Category Archives: Weekly Devotions

Monday Mornings are rough for everyone so I’ll be posting a devotion each week to help you get your week started off right!

It’s time we make-over Mondays and get back to our main mission of serving God!

Weekly Devotions

Enjoy the Little Things by Gracie Cutliff

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Enjoy all the little things in life

 By: Gracie Cutliff

I believe in order to truly appreciate life, you must take a step back and observe the big picture. I have learned through experience and observation that the world doesn’t belong to me or you. It rather belongs to our wonderful Creator, who created us to bask in the majesty of His creation. I seem to run around only focusing on what I need to do, or where I need to be and forgetting to “stop and smell the roses” and simply breath! I am guilty of that myself, I tend to fall into “Gracie land” and I neglect to live in the moment! So often I scold my brother for playing video games constantly, both in the car and at home. It frustrates me because that’s all he seems to do! But it now convicts me because I am always either at school, work, out of the house, or sleeping. I regret not soaking up all the little moments that have passed through my life, big or small. I regret not spending more time taking in all the moments I had with my brother Samuel during his precious time on earth. I regret not enjoying every little moment I had with my Grandpa before cancer took him from away. I wish I could re-live oh so many things in my life either to change things I have done or said to better them for the situation. Or to fix crazy or embarrassing things I’ve done! Writing this has made me realize the impact of taking my time and the need for seeing the bigger picture! I intend to focus on what God intends to shine through me and not only what I wish to see. I want to see His light in all I do and in all I think!

Dear Gracie & all my Grace Girls,

Thank you so much for sharing your story with Glitter and Grace! I know that it will inspire others and remind them to “Enjoy the little things” and be grateful for everything the Lord has done! Every breath we take is a blessing! No one is promised tomorrow, and no one knows when their time will come. No matter how scary it might be, old age is not promised. We need to be grateful for each day and take time to breath, relax, and take in the “little things.” I read a church sign the other day that said “Can you say It is well with my soul no matter what is going on in your life?” God does not promise us an easy life on Earth but He does give us hope for an eternal life with Him in Glory! We can look back at our past, our regrets, and our bad days and be thankful that we are forgiven, freed from our sins, and promised better days! Today, I want you to let go of the regrets you are holding onto, give them to God and let Him restore your joy! Remember how blessed you are, treasure the “little things,” and let His light shine through you each day!

Love in Christ,

Kayla Rampey

Glitter and Grace Teen Ministry Director

Weekly Devotions

Respect the Unexpected

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In 1 Samuel we see two men that had issues with each other. Sounds familiar, right? Not everyone gets along and not everyone will agree on everything. In 1 Samuel, David and King Saul are at odds. David grew up a shepherd boy that one day fell into fame by slaying a giant (Everyone knows the story of David and Goliath). After David’s moment of fame everyone knew his name. It seemed to Saul that even though he was KING Saul, David…little David…was getting all the glory.

Saul became jealous of David and at one point even tried to murder him while he was playing his harp for him (King Saul).

“10 The very next day a tormenting spirit from God overwhelmed Saul, and he began to rave in his house like a madman. David was playing the harp, as he did each day. But Saul had a spear in his hand, and he suddenly hurled it at David, intending to pin him to the wall. But David escaped him twice.”

12 Saul was then afraid of David, for the Lord was with David and had turned away from Saul. 13 Finally, Saul sent him away and appointed him commander over 1,000 men, and David faithfully led his troops into battle.

14 David continued to succeed in everything he did, for the Lord was with him. 

1 Samuel 18:10-14

Despite their disagreements and attempted murder situation, David never let it get to him. Instead of getting angry and fighting with Saul, he walked with God as his main focus and he knew that God would see him through any trial he faced. The difference between Saul and David was clear; David walked with God and followed His direction while Saul went against the guidance of the Lord and made his own decisions.

David was blessed because he fully depended on God.

As David prospered and Saul grew weary and more jealous, the people among David became worried for his safety. At one point, David was given the perfect opportunity to end all of his worries and kill Saul.

