The Parable Apprentice

Let us enjoy this moment; this time, because we didn’t have to be or have ever been…

My desire is to ooze holiness, to be a true noble princess for God. He deserves all my dedication and talent. It is my life’s quest, even when I get distracted by the temporal God redirects me to the real thing. And I remember when I seek the Lord, I lack no good thing. In His light I see light. Then everything is clear again. Can you relate?

A bright future awaits those who seek everlasting peace. How are you? How have you been reader? Thank you for stopping by to see what’s new at the parable girl. I have exciting news to share! But before we get to that I want you to know God has called you for such a time as this. You are a queen Esther in your perimeter. He called you to reveal His purpose in your heart that reaches beyond your dwelling. He has so much goodness stored up for you and your community. Your spiritual gift has to be unwrapped.

Gifts are fun to get but just like any gift the recipient has to be willing to receive it and know it is there! We have to say yes to the calling and be willing to walk by Faith…every day.

The story I recently wrote; the second in The Parable Girl series is not collection of parables like the first book. The Parable Apprentice is a coming-of-age novella about an unpopular fourteen-year-old girl. She goes about her day not expecting anything but ordinary and without coincidence walks into her calling. She is purposefully named Faith because she has to grow into her name. Has anyone you know been told they have a big name they had to grow into?

Faith journeys and competes to win the coveted title of The Parable Apprentice yet there is a bigger message. Faith learns more about gifting and God along the way. This a parable for teens and women alike. Do we ever let go of who we were as kids? We all have a little Faith in us that needs to be shaken up, stirred and poured out for the greater calling in the body of Christ.

The Parable Apprentice novella, coming to Amazon Marketplace and Audible Fall 2023.

New Video!

Fortress of Clay

Happy New Year! 2020 has been a rocky road for us all. I pray you and your love ones have a prosperous and restorative 2021.

These past weeks have been troubling for the nation (let’s face it these past 4 years). I didn’t know what to think of what I saw. There were no words. Then I thought of another scenario and asked myself, would it have the same reaction? Would it have the same ending? I knew the answer to that one.

There is always a kingdom message for everything that is brought to our attention so I asked God, what is this about?

- I go to God when I have questions no one else can answer. And He gave me a parable.

This parable I dedicate to the marginalized, the misunderstood, the overlooked, the wandering, the questioning, those coming out of a complex and brutal past. God sees you, he calls you his own, he values you.

I present to you, Fortress of Clay, a parable for the times.

Abandoned. Without king nor government, they were left naked out in the open, visible for all enemies to see. They had no hiding place. They had no covering. The vicious elements of the sun and rain provided no shelter from their fury. Their weak and underfed bodies were knocked to and fro whatever the wind blew them there they went. So this varied and complex group, these cast aside people, searched lonesomely for home. The vulture snatched what they could cultivate and took it for its own. They picked up and continued their search.

Resilient. Their people were a remnant of an ancient time where they lived in wealth and abundance, which was no more. Those that walked beside one another dwindled as so many gave up hope for what lied ahead. Looking towards a promised land many perished on the journey. But some never gave up what they knew was drawing near. What their eyes couldn’t see yet what their faith could touch.

Just when their cries were merely grunts of survival there emerged a plateau and what sat upon it was a dwelling place made from the earth. The people had found their place. They regained strength fighting off the cobra and night prowlers to claim this palace of clay. When they entered in, the enclosure covered their nakedness, the elevated temperature warmed their deprived feet. As they looked back they noticed their location had turned their predators to flight.

There in the shadowed place peace replaced what was stolen. There amongst each other they witnessed the restoration that they had longed for.

And there the fortress of clay still stands welcoming any outsider, any outcast, all who are turned away, any one looked down upon, or underrepresented, undermined , looted of place , destiny and dignity. There is a fortress, an enclosed place of refuge where no predator can sneak into. This is the shelter of the Most High. When you are running empty, disillusioned and excommunicated this place is there, waiting for you. Back away from the hatred, pull away from the TV and news feed, pull away from the distraction. Let him be your covering. Leaders may mislead, family may not understand, people may shade but God wants to be your shelter, your hiding place, the place beyond the noise. He is saying call to me. I want to be sought by you.

