Casey W.

May 28, 2022 by Gabriela Yareliz2 Comments on Casey W.Profiles, Uncategorized

Today, Casey speaks to us about her new devotional Abundant Fruit (available June 3rd), godly friendships and mentorship, and trusting God.

Tell us a bit about how you grew up and your childhood: I grew up in the suburbs west of Atlanta, Georgia. I am the younger of two siblings. We always stayed busy doing sports and extracurricular activities, but church on Sunday was always a priority. My parents have been a HUGE impact on my faith walk today. Watching them being involved in church life has led me to desire the same for my family.

Inspiring biblical passage of the moment: Galatians 5:22-23 has been a huge influence on me in recent years. At a low moment in my life, it was the verse God revealed to me to help me grow my faith. In more recent times, it is now the inspiration for the 28-Day devotional God called me to write-Abundant Fruit (available June 3rd).

Spiritual growth focus at the moment: Trusting God’s timing and provision as it relates to the launch of my book.

Profession/Mission: Stay-at-home mom and devotional writer. I want to share the hope and peace I have found through Christ.

If you wrote a memoir, what would the title be? Probably something like God’s Plan, Not Mine

When did you first encounter God and how did you encounter Him? I came to know God through my parents. More so, my mom. As a child, I liked to stay close behind her in everything she did. She helped me accept Christ as a pre-teen after a guilt-inducing experience with a friend. I had been helping/watching her do homework for a discipleship class she was taking at church. Through discussions about her homework, she talked me through what it means to be a follower of Christ and how to accept him as my Savior.

How would you describe Jesus? My Lord and Savior. Provider of hope and peace.

How has your relationship with Him changed you? The best word I can use to describe it is freedom. I like to say he freed me from chasing perfection. Planning and controlling everything are some of my biggest struggles. So finding peace in releasing control to him has been life changing.

What has been the darkest time in your life, and how did you see God in it? In early adult life (my 20’s), I struggled a lot trying to control things and create the future I saw for myself. I chased the perfect life I had envisioned, and it led me to my knees in exhaustion. I felt lost, confused and didn’t understand where God was. When I sank to the floor in prayer, asking (really demanding) from Him what I was supposed to do. I wanted a clear list since my plan clearly wasn’t working. What He gave me was the fruit of the Spirit and a plan to pursue those characteristics through my faith journey. Seeking His plan over my own and spiritual growth became my goal. He even planted the seed that I would someday write about it for Him. And here I am today, about to launch a devotional about fruit of the Spirit.

“I chased the perfect life I had envisioned, and it led me to my knees in exhaustion. I felt lost, confused and didn’t understand where God was.”

What has helped you grow spiritually in this season? Trusting his provision and growing my own faith as I dove deep into Scripture while writing my book. The process of following the call to do it, even when I did not feel equipped, has encouraged my own faith walk.

Just read/currently reading (and what has it taught you?): Book of Ruth alongside The Daily Grace Co. study book Ruth: Fields of Grace. It has taught me a deeper knowledge of this Biblical story and how Boaz was a representation of extending God’s grace to Ruth just as God does for us.

Top three essentials: (1)Bible; (2)Highlighters; (3)Planner

How did God speak to you recently? Through the encouraging words of another strong women of the faith. In the midst of Satan trying to bring me down with his lies, this sister in Christ reminded me that my words matter, and the book’s message will bring Him glory.

“In the midst of Satan trying to bring me down with his lies, this sister in Christ reminded me that my words matter, and the book’s message will bring Him glory.”

Hobby: Gardening.

Top three practical tips for staying spiritually strong: (1) Read your Bible more than you read supplemental resources (devotionals, articles, etc.). It will strengthen your faith and lead to a stronger knowledge of the Truth found in God’s Word; (2) Have one women of faith to look up to as a mentor and one you can encourage/invest in. Both will encourage your own faith walk. It also brings joy in the fellowship; and (3) Prayer and prayer journaling or tracking what you pray and when God answers prayers. It is amazing to see his faithfulness when you actively write it out and go back through it later. It strengthens your trust and faith in Him.

Favorite person in scripture? Jesus of course! 😊 But I also love reading from James a lot lately. I love his no nonsense and straightforward writing style.

What do you want people to learn about God when they look at you? I want them to see and experience the fruit of the Spirit.

How do you engage with your community? In my social media community, and family/friends, I always try to communicate authentically with grace-filled honesty. I share God’s love and grace, praying for the wisdom to see moments God wants me to share things for His glory.

Favorite holiday? Easter! I love spring in general. I love the message of renewal and hope.

A goal you have? Learn how to do speaking events to help share the message I wrote in Abundant Fruit.

A special tradition you and your family engage in or keep: Spending every day between February 1st and 14th listing one thing we love about each other.

Question you will ask when you get to heaven? “What praise song are we singing first?” I love to sing 😊

What does your morning routine consist of? Meeting the needs of two young children. Haha

What is on your nightstand? Proof copy of my book, devotional by an author friend called Come and See (Tina Reale), lotion, tissues and a baby monitor.

Define Christianity in a sentence: Being like Jesus to spread God’s light to a broken world.