You Are Enough

Believing who God says you are

By Taquila Coleman

Let’s talk about that point in life when you just don’t feel good enough. This is something that I’ve struggle with in the past. I remember the day when I put myself in counseling for depression. My therapist asked me, “What brings you in today?” I stated to her how I felt unloved, not tolerated, not good enough and rejected by everyone around me. After our session, later that evening, God led me to 1 Peter 2:9-10. It read, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”

After reading that verse, I asked, “What are you saying to me, God?” He then led me to replace the word “people” with the word “daughter” to make it personal for me to receive and so I did, and this is what I began to speak, “I am a chosen daughter, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a daughter belonging to God.”

I began to repeat the words, “I am chosen! I am holy. I belong.” I repeated these words over and over again and out loud to myself every day, until I began to believe that was what God was telling me (which I now know to be true).

God wants you to know this too, sis. You are enough! If you are a child of God, you are chosen. You are holy. You belong to Him. So, I encourage you to stop trying to fit in and get people to like you, if you’ve been doing that. God has already given you a place in His family. You don’t have to continue to do things for people in order for them to like, love, or accept you. You don’t have to do things in order to get what you have already been given.

Who you are is enough. You are the daughter of the Most High God. He said you are holy and dearly loved, full of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience according to Colossians 3:12. So, it’s time to walk in who God says you are and know that you are truly enough.

~Taquila

Taquila Coleman is a contributing writer for Inside Out with Courtnaye. She is also a motivational speaker, personal life coach, and author. She is on a mission to support women who need healing from the pain of divorce, abuse, and tragedy. For more information about her ministry and book, please visit her website @ http://taquilacoleman.com/.

He Understands

You can go to the throne of grace today

By Brenda Barrino

What a blessing it is to have a God who can relate to our pain, struggles, fears and misunderstandings! When Jesus walked this earth, He took on flesh and blood. I can imagine that it would be quite hard for Him to relate to our pain, if He had never experienced pain. Yet, He suffered first, so He totally understands when we suffer.

First Peter 4:1 says, “So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too.” The Bible also tells us in Hebrews 4:15-16, “For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

Wow! I guess that eliminates the thought of, “But God, you just don’t understand.” Yes, He does, because Jesus felt every nail, every beating, every thorn, and every piercing. That is pain beyond our imagination. And you know what? He took that pain for you and I.

He dealt with sickness, homelessness, and anything else we can imagine. The Bible says that He was tempted in ALL points—that means everything and anything that we experience can be related to our Savior. The amazing part about all of this is that even through everything that He went through, He was still yet without sin. Now that’s powerful!

So, I would say that it’s time out for making excuses and trying to figure everything out on your own.  Instead, take it to Jesus. He understands. And there is no need to be ashamed. Remember, the latter part of that scripture says to come boldly to the throne of grace, for we will obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

He wants to help you. In fact, He did what He did on the cross just so He can help you! But you can’t hold onto the problem and give it to Him at the same time. Give Him you—all of you and everything that comes along with you. Remember, He can be touched and He does understand.

As always, let’s lose ourselves so that we may be found in Him and ready when He comes.

~Brenda

Brenda Barrino is a contributing writer for Inside Out with Courtnaye. She is a Christian writer and inspirational blogger who has a passion for encouraging others in her generation through the word of God. Brenda has been in the education system for the past five years, which adds to her knack for teaching and leading young women. She is now a school counselor who enjoys traveling, writing, and helping others.

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When You Forgive, You Free Yourself

Making allowance for one another's faults 

By Yvonne Hobbs

We’ve all been in situations where someone has hurt or wronged us, and we are left with the decision on whether to forgive them or not. In most cases, we feel that they don’t deserve our forgiveness, and that in forgiving them we somehow condone their negative behavior. I’m not saying that forgiveness is easy, especially when we believe an act is deemed unforgivable. However, forgiveness is necessary.

In the Bible, Colossians 3:13 tells us, “You must make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” Even the Lord’s Prayer says, “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.” God forgives us daily, so we must forgive others!

