Friday, December 16, 2016

The Countdown



















We are in the final countdown you guys.  As I type this, there are less than 10 days until Christmas. (Eeeek!!!) I can tell you right now, I’m not ready. Yes, we’ve got the tree up, but there aren’t as many lights twinkling.  By this time last year all my cards were sent out and presents wrapped.  And usually by this close to Christmas, I would be joyously awaiting the BIG day – celebrating the birth of my Savior!

This year though, I can’t deny, it’s been a tough one.  There have been so many highs and so many lows, that lately, I have been just trying to catch my breath.  When I tell you that either myself, or another member of my family has had some kind of sickness since May, it’s no exaggeration.  Pneumonia, Lyme’s Disease, ear infections, colds, sinus infections, pneumonia - again, bronchitis.  I should buy stock in Lysol, Kleenex, and Dayquil!

And it is not just my household either.  I know many of you are dealing with health issues in one form or another.  For others, it could be finances, or relationships, or you are just under a terrible amount of stress.  So many of us are going through “stuff” and it is trying to pull us down.  Add to that, this holiday season, when the world is pressuring us to have that perfect Christmas card or Pinterest worthy décor, it can be so tempting to just throw up your hands and skip Christmas. 

But you know what?  I’m not giving up! And neither should you!  I may only have 9 days (and counting!) until Christmas but that doesn’t mean I have run out of time.  Sure, I missed the boat on that Advent devotional or maybe I am blowing my nose as I sing praises to my King, but I don’t want to miss this.  I don’t want to coast past this precious time when we can focus on the greatest gift – Immanuel. Sweet sister, it is so tempting, isn’t it?  But I urge you, with these few days ticking away, focus your eyes on your King...

“He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.” Psalm 107:20 (NIV)

God sent forth His Word – Jesus.  He sent Jesus to us!  He sent Jesus to heal us, not only of our sicknesses and hurts, but to heal our sin problem too.  He sent us a Rescuer to snatch us not only from death but also when life seems to be drowning us. What great love God has for us, that He sent us a Savior!  I’m so grateful He gave us Jesus, sending Him to earth, taking on human form in the humblest means. 

“But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” Romans 5:8 (NLT)

Celebrating that great love, I can’t just skip it.  I can’t just focus on what I may be behind on or what challenges I face.  There is a great LOVE that left heaven and came to earth!   I will turn my heart to the One who gave it all for me, and for you too.  Jesus – Immanuel – God with us. 

What we are going through, the trials we face, remember, God is with us.  We have Jesus.  When the stress and fear begins to take your focus away from Immanuel, and all you can feel is worry; remember God is with us.  Forget the tree, the cookies you need to bake, the to-do list.  Let’s focus our eyes and hearts on Jesus... God with us.

“The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel – which means, God with us.” Matthew 1:25 (NIV)


 Post by: Marcy Gates




Monday, November 28, 2016

Because He Says So...























I am a recovering “rule follower”. This probably requires an explanation of what I mean by “rule follower”. As a child I tended to put the “rules” above everything else. I can’t really explain why or how this came about but I am positive that the reason was a combination of things, as most of our vices tend to be. Now, “rules” in and of themselves are not a bad thing, but the problem that came into play was my ability to “follow the rules” was attached to my feelings of worthiness. This mindset followed me through my teen years and beyond. In all honesty, it can still pop up as a struggle. Under the category of “rule follower” you might add people pleaser, fear of man and legalism. As I put my focus on “following the rules” as my measure of worthiness, it became my identity. I was the “goody-goody” I wasn’t just Jimmie Lee. I was Jimmie Lee, the girl who didn’t smoke, drink, cuss, flirt, party, etc. Again, not bad things to be defined by. Except that my identity was wrapped up in all the things I didn’t do rather than who I was. And while everyone else was defining me by what I didn’t do, I was defining myself by all the “should” I thought I had to do.

This showed up at its highest degree after I graduated college and entered into marriage/homemaking. The first year or two, out of the security of my parents’ home, newly married, starting a career, managing a house and raising a second grader, I was basically exhausting myself trying to keep up with all the “shoulds”. I won’t list all of my distortions here, we all have our own list of “shoulds” and you might be recalling some of your own now. I would spend the end of each day feeling like I failed… Big Time! I felt as though I was failing my son, my husband, my parents, my friends and ultimately God.

With the help of my small support system, those feelings decreased but the attachment of worthiness and doing “the right thing” remained. I spent a lot of my life feeling as though God was mad at me… Had those moments? Are you currently there? 

It wasn’t until after I had my second child that I started to get a grip on reality. To be exact it was about two years after he was born that I began what I refer to as my grace journey. I started yielding to God and allowing Him to heal me from this life of “rules”, “shoulds” and legalism. It has been a ride for sure, but I like to look at myself as being in “recovery” because my heart is being transformed and renewed daily. I like to keep my heart in check so when I read the following verse a few months back, I knew it wasn’t just for me and I felt compelled to share this with you...

