I Woke Up WORTHY: Words on Worth, Wholeness, Self-Esteem and Healing with Shannon Evette
Shannon Evette is empowering others to know their worth, to know that you were created worthy and have value beyond what the world says you do. Listen to her share encouragement above. Below Shannon speaks with Jay Barnett, therapist and speaker, about love and relationships and how knowing our worth is important when it comes […]
Read More »I Woke Up WORTHY: Words on Worth, Wholeness, Self-Esteem and Healing with Shannon Evette
Shannon Evette is empowering others to know their worth, to know that you were created worthy and have value beyond what the world says you do. Listen to her share encouragement above. Below Shannon speaks with Jay Barnett, therapist and speaker, about love and relationships and how knowing our worth is important when it comes […]
Read More »A Leap of Faith Into Who You Are in Christ – Heart to Heart with Dr. Naima Johnston-Bush
Dr. Naima speaks about how she learned to trust in God as a young woman and gives advice on embracing your identity in Christ…
Read More »Alex G on Overcoming Anxiety and Music with James David and Danielle Bennett
Life can get stressful especially in the world we live in and maybe you can relate to Alex G’s story of how she’s learning to overcome anxiety – I definitely could relate to the frustration, feelings and am inspired by her vulnerability…
“I have had bad anxiety since I was 10 years old. For those of you struggling with it, I understand now that it can be really serious and damaging. Be compassionate towards each other. You have no idea how much it can help those with emotional needs!
“This is my story. I hope that it encourages others who struggle with mental disorders to start the process of stepping away from their shame and fear. YOU ARE NOT ALONE!” – Alex G
Be sure to check out Alex’s amazing music – here are some of my favorites: her passionate cover of “I Was Made For Loving You” with James David (DAVIE) (the original is by Tori Kelly and Ed Sheeran) and her original song Lighthouse with spoken word by Danielle Bennett – so beautiful, heart-moving and relevant to what so many people are feeling in the world today. All of these young artists are inspiring ones to follow, be sure to check out their sites below!
Read More »When You See Her – Show Some Love
You see her in the corner sitting quietly in the back of the classroom as everyone chatters away, she’s staring down at her books to pretend she’s occupied when really she just wants it to swallow her up; she just wants to disappear. Some might take her expressionless, tense face as a little snooty a little off-putting, but really she is scared. She tries not to draw attention but even when silent somehow she draws in mean girls like flies.
At lunch time she doesn’t want to face them, and their jeering so she heads to the empty stairwell to eat her sandwich, alone.
Sometimes she locks herself in a bathroom stall, her forehead against the cold wall, tears streaming down her face. She doesn’t dare look up at the scribbling on the painted brick for fear that her name could be scrawled there.
She might be shy, might be new, a little lost and awkward maybe but she definitely needs a friend. She might be at your school, in your class, on your bus ride home.
If you got to know her you’d find that she likes to laugh, loves that show you watch, you’d see there’s more to her then meets the eye. If you would only meet her eyes, smile and introduce yourself you might be surprised. If only…
But for now she sits alone. Her face may not say it but inside she’s longing for someone, someone to notice, wishing someone would take the time to see her, to really see her, say hi and show her some love.
How do I know? Because she was once me.
Show some love today – you never know what effect your words and kindness can have on someone who is hurting.
– Julene, Editor of SOAR
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
1 John 4:7-12
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Calvary Love: Inspiration from Amy Carmichael
February is the month of love, but how much do we really show the true love that God exemplified through the cross to others in our lives? “Calvary Love” is an amazing, inspiring and convicting passage from the book “If” by Amy Carmichael. Amy was a Christian missionary born in the late 1800s who served in India and opened an orphanage – her life and writings were an example of the love she so boldly speaks of:
Amy Carmichael on Calvary Love
If I belittle those whom I am called to serve, talk of their weak points in contrast perhaps with what I think of as my strong points; if I adopt a superior attitude, forgetting “Who made thee to differ? And what hast thou that thou hast not received?” then I know nothing of Calvary love…
If souls can suffer alongside, and I hardly know it, because the spirit of discernment is not in me, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If the praise of others elates me and their blame depresses me; if I cannot rest under misunderstanding without defending myself; if I love to be loved more than to love, to be served more than to serve, then I know nothing of Calvary love…
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You Are Loved…
Happy Valentine’s Day! Make every day ahead one filled with love! Even if you don’t have a Valentine or are going through a hard season, know that you are cherished…
“But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:21-23
The greatest Love of all gave His life for you and engraved you on the palms of His hands. God is forever faithful, His love is everlasting- It never fails!
