twenty seventeen // flourish

Its officially the beginning of a new year. New adventures, sights to be seen, emotions to be felt, tears to fall, strength to be gained. 2016 was such a whirlwind and I can honestly say flew by faster then 2015 did. 2016 a year of fumbling,figuring and being awkward. I honestly felt like an awkward teen (oh, wait I never left that stage). If a movie would be made of 2016 it would be one of those cringe worthy movies, where you want to enter the movie just to help the awful moments severity lessen. But it made for a year of learning what not to do, say or be. 

Like last year and the year before I chose a word/anthem for that year. 

Now for 2017 my word is... 

(via)

       Flourish;

ˈfləriSH/ verb - Grow or develop in a healthy or vigorous way, especially as the result of a particularly favorable environment.

- thrive, bear fruit, blossom, burst forth.

This is my heart. I want to take root in Gods word and have it burst forth in my life. To spring out of me. 

Find an environment (church/friend circle) that is nurturing.

 I want to not just struggle to not fall, but to run. God has called us to bloom. He gives us what we need to do it.

Since moving I have struggled to find a routine with a new job, relationships/friendships, etc..

Just a lot thats new and in a different environment then usual. 

I feel like I joined a circus and the keep giving me new balls to juggle with when I wasn't looking, before I even mastered the basics of juggling. 

I was just trying not to drop them, but now that I have them I want to do what they were given to me to do. 

To be juggled with confidence.

I don't want any aspect of my life to simply be, I want it to bloom, to fight to be strong and beautiful.

Things in life are far from perfect and life in general is messy, but meeting God in that mess for Him to show me the beautiful ways to make my imperfections His blooming flower.

Areas that I instead living with a procrastinating and nostalgic attitude towards, I want to take them and challenge myself in it.

In my spiritual life, relationships, photography everything.

Its Christ's I surrendered it to Him.

Have I been giving my all, walking in obedience to His word, praying over areas in my life?!

This is the cry of my soul. I want to encourage and be encouraged. Inspire and be inspired.

I want young adults in/out of church to grow too.

I want to flourish, not simply struggle to be.

Do you have a word?

Or any special goals for 2017?

within

The beast will not cease

he eats and gnaws,

reveals my flaws

my soul wears thin

and makes him grin

my imperfections

his profession

I fight, I claw

resist the crawl

I fall

My one comes to redeem my flaws

I hear his call

He makes me His

a warrior never to desist

To throw a punch

I have this hunch

the beast

will cease

I have the one

to sit on my throne

no longer just one

But three in one

in my home.

-Blythe.L 

(images via my trip to Seattle)

Exhanging 'self-confidence' for 'Christ-confidence'

 If you have been following my blog you know or I hope at least you got the vibe that I am passionate about living out a set apart life devoted to Christ! The struggle is doing life in the world, enjoying life while keeping Christ at the core. Satan attacks every which way making some of daily choices a struggle.
 So many Christians today I feel are to comfortable,living in a rut and happy with the comfort it gives.

When we become followers of Christ,believing in Him surrendering our lives to Him, we are putting faith and trust in Our Creator. We have peace in know He is in control,that He already predestined us,His plan for our lives as we learn to walk in blind obedience is the most fulfilling thing ever!

 In these truths is a hidden basic,but important aspect, a Christ Confidence.

   Why is this over looked? What exactly are you talking about? Why does it matter?

Its overlooked because we have an earthly mindset. The more and more you are in the word and are spending time with Him the more you develop a heavenly mindset. You don't look at challenges with bleakness,hopelessness and see it impossibilities. You begin to see possibilities. Ways for His light to shine. The only impossibilities are the ones the world says exist. 

When we spend more time in the world and less in the word we see more from the earthly mindset as we let our mind drift. Our human nature is to follow,to go on what we know, when the world is your main source of information from day to day telling you how to think you will lean towards that. 