Isaiah 54:8-10 (MSG)
In an outburst of anger I turned my back on you—
    but only for a moment.
It’s with lasting love
    that I’m tenderly caring for you.

“This exile is just like the days of Noah for me:
    I promised then that the waters of Noah
    would never again flood the earth.
I’m promising now no more anger,
    no more dressing you down.
For even if the mountains walk away
    and the hills fall to pieces,
My love won’t walk away from you,
my covenant commitment of peace won’t fall apart.”

    The God who has compassion on you says so.


For even if the mountains walk away… My love won’t walk away from you… The God who has compassion on you says so. I hope that this brings you joy! You see part of God’s promise to us is that His love will not walk away from us, it will not leave us. His love will never fail us no matter how big we feel like we have failed.

God’s not mad at me, because He says so!

That is a promise, a truth, his covenant with us as believers in Christ! Isn’t that good news? I’m so glad for it! I am so thankful for God’s faithfulness. His love, He himself, is always there.

Psalm 139:7-10 (NIV)
Where can I go from your Spirit?
    Where can I flee from your presence?
 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
    if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
    if I settle on the far side of the sea,
 even there your hand will guide me,
    your right hand will hold me fast


Be hopeful today sweet sisters!

How can we pray for you today? Do you struggle with “rule following”, trying to please everyone or just plain legalism? Are you struggling with something else? We want to stand with you in prayer! Leave a comment below or email us at: women@westridge.cc

Post by: Jimmie Lee DiIanni



Monday, November 7, 2016

Stunning


















I complained silently in my head about all the laundry I had to do as I hauled the overflowing laundry basket across the living room.  Wondering if it was time to start cooking dinner, I glanced over to the tv to check the time.  And that’s when I noticed it. 

I can’t remember the station, but I recognized the movie that was playing, “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe”.  I’ve seen this movie many times before.  It’s a beautiful movie that is based on C.S. Lewis’ classic book.

As my eyes focused on the screen, Aslan, the lion was about to be killed.  The White Witch was looming over him with a spear.  She then dramatically plunges it down into him.  While onscreen, we don’t see the actual spear penetrate or the gore associated with it, you do see the agony on Aslan’s face as he endures it and dies. It grips your heart.  My eyes grew wide and filled with tears.  Right there in the middle of my living room, laundry basket on hip, I stood stunned.

I remembered Jesus at that moment. The beatings, mockery, and abuse He went through leading up to the crucifixion.  The pain and suffering of being nailed to a cross.  My sweet Jesus took all that on for me.  And for you, for the whole world!  Our precious Savior, our mighty King, stepped down from His throne and died for us. 

“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5 (NIV)

In that instant, as I stood frozen, I prayed.  My heart swelling with love and gratitude, I whispered, “Lord, may the cross never stop being stunning to me.  Jesus, thank You.  Thank You for all that You have done for me.”

After all this time, the cross has never ceased being stunning to me.  Stop in your tracks – breathe deep – stunning.  And it should continually capture us.  It should always cause our hearts to skip a beat and leave us in awe. 

So I wonder today, has the cross stopped being stunning to you?  How often do you think about your salvation? Do you recall with regularity, what your life was like before you accepted Jesus as your Savior?  I do.  I remember my life before I really knew Jesus.  I’m not dwelling on my past sins and mistakes, beating myself up. Not at all, that stuff is forgiven.  It has been wiped away. 

“So Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.” Hebrews 9:28 (NIV)

I am remembering that I once was a sinner but now I am a saint.  I am recalling that old life that was broken and dead, is now new and free!   And as I remember, my gratefulness grows.  As I quickly sift through a few memories and moments from the past, I am thankful.  Jesus and the cross are still stunning to me.  Still precious.  Always worthy of my attention, worship, and praise.

“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” 1 Thessalonians 3:9 (NIV)

May the cross never be just another part of the Bible.  May it never be just another event in history.  No! Let it be as amazing and tender and stunning to as when we first heard the story.  May it cause our hearts to break open day after day with love and gratitude.  And may we never keep it to ourselves.  Share it with others.  Tell them all about our loving Savior.  And may they too, find this incredible King... Stunning.

“And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God.” 1 John 4:14-15 (NIV)

Post by Marcy Gates


Monday, October 24, 2016

Perseverance





















“When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” This quote is one that you are probably familiar with. I know it is one that has got me through some difficult parts in life. In fact, it is a picture of what a large part of my teen and young adult life looked like. It also paints a picture of perseverance, a paradigm I am very familiar with.

Perseverance can be defined as: (n.) steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success. Perseverance is something that has been woven throughout my faith over my lifetime. It is one key piece in my walk with Christ. In terms of a biblical view, perseverance can look like remaining, patient waiting, endurance. 

