Monthly Archives: February 2017

Weekly Devotions

Anxious by Grace Fitness

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Hey Ladies!

Today’s devotion is from one of our awesome Glitter and Grace Teens, Sadie Grace! Thank you Sadie for sharing how God has changed your life and is continuing to work through you each day! May God Bless you for your service to Him!

You can also follow Sadie’s blog at: www.nourished2serve.wordpress.com

Here’s a little bit about Sadie:

Hi there! My name is Sadie Grace, creator of “Grace Fitness”. I’m passionate about Jesus, family, nutrition, and fitness. I’m here to encourage, inspire, and share my story with you all. I’m currently 3 years into my fitness journey and have already learned so much but can’t wait to learn more! The word  Grace to me means something very personal that I’d like to encourage y’all with! G. – grit R.- radiance A.-ambition C.- courage and finally, E.- endurance. All of those characteristics are what I personally aspire to have! I hope you enjoy my website and don’t be afraid to reach out!

Sadie’s Blog:

“I’M ANXIOUS! WHAT DO I DO?” – Grace Fitness

In today’s blog I’m going to be talking about how to cope and deal with an anxiety disorder. *Disclaimer; I’m speaking from personal experience, not professionalism.*

I have had an anxiety disorder for about 7 years now and I must say, it’s the toughest battle I’ve ever fought.
-What is an anxiety disorder like?
* The best way to describe an anxiety disorder is constant racing of the mind and constant fear of unrealistic and uncontrollable things. Such as; the fear of dying, fear of failure, and fear of rejection from those you love.
– I personally suffer with all of those listed above. You must understand that it’s not just a fear that comes every now an again– no. This fear keeps you up at night, wakes you up in the morning, and goes with you throughout the day. The devil is constantly laughing because it’s weighing you down and you constantly feel defeated.
– How do I deal with it?
1.)Spiritual Warfare.
My parents have reminded me thousands more times than I can count that my anxiety disorder is the devil’s way of discouraging me in my walk with Christ. Often times my worst attacks are when I’m sitting on the front pew at church trying to listen to my dad preach. “You’re not really saved,” “You really think God will forgive you for holding a grudge against XYZ?” “Do you remember what you thought about that day last week? God won’t forgive you! who do you think you are?” Those are all thoughts that he piles on top of me when I’m trying to serve The Lord. It’s what you’d call “Spiritual Warfare”. You can’t quit just because it’s hard YOU HAVE TO FIGHT!!!
2.)The Word- when the devil spits lies of anxiety, you have to give that spitfire attitude right back to the devil. He cannot stand the name of Jesus nor can he Scripture. Some things i like to quote when having a panic attack are (Matthew 4) “You must serve The Lord your God and serve Him only.” Or, “Get out of my head in Jesus name.”

3.) Prayer- Our peace, our hope, and our strength is found where God is. He will strengthen you, carry you, and hold you through your anxiety attack. It’s not easy and you probably are so scatterbrained you can’t even think of the words to pray, but simply calling on the name of Jesus and asking him just to be with you is enough. God knows what you need even before you pray– always remember that!

4.) Grit- this has become my new favorite word in the dictionary. I love learning about our Army and Navy. The group that fascinates me the most though is our Navy SEALS. These guys have what you call “True Grit.” They are the elitist of the elite and you literally have to kill them before they give up. I don’t know about y’all but I want the same to be said about me! A lot of times my anxiety just won’t stop no matter what I do to try and prevent it. So i start quoting in my head, “SEALS don’t quit SEALS don’t quit.” Now obviously, I’m not a Navy Seal. But in my head it feels like I’m in the midst of war with the enemy. Don’t quit just because it gets hard, you’ve got to have GRIT! Perseverance, courage, and bravery!

5.) take care of yourself.
When you have an anxiety disorder it drains you. Mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Don’t let that give you a reason lay in bed all day and starve yourself. everyone is different but I, personally, lose all of my appetite when i’m anxious. In result, that gives the devil more leeway because I’m exhausted and thus, more vulnerable. I’m very passionate about fitness because of many different reasons but a huge one being it helps my mind relax tremendously! I highly urge you to go for a run, lift some weights, and do yoga instead of taking medication for your anxiety.(obviously though, if you are currently on medication don’t just up and quit. That is very dangerous– make sure you consult with your doctor first!) Also, make sure you are properly fueling your Temple! Eat lots of veggies, fruits, lean meats, and whole grains. What you eat is so much more than losing weight, but it’s also HUGE for your mental state.

Shower daily and get lots of sunshine. God has blessed us with beautiful creation that we can enjoy! For me personally, walking in the field outside my house gives me so much peace of mind, I feel close to God.

Anxiety is not for the fainthearted, it’s a battle that is constantly going on in your head though others can’t see it. You’ve got to always remember that God is sufficient, nothing takes him by surprise, and HE is your strength. 💗

GLITTER AND GRACE RESPONSE:

Sadie, I applaud your strength while fighting this battle! Anxiety is not for the fainthearted but the sad part is – the majority of teen girls are facing this battle every day! In my years of ministry, the main struggle that is common among all teen girls is anxiety. We all worry, we all stress, and we all have racing thoughts that keep us up at night. It’s a battle that the devil loves to attack people with, but the truth is, the only way you can fight back is with the WORD, with PRAYER, and WITH CONSTANT FOCUS ON JESUS CHRIST. We live in a world of uncertainties and it’s important to stay focused on the one thing we know will never change, and that is God’s love and His Grace for us. Stay focused on Him and don’t let the worries of this world distract you from your true purpose!

Love and Grace,

Kayla Rampey

 

“I will praise the Lord at all times.
I will constantly speak his praises.
 I will boast only in the Lord;
let all who are helpless take heart.
Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness;
let us exalt his name together.
I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me.
He freed me from all my fears.
Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy;
no shadow of shame will darken their faces.
In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened;
he saved me from all my troubles.”
Psalm 34: 1-6
May God Bless you and Show you His Grace Every day!
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!