A celebration is in order, friends! Rebeka Does It is moving! You didn't think I was giving up the blog life, did you? No way! I could not be more excited to introduce to you a BRAND NEW WEBSITE I have been working on for quite a while now.
As someone who is not the most tech savvy person, this is kind of a BIG deal. Learning new things is something I want to do more of and I know that it won't always be a walk in the park. Sometimes it will be more me wanting to stick my head in the oven or throw my computer out of the window! But alas, I shall persevere!! Along the way, I know I will develop some serious grit, and that is always a good thing.
So without further ado, go check out www.rebekadoesitblog.com and make sure to leave a comment somewhere on there so I know you were there, and I can THANK YOU personally for supporting me in this way!
Make sure you bookmark the new site and subscribe to be THE FIRST to know about new posts and announcements.
And I just want to say a special THANK YOU to those who began this journey with me all those years ago. I could not have done this without you. Your support, literally, means the world to me. Thank you isn't quite adequate, but it will have to do for now!
Let's keep the party rocking over on Rebeka Does It Blog
With a grateful heart,
Rebeka Beavers
Sunday, August 18, 2019
Sunday, August 4, 2019
Rebeka's Costco Faves
Well, hello there, friends. This is a very different post than you'll usually see over here at Rebeka Does It, but this is something that is highly requested by many of my followers and friends. I am so excited to share my Costco favorites with you guys!
First, let me share why I adore Costco so much.
You guys, I love it so much I will drive an hour one way at least once a week. That's love. Costco usually has great quality produce and they offer a lot of organic and non-GMO products. These things are important to me as a momma who is doing her best to feed her family well. We eat a diet rich in real food. That means less processed, chemicals, preservatives. And more fruits, vegetables, and food in their whole form. Because we live in a more rural area these things can be hard to come by. Which is why I drive so far to access places like Costco. I also have a 12 year old boy that eats all the food. I am pretty sure he has a hollow limb. Any other boy mom's out there? Ya'll know the struggle is so real.
We have been eating primarily real food for 7 years now and the benefits we've experienced are incredible. Less illness is probably the number one benefit. I grew up a very sick kid, which translated to a very sick adult struggling with Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Complex Migraines. At one point I was on copious amounts of anti-seizure medicines because my migraines were out of control. That was rock bottom for me. I couldn't deal with the side-effects of the medicine, but I also couldn't function with the migraines which manifested with stroke mimicking symptoms. For example I would be in the grocery store with my kids and I would become disoriented, my hands would go numb, and my vision would be impaired. It was terrifying. Rock bottom. I have a background in fitness and knew how important it was to move our bodies. But I didn't quite grasp the importance of nutrition. I threw myself into the study of food. And our family started making small changes here and there. We started reading food labels and became aware of what we were putting in our bodies. We started eating a variety of nutrient dense produce in a capsule or chewable gummy, and drinking whole food shakes to bridge the gap between what we should be eating everyday and what we were actually getting.
Eventually, I was able to ween off of my medications, and I no longer suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome or Complex Migraines. And now, we only see our doctor for well visits when necessary. Our family has experienced FREEDOM through improved health.
And today, I am honored to help others find that same freedom our family found all those years ago.
And now that you know the why behind all of this, drumroll please!
My Costco Faves
Black Beans (canned)
Black Beans (dry)
Organic Eggs
Guacamole Singles
Hummus Singles
Bob's Red Mill Steel Cut Oats
Organic All Purpose Flour
Organic Roasted Turkey Breast (deli meat)
Organic Short Grain Brown Rice
Organic Quinoa
Organic, Fair Trade Cacao Powder
Organic Apple Sauce (large jars)
Organic Pumpkin (canned)
Coconut Milk (canned)
Organic Whole Milk
Organic Almond Milk
Organic Plain Greek Yogurt
Organic Cheese Sticks
Organic Whole Chicken (fresh)
Organic Frozen Fruit: pineapple, mango, blueberries, strawberries, smoothie packets.
Stir Fry Vegetable Blend (frozen)
Organic Broccoli Packets (frozen)
Organic Edamame Packets (frozen)
Cauliflower Rice (frozen)
Some of these items are seasonal. But for the most part these are things you can access all year around at your local Costco. A lot of these are my fridge and pantry staples, and I always have them on hand. If you have any questions about any of the items listed above, please do not hesitate to ask me! There is a contact form on the home page of my blog or you can also message me on Instagram.
