ISSUE NO. 11 // FALL 2018
ASPIRING TO BE MAGAZINE
ESTABLISHED IN TRUTH Rachel Storms pg. 08
Editor's Notes
05
Meet the Writers
08
Established In Truth
11
But Then, God!
14
Quitting Is Not An Option!
16
Holding Others
20
Letting Go of the Toxic
22
Thank You
23
Show Your Support
STNETNOC FO ELBAT
04
SETON S'ROTIDE
NEW SEASON & NEW OPPORTUNITIES I can't believe its already fall once again and that this will be the final issue for 2018. In fact starting in January 2019 we will be going to a bi-monthly release date. That is more encouragment for you more often. The girls and I are looking for new ways to minister to, encourage, uplift and teach you how to succeed in your walk with the Lord.
We are so excited about the amazing things God is not only doing in this ministry but also in our personal ministries as well. We are about to step through into a whole new season of life and ministry, and whatever is on the other side of this new door that God is opening for us we are ready to embrace it and walk this road side by side. Because with God, ALL things are possible. (Phil 4:13)
DIANNA AUTON EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Meet Our Writers: Ashley Chambers is a wife and mother to 5. She is founder of Count it All Joy Ministry on Facebook. She is also a blogger for FOCUS Ministries and social media coordinator for the Girls Life group at Redemption Church in Knoxville, TN.
Kristi Willingham lives in Strawberry Plains, Tennessee. She works in Social Services for the Salvation Army.
Jennifer Hill is the founder of Broken to Blessed Ministry. You can find more information about Jennifer and her ministry on their website: www.brokentoblessedministry.com . Watch on YouTube and follow on Facebook.
Dianna Auton holds a Bachelor of Science in Christian Education. Her personal ministry is to encourage women of all walks of life to serve God in every area of life. She lives with her husband of 19+ years, Andy, and daughters in East Tennessee, where she serves in her local church. You can connect with her on her personal blog, "A Little Bit of Everything" at: diannaauton.wordpress.com
Rachel Storms A happily married mother of three girls. As the youngest daughter of a minister she has been brought up under the instruction of the Bible. Having traveled with her family often, she has been exposed to various denominations and concluded that the basis of faith is and always will be founded upon the truth of God's Word. Rachel is passionate about teaching others. Her greatest desire is to reach out to the lost and the broken with the compassion of Jesus Christ.
Christy Henderson An empty nester that has been married for more than 27 years. She loves to minister to the hurting. She loves her adult daughters and is looking forward to the day she has grandbabies. She is thankful for two special friends that remind her that she has a solid rock in Jesus Christ when life gets crazy.
“TO EVERYTHING THERE IS A SEASON, A TIME FOR EVERY PURPOSE UNDER HEAVEN.” E C C L E S I A S T E S
3 : 1
( N K J V )
ESTABLISHED IN TRUTH RACHEL STORMS
overwhelming. We find ourselves asking, "Why?" "God, why did you allow this to happen?"
immovable, and eternally unchanging. And His
"Let no man say when he is tempted, 'I am tempted by God'; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone." The word "tempted"
faithfulness to fulfill His Word is to all generations.
here means tried or tested. James continues in
In other words, His promise endure from the first
verse 14,
James 1:13 says, The word translated "settled" in this verse literally means stand firm. God's Word is established,
generation to the last. What God promised to Abraham extends to us today. The same working
"But each one is tempted (tried, tested) when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed."
of miracles that was available to the first century church is still available to this generation now.
Let's look at the word "enticed". It comes from the Greek word "deleazo" and means to bait or
When the trials of life come, it is not uncommon for
deceive. Well, we know that Satan is the master
us to begin questioning the truths we've been
of deception. This same devil that tempted Jesus
taught. Sometimes the stress and pressure that
in the wilderness uses the same methods against
often accompany such trials can be
the church today. He is diligently looking for a
YROTS ERUTAEF
Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven. Your faithfulness endures to all generations... (Psalm 119:89-90)
door of opportunity into our lives. He will even go
cast a shadow when they pass between the sun
as far as to manipulate the scriptures in order to
and the earth's surface. A more obvious
bring confusion and division. After all, a double-
hindrance to the light would be the moon during
minded man (someone whose thoughts are
an eclipse.