1 After Saul returned from fighting the Philistines, he was told that David had gone into the wilderness of En-gedi. 2 So Saul chose 3,000 elite troops from all Israel and went to search for David and his men near the rocks of the wild goats.

3 At the place where the road passes some sheepfolds, Saul went into a cave to relieve himself. But as it happened, David and his men were hiding farther back in that very cave!

4 “Now’s your opportunity!” David’s men whispered to him. “Today the Lord is telling you, ‘I will certainly put your enemy into your power, to do with as you wish.’” So David crept forward and cut off a piece of the hem of Saul’s robe.

5 But then David’s conscience began bothering him because he had cut Saul’s robe.

1 Samuel 24:1-5

David had a free shot to kill Saul and all his men with him to back him up. It was win win situation that could end all his trouble, yet he knew it was not what God wanted him to do.

In a moment of weakness, David listened to his friends and was so tempted to kill Saul that he ran up to him and cut the hem of Saul’s garment before realizing what he was doing.  David was human just like you and me and he almost let his friends convince him to do something he knew was wrong.

In verse 5 of 1 Samuel 24, we see that David’s conscience began to bother him and he turned away from what he was about to do.

David was not a fan of Saul for his work against the Lord and his desire to kill him, but he knew that he was still King and he deserved respect.

6 He said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do this to my lord the king. I shouldn’t attack the Lord’s anointed one, for the Lord himself has chosen him.” 7 So David restrained his men and did not let them kill Saul.

After Saul had left the cave and gone on his way, 8 David came out and shouted after him, “My lord the king!” And when Saul looked around, David bowed low before him.

1 Samuel 24:6-8

David not only refrained himself and his men from killing Saul, he called after him, admitted his wrongdoing and bowed before the King. Keep in mind, this is the same “King” that tried to murder him before. Despite his flesh fighting against him and his friends tempting him into wrongdoing, David chose to respect God by respecting the unexpected.

In today’s world, we are constantly seeing disrespect of leaders. In the classroom, students disrespect their teachers and bully their classmates. At home, adults disrespect each other and wonder why their children grow up to disrespect them. In world news, riots are breaking out everywhere because people disrespect the President of the United States. Disrespect in an unruly epidemic that we as followers of Christ need to end before it gets worse.

This week, I challenge you to humble yourself by respecting the ones that are hard to respect (teachers, friends, youth leaders, even parents). And when you catch yourself wanting to talk back to someone in a negative way, think before you speak and pray that God will give you the GRACE you need to respond like Him.

Be unexpected…show respect!

May God Bless you and show you His Grace every day!

 

 

 

 

 

Weekly Devotions

Serve with Style

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Good Morning Ladies!

For those of you that missed the Newsletter, here is a special article in it from an awesome lady! I pray that her story will touch you as it did me!

As a special surprise, one of the Fitness instructors from The Fit    Factory in Pickens, decided to share her story with us about how “empowering” the Holy Spirit truly is! When Nicole told me her story, I honestly got Holy Ghost Goosebumps! ; ) Such an awesome lady with a heart for the Lord!

Thank you Nicole and the ladies at the Fit Factory for sharing your stories with us and empowering ladies to be Spiritually and Physically Fit for the Lord! Here is Nicole’s Story about how she learned to serve the Lord through dance.

Nicole’s Story of Empowerment

Hey Girls! My name is Nicole Davis and I am 31 years old.  I am married to my best friend, Adam (11 YEARS this March!  We live in Easley, SC and have 2 crazy, beautiful children named Colt (7yr boy) and Avery (3yr girl).  Our family attends New Image Church in Easley, SC, where we love, labor, and serve in ministry.    I am a working mom of a full time job at Baptist Easley Hospital where I work in the Business     Office.  But after the 9-5 life, I     instruct Dance STEP at a fitness   studio in Pickens, SC called The FIT   Factory: This is my MISSION FIELD.