I'd love to know if you found this list helpful!
What are some of your favorite Costco finds?
Thursday, July 18, 2019
Open The Door
She pulled out the cutest decorative kitchen towel and said “This is for you. Thank you for hosting.” And my heart just swelled as tears filled my eyes. She had no idea that I actually collect dish towels. I love to use them as a pop of color in my very black and white kitchen. There’s no way she could have known how sweet of a gift this simple dish towel was to me. And how meaningful it was to know that I am thought of, not just by my friend, but by my Heavenly Papa.
I asked her, “Did you know that I collect dish towels.”
She replied, “No, I didn’t. But as I was packing it was sitting next to my bag and Holy Spirit just said to pack it too. So I did. And I didn’t really know who it was for, until I got here.”
This, my friends, is a prime example of why it is so important to be sensitive to the voice of Holy Spirit. Because of her simple act of obedience she was able to bless me in a deep and meaningful way. This act of kindness from my friend was a reminder from my Heavenly Father that he knows me. He sees me. And he doesn’t miss a detail; even the tiniest ones that we would think he doesn’t care about.
The truth is he cares deeply. And nothing is wasted.
Why did I need such a reminder on this specific day? Earlier that morning I experienced a major disappointment. It was a costly disappointment in more than just a financial aspect. I needed that reminder that I was seen and cared for regardless of what I was feeling emotionally.
Sensitive
This experience also made me want to become even more sensitive to the Holy Spirit. He is our helper. And I want and need his help like never before. I have prayed many times that my Heavenly Father would use me to glorify him and build his kingdom. “Here I am, Father, use me!”
But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:26 (NIV)
Oh, Jesus. Sweet, sweet Jesus. In the small excerpt above, Jesus is speaking with the disciples. He is explaining to them that he is going away, but he has asked the Father to send us a helper, the Spirit of truth. And he also says that he will be with us forever. So not only did Jesus go to the cross to suffer and die for us, but he made sure that we would have a friend and counselor here with us on this earth. Today, I am overwhelmed by this truth. I am overtaken by the thoughtfulness and eagerness to make sure that we have a friend who will help us and teach us. Jesus has been advocating for us since before we even existed here on this earth. That thought melts my heart and leaves me speechless.
Curious to Know
I am so curious to know the Holy Spirit better. To know and recognize his voice above all others, and especially above my own thoughts. I want to be sensitive to him and his ways. I want to be taught by him. So how do I do these things? How does one become more sensitive to the Holy Spirit?
It’s way more simple than I could ever wrap my brain around. It’s as simple as growing in relationship with the Father. When I know Him, then I’ll be able to discern.
And how do I get to know my Heavenly Papa better? Well, I must read the Word he has given us. A friend recently prayed over me that I would salivate for the Word of God. That I would crave it and it’s truth. Let me tell you, that prayer has absolutely come to pass. When I open my Bible I become as giddy as a kid on Christmas. Seriously, I do! There are so many amazing gems hidden in the word. It’s the most entertaining mysterious read ever written. Studying and knowing the scriptures are both imperative acts if you want to know the Father.
I want to know him. I want to know his heart. And I want my heart to mirror his.
His Heart
I was sitting in a sandwich shop one day with my daughter. We picked out our sandwiches and sat down to enjoy our lunch and some much needed mother-daughter conversation. She was 8 at the time, and I love any chance I get to chat one on one with her. She is such a light in this dark world. She inspires me daily to be better.
As we were eating I just got a feeling. I felt oddly drawn to two gentlemen who were sitting a few tables away enjoying their lunches. Finally, looking up from my sandwich, I engaged with that still quiet voice nudging me to pay attention to the two men. I then had a thought. It wasn’t anything loud or boisterous. I didn’t hear an audible voice from the heavens. The thought was this…”That is my son over there. I love him and I am so proud of him.”
Immediately after the thought came I felt overwhelmingly like I needed to go and tell this stranger what the Father had said about him. I began to sweat profusely. And my hands started to tremble. For me this is a sure sign that Holy Spirit is up to something.
Just this week I had prayed to my Father and told him I would be obedient when he asked me to do something. I am not kidding. And clearly, He was testing this out.
But I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t get out of my chair. I was scared. I was embarrassed. What would this guy think? How was he going to react?
