Juanita S.

Today, Juanita speaks to us about a book that touched her heart, her struggles with feeling like an outsider and her journey toward having another child.

Tell us a little bit about how you grew up: Hi, I’m Juanita S. I grew up in South Africa. I went to school there; finished year 12 there, and then we immigrated to Australia, in 2012. As a child, I always felt no one liked me, like an outsider. I didn’t have many friends, and I felt insecure, in myself. We struggled financially, also for a few years, and through that, I saw the FAITHFULNESS of God. We never went to bed hungry, not once. That made me not doubt God throughout my life.

What is your inspiring biblical passage of the moment: “Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His presence continually.” (1 Chronicles 16:11)

Spiritual growth focus at the moment: My spiritual growth at moment is to take back what the enemy stole from me, by not listen to the enemy’s lies anymore, using God’s Word as my weapon in the areas where I let the enemy take control.

“My spiritual growth at moment is to take back what the enemy stole from me, by not listen to the enemy’s lies anymore, using God’s Word as my weapon in the areas where I let the enemy take control.”

Profession: I’m a business owner and makeup artist.

Tell us more about how you got started in makeup: While I struggled through my depression and anxiety, I thought I didn’t have a purpose, so I prayed and asked God to show me or lay on my heart what I’m supposed to do. He put on my heart to go do makeup, and to serve Him by serving others in my makeup business.

What has being an artist taught you? It has taught me that I can let other people feel good about themselves and give a smile or laugh for the day, to cheer them up for a while, when they need it most.

How do you incorporate your connection with God into your daily, secular work? I read my daily verse for the day before I start work, I pray morning and afternoon. I share where I can or as it feels right, in the moment, in my work.

If you wrote a memoir, what would the title be? Jesus Sets Free!

What has helped you grow spiritually in this season? I grew up in a Christian home, my dad was in the ministry for a while, and I encountered God by asking Him to come into my life at age 12, when I got my first Bible.

I went through depression, anxiety and feeling worthless, not having a purpose and feeling rejected and like I’m not good enough. What helped me through my darkest hours was getting closer to God, by reading His Word (The Bible). Praying, trusting God and surrendering everything that was holding me back and all the things I’ve battled with. I put on worship Christian music and sang praise songs, mediating on scriptures that was laid on my heart or what I read that stood out. I kept praying and said thank you in advance that Jesus will get me through this, and He did.

Just read/currently reading (and what has it taught you?): It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way by Lysa Terkeurst– what a book! I can definitely recommend this for any woman that needs healing in areas, encouragement and want to hear how God is faithful and working things for our good. Her book opened up my eyes, and I came closer to God by reading her book.

How did God speak to you recently? God spoke to me recently during the time I was reading the book [mentioned above]. I now exercise daily and getting my life back what the enemy stole from me. Being overweight has also made me not fall pregnant for 1 year now, for baby 2, and I’m believing God’s Word and not let the enemy tell me any lies anymore. Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” This one of my favorite verses that I hold onto and engraved on my heart. I pray and believe I will have another baby in God’s perfect timing and His perfect plan for my life.

“I’m believing God’s Word and not let the enemy tell me any lies anymore.”

Hobby: Photography, listening to uplifting Christian music and reading, exercising.

Top three practical tips for staying spiritually strong: Read God’s Word, Prayer, putting on Worship Christian songs (I have a Bible app also on my phone and a Bible devotional app Proverbs 31 ministries, and also, Love God Greatly) that I read during my day or at night, in bed.

What do you want people to learn about God when they look at you? I want people to see Jesus in my life His goodness and faithfulness, see my joy and know it is because of Him.

How do you leave your mark on your community? I share God’s love, I’m patient and kind.

Favorite holiday? Going camping at the beach with my family, each year.

A goal you have? My goal for 2019 is to be the best version of myself by being physically, mentally and spiritually fit and to have another baby.

Thing you want to raise awareness about: I would love to raise an awareness, if it comes to that, to be in my plan for my life to help others with insecurity, doubts and to found their purpose. To share with them that there can be beauty from ashes with Jesus in your life; you can be so much more than you could ever ask, think or imagine.

“You can be so much more than you could ever ask, think or imagine.”

What does your morning routine consist of? Having a coffee, reading God’s word and pray, and then, I exercise.

What is on your nightstand? My Bible, It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way book, and my water glass.

Define Christianity in a sentence: Christianity is: Believe in God 3 in 1 God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. John 3:16

For more Juanita:

Instagram @juanitamakeupstudio 
Fb business page – Juanitamakeupstudio
My fitness journey Instagram -juanitasfitnessjourney

 

Until next time, keep witnessing!

XOXO