Heather S.
Today, I am excited to introduce you to Heather. She shared with us thoughts about what rest means to her in this season of her life, the importance of figuring out how God speaks to us, and why we should extend grace to ourselves.
Heather S.
Inspiring biblical passage of the moment: I think for me the most inspiring biblical passage had to be in Esther. I believe that her story still speaks into the thought of favor when walking in the Lord’s will. God shows favor when you are seeking His face and following what He calls us to follow. A great resource for this is She Reads Truth devotional on Esther.
Spiritual growth focus at the moment: Patience. I am probably the most stubborn and impatient person on the planet at the moment. The Lord is constantly showing me how waiting on Him is waiting for what I actually need; not just what I want.
“The Lord is constantly showing me how waiting on Him is waiting for what I actually need; not just what I want.”
Profession: I am an eighth grade English and Social Studies teacher.
A one sentence bio of yourself: I’m an introverted, coffee-addicted, middle school teacher who loves podcasts, musicals, and soft, golden sunrises.
When did you first encounter God? I was 13, when I first recognized God as my savior and 17 when I first heard His voice.
What has helped you grow spiritually in this season? Honestly, this has been the most difficult season of my life. I have been stretched and pulled in so many different ways just by life, and through teaching 100 eighth graders, each day. I think the thing that has helped me grow a lot is rest. Resting in the sense of taking care of my self, but also resting in the Lord and that this is what He has made me for. Resting for me looks like spending my Sunday’s listening to sermons from bed and going to a small group community during the week. That is just the season I’m in. It may look different next year. I am just really trying to take care of myself in this year of hardship in the first year of teaching.
“Resting in the sense of taking care of my self, but also resting in the Lord and that this is what He has made me for.”
Just read/currently reading: Just finished reading Daniel. So powerful, yet something we don’t talk about. God is working now. He’s moving now. He’s breathing life yet we can’t recognize it.
Top three essentials: Coffee. Spotify playlists. Journal.
How did God speak to you recently? He’s spoken into my impatience in relationships. I am so ready to be dating someone, and yet He is still asking me to wait. It’s not like I haven’t tried, He just has closed every single door. He has something stirring but He just won’t let me see. He spoke to me on my drive to school this morning with just the words of “be patient, Beloved.”
Hobby: Painting. I love painting and creating something new out of nothing.
Top three practical tips for staying spiritually strong:
1. Know His voice. This happens just by knowing how He speaks to you. This can either be a still small voice or just hankering’s deep within your being. Figure out how He speaks to you.
Favorite person in scripture?
Right now, Psalm 4:7 “You have filled my heart with greater joy.” And the passage of Luke 10, with Martha and Mary in the differences in the way they serve Him. This story is about comparison, and how it kills what is supposed to be a sweet moment and turns it into something that makes us bitter towards the person and in turn the Lord.
What do you want people to learn about God when they look at you?
He loves them fully as they are. I want people to feel a glimpse of the fullness of the love God has for them when they look at me. I pray people feel at home, when they are with me.
Favorite season? Winter. It’s a beautiful time of sleep preparing for the new growth that happens in the spring. It’s a time of rest.
Favorite holiday? Christmas. Not only the celebration of our Savior and His birth but the impact of His birth on the world. Also, just spending time with family.
A special tradition you and your family engage in or keep: It’s funny, but my family and I always do a white elephant gift exchange and the laughter brought on because of the ridiculousness of the presents always brings us closer together.
Question you will ask when you get to heaven?
What did Jesus draw in the dirt before He spoke “he without sin casts the first stone” to the Pharisee condemning an adulterous woman.
Thing you want to raise awareness about: Porn addiction in women. It’s a thing and people need to talk about it more.
What do you usually do before 9 a.m.? I have already taught 50 students and drank two cups of coffee.
Define Christianity in a sentence: God lowering His status to live among us, only to die the death of a thief, then be raised from the dead, fulfilling thousands of years of prophecies.
Instagram: @helterlskelter
Tumblr: awellwornstoryy
Twitter: heatherskelton
Until next time, keep witnessing!
XOXO
Gabriela Yareliz
Gabriela is a writer, editor and attorney. She loves the art of storytelling, and she is based in NYC.
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