Maureen M.

Today, Maureen speaks to us about the blessings we find in obedience, how growing in our relationship with God helps our relationship with others, and the calling, we all have, to make people uncomfortable.

Maureen M.

Inspiring biblical passage of the moment: “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV).

Spiritual growth focus at the moment: Right now, God is calling me to depend on Him more and worry less about my future. His plans are far greater than my own.

Profession: I am currently a Public Relations major, finishing my last semester of college. My dream is to become an attorney.

A one sentence bio of yourself: I’m a young adult transitioning from college into the real world.

When did you first encounter God and how did you encounter Him? I grew up going to church. Developing my own personal relationship with God has changed it from being my parent’s faith to being my own faith. I first began to encounter God when I gave over my fears to Him. This occurred when I was in high school. I first heard God speak to me when I was at church camp. At that time, I heard God telling me that I was called to make people uncomfortable. I really didn’t understand what that meant at the time, but I have seen that unfold throughout my life. What I am understanding is that by living in a way that is not of the world and being who God has called you to be, it makes people uncomfortable. I continue to encounter Him through prayer and listening to what He is calling me to do.

“What I am understanding is that by living in a way that is not of the world and being who God has called you to be, it makes people uncomfortable.”

What has helped you grow spiritually in this season? I have been reading Psalms through the First 5 app from Proverbs 31 Ministries. I am being reminded of God’s steadfast love and how He hears us when we cry out to Him.

Just read/currently reading (and what has it taught you?): I recently read A Woman’s Place: A Christian Vision for Your calling in the Office, the Home, and the World by Katelyn Beaty. As the woman’s place in the world is evolving, Beaty shows readers through the Proverbs 31 woman, the creation story, and more how God is using women for His greater glory. I highly recommend this book to any woman who wants to read about the Imago Dei and what that means as a Christian woman.

Top three essentials: My Hosanna Revival Bible, Chapstick and oil blotting sheets.

How did God speak to you recently? I am a person who loves routine. However, God has been calling me to step out of my comfort zone in lots of different ways. For instance, I just started a blog. This was an assignment for one of my classes in college. I am a private person and this was something that made me nervous. However, God has called me to this ministry of blogging and going into head first. He placed on my heart to create my blog called “Authentically Maureen.” This has called me to be vulnerable in sharing parts of my life and what God has laid on my heart, I am seeing how he blesses that.

For instance, I would have never heard of Modern Witnesses or connected with them on my Instagram I created for my blog. I am connecting with God fearing people all over the world and seeing how God is using them to be a light. His plan is far greater than my own. God blesses us when we obediently follow what He calls us to do.

“God blesses us when we obediently follow what He calls us to do.”

Hobby: Music has always been one of my passions. I have been playing the violin since I was four and singing in children’s choirs since age three. I love listening to music and playing music whenever I can.

Top three practical tips for staying spiritually strong:

Always be in a posture of prayer.

Developing a relationship with God involves talking to Him and sharing our hearts with Him.

Read the Bible.

To know the Gospel and share it with others, we have to read it and keep it in our hearts, our souls, and our minds. We must be ready to be asked questions about our faith. To better understand the nature of God, the Bible is an important resource for us. We must always reorient ourselves with this.

Love others.

What makes Christianity so special is the trinity. In the Trinity, we are able to see how the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit our in a Holy Dance. In this dance there is an outpouring of love. God is Love. When we are in a relationship with God, we begin to feel His freely given love. When our relationship with Him grows, our ability to love others and love them well becomes a part of who we are.

“When our relationship with Him grows, our ability to love others and love them well becomes a part of who we are.”

Favorite person in scripture? Lydia, the Woman of Purple.

What do you want people to learn about God when they look at you? I want people to know that God calls each and every one of us to be exactly who He has called us to be. When we are authentically living out His plan for us and not trying to be someone we are not, God blesses that.

Favorite season? My favorite season is summer. I love the change of pace that comes with summer. I also love warm weather and spending my days on the beach.

Favorite holiday? I love Christmas time and the joy of the coming Messiah.

A dream you have? Ever since I was a little girl, God has set on my heart a calling to go into law. I hope to someday become a lawyer and practice in the areas of Sports and Entertainment Law. Right now, I am currently applying to law school, so my dream is slowly but surely becoming a reality.

A special tradition you and your family engage in or keep: Since Christmas is my favorite season, I love the 11:00 pm Christmas Eve service. Each year, my mom and I partake in this service by sharing out gifts of music. I love how we bring in Christmas day this way.

Question you will ask when you get to heaven? What inspired you to make the colors we see in the world?

Thing you want to raise awareness about: The truth of the Gospel and God’s place in this world for all people.

What do you usually do before 9 a.m.? Depending on the day, I may already be in class by 8 a.m. Every morning, before I get ready, I like to spend time in the Word and using my First 5 app from Proverbs 31 Ministries to guide me along the way. I also think it is important to have breakfast to start your day as well. One of my favorite breakfasts is a dairy-free strawberry banana smoothie.

What is on your nightstand? You can find on my nightstand my Bible, my alarm clock, and my glasses.

Define Christianity in a sentence: The essence of Christianity is about developing a relationship with God and recognition that we are in need of a Jesus Christ, as our Savior.

For more Maureen:

Instagram: @authenticallymaureen

Blog: authenticallymaureen.wordpress.com

Until next time, keep witnessing!

XOXO