tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59930319187210360192023-06-20T21:43:27.735-07:00Bringing Forth VIRTUEBirth your Destiny through FAITH...Ana Gilleylenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07512914861426763083noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5993031918721036019.post-41925144444894006002012-03-02T20:57:00.003-08:002012-03-02T21:02:26.970-08:00Journal WritingToday, I would like for you to reflect, journal and share your stories of FAITH.<br />
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Write a short testimony of your experience with FAITH, in any area of your life, and share how you matured spiritually through that experience. <br />
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This is exactly what I did while writing "Bringing Forth Virtue".<br />
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The benefits of journal writing are endless! You can experience growth in your personal relationship with God, increase your FAITH and form a vision for your future.<br />
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Happy Journaling!<br />
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You are welcome to email me if you have any questions regarding today's assignment.<br />
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Scripture: 2 Peter 1:1-3<br />
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Prayer: Lord, we are thankful for our personal relationship with you. Help us to notice that you are working in our lives according to your purpose and plans for us. We will continue to follow your path and notice the progression from where we once were, to who we are becoming in our identity through you, as we journal today.Ana Gilleylenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07512914861426763083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5993031918721036019.post-2092588765541907072012-02-17T20:36:00.000-08:002012-02-17T20:36:04.048-08:00Preparing to Birth your DreamsPreparing to Birth your Dreams<br />
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Are your dreams thriving with the heartbeat of God? Or are you self-sustaining your own dreams?<br />
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Perhaps, you may even wonder what will become of your Dreams.<br />
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Well, I can tell you that when we receive a God-inspired dream the heart of it begins to form, beat with life, develop and continue to mature through a gradual process until birth.<br />
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The rhythm of our dreams in comparison to an embryo’s heartbeat can be detected before the heart is fully formed during the very early stages of development. This is exactly what pumps blood through the circulatory system delivering oxygen and nutrients to the organs that depend upon each other to function as a whole unit.<br />
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So, as I reflect upon this statement it helps me to further understand that my dreams receive nourishment and nutrients right from the heart of the Father, God himself, who has the power to keep our dreams vibrant with life, purpose and vision.<br />
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Today as we discuss the 3 stages of birth (birthing our dreams), determine where the heartbeat of your dream first originated…as either the heart of the Father, God himself, or by your own self support system?<br />
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The 1st stage of birth is Labor: During this process we began to transition from being comfortable to uncomfortable, things may even seem chaotic at this time because of change.<br />
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2nd stage of birth is Pushing: The pain of being uncomfortable may intensify. However, the baby (our dream) is beginning to reveal itself, showing it’s identity, purpose, character, etc .<br />
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The 3rd stage of birth is Afterbirth: Be confident that God will complete what He has started in you. (Philippians 1:6)<br />
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Scripture: 2 Peter 1:5-9<br />
Prayer: Lord, I pray that we are confident in knowing that you will complete the work that you have begun in us.<br />
Resources: For more on this topic you may also want to visit:<br />
<a href="http://www.churchofthehighlands.com/">http://www.churchofthehighlands.com/</a> <br />
click Media-Message Archive: Series: Topic:<br />
<br />Ana Gilleylenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07512914861426763083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5993031918721036019.post-34216190200205504282012-02-11T04:15:00.000-08:002012-02-17T10:20:43.465-08:00Can you hear me God?Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer…Page 27 (Psalm 4:1-8)<br />
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Have you ever wanted to ask the question…Can you hear me God?<br />
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Well, let’s just say that the effects of distress can be rippling. It can cause a tidal wave carrying great pain, anxiety and sorrow to rush up against the winds of peace. <br />
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A peace that has a confident trust in God; this is what we will rely on during the ride of the tidal waves. <br />
