Phylicia M.

Today, Phylicia speaks to us about her recent injury and what it’s teaching her, awesome books to add to your list and her turning point.

Phylicia M.

Tell us a bit about how you grew up and your childhood: I grew up as oldest of six homeschooled children. My parents dedicated themselves to teaching us the truth about who God is and how we could come to know Him (they’re still happily married after 30 years!). I spent a lot of my childhood, however, butting heads with my parents. It wasn’t until I was saved at age 15 that I began to learn how faith impacted my relationships, including with parents.

Inspiring biblical passage of the moment: I just finished an account in 2 Kings where Abijah was surrounded by the troops of Jeroboam. He tells Jeroboam that fighting against him is to fight against God, because Abijah was following the Lord and Jeroboam was not. As he was talking, Jeroboam surrounded Abijah in what should have been a fatal ambush, but before they turned to fight, Abijah and his troops cried out to God. After THAT, they fought the battle – and won! I thought this was a perfect example of how we seek God before we fight our battles, even when they seem urgent.

“I thought this was a perfect example of how we seek God before we fight our battles, even when they seem urgent.”

Spiritual growth focus at the moment: At the end of June, I broke my knee in a soccer accident. What happened so fast turned my world upside down as I needed surgery to get a plate and nine screws put in my leg. I can’t walk without assistance and can’t clean, cook, or care for my kids for 8 weeks. Because of this, my focus has had to be resting in God’s presence and learning about him in a season of waiting.

Profession: I am a writer, course creator, and aromatherapist who owns an essential oils business.

If you wrote a memoir, what would the title be? That depends on what kind of mood I’m in – I do love to be funny! In reality, though, probably something like “All the Gracious Voices”, something I tell to my readers when equipping them to share their faith with the world.

When did you first encounter God and how did you encounter Him? I said a sinner’s prayer at age 6 but didn’t understand it. I was saved at age 15 after struggling with hidden sexual sin for a few years already. I was desperate to find hope and a way out from my sin. I felt like a hypocrite (and was). My struggle didn’t end right away but my walk with God deepened.

“My struggle didn’t end right away but my walk with God deepened.”

What has helped you grow spiritually in this season? Mostly my immobility. I also have been reading some amazing books about church history and hearing God in suffering.

Just read/currently reading (and what has it taught you?): Hearing God by Nathan Finochio. Absolute must-read! It answers so many of the questions people ask about hearing God’s voice and direction. I am also reading Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Pete Scazzero. This has been so helpful to me, as I don’t readily share or talk about emotions.

Top three essentials: A good book, essential oils, and decaf coffee.

How did God speak to you recently? God is teaching me much through my inability to produce in this season. I do productivity coaching as part of my business and this broken leg has taken that from me. God has been teaching me patience, grace, and letting go of control.

Hobby: Piano or knitting.

Top three practical tips for staying spiritually strong: Be in the Word daily. I am not always good at this but notice a difference when I don’t meet God in His Word. Surround yourself with godly people and strong community. Make a habit of praying over your day, throughout the day!

Favorite person in scripture? Deborah! I love her boldness in leadership.

What do you want people to learn about God when they look at you? I want them to see that following God is one of the most exciting things you will ever do, as is studying the Bible – where He comes alive!

How do you leave your mark on your community? I believe in letting my faith impact not just online but my real life community. Our home is always open to people who want to go deeper in their faith. We host a married and dating couples small group, lead our church’s college ministry, and are involved in local groups to meet more people who don’t know Christ yet.

“We host a married and dating couples small group, lead our church’s college ministry, and are involved in local groups to meet more people who don’t know Christ yet.”

Favorite holiday? I love July 4th, but I also love Easter.

A goal you have? I have 10 goals for my year and break them down into manageable “bites” each month. My goal right now is to launch a new book for women who struggle with affection – coming in August!

A special tradition you and your family engage in or keep: We do a family worship time every night or at least a few times a week, reading through the Jesus Storybook Bible and working on their catechism.

Question you will ask when you get to heaven? More than anything I want to talk to Paul about some of his confusing NT messages.

Thing you want to raise awareness about: The desperate need for women to understand theology and apply it to daily life! Everyone is a theologian!

What does your morning routine consist of? Not much now, but before my injury: Writing, coffee, going for a walk, breakfast, devotions, then our chores for the day.

What is on your nightstand? Under the Tuscan Sun – my current memoir – some essential oils for diffusing, and lamp.

Define Christianity in a sentence: Christianity is responding to the Lord’s call and offer of salvation, following Jesus into a life of holiness, and sharing the light of His love with the world.

For more Phylicia:

Insta: @phyliciamasonheimer
FB: https://facebook.com/phyliciadelta
Blog: https://phyliciamasonheimer.com

Until next time, keep witnessing!
XOXO