The Scarlet Thread

I’ve always been intrigued by the story of Rahab. We knew who Rahab was before we even knew her name. She's introduced to us as the harlot, Rahab. How many times do we label someone by their sin and not their name? That's why this story is so beautiful. It's full of faith and redemption. Yes, there was probably plenty of  people who were more “suitable” for this position in God’s plan but none of them would have compared to this story. God chose her. He saw her and knew her faith would be great. I’m sure when she woke up that morning she didn’t plan to have two spies stay at her house, to lie to the king’s servants, to risk her life and her family’s life for two absolute strangers.

One of my favorite things about this story is that she knew God was behind this entire thing. She had never experienced the same miracles and blessings that the Isrealites had, she had only heard of them. Listen to what she says to the spies in Joshua 2:11 ..and as soon  as we heard it, our hearts melted, and there was no spirit left in any man because of you, for the Lord your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath.

He is God. She knew who her Savior was. The moment that she opened that door her life would be changed. She showed her obedience and confidence, not only in the spies but with God, by placing that scarlet thread in the window (Joshua 2:21). She would no longer be the harlot of the story but a huge part in the lineage of King David (Matthew 1:5). Because of her actions she wove a thread throughout the Bible that would tie into the bigger scheme of things.

Hebrews 11:31 

By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient..

James 2:24-25 

You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?

This step of faith was only the beginning for Rahab. She’s the perfect example of letting your faith outshine your past. The scarlet thread saved her that day. It redeemed her. Quite similar to the blood of Jesus that redeemed our own sins and still does today. When God asks of something from you, how will you respond? Will you step out in faith? Will you change the course of your life? Will you without a doubt simply know that He is God? Remember Rahab most certainly was fearful but she knew this God she had heard so much about would be with her and would sustain her and He will do the same for you.

Loving the Girl in the Mirror

"Love the skin you're in." People tell us to love the person we see in the mirror on a daily basis, but if you're like me, they're words that go in one ear and out the other.

The world bombards us with lies. We're not worthy enough, thin enough, fit enough, smart enough, or pretty enough. We're just not enough. And all too often, it's the voice you listen to because it's the loudest. It's the images we see on the make-up commercials, the magazine covers we skim in the check-out line, and the words we hear/read when we're on the internet.

I've struggled with adult acne that came out of nowhere this past year and it's been the biggest internal/external battle I've faced yet. The world tells me that I need to cover up and hide. It tells me that I'm not good enough and no one will ever find me attractive. The world tells me I need to try harder or give up all together.

I listened to the world for some time, too. I didn't leave the house without make-up. I hid underneath scarves and hoodies with collars. I wore my hair down to detract attention to the imperfections on my cheeks.

But to be honest, trying to be "good enough" wasn't doing anything for me. My skin wasn't any clearer and I was finding an unhealthy dependence on make-up to feel confident in my own skin. And that's when I realized that the world will always tell us we're not enough and that we need to try harder. We need to try harder so we can find success, acceptance, and beauty.

But we have two voices to listen to. We can listen to the world or we can listen to Jesus. And it all comes down to choice--we've got to choose the One that will feed us, sustain us, and truly fulfill our longing hearts. The world says we're not enough but God tells us the exact opposite. He tells us that it doesn't matter that we have scars on our bodies or in our hearts. He tells us that we're beautiful. Made in His image and loved beyond measure. He tells us we're

The voice may not be the loudest in our lives, but it's the Truth and it's the voice I'm tuning my ear to listen for. 

Thank you all for returning to our last week of Beautiful You. It's been quite the journey and we hope you were encouraged & empowered. Never forget what you've read the past few weeks & never forget your worth. Also, If you would like to read more from today's beautiful guest, Kiki, click here!

When Love Kills

One of the most beautiful gifts that God has given us is the gift of relationships with friends, parents, boyfriends/girlfriends, spouses...etc. We all have dreamed of the day we would meet “the one” and we expect that relationship to be nothing short of love and happiness but, in reality, that expectation can deaden the relationship. No thing, no person can ever fulfill all of your expectations. No matter how wonderful your friendship/relationship is, you will still struggle. We are all human.  Sometimes we’re too tired to love after a hard day at work, sometimes we’re too grumpy to hold a normal conversation, sometimes we give and give all day that when we come home to our families we lash out. That “missing piece” that holds us all together can only come from our relationship with Jesus that overflows into that relationship and makes it satisfying.

