God's Work Lately

My mom and I got to witness an incredible act of God this week. Let me set this story up for you...

My mom was driving me back from a doctors appointment and we were on what you could say was a rough dangerous side of town. We stopped at a red light where a tall thin man stood with nothing but a sign that read " hard times, even a smile will help". He was clearly in need. My mom and I both looked at each other and said " I wish we had something to give him". We were both cashless, without and food or drink to give, so I told mom " Let's just smile at him". We both beamed at him with a big heart felt smile, feeling terrible because we were sitting in an air condition car and far from being in need of anything. The man kindly smiled back and waved at us.

Just after the smile exchange we see this man walking up with a Wendy's bag and drink in hand. He came right up to the man greeted him with a smile, handed him his food, grabbed his hand and began PRAYING with him! My mom and I both looked at each other with teary eyes, and we were quickly reminded that there are still good people in this world...those people are the ones spreading the love of Jesus.

In a part of town were the last thing I expected to see happen, happened. That man planted a seed of God's love in the heart of a man who was in need. God knew exactly what that man needed that day..the hope only found in Christ...and Christ was delivered to him.

I was instantly convicted after seeing this wonderful act, because all along my mom and I did have something to give this man. We have the love of Christ in our hearts and THAT is the greatest gift we can EVER give someone. We are called to be God's hands and feet, and I am so thankful for the example this man set before us.

When you feel God nudging at your heart, step out of your comfort zone and ACT! I am pretty sure great things do not come from comfort (like child birth for example), but God will be there with you giving you the strength and exact words to say. He knows what that person needs to hear, and he will deliver it just as he did on this day! 

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.

- 1 Peter 4:10

** The picture above is the ACTUAL men praying together! I had to snap a picture of God's handiwork! :) SO COOL**

God Bless,

Haleigh

Happy Mothers Day

{Photo by: Penni Lauren Photography}

Happy Mothers Day to all you mommy's out there!

Remember God has given us one of the MOST IMPORTANT jobs on this earth. No matter how joyful and messy motherhood may be God is always with us in each and every moment. He has given us these precious children to train up for his kingdom and glory. We have such an awesome and important responsibility and God's word is our " Guide for Motherhood". 

I hope no matter what your "mom label" may be today.. single mom, married mom, stressed mom, struggling mom, ect... that you know you are loved and cherished by God. He sees all that you do for your kids, and you are bringing him glory through it! Seek Him and teach your children to do the same.

Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. 10 Remember the day you stood before the Lord your God at Horeb, when he said to me, “Assemble the people before me to hear my words so that they may learn to revere me as long as they live in the land and may teach them to their children.” -Deuteronomy 4:9-10

God Bless you Momma!
-Haleigh

Being Called to the Mission Field

What does your mission field look like? I would absolutely love to go to a mission field over seas one day. I think it would be such a great experience and eye opener. Although that is a dream I have, my mission field that God has called me too looks a little different than being overseas. My mission field is right here in my home...my mission field is my family!

I was reading a blog post my one of my favorite bloggers Lori Alexander. I love her heart for teaching younger women and the Godly wisdom she brings to the table. She was talking about unbelieving or disobedient husbands, and how by staying with them we are bringing Jesus into their lives. When we sanctify them and model God for them they become our mission field. That statement spoke boldly to my heart!

Some people may be called by God to travel the world and do missions, but maybe you are like me and God has called you to the mission field right.where.you.are. As a wife God has called you to sanctify your disobedient husband by extending love and grace (even when its tough very hard). As a mother you have been called to teach your children to love and serve God and others. As a friend you have been called to encourage, listen, love and pray.

Everyone who is a believer has a mission field that they have been called to. Not everyone's looks the same, but we have ALL been called for a purpose....and that purpose is to spread that love of Jesus Christ!

This is what my mission field looks like...

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." -Romans 8:28



Happy Saturday,
Haleigh

Small Reminders of God's Grace

Thus says the LORD:”The people who survived the sword found grace in the wilderness; when Israel sought for rest, the LORD appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you."- Jeremiah 31:2-3



I get a sweet glimpse of God's grace every single day when I look at my son. When he smiles, I see God's grace...When he gives me hugs and kisses, I see God's grace...when I get those sweet cuddles, I see God's grace.