I have been a long time client of The FIT Factory, and became an official instructor in September 2016.  Since joining the FIT   Factory in 2010, I’ve had the honor of meeting some pretty amazing people who I proudly call my friends and my FIT family.        Included in that amazing group of friends is studio owner and   fitness instructor, Fallon Brucke.

Fallon has proved to be nothing less than a phenomenal business owner who is compassionate and cares very deeply for her clients and staff.    While I was still contemplating obtaining my fitness certifications, I went to Fallon with all this doubt that came from low self esteem issues.   Fallon not only encouraged me, but relentlessly cheered me on.

Several months into teaching and instructing Dance STEP, the  Holy Spirit began to speak to my heart and asked me to change my playlist from secular to Christian music.  At first, I was kind of confused… the music is used in classes was not bad; the lyrics were the same as you would hear on the radio, there was no    cursing… but still, something within my spirit was unsettled.  After weeks of, let’s be honest, ignoring this plea from God, I started adding a Christian song here and there… thinking I was being   obedient to God…  until something happened during the holidays.

In December, Fallon and I gathered some fun, upbeat Christmas songs and put together a “Christmas Dance Party” which consisted of half dance fitness, and the other half dance step.  Y’all!  It was SO much fun!  The Christmas Dance Party was going to close out my brand new year as an instructor in 2016!  Until…

That next week, the Holy Spirit undeniably spoke to me and told me as of 2016, my current playlist was no more.  He said, “Your gift of instructing is something I gave to you.  I told you to change your music, but you did it half heartily.  Either you submit to this request or you don’t.”  He basically said this is my will: either you’re in it… or you’re not.

I’m not going to lie, I was kind of bummed.  I didn’t get to have this big close out… I didn’t get to “say goodbye” to my current playlist, if you will.  The very first song I ever choreographed was to Meghan Trainor, Dance Like Yo’ Daddy!  Even my husband asked me how I was ever going to instruct without Meghan Trainor!  I said… I DON’T KNOW!?!  Y’all… Justin Timberlake, Flo Rida, Pittbull… all of these amazing artist with all of these amazing songs… and I don’t get to use any of them?!  C’mon God!

Do you want to know what is so awesome about our heavenly Father… he knows our hearts better than we do, regardless if you say what’s on your mind or not.  Later that week, Fallon came down with a horrible stomach bug (thank you tiny toddler that’s in daycare!  #momlife).  I asked her if she wanted me to take over her dance fitness class that night and she said yes.  In short, I HATE that she was sick, but I GOT TO DO MY PLAYLIST ONE. MORE. TIME!  The class consisted of some very close friends who I had shared my recent conviction.  Not only did they give me an awesome class, but one of my friends told me to take a picture with the steps… in the shape of a cross.  THAT’S the kind of people God orchestrated to do this thing called “life” with ME!  They didn’t judge me, they didn’t think I had lost my mind; they celebrated with me!  They got to witness this journey and see God close the door in one area of my life and open another!

As of 2017, I have kept my promise to God and remained obedient by only playing positive, uplifting music.  God was also very clear and told me not to “advertise” this change in music.  Honestly, that would be like us walking up to people and verbally telling them “I am a Christian”.

Even Christ kept his identity a secret and let people discover Him for themselves.  People should know by speaking with you or spending time with you that you are a follower of Christ, not because you TELL them.

Do people know you are a follower of Christ?

Can they see the “Light” in you?

Why not?

Nicole’s Story Continued…

During this 4 week journey the music I have discovered … is      phenomenal!  The artists and the lyrics… y’all, I had NO IDEA!  Most people that come to my class have no idea that some of it   isn’t “secular” because the beats and the bass are just as hot as  anything you’ll hear on your average Hip/Hop Pandora station.  Just to name a few:  Lecrae, Andy Mineo, KB, Trip Lee, Tedashii, Family Force 5, Flame, Capitol Kings… PLEASE go check out these artists!  What’s even better?  The Holy Spirit has given me better, stronger, and more intense choreography since I changed my playlist than I, myself, could ever do alone.  Why did I just give the Holy Spirit credit for my choreography?  I’m SO glad you asked.