When I first got married I had so many expectations, not intentionally but I still had them, and I learned the hard way my husband couldn’t fulfill my every desire. We were both coming together from two different worlds; I grew up in the “ideal” family with two loving parents where divorce was never even a thought. On the other hand, my husband came from a place where his mother had left them as young kids to seek her own desires of drugs and sin, they grew up with a hard-working single dad and grandparents who kept them on a church pew every Sunday. Talk about two different worlds coming together. We both learned, with a ton of heartache, that only Jesus could complete us.

If I'm being honest, some days it's too easy for me to be mean or to get angry about something I feel like he should have remembered. Some days I choose to be frustrated the rest of the night about something that happened at work. What's that saying they always tell you about work and home? "Leave your personal life at home and don't bring it to work with you." The same can be said when you come home, leave all your work frustrations at work. I feel like we forget about that. It's easy to leave your frustrations at home when you go to work because you have people to "please" yet, when we go home, Oh it's just our family. It doesn't matter. But it does matter. 

Having a healthy and fulfilling relationship stems first with our relationship with our Savior. It is in Him that we discover who he is, who we are and our purpose. Once we are complete in Him it begins to overflow into all of our relationships in our lives. If we do not make Jesus “enough”, if He does not become our everything then that dissatisfaction and discontentment begins to seep into other areas of our life. I'm sure you're tired of hearing this but it all starts at the mirror. That person staring back at you is the only one who gets to decide what you will do with your love, your words, your time. Will your love be authentic or fleeting? Will your words be fruitful or deadening? How will you create a healthier relationship?

Ephesians 5:1-2 ESV

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and walking in love, as Christ loved us...

I'm still learning every day. I'm still trying to heed Paul's advice to die daily (1 Corinthians 15:31). I'm still working on being a better friend, a better wife, a better daughter. Truth is, it's all about remembering that He is more than enough for us. When we allow Him to see our broken pieces, every flaw, every scar, He begins to heal, He begins to piece us back together. That is the key to maintaining healthy relationships, it begins by loving God, loving yourself and letting the overflow run into your surroundings. 

If you're just joining us, we're so glad you're here. We are in week 3 of the 4 part series, Beautiful You.  You can click here to read last week's post and be sure to join us next week as we end our series!

An Empty Well

If you're just joining us, we're so glad you're here. We are now in week 2 of the 4 part series, Beautiful You. Each week we want to dig deeper and encourage and empower every young woman who has ever experienced heartbreak, moments of feeling “not so beautiful”, and those who are still trying to figure out their role in this thing called “life”. Embrace this experience with us, all we ask is that you come with an open heart, an open mind and let Jesus do the rest. You can click here to read last week's post and be sure to join us next week!

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Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

I am currently reading a book, Grace Not Perfection by Emily Ley, I am asking you, begging you to please get it. In chapter two, she talks about us being an empty well. We want to give and help others but we have obligations and life calls us to responsibilities. We live in a time where we often compete on who can have the most on their plate and still maintain composure. Sit back and look at your plate, all the things you want to do and need to do, and answer these questions:

Who is taking care of you?

This question hit me square in the face! I am a mom of two little boys, I moved twice in one month, and built a house. I had piled my plate and was crashing. I was cranky, I was trying to be perfect and was failing miserably As I read this book at work, I wanted to cry, I wanted to give it all up and start all over.

How do you take care of yourself?

Well, there is the obvious, you are human, correct? I don’t have a “confirm you are not a robot” button but I will assume you need the basics such as water, sleep, good food and exercise. You also need care, love and a healthy heart. You need to be inspired and motivated to grow. If you don’t care for yourself, how can you care for those around you?

In Galatians 5:13-14 it says, You my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve on another humble in love. For the entire aw is fulfilled in keeping one command; Love your neighbor as yourself. Look at that last line, Love your neighbor as yourself. While you are running and caring for everyone and leaving yourself in the dust, you are not able to give those you love your best. You are loving them as you love yourself but you are on the back burner. 

I challenge you to make a list of what you can give up, what is not necessary in life, what is just adding stress to your life. Once you make that list, make a list of what makes you happy, what you would like to do more, something that would be considered taking time to love you. I know this sounds very selfish and “all about me” but if we can’t take of ourselves there will be nothing left to care for others.