You see, my son was conceived out of wedlock. Although his daddy and I are now married, and are living life together as a family, it doesn't always work out that way. By sharing this with you I am by no means condoning intimacy outside of the marriage bed. If I could go back and do it all over again I would have married my guy FIRST because that is what God asks of us. Intimacy is meant for the marriage bed ONLY, and now that I am on the other side of the fence I can assure you "it" is much more meaningful and totally worth waiting for!

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." -Romans 8:28

But even though satan tried using my sinful mistake for evil, God used it for good. God has used this entire situation to draw me closer to Him. During those 10 months of pregnancy God did His miracle work on my heart and transformed my mind and life. Even though I sinned, God has shown me GRACE. He pours grace into my life every single day. I didn't deserve a beautiful, healthy baby boy, but because God is a gracious God He blessed me with one. A simple laugh, smile, hug, or even a "trying 2's" tantrum reminds me just how gracious God has been to me.

He has turned my mess into a MESSAGE. And He will do the very same for you!

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." - Romans 8:38-39

Maybe today you are reading this and are struggling with a totally different sin of your own. Give it to God and let him pour out His grace to you. There is absolutely NOTHING we can do that will ever separate us from the love that God has for us. Let Him glorify himself through our sins and our messes. Some of the greatest testimonies start with gigantic struggles and trials....but it's not what got us here with God that really matters, it's where we are going from here. Going forward. Choosing God. Clinging to His promises, and never turning back.

I am so thankful that God is faithful and gracious. I am thankful for this second chance at life that he has given me. I pray daily that God will help me train this child in the way that he should go (Proverbs 22:6), so that the life he leads will bring Him honor and glory!

Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. -2 Corinthians 12:8-9


God Bless, 
Haleigh

God's Work Lately

So I just got home from an AMAZING concert with Casting Crowns. Let me just tell you God's presence was ALL OVER that place! It was Mark Hall's (lead singer) first concert back since having surgery to remove a cancerous kidney, and God's light shined brightly through him. He spoke so much wisdom into my heart and really opened my eyes to a lot. It was great to sing praises to my mighty God with my hands lifted high (while standing barefoot on the chair :)....hey this southern girl was trying to get a little close to God lol).

Mark said quit a few things that really pulled my heart strings and got my gears working. He spoke about how our roots spring forth from digging deep into God's word and from our roots we bear fruit...and our fruit is what reaches out and shines light and blessings on those around us. He said that before really knowing Christ he just hung God's word and truth on him like ornaments on a tree...those "ornaments" that are hung can easily be knocked off. It's when we really plant our hearts (roots) in God's word that we actually produce fruit instead of just hanging it on ourselves as a decoration. Just like trees thrive with rain water, we need to drink from the LIVING WATER of God's word daily so that we may also thrive for Christ!

(I loved this beautiful illustration I found on Google.)

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5

Something else that spoke to my heart was the meaning behind his song "Broken Together". He used the verse 2 Corinthians 12:9 where it speaks about God's power being made perfect in our weakness, and how we should BOAST about our weakness. I am VERY guilty of trying to cover up the weak times I have had in my life. Partly because the person I used to be totally embarrassed me. I share with people that I feel led to share my testimony with, but there are a few parts I tend to leave out because I am totally ashamed. I know that with God's help and strength I WILL be able to forgive myself, get past my pride, and instead of hiding those weaknesses I will BOAST about them to bring his power and name glory. This is something I am praying hard about because I know that God is calling me to share my story (my WHOLE story) with others. I just need to remember WHO I am IN CHRIST, not who I was in this world.

"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." 2 Corinthians 12:9

Many Christians today do not boast about their weakness, instead we shove it in a closet and lock the door so no one can see. We are all living in a day and age were "having problems" is something that gets talked about, but in reality we.all.have.problems. No one is immune...problems are inevitable! Instead of acting lofty as though our life is grand we should share with others our brokenness. In showing others the broken areas in our life it gives God's power the opportunity to be made perfect through us. It shows others where our strength comes from and what the source of our daily survival is.

I will one day (maybe soon) share the totally amazing transformation that God has done in my heart, mind, and life. I am going to have to pray very hard about it so that God's power can be glorified through it, and so that I can make beautiful words explain the ugly mess my life was. Until then I need to go catch some zzzzz's because it is way past my bedtime. I just needed to share my heart with you guys tonight!