And if I am honest, there have been several moments in the thick of it where I just wanted to throw in the towel. Have you had those moments in a season where your vision is so clouded you can’t seem to see through the thickness? Girl! I have had so many. My vision can be so clouded, and it’s easy to focus on the problems in those moments instead of remembering what Jesus said; “I’m on my way; I’ll be there soon. Keep a tight grip on what you have so no one distracts you and steals your crown.” (Revelation 3:11 MSG) Somehow even when I forget, in each one of those moments, there is something that makes me keep going… in the very core of my being there is a whisper that says “Keep on, keeping on!” and so I do. It is an innate quality I am always thankful for.

I persevered through teen pregnancy and a very unhealthy relationship.
I persevered through college and part time jobs.
I persevered through my very close grandparents dying.
I persevered through addiction plagued family members and suicide.
I persevered through lost jobs and a rollercoaster of a career.
I persevered through shifts in my faith.
I persevered through depression coming to a head after the birth of my second child and losing my rock of a father shortly thereafter.

And I will persevere through anything that comes next. And you know what? YOU will too! Because in this life, we know the One who gives life! “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” John 10:10 (NIV)
In my meek position I may not understand fully what that means yet but I keep going because I know that is what Jesus has for me. Life isn’t always easy or smooth, it doesn’t always feel good but we keep going. We keep going because God is way bigger than our doubts. He’s way bigger then the mountains in front of us. He is bigger than our attitudes, our circumstance, or our brains (y’all know what I’m talking about here! That negative self-talk.) God is bigger!

You have read part of my story here today and maybe your story looks different but one thing is the same, we all have struggles or seasons of struggle. Jesus tells us to keep going. Even in our doubt and wandering He is there, in the midst. And one thing I do understand is that nothing can take God’s love from us, so we keep going.

From the song: “Love has found us” by Gateway Worship

Nothing on earth
Above or below
Nothing in all the universe
Can take us from your love
You came to us
Made us your own
You have redeemed us from the fall
You paid the ransom once for all

Eyes on the prize, sweet friends. Keep on, keeping on!

With love,
Jimmie Lee

I don’t know what type of season you are in or what you may be struggling with but I would love to lift you up in prayer. I believe much of my innate ability to keep going is because there were and are folks praying for me. So I am praying in general for you ladies, but if you want to be a little brave today, I would love to get specific in my prayers for you individually. Please leave a comment below or send an email to women@westridge.cc



Friday, October 7, 2016

The Key Retreat - Recap!




















Ladies, I think all of us in the Bloom Ministry are still in a bit of awe and amazement at all God did through our recent event, The Key Retreat!  We all had such a wonderful day spending a sunny, autumn Saturday with over 45 ladies at Chapel Valley Estate (http://www.chapelvalleyestate.com/) in Ellwood City.  To all the women who took time away from their usual Saturday routines and joined us – thank you!  Your attendance at the retreat was truly a blessing to each and every one of us in the Bloom Ministry!  And for those of you who weren’t able to join us, settle in for a recap. I am going to fill you in on all the details.  Grab your pumpkin spice latte and get cozy!  Let’s get started...

The Key Retreat began bright and early!  All of the ladies were eager to get started when we began at 9:00.  As ladies entered the event space and registered, they were given a special gift!  Each attendee received a tote bag (That somehow was folded into the smallest rectangle I ever saw! Crazy!), chocolates, and pen.  Then tied to a ribbon holding all the goodies together, was an uncut key.

Our event kicked off with even MORE chocolate.  M & M’s to be a bit more specific.  Ladies were invited to participate in a fun ice breaker game in which you answered a question about yourself based on what color M & M you drew from the candy dish.  Smiles and laughter were exchanged as we answered questions like, “Where did you go on vacation?” or “Tell about a family member or pet at home.”

After some great discussions, we came back together and lifted up our voices for our first worship session of the day.  Special thank you to Marlene, Erik, & Cailyn Kerr as well as Laura Molter. They made up our Worship Team for the retreat and they did a fantastic job! 



















The first message of the day was by Pastor Jennifer Goebbel.  Jennifer is the Women’s Pastor at West Ridge.  Her message reminded us that we all have “Goliaths” in our lives.  Those things in our lives that loom heavy and ugly over us.  She explained that we have two options when we see those Goliaths.  We can ignore them or... the best choice, place them under God’s authority.  She spoke to us about David’s stance toward Goliath.  David knew who God was and had no problem saying it with authority.  He ran toward his battle with Goliath and not away from it.  Then petite, demure Jennifer gave us some startling advice about our Goliaths...  We needed to cut them off. AT. THE. HEAD.  The thing is, God wants those Goliaths taken care of, dead, GONE.  At the end of Jennifer’s message, ladies were invited to come up during the worship song to write their Goliaths on an antique window. It was a picture of God’s bountiful grace, love, and power as each woman was compelled to come to the front, making the choice not to run away from, but to face their Goliaths.

