Amelia McNeilly

Pink Patriot - My desire is to share with you the journey God has me on. Whether in joy hardship, I hope that my blog offers a place of respite, and bring joy to your heart!

Articles, Hope a Little More Series

Hope a Little More Series – Tricia Goyer

Happy November. I cannot believe it’s almost Thanksgiving. This year has flown by. 2017 has been a difficult year for me but I’m so thankful for the hope Jesus brings. I hope my posts this month encourages and gives you strength to press on.

To kick off my November Series Hope a Little More, below is a post from one of my favorite ladies and authors— Tricia Goyer.

Thanks The Turning Point
by Tricia Goyer
an Excerpt from Walk It Out: The Radical Result of Living God’s Word One Step at A Time 

In everyone’s story comes a defining moment when life takes a turn. I didn’t see the twist coming, and looking back it almost seems too ordinary an event to be considered “the moment.” But as I ponder all that has happened since then, I have no doubt that everything changed one quiet, early morning in 1999—the morning I said yes to what I knew God was asking me to do.
​I was twenty-eight years old, married, a mother of three, and had just signed a book contract. In the few years prior, I had attended a Bible study for women who’d had abortions and faced the pain and shame of my past. Now once a week I was teaching a post-abortion Bible study and seeing women from all walks of life find freedom in Christ. Freedom from regret. Freedom from self loathing. Freedom from hiding and the feeling that God could neverforgive them or use them.
​In this window of my life, I was walking with a new confidence as a beloved daughter of God, my pastor approached me.
​“Tricia, I feel God asking me to help start a crisis pregnancy center in our town, and knowing your heart and story I want to know if you can help,” he said.
​Gulp. I told Pastor Daniel I’d pray about it, knowing full well that answer was a delay tactic. I had no intention of doing any such thing.
​My life was full. I was homeschooling our kids, writing every morning before the rest of the family woke up, and leading a Bible study. My life had reached a wonderful balance of service to mychurch, to my community, and to my family. I couldn’t envision taking on one more thing. Yet, the next morning, as I pulled out my Bible to do my morning devotions, something stirred in my heart. Looking back, I realize the Holy Spirit was reminding me that I actually needed to pray about Pastor Daniel’s request.
​I’m a little embarrassed now but my prayer went something like this: Dear God, I thank You for what You’ve donewith my life. I told Pastor Daniel that I’d pray about this crisis pregnancy center, but please show me how to tell him that I don’t have time for that. I’m homeschooling my kids and teaching them about You. I’m writing articles and now a book, and my words are going around the world, teaching others about You. So this is something I just can’t do …
​Immediately a thought entered my mind that I knew wasn’t my own: What about the young women who feel just like you did—scared and uncertain of where to turn? Don’t you remember the women who reached out to share love with you during your darkest time? Where would you be without them? And what are you going to do about the young women who need love and truth right within your own community? How are you going to help them as you were helped? Double gulp. I knew what God was asking me to do.
​He had a dream and a purpose for me. Both were greater than anything I had ever imagined. And that dream and purpose wasn’t just about what He wanted for me but also about what He wanted for the women in my community.
​I knew following them would change everything. It came down to this: Did I believe God’s Word enough to do what it said? Did I trust that God would keep His promises? Ephesians 3:16 says, “I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through hisSpirit” (NLT). And that was my prayer too.
​I had to trust that if I did what God was asking, He would provide from His unlimited resources everything that I needed, starting with inner strength. In the days to come I wished I hadn’t agreed to pray about Pastor Daniel’s request, because it became clear that God wanted me to help start the center. The strength of my desire to follow His directives.

About the Author:

Tricia Goyer is a busy mom of ten, grandmother of two, and wife to John. Somewhere around the hustle and bustle of family life, she manages to find the time to write fictional tales delighting and entertaining readers and non-fiction titles offering encouragement and hope. A bestselling author, Tricia has published more than fifty books to date and has written more than 500 articles. She is a two-time Carol Award winner, as well as a Christy and ECPA Award nominee. In 2010, she was selected as one of the Top 20 Moms to Follow on Twitter by SheKnows.com. Tricia is also on the blogging team at TheBetterMom.com and other homeschooling and Christian sites. In addition to her roles as mom, wife and author, Tricia volunteers around her community and mentors teen moms. She is the founder of Hope Pregnancy Ministries in Northwestern Montana, and she currently leads a Teen MOPS Group in Little Rock, AR. Learn more about Tricia at www.triciagoyer.com.