Now, you must also understand there will be times when you must forgive even if you don’t hear or receive the words, “I’m sorry.” Also, if you don’t hear or receive the words, “Do you forgive me?” Even if you think you deserve it. Reason being is because the truth is, some people might not be apologetic for their behavior. They may think that they did absolutely nothing wrong. In either situation, this would be the time for you to turn to God and pray for Him to strengthen you, because it’s not going to be easy.

I have to tell you, there will be times when the feelings of anger, rage, sadness, and regret appear - and those feelings are valid. However, we must take all of those emotions right back to God. In addition to taking it to God, you can also write a forgiveness letter to get your emotions out, but you don’t have to send it. You can keep it, tear it up, or burn it, whichever you choose.

I know at my church, we have tissue paper that melts when it gets wet. So, whenever we need to forgive someone, we write their names on a piece of tissue, say a prayer of forgiveness, and toss it in the fountain and watch as it melts. It’s a very freeing experience! 😉

When you or I practice unforgiveness, we continue to hold onto the past and relive the situation repeatedly, causing the scab to never heal. Forgiveness doesn’t mean that you FORGET what happened - forgiveness allows you to let go and regain your power back. It will then be your choice, if you want to keep those same individuals in your life or not. Just know that if you do allow them to remain in your life, create new boundaries and a new relationship dynamic.

Let them know your trust must be earned back. And if you come to the conclusion that you just cannot have them in your life, pray about it, wish them well, and let them go. Because the most important thing is your peace of mind. Just remember, there's freedom in forgiveness.

~Yvonne

Yvonne Hobbs is a contributing writer for Inside Out with Courtnaye. She is also a wife and mother of two beautiful children, ages 14 and 18. Yvonne is originally from Minnesota, but relocated to Texas in 2014 to start a new life with her family. While she was nervous about the big move, she was excited to see what God had in store for her and her family. She has been working in the mortgage industry for 5 years, and even though this is how she makes her living, she recently discovered her passion for writing. And through her writing, she wants to help motivate, empower, and uplift women. Yvonne believes God has placed a gift in all of us, and she wants to help women tap into their true self, so they can begin to share their gift with the world, as well.

Removing the Veil

Unashamed of the scars of life

By Yvonne Hobbs

Some of us are walking through life covered in a veil. A veil of hurt, shame, guilt, insecurity, betrayal, and generational curses. Unfortunately, as we wear these veils, we don’t allow people to see our true selves, because to past heartache. Nevertheless, the time has come for us to heal and remove the veil!

The term itself actually means a piece of material worn by women to protect or conceal the face. Again, it’s time to shed ALL things that have been holding us back, and become the Kingdom women the Lord wants us to be. We cannot allow past hurts and scars caused by others steal our joy! We are fearfully and wonderfully made, and we were put here on this earth to do some amazing things with our lives.

For me personally, I was hiding behind a veil until I realized that all of my trials and tribulations I’ve endured in my life did not define me. Instead, they helped build my character and my strength! My journey wasn’t easy. It took time to work through all of the negative things that consumed me, but I was on a mission to find my joy, and I did! Praise God!!!

The Scripture James 1:2-4 (NLT) says, “Dear Brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for Joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.”

So, when you find yourself down in the valley, remember trouble doesn’t last always. Mediate on the Word of God, worship Him, and apply the principles in the Bible over your life and your situation. And then watch God start to change things!

You can be certain you have everything you need in the Word of God. My sister, let’s begin to live a life full of purpose and joy! It’s time to remove the veil!

~Yvonne H.

Yvonne Hobbs is a contributing writer for Inside Out with Courtnaye. She is also a wife and mother of two beautiful children, ages 14 and 18. Yvonne is originally from Minnesota, but relocated to Texas in 2014 to start a new life with her family. While she was nervous about the big move, she was excited to see what God had in store for her and her family. She has been working in the mortgage industry for 5 years, and even though this is how she makes her living, she recently discovered her passion for writing. And through her writing, she wants to help motivate, empower, and uplift women. Yvonne believes God has placed a gift in all of us, and she wants to help women tap into their true self, so they can begin to share their gift with the world, as well.