The world is obsessed with self, who also happens to be your worse enemy.
 You know that one tool satan just loves to use?! You are your worse enemy. 

Self is the focus of the world also being in control or who,what,how,you are you.

Key to appearing so solid and controlled is confidence!
Being confident in what You can do,in who You are, of what You have,of what You are capable of, to not let Yourself appear weak or helpless. 

You see how damaging that is?! 

Not that confidence in itself is wrong. Its where it lies that causes problems.

In this case not only is the focus on you,but also no credit or no apparent need for a Savior its all in your strength,power and being in the right place at the right time while making the 'right' decisions.

We need to be changing out of this self focus,self confidence attitude for a Christ focused, Christ confidence attitude. 

A Christ Confidence is knowing your purpose in and through Him. I am a very purpose and task driven person. 

When I know what to aim and work for,know the tools to equip myself with I can get to it! 

Knowing what your focus is on is pretty helpful. Its on the cross, the prize at the end of the race,preparing away for His 2nd coming.
Your faith, and our trust in the one who created you. 

 Your confidence and productivity in life excels when this becomes your lifestyle and attitude!

 You become glow drawing in those who linger in the dark.
You are hitting the target because you know where to point and your trusting the own who is teaching you!

The Purpose. Having a purpose (as I stated above) gives us as humans so much more motivation in life as we strive to live it at its fullest. 

A Christ confidence is the arrow in that purpose.
Let us simply switch out where our confidence lies (or lack there of), your fear and worry is now minimized because you know are not alone and you know the one within you is greater than that of what is in the world.
And the word "know" is the greek word ginosko, type of "know".
Its not just head knowledge,but heart knowledge.
Have you ever read a passage several times and "know" it,but that time you begin to study it or experience something that you applied it to your life and now  all the sudden you Ginosko know it?!
Hopefully your getting the idea.

We are commanded several times throughout the Bible to not fear. 

We can walk confidently and boldly in the simple truth that He who has promised is Faithful to fulfill. 
God cannot lie.  

Life is such a beautiful gift that is made even more beautiful when we live out what we were created to do with a humbled confident joy! 

Nothing is more beautiful then seeing someone struggling through the challenges of life filled with joy and peace. That joy,peace and confidence in knowing that it will all be okay, its the overflow of what happens when you begin trusting and focusing on our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

 Living in complete and utter surrender to Him.
I cannot put to words they way I want or how it ought to be put other then saying 'the truth will set you free.'  

Will it be easy? No. Will it be an amazing crazy wildest adventure? Yes!! 

We are called to something greater than even we can fathom! 

We are Saints, we are Chosen, we have been equipped and given a task, we are loved and trusted in, we're not alone. 

spring is for a fresh starts and trying new things // update

                I never realized working full time could keep me so busy.

                      This spring has brought along its own new challenges that call for stepping out in faith and being brave with the little things. 

I have been listening to Lauren Daigle // Trust in you and just praying about direction.

He's been reminding me through it to surrender all 'my desires', my wants, my dreams, my fears to Him and trust in His plan. Taking one step at a time.

Turns out that is harder then I thought it would be. I am not a patient person.

Gods timing is perfect I am slowly learning that more and more in every new season of life.

I am still adjusting to the south and preparing for my first Alabama summer! EEP!

If anyone has any tips on surviving it I am all ears!

____________________

Here are some highlights of life lately includes;

____________________

•  Meet my newest addition! So excited to start using my 35mm 1.4 ART Sigma for shoots. I am seriously so stoked I can pretty much ignore the $ tag! It just took me a while to take the plunge.

• Going through my sisters wedding images not even caring if it makes my heart ache.

                                         

•  Water color projects. I have been whipping up a few pieces as I experiment with water color.  It has been the best relaxer/stress reliever and it was refreshing to do an art form other then photography.