I not only acknowledge this is a passion and gift from God, I give it back to Him!  There’s a saying: “Your talent is a gift from God.  What you do WITH that talent, is your gift back to Him.”  There isn’t a day I put my foot on that STEP before thanking God for this gift and ability for Dance STEP.  I ask him what songs to include on my playlist.  I ask him to provide the moves and choreography.  I do NOT take credit for the work he has done in this area of my life.  I surrendered it to him, and he has RAN with it to use it for His glory.

That brings me to now.  Fallon asked me to attend a Christian    Conference with her where she would instruct a few dances for a fitness segment. She said she knew I would enjoy it, seeing as how I just made the music transformation a few weeks back.  I didn’t even blink!  I didn’t just say yes… I said YESSSSSS!!!  (with all these super hyped emojis LOL) Well, as I mentioned before, it took a while before I obtained my certification because I had self      esteem issues.  This proved to be the same scenario.  Doubt set in.  Lies from the enemy came knocking on the brand new door God had just opened.  I went to a trusted prayer partner and told her my fears of leading dance in front of ALL of these teen girls… long story short, she won and I went to the conference in Seneca.

I decided if I was going to a Christian conference, I was going   EXPECTING God to move and for him to speak into my life.  I grabbed my notebook and my Bible and met Fallon in Liberty that rainy Saturday morning.  As we walked into the church I saw A LOT of PINK!   I also noticed the name of the conference was           EMPOWERED Jesus Girls.  This made me smile because a few months ago I led a class at my home church called Made to Crave by Lysa Turkerst where she referred to all of us as “Jesus girls”.  Little did I know that conference was made JUST FOR ME!  I took notes like a crazy person!  Every word that was uttered seemed to be speaking directly into my spirit.  It was an awesome conference and I pray that it changed your life like it did mine!

What an amazing time in the Lord’s house!

When it was time for Kayla to speak, I saw the title of her sermon come up on the screen with the 3 words, “Who Am I?”  She went on about knowing your identify in Christ, being strong in faith, and how we are called to be a light unto the world.  I sat there as she described a childhood similar to mine and used an illustration of candles being lit by Godly things, and how the world seems to “blow out” those flames so easily.  Kayla closed with the words, “It’s not about you- it’s about what Christ wants to do with your life and through you.”   Yes!  Amen!  Preach it sista!  I felt so EMPOWERED.

That following Monday, I woke up early in the morning to read my Bible and to spend time with God before the chaotic day started.  I happen to grab a notebook I hadn’t used in a while. (Confession: I am a notebook hoarder!)  But as a believer in Christ, I do not believe in coincidence.  Out of this notebook fell a piece of paper that read:

Nicole- Remember who you are!  You are a Jesus girl!

You are not a failure.

You are not incapable.

You are not a loser.

You are none of these things.

You are a Jesus girl!  Capable of victory!

You are absolutely capable of being EMPOWERED.

God loves you- HEAD TO TOE!

Remember who you are!

This is a note that came from my Made to Crave lesson I       mentioned earlier.  Can I tell you, that after sitting in a conference name EMPOWERED Jesus Girl, and listening to Kayla ask the words “Who Am I?” and then having this piece of    paper just FALL out of a notebook I haven’t used in months, but for SOME reason, I used that notebook THAT morning… I was a little unsettled, in the BEST POSSIBLE WAY!

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”  Colossians 3:17

God, you DO hear me!  You DO see me!  You DO care for me!  I KNOW WHO I AM!  I AM YOURS!!

If you don’t remember  anything… remember this… the HIGHEST form of praise… is obedience.  Partial obedience is STILL disobedience.

God will NOT ask you to give up something without giving you something bigger and better than you could EVER imagine!

Nicole took her talents and gave them to the Lord! Now she   teaches fitness classes, has a great time, and helps others grow Spiritually and Physically Healthier!

When you give your talents to the Lord, you are bound for a   blessing greater than you can imagine!

What talent are you keeping from the Lord? How can you serve Him better?