So, by this example we can see that the source
8)
of light does not change, but sometimes As if that wasn't enough Satan won't stop there. If
hindrances will come to cast a shadow. In the
allowed he will even deceive God's people into
same way, God does not change. His position is
believing that God is the one responsible for tests
established and His light is eternal. However,
and trials that are wreaking havoc in their lives.
Satan will attempt to hinder the flow of light by
But, ,we know the Word says that it is Satan who
casting a shadow on the minds of people.
comes to kill, steal, and destroy (see John 10:10). This is why it is important to know the WHOLE truth
How do we resist Satan and his methods of
and not just part.
deception? The same way Jesus did. Go back to
Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard lest we drift away. (Hebrews 2:1) We can be ready the Word.
Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. (James 1:16-17)
and remain steady through any attack of the enemy by knowing the Word and by continuing in it. The same truth that brought us forth (see James 1:18) is the same truth that causes us to
NIV ... who does not change like shifting shadows.
remain established, immovable, and unshaken. And if we remain steady God is faithful to fulfill all that He has promised in His Word.
After explaining how temptation, trials, and testing come, James begins verse 16 by saying,
"Do not be
deceived..." Then, he proceeds by saying that everything good and perfect comes from the Father of lights above. So, how do we know if something is from God? We simply ask, "Is this good? Is it perfect?" If the answer isn't yes then it isn't from God. It is that simple.
James continues in saying that these good and
"...the Father of lights, with whom there is now variation or shadow of turning." By referring to God as the "Father of
perfect things come from
lights" he is saying that God is the creator and source of light. We understand this better by looking at the sun, earth's main source for light. Wherever the light goes it illuminates and causes things to become visible. The only way a shadow can be cast is if something comes between the source of light and its destination. Clouds often
YROTS ERUTAEF
divided) is unstable in all his ways. (see James 1:7-
“LET US NOT BECOME WEARY IN DOING GOOD, FOR AT THE PROPER TIME WE WILL REAP A HARVEST IF WE DO NOT GIVE UP.” GALATIANS 6:9 (NIV)
BUT THEN, GOD! CHRISTY HENDERSON A few weeks ago I took on the challenge of a new job. I was so excited and in shock that I was even considered due to the fact that I had no prior training or experience in chemistry, plus at my age this is almost unheard of. As I was going through the process of making up my mind to take the job or not God reminded me of his words he spoke to me years ago "I will bless the work of your hands". That was the deciding factor. So I said yes and the new adventure began. But there was more to be accomplished than meets the eye so to speak when God is in the mix.Â
As a general rule by this stage of a person's life people are looking forward to retirement, taking care of the grandbabies or just plain being bored while sitting in a rocking chair on the front porch petting Fido. You know, the good life. But no, not me!!!
The job I was on at the time enabled me to check out this job twice a week. The person doing the jobÂ
assured me that I could handle it and do quite
God used a coworker in the lab adjacent to mine
well, that all I needed was basic computer skills
to fill in the gaps. When we are at our desk we
and the physical tests that needed to be run was
can see each other and chat. Honestly I know he
quite simple. It sounded like a dream come true.
got tired of hearing me repeatedly say "I'm not qualified to do this, there is no way I could have
But then this slow motioned, visually minded
known that in advance" or "I'm not good enough
person found out very quickly she was in way over
to do this." Out of the blue it seemed like he
her head. It was painfully more detailed than I was
looked up and said "Ya know, as a man sees
led to believe. I was flooded with so much
himself so is he." (Proverbs 23:7) That was my "But
information in such a short period of time I thought
then God" moment. I had never considered that
my brain was going to explode. I had to memorize
scripture before. I had heard it many times but it
everything. I would go over the procedures again
never occurred to me to apply it to any situation
and again in my mind after work. I would wake up
in my life. It was a major "lights on" moment.