•  I have really been crushing on instagram lately as a social media art format. On top of my personal instagram, I finally got a photography one. *happy face* I procrastinate on everything,but so glad I can have a instagram that I can start on creating a brand with for my photography and using all the # for my new state as I have relocated.
  

 Follow me at;
Personal: @blythe.amber
Photography: @blytheamberphoto

What have you all been up to lately? 

 Comment below, because I would love to hear what has been occupying your time of late!

created

  He didn't create me , for to just to merely exist.

                He created me; 

               In His Image,

              For His delight,

              For Worship,

               To lift His name.

Ps.149:4

For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation. 

"Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows"  Luke 12:6-7

 "The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing"  

                         Zephaniah 3:17 

He delights in me. I am wholly His.

  I am delighted in by the King of Kings.

Christ in me and me in Christ.

 I, Can do the impossible, Can shine His light, Can Be More. Can succeed. Can Be.

Through Christ  I can.

 I am worthy.

I am His.

"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth" 

Psalm 139:13-15

who is defining success?

                 I like to keep things real and authentic when it comes to who I am. 

Failures, joys and sorrows alike. So to be real 'success' is something I have really been struggling with. I used to dream of becoming a Dr. growing up with God taking me on a different path that feels a little more humbling. From feeling like I am starting all over, like a kid still in high school by work at Chick Fil A (which isn't bad, somebody has to work there right?) with pressures to go to college and 'do something with my life' and whats funny is that pressure isn't from just certain family members,but society. I mentioned before how I felt I wasn't being lead to college in the past seasons of my life I was following the directions God was taking me at those times. Society puts pressure on the fact that to be somebody you have acquire 'Success'!

                        Who is defining success? 

             Who puts the stamp of approval of success on your life?

College and education is a huge privilege that we have here in the US and one that should be respected,but not one to define if you are failure in life or not. The amount and way we make our money is put on such a pedestal for success that we lose focus on life.

We have our awards and accomplishments in life,but what is all that in the end?!

        If some one is making money and has established themselves we call them successful.

Some who raise families that are intact great kids and marriage with long lives filled with memories we call that success,but not in the same way. Its more of a good job vs. I want to be like you and own the same stuff.

Success is defined by Noah Webster;

Terminating in accomplishing what is wished or intended; having the desired effect; happy; prosperous;

What are you intending/wishing? What effect do want to have where and how?

Prosperous in what?

5 Ways the world says you have success.

1. A "Career", that gives a pay check to enjoy the greater comforts of life.

2. Owning a house and a nice car.

3.  Being connected.  

Knowing all the right people = popularity & ups others opinion of you.

4. When you have to plan out your day to day prioritizing everything. 

Being busy sometimes seems so ideal,but it can be a major distraction.

5. Having the appearance of perfection.

 (lifestyle, looks,etc... the ideal life)

5 Ways I want to have success.

1.  Having no regrets.
I feel like in the end my biggest regret won't be my career path it would be not walking in obedience to where God places me. 

2. Laying up treasures in Heaven.
I don't want to invest what can be destroyed and holds no eternal value.

3. Being a servant.
When I meet someone who knows all the big time people, either in the business world, pop world, blogging world etc... Yeah, I would be impressed and lean towards wanting to hang out with them try to get and in,but when someone displays a servants heart and knows all the people at the homeless shelter. Less impressive on the world scale,but on the heavenly scale, I am impacted and inspired.
I want to be like that, I want to have that molded into my character. See #2.

4.  Investing.
I am not talking about money,but people, character, shaping yourself.
When we invest money we try to be wise, which will make a profit,bear fruit.
I want to be successful in bearing fruit in my life. 
In taking the time to listen to my siblings. Investing in myself through Christ. 
I admire people who don't go off of emotion and selfish needs/wants on what looks fulfilling to them. 
When you truly invest in others, without realizing it your investing in youself. 
In Gods Kingdom  (see #2)


5. Being real & True
 Ah,perfect people with the perfect life are idolized and people reach for what they have,but they don't know how. Why don't they know how? Because its not perfect and perfect people aren't easily approachable.
I never want to be so 'perfect' that people have a view of me of a struggleless, sinless, easy life.
I want to be true and real. That I am approachable for people to say hey, I am struggling with this can you pray for me give me advice..etc.. and vice versa I want my friends to be able to say hey, I see your struggling with this let me pray for you.
No one is better then another. I want to be real, true,approachable.