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The crashing of these waters leads me right into the discussion of labor. Labor can easily cause distress. In the moments leading up to the time that a mother’s water breaks the process can become both exciting and intense. <br />
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This analogy of birthing a newborn is also representative to those of us who are carrying our dreams, aspirations, and greatest expectations that we hope to one day see accomplished/birthed. During this process we must continue to apply our F.A.I.T.H.S. <br />
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I- We must continue to prayerfully seek the heart of God as we stand on his promises during our times of distress. Yes, he does hear us and that is a great relief. Let’s continue to converse with God and follow the path that he provides for us. <br />
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In the meantime, while were waiting to hear from God, let’s hide his word in our hearts so that we want sin against Him…Psalm 119:11, NLT<br />
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Small Group Scripture: 2 Peter 1:5-9<br />
Prayer: Lord, I pray that we confidently know that you listen to us when we call to you. <br />
Resources: For more on this topic you may also want to visit: <br />
Watch: <a href="http://www.churchofthehighlands.com/media/audio/three-dimensions-of-prayer">http://www.churchofthehighlands.com/media/audio/three-dimensions-of-prayer</a> <br />
Listen: <a href="http://www.churchofthehighlands.com/media/message/three-dimensions-of-prayer">http://www.churchofthehighlands.com/media/message/three-dimensions-of-prayer</a># <br />
<a href="http://www.churchofthehighlands.com,/">http://www.churchofthehighlands.com,/</a><br />
click Media-Message Archive: Series- Conversations with God, Topic – Three dimensions of Prayer… Page 31<br />Ana Gilleylenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07512914861426763083noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5993031918721036019.post-51021505388654527332012-02-03T20:13:00.000-08:002012-02-03T20:18:19.330-08:00FAITHFAITH, page 23<br />
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The seed of my salvation continued to grow through the matriculation of FAITH.<br />
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How would you define FAITH?<br />
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According to Hebrews 11:1, Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.<br />
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The bible is full of God's promises for our lives, and it also shares many stories about others who have exercised their faith. I will begin by defining faith as a small seed emerging into a thought, then a hope that grows into a dream that has fully matured into a physical/outward appearance that can now be seen.<br />
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For example, many of you may have heard about the illustration of how the chair was created. First, it was simply a thought that was taken into action when a person began to create and develope it into existence. Whenever you sit in a chair it's clearly a reminder of faith. <br />
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Faith has many shapes and forms, especially when we consider the following list:<br />
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- Believing God takes FAITH...Genesis 15:6<br />
- Only a small amount of FAITH is needed...Luke 17:6<br />
- FAITH is needed for salvation...Romans 3:28<br />
- FAITH comes from hearing the Word of God...Romans 10:17<br />
- Accept the person who has weak FAITH...Romans 14:1<br />
- Christianity is the only true FAITH...Ephesians 4:5<br />
- FAITH is hoping in what is not seen...Hebrews11:1<br />
- FAITH accompanies obedience to God...Hebrews 11:7-12<br />
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However, today I invite us to take a closer look at FAITH that is needed for our salvation...page xv<br />
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At each stage of our spiritual development we exercise our FAITH for spiritual growth.<br />
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While writing this book God helped me to think of it this way, F.A.I.T.H.S.<br />
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1. Faithfully work out the seed (faith), of your salvation through spiritual growth (a stage in the process of salvation) and development (the act, process, or result of being saved) .<br />
Yes, but How?<br />
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2. Acquire a personal relationship with God, as his adopted (He chose you as his)- sons and daughters.<br />
Yes, but How?<br />
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3. Intercede (seek Jesus) prayerfully during the months (a measure of time), seasons (time during your circumstance/problem) and timing of spiritual births (the emergence or your spiritual growth, gifts, talents, ideas, dreams, solutions, etc.).<br />
Yes, but How?<br />
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4. Travail through a difficult experience or situation and overcome prematurity (don't give up to quickly), complications (don't allow problems to stop your progress of FAITH), barenness (don't stop producing the fruit of the spirit-patience, kindness, etc.), and death (don't stop believing).<br />