While I was struggling with this internal dialogue, the two men got up and left the restaurant. And as I saw them get in their car and drive away I felt so defeated. I felt like I had failed. And I immediately repented.
“Father, I am so sorry. If you will give me a second chance to share this with that young man, I will do it. I will be obedient. I will not falter. Lord, I am so sorry. Please forgive me and help me to do your will.”
My daughter and I finished our sandwiches, cleaned up our table, and left. I was feeling so low. I had just prayed to the Father that I would be obedient and in an instant I had failed him. At that moment I glanced at my gas gage and realized it was extremely low. I was hoping we had enough to make it to the gas station right down the road. Driving on fumes, literally, we made it to the station. I pulled up to an open pump and noticed the man sitting in the passenger side of a van with the door opened at the pump RIGHT NEXT TO MINE. It was the same young man that I had failed to share the message with.
This was my chance and I was not about to let it slip by again.
I whispered, “Thank you, Father” with tears in my eyes and walked the whole 5 steps over the young man and said exactly what I had heard Holy Spirit say…”Excuse me sir. I am so sorry to bother you. And this might sound kind of crazy, but my daughter and I were just at the sandwich shop. I noticed you and your friend having lunch. And Heavenly Father wanted you to know that you are his son. He loves you and he is so proud of you. Anyway, I know this seems strange. But just wanted to tell you. Thanks so much!”
He looked at my with eyeballs as big as a saucer and said “Wow. Thank you.”
And that was that.
Thank you Jesus for second chances! Our Creator is the God of second chances. Actually, he is the God of second chances, third chances , fourth, fifth...as many as it takes. He never gives up on us.
Known
I don’t know what God was doing in that young man’s life. But I know I was given the chance to play a part on the relay team. And I was honored to do so.
Today, I am ever so grateful for the truth that we are known. We are known so intricately. And that truth melts me. God’s heart, it melts me. He is constantly moving towards us with wide open arms. Run towards them. Run like you’ve never run before. Because that embrace is one that cannot be described. And if you think you are unworthy. You are right. We are unworthy. But that’s just it, he doesn't want us because WE are worthy.
He wants us because HE IS WORTHY. He doesn’t care. He wants you. All of you. Even the broken parts.
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20 (NIV)
All you have to do is open the door.
Wednesday, July 10, 2019
If You Zoom In Closer
What you see...
A woman all dressed up posing in a green field on a sunny day with a blue sky. But if you zoom in closer to the reflection in my glasses— you’ll see my tripod balancing on its last leg on a large pallet of pavers that my husband purchased to build a patio in the back yard. And this day was the first day in a while that I decided to put a bit of makeup on and actually fix my hair. A new shirt from Target usually warrants a photo session, amirite?!
You see not everything is as it seems. I try my best to be as authentic as possible. Because I don’t want anyone to think— “Rebeka has it all together” because that is not the truth.
I’m over here a hot mess just like you. And I’m good with it. For a long time— too long to be exact— I worried about what others thought of me. I measured myself up against unattainable standards. I jokingly say I used to be a Pinterest mom. And if you’re a Pinterest Mom, rock on, Momma, rock on! That just didn’t fit my true self. And I had to shed that skin.
Gals, I’m so over the world pitting us against each other. Post after post of women judging each other. And of course, they go viral. Yes, Comparison is the thief of joy. You better believe it. But what happens when we stop letting the world pit us against one another? My, how powerful we’d be.
What would it look like if we all just started rooting for one another? I know, those posts don’t usually go viral. But what if they did?!
What would it look like for you to be you and for me to be me AND THAT BE PERFECTLY OKAY?! #youdoyou
I hope and pray one day that we get to experience such freedom here in this realm. But if we don’t I know without a shadow of a doubt that I’ll experience it in the Heavenly one.
A woman all dressed up posing in a green field on a sunny day with a blue sky. But if you zoom in closer to the reflection in my glasses— you’ll see my tripod balancing on its last leg on a large pallet of pavers that my husband purchased to build a patio in the back yard. And this day was the first day in a while that I decided to put a bit of makeup on and actually fix my hair. A new shirt from Target usually warrants a photo session, amirite?!
You see not everything is as it seems. I try my best to be as authentic as possible. Because I don’t want anyone to think— “Rebeka has it all together” because that is not the truth.
