Aspiring To Be Magazine March/April 2019

MARCH/APRIL 2019 ISSUE 13

Fighting for Joy | by Kristi Willingham

Created to Walk Together | by Dianna Auton

Aspiring to Be Helping you to be all that God has created you to be.

Aspiringtobemag.wordpress.com

Contents 03

Contributors

04

Letter from the Editor

05

Fighting For Joy

08

The Unique Calling of the Imperfect

10

How Sweet is Too Sweet?

12

Created to Walk Together

15

05

Fighting For Joy

08

The Unique Calling of the Imperfect

By : Kristi Willingham

By: Ashley Chambers

Breakthrough Movie

10

How Sweet is too Sweet

12

Created to Walk Together

By: Eric C. Moore

By: Dianna Auton

Regular Contributors: Jennifer Hill

is the founder of Broken to Blessed Ministry. You can find more information about Jennifer and her ministry on her website: www.brokentoblessedministry.com .

Watch on YouTube and follow on Facebook.

Kristi Willingham lives in Strawberry Plains, Tennessee. She works in Social Services for the Salvation Army.

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.

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 20 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

New Life...

March and April always make me think of Spring. Spring is a season of new life. We begin to see the sun shining brightly, feel the air warming up and hear the birds begin to chirp. That is why it is a favorite season of mine. As much as I love Fall (and it is my all time favorite season due to the colors and cooler weather after a hot summer), Spring is equally as important to me.

After having long, gray winter days, I'm ready for the warmth of the spring sunshine and the flowers to begin dotting the landscapes.

This year has been really hard for me as we have had so much rain and flooding and more gray days than sunny ones. I saw a meme on Facebook not long ago that said "It started raining 4 months ago." And there are days when it definitely feels that way. I know the rain can't last forever and I really hope it ends soon. But until then I try to look at the positives.

We are no longer in a drought. lol Hopefully you are experiencing more sunny days than we have been. And I pray that each and every article in this issue blesses you.

Blessings,

Dianna

Fighting for Joy Kristi Willingham

Sometimes circumstances in our day to day can seem like a giant game of Mario Kart.

Racing to get to the finished line while dodging all the banana peels, bombs, mushrooms, and anything else your enemies try to throw at you.

My daughter is an avid plants man (and also, a champion at Mario Kart). On a recent road trip, we stopped at a small conceptual nursery where she purchased for me a small potted palm tree. It’s the tiniest little tree and I tried to tell her when she bought it that I’m no good with plants. I mean, I once killed a cactus. How hard is it to do that?

It’s been less than 2 weeks and this most delicate of palms’ reeds are bowed over to the point of breaking. So I’m wondering, how do I protect this fragile life for which I am now responsible?

But I’m much healthier emotionally than I’ve ever been, and my physical health is improving in leaps and bounds even as my soul prospers. So I thought, let caring for this plant be a seed. A statement of faith that says, “Papa God’s goodness has healed me spirit, soul, mind, and body. And that healing is so complete that it overflows out of me and onto everyone and everything around me.”

That wasn’t the case several months ago as Autumn gave way to Winter. I found my thoughts centered somewhere other than God. I began praying to Papa, not only for forgiveness, but to not let me be caught up in the sin of idolatry. I asked Him to take this

from me and adamantly told Him I was NOT willing to allow anyone or anything to be my “god”.

Jesus, my Husband will always be my first kiss in the morning and my last song as I lay my head to rest; and even in the night watches in between. Yes, I’m standing in faith for my Boaz. Yes, when He comes to me, I’ll love him with an irreversible love. But I’m not willing that any should ever take the place of my God. I somewhat confided in my boss at work and this anointed woman of God told me the attack came from a spirit of depression, and that God doesn’t want me worrying about this. But rather trusting that He has a better plan for my future, and resting in Him. And so I pressed into His Word and His Spirit and tried putting all else out of my mind. Those thoughts kept creeping back in, and I felt even worse than the start. To make matters worse, I got offended at someone who I thought had betrayed me. I wasn’t thinking right, you see. And so by reason of the snowball effect, one sin led to another and would have led to even more had I not repented and gotten it straight.

I was definitely hurting. One afternoon, I lay on my bed praying that God not leave me over this mess I had created for myself and others. I know that God never leaves me. But as I said, I was hurting and my mind was just not in a right place.

But as I prayed, I closed my eyes and an image of that delicate little palm tree with its tender bowed tentacles flashed before the eyes of my mind and I heard the voice of the Lord say, “A bruised reed will I not break.” This from Isaiah 42:3 "A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment to truth."

He pointed out to me Hebrews 12:2 "Looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." It could not have been easy for our Savior to battle the thoughts of what it would be like to become separated from His Loving Father Who had always been closer than His very breath and die that horrific death on the cross, not to mention descending down into the lowest depths of hell before rising up in Victory. And yet, he fought! Because of His Great Love for us, He fought! He fought selfishness, depression, anxiety, and every other thought the enemy tried to hurl at Him to keep Him from fulfilling The Great Purpose the Father sent Him to accomplish.

Imagine that our Savior considered it joy to die for us!

