would press forward and take the Promise Land! 

If you’re feeling a little bit clueless, still not sure how to read your map or what to do next, I want you to take a deep breath. You’re not lost. Your tank might be out of gas, you may not be able to read the road signs, and your connection to Heaven might seem a little shaky, but I promise you this: God is with you. He will never leave you or forsake you! You know that you are chosen by God to be His royal Princess Daughter; He delights in you, He adores you, and He has amazing plans for you. Let that be enough. 

If everything in your world seems out of whack and off kilter, remember that God is still penning your story. He’s in mid-stroke. You can’t see everything that He’s doing behind the scenes. Let that be okay. 

Trust the Author.

Blessings, Livy Jarmusch

To learn more about Crown Of Beauty Magazine, visit: http://www.crownofbeautymagazine.com

|Esther of the Month: April 2016|

Tatiana Klein

Before March seventeenth 2016 my knowledge of India was meager and food related. As a California girl from a private christian school, India existed only in my imagination. I was completely oblivious to the wonders kept in the borders of India. However, God was fully aware of my ignorance and he decided to bless me with a journey to India. I believe that He was eager to allow me the pure pleasure of loving his children on the opposite side of the world. 

My school holds annual service trips in the spring, which depart to countries all around the world. I had originally applied to go to a different service trip, and ironically enough, I was thoroughly opposed to even applying to go to India. Obviously, the Lord was patiently waiting to prove his plan for me to be much greater than any plan that I could dream up. 

The months prior to my journey were jam packed with preparation: mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I had been specifically praying for God to "break my heart" for the things that break His, in hopes that I could be a vessel for Him to channel His current of unconditional love. 

Our mission for the trip was to fill the libraries of "dream centers" in the poorest parts of India (Dream center: a place for orphans, and children in dire situations to live, hear the word of God, and thrive in a loving environment- coined by the founder of the organization: Good news India). We were also in preparation to hold a day of activities and a night chapel for each dream center.

Once we landed from the flight that lasted an eternity, 
I could not keep still from my excitement to see these children. Little did I know that God was about to shatter my heart for these precious children of India. 

Each day that came presented me an opportunity to unload the massive amounts of love that were stored in my heart. The Lord blessed me with so much energy, despite the lack of sleep and exponential rate of sickness in the group. I constantly felt incredibly energetic and thrilled to play with these children and be blessed by their faith. 

The kids that I befriended will be embedded in my mind like diamonds. Quickly after I met each group, would I see priceless character. Every child I met showed great reverence to our team and treated us like royalty. They were so eager to give me all their love and comfort. I felt ridiculous being treated so, because it was apparent to me that they were precious and much more worthy of glorification. 

Amidst the devastating public and waves of heat lived the children whose eyes sparkled with vitality. There was a raw joy and sincerity about their smiles. Never in my entire life had I seen such a genuine display of emotion, and never had I loved anything so instantly.

The Lord sure did answered my prayer, and He did not spare any detail. He broke my heart for the impoverished youth of India, and I am immensely thankful for it. I know now the urgency in God's heart to spread love and joy to all His children living in the world. 

-Tatiana Klein

You too can make a difference, by visiting http://goodnewsindia.org. By sponsoring a child for only $35 a month, you can help give these precious ones food, housing, and education. 

|He Will Make Her Wilderness Like Eden|

By Melody Mohnhaupt

"For the Lord shall comfort Zion: he shall comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody." (Isaiah 51:3) 

About a year ago, I spoke at a women’s conference and I shared on this verse alone. I asked all the women to replace the word “Zion” in the verse above with their own name. You can try it too! I spoke of how we must believe that God’s word is true. He is more than capable of turning our hardships, failures, and stagnant situations into beautiful, joyous, and overflowing circumstances. 

I encouraged many not to give up and not to be discouraged, because we serve a mighty God. He is our comforter whom will bring us life in the droughts that so often encompass us.

You see, this verse was the cry of my heart. I had experienced much drought in my life and many times found myself hopeless. Through my failures and pains, I discovered the Lord in a new way. Throughout the years I’ve changed little by little, and realized as time went on, I wasn’t in the wilderness anymore. I found rivers of living water! I had felt the times the Lord sent down His spirit like rain, and because of this, I was changed. 

Although, at that point in my life, I would not, yet, have considered myself a garden, I was certain I was no longer the dry desert I once was. That excited me! God was faithful through His love, kindness, and mercy upon me; transforming that wilderness into soft soil and planting one seed after the other. He never gave up on me, even through my mistakes. Instead, He used each circumstance to benefit me. 

Today, a full year after receiving this word that the Lord had given to me, I tell you, I am so much closer to becoming that garden than I was back then. He has gutted out weeds that prevented life from springing forth ! He has flooded me with showers of His grace and favor. He has shined his rays of love down on me! And now I see fruit!!! 