 

"Courage is knowing where your fear limits you and having what it takes to go beyond it."

to be

                                            February. Its been 5 days of being 21 years old.

This month welcomed a new age, a  new drivers license, beautiful flowers and a butterfly chair (gifts from my parents) to grace the presence of my room. 

 I celebrated my 21st in the best way possible, started with church worshiping my Savior, then to sweat pants and a hoodie,eating burgers for lunch with the family, reese ice cream cake almond crust and finished it off with a good old chick flick!

                  This new month and new age has had my mind reeling to a point of overwhelming me (actually that happens alot) But in the midst of my minds thoughts buzzing around up there I had a moment. I was reminded once again how I am truly blessed as I sat on my birthday at my family who truly loved me.

  You know those moments in a normal day when you pause and then are in that pause, filled with joy?! You take a breath, knowing you are deeply & passionately loved by the man who conquered death,lived selflessly, and forever changed the world He created and the people in it?! 

                                  A love so amazing.

                    As I turned 21 this week and have been mulling over my never ending to do list, scheduling my ACT, trying to figure out when would be a good time to yank out those wisdom teeth, taxes,work, blogging (I know,I know its dwindling.), photography, save for a car, getting involved in church, while figuring out what the world I am doing with my life and where I am going.

 I quickly lose focus. I become overwhelmed. I am a one track type of gal. I got burned out! 

        I try to think of everything I need to do and it all needs to be NOW! I mentally get fried.

This week, um, scheduling is happening. Weeding out what I can't/shouldn't do and what I 'Should' be doing and then have a free time list. ;)  I realized this week that February marks the longest I have lived in one place since the of Fall 2014. I have lost all sense of structure since,so many changes to my life and routines. So Bam! We know the problem, step 2; solve it!

            (My newlywed sister and I, bonfire night, thrift store dress find, all of the gang.)

 This past week I watched this movie called 'Belle' about a biracial girl lived with her white relatives in England during the Zong ship case. The young man in the movie (yes,theres the romance) inspired me. His zeal,passion,authenticity and sensitivity to the value of life just ignited inside of me. He wasn't of high rank,but he impacted. After that movie my mind raced and buzzed. I Could Not sleep! I wrote this done on paper cause getting my thoughts on paper usually help 80% of the problem.

          I am a World Changer with a Voice.
Every action,word and act from my being is a shout into the void. You never know if anyone sees or hears the shout and if they will answer or change upon hearing the call. Live with zeal and passion. Walk in truth. Jesus was a World Changer. A Voice in word and deed and it is He who dwells in me. He who I have joyfully and willingly surrendered to be His vessel. Take my hands,my heart,my zeal, oh, Lord. 
I am a World Changer. I am a Voice

                      My word for 2016 that I chose was "Audacity" To be Bold,to be Zealous.

                        I am so excited for this new year and new age. I am so excited to see what God does. How He will change and challenge me. Every year I grow in Him,every year I become more in awe of who He is with a thankful,humble and blessed spirit. Adventures,challenges,opportunities. 