I can’t wait to hear your stories and how God is using you to      EMPOWER those around you!

Make sure you LIKE the FIT FACTORY on Facebook and drop by for your FREE FIRST CLASS!

Visit: www.theFitFactoryPickens.com for more information and a class schedule!

Weekly Devotions

But God had a plan

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But God had a plan…

Last weekend, my family and I decided to take a little mini getaway to the Winston-Salem, NC. Nothing special – just a getaway to an old town we’ve never been to before.

(yes that is my husband doing a handstand on some random cool bridge in Old Salem…#BigKid)

I guess you could say that’s our nerdy side. My husband and I love historical sites and old timey movies, documentaries, and even black and white television shows. I’ll admit sometimes I just like to sleep while my husband watches old westerns. Ha ha My husband loves them a little more than I do, but I love any excuse to get away from a weekend.

What we didn’t plan on was a fussy baby, crazy traffic with 1 way roads on every corner, and bitter cold weather. Our sunny and 75 dropped down to about 40 and windy. Needless to say, it wasn’t the best trip.

But GOD had a plan…

Through all the arguing, complaining, and whining about the cold weather, God had a plan.

He knew exactly what we needed.

While walking downtown in freezing weather…after a steep half mile hike uphill with a 17lb baby in my arms…we walked past a homeless man sitting on the side of the road begging for money. The man was smiling and happy despite the cold weather and simply asking for 75 cents to get a newspaper. My mind automatically started to wonder so many things like if he truly needs the money, why is he homeless, and how did he end up that way? Then again, my mind raced into why can’t he work? Could he not work at the coffee shop he’s sitting in front of? What about McDonalds? I mean, couldn’t he find something to do?

But then I had to stop myself and remember…I’m not God…and I don’t and will never have all the answers. Occasionally we need to remind ourselves this.

Why this man was homeless is not the question I should have been worried about.

Instead, I should’ve been thinking how can I help this man? Does he know Jesus? How can I pray for him?

It’s not my place to know his life story. It’s my place, as a follower of Christ, to care for him, pray for him, and share Christ’s love with him.

I can’t imagine sitting on the street homeless with no family, no friends, no job, and begging for money. It’s something I’ve never had to deal with, but I have been close to losing everything.

When my husband and I first got married, I got laid off from my job 8 weeks before my wedding. I had planned an expensive crazy wedding (I highly recommend not doing this and keeping it simple) that my husband and I were paying for, and I had just bought a new car shortly after my husband had just bought a new truck. Overall, we were in over our heads. When I lost my good paying job unexpectedly, we suddenly had to downsize everything and cut corners wherever and however we could. It was not fun.

It was terrible for almost newlyweds but we had to do what we had to do just to survive. We sold the truck, cut back ALL excess spending, and asked for help from family just to survive until we got back on our feet and I could find a new job. When I look back, those care packages from our families were some of the best gifts we’ve ever received. We were young and struggling, but God had a plan and those tough months grew us closer together than any amount of money could.

It wasn’t easy. Harder than that, we had to “humble” ourselves and ask for help before we let the struggle overwhelm us.

The Bible says that Jesus was “humble.” He wasn’t a filthy rich business man walking around taking everyone’s money and building His earthly kingdom. Instead, he was “humble.” He started out as a carpenter, walked the streets with everyone else, and even called on the fishermen and common men to be His disciples. He didn’t draw attention to Himself with materialistic things; instead, God drew mankind to Him.

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” 1 Peter 5:6

Freezing my tail off in my warm winter boots, gloves, and heavy coat; I had no right to complain. This man was smiling and doing what he could to survive. On the way back down the street my husband handed the man $5 and asked him if he knew Jesus Christ. Before he could answer, he smiled. Then the homeless man preached the Gospel to us better than most Christians can. Despite his past, despite his current situation, he knew his future was in God’s hands.

I praise God for showing us how to be humble, reminding us of His Glory, and placing just the right people in our paths each day.

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Ephesians 4:2

May God Bless you and Show you His Grace every day!