He that dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalms 91

No matter what is going on in politics, no matter what toxicity is in the air or the White House you are loved by a sovereign who desires you. He wants to be your country and your crown. He wants to be your everything. So when you see atrocities’ you go to pray for answers instead of reacting. When you pray you enter a place above discrimination, above the polluted minds, above hatred, above bigotry and above LIES!

I am glad I found a place that will not strip me but cover me, not devalue me but value me, not leave me defenseless but defend me, a place where the God who became man; who is now sovereign is my eternal defense against the evils of this world.

Our ancestors prayed to this God and he set them free before Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1865.

Jewish people were free before Hitler took his life and Soviet forces liberated Auschwitz in January 1945.

We are liberated before the sitting President leaves office on….January 20, 2021.

Why? When we go to the secret place we have left our earthly troubles behind and feel God. We, who are broken and filled with decay become a fortress where the spirit of God dwells. We are that fortress of clay, the sooner we realize the sooner we will be there.

And this clay is only temporary.

This fortress of clay (point to self) will behold a heavenly body in a mansion decked out in gold one day.

Point of this parable: WE MATTER.

-The Parable Girl 2021

The Bold Urchin

In an unassuming town there lived a wealthy man with a huge estate. The estate sat upon a hillside overlooking the town below. Each morning he would rise from his slumber and think of how he could spend his fortune. He wanted to give settlements to those that would ask but no one ever did. The town dwellers cowered in his presence, intimidated by his grandeur. They would rather stay in their weather beaten shacks than approach him for anything. The town beggars didn’t dare ask for a penny terrified he would belittle them. They spoke in whispers when he was near, the boisterous voices of the town crier hushed when he walked by . Wherever his presence went the townspeople kept their distance. The reason being the townspeople were ashamed of their rags and self conscious of their lack. When the wealthy man entered a shelter one day he gave great portions of food away. All the men were satisfied with their portion. All the women were satisfied with their portion. All the children were satisfied with their portion except for one. “May I have more please?,” she asked. “I’m still hungry.” The others scolded her in disdain. “You are an embarrassment . How could you ask for more? Don’t you know what you are? You are a filthy urchin. You get what you get! Don’t you know who he is? He is too glorious for you to approach. You get what you get! But the wealthy man turned to the child with a broad smile. He had been waiting for this little interruption from normalcy all along. “Take it all” He gave her what was left over. He began to walk away and heard her speak again, “May I come live with you?” The people gasped, their faces decorated the room in a horrid fashion. Then silence fell on their upturned mouths when the wealthy man approached the little urchin dressed in rags . He took her hand and leveled his eyes with hers. “Not only will you live with me dear child, you will receive my inheritance . You will become a heir to my estate because you had the prowess to ask. All the townspeople gaped in astonishment as the little urchin took the wealthy man’s hand and walked out of the shelter ,up to the hillside, where inheritance waited on her.

This is my parable of the week. It answers the question, how can we approach God? Before Jesus we couldn’t approach God at all. If a person wanted to speak to God they would have to go to a priest and bring a sacrifice for their sins. Before Jesus salvation was only for Jewish people; a select few. After Jesus salvation is offered to all people. It doesn’t matter where you were born, what you have done, what family you have, how many people like you, or how much money you have. All you have to do is accept Jesus into your heart and walk boldly before him. Be like the urchin girl and speak up and ask for what you need and what you desire.

“So let’s walk up right up to Him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.”

-Hebrews 4:16

There is no barrier between you and God. He desires and delights in our need for him. When we approach God boldly he shows us grace, mercy and favor. He forgets what we have done in our past and ignores how the world sees us. God is not like people he won’t hold us in contempt or judge us by how much money we make or how many followers we have. He just loves us. It is not complicated. Love covers a multitude of sin. Just like the wealthy man wiped away the filth that was holding the girl in bondage. Jesus sets us free to live the lives we were always meant to live. Just like the wealthy man released the girl from a conceptual prison, God releases you from what holds you back. He is saying , “Come to me, I have set you free from guilt, shame, fear, lack and negative people. Come to me. Walk right up to my throne without fear and I will get on your level to bring you where I am.”