         2016 I am here. 21 and ready to be.

adulting - 5 things I learned

This past year I went on a little adventure (if you've been following my blog you already know this.) to Colorado for almost 6 months. It was apart of my 'gap year' I highly recommend taking a gap year or just a summer in between school to really dig deep into your identity in Christ. Do things, be challenged, be without your parents provision for a little while (we will always need out parents no matter our age). This journey taught me a lot about me and where I stand on things. It didn't take long being a conservative christian with fellow believers who had very diverse convictions for things surface and questions on 'the why' with different subjects. The way I dress, why I didn't or did this and that, etc.... I began to see what I did in my fathers house because it was the way my father was convicted to raise his family. I began to learn to answer either "I" believe this because____ Or  it's not a big deal to me,but my parents really prefer I that I do that,so while I am living under their roof I want to show respect to them and be an example to my younger siblings. I began to see how things effected Christians being raised in different environments, what made their faith strong through this or that,what I don't agree with,but why they believe that way. I wanted to share 5 highlighted things in the 5 months as I challenged and began to adult in life.
       
           5 Things I learned living temporarily away from home.

1. Learning how to stand on your own beliefs and not "its what my family beliefs' and hiding behind your parents. Know the what and why you do what you do and believe the way you do. Stand firm on truth,but be opened as God uses others to pour into and challenge aspect of your lifestyle. Sometimes we do things because its how its been and don't do things cause of fear. That why when challenged in areas of conviction and truth, fall back to the bible, research draw a conclusion to what God has shown you in His word and not what you are being told what to believe on that subject, whether a close friend, popular idea in the church, make sure its a grounded truth from Gods word. I think of the verse in 1 Peter that says:
"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear"

2.  Problem solving and working through it. I had health issues while I was away and I didn't have my mom to help. Although I wasn't feeling the greatest I had a job to do in ministry at a working ranch. I didn't have time to mope,complain and pause life because I was facing a few minor health challenges and just wait as my mom would tell me what to do to fix everything. Problem solving,working through the health issues and various problems that came up with my own discernment was a great growing aspect. To work through a problem with little aid felt so good to do as scary and challenging as that sounds. (Although a shout out to some awesome girls who prayed over me, helped find me some meds, etc..)

3. Relationships. Hello, I am Blythe and I am a recovering people pleaser and recovering controlling peace keeper. I was making friendships and growing in my relationships with various ages,both genders and its no longer in a family groups or at church. It was room mates, dorm mates,leadership. 'co-workers'. Diverse personalities, different convictions/biblical beliefs, even different cultures (my room mate was from England). So it was great to use discernment, to be confident and myself, learn how to not just be friends with everyone or 'try' to be best buddies with everyone.
 

4. Seeing your own flaws. I feel like I was challenged with seeing a lot of my flaws. I saw being a people pleaser made me a follower. I didn't stand strong on things that weren't a sin,but weren't right,pure,true,Christlike aka they weren't a 'big deal',but things I just kinda went along with and went the flow of it, because I didn't want to be dramatic or make people annoyed with me because I was being  "sensitive to it." holding them to an extreme standard!!! Gossip was another huge one I got easily pulled into different sides and different views, I would mainly listen to different groups who were mainly struggling to get along with so and so etc.. Instead of saying hey we shouldn't be talking about this, lets focus on their good qualities. Instead I would again try to be a people pleaser and keep quiet add a few comments cause inside I agreed with what that person was saying (no one is perfect, everyone has flaws and when living with them you will see them). But even if stuff is true doesn't mean it should be said. Whats that saying, "If you don't have anything nice (positive) to say don't say anything at all."

5. The blind walk. Being away from home challenged my faith in ways I cannot explain. Christ is my identity without Him I am nothing,I would be purposeless and so lost. I honestly cannot imagine the unrest and lack of peace those must feel not knowing out Father. Being away from home as I said at #1 challenged my convictions,but also the homesickness,following through with my commitment there, just all the big changes going on in my life, lack of knowing the future just challenged me to cry out and lean on my Abba Father all the more and for the first time in a while I felt so at peace at where I was placed after each 'struggle' knowing where I am placed is where He wants me in that moment and I don't have worry about the future that He already has planned for me. I was awakened to spiritual warfare while working at a ministry trying to minister in Jesus name next to a Buddhist group who prayed to their god against us. If we aren't having our faith challenged pushing us to our Father and strengthening our relationships then we aren't growing. Those struggles can just be little daily challenges that pushes you closer to Him,to walk by faith in obedience to Him. God blesses His children,He is faithful and loves them,but as we seek to live as His children in a world that hates the name of the true King and Lord we will faces challenges. He is peace, He lives inside of you and I, our faith gets us through it. Life is tough and that's all there is to it,but when we have Him we have nothing to fear.