Yes, but How?<br />
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5. Honor those in spiritual authority by virtue (conduct that agrees with what is morally right) of God's promise (a reason to have an expectation).<br />
Yes, but How?<br />
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6. Seed (F.A.I.T.H.S.) of salvation has now matured in Christ Jesus.<br />
Yes, but How?<br />
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The story of the woman with the issue of blood listed in Matthew 9 provides one of my favorite examples of FAITH and healing. Let's view this chapter together and answer the questions above as it applies to her life story.<br />
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For example<br />
1. She was faithful to believe in Jesus as the son of God (salvation), and his teachings led her to develope spirtually as she believed that his power, promises and ability to heal could all result in her receiving healing for her body.<br />
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Scripture: 2 Peter 1:5-9 <br />
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Prayer: Lord, I pray that I pursue you intimately and wholeheartedly, while never looking behind on what I tried to build for myself out of self-centeredness (selfishness), but that I long to love you more than myself, my desires, my dreams and my plans.<br />
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Resources: For more on this topic you may also want to visit: <a href="http://www.churchofthehighlands.com,/">http://www.churchofthehighlands.com,/</a><br />
click Media-Message Archive: Series- In the World of Perfect, Topic- Perfect Faith page 23Ana Gilleylenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07512914861426763083noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5993031918721036019.post-52861878106937405742012-02-02T10:40:00.000-08:002012-02-02T10:41:49.180-08:00Welcome to "Bringing Forth Virtue," where you can experience FAITH and Birth your destiny!<br />
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I will post regularly on Saturdays and respond to post at other times throughout the week during this time that is dedicated to our Small Group Study....<br />
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Please visit the tabs for any additional information.<br />
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I look forward to the opportunity to fellowhip with you!<br />
<br />Ana Gilleylenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07512914861426763083noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5993031918721036019.post-28978977466391291832011-03-10T16:20:00.000-08:002011-03-11T06:48:54.547-08:00She Speaks Scholarship<a href="http://shespeaksconference.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://shespeaksconference.com/files/2011/01/She-Speaks_button_125.jpg" border="0" alt="She Speaks Conference" /></a><br />God uses the least of these…<br /><br />I’m beginning to see the wisdom in God’s timing... (Ecclesiastes 3:11) Now, I’m evolving into a wife of noble character who opens my arms to the poor and extends my hands to the needy. However, I also seek to speak with wisdom and faithful instruction on my tongue at all times, especially during times of outreach. Thankfully, Proverbs 31 Ministries can help me at their upcoming She Speaks Conference http://shespeaksconference.com/, July 22-24, 2011, with a scholarship opportunity http://shespeaksconference.com/blog/, that has been offered for women who are called to write, speak and/or lead other women for ministry. I have chosen to enter the contest because it provides an opportunity for me to better serve others along my journey.<br /><br />The expressions of my sympathy and compassion to help those in need were birthed through a personal experience that I share in a publication entitled, <em>Bringing Forth Virtue</em>. I realize that writing provides an opportunity for women to hear God’s voice one story at a time. I desire to encourage others through writing and inspirational keynotes to share their stories of faith with individuals who are suffering, and when we do, we grow in our own faith as well (Psalm 37:4). My prayer is for my readers to earnestly seek after God; to walk with God to their next places of promise and to awaken to their God-sized call in such a way that they begin to change the world. <br /><br />Reflections of my life journey transpire from a young girl of selfish dreams into a Proverbs 31 woman who is clothed with strength and dignity to accomplish her God- ordained dream in EXCELLENCY with the help of Proverbs 31 Ministries (Proverbs 31:25). Thanks for your consideration!