 

31 Days of Thanksgiving, Articles

31 Days of Thanksgiving – Day 31

Friends! I have been so blessed and encouraged by all the posts that were written this month. With each one I read my heart was filled with joy and tears of gratitude streamed down my face. I’m so thankful for each of the stories that were shared.

Coming November 1, I am extending the gratitude theme with a series called “Hope a Little More November.” Each day I will post a favorite quote or Bible verse that fills me with hope this season. Also, throughout the week I will be posting stories of gratitude, favorite fall recipes, and holiday traditions. I hope and pray that each of these posts will deepen your love for the season and give you joy no matter the circumstances you are facing.

Thanks again for all of your prayers and support. It means the world to me!

31 Days of Thanksgiving, Articles

31 Days of Thanksgiving – Day 30 – Mica May

October is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month. I might have noticed it on Instagram feed every few years or so, but never imagined that it would be such a significant month for me and my family. Eight years ago, my first little bundle of love was born into our lives with an extra dose of chromosome 21 and now I’m acutely aware of things like Down Syndrome Awareness Month. 

When Jackson was just a few weeks old, I remember sitting with some dear friends we had just met, who had a 3 year old daughter with Down syndrome. Tears pouring down all our faces as I asked inappropriate questions like:

Are you supposed to say, “My kid has Downs” or do I just say Down syndrome?

Am I obligated to acknowledge the elephant in the room to everyone (aka strangers in the produce section of Central Market) that yes, indeed Jackson’s gorgeous blue almond eyes means he has Down syndrome?

Does it make you angry now when you hear the word retarded? Do you stop and and correct or mention it when it’s a friend that says it? 

Does it mean he won’t get invited to the other kid’s birthday parties because he looks different or he can’t keep up?

Will it mean that a neighborhood mom won’t call me to join them on a stroll because she’s embarrassed?

In the quietness of their living room, her words pierced me, “Mica, there will never be a box for you. It’s not something that can be wrapped up with a perfect little bow.”  Just like that, she said it. Air hung on those words as i let them sink in . . .

And she was right.  These past 8 years have been full of joy, dance parties and an unconditional love from Jackson that truly knows no bounds. But there have been those little fleeting moments of uncertainty, where I’m just not quite sure where we fit in.  It’s those little moments where I’m learning what awareness is really all about . . . like when people ask him his name or where he goes to school, and I nervously fidget for a few moments because I know he can’t yet fully tell them with his words and I’ll have to speak for him. My heart breaks in those little moments, but the truth is that those are few and far between. My anxiety and anticipation for these rare moments is far surpassed by the unbelievable grace we have received from friends and strangers that interact with my Jackson. 

Having Jackson come into our lives and being able to meet other families with special needs has been one of the greatest privileges in my life. He has a different perspective on life that is slower. More intentional. More content and grateful. Jackson forces to all simply SLOW DOWN and enjoy the moment.  I believe that being and feeling grateful is a choice for most of us – one that we truly need to strive to incorporate into our  daily lives. At dinner each evening, my husband and I (and all our three kids!) say three things we are gratefuf for. The things that come out of the mouths of babes surprise and delight me – everything from them being grateful for strawberry ice cream, to Madelyn saying, “I’m so grateful for people in the world that are like Jackson. I learn so much from him every day.”

There are things I still don’t know and most of my fear and any sadness I feel comes from thinking about the future. I don’t ever feel sad about the past, because I’ve already lived through it all, and it’s amazing!! But, the future can feel big and daunting and unknown. I don’t know if and when Jax will ever drive, or be able to live alone or if he will find a special lady friend to love. But there are many, many things I DO know – and these are what I cling to. I know he brings joy to each and everyone he comes in contact with. I know that we get to experience development and growth a little bit slower paced than the average family and I’m so grateful. I do know that his sisters love him fiercely and they have a tender place in their hearts for people with different abilities. I do know him being in a classroom with typical peers has been incredible for the other kids in his class and they have a new level of understanding and appreciation for others because they get a front row seat to a different way of learning. 

