Jun 26 2008
My Heart and Soul
Ministry, my heart and soul, is calling me back, truly it is a God thing. It is God calling me to himself. Making me realize I am truly blessed. Making me realize I am called. Confirming that calling, helping me to realize it is time to take yet another step of faith. Yes, last year in March I took the first GIANT step when I resigned from my position as youth & children’s minister at my church to commit to Beauty by Design Ministries full time.
The thing is I know this is what I was suppose to do but over the past year I still haven’t been 100 percent confident in that. I have opted to use other means to make money because of my own insecurities, which I now after attending She Speaks and becoming very convicted believe that I have only limited God by doing this.
I lacked the confidence to write articles and devotions and submit them to Christian publications for print publishing though I in October began to write for others as a ghostwriter and got paid weekly. To me this has been taking the easy way out of following God in faith. It paid the bills, but it wasn’t truly what I set out to do. I have done quite a few speaking engagements but because of fear, feelings of guilt about promoting myself, and lack of confidence I don’t believe I have done what I could have.
After She Speaks I realize I have been wrong. This ministry (Beauty by Design Ministries) isn’t mine, it’s God’s and it is all about Him. By promoting it, and speaking to teen and tween girls, and writing articles and devotions to them, is after all promoting God and what He has for their lives. I am going to refocus on that and I am going to recommit myself to HIM and HIS WILL for Beauty by Design Ministries. I am going to invest MUCH more of my time and energy into it, as well as invest in it financially, trusting Him to not only provide for the ministry but also my family, rather than trying to do it on my own as I have for months now.
I am going to take another giant step of faith by stepping back from some of the ghostwriting I’ve been doing, not adding anymore at this time on top of my current clients, not pursuing anymore “sideline” projects as I have in the past few months doing nearly ANYTHING LEGAL to make money ok not really, but I have done some VA type jobs, Wordpress installs and other things just because I thought I needed the money. It’s been too much about money and not enough about ministry.
It has been way too much of my agenda and as the theme of She Speaks said “I want to move my agenda aside in favor of God’s will”. So, I am clearing the right of way Lord, show me your path!
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This is awesome Alyssa, it has resonated with me too!
I’ll be eager to see how God works in you Alyssa. Very exciting!
Girl, I am right there with you. My pastor spoke to me this week about limiting God by taking things into our own hands. And I have surrendered this week EVERYTHING back over to Him and you wouldn’t believe the blessings that are coming my way. Sometimes we just have to get out of His way and follow rather than trying to run ahead! I’m praying for you and keep us posted!
ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE WITH GOD!
Praying for you!
Congratulations. It is so wonderful to embark on Lord led adventures!
Good for you!! I am so glad that you have felt God’s touch and are following His lead…. I will continue to pray for you my friend:)
I think you are making some wise decisions girl. Narrowing your focus to really concentrate on where God wants you to be will be a blessing to many. I am enjoying your journey with you.
Laura
It sounds like you are being show the “right” path to follow. I have finally gotten myself back in church looking for redemption and direction for myself and my family. We have been just wandering around for quite sometime now and the time is always right to get back on track. Good luck by the way, my boys were 10 and 12 days early.
I know you will do great following what God has laid on your heart. Narrow you focus. And know you can do what you didn’t think you could do with God’s love.
It’s scary sometimes - stepping out in faith! Congrats on your decision, and focus on Him . . .
Just bloghopping! ;o)
Alyssa,
Good for you! Best wishes and I know you’ll be blessed every step of the way.
This is great Alyssa. God bless and good luck!
I am so inspired and I think I need to surrender my business back to God and put Him back in control so I can stop stressing too
Oy!