I’m over here a hot mess just like you. And I’m good with it. For a long time— too long to be exact— I worried about what others thought of me. I measured myself up against unattainable standards. I jokingly say I used to be a Pinterest mom. And if you’re a Pinterest Mom, rock on, Momma, rock on! That just didn’t fit my true self. And I had to shed that skin.
Gals, I’m so over the world pitting us against each other. Post after post of women judging each other. And of course, they go viral. Yes, Comparison is the thief of joy. You better believe it. But what happens when we stop letting the world pit us against one another? My, how powerful we’d be.
What would it look like if we all just started rooting for one another? I know, those posts don’t usually go viral. But what if they did?!
What would it look like for you to be you and for me to be me AND THAT BE PERFECTLY OKAY?! #youdoyou
I hope and pray one day that we get to experience such freedom here in this realm. But if we don’t I know without a shadow of a doubt that I’ll experience it in the Heavenly one.
Tuesday, July 9, 2019
Feed Me Tacos
I was getting my craft on...and by that I mean, I bought this sign from Target and put it together. That’s about as #crafty as it gets round these parts. I was trying my hardest to think up a cute little saying about tacos (cos tacos are life) and said cute sign will be on display in my kitchen.
TELL ME IM PRETTY & FEED ME TACOS is what I came up with. And then I had an epiphany. If we’re being real...I don’t really need my partner to tell me I’m pretty. I mean, it’s nice and all. But it’s not a necessity. And then IT HIT ME.
TELL ME IM RIGHT & FEED ME TACOS
Yes, I do like to be right. I like to be right at all costs. Even if I’m wrong. And while this cute saying might be funny— in real life— it ain’t that cute.
This is something I’ve been really working on. And y’all it’s a daily grind. But it’s so worth it.
What’s something you’ve been working on lately?
TELL ME IM PRETTY & FEED ME TACOS is what I came up with. And then I had an epiphany. If we’re being real...I don’t really need my partner to tell me I’m pretty. I mean, it’s nice and all. But it’s not a necessity. And then IT HIT ME.
TELL ME IM RIGHT & FEED ME TACOS
Yes, I do like to be right. I like to be right at all costs. Even if I’m wrong. And while this cute saying might be funny— in real life— it ain’t that cute.
This is something I’ve been really working on. And y’all it’s a daily grind. But it’s so worth it.
What’s something you’ve been working on lately?
Monday, July 1, 2019
I Know Breakthrough is Coming
I sat up groggy. Thinking, "I do not want to go to class today." I love my yoga. But this week, in particular, we partied hard. And by "partied" I mean stayed up late hanging with cousins and eating s'mores. Summer in Texas is such a weird time. The sun doesn't go down until super late and even though your body is saying "GO TO BED." Your brain is all "the sun is still up, silly. Let's party." So that's just what we did. We laughed a lot and stayed up way too late. Good times were had by all. We had a brief intermission before getting ready for our annual Fourth of July party out here on the farm. And I knew I needed to get up this day and get my workout in. I needed it not just for the physical workout, but for my mental, emotional, and spiritual as well. So when my alarm went off I only snoozed it once. Ha! And then got out of my warm cozy bed. That is some serious self care, my friends. Sometimes the self care is staying in bed. But this day it was more imperative that I got up. High-fiving myself right now for recognizing that because it wasn't always this way.
I arrived at yoga knowing what to expect because I had been there earlier in the week. We were working towards Crow pose. For those of you not familiar with that pose or even yoga in general, I will post a video down below for you to check out. It's a fun pose. But it's a difficult one for me. It takes a lot of core and upper body strength. Actually, I'd say it's pretty full body. For me, anyway. The problem I have with Crow isn't the physical aspect. I've pretty much worked that part out. But instead, it's the mental factor. It's the "Am I going to fall and break my face?"
It's the f e a r.