Give It to God

Casting your cares upon the Lord while praising Him

By Patty Garcia

About a week ago, I misplaced my somewhat brand new eye glasses. First thought was, "Bummer!" Second thought was, "Not today, Satan!" Satan wanted me to get over into the fear and worry side, but that was NOT going to happen. I immediately got over in my covenant with the Lord and commanded my angels to go and get what belonged to me - my eyeglasses. Then, I cast the care of this over to the Lord and I was not going to pick it up again.

The next day, I didn't hear from our grocery store, so my husband said, “We should go by and just check in.” You guys, my glasses had been found! Just like that - they were back in my possession. God is good! His Word tells us in 1 Peter 5:6 and 7 that we are to put ourselves under God's resourceful strength and give him the care that has weighed us down. Why? Well, it goes on to tell us, because He loves us.

So, how can you cast the care? 

1. Admit that you need help.

Some find it hard to tell anyone that they are the one in need. Personally, I did that far too long in my own life.  It was tiring, and it only left me in a deeper hole than I started out with. It is not good to be prideful. Pride won't let anyone in or help. Pride doesn't want anyone to know that help is needed. So admit that you need help, admit it to Jesus. He can't come in and move in your life until he has your permission.

2. Give him the care and leave it there. 

You may need a few moments alone hiding in a closet somewhere to chat with Jesus and that's okay, especially if you have held in cares for too long. Just give it to Jesus. If it’s one thing, like my eye glasses situation, stop wherever you are and give him the care. Then, don't go on days later asking him to take care of it, rather, you would go on praising him that his help has come and the answer is near. When you give God something to work with - well, he goes to work!

3. The waiting room. 

Go on about your business. The only thing you should be doing about the problem is whatever the Lord told you do. Follow his instructions. It's not your job to figure it all out. That's the Holy Spirit's job. He'll fill you in on your part, while you’re waiting. Again, cast your care, and leave it there.

4. Get your praise on! 

Celebrate when the victory is in the working. Celebrate when the manifestation arrives. God is good! He is so faithful to his word. He enjoys helping us. You can allow complaining and worry to delay the manifestation or your praise to set you up for a soon coming victory! Either way, you have got to get your praise on! #knowthat

Blessings,

Patty Garcia

www.knowthatgirlfriend.com

www.facebook.com/knowthatgirlfriend

Patty Garcia is a contributing writer for Inside Out with Courtnaye. She is a born again, spirit filled, Bible-believing child of God who gave her heart to Jesus at the age of 10. Immediately after high school she attended Texas Bible Institute in Columbus, TX. Since then, she has served God's people in the church while being a stay at home mom raising her children. She is a licensed minister under the leadership of her Pastor, Roxanne Alexander of Victory Church of Highland Lakes in Marble Falls, TX. Patty is also the women's ministry leader, youth leader as well as a team member in multiple ministry of helps areas for their church. Patty has been married to her creative husband, Hector for 13 years and together they have 3 beautiful gentle-hearted girls ages 12 years, 8 years, and 2 years old. Patty's heart is to reach and teach women from all walks of life about the power God has given to them to live this abundant life He promised us.

Resilient Faith

Building up your faith muscles against all odds

By Ricco Watley

Get a grip and get some grit. I’m talking about resilient faith.

Most of us are familiar with Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” But what does that really mean? Better yet, what does that mean to you?

Faith, to me, is not just something I have because of what I’ve read or heard. Yet, it’s something that I’ve experienced and encountered with God, personally. More than ever, 2017 was a year of Faith Building. I experienced several hardships and trials, but victory prevailed each time. God came through and showed Himself to be real every single time, which was at the exact moment that He had already predestined.

Faith in God, His abilities, His Word, and His power is a requirement on this Christian journey. Every step we take forward requires faith. No backup plans needed. If we always have something, other than what God has shown us to be true, waiting at the finish line as a reserve, we will always miss out on what God was trying to build in us. How will we otherwise see the works and manifestation of His promises, which are yes and amen, as it says in 2 Corinthians 1:20.