After the first session ended, we broke for some refreshments (i.e. COFFEE!!) and snacks.  Felicia Bruck and Gloria Lattanzio handled all of the food for our retreat.  They set out a lovely spread of energy packed treats and everyone enjoyed a few minutes of fellowship before we settled back in for the next session.

Session 2 opened up with another worship set and then we heard the testimony of Mindy Papsan.  Mindy shared her story of how her faith grew in the midst of scary and daunting circumstances.  After her young daughter became gravely ill with a brain tumor, Mindy realized she needed to place her focus on God and draw near to Him.  Since then Mindy has seen God perform miracles and witnessed His healing Hand at work.  She has grown in her faith and encouraged us to seek Him as well. 

Next up to speak in Session 2 was Nicole Yoder.  Nicole shared that only you have what it takes to do what God has called you to do.  She pointed to the life of Moses.  God knew Moses, wanted him, and called him by name.  God knows us in the same fashion.  Nicole reminded us that God gave Moses what he needed for victory and that God will give us the abilities we need for victory as well. She also pointed out that we have a helper in the Holy Spirit. Nicole closed her message by encouraging us that God will give us the confidence we need to move forward into what He has called us to.

After two great sessions and worship, we were hungry and ready for lunch!  It was such a gorgeous day. Our lunch was enjoyed outside, while soaking up the sunshine.

Lunch concluded and then Jimmie Lee DiIanni instructed all of us on our craft for the day.  We decorated mason jars (You guys, I loooove mason jars! Am I the only one?!).  There was a variety of ways to make the jar your own.  From different paints to burlap to ribbon to all three!  The ladies customized their jars and then filled them with elegant flowers and hand-made scripture cards.  It was so fun to see how each jar was different!
























When craft time was over, we all had the opportunity to enjoy some quiet time.  Women were urged to find a solitary spot on the picturesque grounds and spend time with the Lord.  Prayer and reflection on what we had heard that morning was encouraged.

Quiet time closed out and after some free time (Just wondering who all had to answer a text from the hubby or babysitter by that point? LOL!) we gathered back together for more worship.  Then Pastor Jennifer began Session 3, our final session of the day.  

Jennifer walked us through the story of Joshua and how God tells us ahead of time who has the victory.  We were posed the question, “What’s next?” Jennifer explained to us that Jesus wants us to share Him with the world!  For some of us, we were reminded that we have been set apart for a purpose while others had their hearts opened to this truth for the very first time! Jennifer concluded her message by proclaiming, “When you are ready to say YES to God; He is waiting, ready to say YES to you!” She then invited ladies up front once again.  This time it was to trade in their blank, uncut keys for scrolled, intricate cut keys.  Keys that could unlock things.  Keys that had power.  Sweet friends, my heart still skips a beat as I recall trading in my uncut key for a lovely key, a key with a purpose!

Our amazing retreat ended with a delicious dinner.  We were seated at carefully set and decorated tables where prophetic cards had been lovingly placed. We then broke bread with each other one last time for the day.  Laughter and conversation filled the room as we filled our bellies! It was a great way to cap off our event and I won’t soon forget it.

Many attendees opted to spend the night at Chapel Valley Estate.  They enjoyed a bonfire later in the evening.  Then the next morning, ladies were welcomed into the dining room of the B & B to a fantastic breakfast spread! 

The Key Retreat was an amazing day filled with God’s truth and packed with His promises.  I believe we all left feeling refreshed and renewed!  If you have a testimony that you’d like to share about your time at the Key Retreat, we’d love to hear from you!  Email us at women@westridge.cc

Visit our Facebook page - West Ridge Women  - to see all the photos from the Key Retreat!

P.S. Special thank you to Tara Joyce for all the gorgeous decorations she made to make our day extra delightful! And thank you to Tom & Pat Bishop and their staff at Chapel Valley! They always make us feel right at home : )

Post by: Marcy Gates




Sunday, September 18, 2016

Transitions




















Transitions in life happen all the time. We have all gone through a transition at one time or another. Maybe some of us have gone through more transitions then another but, transitions are one thing we all have in common. Some transitions are smaller like starting a new school year (still hard though!), or having a birthday. Other transitions are more life altering like getting married, having a baby, getting a new job, losing a loved one, or moving to a new town.

Over the last five years, I feel like I have experienced more life altering transitions than the average bear (in what I would consider a small amount of time). In honor of transparency, since 2011 I have: had a baby, lost a job, found a job, changed churches, lost a parent, went through leadership changes in my agency, lost another job, took a position with same company, had 5 different job titles in 2 years, decided to leave my agency (after 7 years there) and basically my profession, at least for now... And here we are! This is just my part of the story because my husband has had some transitions in there too. You could say I know a little bit about transitions. But I am no expert. No, I won’t lay claim to that. Although I thought I might have some helpful tips to share with you if you are going through a transition, whether it be big or small.