Have you ever read about the 7 spirits of God? A verse that has been circulating within my mind lately is Isaiah 11:2,
"The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him--
the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and of power,
the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of
the Lord--"
During class, I was becoming a bit frustrated because I felt like I couldn't just "let go." Are you now singing that song in your head? You know the one...#sorrynotsorry Anyway, I was working hard to get my body in the correct position for Crow, and everything was great. I felt strong. I just knew my feet were going to come up off of the ground any second. But they didn't budge. It was just then that my instructor walked over and said "Sometimes it's just letting go of the fear." And as she was saying the words, my feet lifted. Houston, we have lift off! I needed that reminder in that very moment. Sometimes it is just as simple as letting go of the fear so you can move forward. But until you relent and let it go...nothing will change. I know you're no quitter, but sometimes you gotta quit the fear and tell it where to go. #fearcangotohell
After class my daughter and I hit up a local bakery for some goodies. A mommy and Macy date. She picked out a delicious pastry and I got my usual garlic bagel. I really prefer the everything bagel, but they were all out. Apparently, I am not the only one who likes them. I also ordered an almond milk latte with honey because this place has the best and creamiest. That barista, she knows what she's doing.
Macy and I grabbed our treats and picked a seat. She really wanted to sit outside, but it was already super hot and humid. Another characteristic of Texas Summer. She reluctantly agreed to sit inside next to the big pretty windows so she could see outside. I snapped a picture of her eating her delicious strawberry brioche. It's what dreams are made of, friends. And then she said, "Hey Mom, let me take your picture too." So I handed over my iPhone and she snapped a quick picture of me with my bagel. She even gave me a few options to pick from. She's pretty awesome like that. Macy decided to walk outside and check out the view from the patio. While she was doing that, I picked up my phone to scroll through the pictures and add a couple to my Insta story. I noticed in each picture of me there was a blue-ish blur next to me. I thought that was kind of weird and I even tried to find one without it. Nope, there were blurs in each one. If you're thinking I am not the type of person to go down that rabbit hole...Well, let me surprise you. I am totally THAT person. What could this mean? Spiritual significance?
And then I remembered something that I had read about the 7 Spirits of God and their colors. Which one was blue? I couldn't remember so I quickly went to my email where I had made a note about this very thing on May 1, 2019.
Blue: Spirit of Might
And then the verse that has been showing up in my mind on repeat started to make sense. As I dug even deeper, I found gems that my Heavenly Father has planted for me. Verses I have been reading started to take on a deeper meaning. I could take them and literally apply them to my life or see where I already had. It was like magic. But it wasn't magic at all...It was Yahweh.
2 Timothy 1:6-7 (NIV) for example,
"For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline."
As I was reading, the Holy Spirit was highlighting certain parts of the text for me. Aligning them with teachings I have recently digested. Spirit of power being one of those. But keep reading...
2 Timothy 1:8-9 (NIV)
"So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life-- not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time..."
S T O P right there.
Yes, you read that correctly. This Grace was given to us before the beginning of time! Let that sink in, ya'll. That is CRAZY! How? What? When? Where? Why? It's just too much to even begin to wrap my tiny human brain around. There is no logic that can reason this. It just is. It's how He operates.
There have been many times in my life that I felt like I was being called by my Heavenly Father to fulfill a purpose. But because I felt inadequate or not good enough..."How could I ever do that? I am not an expert. I am not equipped!" Sound familiar? I know I missed out on opportunities to do His will because I "chickened out." If we don't pick up our torch and finish our part of the race, He will find someone else to do it. Because one way or another it is getting d o n e.
He doesn't call on us because of who we are or what we are capable of on our own. Remember..."not because of anything WE have done but because of HIS own purpose and grace." He calls us because he wants to work through us. He has given us everything we need.
"...for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose."
Philippians 2:13 (NIV)
You're scared? You feel unequipped? Are you in a season of suffering? Sounds about right. But I have news for you! He is breathing His MIGHT and His Power over you to help you fulfill your calling and purpose. His ways are not our ways. And that is why he said "lean not on your own understanding" (Proverbs 3:5).
If you feel like you're being called to something-- Friend, NOW is the time to step into it. NOW is the time to say "Here I am, Lord! Use me. Send me! I am all in." The power is inside all of us. It is in YOU! It was there before the beginning.
And if you feel like you're in a season of struggle I want you to know that your breakthrough-- your power is right around the corner. So do not relent. Do not give in to the fear. Do not give up hope. Because...sometimes it's just letting go of the fear that will give you lift off. Lean in to your Father and be obedient. Get in His Word and see what gems He's planted for your very eyes.
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
Romans 15:13 (NIV)
And make sure you crank this one loud. Just as I was finishing up this post this song came on. Coincidence? Ya'll know I don't believe in such a thing. He wastes nothing. Can I get an Amen?!