Love yourself. Take time for you. Your love will shine through to others when you are full of joy, love and are glowing with God’s grace.

Hello Fellow Readers!

My name is Aleisha. I am a 20 something old, a wife to my best friend, a mom of the cutest two little boys, a lover of music, piano and singing whatever comes to mind, a receptionist and a dedicated reader of Refining the Wild Grapes.

If You Don't Have Something Nice to Say

I’m so excited that you’re here joining me in week 1 of the 4 part series, Beautiful You. Each week we want to dig deeper and encourage and empower every young woman who has ever experienced heartbreak, moments of feeling “not so beautiful”, and those who are still trying to figure out their role in this thing called “life”. Embrace this experience with us, all we ask is that you come with an open heart, an open mind and let Jesus do the rest.

How many times have you found yourself thinking or even whispering to the friend next to you, How could she possibly contribute to ministry with an attitude like that? or How can she act like that and still call herself a Christian? I’m guilty. It sounds terrible as I write this but it is so much easier to see the faults in others. I once read, you can see in others only what you have tasted yourself. Let that sink in. We are so quick to condemn what we are guilty of ourselves. Amos 3:3 states Can two walk together, except they be agreed? We share a common direction, a common purpose that is greater than all of us. It is so easy to dehumanize each other, pick apart all the good and bad and categorize them where we think they belong. I wonder though, if we can so easily do this to others, what do we say about ourselves? We are our own worst critic (once again, I’m guilty). What we think and say to that woman in the mirror can easily destroy us in a split second.

Remember that old saying as a child, if you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all. Usually that was meant so that we would be nice to our friends and stay out of trouble. But rarely do we see that used in the same context of the things we say about ourselves. How many times have you looked in the mirror and listed all the things you wish you could change?

Beauty is more than just superficial. No matter how cliché it sounds, it truly stems from the heart, it begins with having a Godly character. Although someone could be perceived as “beautiful” that could all change as soon as they open their mouth. If you’re filled with negativity, impatience, hurt, depression, anger, anxiety... it eventually makes its appearance. But what if we filled ourselves with more things like kindness, understanding, selflessness, love, forgiveness, etc. It’s not about being the perfect person but it’s more about mirroring who He is. How do we do this? By spending time in his Word, studying scripture, praying even if it’s just a little each day. No, it won’t make you perfect, but it will make loving yourself and others that much easier.

1 Corinthians 16:14 

Let all that you do be done in love.

Next time you’re about to let something roll off your tongue, whether about yourself or others, think about this:

•       What are your intentions? Are they to uplift or to destroy?
•      What if that thought you had or that comment you just made was directed toward someone you care about?
•       Are you speaking out of anger or love?
•       Did you take a second to pray for the individual?

Refuse to spend one more second magnifying the enemy’s plans; they are always aimed to destroy.  No matter what your thought or response is, let it be carried out in love. Remember, if you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all.

Click here for a free download to keep as a daily reminder & join us next week for part 2 of the Beautiful You series!

He Makes All Things New

There is something so refreshing about waking up to a new morning. Though yesterday may have been a day full of wrong choices and a hundred things on your list that didn’t get crossed off, this morning is different. I believe God intended for mornings to feel that way. In Psalm 30:5 He tells us, joy comes in the morning, to give us a hope that there is a new day ahead of us. Not only does he give us joy for the morning but he gives us the promise that the things of yesterday are gone, today all things are made new.

2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are past away; behold, all things are become new.

When my body is too weak to carry on, He makes all things new.

When I wake up in the morning, He makes all things new.

When I choose sin, He makes all things new.

Whether you’re recommitting your life to God and setting some things aside or deciding to live for God for the first time, remember He is making all things new. Are you still thinking about the long list of yesterday or are you walking with new joy, a new promise, a new freedom? How did you choose to wake up today?

The Prodigal

Hello friends, it’s been awhile, an entire year to be exact. It was never my intention to just stop blogging, to completely neglect this piece of me. If I’m honest, it all became a duty instead of a delight. I physically, emotionally and spiritually became overwhelmed. I had lost my appetite for the Word. And still, I found myself filled with too many earthly things that left me craving for more.

I had settled.