I confess, I have not always done transition well. I kick and scream and whine and moan. Okay, maybe not to the visible eye but on the inside I am a toddler throwing the mother of all tantrums!

So over the last five years I have discovered 3 things that help me thrive during life transitions when I would really just rather crawl in bed and hibernate for life (was that a little too dramatic?). I would love to encourage you with them if I could:

1.  Take extra good care of yourself!
Self-care can be hard for some of us, but it is so important! (Like in those airplane preflight instructions, putting on your oxygen mask first before you put one on your child.) During times of transition, taking extra good care of yourself will help you wade through it. For me it’s about staying at equilibrium. So whatever that looks like for you, do it. If you need more sleep (I always do!), then sleep more. The dishes and laundry will be there when you wake up! Take a hot shower in the middle of the day, get a manicure, or splurge on the large coffee drink! And please, please, please ask for help! Call that friend you know will pray with you, tell someone you need encouragement, or a babysitter, or just a shoulder to cry on. Taking good care of yourself may sometimes mean the need to call in for reinforcements.

 “Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from 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 about my weakness so that Christ's power may rest on me” 2 Corinthians 12: 8-9 (NIV)

2.  The do what you can plan!
I read Holley Gerth’s ebook “The Do What You Can Plan” a few years back and this is what settled in my heart, ‘Something is better than nothing’ That mentality has helped me through so many times of transition! If you can only do 10 minutes of exercise a day, something is better than nothing and you can work your way up! If I have 6 loads of laundry backed up I wash our necessities to get us through the week. Do what you can! If it ALL doesn’t get done? It is okay. Something is better than nothing and God’s grace is everything!

“It's useless to rise early and go to bed late, and work your worried fingers to the bone. Don't you know he enjoys giving rest to those he loves?” Psalm 127:2 (MSG)

3.  Prayer AND Worship!
Prayer will most certainly help you thrive during these times. I always say it, if I am a hot mess with Jesus I wouldn’t even want to see me without Jesus. My goodness, I need Jesus every day! Amen? Amen!

And worship? Worship is good all the time, but I can’t tell you how many times worship has broken chains and set me free from pressure and anxiety! When I have felt like I can’t possibly bear one more change, I know I have to completely surrender to God in worship. It might look different for you, but for me I try to find time alone in the dark, I blast my worship playlist, raise my hands and just start praising and thanking God (I’m usually pacing back and forth like a crazy person too!). I’m telling you transition or not, this will break whatever is binding you up!

“Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.” Philippians 4:6-7 (MSG)

So there you have it, three things to help you thrive through transitions. Take extra good care of yourself, ‘the do what you can plan’, and prayer + worship! Learning to give myself grace has also helped me to thrive through transition. As I have headed into this current transition, I’ve noticed it’s not as foggy as the ones before. These 3 things have helped me keep clear eyes and a full heart! (Oh hey speaking of clear eyes and a full heart... http://westridgewomen.blogspot.com/2016/08/clear-eyes-full-hearts-cant-lose.html)

If you are no stranger to life transitions and you have some tips for us, we would love to read your encouragement in the comments section! Or if you are going through a life transition and you need prayer or encouragement please let us know! We would love to come along side you. Iron sharpens iron and we all need each other, amen!

Ladies, we love you and are here for you!  Email us at women@westridge.cc

Post by: Jimmie Lee DiIanni




Thursday, September 1, 2016

What Lies Ahead?




















I put my baby on the school bus for the first time a couple days ago.  Well, let me clarify, I did not set a car carrier with a baby strapped in it inside a school bus.  I said goodbye to my youngest child, my baby. She went off and joined her older sisters at elementary school.  Which leaves this stay at home momma alone for hours each day. (Is it possible to do a fist bump and cry and dance for joy all at the same time?!)

The most asked question I have received this past summer was, “What are you going to do ALL DAY?!?!?” There are things on my to-do list that I’m surely looking forward to checking off.  But once that is done, I have no idea what I’ll be doing.  And you know what? That’s ok. Oh sure, I have some grand plans to clean and organize (and don’t tell my kids but I am purging their junk while they are off at school).  There are some things that I love to do that I now have more kid-free time to focus on (oh hi there blog!). And there are a few dreams I have too.  Some are just tiny seeds right now that God has planted in my heart.  Others are much closer, some even close enough to touch. I am entering a new season in life, for sure. Am I scared? Am I nervous? Nope.

I’ll share my secret with you as to why.  The best way to walk into a new season in life is... Know WHO you are, WHOSE you are, and to PRAY.  Didn’t Jimmie Lee do such a great job in her last post The Be Yourself Challenge, challenging us to be ourselves (#thebeyourselfchallenge)?!  I know for me, it was a great reminder that I need to be who God created me to be.  I need to hold onto this especially as I enter into this new time in my life. I can’t be looking at how other moms spend their days or what other ladies are up to. It would do me no good to waste hours being envious of one person’s appearance, exercise habits, Instagram pics, etc. I have to be at ease with the woman God created me to be.  So just who is that?!