I know breakthrough is coming.
I arrived at yoga knowing what to expect because I had been there earlier in the week. We were working towards Crow pose. For those of you not familiar with that pose or even yoga in general, I will post a video down below for you to check out. It's a fun pose. But it's a difficult one for me. It takes a lot of core and upper body strength. Actually, I'd say it's pretty full body. For me, anyway. The problem I have with Crow isn't the physical aspect. I've pretty much worked that part out. But instead, it's the mental factor. It's the "Am I going to fall and break my face?"
It's the f e a r.
Have you ever read about the 7 spirits of God? A verse that has been circulating within my mind lately is Isaiah 11:2,
"The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him--
the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and of power,
the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of
the Lord--"
During class, I was becoming a bit frustrated because I felt like I couldn't just "let go." Are you now singing that song in your head? You know the one...#sorrynotsorry Anyway, I was working hard to get my body in the correct position for Crow, and everything was great. I felt strong. I just knew my feet were going to come up off of the ground any second. But they didn't budge. It was just then that my instructor walked over and said "Sometimes it's just letting go of the fear." And as she was saying the words, my feet lifted. Houston, we have lift off! I needed that reminder in that very moment. Sometimes it is just as simple as letting go of the fear so you can move forward. But until you relent and let it go...nothing will change. I know you're no quitter, but sometimes you gotta quit the fear and tell it where to go. #fearcangotohell
After class my daughter and I hit up a local bakery for some goodies. A mommy and Macy date. She picked out a delicious pastry and I got my usual garlic bagel. I really prefer the everything bagel, but they were all out. Apparently, I am not the only one who likes them. I also ordered an almond milk latte with honey because this place has the best and creamiest. That barista, she knows what she's doing.
Macy and I grabbed our treats and picked a seat. She really wanted to sit outside, but it was already super hot and humid. Another characteristic of Texas Summer. She reluctantly agreed to sit inside next to the big pretty windows so she could see outside. I snapped a picture of her eating her delicious strawberry brioche. It's what dreams are made of, friends. And then she said, "Hey Mom, let me take your picture too." So I handed over my iPhone and she snapped a quick picture of me with my bagel. She even gave me a few options to pick from. She's pretty awesome like that. Macy decided to walk outside and check out the view from the patio. While she was doing that, I picked up my phone to scroll through the pictures and add a couple to my Insta story. I noticed in each picture of me there was a blue-ish blur next to me. I thought that was kind of weird and I even tried to find one without it. Nope, there were blurs in each one. If you're thinking I am not the type of person to go down that rabbit hole...Well, let me surprise you. I am totally THAT person. What could this mean? Spiritual significance?
And then I remembered something that I had read about the 7 Spirits of God and their colors. Which one was blue? I couldn't remember so I quickly went to my email where I had made a note about this very thing on May 1, 2019.
Blue: Spirit of Might
And then the verse that has been showing up in my mind on repeat started to make sense. As I dug even deeper, I found gems that my Heavenly Father has planted for me. Verses I have been reading started to take on a deeper meaning. I could take them and literally apply them to my life or see where I already had. It was like magic. But it wasn't magic at all...It was Yahweh.
2 Timothy 1:6-7 (NIV) for example,
"For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline."
As I was reading, the Holy Spirit was highlighting certain parts of the text for me. Aligning them with teachings I have recently digested. Spirit of power being one of those. But keep reading...
2 Timothy 1:8-9 (NIV)
"So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life-- not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time..."
S T O P right there.
Yes, you read that correctly. This Grace was given to us before the beginning of time! Let that sink in, ya'll. That is CRAZY! How? What? When? Where? Why? It's just too much to even begin to wrap my tiny human brain around. There is no logic that can reason this. It just is. It's how He operates.
There have been many times in my life that I felt like I was being called by my Heavenly Father to fulfill a purpose. But because I felt inadequate or not good enough..."How could I ever do that? I am not an expert. I am not equipped!" Sound familiar? I know I missed out on opportunities to do His will because I "chickened out." If we don't pick up our torch and finish our part of the race, He will find someone else to do it. Because one way or another it is getting d o n e.
He doesn't call on us because of who we are or what we are capable of on our own. Remember..."not because of anything WE have done but because of HIS own purpose and grace." He calls us because he wants to work through us. He has given us everything we need.
"...for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose."