I settled for the pain. I settled for the heartache, for the stress. I became a victim of my own doing. I believed this was how my life was going to be. I believed that neither I, nor God, would be able to change the way I felt.

But Jesus is even more patient then we are sinful (d. mathis) and I realized it was time to get back to my roots, to rebuild my foundation on my Savior. It was time to make room for the good things. It was time to draw nearer, to dive once again into the Word, to talk with Him. I firmly decided it was time to spend my time with the ”God” things.

As James 4:8 ESV so simply states,

Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you

So I’m here. I’m back to where it all began, where my heart is poured into this thing I like to call a blog. Where I share with you my good days and my bad days; the beauty in failures; and the unrelenting mercy of God calling his prodigal daughter back to Him. Never settle and never forget who your foundation is built on. 
Let's continue on this journey.. together.

Mary's "Yes"

   

Happy 2016, friends! I hope you were able to ring in the new year with great friends and family. I've enjoyed reading through all the resolutions and goals you've set for the year. 

So what do I want to work on changing? Saying yes. So many times in 2015 Ive caught myself lacking trust and saying no to things that God was asking of me. Was it lack of faith? Fear? Laziness? I know it was a little bit of each yet when we give up, He is always persistent. 

In Luke, Mary had just been given probably some of the scariest news she would hear: she was going to give birth to baby Jesus who "will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High" (Luke 1:31). Instead of running in fear she stood in faith. Not knowing what she would endure but knowing she had a God who would bring her through it. 

Luke 1:38 ESV

And Mary said, "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her. 

Mary's "yes" is a pure example of her humble obedience throughout her life. She simply said "let it be." So now it begins, on the first day of a brand new year, say "yes" in 2016. Say "yes" to new challenges He brings your way. Say "yes" to what you postponed last year. Say "yes" when you feel that persistent tugging on your heart. Say "yes" to Jesus. 

What are some of your other resolutions for the year?

Traditions + Tours

Can you believe Christmas is already here? I feel like just last week I was visiting family for Thanksgiving. Even so, this is my absolute favorite time of the year so I was very excited when I got the opportunity to collaborate with Kiki over at In Its Time. When thinking of ideas for what to write about we decided on Traditions + Home Tours because this is such a great way to share all of your holiday ideas in one place and maybe even create some new traditions by reading of others.

Before I got married, I lived at home with my parents while attending college. Christmas was always (and still is!) the best at mom and dad's house. Every year we'd get out all the Christmas decorations on one night and set it all up together, from the Christmas tree to the lights to the little snowman set-up in the kitchen. Oh, and dad would never forget to have the Christmas music blaring. With this link-up I get to share bits and pieces of my decorations with you...as well as a few pictures of our adorable new French Bulldog, Gus (that's the best photo I could get out of him before he came running for me.) And as a quick sidenote, now that I have my own home I'm crazy about candles. My favorite scent I wanted to share with you this Christmas is Salted Caramel from Bath & Body Works. Even though as newlyweds we dont have much, we've made it our own.

One of our traditions every year was to take a trip to Hallmark and pick out one new ornament to add to the tree. I always looked forward to it! Now that I'm married we plan on carrying that tradition over into our Christmases together. It's something so simple but makes for special memories. So on my tree you'll find old memories and new memories.  It feels like home to me and that's what I love about it.

My main goal for this Christmas is to just take it all in. I'm going to do my best to not think on tomorrow because in Proverbs 27:1 it says, "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring." My goal is to keep my mind on today and share it with those special to me. Maybe for you it's something as simple as slowing down and looking at those Christmas lights around your city a little bit longer. Or maybe even try something different and learn a new recipe for the holiday. Or even volunteer somewhere this season. Do something new, do something fun, but don't let another year fly by without taking in every moment.

Now it's your turn! I can't wait to read about your traditions and why they mean so much to you! And I'm so excited to see your decorated homes filled with lights and stockings and ornaments. Add your link below so we can share our traditions + tours!

WILD GRAPES

Gatlinburg, TN, Great Smoky Mountains

Say hello to Mrs. Karleskint! I can finally say life has slowed down & I'm so excited to come back to my blog! From graduating to moving and starting a brand new job to getting married and honeymooning to moving (again) into our new home and getting settled, everything has simply fell into place. The wedding couldn't have been more perfect (see a picture here) and the honeymoon was the perfect getaway to Gatlinburg, TN. I can honestly say I have never seen a more beautiful place as we traveled up through the mountains. God's handiwork was definitely on show. 