I am Marcy.  I love Jesus, my husband, my daughters, coffee, and staying up way too late.  I love writing; it allows me to share my heart using words on a screen when they sometimes just can’t make it out of my mouth. I enjoy reading books with paper pages (ok, Kindles are cool too). I am an introvert with extrovert daydreams.  The smell of lumber and office supplies makes me giddy.  A vast amount of pop culture trivia fills my brain and not enough math facts. I am loyal and trustworthy.  I love the simple things and have always wanted to be a “country girl”, just don’t take away my WiFi. I feel all the feels – I can easily put myself in someone’s shoes and see life from their perspective. Chocolate is my favorite and I am a firm believer that the inventor of cream cheese is a genius! Small talk is difficult for me but I can talk with a trusted friend for hours. My passion is to share with women the life changing power of Jesus Christ and to point their hearts to Him!

Knowing who I am allows me to move confidently into this new season.  I’m not running around trying to be like this, that, or the other.  I have learned to enjoy and embrace who I am because I love my Creator and I know He loves me!  I trust Him and I know that He does not make mistakes. His Word tells me that He made me and that I am wonderful – just as I am.

“Your hands made me and formed me.” Psalm 119:73a (NIV)

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14 (NIV)

I could beat myself up over not being like so and so.  Perhaps maybe try hard to drink more smoothies and less lattes.  But I would be miserable.  (Side note, I cannot understand those green smoothies y’all.  More power to you if that’s your jam! You go on with your healthy choices girl!) I could put so much energy and effort into being like someone else or trying to fulfill the world’s expectations of me.  But by doing that, I would be taking my eyes of off God and what He is doing.  It would be like getting ready to go on a hike in the forest without a compass, wearing someone else’s flip flops, while it is raining. What could be worse than entering unknown territory while feeling unhappy, confused, and exhausted?

To make things even worse, what if I didn’t know to WHOM I belonged?  How could I even start on a new path if I did know that I am loved no matter what, whether I succeed or fail? How could I gaze upon new uncharted waters without knowing that as I wade out into them, the waves will not overtake me because I am anchored?  How can I possibly rest in who I am if I don’t know that He delights in mejust as I am? I can’t.  You can’t.  Ladies, let’s never lose sight that we belong to an amazing God.  Here’s just a little reminder for you (and me) about the God to whom we belong:

We are holy and dearly loved by God. (Col. 3:12)
We are His workmanship. (Eph. 2:10)
He delights in us. (Zeph. 3:17)
He chose us. (1 Peter 2:9-10)
He is working all things together for our good. (Rom. 8:28)
He has great and precious promises for us. (2 Peter 1:4)

When we know who we are and whose we are, we can approach the throne of God with full confidence, asking for His will to be done in our lives.  That is why prayer is vital.  Prayer opens up your heart to receive from God not only wisdom and understanding for today but it allows Him to place dreams in your heart for the future!  You wouldn’t go up to some stranger on the street and ask, “Hey, do you think I should go work here or do something else instead?” No! But you may ask someone close to you, perhaps a trusted friend, “Listen, I’m thinking about doing such and such.  What are your thoughts?” So why not turn to God in prayer? He is our most trusted friend right?! Seek out what His will is for you.  Ask Him to reveal His plans for you.  That’s what I have been doing.  Has God revealed it all to me? Has He laid it all out like a beautiful straight line showing Point A to Point B? Ha, no, not quite. But that’s ok – He’s given me what I need to know for right now.  And whatever He has in store for the future, I know that will be good too!

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV)

Ladies, I am walking in to this new season with joy and not fear.  I am placing one foot ahead of the other, with my gaze fixed straight ahead (Prov. 4:25).  I don’t know exactly what lies down the road but I am EXCITED! I am comfortable with who I am, not because I “have it all together” or think I am some super, awesome, perfect person.  I’m not.  I can be at ease because God has opened my eyes to the talents and personality traits that He has given me that are unique to how He created me. There’s only one Marcy and I’m it! I know WHO I am.  I am a daughter of the one, true King! (And just to let you in on a little secret, in Him, His daughters find favor and blessings!) I am not anxious because I know the character and promises of the One to WHOM I belong.  His love for me is true and everlasting.  And I know He has amazing plans for me!

“I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.” Jeremiah 29:11 (MSG)


Ladies, are you embarking on a new season in life too?  Maybe you just sent your youngest off to college or down the aisle. Maybe you just began school or perhaps are trying to decide what to do with your career.  Have you just ended a relationship or are facing some tough challenges ahead? We can walk into these new seasons with confidence, covered in God’s grace.  Remember WHO you are and if you have forgotten, ask Jesus to remind you.  Ask Him to show you what your gifts are and what makes you, YOU! Recall to WHOM you belong.  When you have doubts, re-read the Scriptures I listed above and prayerfully ask God to reveal His heart for you.  And in every situation PRAY. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you!

