the pathway to our true identity

Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.

If that sounds familiar to Romans 12:2, you guessed correctly! This is the Message Bible translation, and although I do not recommend you memorize this version, I do encourage you to write these words on your heart. I like The Message because it directly explains what it means to renew your minds. I would like to briefly write on the importance of this and the pathway it paves to our true identity.

Renewing of the mind begins with a choice — many choices, actually. Before you know it, one lie in your head can lead to another and you start to think about impossible circumstances you never want to find yourself in. Taking captive every thought and making it obedient to Christ is important because it directly effects how we see ourselves and the rest of the world around us. We have full control of what happens in us, but not always what happens around us. Before long, we start to become what we think the most important person in our lives thinks we are.

The next thing I would like to talk about is a true sense of our identity. Our actions and reactions to what goes on around us is rooted in our sense of identity, and I believe that is more important to target than the renewing process itself. To know who you are means to know Who you come from. Your identity is nothing you have made yourself to be. It is not an equation of gifts + passions + accomplishments. Everything comes from the cross and God’s original plan for you. Something I have learned since being in Ministry School is that the biggest lie is “I am a sinner, saved by grace.” No, I was a sinner, but now I am a saint. I am seated in heavenly places. The truth is that you are royalty. You are seated next to Jesus, and He wants you to live like it. Believe in the truth about yourself because the truth sets you FREE. You, as a royal heir, cannot afford to believe another lie about yourself. You wear a crown but you live like a slave. That ends today. Remember where you came from. People will only love you as much as you love you. People will only honor you as much as you honor you. You are a gem, a treasure to many, but most of all, to our King.

As you walk in this identity, you will see change from the inside out. You will readily recognize what He wants for you. You will lift others up instead of tearing down. Your eyes will be opened to the best in you and your mind will be made new. The most important person in your life will become Jesus and you will desire to become the way He made you to be. Pray this today:

“Father, I am yours. Everything from You is good and I find myself in You, therefore I am full of Your goodness. Today, I conquer fear and lies in the name of Jesus. I am built in Your strength and I declare a spirit of boldness in me. I choose to walk in Your fullness today. I find out who I am when I find out who You are. Thank you for loving me with an everlasting love. You da’ best Lord, in Jesus’ name, Amen.” [The last part is for Robert Moody…:)]

Bless you Massive! My heart is for you all!

Charley Woodman

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WHAT DO YOU THINK?
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What are your questions or reactions to what Charley wrote? Do you agree with what she said or disagree? Share in the comments.

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To print the artwork above, click here to open higher resolution image (may take a minute to download), save to your computer, then print out on card stock or paper of your choice! Tag Charley ( @charleyjwoodman ) in your instagram pictures to show her how you use her art!

|Author + Artwork >> Charley| 

a relevant voice | an interview

As teens and adults, we each struggle with insecurity on some level. Those of us who are Christ-followers have likely understood the truth that we are created wonderfully. But how many of us spend time wondering if this is really true. When circumstances, relationships, or every other outside influence seems to be screaming something different, it’s hard to cling to the truth of being of value. The voices we ultimately choose to listen to greatly impact our lives. Being a voice of encouragement and truth becomes vital.

Today I wanted to introduce you to three ladies who have found a relevant, Christ-centered way of being such a voice on the social media realms of Facebook and Instagram. Maybe you can be inspired to find your own way of reaching the world with some loving truth. Maybe you know someone who would benefit from hearing a voice of encouragement like this–hook them up!

 

 

 

#bicflawless | aka: BeYOUtiful in Christ

an interview 
with (the awesome) Kaleigh 

For those who may not be familiar with you, what exactly is #bicflawless?
#bicflawless is a ministry meant to encourage girls to embrace their beauty. It gives them the opportunity to recognize the way they were created: flawless.

Share with us a little peek into the people behind the scenes of #bicflawless.

Charley was the one who suggested we use Instagram and it has been a very good idea! She has been very helpful in keeping up with the Instagram posts. Since I know Charley has struggled with self image before, as she would tell you in her testimony, I thought she would be a very good role model for girls who struggle with this as well!

 

Chelsea-we all love her-She used to help a ton with Facebook, but I think she has been more involved lately with helping Charley keep up Instagram! I knew I could trust her to help and give wise advice as well. She has such a sweet spirit, I think it’s easy for girls to open up and share their struggles with her.

 

Where did the inspiration come from to reach girls with the countercultural truth of inner beauty?

As a girl, I understand the desire to feel beautiful. It’s hard when the world and media are constantly shoving lies in our faces about what the perfect body size or the perfect image should look like. When I was younger, I thought part of growing up meant my insecurities would go away, but they didn’t/don’t. While working at camp over the past two summers I got to read several prayers by young girls. I realized that the struggles they were going through stemmed from their insecurities. I wanted these girls to know, more than anything, that they weren’t alone. We all struggle with it, but there’s hope. There’s always hope. I wanted Beyoutiful in Christ to encourage girls to find their true beauty in the One who embraces them for all that they are.

Share some ways you’ve seen people impacted by what you’re doing.

I think because right now it’s just social media, I probably won’t ever see results, but that doesn’t stop me from doing it still. Megan sent us girls a package with t-shirts–that was SUPER
encouraging and I don’t really even know her.

What are some of your goals as you continue to share encouaragement through your social media outlets?
My biggest goal is that it doesn’t just stop at social media. My hope is that girls who view the page will be able to share with their friends how beautifully they were created. 🙂 I also have been given the opportunity to share this ministry with girls in a chaplain position at school. College girls struggle with self-image too 😉

Do you have any tips to offer others who may have a quiet desire to reach out to others in some way?
Do it. Do it. Do it. It’s not just enough to talk about it. Actions really do speak louder than words.

