Vicki B.

Today, Vicki speaks to us about what we need to do to hear God, seeing things from God’s perspective, gratitude vs. entitlement, and how she is relying on community in a special way, in this season of her life.

Inspiring biblical passage of the moment: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8 -9

Spiritual growth focus at the moment: God has been using Isaiah 55: 8-9 (see above) to really challenge and develop my trust in Him– in a God who knows and sees more than we ever could understand or imagine. Who is always good, even when things don’t make sense from our perspective. Who is always faithful to His promises, even when life throws us curve balls, and our current situation is not what we hoped or expected. Whose plans and purposes for us never waver even when we’re going through seasons of doubt, frustration and inadequacy. Whose ways are always higher than our own.

” [A God] Who is always faithful to His promises, even when life throws us curve balls, and our current situation is not what we hoped or expected.”

Profession: Stay-at-home mom to my two girls (3y) and (1y).

A one sentence bio of yourself: Aspiring writer, wife and mom, navigating this crazy season of parenting and adulting with Jesus as my compass, my hope, and my greatest joy.

When did you first encounter God and how did you encounter Him? I grew up attending church, but I didn’t really get what it was all about or why I was there. It was only when we moved to a contemporary church with a lot more people my age, and I started attending youth group, that Jesus became real to me. I met other young people who didn’t just go to church as a ritualistic exercise, but who talked of having a tangible relationship with Christ and lived life with purpose and meaning. I wanted what they had and started to learn and grow in my faith. I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior in my mid-teens.

What has helped you grow spiritually in this season? In this intense season of motherhood, I have relied so much on community. Gathering together with fellow moms to study His word, pray and walk through life together. They challenge me, encourage me, hold me up, and generally love on me and my girls. Spending time daily in His word, and making time to pray regularly individually and with my husband have also been fundamental in developing growth and maintaining my focus on Him.

“In this intense season of motherhood, I have relied so much on community.”

Just read/currently reading (and what has it taught you?): I recently read The Purpose Driven Life with a group of college students, as part of a summer small group study. In the midst of a self-centered, self-obsessed culture, it uses Ephesians 1:1 to remind us we need to keep our focus on what life is all about, and who it’s ultimately all for. I walked away with a renewed sense of my God-given purposes: worship, discipleship, service communication, and fellowship, and an assurance that living life the way God designed it to be, no matter how counter-cultural it may seem, is the only way to find true fulfillment, purpose and joy.

Top three essentials: Coffee, phone, quiet time.

How did God speak to you recently? God has been working on me recently to cultivate a heart of gratitude instead of entitlement. To look around and really appreciate the blessings He has given me, both material and immaterial, every single day. Living life with this perspective, that everything we have is a gift from Him, not only positively impacts my daily attitude and those around me, but also allows me to loosen my grip on the things that I tend to think of as “mine.”

“Living life with this perspective, that everything we have is a gift from Him, not only positively impacts my daily attitude and those around me, but also allows me to loosen my grip on the things that I tend to think of as ‘mine.'”

Hobby: I love to write, read, travel and hike!

Top three practical tips for staying spiritually strong:

1. If we want to hear from God, we need to spend time with Him. Make prayer and Bible study a regular part of your routine.
2. Community makes us stronger. We are not created to walk this journey alone. Whether it’s one person or a small group of believers, we need to find people to do life with, to strengthen and encourage us, to grow with us, and challenge us when necessary to keep us on track.
3. Find a way to serve. Serving takes the focus off ourselves and onto others. It gives us an opportunity to reflect the heart of Jesus and put our faith into action.

“If we want to hear from God, we need to spend time with Him.”

Favorite person in scripture? I have a soft spot for Martha, since I do recognize myself in her somewhat…

However, if I had to choose one, I think Paul, in particular, is so inspiring. His transformation and subsequent passion for sharing the gospel no matter the personal cost is an incredible example and challenge to all believers.

What do you want people to learn about God when they look at you? I would hope that they would look at me and see a glimpse of His servant heart. Know that they are loved. See that God can offer us so much more than what the world can give us. That He alone is the source of all comfort, joy and hope and that is why I can still lift my hands and sing even on the hardest of days.

“He alone is the source of all comfort, joy and hope and that is why I can still lift my hands and sing even on the hardest of days.”

Favorite season? Fall. Crisp mornings, boots, sweaters, pumpkin spice lattes, apple crisp… I love everything about this season– and the colors are so beautiful in the Northeast!

Favorite holiday? Christmas! We usually travel back to the homeland (Scotland) to see family and friends and it’s always such a special time!

A dream you have? I would love to be able to use writing to reach a wider audience– I especially feel God has placed it on my heart to write devotionals, and it would be a dream come true for that to come to fruition one day.

A special tradition your family engage in or keep: Decorating the Christmas tree while watching the Muppets Christmas Carol!

Question you will ask when you get to heaven? I honestly think I’ll be so awestruck that I’ll forget to ask! I think that things that we feel are so important down here won’t matter so much when we’re face to face with the Creator!

Thing you want to raise awareness about: I wish as a global church we could do more to support refugees and displaced people and families.

What do you usually do before 9 a.m.? My kids are usually up by 6/ 6.30 a.m., so by 9, we’re up, dressed, have eaten breakfast and are already halfway through our morning! If I’m extra organized, I’ll have managed a quiet time by then, otherwise, I have to wait until naptime.

What is on your nightstand? Water, phone, Kindle and journal. Oh, and the baby monitor! *laughs*

Define Christianity in a sentence: The greatest love story ever told.

For more Vicki:

Instagram: @purposeful_joy

Facebook.

Until next time, keep witnessing!

XOXO