                      _______________________________

    People talk how hard adulting is and being a kid was so care free. This is true, but they never say how freeing and confident building it is and how you have a terrifying adrenaline sensations surge through your body as you make decisions, use your own discernment and feel your body screaming inside that "WHOA, your doing something that the big kids get to do." As you look back a few months later and see how you've grown. 


Is adulting scary, hard work, more responsibility? Yes. But its exciting, challenging in a good feeling sorta way, thrilling, freeing, experiencing things you would never dream you could, opens possibilities. Adulting shouldn't be feared,but walked through with an attitude of confidence inknowing you serve a God who loves you and you can fall into His arms confident that when you walk in obedience to Him with Jesus as your Lord you won't fail at life you will just grow and learn.  A lot of these things would be things I knew,but I in a different way was challenged, I saw things in ways I wouldn't have at home with my family. I barely touched the surface of all the things that I learned,but most is hard to put to words how it impacted and made me grow.

I cannot not recommend enough what an amazing experience it is to plan your trip,make the decision handle all the details in your life and go somewhere from home where you aren't relying on your parents or having hem pay for things. I recommend traveling somewhere by plane or long road trip away without family (where there is some adult supervision/protection) to grow and push you into adulthood.
I deeply missed my family, considered coming home early,but through my reliance on God He showed me where to be and how to be all there. (You can read that story HERE ) 

                                 

The journey of Ruth // Guest post

Everyone has experienced a season in life where the dry places of the heart feel just like a desert. 
Spiritual rain is scarce, bitter pain destroys flowers of hope, and confusion clouds any rays of sunlight.  

As the Book of Ruth opens, we find Naomi trapped in a season like this. The fresh pain of widowhood is piercing her heart, as well as the staggering blow of losing her two sons. 

Hope was nowhere to be seen on Naomi's radar.  

"I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty." {Ruth 1:21} 

All of her cisterns had run dry. All joy was gone. 

She was so deep in the pit of depression that she desired to change her name to Mara, which means bitterness. Naomi felt all alone. But little did she know, that there was someone who could totally relate with her lot in life.

Her daughter-in-law, Ruth. Ruth had also lost everything she cherished and loved so dearly. The husband of her youth was taken from her, and now she had nowhere to turn.

Naomi advised her daughter-in-love to go find a new husband, "I'm going back to my homeland. But you're still young! You have time! Don't waste your life grieving with me. Make the most of what you still have." 

Despite Naomi's compelling speech to leave her and go find a new man, Ruth had something else in mind.  
Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God." {1:16} 

Ruth's faithfulness and devotion here goes far beyond a simple act of friendship and kindness. 
This is Ruth pounding her stakes in the ground, setting her firm resolve, making a lifelong commitment to serving this woman. 

"I'm not leaving you. Where you die, I'll die, and where you're buried, I will be buried."

That's some gutsy love. That's the kinda friendship that remains. That's the tenacity that Jesus requires of us, when He commands us to take up our cross and follow Him. {Matthew 16:24.}

This same spirit of devotion urged Peter to follow Christ, even to the point of martyrdom. This same cry, "I'll follow You anywhere!" echoed through the heart of Thomas as he ministered in India, and Asia before being brutally murdered for his faith. This is what kept Paul rejoicing in the midst of his chains and beatings. 

This is what keeps a young girl on her high school campus, boldly speaking out for Christ, despite all the teasing. This is what keeps a young man pure until marriage, in spite of the sinful temptation this world has to offer. 