Peace flooded my heart as I felt the instant relief which comes when God answers us. I lifted my hands and my voice in thanksgiving as He showed me that I have to stop the cycle of merely surviving. He showed me that, like Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, I had to keep fighting to keep the joy He bought for me with His very life!

So I’m here to encourage you to do the same. Sow seeds of life! Take a walk. Read a book.

Smile at someone. Show kindness to a stranger. Go places you don’t normally go. And bless someone. Find a way to sow life into others and Papa God will most definitely send it back into your life in ways you can only imagine! He’s good like that, you know?

And keep getting up! Keep getting up every morning and using the power of a shout of thanks and praise to run off the lies of the enemy. Keep getting up and reminding the enemy that he’s under your feet! Keeping getting up and putting God in remembrance of His Promises for you, found in His Word! Keep getting up and calling your children back into the family of God! Keep getting up and thanking Papa for the extreme goodness He showers us with every day!

It’s time for us to live the life Jesus paid for! The joy of the Lord is our strength! Just as long as we keep fighting for that joy! Just as long as we keep getting up!

Blessings!

The Unique Calling of the Imperfect Ashley Chambers

Have you ever read about the men and women of the Bible we call the biblical heroes and realized just how imperfect, flawed and human those people actually were? It gives me hope and confidence.

God uniquely created us, He uniquely loves us and He equips us. Our callings are unique. We are here for Him and He has designed us and fashioned us for a purpose that He already knows BUT we do not!

It's an unfolding journey for us and we only see a tiny piece of it in the unfolding and our part is to just obey. Obedience is greater than sacrifice! Just let that sink in and wash over you for a moment... POWERFUL isn't it?

Why do we run? Did biblical heroes run? Absolutely, and they doubted, and tried to give excuse after excuse. Make no mistake about it my fellow brothers and sisters if you are questioning and fighting then there's something to it. I can testify that when He reveals deeper levels and calls us out to step into the new season it's going to require sacrifice but its also going to require our obedience. We must say yes! It will be scary and maybe even make zero sense and leave us saying yes lord but having a list of questions along the way. We must trust Him because He knows and we must not lean on our own understanding and remember that His ways are higher than ours.

Last year I over-committed myself by working on growing my business and jumped both feet into "ministry" outside of my home. I was being a safe place for women, a prayer partner, blogging for FOCUS Ministries, writing for this wonderful magazine, keeping up with encouraging others on all my social media outlets, plus trying to get a podcast going for Count it All Joy ministries. At times we say yes to everything in the name of ministry and do not realize that we are taking on too much. I started feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and growing resentful and started getting down over it all not being able to really place "why" and I started to neglect my first ministry which was my husband and five children and my home! NOT GOOD! So, after I decided to pray and fast toward the end of the year it was made clear to me. I needed to pull the reigns on my outside commitments and re-evaluate everything I was doing. So, I immediately did.

I pulled away for a week and just needed time away to allow God to prune me. My roots were deep, I was still connected to the vine but I was like a dry thirsty plant in need of some TLC. I had to really

make a decision to let go of some things that were holding me down and holding me back.

That isn't easy but its necessary. I had to do things my way and trust God with the process.

People will question you and they will not understand but you understand and know that God knows what He is doing! You just keep following the peace and instruction of the lord.

Be a person who fears the Lord not man and seeks, hears and follows the voice of the lord.

He NEVER fails us! There are five amazing examples that are all incredibly unique and proof of the uniqueness in our calling. Allow me to also speak to those of you that question yourself and think that you do not have any significance to contribute. Daniel was what we could consider a quiet hero. His life wasn't one of extravagance but God honored his faithfulness to his Jewish faith when he protected him in the lion's den. Esther had favor with God and saved an entire people group.

Solomon chose wisdom for his gift from God and received more than that, although he was pulled away and failed, in the end he recognized and warned and encouraged us to not follow in his steps but instead to respect and obey God. Samson was a man of great strength and used that strength throughout his life for God. Then there is Moses, his life and survival from the beginning is an absolute miracle! He led God's people out of captivity and into freedom.

ALL of these men were imperfect yet still had a heart for God and chose obedience and God blessed them in that. Follow Him and know that you are worthy and capable of what He has called you to. He is the anointer and appointer.

Maybe you're not called to slay a giant or rescue a people group but maybe you are. Maybe you are meant to spark the souls of individuals through helping them to find their smile or joy again, or by helping someone financially get back on their feet and educating them on how to earn a living for themselves. It could be a multitude of ways just trust Him and believe in YOURSELF!

How Sweet is Too Sweet Apostle Eric C. Moore

Have you ever felt guilty for something good that happened or was happening or had happened to you or someone you love? Have you ever chosen not to buy something because it felt like you really didn't need it, but just wanted it? It seemed to serve no other purpose than just to fulfill a desire? If you have then this word of warning is for you! Do it, buy it, eat it, drink it, not to your own destruction but to His glory! Use wisdom, but make sure it's biblical wisdom and not just religious, personal, cultural or family tradition holding you back from whats best!