Post by: Marcy Gates


Thursday, August 18, 2016

The "Be Yourself" Challenge






















What if we decided to just be who we are all the time? No matter what. Whether we get accolades or push-back, we were just ourselves? What if we stopped trying so hard to be something else... someone else? What if instead, we operated out of who God created us to be?

There is this thought that has quietly been in the back of my heart, one that I have unknowingly been operating from. I tell myself things like, “If I was like her then I would be good at___________ (fill in the blank)”, or “If I was like that, then I have ‘arrived’ and I would be good enough to lead.” I realized that many of my decisions and actions came from this place of thinking that I needed to have it all together to be able to do the things I have been called to do. But more so, what my made up version of  “having it all together” actually looked like.

I think of myself as an authentic person, you know, ‘What you see is what you get’. But I realized that I was actually trying to be someone I am not. I was trying to fit myself into this tiny little box of made up unspoken expectations that I assumed other people had for me. Like I had to reach some kind of cultural standard to be a good enough friend, leader, or even Christian. But trying to be someone you are not, trying to fit some kind of made up standard you are not even really sure exist, its exhausting! And a little bit terrifying.

I was operating out of a bunch of “should’s”.  I should:

  • be more outgoing
  • be better at conversation
  • be less emotional
  • smile more
  • be more organized
  • be less straight forward
  • be kinder, sweeter, more peppy,
  • only listen to worship music
  • never get angry
  • exercise (in matching cute clothes of course)
  • do more
  • be less
  • have it all together by now

Trying to fit into that box meant I could never truly be myself. Can you relate? Have you ever felt small, not enough, too much or all of the above just because you were yourself?

I no longer want to operate out of “should’s” or unspoken, made up expectations. I want to operate out of who God made me to be.

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.Psalm 139:13-14 (NIV)

I love Psalm 139 because it means, I am known. I am loved. I am wonderful. It means the very same for you too. There is no one else like me! There is no one else like you! I don’t need to lead like her, I need to lead like me. I don’t need to pray like her, I need to pray like me. I don’t need to worship like her, I need to worship like me! You see, I want to love who I am so I can love you better. I want to walk out who God created me to be so that you are encouraged to walk out who God created you to be!

So here is #thebeyourselfchallange! Remember in the beginning I asked, “What if we decided to be who we are? All the time. No matter what. Let’s do it! Let’s put our energy into being who God made us to be and let our love pour from that.

I am starting with reminding myself who I am:

I am Jimmie Lee. I am mostly quiet, a little sarcastic and sometimes slow to get the jokes. I laugh when no one else does, I dance and people look at me funny, I am goofy and silly and love lame jokes. (Ask me what my favorite joke is!) I cry when I am happy, sad, mad and everything in between. In a room full of people I am usually the one observing from the corner. I love coffee, Gilmore Girls, and coloring. I have an eclectic taste in music, especially the dancing kind. My favorite outfit is a cute shirt and jeans. I have low days and bright days. I love my boys like no one else (except maybe their mammy). I am my husband’s number one fan (except maybe his mom). I am real, I listen, and I care. I am restorative by nature and love to see women set free! I am passionate about God’s grace and freedom. I sway, jump up and down, raise my hands, cry and bend low when I worship. I am fully known and yet still fully loved by the Creator of the universe! And I am so much more than what you see.

Okay! It’s your turn. How are you starting #thebeyourselfchallange? Tell us in the comments, send us an e-mail, or tag us on Facebook and/or Instagram! I am excited to hear from you all!

Post by: Jimmie Lee DiIanni




Friday, August 5, 2016

Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can't Lose






















Well, here we are in August.  Once again, I marvel at how quickly another summer seems to be slipping through my fingers.  By now, most vacations and trips have been taken.  Swimming, s’mores, and fire-fly catching (or lightning bugs, as we call them here in Pittsburgh!) have all been checked off of our “Summer Bucket List”.  Back to school ads are popping up on TV.  (This mom just did a silent cheer. And I’m not even kidding you guys.)

August also means our Women’s Small Group study at West Ridge has wrapped up.  This summer, we studied “The Armor of God” by Priscilla Shirer.  I loved, loved, loved this study!  I thought I was pretty familiar with the armor of God (and even wrote about it here awhile back: http://westridgewomen.blogspot.com/2014/11/the-ups-and-downs-of-life.html) but Priscilla’s book helped me to really dig in deep to each piece of armor.  Each week, she broke down the nuances to each part and explained the armor of God in a way that I know I will treasure for years to come.