Goodnight & God Bless,

Haleigh

The Gift of New Life

Easter is a celebration of LIFE. A time to focus our hearts on the precious life that was given in order for us to gain a life worth living. I personally love the fact that Easter falls during spring time. A time when all dead flowers and trees bloom to a glorious and beautiful new life. Yes, the pollen and allergies that come with the territory is a bummer, but man what a great reminder of the restoration that can happen in us.

Before receiving Christ as our Lord and Savior we all lived a life that was full of darkness that our sin created. With the darkness came hopelessness and a soul that was dead. But because Christ died and rose again, we too can have the hope and promise of being raised from our deadened souls to live a fulfilling life in Jesus Christ. 

" And He said to all, " If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." -Luke 9:23

The best gift ever given in this world was God's precious Son. Galatians 2:20 tells us that we were crucified with Christ. We (our fleshly desires, thoughts, actions, and feelings) no longer live, but CHRIST lives in and through us. Christ took on the FULL wrath of God for you and I, and when He spoke "It is finished" ALL of our sins were taken with Him. When we ask Him to come into our hearts and we repent of our sins and put our full trust and faith in Him alone we become ALIVE as a brand.new.creation. Christ rose from the grave and now lives inside of you and I. If that doesn't fire you up then I think you wood must be wet :).

"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." -Galatians 2:20

"And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." -Galatians 5:24

Since we are to be image bearers for Christ, we too must die to this world and to our sin so that we can be raised with Christ to live a new life. Living a new life in Christ means getting rid of our old ways, and training ourselves tor bring God Glory in all that we do. For me BIG changes had to be made. In my life B.C. this seemed impossible and I always wanted a change but never knew where or how to begin. Once excepting Christ into my heart He showed me the way. It was like He wiped out all prior desires or cravings that I had and set my heart and mind on a new track. I felt like a beautiful new butterfly coming out of its dingy old cocoon. GOD SHOWED ME THE WAY....all I had to do was follow. We must continue to follow Him each and every single day. We must lay down our life for Him, just as He did for us!

"What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. " -Romans 6:1-23

As we reflect and celebrate Easter I pray that lives and hearts will be transformed. Knowing that someone else who may be just as dead as I was can have the same hope and fulfillment that has been given to me makes my heart happy. God is the ultimate restorer. Just like he turns thunder storms into rainbows, he can turn your life into something beautiful!

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." -2 Corinthians 5:17

*** If you are interested in being given a new life in Christ, but aren't sure of the steps you need to take please contact me at Haleighperry22@gmail.com. I would love the show you the directions to an Almighty Savior.****

God Bless,

Haleigh

Forgiving Yourself Just as Christ Forgave You

" If anyone is in Christ, he is a NEW creation; The old has gone, and the new has come."

- 2 Corinthians 5:17

When I first laid my life down to Christ totally and completely I felt like a new creation....and I was! God has done a TREMENDOUS work in my life, and I am ever so thankful. But even though I knew I was forgiven through Christ for ALL the awful down right sinful things I have done in my life, I couldn't seem to forgive myself. I would replay in my head all of the darkest times in my life and would feel absolutely disgusted with myself. I knew God had made me a new creation because it was very evident in my life that I had done a major 360, but my thoughts would not let me live that freedom that I had been given. 

When God does His awesome work in your life (which is an everyday thing) the devil tries to creep in and take that joy that comes along with it. He will use any negative tactic he can to try and take your focus off God and onto sin. For me he was using my thoughts.

It wasn't until I started praying for God to help me take every thought captive an make it obedient to Him (2 Corinthians 10:5) that I started seeing myself in a different light...in God's light. When one of those negative thoughts would pop in my head I would tell myself that I am forgiven, I am not that same person, and I DO NOT have to beat myself up for those bad decisions anymore because God has already forgotten about them and I need to do the same.

It took me some time to finally come to peace with my old self and embrace the new creation that God has made me. I am no longer the sinful, party animal wild (and I mean wild) child Haleigh...I am now a daughter to a King who loves me dearly. I am a broken vessel ready to be used for God's purpose in helping others, just the way He has helped me.

I am so very thankful for the trials and troubles that I have faced in my short lifetime because they have all built me up and prepared me to be the women that Christ has made me today. I know that the mess of a life that I had will be used for God's glory!

Once you have repented of your sins to Christ let go of them yourself. Don't let the devil try to steal your joy. Remind yourself that you are NEW, forgiven, and loved. Forgive YOURSELF, just as Christ has forgiven you!

** Cue the Frozen theme song** :)

God bless,

Haleigh