Psalm 19:1 ESV

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.

I can't wait to start sharing devotions with you all again as I find my way back to a routine spending time in God's Word. Are there any new devotionals out there that you'd like to share below?

'Tis So Sweet To Trust in Jesus

It's official: I've graduated, I've moved and I begin my new job as a Graduate Nurse in Renal/Oncology this month! 15 months ago I would have never imagined moments like this becoming my reality. I would have never expected this wonderful change in my life, this new season I've encountered, and I would have never made it alone. Some seasons in our lives require us to search for God, to trust in Him. I think of that old hymn 'Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus where the verse reads, "Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus / Just to take Him at His Word / Just to rest upon His promise / And to know, 'Thus saith the Lord!'" His promises never fail! Jesus is always ever present.

Remember His promise in Matthew 28:20 ESV

I am with you always.

Even though I'm in a brand new place with brand new faces, He is always constant. As I go through all these new changes, please bear with me and my slow blog. Once the dust settles I will be back up and writing again. Keep me in your prayers!

GRACE STORY

art by Danielle Burkleo

Happy weekend, friends! I don't know about you but it's been one loooong week for me. I don't think I can add one more "to-do" into my planner. As I reflect today, I'm amazed by His unrelenting grace. You read so many stories in the Bible about His forgiveness that doesn't pick and choose, grace that never ceases, love that only grows. But why is it so easy to rejoice in other's stories of redemption yet, we doubt in our own?

John 1:16 ESV

For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.

I have many grace stories. When you look at me, you'll see a reflection of His many works of grace, new and old, because I fail continually. I think about the younger teenage me, giving myself at each convention, service, camp, believing that this time these prayers would hold a breakthrough, and I wonder what Jesus thought? I wonder if it broke Him to watch as I walked away from those moments at the altar having a tiny bit more doubt than faith that the promises He made for me were true? You want to believe that this time will be different. This is where His grace replaces the tiny cracks made by doubt to try and break your foundation. When you've run dry, He gives more. It's where He reminds you that He truly is enough (2 Corinthians 12:9). This is what He constantly reveals to me.

If you're coming to Him for the first time or you've been in this place a hundred times before, He rejoices to take you in. Don't worry about the past that's following you to His throne or all the baggage you're bringing along with you, He knows what you're bringing and He has room for it all.

It's always been and always will be about Him. What does your grace story look like?

WHEN FEAR SETS IN

For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who says to you, "Fear not, I am the
one who helps you."

Isaiah 41:13 ESV

Have you ever felt fearful over the what-ifs? Or the endless scenarios that play over and over in your mind? I'll admit, worrying can be one of my major downfalls. I have a lot of things coming up this year and I wish I could have it all planned out. As much as I'd like to say it's easy to just throw all my cares on Jesus, that is the exact place of one my biggest failures. It is limiting.

Yet, His promises have far succeeded the worst scenario my mind has ever thought up. When fear sets in I'm reminded that He is my peace (Micah 5:5). We sing this song at church that says, "I am hope, I am peace, I am joy, I am rest. I am your comfort and relief from your stress. I am strength, I am faith, I am love, I am power. I am your freedom this very hour." Im so thankful He is all of those things to us and more. He always goes before us to show us the way. 

Isaiah 30:21
And your ears shall hear a word behind you , saying, "This is the way, walk in it," when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.

It's so encouraging to know that He'll always be faithful to us, He'll always be guiding us. In the midst of our crazy, His voice can still be heard if we're tuned in. Here is something to think about, What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?

++I'm also happy to announce that my sister and blog photographer has taken her
website live, Casie Geuin Photography. She photographs for families and newborns around the St.Louis area. Check her site out by clicking the link above or click the image below.

MAY LINK-UP: THE CIRCLE

It's time for the May link-up with The Circle. I just started participating with Kiki and The Circle in March, sharing with all my readers the inspiration behind my blog name. I found that this is a great way to meet other bloggers and also participate in this great community! 