No matter what you are going through – wading in the darkness that tries to engulf you – know that the Light is stronger, darkness won’t last much longer. Though it may get lonely you’re not alone – you are loved, more than you know…Love. Never. Fails.
– Julene Fleurmond, Editor of DreaminSoul.com & SOAR
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Artist Snapshots & Music Picks: Rachel Chan – “You Must Love Me” & “Prove It” From Her Album “Go”
15-year Rachel Chan, who is the daughter of renowned author and speaker Francis Chan, recently released her first album entitled “Go,” which features this song “You Must Love Me.” In the song she talks about how much God shows His affection to us, more than anyone ever can:
“You Must Love Me” LyricsNo one calls me beautiful like you and i love how you say it too,
Every word from you is filled with wonder, I wonder, why you love me, but you do
I would be a fool to argue with you, maybe id be wasting my time,
You’ve given me your word and based on what I’ve heard, You must love me, really love meNo one knows me as deeply as you do, still i’m the one you choose
Even though i prove i don’t deserve you, i don’t deserve the love you say is true
And i would be a fool to argue with you, maybe id be wasting my time
You’ve given me your word and based on what I’ve heard, You must love me, really love me
In another song about love on the album, Rachel’s talking to a potential suitor telling him he has to prove to her Dad that he really loves her; the track is fun and even features Francis Chan himself, click here to take a listen. For more fun and fresh music be sure to check out her album “Go” on iTunes by clicking here.
You can connect with Rachel on her website www.rachelchanmusic.com.
More About Rachel Chan
As more and more of the Millennial generation look for leadership in video games, Radio Disney, pop culture, and their own community of youth, there is a hope that a figure will rise up pointing them toward Hope… pointing them toward Love. It is possible that such a person may be found in the small stature, but big presence of fifteen- year-old, singer-songwriter Rachel Chan.
Born and raised in the rolling valleys of Simi Valley, California, Rachel is the oldest child of world-renowned, New York Times best-selling author and speaker Francis Chan. The welcoming, and spirit filled environment Chan and his wife Lisa have built provides a creative haven for this young songstress who admits her parents, “try to be the best picture of Christ they can be for me.”
Read More…
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Say Yes To Your Purpose For Such a Time As This: Inspiration from Beckah Shae
“It’s not only that God just forgives you…it’s not only that He covered me and set me free and forgave me, but He goes so much farther. He crowns me with glory and honor and favor, He calls me His daughter – I thrive on the joy…the presence of God is the fullness of joy…” – Beckah Shae
A few weeks back I heard Beckah Shae’s testimony on the Revolution show on JCTV and was moved by her heart for God and her story. Watch her talk about how she came to where she is today:
“I know personally that I’ve been called to stand. I’d like to see how many people are going to be really, truly willing to stand…Do you know Him and does He know you?” – Beckah Shae
At the beginning of January I gave a message to the teen girl ministry at my church about Esther and how like she followed God’s plan for her life, we should also be bold and say yes to our purpose. One of my inspirations for the message was Beckah Shae’s song from her album “Destiny,” listen to the lyrics below:
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Ministry Spotlight: The Dream Girlz Gathering & GLAM Camp Founded by Melinda Watts
Recording artist Melinda Watts, winner of the Gospel Music Channel’s singing competition Gospel Dream, knows firsthand about the power of dreams and the importance of being given the opportunity to grow into one’s purpose. As a former teacher her heart has always been geared toward youth, especially girls who grew up in difficult social and financial situations where dreams often seemed so far away.