in the middle of the night and my brain would still be processing the producers and terms. It's mind
From that point on I changed the way I saw
boggling how many different forms and spread
myself. I changed the negative words to positive
sheets there is to fill out before sending out a
ones. I perceived myself in a positive way now
simple report. The physical part of the job was a
and it makes my job so much easier. I am able to
breeze. I loved watching my boss run some tests
accomplish things outside my job that I didn't
and seeing how some chemicals react with others.
think I could due to the I thought I wasn't good
The the fear factor kicked in when I realized the
enough. It is interesting how we can minister to
repercussions if the lab results was sent to the
ourselves like that and reap the good fruits of
wrong plant and how one number or decimal point
those new found words. I am thankful that God
out of place could make or break the outcome of
gave him this scripture to open my eyes.
the results. When you find yourself in the middle of I was set up for failure, I was doomed. The first six
overwhelming pressure and stress while learning
weeks was a nightmare. I can't count how many
something new just remember what you think of
times I would escape to the lady's room or another
yourself will make a difference in the outcome.
part of the building to cry and talk myself out of
Proverbs 23:7,
leaving and not look back.
For as he thinketh within himself, so is he.
With very little sleep and worrying about making a
Forever Looking Up,
mistake the Lord impressed me to seek Him and let
Christy
the Holy Spirit tell me what to do. I was a bit irritated with God for saying that because I thought I was already doing that. I thought I needed a miracle to hit my brain so I could magically know what to do. I had everybody and their brother and sister plus their in-laws praying for me. Nothing got easier, if anything it got harder, the pressure and stress was unbearable.
I have heard more people I can shake a stick at say "But then God". I never quite understood what all that entailed until now.
“THE GRASS WITHERS, THE FLOWER FADES, BUT THE WORD OF OUR GOD STANDS FOREVER.” I S A I A H
4 0 : 8
( N A S )
QUITTING IS NOT AN OPTION ASHLEY CHAMBERS
JUST START! Those were the words that came out
When we decide to override our emotions and
of the mouth of a guest speaker during a
feelings and start to show up AMAZING things
Wednesday evening service. It was personally one
begin to happen. Whatever area of life whether it
of the greatest sermons I have ever heard to date.
be business, personal or professional we have to
It provoked, encouraged and ignited my heart and
do our part in showing up and trusting God to do
soul. I had prayed, sowed seeds and believed God
the rest.
in many areas of my life to deliver me from procrastination and lack of motivation. I also asked
Apply these scripture to memory and confess
for tangible wisdom and knowledge to come so
them over your life.
that I knew how to apply the needed steps to be successful. It was a harvest received after much time passed. I knew according to Galatians 6:9
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." He is FAITHFUL.
Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me."
that it says
2 Chronicles 15:7 "But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded."
I walked out that evening changed and READY. I was determined to move forward in my life trusting
Stay encouraged and steadfast, you were made
God with every single step. One foot in front of the
to do hard things and through Him you are able!
other, one step at a time and committed to never give up no matter how hard it was through the stretching and lengthening.
If we want to grow and receive the harvest we must be committed to do the work and keep moving forward regardless of the time and effort it takes. Any and all things that cause us to do hard things that birth growth in us is worth anything we have to sacrifice to get it. We put off things, run, hide, fight and neglect things that are hard. We should instead say the hard yes, be willing to do whatever it takes to run the race all the way to the finish line. It does not matter how fast we reach it. It only matters that we FINISH.
I applied this to my relationship with God, in my marriage, parenting, business, relationships, and in my serving. My life radically changed and I became more successful all because I chose to SHOW UP, APPLY the wisdom and knowledge imparted to me that evening.