Isn’t that what Jesus did for us? He came down to cleanse our tenement hearts so we could walk boldly into our estate and live with him for eternity.

If you liked this parable be sure to share it with someone you know who needs encouragement. Sign up for my newsletter to hear more parables.

The Parable Girl: parables for today’s women is available on Amazon.com

There's Something about Brazen Beauty Intro to the Course

There’s something about real freedom. It doesn’t put you in a box. I’m not talking about an external freedom of liberty, justice, or civil rights that’s great but if you have all of that and are spiritually bound then you are still trapped. This freedom does not shrink with criticism or is hungry for acceptance or validated by anyone but God. I always wanted the kind of freedom where I spend my life being a blessing and not being scared to stand out and live to my true potential. I know that means you have to take risks, you have to go where no one in your family has gone generations before and venture out into deeper waters. But I know the feeling of fear and anxiety questioning every new step causing me to overthink and doubt my purpose.

Go that far? Do you see how deep the waters are? What if I drown? You know I’m not that good of a swimmer. I don’t know what’s out there. Naw, I’m good. I’m safe right where I am.

But do you know it’s boring to be safe? You will never reach your God given purpose (Jer.29:11) if you walk the walk of a manufactured product, if you are the same as everyone else, if you never get off the conveyor belt, if you follow what everyone does. And the bigger lost is always something greater than ourselves and our own agenda. How can you teach the next generation what you never have done? How can you influence (disciple in parable terms) if all you do is copy what someone in the past has said and done. There’s no faith in that! There is nothing really striking about that. There is no bold in safe. And faith is not safe it’s audacious and outrageous but it produces perseverance and success.

Here at The Parable Girl is where you get your training in bold faith. This is your training site. And you ask really? What can The Parable Girl do for me and what is all this training me for…?

1. to Trust God boldly not your instincts

2. to Walk by Faith not by Sight,

3. to Leave Insecurity Behind and take small or big steps( depending on your faith level) into the narrow road of freedom from rejection and failure.

4. to Begin the robing process, (not robbing) with a beauty this world can’t give and can’t take away. If we make this our lifestyle, our business plan, our motto then we are on the incline to a beautification that goes beyond skin deep. This beauty comes from the transformation of the heart, stirs passion to accomplish our goals, not making excusing, diminishing distractions and influences others. Our radiance becomes attractive to others and they too want this beautification. Before you know it this beautification of brazen women ignites in every god fearing woman’s runway, her place of influence and marketplace. It is not magic. It is the power of holy chemistry. What God always wanted for his wo-man. From the beginning he wanted us to walk in confidence, build up a thirst for more, not to be greedy but to be generous. As mothers and protectors of earthly creation, when we are whole we can raise a village of wholeness. Imagine that!. As we get more poured into us, we pour out more to other sisters, our husbands, our brothers, our kinfolk, our business partners, the foreigner and the needy.

How exuberant would it be if we depended on God the way we depend on the government?

the way we depend on the hair and beauty industry?

the way we depend on men, entertainment, experts in medicine and finance and everything else? This is what being a parable girl is about...the deepening dependence on God, our father and creator and the freedom he gives us when we believe him with boldness

-a boldness that is fierce and beautiful.

istock photo

If you want this beauty that is not diminished with age or circumstance go on this pilgrimage with me in the comfort of your home. Over the next few weeks I will prepare a wealth of resources to get you ready for the launch date September 26th. Yeah! As you take this course with me I promise you will receive more from God in every aspect of your life just like I did and am still receiving! You will hear my restoration testimony and story of the origin of theparablegirl ten years ago in the quiet place of my living room and deep in my soul. Where God meets all his children. Today with all the craziness of 2020 I want to share what I know and learned through the journey with you. I will explain why I am peaceful and content yet also awakened and filled with wild courage; expectant for what’s to come. I want to be a blessing to my sisters with the knowledge and satisfaction God has bestowed upon me. I hope this has inspired and motivated you to want and see more. Subscribe to hear weekly updates and follow me on Instagram @officallyparablegirl as we grow brazenly beautiful together.