Isaiah 58:11) And the Lord shall guide thee continuously, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters faint not. 12) And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, the repairer of the breach, the restorer of paths to dwell in.

Recently, He has shown me the next step of my journey to becoming like Eden. As I am being transformed and watered, He has called me to provoke and encourage you to allow Him to start or continue that same work that He is doing in me, in you! He wants me to show all the deserts and wildernesses out there that THERE IS HOPE! His name is JESUS! He desires all his children to be baring fruit. GOOD FRUIT! He wants all the world to see that he transforms and makes things beautiful simply to bring him glory! He will continually teach me how to reach out and how to do everything he has anointed me to do.

Isaiah 61:1)The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me gtto bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; 2)To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; 3)To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called the trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified. 4)And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolation of many generations.

As you allow the Lord to transforms you, He will call you up. He will call you out. He will equip you! Fear not, for we are capable! It is not us, but Him working through us because of our willingness and desire to lead others to His glory!

Jeremiah 1:6) Then said I, Ah, Lord God! Behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child. 7) But the Lord said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. 8) Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord. 9) Then the Lord put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the Lord said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth. 10) See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant. 

You aren’t a lost cause. You haven’t drifted too far. Your desert and wilderness isn't too desolate for the Lord. He sees a planting ground. He sees so much potential in you! And guess what? Even in your wilderness, He ADORES you! He wants the very best for you! And you know what that is? It’s Him! He wants to begin to pour abundant life into you! Sometimes it’s uncomfortable. Some of those roots and weeds are really stubborn! Sometimes the soil of our hearts has been hardened by hurt. But, allowing Him to work in us is SO WORTH the outcome! 

You can be a testimony! You could say, “I thought I was hopeless, but look what God did in me! Because of my faithfulness to him, now look at what he’s able to do through me!” It’s possible. I speak from experience. The life that radiates from a watered garden is remarkable! The beauty is exquisite and the joy it brings is undeniable! That could be you!

Philippians 1:6) [Be] confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.

I say again, there is Hope! 

|The Beauty Of Heartbreak|

By Kenya Gossett

We've all heard the term "Rejection is Gods protection" but at the time of heartbreak wether it’s because of a friendship or a relationship or any other life circumstance, we really don't see the good in anything or how Gods hand could even be on the situation. I know this feeling all too well.

I've gone through everything that most young women have faced. I've had my heart broken. I've been rejected. I've been betrayed. I've been lied to and I've had my vulnerable heart, carelessly thrown and trampled on. 

I'm sure that many of you who are reading this can relate. Heartbreak is apart of life. but in no way is this is going to be my main focus. 

I'm writing this today to tell you that there is indeed something beautiful that could come out of a shattered heart because I am a witness and a product of this miracle. 

My Heavenly Father carefully picked me up, wiped off the dirt, cherished me and made me whole again, more times than I can count. He’s been faithful.

I remember a time where I was going through a form of rejection that completely took me off guard. I couldn't express into words what I was feeling, yet I had this peace knowing that God knew everything that I couldn't formulate. I simply told Him that night, ”I have no idea what to say or how to pray right now, I just need you".  and with that sweet still small voice of His, He simply repeated "I do all things well. I am in control. Trust me.” I know that is simple but it’s been a profound promise that has anchored my life.

Now with every battle or disappointment that comes my way, those words resonate in me. “I do all things well. I am in control.”

God never makes a mistake. He never takes something away without a reason. I look back at all the times I was hurt, all the times I was rejected, even the time that I desperately wanted someone to be “The One” who I loved very much and I see the protection of the Lord all over it. He saved me from things and people that would have aborted my destiny and drained every ounce of anointing. I didn’t see the whole picture at the time, but now I see that He had something greater for me. It took my heart to break a time or two to help me realize this. but now that I do, there’s no going back. I never again want to walk outside of Gods will. I want to remain hidden in the shadow of His wing, until He gives me the OK to pursue something.

Many times- we can ignore the Lords warning and proceed into something that deep down, we know very well that we weren't supposed to walk into. That’s where the heartbreak and disappointment comes. But it is incredible to know that we are so loved by God. He is so merciful, that He still continues to come down and save the day, even in our failures. He still makes something beautiful out of our ashes and gives us something to hold on to. In Isaiah 61 verse 3 it says that He will:

“appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be GLORIFIED.” 

The best thing I can encourage you in today, it to trust Jesus with your life so that He may be glorified. Give Him the heartache that you’re facing right now, whatever it may be and let the healing begin. 

“I will heal him and make his lips blossom anew with THANKFUL PRAISE.” Isaiah 57:19

Someday, you will understand and have that thankful praise, over why that relationship didn’t work. You’ll understand why those friends who you thought were going to be there forever, left. You will understand why opportunities fell through. You’ll understand every loss, every discouragement, every problem that happened within your family. Those ashes were being used to create something beautiful and strong in YOU. God is getting ready to launch you into your destiny.  Let Him protect you. Let Him pave your path. Your best days are yet to come, I promise. There is hope for you.