There is one theme though, that Priscilla taught early on that has stuck with me through the 8 week study.  In fact, it came up in our very first session and I keep returning to it time and time again.  Our REAL enemy.  You see, our real enemy is not the problems we are facing, the issues that are stressing us out, or the stuff that is keeping us up at night.  Nope.  It is the unseen.  All that “stuff”, it is a distraction shoved up in our faces to keep us from recognizing the truth.  The real enemy is Satan and he is trying to distract and derail us!

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12 (NIV)

But how can you recognize the unseen? Clear eyes, my friend. Which totally reminds me of Coach Taylor from the TV series, “Friday Night Lights”.  If you didn’t catch that show a few years back, it was about a high school football team set in the fictional small town of Dillon, Texas. (Texas forever y’all!) The phrase that Coach Taylor used to motivate his team each Friday evening when they were facing a tough opponent was: “Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose!” It was their rallying cry! When the team heard that phrase, they got fired up, ready to head into battle.

When I read Ephesians 1:18, Paul reminds us of just that – clear eyes! “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people.” (NIV)

What about a full heart? Well, Paul addresses that a short time later in Ephesians 3:17-19, “And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”

If we belong to Jesus, our hearts are full!  The Amplified version of verse 19 translates it like this, “and [that you may come] to know [practically, through personal experience] the love of Christ which far surpasses [mere] knowledge [without experience], that you may be filled up [throughout your being] to all the fullness of God [so that you may have the richest experience of God’s presence in your lives, completely filled and flooded with God Himself].

Oooh I love that! The richest experience of God’s presence! Filled and flooded with God Himself?! Ah, that is awesome, awesome stuff.  How could our hearts not be full?!

So if we have clear eyes (we do!) and full hearts (oh yes!) then my friends, we can’t lose! As Priscilla reminded us at our study the very first week, the victory is irrevocable.  Jesus died on the cross and was resurrected from the dead. And I know it has been said so many times but if you read the end of the Bible... It says we win in the end!  (Hope I didn’t ruin it for you if you didn’t quite get to that part of the Bible yet, lol!)  Ladies, WE CAN’T LOSE!

“They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.” Revelation 12:11 (NIV)

So as we move forward and transition from one season to the next, from one trial to the next, or one problem to the next, I’d like to encourage you to have clear eyes! Recognize the real enemy.  As the leaves begin to turn colors, pumpkin lattes start showing up, and all those issues seem to be weighing you down or distracting you, press on!  With a full heart, suit up in the armor of God for our victory is assured! We can’t lose!

Post by: Marcy Gates




Friday, July 22, 2016

Peace & Rest




















Most mornings I wake up, rub my still sleepy eyes and look at the glow of my phone. Sometimes if my brain switches on too soon, I decide to put in my passcode to unlock my phone rather than just snooze my alarm. I’ll scroll through Facebook and Instagram, although I am not really sure why because no one really posts between 11pm and 7am. I wince and groan because I don’t really want to get out of bed. So, I scroll a little longer to procrastinate the inevitable. I am good at that, procrastinating the inevitable. The thought of a fresh steaming cup of coffee eventually gets me out of bed. That and the fact that I have now wasted too much time and have only half the time to get ready.

On these days, social media and culture have stolen my attention by 7:30 am and I can’t say it is always life giving or good for my soul. As I am off and running, there is work, then errands, dinner and chores, building Legos and fixing forts and by the end of the day I am spent. As I try to rest my head at night, I have so many thoughts swirling through my head... I just can’t even. I start out on my stomach with my head to left, then I switch it to the right. I turn to my right side with my knees pulled in tight then toss to my left side pushing my legs out straight. I might do this twice (it’s like a 20 minute process people!) before I finally drift off to sleep.

I would bet that many of you find this routine strangely familiar. (Maybe not the bed time tossing and turning, but the daily routine in general?) We have so many things competing for our attention, it is so easy to stay distracted, busy and at unrest. We hear about this story and skim through that article. Put out that fire and mop up this mess. When we finally settle in with our third cup of joe (or maybe that’s just me!) our phone dings 4 times in a row with something else that needs our attention.

Even though I love the small quiet moments, I’ll be honest I don’t always do rest well.

Jesus said, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” Mark 2:27 (NIV)

Observing the Sabbath was commanded to us, yes, but the command was given as a blessing.

“For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.” Exodus 20:11(NKJV)

God has set apart a day of rest to bless his children. I really love that phrase, set apart. It means this day is supposed to look different, feel different... BE different. No striving, no fussing, no distractions or things pulling us in all directions. Just you and Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath and rest.

I want to do rest, well. I want my Sabbath to look different from my other days. Because I believe that in His rest, we find peace. And God’s peace makes us walk differently.

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust you.” Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)

How can you begin to incorporate the Sabbath into your life? If you already set apart this day, how has it helped you throughout the rest of your week? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments…

Post by: Jimmie Lee DiIanni