Weekly Devotions

Re-Ignite the Power: Empowered Jesus Girl 2017

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What an awesome experience Saturday at the first Empowered Jesus Girl for 2017!

We had almost 80 teen girls at this event and you truly could feel the presence of the Lord!

Special thanks to all the ladies that helped out with the event including: The FIT Factory ladies: Fallon Brucke & Nicole, Savannah McCollum for leading music, and Julie Nalley for sharing her testimony.

I also want to thank all of the girls from the Grace in the Wilderness Team for helping with setup, slides, and a little bit of everything else! You girls are amazing! Sharon & Marie – I love ya’ll and appreciate you so much! Thank you for your years of service to the Lord and following through with His will for your lives. Angie – thank you for your patience with the slides.

Thank you to Beth & Garrett Pruitt and all of Return Baptist Church for being so welcoming and supportive of this event! We look forward to future conferences with ya’ll!

Most importantly, I want to thank Jesus Christ for reminding us that we do have POWER in His name. I am so thankful and blessed to be a part of this ministry and I want you all to know how much I love y’all and pray for you every day!

I pray that God will continue to use this ministry and this conference to change the hearts and minds of this generation!

I praise Him for working in hearts already and making an impact on the lives of so many people!

Conferences can be so busy! I want you to know that we are always here! If you were at the conference and didn’t get to talk to someone about coming to know Christ or finding God’s will in your life or anything else, I pray that you will reach out to someone in your church family or contact me at  anytime so that I can pray with you.

I believe in the power of prayer and I believe He has a plan for each and every one of you!

Let me pray with you and watch God work in your life!

As always,

May God Bless you and show you His Grace every day!

Love you girls!

Kayla Rampey

Facebook.com/KaylaMastersRampey

Facebook.com/GlitterandGraceTeens

Weekly Devotions

There is Power in the Name of Jesus

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The power of Christ lives in our hearts, gives us power when we are weak, and guides us every day. It’s time we wake up and take that power back.

So often we let the darkness in this world defeat us and drag us down. Why not decide today to make a change, take back the power, and proclaim that the Grace of Jesus Christ is all you need!

This Saturday we will be celebrating the Power of Christ and focusing on how we can renew our strength and find His will! I encourage you to join me at this conference, bring your friends, and pray for all of the participants!

Julie Nalley & Kayla Rampey will be bringing the message with Music lead by: Savannah McCollum & a Fitness Fun Session led by Fallon Brucke

You don’t want to miss out on this event!

Empowered Jesus Girl 2017 is this Saturday at Return Baptist Church from 10am-1pm. We’re going to have a great time worshiping the Lord and growing in His Grace!

For more information or to register your group, visit www.WildernessGrace.org

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

May God Bless you and show you His Grace every day!

Weekly Devotions

Listen Up Ladies

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 “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be QUICK to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.”  James 1:19

It’s a known fact that girls LOVE to talk. We talk, we text, we call, we are constantly running our mouths about something, (no offense but it’s true) but one thing that we need to remember is to: Listen.

When we listen…we show Christ’s love…and when we love we learn how to be more like Him.

This week, I want to challenge you to close your mouth for a few seconds and just LISTEN. When someone else starts talking about their life and their problems, it’s easy to get distracted and automatically start thinking about a time when you experienced something like them. Usually when that happens, you eagerly await a pause in the conversation so you can jump in with your story and your situation. Everyone does this. It’s basically how conversations work; however, I challenge you to catch yourself in these situations and stop…take a deep breath and just listen.

The Bible tells us to be “QUICK to listen and SLOW to speak.” When you take time to listen you’ll be surprised at what you might learn and how great of an impact you can make on someone’s day. Everyone needs to vent sometimes, and sometimes it’s OK to just sit back, listen, and be a good friend.

Praying for you all and looking forward to seeing you soon at the Empowered Jesus Girl 2017 Conference!

Make sure you remind your friends of this great event and sign up soon!

Visit WildernessGrace.org for more information and to order your   T Shirts and Hoodies!