-parable girl Camille

hi i’m camille julien aka cj, creator of the parable girl. i wanted to build a safe place in the virtual world to learn more about our purpose, identity and how to use our gifts to the glory of god! feel free to browse and don’t leave without grabbing some goodies. tell a friend, leave a comment and come back ya hear!

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Brazen beauty ebook

Coming 9.26.20

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The parable girl

trust God, see more get your copy today!

Lord, Disinfect My Heart

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10

We may have asked throughout the social distancing weeks, Do I have mask to protect myself from the dangerous elements outside my door? Do I have gloves to protect my hands? Do I have enough food to eat during this lockdown? Do I have enough toilet paper? Do I so on and so on.. During a time when the world is panicking are we panicking too? When the world needs some guidance are we offering this or are we nodding around conversations about the world coming to an end and shaking our heads in despair after hearing a new death count? Some people are falling at the hands of a tormentor we can see; Fear.

One elderly lady died not from the virus but from someone several years her junior knocking her on the head because she was not respecting social distancing in the hospital. I pray that younger one was not calling herself a Christian.

Because we know no weapon formed against us shall prosper, we know greater is he in us than he that is in the world. Christians don't fear, we stand on our faith. We help our neighbors, we don’t take them out.

Like the Good Samaritan, we should think of others doing this time, we should provide comfort and share positive stories (I know a handful of people that are recovering and have recovered from this virus), we should offer the way to Jesus during this time. We should pray for others not just our family members during this time. We should pray for people we have never met.

Are we apart of the problem? Are we another voice in the crowd swaying in the wind? Or are we a tree planted on a firm foundation with roots so deep we will not fall no matter how much wind blows our way? Are we reading the news and watching reports just to say:

US: wow this is crazy

or

to serve a purpose to pray and to diligently seek the Lord on behalf of the world?

Are we slaying this invisible enemy in the Spirit or are we laying down going through the motions? The enemy never takes a day off so we shouldn’t either. I am speaking to myself, I’m speaking to my heart and your heart what the Lord has spoken. Let our mouths be a disinfectant. Let's disinfect sensationalism, let's disinfect chaos, let's disinfect fear, let's disinfect the spread of selfish behavior. Let’s disinfect our motives, let’s disinfect our hearts and pray with a fire so fierce it ignites everyone else around us!

With this holy fire let's pray for:

First Responders

Medical Professionals

People Afflicted

Families of People Afflicted

Families of Those who have Passed

Our Youth, Parents at Home

Our Neighbors

Those that don’t know Jesus

Our seniors

Pastors and Church Leaders

Those that have lost their jobs

Panicked, Restless People

The incarcerated

The Homeless

The unborn

Restoration and Cleansing of Our Land

Let's be up on our current events but instead of worrying let’s sincerely do our part and pray for our fellow man and woman. Let’s look beyond self and see what needs we can meet temporarily and eternally.

Please comment and let me know if I have missed anyone.

Prayer for the Afflicted

Winter Feels Like

Barren winter, with his wrathful nipping cold; … the icy fang and churlish chiding of the winter's wind… bites and blows upon my body; I shrink with cold; what freezings I have felt, what dark days seen, what old December's bareness everywhere!

Except Shakespeare we are in February and I live in the swinging climate state of Georgia so I’m not sure about freezing temps. I can relate to the bare trees. However winter can be rough and destitute in other ways. Winter can frost the heart, winter can leave our bank accounts dry and our attitudes towards everything chapped.

Winter is like depressing!

If that is your perspective.

Faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things unseen. But that doesn’t mean it’s not there.

Look, see I am doing a new thing! See how it springs up? -We may not See it yet but it’s still there.

Under the ground seeds are cultivating and growing, what may look dead is preparing for a new season. God is preparing you for a new season too. And He doesn’t want you to miss a thang. ( I feel a song coming on…)

So how do we see more? How do we get to that next level of faith?