“I WILL GIVE THANKS TO YOU, LORD, WITH ALL MY HEART; I WILL TELL OF ALL YOUR WONDERFUL DEEDS.” P S A L M
9 : 1
( N I V )
HOLDING OTHERS KRISTI WILLINGHAM
Recently I was instructed by our Program Director
genuine, authentic trust in communities and
to attend a community building workshop. I was
rediscover what it means to extend extraordinary
anything but thrilled by this directive. I had just
respect in a world which has "almost forgotten
returned from a vacation -- from which I felt I
the glory of what it means to be human" was not
needed a vacation; and I had only been back in
high on my to-do list.
the office for two days. Both of which were rifle with drama-filled meetings and interrupted
I mean, I'm a Christian. I understand God's love
attempts aimed at tackling the three weeks of
and give it away often. So I always extend
paperwork accumulated on my desk; to say
extraordinary respect to everyone. Don't I?
nothing of the three months of files needing closure I didn't finish before I left.
Nevertheless at the instruction of the Director, I trudged into the conference room (ten minutes
Any other time I would have jumped at the
late) and was greeted happily by a facilitator
opportunity; but no, right now the idea of taking
who asked me to put on a name tag and take the
three days out of my office to sit in a room with
only empty seat.
twenty strangers and talk about how to build
The chairs were arranged in a large circle, and I
successful as they felt they were; all while the
sat clutching the itinerary folder to my chest in a
facilitators kept watchful eyes on the body
gut reaction to defend myself from the very open
language of both speakers and listeners alike. By
vulnerability the circle seemed to forcefully
the end of the first day, I was emotionally
present to this group of strangers.
exhausted and ready to quit, thus breaking one of the guidelines simply stating, "Don't quit. Hang
The group was given a few guidelines to follow
in there".
(always say your name before you speak, speak only in "I" statements, speak only when moved to
The next morning, I awoke very repentant of my
speak, etc.), a quote statement about community,
previous day's attitude and determined to go in
and no further instruction. The facilitators went on
read up, prayed up, and praised up, and change
to read a story, followed by three minutes of
the atmosphere of the room with the Presence of
silence and then we began.
the Holy Spirit.
At first, everyone was giving their opinions of what
The circle began with three minutes of silence.
the story meant and how it pertained to
In the uncomfortable period of silence which
community building; followed closely by several
followed those three minutes I listened for what,
voicing their own agendas, a few "name-
if anything the Holy Spirit would have me say.
droppings", and statements given by those
Then I knew; "tell them about your morning".
needing confirmation that they were indeed as
Breaking the almost heavy silence I spoke up, "My name's Kristi, and I just feel moved to say, that it's been the best morning. I woke up happy and smiling and full of the joy of the Lord". Not knowing
for his good, to build him up. For Christ did not please Himself, but as it is written, "The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me."
what else to say, I smiled timidly and sat back in my seat. It was as if a heavy weight was lifted off
The Message Translation says it like this:
set before us.
"Those who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, "How can I help?" That's exactly what Jesus did. He didn't make it easy for himself by avoiding people's troubles, but waded right in and helped out. "I took the troubles of the troubled", is the way that scripture puts it.
After a tense period of silence, someone in the
Had I not repented and changed my attitude
group began to share something of a personal
towards them, I would not have gotten to
struggle they were going through. The instinct of
experience true community with this group of
everyone in the room was to reach out, comfort,
strangers and would not have gotten the unique
and fix the problem, and a few tried. I listened
opportunity to speak into their lives.
the circle and people began to speak. Some thanked me, others shared their faith statements with the group, and by lunchtime there was avery different element in the room than when we first began.