May God Bless you and show you His Grace every day!

Weekly Devotions

Under Pressure

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When I think about 2016, all I can say is, I’m glad that it’s over. I know that sounds terrible, but I started this blog as a “honest and open” friendship with you all. I want you to know that I am human and I do struggle just like you. At the beginning of 2016, I suffered from postpartum depression after the birth of my 2nd son in November 2015. In the Spring I continued my struggle as I adjusted to parenting 2 young boys and the terrible twos turned into terrible 3s for my wild little man. Some of my closest family suffered from health issues, depression, and struggles that I could not understand. It felt as though my family was falling apart and there was nothing I could do to help them out of this pit. In the Fall of 2016, I sat beside my grandfather as he took his last breath. Prior to his death, I watched him deteriorate from Alzheimer’s and forget everyone around him. I rejoice in the fact that I know that he is with Jesus now, but it still hurt tremendously to see him suffer along the way. This also was the hardest year for me thus far in the ministry. My husband and I struggled with some tough situations from youth, young adults, and even past friends and teens that gave up on God and turned to the world. Like I’ve said before, the hardest part of ministry is seeing someone you love turn away from God and turn to the world. It’s heartbreaking and hard to understand but I have faith that God has a plan for every trial that we go through.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James 1:2-3

As I think about the past and the struggles I faced in 2016, some mentioned and some left unspoken, I can still say that I am thankful. I am thankful for the struggles and the trials that I went through. I’m even more thankful that God held my hand as I walked through them. Without Him I could not have made it.

“Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26

I heard a story the other day that made it all so clear to me. When you get older, you have to go to the doctor regularly for physicals and exams just to make sure you are healthy. At some point the doctor would probably ask, “How do you think your heart is?” Since I’m fairly healthy and exercise routinely, I would answer, “I’m sure it’s fine. I haven’t had any heart problems or pains, so it’s good.” You see, the issue is, I’m not a doctor. I feel fine, act fine, and I think I’m pretty healthy, but “fine” is not a medical diagnosis. Just to make sure my heart is as good as I think it is, the doctor would hook me up to a bunch of machines and take me over to a treadmill. For a short time, the doctor would monitor my heart as I walked at different speeds up and down hills. As the stress increased on my heart, the true condition would be revealed. Was I truly as healthy as I thought I was?

To reveal the true condition of your heart, the stress has to be increased. Without trials, without pressure, would you truly rely on God?

So I ask you this, 2016 is over, the stress has come and gone, and the holidays are coming to an end…how did your heart handle the stress? Did you stay the same when the pressure increased? Or did you turn to anything or anyone other than Jesus Christ?

When the stress increases, your heart’s true condition will be revealed.

How is your heart?

I challenge you to take on 2017 with a new outlook. No matter what happens, no matter what you go through, strive to stay the same. Seek God always and find the good in every situation. Not every day is perfect, but every day is a gift from God. Take on this year with a smile and a thankful heart thanking God for every moment he blessed you with!

May God Bless you and show you His Grace every day in 2017!!

“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8

Weekly Devotions

WIN A FREE SHIRT FROM GLITTER AND GRACE

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Merry Christmas from Glitter and Grace!

During the rush of Christmas, I hope that you took time to remember the true meaning of the season. I know it’s fun and busy, but take time to remember WHO we celebrate. Jesus Christ was born in a manger to save the world, to give YOU a chance at eternal life, to make a difference.

Take time to remember…

Take time to give thanks…

And take time to make a difference.

*********WIN A FREE T SHIRT!!!!***************

Glitter and Grace is offering a FREE T’SHIRT to the first 3 people to join my team! All you need to do is send me a text or email saying “I’m in!” followed by your entry to add to the site!

You don’t have to be a professional to join the Glitter and Grace Team! If you’re a writer, write! If you love to search the internet – search and send me inspiring videos, music videos, or even personal videos made by you! Whatever you do, do for the glory of the God!

I wish you a Merry Christmas and pray that you will take time to make a difference in 2017!!!!