Preparation is key.

While you are in the winter are you preparing and cultivating your talent?

While in the winter are you asking God for wisdom on direction or are you allowing the harsh winds get the best of you, tossing you to and fro?

When we hear of devastating tragedies are we telling everyone we know for the sensationalism or are we aware of our own short seasons of life with our loved ones?

Are we keeping to ourselves, burying ourselves in work and seclusion or are we building strong friendships and alliances with a like minded crew?

So Although it may feel like The Coldest Winter Ever in your life, it’s not the end. It’s a process. Every step forward is a big feat.

I believe we all need to be encouraged no matter where we are in our faith.

I want to share with you all God has shared with me in this winter season this far.

So here it is my winter gift to you! ( Click on the link or the picture below to snag.)

Enjoy Parable Crew!

The winner is...

The winner of the Parable Girl Contest is…

Amanda!!

Congratulations, Amanda your book is on the way! I hope you are blessed by what you read!

If you want to hear more about fun contests to enter in the future sign up to become a Parable Member and receive weekly messages letting you know all the ways you can experience seeing more with The Parable Girl.

Want a devotional that speaks to what your going through every week? I am working hard and studying hard to create devotionals that encourage and support your spiritual growth! I can’t wait to preview, The Parable Girl Speaks 20/20 Vision Winter Edition next week!

The Parable Girl is now available. Get your copy today.

“I came looking for a job. I realize now I was the one being pursued.”

— The Parable Apprentice

Recover your sight

"Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand."
Matthew 11.15

We know from watching the vision impaired that their sense of sound is heightened because they use this sense to see the world around them.

What if we, not being naturally blind but supernaturally challenged begin to use our ears to see more?

Of course we can't do this without a master guide, a necessary tool, our walking stick, our daily attendant, the Holy Spirit.

How do I know I have Holy Spirit?

After you receive Christ.

You simply ask for the Holy Spirit. And He will come. You don’t have to memorize 10 verses of scripture or complete a biblical quiz, just pray sincerely.

And then like a person who has invited someone to their house expect His arrival.

Anticipate His company, provide a place (your temple) He feels comfortable residing.
Then you will understand when God speaks to your heart.

You will begin the journey of recovery over all you lost when your arms were outstretched feeling your way in the dark.

I too am on the path of recovery.

Next week look out for more on this series of Recovery.

If you haven't already sign up for my subscriber's newsletter so you wont miss anything new and upcoming!

Shout out to Feedspot.com!

They are doing amazing things on the web for Christian writers. Please check them out. They added The Parable Girl on their Top 100 Christian Book Review Blogs and Websites To Follow in 2020 List.

Talk soon Parable seekers
Love you Beyond
-the Parable Girl

Jesus Over Popularity Score

And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

John 1:5 KJV

Jesus’ birth and death was prophesied by the prophet Isaiah over 700 years and the prophet Micah 400 years before it actually happened!

I believe Jesus’ generation and the ones before him were not “a wait on it and see more generation”. That’s why they needed prophets for their time to help them with their issues. Almost kind of like our generation is “the make it happen now” group. We praise those that are well liked and popular. We imitate those with many followers with hopes we will one day be like them. We admire those with influence and prestige and want to know what a day in their life looks like so we subscribe to their channel. There’s nothing wrong with that. It’s only when it becomes a place of counting score and comparing are we zapped back into high school and care what the “popular crowd” says about us.

We all know Jesus was born in a manger even though he was the King of All Kings. His first residence was with the farm animals, how can anybody follow that?

Jesus’ life and ministry wasn’t glamorous. He wasn’t followed by people of worldly importance nor people held in great esteem but by tax collectors, prostitutes, shepherds, foreigners, non Jews, fornicators, adulterers, unknowns, the sick, the destitute and fishermen. Why would God Almighty choose such a unpopular crowd to hang with?