So, to my Jackson, I am beyond thankful for who you are and that I get to be your Mama.  I am and will always be your strongest advocate. Your loudest cheerleader. Your biggest fan. When you think you can’t do something, I’ll be right there to pick you back up to try again or to whisper in your ear to keep going.  And frankly, I’m on the edge of my seat just waiting to see what God has in store for you.  I have a feeling you might be the coolest hair stylist there ever was. Or the next great piano composer, touring all over the world because everyone is in awe of your dancing fingers.  Your smile and charisma will dazzle the masses, I have no doubt. Wherever you go and whatever you do, I believe in you. Thank you for challenging me to look for all the goodness around us, and for BEING part of that goodness. 

31 Days of Thanksgiving, Articles

31 Days of Thanksgiving – Day 29 – Rachel Hauck

Bubbles of Joy

Thanksgiving Day 2010 I had a unique experience.

Living in central coastal Florida, the fall is a lovely season. The air thins, the temperatures drop a few degrees, and the wind rattles the still-drying leaves.

Since we were headed to friends for Thanksgiving that afternoon, I decided to take a leisurely bike ride that morning.

I’d just contracted and started writing The Wedding Dress. There was a bit of movie interests. The book seemed to “write itself,” as much as any book could “write itself.”

My writing career to that point had been so-so. And I’d just finished a season of co-writing with someone else.

This book, this season, felt different. As if my career might take a good turn.

As I rode my bike through the neighborhood, the sun high, the sky blue, the wind gentle against my face, I started laughing.

But not the ha-ha kind of laughter. No. This was the the bubbling-up-from-the-inside kind. The kind that changes your emotions.

As I pedaled through the fall day, waves of joy washed over me.  I was truly thankful on this Thanksgiving holiday.

The joy was more than being in a good mood. They joy was from the Lord.

In my effort to understand, I thought maybe God was going to blow fire on my career and I’d blow up. In a good way.

Or some great thing was about to happen.

But I’ve come to know God’s timing is not our timing. But He is always about doing good.

I’d dealt with the wicked onslaught of anxiety years before and the joy was just more of anecdote to those now-rare moments.

But joy isn’t just an emotion when we’re happy or things are going well. Joy is a supernatural infusion when things are not going well.

I love this verse from Nehemiah 8:10: “Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

It’s a popular plaque and refrigerator verse. Except for the first part.

“Do not be grieved …”

We forget that part. Joy is ours even when we are grieved. The verse is saying, “Look up, the Lord has provided for you.”

The entire Gospel of Jesus the Christ is about our joy being made complete.

So my little bubbles of joy all those years ago was about something deeper than my career getting a fresh wind or the miracle of a movie deal (still waiting on that one, ha!). It was about walking in an attribute of heaven – joy!

So when the days aren’t going so well, there is joy.

When the money doesn’t go as far as we need, there is joy.

When someone doesn’t like us, there is joy.

The joy of the Lord is our strength!

[clickToTweet tweet=” In this season of holidays, remember our joy is from the Lord. His joy is our strength!” quote=” In this season of holidays, remember our joy is from the Lord. His joy is our strength!”]

In this season of holidays, remember our joy is from the Lord. His joy is our strength!

About the Author:

Rachel Hauck is an award winning, New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author.

Her latest release, The Writing Desk, earned Top Pick from Romantic Times.

Rachel sits on the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers, and is the comical sidekick to Susan May Warren at the amazing My Book Therapy. She is a worship leader and speaker.

A graduate of Ohio State University with a degree in Journalism, Rachel is a devoted Ohio State football fan. She lives in sunny central Florida with her husband and ornery cat.

31 Days of Thanksgiving, Articles

31 Days of Thanksgiving – Day 28 – Heather Cofer

Thanksgiving

The sun was just beginning to stream through our living room window as I opened my eyes. In the wee hours of the morning (shortly after our son joined us and had given me a few good smacks to the face as he adjusted his little body) I had moved from the bed to the couch, taking yet another round of ibuprofen to try to dull the pain in my mouth. I had recently had my wisdom teeth removed, and the recovery wasn’t going quite as planned. I was in excruciating pain from developing two dry sockets, and had to make several unexpected visits to the oral surgeon’s because they just wouldn’t heal.