*Join My Team*

Are you interested in being a part of the Glitter and Grace Ministry Team?

I’m looking for young girls (grade 6-12) with a heart for God and a passion for sharing His Message. Below are the open team positions available:

*Writers/bloggers that will commit to writing a short article or 2 on occasion. Whether it’s a one-time blog or a monthly commitment, I appreciate all your help! All writing styles are welcome including current events/issues, poetry, short stories, testimonies, and devotions.

*Media Team – I would love to add videos and photography to the Glitter and Grace Teen Ministry page. If you see a video online or create one yourself that helps you in your walk with Christ, send them my way and I’ll gladly post them to the site. I’m looking for music videos, personal testimonies, and encouraging photography to uplift others.

*SHOUT OUT TEAM: We are looking for enthusiastic teens that are willing to post videos, send out invites, and spread the news about any upcoming events. We need your help to grow this ministry and share the good news of Jesus Christ! If you are a go-getter, we need your help!

If you feel like you are suited for any of these positions, contact me for more details! I look forward to meeting my new team members and getting the new year started off great!

Contact information: Kayla Rampey, Glitter and Grace Teen Ministry

Cell: 864-915-8094 (text me anytime)    Email: KaylaRampey@yahoo.com

“Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37

Use your talents to serve the Lord & watch how He blesses you in return!

May the Lord bless you and show you His Grace every day!

Weekly Devotions
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Grace in the Wilderness is always looking for young girls that are willing to step up, step out, and make a difference!

Are you one of those girls?

“Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37

Use your talents to serve the Lord & watch how He blesses you in return!

We need your help to make a difference in this world! The truth is, I’m 28 years old and have 2 young boys that keep me on my toes. I’ve worked with teenagers for several years now and I’ve been one myself, but times change, struggles vary, and each generation is different from the last.

I want to know what YOU want to talk about. What are some of the struggles you or your friends face each day? What questions do you have about the Bible, your relationships, your family issues, etc?

Be honest with me. I want this blog to be a open conversation between us and a way to help teen girls find answers for the struggles they deal with each day.

When I was in high school, if I was asked these questions my response would’ve been, “it’s none of your business.”  And I’m sure that’s what you are thinking; but think of it this way, you are not the only one with questions. I promise, if you’ve thought of it, someone else has had the same question and probably just been too afraid (or too busy) to ask it.

Life gets busy and things like this get pushed to the side, but this Christmas season, I want you to think about what matters most. What matters most is sharing Jesus with others, answering the tough questions no one wants to worry about, and making a difference in someone’s life.

Do me a favor and text or email me your questions or comments. I won’t share your name or contact info in my blog. I just want to know what you want to talk about the most and how this ministry can make a difference in your community!

Are you interested in being a part of the

Glitter and Grace Ministry Team?

I’m looking for girls (grade 6-12) with a heart for God and a passion for sharing His Message. Below are the open team positions available:

*Writers/bloggers that will commit to writing a short article or 2 on occasion. Whether it’s a one-time blog or a monthly commitment, I appreciate all your help! All writing styles are welcome including current events/issues, poetry, short stories, testimonies, and devotions.

*Media Team – I would love to add videos and photography to the Glitter and Grace Teen Ministry page. If you see a video online or create one yourself that helps you in your walk with Christ, send them my way and I’ll gladly post them to the site. I’m looking for music videos, personal testimonies, and encouraging photography to uplift others.

*SHOUT OUT TEAM: We are looking for enthusiastic teens that are willing to post videos, send out invites, and spread the news about any upcoming events. We need your help to grow this ministry and share the good news of Jesus Christ! If you are a go-getter, we need your help!

If you feel like you are suited for any of these positions, contact me for more details! I look forward to meeting my new team members and getting the new year started off great!

Contact information:

Kayla Rampey, Glitter and Grace Teen Ministry

Cell: 864-915-8094 (text me anytime)

Email: KaylaRampey@yahoo.com

May the Lord bless you and show you His Grace every day!