Building up your faith is like putting your body and brain on a fitness program! It will hurt and be hard in the beginning with physical and mental toughness, but once your muscles get used to the pain, the consistent routine, and the strengthening of your body, you will start to build that muscle mass. As a result, your mind, body, and soul will start to react favorably. You will feel more resilient! The same goes for our spirit and faith.

Our faith is tested during trials and tribulations. That’s when we have to endure and stand strong through the test of time. All the while, knowing that even though it may look like there is no end in sight, if we stay the course and keep trucking along through them (even when it’s hard), we will eventually see our way to the other side of our obedience. It’s all about remaining steadfast. Then when you reflect back, while recognizing and recounting the times when God provided for you (when seemingly it felt like it wasn’t enough), you’ll realize that it was just enough for that time and season.

Think about it. Had it been what you thought was enough, you would not have seen the manifestation of God’s full work in the situation. Your faith would have been short lived, because you would have easily dismissed the entire circumstance as an easy win. Or worse! You would’ve thought you did it on your own.

So in this New Year, as women in the Lord, let’s use those faith muscles that we’ve built over time and keep trusting and relying on God. Let’s put to work all the hard work of our faith into everything we do from this moment forward. And even if you start to grow a little weary, either because of the tasks or trials that you face in this life, refer back to the Word of God - specifically Hebrews 11. That chapter is filled with faithful servants who used their faith muscles, despite the tremendous odds they faced. They remained resilient unto the end. And you can too, no matter what odds you face now or up ahead!

Ricco Watley is a contributing writer for Inside Out wit Courtnaye. She is also a mom to one amazingly spectacular pre-teen boy. Ricco was born and raised in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, but she currently resides in "The Lone Star State of Texas." She enjoys loving on her family as much as she can, pizza, and writing. Her heart's desire is to live out the purpose that God has placed in her faithfully, and exactly as He orchestrated it.

Self-Care

The Importance of Taking Care of You

By Yvonne Hobbs

As women, we have a lot on our plates. We are raising children, running a household, being wives to our husbands, having a career of our own, and other various things that we do. Sounds like a lot, I know! And although we are all these things to other people, where are “we” on our to-do-list? While taking care of our families and others, who are indeed a blessing to us, sometimes we don’t provide ourselves with enough self-care. Unfortunately, as a result, we begin feeling overwhelmed with all the things that we’re juggling in our lives. Have you ever been there?

Ladies, we cannot continue to pour into everyone else without having anyone pouring into us. In this case, what happens is our cup will begin to run dry, and then we will have nothing to pour out at all. I, myself can relate.

The year of 2015 was my year of a total emotional breakdown. There was a loss in our family, my marriage of eight years was struggling, and I was still adjusting to living in a new state without my close family and friends. One night, I just couldn’t take it anymore! I dropped to my knees and I cried out to God like I had never cried out to Him before.  I begged for Him to heal my brokenness. I started to pray, and I submerged myself into the Word of God. Proverbs 3:5-6 is what I referenced to a lot, when I was going through this tough time; along with prayer and counseling from our church.

After a few months, things started to turn around for me. I started attending the women’s small group at our church and finally started to open up about what was going on in my life. I was finally getting poured into by other women as I mentioned earlier. It felt amazing! I knew that it was nobody BUT GOD turning things around for me!

I now have a great support system in place. I have a great group of girlfriends that I can call on if I need them, the communication between my husband and I improved tremendously, and our marriage is better now than ever! I still include the Lord in my everyday life.

So ladies, I know that was a lot to take in, but before you hit rock bottom like I did, here are a few things that you can do for your own self-care:

• If you have a husband, fiancé, or boyfriend, please express to him the things that you need from him. Remember, men are not mind readers, even though we want them to be, lol! It also puts everyone on the same page. Do check-ins with each other to make sure everything is good.
• Do not be afraid to ask for help! It feels great when some of the pressures are lifted off of you.
• Attend a small group at your church. You will find women there just like you. Because the truth is, everyone is battling something.
• Surround yourself with a group of girlfriends you can trust and be transparent with.
• Get deep into Scripture, because it provides wisdom and direction in life.