This is what keeps the missionary going, pouring herself out, and loving until there's nothing left. This is what keeps the pastor preaching truth, on the days when nobody shows up. 

This is what keeps us lifting our hands, singing songs of praise, and seeking His face in the midst of our dry seasons. 

When we cry frustrated tears, and it feels like Heaven is silent, we choose to press on; 
"I will follow You anywhere Lord. Where else can I go? You are the One who has the Words of life. Where You go I'll go, You are my God and my King, and my life is yours forever!" 

Just like Ruth, we must daily make the choice to be committed to our King. 

Ruth and Naomi took the long journey from Moab, back to Bethlehem; despite all the questions, pain and bitterness. 

What they didn't know is that God had something absolutely beautiful in store for them. Just up the road, a grand adventure was about to unfold. 

The same is true for you, sister! The desert isn't going to last forever. This road isn't going to lead you to more disappointment and pain. 

If you're following Jesus, keep moving forward. 

This is only the beginning of the story! The Author is weaving together a most beautiful tale! All it takes, is a few more steps down this dusty road. The page is about to turn, and an exciting chapter will begin! Once the two arrived in Bethlehem, things didn't look much better. They were still hungry, they still had to do life, and they still hurt on the inside. 
The only upside to their scenario, was that they arrived just in time for the barley harvest. 
Naomi advised Ruth to choose a field, settle her attention there, and start gleaning. 
The fields were full of harvesters, hustling and bustling around, leaving an ample amount of grain behind for widows, orphans, and strangers in Israel. Those who had nothing were free to glean and take home whatever they could find left over. 

Ruth entered the field of a man named Boaz, and he expressed much kindness and favor towards her. She returned home with her hands full, carrying more than enough for both her and Naomi. Boaz promised that she could stay there, gleaning as much as she needed, until the harvest was over. 

The Lord is so faithful to provide for us, even in the midst of our most dry and desperate seasons. When we glean in the fields of our Lord, feasting on His Word, there is always more than enough. The Lord's generosity is overwhelming. His kindness is too much to process. His love leaves us speechless. 

Sister, if you are trapped in a season of feeling alone or discouraged, it's time to head out into the field. 

God's Word is RIPE and ready for you to glean from! He desires to minister to you, feed your heart, water it, and refresh your soul. The Lord doesn't want you to feel orphaned and widowed. He wants to generously provide for you; physically, emotionally, and spiritually. You are His princess, and He cares so deeply for you! He has so much to give. All you have to do is step into His presence and receive it. The Lord is faithful to give you everything that you need. But there comes a time in a girls life where she must step into the Royal Throne Room of the King, and boldly petition Him for things that she desires and dreams about seeing unfold in the future.  

Truth is, Ruth couldn't live off manna forever. Harvest season was nearly over, and Naomi wanted to make sure that she was thinking of the future. 
Ruth said, "My daughter, I must find a home for you, where you will be well provided for. Now Boaz, with whose women you have worked, is a relative of ours. Tonight he will be winnowing barley on the threshing floor.  Wash, put on perfume, and get dressed in your best clothes. Then go down to the threshing floor, but don’t let him know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking. When he lies down, note the place where he is lying. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down. He will tell you what to do.” (3:1-4) 

Boaz was in a special position to possibly rescue Ruth from her widowed state. As a unique family member called a "Kinsmen Redeemer", he had the ability to redeem everything that was broken and shattered in her life. Jesus can do the same for us! 
On the cross, Jesus offered the free gift of redemption for anyone who receives it. 
On the cross, Jesus completely destroyed the curse and written code against us {Col 2:14}, and opened up the gates of Heaven! He has promised every resource of Heaven {Check out Ephesians 1:3}, but we must ask! 
Jesus said, "Until now you have asked for nothing in my name, ask and you will receive so that your joy may be full." {John 16:24}  

It took boldness for Ruth to enter the threshing floor in the middle of the night and risk it all by laying down at Boaz's feet (an act of submission). We must possess the same bold faith when we enter the courts of the King, by making our requests known with whole-hearted faith! It is impossible to please God without faith. 