After lunch, the facilitators told us we were not succeeding. We were talking about building community, but not doing it. And so we were quiet again; each of us not wanting to fail at the task
closely to the words a few were saying. I waited, and then Holy Spirit seemed to be directing me to
There's not always a need to "fix" or even to
share somewhat about the loss of my husband and
console everyone. But there is always a need to
how very much I had come to hate the word
keep our attitudes of love and service right so that
"widow" because it made me feel weak. This
we can "hold" or uphold those we meet. Through
led to another speaking up about her personal
prayer, through encouragement, through simple
struggle with loss. And suddenly it happened.
acts of really seeing and hearing those humans God places in our path with extraordinary respect
For thirty minutes, we sat in silence. But there was
that expects nothing, is thankful for everything,
something different in this quiet. Each of us, some
and even in the silences says, "How can I help?"
perhaps without even knowing it, was holding the others. Not touching, not fixing, just holding. Each person in the circle desperately longed to comfort and help the others. There was a gentle spirit of kinship and love in the silence.
It was in this silence that I began to understand what the Lord was teaching me there.
Romans
15:1-2 ESV We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor
Broken to Blessed Ministry "Live" Event!
October 18th, 2018 10a.m. - 12p.m. Lighthouse Knoxville 6800 Baum Dr. Knoxville, TN 37919
Jennifer Hill 865-249-9211 brokentoblessed@yahoo.com www. BrokentoBlessedMinistry.com
LETTING GO OF THE TOXIC JENNIFER HILL
We have all had that toxic thing or person in our
to be Spirit led and not flesh led, and I know
life at one time or another. It could have been a
that's not always easy, but it is possible. Then
number of things, drugs, alcohol, stealing, lying,...
there are times that we get involved in toxic
many things. I have learned more times than not
relationships with people that do not even have
though, it's people. We have to be so cautious, I'm
the love of God in them, and that can really
not saying to be fearful, just cautious. I know we
open the door to a lot of stress and pain. Don't
need one another, but we also need to pray for
get me wrong, we are to show love to all people,
the Lord to put the right people in our lives. You
but not be in relationships with all people. The
have heard it said that hurting people, hurt
Bible tells us in
people, I believe this to a point. I don't like to be
unequally yoked with unbelievers. I know many
the messenger of bad news, but people are also
people see and take this verse as couples, but I
just mean. There are many reasons why of course.
think it can be any type of relationship. We must
Jealousy, envy, anger, bitterness, unforgiveness.
keep ourselves and our hearts guarded. The Bible
Christians should be full of peace, joy, and love for
also tells us in
one another, that's not always so. We must choose
2 Corinthians 6:14 to not be
Proverbs 4:23 NIV "to guard our hearts, for everything we do flows from it."
You may be asking how you can recognize if you're
doing so. Pray for the Lord to bring the right
in a toxic relationship? I'm going to give you tips on
people into your life and to take the wrong ones
how to do just that. How do you feel when you are
out. He always wants what is best for you. God
around this person? You should feel full of joy and
Bless you Always!
peace.You should be able to be yourself completely, never hide who you really are and never change who you are. You should always leave this person feeling good about yourself. There has to be realness, truth, loyalty, and love. In a toxic relationship there is usually no love or a selfish love. They are the most important, their feelings and needs always come first. You will see a lot of red flags,... Control, manipulation, guilt, lies, even verbal/emotional abuse. Of course, if you're truly in a very toxic relationship it can even lead to physical abuse. I encourage you that if you see any of these flags to at least take a step back and reassess the relationship. If there's any type of abuse going on, I implore you to get out immediately. There is absolutely nothing wrong with ending toxic relationships and ridding your life of toxic people. Your life and well being depend on
Thank You!
We just wanted to take a moment to say a big thank you to some very special people.
First, our readers. If it wasn't for you we would not continue to do what we do. I always said from the beginning that if we only help one person then putting this magazine out was worth it.
Second to the special people that helped us add a little bit of ourselves to this issue: Gage at Salon Visage in Knoxville, TN. Shelby Pelsor who introduced us to Savvy Minerals and did all of our makeup so beautifully for the photo shoot. Stephanie Brown from Stephanie Brown Photography who captured our personalities amazingly well in our photos. Thank you all so much for helping us to be our best for our readers.
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