A few years ago, after hearing about Women's Elevation Magazine from a good friend and Facebook, I became a contributing writer (for the Spiritual Corner). Around the same time, I got on Twitter and made a point of following people who conveyed inspiration, encouragement, and a sincere love for God. . . People like Jennifer Lucy Tyler.
Just this Tuesday, I was able to combine these things! I ended up meeting and conducting an interview with Mrs. Tyler for WE Mag! It was amazing! As nervous and excited as I was, Jennifer and her husband (Jeff) were so friendly and welcoming! And I can't forget about Shadow (their energetic dog)!
Sitting with Mrs. Tyler took me back to high school. I felt like a clueless freshman *lol* who was fortunate enough to have an upperclassman who looked out for them & offered meaningful and sound advice. She was a sweetheart! Talking to her and then learning more about her ministry and projects brought lessons- past and present to the forefront of mind and I just wanted to share them with you.
**By the way, please subscribe to Women's Elevation Magazine so that you can read the interview (once it's published)! Download our app from iTunes or Google Play!**
1.) Ephesians 3:20 God performs miracles-> things that we think are impossible! And we will never fully comprehend His Love for us! During our meeting, there were multiple times where I actually was just speechless and trying not to get emotional as Jennifer shared some of her experiences with me. She has an amazing testimony in general but even things that she dealt with {just days before our meeting} clearly proved God's miracle-working power, love, and grace!
2.) Revelation 12:11 Through the blood of the Lamb (Jesus Christ) and our testimonies, we are able to overcome tests and trials that will rise up in our lives! As we choose to be honest and transparent about our struggles/challenges, we can encourage one another in our walk with God. Transparency can be the road that leads a broken person to the hope that they can only find in Jesus! As Lisa McClendon sings, "If I can make it, I know that you can!"
3.) Proverbs 18:21 Speak life! I've heard Mrs. Tyler say that during times when she wasn't concerned with pleasing God or being saved, her mother still called her a Woman of God and encouraged/prayed for her! Wow! We don't always consider the power of our words but that's something that I'm learning to take more seriously. On Sunday, I made this declaration and I've watched it come to pass!
I just want to encourage you to speak life to situations (and people) who seem to be dead. . . There's nothing too hard for God!
4.) Psalm 37:4/ 1 Corinthians 2:9 Never settle!
I've seen how easy it is for us to get caught up in our own desires.
We become content with "quick fixes" instead of waiting patiently for what You have planned.
We must realize that You know best!
You don't want us to simply settle for less. (Click here to read more of this poem)
We don't know all of the things that God has planned for us but we can trust that His Will is better than anything we could ever try to come up with!
5.) 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 Sexual Purity IS possible and it is certainly pleasing unto God! I was kind of shocked when I got to college and someone told me that they didn't know the Bible addresses sex- or more specifically, fornication (sex outside of marriage). It does! God desires for us to save sex for the person that we marry. However, if you're not a virgin, you can still choose to be celibate and live a life of purity. **Please realize that whatever you surround yourself with or expose yourself to will either help or hinder your progress. Choose your friends, music, and even tv shows/movies wisely...** Jennifer and Jeff are passionate about this topic as it was a focal point of their courtship. Click here to watch a workshop that they taught on Sexual Purity.
6.) Matthew 5:16/Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 This life is not just about you! Our focus should be glorifying God- letting Him work through us to draw our brothers and sisters closer to Him. I remember my parents telling me, "You may be the only [example of] Jesus that people see. You need to represent Him well!" Showing His Love is a huge part of that! After meeting Mrs. Tyler, I was reminded that even *small things* can make a huge difference in someone's life. When we're willing to give of ourselves- our time, energy, and maybe even money, we don't always realize how much of an encouragement we can be to someone else! And in turn, we will be blessed! My conversation with her also reminded me to not take my relationship with God for granted! We don't know who will come to us- in need of support or prayer and I surely want my prayers to rise up to God as sweet-smelling savors (Psalm 141:2). In order for that to happen, I need to nurture my relationship with Him and be sincere/authentic in my walk.
7.) Be grateful! Make the Most. . .
"Make the Most [out of your life]" has kind of been my motto since last Fall. You've probably already heard that my mother wasn't expected to have children or to carry a child to full-term. Realizing this causes me to view my life as a gift and I want to show my gratitude to God! I want to enjoy the opportunities that He blesses me with and I want to be a blessing to others as well! What will you do to make the most out of your life?
To learn more about her testimony, please read her book- Dried Tears: A Woman's Guide to Overcoming! Stay connected and up-to-date with her projects by visiting www.jenniferlucyinspires.com!
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