As I laid there on the couch that morning, wanting so badly to get more rest and hearing three little people beginning to wake up and joyfully make their presence known, I could feel the discouragement coming in like a heavy cloud.  “I’m a mommy with three little kids and a home to care for. I don’t have time for this.” Internally, I did the only thing I could think of to do in that moment; “Oh, Lord, I need your help. I know you’ve given me what I need to walk through this, but all I can sense right now is this despondence that wants to come in and take over. Help me, Lord Jesus.”  Almost before I finished my plea, God so graciously answered.

Thank Me.

So I began thanking Him. For my husband, who so graciously took days off of work to help me. For my sister, who was willing to stay with us for almost a week while I recovered. For my children, who brought so much joy through the recovery with their snuggles and tender little hearts. For my friends, who brought Frosties and meals and sent texts just to let me know they were praying for me. For the access to excellent medical care. For the flowers that graced our countertop from my dad (I can’t get enough of flowers)… And the list went on and on. Once I started, I could hardly stop. God had displayed His love for me in so very many ways, and when I simply chose to turn my eyes from focusing on the hard things to giving thanks to Him for His goodness, my entire perspective was altered.

Psalm 107:21-22  says, “Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare His works with rejoicing.”

This is just one of many passages that tells us to give thanks to the Lord. As fallen human beings, we have a natural propensity to turn inward and focus on the bad that is taking place in our lives. But God knows that keeping our eyes fixed upon Him in thanksgiving is what will be the very best thing for us in every way.

In our own strength, having a continual heart of thanksgiving is impossible. But by God’s enabling grace through His Spirit, we are able to offer praise in any circumstance! It’s not promised to be easy. In fact, in the verse above, it calls it a “sacrifice of thanksgiving.” When we are in pain, in mourning, overcome with grief or depression or sadness, it may be the hardest thing we do. But that sacrifice of thanksgiving is what He uses as His channel of grace to draw us out of that state into one of joy and peace and hope.

And no matter what we are facing, there is always something to be thankful for. Even if every calamity known to man happened to us, if we were afflicted with the worst of diseases, and everything was stripped from us, we would still be able to say, with Job, “blessed be the name of the LORD (Job 1:21).” Why? Because we are deserving of death, and Jesus, by His love and mercy, died in our place to free us from the power of sin and death, and to give us the hope of being with Him for all of eternity. This in and of itself should cause us to leap with joy and continually pour forth praise from our lips.“[clickToTweet tweet=”To be grateful is to recognize the love of God in everything He has given us — and He has given us everything.” quote=”To be grateful is to recognize the love of God in everything He has given us — and He has given us everything.”]

As Thomas Merton put it,  To be grateful is to recognize the love of God in everything He has given us — and He has given us everything. Every breath we draw is a gift of His love, every moment of existence is a grace, for it brings with it immense graces from Him.”

When we gaze at the vast and incredible kindness of our Heavenly Father rather than the trials we are facing, God is glorified, and we are blessed beyond measure. God never asks something of us that won’t be for our greatest good and for His glory. So we can trust that when we offer our sacrifices of thanksgiving, He will fill our hearts with hope and joy that is beyond what we can even comprehend.

In the words of A.W. Tozer, “Gratitude is an offering precious in the sight of God, and it is one that the poorest of us can make and not be poorer but richer for having made it.” 

About the Author:

Heather Cofer is a wife and mother with a passion for encouraging others to love Jesus with all their hearts. This comes through writing, leading worship, and being actively involved in life-on-life discipleship alongside her husband, Judah, who is one of the pastors at their church. She is also a regular contributor for the ministry of Set Apart Girl, and is in the process of starting up her own blog in the near future (visit her landing page here)

Heather loves spending her days with their three young children, enjoying quality time with Judah, and having sweet conversations over cups coffee with friends.

Heather is a Colorado native, but spent most of her childhood in the country of Mongolia, which is where she and Judah met after his family also moved there several years later. After getting married in 2011, they moved to Windsor, Colorado, and have been there ever since.

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