Jesus is faithful. He does all things well. He is in control. He does miracles so great. Don’t forget that. You are going to have a testimony :)

"and we know that all things work together for good, to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

|Shaped and Purified|

By Melody Mohnhaupt

A few months back, I was being prayed over by a woman of God and she told me that I was going through a season in my life where I was being shaped and purified. I certainly felt the “being shaped” part occurring at the time. I had been going through, possibly, the most difficult time in my life. I was lonely due to friends moving away or moving on to new chapters in their lives, I was being falsely accused and spoken of repeatedly, I was going through emotional struggles concerning boys, and my family was facing major battles. I felt like I was being pressed on by every side; and though I suspected the undergoing of some sort of mental/emotional breakdown, that never really happened. Instead, I felt an odd sense of peace amidst the turmoil.

I knew the Lord was using these situations to create something great in me. He was testing my character and creating a strength in me that I had never known. Not to mention, he wanted me to hold onto him and press into Him more than I ever had. 

Months later, I saw that she was right. But something still wasn't complete. I didn't feel the “being purified” part taking place yet. Little by little the Lord is growing that desire in me in such simple ways. For instance, he reveals simple verses to me that, for some reason, convict me much more deeply than they did previously. A few weeks ago I came across a verse in Psalm 25 that reads: “Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee”. Maybe this verse spoke to me because I have been feeling like I am in a stage of waiting for a while. I have nothing big going on in my life at the moment, I simply try to take each day and use it to get closer to where he wants me to be. But while I am keeping busy, am I living each moment letting integrity and uprightness PRESERVE ME? 

I was speaking to Kenya not too long ago concerning a project we are working on; in which purity is a topic we discuss. I told her this example I heard that may help others visualize purity. It was about a bride that has a beautiful white gown that she wears daily and needs to keep clean until her bridegroom comes for her. She can easily get tangled up in many unclean things along the way. It is impossible to dapple in those things and still keep her dress white! She must be very careful! If her dress is not white when our groom returns, He will not accept her as His bride. The verse I shared in Psalm 25 reminded me of this example. While we, as the Lord’s bride, wait on Him, (either to move in our lives or ultimately for his return) the only way we will preserve our “white dress” (representing our hearts and minds) is by living with integrity and uprightness. 

How many times in God’s word does he talk about being clean, pure, blameless or without spot? 

Ephesians 5:27 That he might present himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing: but that it should be holy and without blemish.

2 Peter 3:14 Wherefore, beloved, see that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

Colossians 1: 21-22 …yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holyand unblameable and unreproveable in his sight

Philippians 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world

Psalm 24: 3-4 Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? And who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood and has not sworn deceitfully.

There are so many more examples in the Word where the Lord asks this of us. He asks this for our own protection! He wants our dresses to be preserved in our time of waiting until that day comes!

Be careful! It is so easy to get your white dress dirty! I mean, I cant even go one day wearing a white pair of pants without having a disaster. Can you imagine a lifetime of trying to keep a wedding dress clean? But that’s what it’s like. Thank God for His mercy and grace!! But we need to think about our daily actions. And, yes, even our thoughts moment to moment. Purity is so much more than just abstaining from a sexual relationship. The clips we see online, the commercials for that new drama, that conversation you overheard at school, the boy that keeps flirting with you and giving you attention, the reaction you have when your mom yells at you for no reason: these are all things that have potential of getting your white dress all dirty. And if you aren't careful, pretty soon your wedding dress could be filthy without even realizing!

Maybe you're like me and you've been facing one battle after the other. Maybe you've been one step away from losing all hope. Maybe you've even dappled around in some unclean things to distract from the chaos. If that’s the case, don't worry. It’s not too late. I encourage you to read Psalm 51 and make that the cry of your heart! 

Psalm 51:7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Whatever your situation may look like during this waiting season, let integrity and uprightness PRESERVE YOU. You have an AMAZING destiny ahead of you and the enemy would love nothing more than to sabotage your plans. If things are taking longer than you hoped, that just means God’s not done working yet! Don't lose courage! Keep your eyes on Him! He’s coming. He has a fairytale waiting for you right around the corner. I hope your dress will be white and pearly while you wait for it ever so patiently! :) 

-Melody Mohnhaupt 

 |New Year, New Me|

By Melody Mohnhaupt

I don't mean to be too cliche, but this morning I just began thinking about what a great opportunity this day is for us as Christians. New years eve is a day where people say goodbye to the old and hello to the new. We make resolutions for ourselves. "This year I want to lose weight", "I want to travel", "I want to...", The list goes on and on. But this year, how about making your new years resolution this: "This year I want to truly make Jesus the Lord of my life!" 