Jesus didn’t choose what was trending in his day over his assignment from God. He didn’t have time to float around with the Pharisees and Sadducees tooting his nose up with pompous airs about his knowledge and advanced spirituality. He didn't waste time praying extravagant prayers to be seen by the public and church. He didn’t desire the likes of powerful men. He stood face to face with the devil and told him to flee when offered all the kingdoms of the world. Jesus #goals wasn’t to rule the world; it was to save it from itself.

Because he doesn’t look at materials that fade away. God looks at the heart, the soul, the character of a man or woman. The forgiveness they have for another, the compassion they show, the sincerity that shines through and the passion to see more with their spiritual eyes than they could ever see with their natural ones. His goal was to be the Master Teacher of parables so others can grow into the spiritual giants they were meant to be. Those with hunger were the ones he taught and trained, the ones that were seeking the kingdom of God Matt. 6:33.

Because He knew those he trained would be willing to sacrifice their lives to spread the light of the gospel, to get dirty in the trenches, to be relentless even when rejected and looked over, to teach and reach when their own disciples don’t get it the 1st, 2nd or 3rd time, even when those very disciples fall away or even betray him which is not such a popular thing but he didn’t come to be popular.

Will you choose popularity over Jesus? He didn’t choose popularity over you.

So let your light shine even if that's not what everyone is doing. Be unafraid to stand alone. Our Messiah did it. You can too. Know that your father in heaven sees you and rewards you with His grace and favor!

Merry Christmas! Here is a free printable for you!

Your very own purpose driven festive cards to post at your desk or on your fridge or prayer wall to remind you to choose Jesus over the trend.

If you would like more free printables and declarations subscribe to my email list!

She Will

Children are a gift from the Lord;they are a reward from him.

Psalms 127:3 NLT

1. Medical Leave

2. Grave Diagnosis

3. Childbirth Pain

4. Not enough Preparation (Who Has Enough?)

5. Lack of Sleep

6. Endless Diaper Changes

7. Loss of Privacy

8. Mama Bear Syndrome

   All of that and then some came when I had my daughter…

   And you might be thinking Man that’s rough!

However, I would do it all over again because she overshadowed all of what may have been too much to handle if she wasn’t with me, needing me, hilariously getting nourishment from me when I lacked it. Funny how God works things out for our good. Being home with her allowed me to publish my book and start my t-shirt business. Funny how God supplies all our needs; I am now well and strengthened; and our children’s needs; she never missed a beat during the whole process! She caught her first cold at 18 months! Wow. He works double overtime for His children that he loves so dearly especially when we extend our hands to our Father for help. Psalms 121:1

Though he takes care of the sparrows that are sold for two cents; how much will he take care of you that are more valuable than many sparrows? Matt. 10:29-31

We worry about our children so much. Who will they be? What kind of friends will they have? Will they ever sleep through the night? Will we ever sleep through the night? Are we going to be great parents? And God’s like, “I got this”. You’re not the first parent I ever created. (Insert an almighty eye roll)

Wherever God takes me…I trust Him with the journey. Just like I trusted Him with my healing. I trust Him with my parenting.

I have her and this precious time, to mold and build her confidence. I have the scars I didn't have in my twenties. I have the weight I didn’t have when I wore my mermaid wedding dress(Goals). But her love, her love is worth it. Because when she looks at me she's not looking at my scars, she's not looking at my flaws, my brokenness, my mess ups…she's looking at her mama. The one who sang to her in the womb, the one who declared in the atmosphere she would be someone great, someone kind, someone fierce, someone who will choose to bow down to God's throne over the clay kingdoms she will one day create.

And she will. Why? Because God said she is a reward from the heavens. Because God says she is someone worth fighting for, someone worth wrapping in decadent protection and careful instruction. This gift is not just for me but for the Kingdom's glory. I believe she put fire in my bones to help me drive the tumors away along with my great gargantuan faith.

I don't care what someone has spoke over your child. He or she will declare the works of God and live out their purpose with boldness and confidence. Speak it!

Mamas, you didn’t go through pain to not see the seed grow, you don’t have scars without a testimony. Your child/ children will grow from the seed you speak. Start speaking all the goodness your heart can hold. Because we know our hearts are big enough to bring down a tapestry of heaven's favor for our children.

