Seizing God's Promises Fearlessly
Oh, how this verse has ministered to my soul! In January of 2018, my son swore into the U.S Navy. I was filled with pride followed by waves of fear and worry. That's when God whispered the promise found in Joshua 1:9 right to my spirit.
Be strong and courageous, for I am with you wherever you go...
I am with him wherever he goes.
For a good while, I saw that verse everywhere - it was quoted in sermons, mentioned on the radio, painted on signs all over, printed on t-shirts... everywhere! After a while, either my sensitivity lessened, or it really did lose frequency, but I didn't see it as often. Like manna, it was there when I needed it.
It turns out that life as a military mom means frequently getting news that is unsettling. Because this is real life, and operational security is vitally important, I can't be any more detailed when it comes to the specific news we received most recently than to say it made me ugly cry.
Those completely natural mom fears reared their ugly heads. And immediately chasing those fears, that promise from Joshua 1:9 has been popping up everywhere again. And when I see or hear it, it's like a sweet hug right from my heavenly father.
I love that we serve a God who cares about the state of our hearts. Who brings just the right words to mind at just the right moments. Who knows us more intimately than we can imagine, and can bring comfort like no other.
My experience with Joshua 1:9 drove me to a deep study of the book of Joshua, which led to writing the Bible study Seizing God's Promises Fearlessly.
Since publishing that Bible study, I have been urged several times to begin a blog, so here we go on this new journey!
This space will focus on growing spiritually as Christ followers. We are on a journey of sanctification, daily being made more like Jesus, and I think we need encouragement along the way. I hope to be one of those encouraging voices to each of you who come across this blog.
For today, I'll share a little about me.
My Family
I've been married to Ron for twenty years, and most of it has been a blast! He's supportive, my best friend, the guy who's fun to hang around, but also the one who brings me down to earth when necessary. We have two kids, one of them is my son mentioned above, and the other is our daughter, a teenager who is pretty awesome, too.
My Ministry
When I list it all out, it looks like I must never stop, but the truth is that most of what I do in ministry is also what I do for fun, and it fits right in with my life. I serve part-time as a pastor to children and families at my church. I serve as the Associate Pastor of Salvage Yard Biker Church opening in Cincinnati this Fall. I also serve as the Chaplain for the Cincinnati chapter of the Priesthood Motorcycle Ministry. My husband serves as the Road Captain for the Priesthood and is heavily involved in the Biker Church, so we get to do those things together.
My Self
Besides what I have already shared, I love to read, and I love to write. I enjoy painting, but I can't dream up an image to save my life so I find stuff to trace and color in! I enjoy hiking, though I don't get to do it very often. And I have begun, once again, the struggle of getting back in shape; at this point I hate it, but I know that once I get some momentum it's something I really enjoy.My Socials
Facebook: @SeizingGodsPromisesFearlessly
Instagram: @ileana_seward
Twitter: @Sewardileana
Website: ileanaSeward.com
Now You
Today this blog is all about me, me, me, but I want to find out about YOU! When it comes to spiritual growth, staying on track, getting past your past, doing this Christian walk, what are your hangups? What do you struggle with? What do you hope to learn?
Like you, I'm not who I was yesterday.
We can do better.
Let's grow together!
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