Those experiences with young people are what led Melinda to start the Dream Girlz Gathering Foundation which supports girls from underserved neighborhoods and hosts high-energy, power-packed empowerment conferences designed to uplift, inspire, and teach girls ranging in age from 8-18. Full of pampering, fun, worship, workshops, prayer and more, girls everywhere are experiencing a life-changing encounter.
Below: Watch Melinda Watts and the Dream Girlz Gathering in action at one of their 2011 events in Seattle.
In November, during National Adoption Month, Melinda’s charity hosted 75 enthusiastic girls at her Foundation’s G.L.A.M. (Girls Leadership and Mentoring) Camp at the Pinebrook Conference and Retreat Center in Pennsylvania. The girls who attended G.L.A.M. took part in a variety of activities, from swimming and hiking to inspiring workshops and creative arts. Each attendee enjoyed a special time of bonding, sharing, praying, and worshiping, in a fun, safe environment. Testimonials poured in from girls who said it was a life-changing weekend.
According to Melinda, a greater number of girls and their parents desired to participate, but the Dream Girlz Gathering staff was unable to accommodate a larger group—something Watts is hoping to change with donations and support from individuals, ministries, and groups interested in linking up with her cause.
“There are so many young girls who need love and guidance and I want to be able to help as many as possible,” Watts, who is currently working on her new album to be released in 2012, tells EEW Magazine. Through the sale of the charity single and charitable donations of “Dream Girlz Gathering Angels,” the name designated for supporters, Watts anticipates the day when the Foundation will be able to assist more girls.
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Word: Nothing Is Impossible With God, Luke 1
Just as Mary let the Holy Spirit dwell in her to bring about God’s dreams through her life – plans that were larger than she could imagine – let’s do the same and remember in this season and in the upcoming year that with God, nothing is impossible.
He is a God of miracles, marvels and great love for you and I, represented in the present He sent to live among us – God incarnate, love personified…
May your dreams be merry and bright this season and in the New Year!
– Julene Fleurmond, Editor of Dream in Soul & SOAR
Word: The Birth of Jesus Foretold
26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, 27 to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. 28 Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!”
29 Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. 30 “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!”
34 Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.”
35 The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. 36 What’s more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she’s now in her sixth month. 37 For nothing is impossible with God.”
38 Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.
Luke 1:26-38 – Read More in Context
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Jamie Grace – Christmas Together Music Video From Her EP
Here’s a fun and heart-warming video from Jamie Grace’s Christmas EP, Christmas Together – it’ll get you smiling and in the Christmas spirit! I love how she got her family and friends together on her birthday to shoot the video, and the lyrics and feel of the song are cleverly melded and entertaining. You can get her Christmas EP on iTunes by clicking here!
Jamie Grace Describing the Making of the Christmas Together Video
My birthday (November 25th) was spent with some great people to make this crazy, fun, quirky music video for “Christmas Together.” It features my mom, dad, big sis Morgan and her hubs Patrick and includes some more of my family and closest friends. We had SO much fun! This video wouldn’t have been possible without everyone taking their holiday week to hang out and do this!;) Thank you! Also to my aunt who catered the party haha, SESAC who sent me an amazing cake and Cynthia whose birthday was the same day but still came.;) LOVE LOVE!!
Cameo Appearances by Jonah Limbert and Jane King – two of the most remarkable dancers on this planet.
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What’s Your Dream? T-Shirt Giveaway Contest Coming Soon
What’s your dream? How do you feel God is calling you to use your gifts?
If you’re not sure where God is calling you, we’ll be listing resources on how you can get help on discovering it – don’t worry, you’ll still be able to enter this contest…
Stay tuned for more info on how you can win a T-Shirt from Dream in Soul Creative.
Click here to join our mailing list and join the Facebook page for updates.
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