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Where to find #bicflawless | Instagram | Facebook | Buy a Shirt
(Just a few shirts remain if you are interested in spreading the message of beauty! I’ve heard a rumor they are wanting to offer hoodies next!)

{Note: All images used in today’s post were taken from the #bicflawless fb | ig pages!}

#bicflawless + cybermonday + whisper mountain

Have you noticed that link over there to your right? The BeYOUtiful In Christ community link?! A few of our Whisper Mountain summer staff started this instagram/facebook community this past fall. With a focus on teen girls, they offer daily encouragement to find their beauty and worth in Christ alone. Awesome, right?

They now have t-shirts available for sale! Get one for you or another girl in your world by visiting our camp store to make that purchase! Supplies are limited so I wouldn’t dilly dally!

It just so happens to be cyber monday, so while you’re there, shop around! You get awesome goods, 15% off your purchase (with the code “cybmon”) and warm fuzzies knowing you helped support a Jesus loving non-profit! Win-win wouldn’t you say?!

Okay! Now go spread the word…we rely on you for that! And have an awesome day!

Awesomeness Takes the [2013] Stage // Emily

When a girl loves to play gaga ball (read: conquer the guys) as much as Emily, she becomes Queen of Gaga Ball! She represents the girls well, I'm telling you!

Emily first came as a GIT (Guide In Training!) last year and wanted to come back for sm'ore! I've seen her grow more this summer and become a stronger leader because of it! The thing with Emily is she really has a way of connecting with others! 

She's fun, thoughtful and stays pretty upbeat even when stuff gets tough! And we all know it does! Emily has the ability to take what is dished out and rise to the occasion with finesse! Though I believe the finesse came through life's hardships, she certainly is better equipped for whatever life brings. You know, that whole God works all things for the good thing?!

As Emily gears up for her first year of college, I think I say for all of us…You got this Em (insert swat on backside!). Catch more of this ball 'o fun on instagram @emily_roedding.

Awesomeness Takes the [2013] Stage // Chelsea

Friends…I know you're being bombarded with some awesomeness. It's quite a lot to take in. BUT time is short and it's worth it, don't you agree?!

Meet Chelsea.

Remember her from last year? Every year gets better with Chelsea! She's been a rockstar from the beginning, but this year, like Aaron, she has taken on a greater leadership role through summer camp! God has stretched, used and strengthened her! Beautiful!

Much as the above picture shows, Chelsea spends much of her time laughing or smiling or spending time with her Lord to return to such a state! That's one thing I admire most about Chelsea. Her joy-filled living that only comes from her time with Jesus!

Having just graduated college, Chelsea will begin her student teaching in the fall. She's giddy about it, guys! She can.not.wait. to teach. Such passion is sure to leave a mark on some unsuspecting elementary kids!

I'm thankful for Chelsea's heart for discipleship and the time she creates to make it happen! She's an inspiration and encouragement to all who know her! If you'd like to get a peek into her everyday, follow her on instagram @chelseamichele11

May today be "ev-a in your fav-a!"

Awesomeness Takes the [2013] Stage // Hope

Hope is with us today on the Awesomeness Stage! (remember her from last year?!) We are very thankful to have her with us this year because she's getting to spend her time in the place of service of her choice…the kitchen!! She's been a great help to Ms. Patti and putting that food out for all the campers (a humungo job…now accepting applications for a camp cook!)

Aside from her enjoyment of cooking, Hope loves to have her a good time! Who doesn't, right?! Give her some boots, chai tea and a day of adventure and you'll see Hope grinning ear to ear!

And she's always looking to learn new things. Summer 2013 marks Hope's new-found love for picking…strings, not noses!! Sheesh! I mean every country girl ought to know how to pick, right!?

Seriously though. I find Hope to be quite thoughtful and generous with folks, always looking for a way to boost them up. Whether it's a note of encouragement, a gift of clothing, a specially made treat or simply a hug, Hope is ready to give of herself as much as she is able! I appreciate her willingness to work through things when they seem tough, her ability to make a stranger her friend, her sincere pursuit of Christ and her love of life, whatever it's dishing her!

I'm excited for her as she soon begins a journey toward a life in ministry!

You can catch all sorts of random happiness on her instagram @hope_rogers. Happy Day to you, folks!

Awesomeness Takes the [2013] Stage // Aaron

Wow! On one hand it's hard to believe we are starting our last week of camp today. On the other hand, we.are.so.tired!

In an effort to catch you all up on our staff, I will be slam jammin' the awesomeness stage this week! hang on, here we go!Does it get any better than this? Aaron is a goofball. What you see above is his amazing paintball outfit! I wish for markers to color in his shirt every time he wears it!!

Along with being a goofball, Aaron has an awesome heart for kids and people in general. He's been with us a number of years now as a guide, but has taken on more of a leader role this summer, overseeing a little more and even teaching one night during the week. The more he grows in the Lord, the more of a shepherd he becomes to others, showing them the way to a passionate relationship with Jesus!!

I admire the way he strives to keep his mark set on Christ in all things and his honesty when things have gone askew. His openness to being sharpened and chiseled into a more fine-tuned soldier of Christ reveals the humility growing in his heart.

If anything marks Aaron's life, it's the way he clings to the Rock of Christ and kindly and encouragingly helps others do the same!

Follow him on instagram @ajenness3 for some random goodness.

Hope you find some goofball moments to enjoy today!! (I know I'm needing them today!)