     

Sometimes when we go through a transformation in our hearts and grow closer to The Lord, there are things we no longer want to partake of. Almost every aspect of our life changes (or at least it should). As born again Christians when we come to God we are not just believers, but we are to be REBORN into a new version of ourselves. In Gal. 2:20 it says:

"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet NOT I, BUT CHRIST LIVETH IN ME: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."

  

Is Jesus the one that makes your decisions in life? Is He the one that has your heart before any other? Is He the one that is influencing the person that you grow into each day? If there has never been that dying to yourself to allow Jesus Christ to be LORD of your life, you might need to take a step back and reexamine your walk.

But back to what I was saying, with this day comes an extra opportunity. It is hard sometimes when we go through a transformation in heart to show others who have known the old us just what we have transformed into. Whether it's your family, or your friends, or your coworkers, whoever, when they have known you and what you were really like, it is sometimes difficult for them to see you change all of the sudden. And for you, I know it's hard to SHOW how you've changed. For me personally, going through that change more and more each day, there all new things that convict my heart. To be honest, it's tough for me to tell my friends that I've known for so long and partaken with in certain things that, "oh, I don't like doing that anymore". And no matter when God brings you those convictions we much be faithful to them.

     

But for those who have just gone though that transformation or if you never really have and don't know how, now is a chance! Don't get me wrong, every moment of everyday is a new chance that we should be taking, but this is just an extra break. 

Everyone is transforming and making changes in their life. What better change to make than this one? And the next time you are faced with a situation that brings that conviction and you are strong and do not partake, people are going to probably ask, "why not?" And you can say, "This year I've decided to fully give my heart to God. He is now Lord of my life. Because I love him so much, and his word says, 'if you love me you will keep my commandments', I want to make sure that's exactly what I do. I don't want to displease him anymore, but rather show him just how much I love him by obeying him".

Don't let another day go by without confessing His name. Every time you partake of something that brings shame to our Lord you are denying Him. You are not being bold enough to do his will. That is a scary thing because in Matthew 10:32-33 says: 

³² Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.

³³ But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

Be bold and strong sisters! Make that change in your life! Never deny The Lord! Now is a great opportunity! I hope you take this all to heart. God bless you!             

~Melody Mohnhaupt

To learn more about Melody: visit http://becomingesther.org/becoming-esther-international/united-states/

    |BELIEVE AGAIN|

By Kenya Gossett

~And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose…~ Romans 8:28

~Blessed is she who believes~ Luke 1:45

Cinderella was a young woman with a heart full of dreams. She had an unbreakable faith that someday, her dream of happiness would come true! She remained hopeful, gentle and kind through all the hardships but at one point in the movie- she lost her faith for the first time. 

As I watching it the other night- one part of the movie really stood out to me. After having her dress ripped to shreds by her step-sisters, her hopes of going to the castle to meet the Prince was destroyed. She was broken, confused and at the point of completely giving up. Yet it was when she had her lowest point, her miracle and greatest victory came. She cried out and said "There's just no use.. I can't believe, not anymore. There's nothing left to believe in" and it was in that moment, the fairy Godmother appeared and changed everything. With one word- Cinderella had everything she needed to walk into her destiny with the Prince that night.

Yet it will still not time for their love story to unfold. We all know that she ends up leaving one glass slipper behind but another scene that stood out to me was when the magic wore off and everything around her crumbled. The mice weren't horses anymore, the pumpkin was gone, and Cinderella was left with the torn up dress she had before. But when she looked down, one thing still remained: the other glass slipper. She held it close to her heart, looked up to the sky and said "Thank You"...

God used all this as a shadow and type to show me- that even though we feel like we're locked up in a situation- He always makes a way where there seems to be none. Even when we feel like everything around us has crumbled- God leaves us with hope and a glass slipper in the Spirit. Though the road was bumpy for Cinderella- in the end she received everything she ever dreamed of. 

So I want to encourage you- things may seem difficult right now, like nothing is changing. You may feel like all your dreams have been crushed- but it's so important that you stay soft and sweet through it all! Please, don't let a root of bitterness take place in your heart because of it. Remember that God makes all things beautiful in HIS time and just because something isn't happening right now, doesn't mean it will never happen. The Lord sees and hears the deepest cry of your heart, so don't give up now! You are right around the corner from a miracle..

Sisters- We truly serve a faithful God, who will always bring rain in your time of drought & tonight- He gave me that through a Disney movie ;)

God bless you ladies and I wish you all a very happy New Years! The season of change is HERE and purpose that starting January 1st- that you won't stop believing. Amen! ♥

Love and Prayers, Kenya-Nicole

~Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart~ Psalms 37:4

To learn more about Becoming Esther Ministries- visit http://becomingesther.org/