But how can a girl have faith and expect better things for the future, when in the past, everything has just crashed down around her? 
When life has been difficult in the past, hope deferred tries to make our heart sick, with thoughts of discouragement like, "I've been stuck in this situation for so long. I don't know how things are ever going to change, I feel like God isn't even listening to me anymore." 
But hope must rise up in our souls as we encounter our Kingsmen Redeemer. We must pray with the strength we have left, 

"Lord, fill me with hope! You have promised to care for every detail in my life, and You have been faithful to provide all I need, but these dreams stirring inside of my soul feel so impossible. 
I desire to see You move in my life in such a mighty and powerful way, so that it's totally undeniable that it was You! I'm asking for You to do the impossible, by making these God-sized dreams come true! 
I know that a desire fulfilled is a tree of life, so encourage me Lord, and help my unbelief! Strengthen me when I get weak, and so tired, and don't feel the desire to fight for these dreams. Don't let the lioness of courage inside of me shrink back in fear. Remind me that You are the King of the jungle! I will NOT be afraid because my Daddy is King. 
Raise me up to be all that You've created me to be, to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. Give me the courage to fight for the rights of all who are destitute, for the poor, the needy, and those who are in much worse situations than I am. Fill me with Your Spirit of boldness! I give You my brokenness, and ask for deeper healing. Be my swift strength. (That's what the name "Boaz" means!) 
My soul clings to You, and my heart hopes in You alone. I know You will not disappoint me!"

In Ruth's story, Boaz was faithful to ride in and save the day. Just at her lowest point, He proved himself faithful. He abundantly answered her request and happily took Ruth as his wife, redeeming all that was lost. They had a son, and Ruth was no longer unfruitful. Her heart was full and satisfied.  Naomi was also so full of joy as she welcomed her grandson into the world.  

Sweet sister, the Lord has GOOD things in store for you. His plan for you is more beautiful than you could ever dream. Don't listen to the voice of deception that says, "It's hopeless." 

Just like Ruth, you are on a journey. Whether you're just leaving Moab, the land of heartbreak; gleaning at the field of God's goodness; mustering up the courage to make a Kingdom Request, standing in the place of faith that He will come through; or rejoicing because your Boaz has blessed your life with joy ... the journey you're on is beautiful. Embrace every moment and bless the Lord with each breath, because no matter where you're at, the King is forever faithful!

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 About the Author:
 
Livy is a dreamer, singer, songwriter and orphan advocate. As the founder of Crown of Beauty, her passion is to teach young women about their royal identity in Christ. She loves fairy-tales, the smell just after it rains, golden retriever puppies, and peppermint ice-cream cones. She just released their new book, Beauty Boys and Ball Gowns, featuring advice from Christian artists (Moriah Peters & Kari Jobe!), authors, (Duggar sisters!) and other guest writers from many different walks of life. She's currently raising funds to build an orphanage for her precious princess sisters in India! Donate or find out how you can get involved by visiting: www.crownofbeautymagazine.com
 

fresh pine // Christmas is here

I can hardly believe its the eve of Christmas eve is and its almost 2016! What a great year 2015 has been!:) Celebrating the birth of Christ is very different this year. it was warm and lacking snow when we picked out our tree, it wasn't the family owned business we've been going to since I was little, we didn't ride the horse wagon out to cut our tree, there wasn't hot chocolate. We won't have anyone coming over/home for Christmas. My sister won't be here...BUT! That following Monday we will be heading up to Ohio!! YAY!! Its like an extended Christmas. Hopefully snow pictures will be happening. :P

                                    Christmas tree hunting has to be one of my favorite traditions.
                                                                          Whats yours?