Philippians 2:13 (NIV)
You're scared? You feel unequipped? Are you in a season of suffering? Sounds about right. But I have news for you! He is breathing His MIGHT and His Power over you to help you fulfill your calling and purpose. His ways are not our ways. And that is why he said "lean not on your own understanding" (Proverbs 3:5).
If you feel like you're being called to something-- Friend, NOW is the time to step into it. NOW is the time to say "Here I am, Lord! Use me. Send me! I am all in." The power is inside all of us. It is in YOU! It was there before the beginning.
And if you feel like you're in a season of struggle I want you to know that your breakthrough-- your power is right around the corner. So do not relent. Do not give in to the fear. Do not give up hope. Because...sometimes it's just letting go of the fear that will give you lift off. Lean in to your Father and be obedient. Get in His Word and see what gems He's planted for your very eyes.
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
Romans 15:13 (NIV)
And make sure you crank this one loud. Just as I was finishing up this post this song came on. Coincidence? Ya'll know I don't believe in such a thing. He wastes nothing. Can I get an Amen?!
I know breakthrough is coming.
Tuesday, June 18, 2019
Counter Productive
Am I the only one that has to have a clean counter space before I make a mess cooking?
I know it seems pretty counter productive, right? I was watching this video below this morning that I made last summer because I am sharing it in a Healthy Summer Hacks Facebook event I am hosting for some of my friends. The event runs today, June 18-25th. So if you're reading this and would like to be added, please let me know! I am sharing lots of healthy eating tips and recipes that are saving the day this summer.
As I was watching this video I had a thought and I knew I just had to share. How many times have we thought...
"I have to get my self together before I can come to Christ."
"I am not good enough, I need to be better before I am worthy."
"I can't go to church because I need to do better first."
"I am too dirty..."
The list of these lies the enemy is selling us could go on and on. And while they seem as counter productive as me cleaning my kitchen counter before I dirty it up right after, we still believe them. But here's the truth, friends...
The TRUTH is you don't have to do a thing. It's already been done for you. There is nothing we could do to make our Heavenly Father not love us or long for us. But I know what you're thinking...
"Bek, you don't know what I have done." And you're right, I don't. But you know who does? You know who knows everything you've ever done or thought? God. He knows it all. And he still loves you and wants you. This song brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it.
"There's nothing too dirty
That you can't make worthy
You wash me in mercy
I am clean"
Because of Jesus we are made clean, friends. We are purified because of his blood that was shed. If you're ready to hand over all of those burdens that you're carrying He is so ready. He's waiting for you. All you have to do is walk in the room.
Thank you, Jesus.
If you'd like to read a bit of my testimony, it's here on the blog in this post. Actually, this entire blog is full of my story and how He saved me. I am so thankful I have been "washed in mercy."
I know it seems pretty counter productive, right? I was watching this video below this morning that I made last summer because I am sharing it in a Healthy Summer Hacks Facebook event I am hosting for some of my friends. The event runs today, June 18-25th. So if you're reading this and would like to be added, please let me know! I am sharing lots of healthy eating tips and recipes that are saving the day this summer.
As I was watching this video I had a thought and I knew I just had to share. How many times have we thought...
"I have to get my self together before I can come to Christ."
"I am not good enough, I need to be better before I am worthy."
"I can't go to church because I need to do better first."
"I am too dirty..."
The list of these lies the enemy is selling us could go on and on. And while they seem as counter productive as me cleaning my kitchen counter before I dirty it up right after, we still believe them. But here's the truth, friends...
The TRUTH is you don't have to do a thing. It's already been done for you. There is nothing we could do to make our Heavenly Father not love us or long for us. But I know what you're thinking...
"Bek, you don't know what I have done." And you're right, I don't. But you know who does? You know who knows everything you've ever done or thought? God. He knows it all. And he still loves you and wants you. This song brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it.
"There's nothing too dirty
That you can't make worthy
You wash me in mercy
I am clean"
Because of Jesus we are made clean, friends. We are purified because of his blood that was shed. If you're ready to hand over all of those burdens that you're carrying He is so ready. He's waiting for you. All you have to do is walk in the room.
Thank you, Jesus.
If you'd like to read a bit of my testimony, it's here on the blog in this post. Actually, this entire blog is full of my story and how He saved me. I am so thankful I have been "washed in mercy."
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