Declaration for my Daughter-

She will know her purpose at an early age.

She will pursue the Lord and follow him wholeheartedly.

She will dust herself off from any setbacks that try to get in her way.

She will stand for what's right when no one else is standing.

She will never give up on her dreams.

She will never be ashamed of how God created her.

She will walk boldly and upright for her King.

She will honor her mother and father and others.

She will humble herself when she needs to be humble.

She will kindhearted and include not exclude.

She will see more in the spirit in her youth than I ever could with the help of the Holy Spirit.

She will be protected by His grace and favored in the Earth and in the Heavens.

Her husband will be chosen by God and she will pray and wait for Him.

She will let her light shine brightly everywhere He has for her to go.

Click here to download a free declaration for your son or daughter!

NEW PARABLE STORE ON AMAZON!

9 Reasons to Have Gratitude Despite Your Troubles

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16.33

In this world we will have trouble it is a disclaimer to being a Christian yes you will have everlasting life but in this life there will be some good days and some days you want to forget. But God also told us every single one of them is working for our good. Imagine the child that doesn’t want to eat his green beans because it makes him gag his mom or dad says eat them because they are good for you. What else do they say? Yes, I know because I said so! I wasn’t talking about that one. I was talking about because “they will make you big and strong”. I can now say I’m not so big but I’m definitely strong because I listened (most of time) to what my parents had to pour into me. It’s the same with God. He knows life is sometimes a hard pill to swallow and it may leave us with some serious wounds that may take a while to heal. But with Him on our side they will heal. Life may leave us with a sour after taste but that burning in your throat will subside. Promise.

Here are 9 reasons why we should have Gratitude despite our Troubles.

(just had one right now…my one year old deleted all of my content before I could save it. Urgggh! Breathe. Regroup. Repeat.)

9. Because although you may be scarred you are a son and daughter of God and with Him there is nothing you can’t rise from…

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Philippians 4.13

8. Because although you may be scarred He created you for greatness for His glory…

For from him and through him and for him are all things.

Romans 11.36

7. Because although you may be scarred life is not just worth living but worthwhile.

For I have a purpose and a plan for you, declares the Lord, to prosper you and not harm you, to give you a hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29.11

6. Because although you may be scarred God is doing a new thing with you, inside you is a spring of living water that grows the sprouting seed that someday will bear good fruit.

See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland.

Isaiah 43.19

Praise Break!

Alright, back to the list. What number was I on? Oh yeah, five.

5. Because although you may be scarred there is nothing that can defeat you, nothing that can uproot you, nothing that can wipe you out, even though you may fall a hundred times your DNA makeup causes you to bounce back…

A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.

Psalm 91.7

4. Because although you may be scarred joy heals all wounds…

For his anger lasts only a moment,
but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may stay for the night,
but rejoicing comes in the morning.

Psalm 30.5

3. Because although you may be scarred Jesus is always with you…

And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

Matthew 28.20

2. Because although you may be scarred truth is freedom and we are no longer slaves of deception…

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

Galatians 5.1

1. Because although you may be scarred life with Jesus is just grand…

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

Well, that’s all folks! Well I can go on and on but I will not due to reading purposes. Until next time abound in His gracious love. Hit me up on the comment box below if you have anything to add!

The Parable Girl Speaks

Level Up. See Beyond. Believe Beyond.

Long Distance Call...Battle Scars of Gratitude Series

Do they remember us?

Can our loved ones remember us when they die?

I know most people don’t write their epitaphs in their early thirties. Some think its macabre or creepy but I was won over by a teaching from Dr. Tony Evans. He stated, “what would you write on your epitaph for other people that you have left behind?

Well not you, someone on your behalf because you would not be here to write it. It took me a few days to come up with something.

I was stumped but I love a challenge. I was thinking of something deep but how many of you know there is wisdom in simplicity?

So mine would be, Because God said so and she agreed.

The statement of how I live my life is what it will stand for when I die or as we Christians say- fall asleep. You should try it because it is meaningful to do and beyond self because you won’t be here to see how many likes it gets.