Listen to the words of Nehemiah. Yes these words are actually in the Word of God! Nehemiah 8:10 (AMP) "Then Ezra said to them, 'Go [your way], eat the rich festival food, drink the sweet drink, and send portions to him for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be worried, for the joy of the Lord is your strength and your stronghold.'"

I know that people suffered in the Bible as they do now. I know I have. But I always ask myself: Is this biblical suffering or just ignorance, disobedience, a spiritual attack or all? In other words I do my very best to filter every moment thru His word. So should you!

In the Message he continued, "Go home and prepare a feast, holiday food and drink; and share it with those who don't have anything: This day is holy to God. Don't feel bad. The Joy of God is your strength!"

Notice the Message translation of Nehamiah 8:10 says, "don't feel bad about eating and drinking the best." I'm sure wearing, driving, and living in the best is included too!

Apostle Eric C Moore is a church planter, writer, and more. He has a desire to see people born again, healed, and filled with the Holy Spirit and discipled in a local church. Since his conversion he has traveled across 5 continents.

NOW FAITH IS THE SUBSTANCE OF THINGS HOPED FOR, THE EVIDENCE OF THINGS NOT SEEN. Hebrews 11:1

Created to Walk Together Dianna Auton “Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim. And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand. So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.”

Exodus 17:8-13 KJV

“Amalek came and fought Israel at Rephidim. Moses ordered Joshua: “Select some men for us and go out and fight Amalek. Tomorrow I will take my stand on top of the hill holding God’s staff.” Joshua did what Moses ordered in order to fight Amalek. And Moses, Aaron, and Hur went to the top of the hill. It turned out that whenever Moses raised his hands, Israel was winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, Amalek was winning. But Moses’ hands got tired.

So they got a stone and set it under him. He sat on it and Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on each side. So his hands remained steady until the sun went down. Joshua defeated Amalek and its army in battle.”

Exodus 17:8-13 MSG

I was reading this in my daily Bible reading about Moses, Aaron and Hur. Of course I have read this many times. But for some reason this stuck out to me so much I just couldn’t shake it. He spoke to my heart that we were not designed to go it alone.

Think about that. God didn’t want us walking through life alone. When he made Adam he realized he needed help and created Eve. They were to work together. If Aaron and Hur had not gone up to the top of the hill with Moses the outcome of the battle would have been so very different. But they did and they literally and spiritually held Moses up. Moses needed them. Because after a while physically you get tired and you want to “give in”. So had he not had the support that he had he would have eventually given up.

Think about that in your own life. God said in the beginning that it was not good that man was

alone. So he gave him what he needed. Eve. They were created to work together and support one another. We can not thrive while serving God without our brothers and sisters. That is why the church was formed.

“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”

Proverbs 27:17 KJV

"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Hebrews 10:25 KJV

Today it can be so easy to not want to go to church, or go to home group, or go to a gathering because we have so much on the internet to help us. As great as these tools are they are meant to supplement your daily Bible reading, your weekly church services or gathering together with other believers. Because if this is the only way you are getting messages then you are not building local community and relationships. You can not use these tools to replace that because you can easily get pulled away from God’s will for your life. Now I know that sometimes you just can’t get to church so these tools will help but if you are able to get to church and you choose not to because your "tired" or "just don't feel like it" or you are afraid that God will call you out then you’ve already got an issue that needs to be dealt with.

We can not walk the walk alone. We need real relationships to be held accountable and to be encouraged when we are going through things. We need people to stand with us. We need help.

We are in the last of the last days. Because of this it is so much more important that we get connected into a good Bible believing church where the truth is preached. Satan knows that his time is short so he is trying so much harder to get people to stray. We must be careful. Our brothers and sisters will help us and keep us from straying. They can support us and be there with us. But remember we can not do it alone!

Breakthrough Movie

Review

"BREAKTHROUGH is based on the inspirational true story of one mother’s unfaltering love in the face of impossible odds.

When Joyce Smith’s adopted son John falls through an icy Missouri lake, all hope seems lost. But as John lies lifeless, Joyce refuses to give up. Her steadfast belief inspires those around her to continue to pray for John’s recovery, even in the face of every case history and scientific prediction. From producer DeVon Franklin (Miracles from Heaven) and director Roxann Dawson, adapted for the screen by Grant Nieporte (Seven Pounds) from Joyce Smith’s own book, BREAKTHROUGH is an enthralling reminder that faith and love can create a mountain of hope, and sometimes even a miracle."

I was honored to get to see a pre-screening of this movie. I took my husband with me and we were prepared to go in and come out crying. lol A lot of faith based films will do that to me. But I was not expecting the humor that went along with it.

There is some mild language. But no nudity.

There are quite a few familiar faces, such as: Chrissy Metz (This Is Us), Topher Grace (That 70's Show) and Josh Lucas (Sweet Home Alabama).

I found myself praying with Joyce (the mom) and cheering her on through her battle with negativity. I giggled at some of the cute jokes thrown in. Although I came out crying it was definitely worth seeing. Make sure you have your tissues with you and check out: BreakthroughMovie.com to find out where it will be playing in your area.

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YOU CROWN THE YEAR WITH YOUR GOODNESS, AND YOUR PATHS DRIP WITH ABUNDANCE. Psalm 65:11 NKJV

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