I pray this becomes a blessing to you, as it was for me!

~Yvonne H.

Yvonne Hobbs is a contributing writer for Inside Out with Courtnaye. She is also a wife and mother of two beautiful children, ages 14 and 18. Yvonne is originally from Minnesota, but relocated to Texas in 2014 to start a new life with her family. While she was nervous about the big move, she was excited to see what God had in store for her and her family. She has been working in the mortgage industry for 5 years, and even though this is how she makes her living, she recently discovered her passion for writing. And through her writing, she wants to help motivate, empower, and uplift women. Yvonne believes God has placed a gift in all of us, and she wants to help women tap into their true self, so they can begin to share their gift with the world, as well.

The Plan

Get ready for your best year yet in 2018!

By Patty Garcia

There is no doubt 2018 can be our best year yet, and it will be - if we choose to seek God and His plan for our lives this year. Personally, I have done my will so many times and each time it failed. Doing it my way led to hurts, disappointments, and a lot of aches and tears. However, I’ve also done it God’s way, which has always led me to blessing, peace, and joy! His way is just better.

Proverbs 3:1-6 teaches us simple steps that we can all walk through. I want to point out a few of them here for you…

The first thing we need to do in order to walk out God’s plan for us in 2018 is to find out what God’s plan actually is for us. We do this by looking at Proverbs 3:1 and 2. It reads, “My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying.”

So never forget the things you have been taught. Store God’s commandments in your heart. Spend time in the Word of God and find out what His promises are to you. Also, spend time in prayer asking Him to reveal His special plan for you in this new season – this New Year. I have to say, years ago, at Bible school I was taught to put the Word of God in me (even when it feels like I don’t need it), so that it will be there when I do need it. Needless to say, we will always need the Word of God!

The next thing that we need to do in order to walk out the plan of God in 2018 is to be kind! I find this one interesting. The Message version of Proverbs 3:4, tells us not to lose our grip on love and loyalty. It goes on to say that doing so earns us a good reputation with God and people. Hmm. Walking in love is a powerful thing and an ingredient to living a good life. God takes being kind and loyal seriously and so should we. My Pastor has taught me this very important lesson - It’s none of my business if YOU love me, rather, it is MY business to love YOU. Loving others and being kind to others changes lives.

I want to say here that the second part to that verse is being loyal. I believe this one has more to do with being loyal to God and His Word. This leads me to verse 5 about trusting God and not relying on our own understanding. Here’s the thing about facts. The facts of life may be telling you one thing, but the TRUTH of God’s Word says another. So whatever you need and desire in this life is found IN the Word of God! Go to IT and TAKE what has been given to you. I know I am! Remember, truth over facts any day!

I am ready for 2018, are you? Go ahead girl, take it on! You’ve got this. Remember, if God be for you, and HE is, then who in this world could be against you? Victory belongs to you! #knowthat Cheers to the best year of your life-YET!

Blessings,

Patty Garcia

www.knowthatgirlfriend.com

www.facebook.com/knowthatgirlfriend

Patty Garcia is a contributing writer for Inside Out with Courtnaye. She is a born again, spirit filled, Bible-believing child of God who gave her heart to Jesus at the age of 10. Immediately after high school she attended Texas Bible Institute in Columbus, TX. Since then, she has served God's people in the church while being a stay at home mom raising her children. She is a licensed minister under the leadership of her Pastor, Roxanne Alexander of Victory Church of Highland Lakes in Marble Falls, TX. Patty is also the women's ministry leader, youth leader as well as a team member in multiple ministry of helps areas for their church. Patty has been married to her creative husband, Hector for 13 years and together they have 3 beautiful gentle-hearted girls ages 12 years, 8 years, and 2 years old. Patty's heart is to reach and teach women from all walks of life about the power God has given to them to live this abundant life He promised us.