For the month of May, everyone is teaming up to share their own version of a Spring Moodboard, which is simply an arrangement of images that show a particular style or concept. For me, it's simply everything I've been in love with with this spring which ranges from free printables to scripture downloads to decor for my new home to my treasured Journaling Bible. I think my favorite item that I will be able to personally share with my readers is the She Reads Truth Study -"Open Your Bible" which was a free PDF that is no longer available on their site. It's such a great Bible study for individuals in every season! This board simply shares with you all the things I've been loving lately.

1. Wire Basket Decor  2. Notebooks  3. DIY Tulip Wreath  4. Fabric Tassel Bookmark  

5. Coffee Mug Holder 6. Bible Study Tools 7. 'Love Is' Printable  

8. 'The Mingling of Souls' Book  9. Keychain  10. SRT Bible Study > e-mail me for a free pdf of this

11. Printable Meal Planner  12. Fresh Flower Decor  13. 'I will sustain you'  14. ESV Journaling Bible  15. Coffee Mug

I hope you, too, will join in on this link-up! Share the image below on your post and be sure to link up here.

MY SIGH IS NOT HIDDEN

Oh Lord, all my longing is before you; my sighing is not hidden from you.

Psalm 38:9 ESV

Another semester has come to an end, along with a deep sigh of relief. The light at the end of the tunnel seems so much brighter with three semesters of Nursing school behind me and one more to go before I graduate. It's a breath of fresh air when you take your last exam. It's like my head is finally above the water, until the next semester of course. But still, it's like I can breathe again.

I've wondered, especially after reading this verse in Psalm, why do we sigh? I know it's different for everyone. Just as every other process of the body it's individualized in that specific situation. To me, it's like a reset button, physically and mentally. I sigh and I suddenly feel like, "Okay, I just might make it through this" or I can finally begin to accept the situation I'm in. It's the turning point, whether positive or negative. Throughout this journey of school and planning a wedding, I know there have been countless times that I've sighed.

I sigh in despair & sadness. I sigh in exhaustion. I sigh in awe & happiness. I sigh in relief. 

I sigh in the unknown. I sigh for reasons I don't even know about.

I throw all my wants, desires, cravings at the cross. I demand, I question, I argue, I sigh in the absence of my own patience and He never fails to listen to the small, hushed breath that comes from my lips. Not only does he know our every thought, hears our cry, sees our tears, smiles at our joy, listens to our anger, feels our pain -- he hears our sighs. Not one of them goes unnoticed. What love, that even our quietest sigh is heard from our almighty Savior! Take these few verses below and remember that not even your sighs are hidden from Him. He is always loving you, fighting for you, and pursuing you.

It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.

Deuteronomy 31:8 ESV

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Psalm 73:26 ESV

And my God will supply every need of yours according according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19 ESV

Click here for a free download!

Also, don't forget to join in on Kristin Schmucker's Scripture Challenge this month with #lampandlight!

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NO, NOT ONE

I've had this verse on my mind today after reading it on yesterday's She Reads Truth "Bible in a Year" Plan. I want to share this truth with you and give you the same encouragement it provided for me.

Joshua 21:45 ESV
Not one word of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass.

Even though this was in the Old Testament and referenced for the people of Israel, I believe it still holds up today. Not one of His promises will ever fail. Through any discouragement you've felt on this first day of May, hold fast to this thought. Whatever He has promised to you, He will bring to pass.

I pray strength over you as you're reading this; I pray patience for the journey before you; I pray the faith needed to overcome is instilled in you. Because not one of His promises will ever fail, no, not one.

I'm very excited to share with you the start of Kristin Schmucker's May Scripture Challenge. It was such a great way to connect and share scripture last year and this year will be even better. Want to join in? Read more about her challenge here, use the button + code below to share in your posts and make sure to use #lampandlight if you're on social media. I'd love to keep up with your posts so add your link down in the comments and I'll be sure to check them out!  I can't wait to keep up with everyone's scriptures! 

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<a href="http://www.refiningthewildgrapes.blogspot.com" title="Wild Grapes"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4PzYJl3G57w_h8marLfyfpCBZx4Rz1ITrtiKRt_MQ78lqbr0bigLe3GhWOsytwOGTSQRUqpQ4s6aAF4qy2dGFEyKcoFQpDuhevx7A4XlwswY7JxyPV4Oo4gTTnatmnEHgbT-E_c6h-ro/s1600/Picture1.png" alt="Wild Grapes" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

IT'S TIME TO START OVER

Casie Geuin Photography

There is nothing more refreshing to me then the feeling of having a brand new beginning. That's how I felt when changing things on my blog, making it look a little more "cleaned up" and simple. Don't worry, even though the look may have changed, my content and mission have remained the same.

