Self-Made? Maybe what I would have called myself once upon a time.

Once upon a time where I was more worried about how the world viewed me, how many clients I had, or if my business continued to grow year after year.

I got so wrapped up in my work for a while that I ran myself into the ground... and for what? To have a name on social media? To buy new fancy things I’d probably throw away a year later?

I remember in September... it was like God threw me at a brick wall. How’s that for a wake up?

He said... “I am the way”.
He said... “Your identity is in me”.
He said... “Your purpose is to steward the Holy Spirit”.

And I realized that I in fact, was not self-made.

Every ounce of success I’ve had, I attribute to God. Every client transformation I’ve helped create, I attribute to God. Every friendship I’ve made, every opportunity I’ve had, every penny I’ve collected.... it’s all because of God.

I think it’s so easy for us believers to get caught up in what a successful life looks like to the world.

But it took me getting put on my rear to remember that the whole purpose of a “successful” life is to be a beacon of light for the next life.

If I’m not honoring God in the way I show up, if I’m not giving him credit... then what am I even doing here?

Just some thoughts I was having today.

Maybe it will spark some thinking in your own life.

I’m choosing to no longer call myself, my life, or my businesses “self-made”.

I will continue looking for guidance and giving the glory to God.

Because I am God-Made.

- Maranda

Connect with her over at:
>> Instagram
​>> Website

I believe many of us struggle with being honest with ourselves because we don't know what to do with what we find. 

Therapy can be ineffective, some of us can't afford the $40 copay every time, and others are so numb to it they've given up or avoided trying entirely. 

We find ways to suppress our truth with distractions like drugs, alcohol, porn, video games, and other forms of escapism.

Even our achievements can cause us to avoid what needs to be fixed by providing a false sense of security only for a moment until you're left unsatisfied again.

I believe God not only wants our truth, but He wants to heal us from the hurt we are desperate to hold onto— but tired of escaping. 

This world will have you believe you are permanently broken, but God says you are sons and daughters of the Most High do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.

God made us exactly how we are and He is no stranger to how we will struggle, so take your truth to God and watch as He leads you on a path to rebuilding everything this world took from you plus more than you could possibly imagine.

- Mia

Connect with her over at:

>> Instagram
​>> Website

“My previous battles have trained me to trust in the One who girds me with strength when I grow weary.

The Word of God has trained me to stand strong in the face of my enemy, to be on guard, and most of all to trust God because the battle belongs to Him. Not by might, not by power, but by my spirit, says the Lord.

As long as Jesus is my commanding officer, my trust in Him is complete because He has given to me the Word to train me, my confidence in Him does not waiver because I know I don’t battle alone, and my hope will not falter because I know the victory has already been won.”

- Kim Renard

Photo by Diamondheart Photography

I strive to be consistent.
...in heart.
...in action.
...in love.
...in words.
...in attitude.
...in drive.
...character.

Emotions can make that walk as unsteadily difficult like hiking on a giant waterbed.
I am SO thankful I can take it all before God because I need Him! I am so grateful He patiently listens, loves, and holds me through my messes. I appreciate His gentle, but oh so effective correction to my flawed, human nature.

I can walk strong because I lean on Him. So can you. ❤️
Love,
- Robyn
Stirring Embers

Photo by Diamondheart Photography

I LOVE designing and creating! I love creating social moments as much as I do artsy things. They have always been a part of me. 

I’ve gone through a winding road of seasons and changes...but, I see where certain areas have always remained. There were hard seasons, and wonderful seasons! There were meaningful phases and “what a waste of time” phases. However, the journeys I traveled were not wasted because they all poured growth, insight, and experience into me for what I feel called to right now. It was great training!! Don’t feel “wasted”! God can always use what you’ve lived to enrich where you are today. 

1.  Ask Him for that wisdom and guidance. 
2. Choose to learn what you can whether it was positive or negative. (We always want to learn from the positive, but sometimes our greatest growth is through the negative!)

Don’t give up on your calling!
Don’t give up on growing through HARD THINGS!

Keep living your passion in the midst of your priorities (it might look different than you imagine sometimes). Live out who you are in the ways you can now, and just don’t lose sight of your goals. So many times, I’ve been whacked with the “We can’t do this because...” reality, so every time I counter-ask, “Well, then what CAN we do?!”

So, what is it that you CAN do now in the season that you’re in? And, here’s the “topsoil” finish to that: Remember, don’t toil to make it happen in your own strength. With God, all it takes is a faithful heart coupled with diligent action...leave the rest to Him and there is peace in that. ❤️❤️

- Robyn
   Instagram
​   Facebook