So what happens when we leave this place called Earth?

What happens to our Spirit and soul when we transition on outta here?

And when our loved ones leave before us do they still remember their lives?

Do they remember us?

The Bible tells us the afterlife is real. So our loved ones are not a bunch of Caspers floating around somewhere in our thoughts. They are real too.

Sometimes our dreams of our loved ones is like a long distance call or for our modern word a blurry video chat via the clouds; impossible to recreate when we wake.

Listening to Dr. David Jeremiah’s, Where Are they Now ?…and having a conversation with my husband on what are the deceased really doing up there??- reawakened this great energy about eternity and I’m prepared to share what I have learned with you. I hope it comforts and reminds you that this place we call home is not our home. It is a hotel and we are on a long distance business trip.

Even though it hurts, really hurts,

-losing an organ hurt,

-without any prep hurt,

to lose someone.

When they are in Christ they are not that far away and we are on our way to see them soon, very soon.

Here are ways we know our loved ones are very much awake and are so much better off than we could ever imagine.

1. They are Home.

Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5.

If you were given a choice to suffer or go home, which choice would you choose? If you got a glimpse of your eternal home were there was no weeping, or hunger, or evil just the comforting arms of the Father and the fullness of his love would you stay? If heaven opened wide to take you in would you turn your head? I think not. Those in Christ are not sleeping, their fleshly bodies are sleeping but they are not. They are living the good life kicking their feet up home at last.

2. They Remember.

But Abraham said to him, ‘Son, remember that during your lifetime you had everything you wanted, and Lazarus had nothing. So now he is here being comforted, and you are in anguish. Luke 16:25

The story Jesus told in the book of Luke was real. Jesus was recounting his experience in heaven otherwise he would not call them by name. The characters in parables Jesus spoke were never given any intimate names this story was a retelling. Abraham says to the rich man remember when…that means when we transition and leave our body we can remember when…Also the rich man talks about going back to save his family. Whether you are in hell or heaven you can remember. People in hell have regrets. People in heaven have perfect peace so they live without regrets. They only have happy associations of their former life.

3. They were escorted by Angels.

Finally, the poor man died and was carried by the angels to sit beside Abraham at the heavenly banquet. The rich man also died and was buried, and he went to the place of the dead. There, in torment, he saw Abraham in the far distance with Lazarus at his side. Luke 16:22‭-‬23

Closing their eyes to this world only means they open them to marvelous light. The first to greet them are God’s holy messengers neither evoking fear or causing confusion but the polar opposite. What an epic flight and glamourous way to enter the gates of glory!

4. They are living it up in Paradise.

Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:42‭-‬43

The thief on the cross gave his life (the last few seconds) over to Jesus. And Jesus being the Savior he is accepted and gave him a one way ticket to Paradise. When Jesus died for the world’s sins he entered into Paradise; the Third Heaven with the redeemed thief and all the other righteous saints that had died before the resurrection. So our loved ones are meeting all the saints and having a continual feast with every born again person from history. That sounds like living the best life. What do you think?

5. They are with Jesus.

When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.” John 14:3‭-‬4

This pertains to us or those that are raptured when Jesus returns. It is also a message to those that accept Jesus as their Savior and lay down their lives before Him. There in this scripture Jesus is making a promise that he will always be with us. He is with our loved ones and they are with Jesus. What a triumphant relationship. Who wouldn’t want to be so close to a Savior, our Savior. In his arms they know everything makes sense.

If you confess with your mouth “Jesus is Lord” and believe in your heart he rose from the dead then you shall be saved. Romans 10.9

When our long business trip draws to a close and our purpose on Earth is complete we too will be in line for the greatest homecoming unbeknown to the fleshly eye.

My Book Recommendations on this topic and related topics to help you with your walk with the Lord.

This post contains affiliate links.

“The more questions you ask the more chaos you create. I can’t satisfy a flesh question with a spirit answer. “

-Dr. Cheryl Salem

Trust. Jesus.

I hope this was a good feed for your soul. If it was please share.

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