What does a new beginning consist of? It may be different for every person. It might be moving to a new city, getting a new job, ending an emotional and heart-wrenching relationship, or even experiencing Jesus for the first time. In the old and new testament we get a similar version of new beginnings through Jesus. Both contain the instruction to forget the past and dont look back but keep your eyes ahead to the new things promised to you. 

Isaiah 43:18-19 ESV
Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV
Therefore , if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold the new has come.

Whatever season you may be in right now, you are never too late or too deep in sin for a new beginning. His forgiveness is relentless. His mercy is constant. His love is unblemished. You can experience this new beginning right now.

What does a new beginning look like for you?

MARCH LINK-UP: THE STORY BEHIND MY BLOG

I am joining the wonderful community of bloggers at The Circle to share the meaning and stories behind our blog names for the March Link-up.
So what's the story behind Refining the Wild Grapes?

It all begins in Isaiah 5:1-6. Now will I sing to my wellbeloved a song of my beloved touching his vineyard. My wellbeloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill. And he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, And planted it with the choicest vine, And built a tower in the midst of it, And also made a winepress therein: And he looked that it should bring forth grapes, And it brought forth wild grapes. And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem, and men of Judah, Judge, I pray you, betwixt me and my vineyard. What could have been done more to my vineyard, That I have not done in it? Wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes? And now go to, I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard: I will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up; And break down the wall thereof, and it shall be trodden down: And I will lay it waste: It shall not be pruned, nor digged; But there shall come up briers and thorns: I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it.

 These verses were spoken while I was at a conference for young women called to ministry. Basically, this man had a vineyard that he cared for everyday and he made sure nothing harmed it. He did everything he could've done to keep it perfect but the vineyard still brought forth wild (or bitter) grapes. Instead of giving up and leaving it to die, he destroyed the vineyard to start a new one. He got rid of the wild grapes to start fresh, to make new, to refine.

The greatest compliment to a grape is to be crushed and be made into a new wine. The same goes for us. Our greatest compliment is to allow God to destroy and refine us of all those wild grapes in our lives (anger, immorality, lust, hatred, sadness, envy, lying, the list could go on forever) so we can be made new. That's where I'm at, allowing God to refine me into something better for His glory and His kingdom. It's not an easy process but it's worth it.

That's why I started this blog. To share His love through my own trials, blessings and lessons. What's your story? Comment below or visit The Circle join the link-up!

OBEDIENCE

Matthew 21:28-30 ESV; [KJV]

What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, "Son, go and work in the vineyard today." And answered, "I will not," but afterward he changed his mind [repented] and went. And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, "I go, sir," but did not go.

Have you ever read this parable and literally placed yourself in either son's shoes? The first son said he wasn't going to go work that day, then repented because he knew he had done wrong, and went to work in the vineyard like his father asked. The second son said he would go, but didnt. Which son have you been? Has God been asking something of you and you say one thing but do another? Or are you the son who repents and follows His father? 

Casie Geuin Photography

What is your reply when God asks you:

Will you go teach a Bible Study? I'll go. But I don't want to teach someone the Truth who may not agree with me so if that's the case I don't think I'll be able to do that. I'm not ready to carry that cross. I'm not ready to put myself out there like that. What will people think of me?

Will you love me? I will. But don't ask me to do anything too hard. Don't make me step out of my comfort zone.

Will you spend time with me today? I will. Just as soon as I finish my morning routine. I might get distracted and run out of time though.

Will you follow me even when it's hard? I'll go. But don't make me give up too much of my time. I already have a lot on my to-do list. I may go astray along the way so please take it easy on me.

Do those responses sound familiar? I ran across this quote the other day from Elisabeth Elliot:

“Does it make sense to pray for guidance about the future if we are not obeying in the thing that lies before us today? How many momentous events in Scripture depended on one person's seemingly small act of obedience! Rest assured: Do what God tells you to do now and depend upon it, you will be shown what to do next.” 

Place yourself in this parable. Which son would you be? Which son are you going to be?