<br /><br />God led me to use my recent publication, <em>Bringing Forth Virtue</em>, published in April 2010, as a tool to empower other women who are experiencing hardship or suffering with knowledge that they can overcome with the blood of the Lamb and the words of their testimony (Revelation 12:11). Hopefully, my readers will become motivated to share their triumphant testimony with others so that they may overcome and <em>Bring Forth Virtue </em>as well. My efforts first began at home writing, and sharing with those in my proximity, then the Lord led me to volunteer at the March of Dimes foundation to promote journaling exercises that lead to healing and restoration. Now, my efforts have begun to expand once more after my husband and I received our assignment from God upon concluding 21 days of prayer and fasting with our church during January, 2011. Excitingly, part of this assignment led me to volunteer at the Dream Center, in Birmingham, AL, a ministry of The Church of the Highlands. My heart is eager to extend hope and words of restoration to women who attend The Crisis Pregnancy Center onsite at the Dream Center. <br /><br />Why…because God uses the least of these to bring forth his Glory and Virtue…reference, 2 Peter 1:3; Matthew 25:40.<br /><br />Scholarship Candidate,<br /><br />Ana GilleylenAna Gilleylenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07512914861426763083noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5993031918721036019.post-74993133048451879342011-02-10T10:25:00.000-08:002011-02-10T11:07:45.250-08:00A "Sweet Aroma" to the Lord!This year, let’s celebrate the one who loved us first, this Valentine's Day! <br /><br />What will you do to prepare? Initially, I thought of the usual ways to honor him, but when I read Ephesians 5:2 last night- it communicates that we should- “Walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us.” Let’s think about that as we prepare to celebrate Valentine’s Day. <br /><br />The revelation was quite clear while reading my life principles yearly bible, which states, "True love reaches out! True love gives itself sacrificially!" This is what Jesus did for us when He died on the cross for our sins so that we would be reconciled unto God. Jesus was eager to obey His Father and when we follow His example we become a sweet aroma to the Lord demonstrating where the desires of our heart truly reside. A heart to fulfill his purpose in eager obedience! <br /><br />The answer to part of our purpose is revealed in Colossians 1:28 (Amplified Bible)<br />(Share comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God), that we may present every person mature (full-grown, fully initiated, complete, and perfect) in Christ (the Anointed One).<br /><br />Our obedience is a sweet aroma to the Lord, according to Leviticus 1:17, "It is a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, a sweet aroma to the Lord."<br /><br />Enjoy Valentine's Day with your first true love!Ana Gilleylenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07512914861426763083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5993031918721036019.post-31744035713615356042011-01-15T13:35:00.000-08:002011-01-15T14:34:19.862-08:00Number your days Aright!Psalm 90:12<br /><br />So what if you awaken from a dream that you have lost your husband, your child or your grandchild? How you ask? Was it due to sickness, death, separation or divorce? Regardless, you find yourself meeting your new family. But….What did you learn from your prior lifestyle? Did you live a balanced life? Or… Were your priorities out of order? What is your life- focus today? <br /><br />The revelation of the following scripture has awakened in my life, "Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." I welcome you to partake in the revelation of God's word that it may bring you new life as well. I obviously become awe struck upon receiving a true revelation from God. The mere thought of grasping that my imperfect happy life as I know it among my immediate family members can literally change at any moment- has helped me to wisely consider reevaluating certain standards or priorities that I, or my family has in place. <br /><br />Sure, I have had the understanding in knowing that my life can change… However, receiving this revelation from God helps me to better understand how to apply my prior knowledge about family, with the ability to add wisdom, to improve our quality of life without regrets. Let me ask you a question, "How would you live life if you knew that you only had a short amount of time left on earth to spend with your family?" Despite the limited amount of time left whether two days, two weeks, two months, or two years, it's the quality of balanced time that you live out your life with your family that truly matters in a lifetime. <br /><br />For example, I can't get so caught up in perfection, working, and providing for my family, that I miss out on opportunities to first focus on my personal relationship with God, being a creative counterpart for my husband, enjoying and rightfully teaching my children, and so on…The order matters!<br /><br />I refuse to awaken to a life of regrets…I choose to live a purposeful life today as a servant to please the heart of God, a wife, a mom, and a life changer! How about you?Ana Gilleylenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07512914861426763083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5993031918721036019.post-20760075948508039322011-01-12T16:37:00.000-08:002011-01-12T16:38:28.924-08:00A Journey of Spiritual MaturityAs the New Year unravels itself into the epitome of nature itself I regain consciousness to begin writing again; indulging myself into the womb of grace for taking my hand again toward Destin's design. So how is your outlook as we continue moving forward in the New Year? Hhmmmm….Well, I wonder what the year beholds…. <br /><br />Although, AWAKENED from a previous spiritual slumber, I'm learning to consistently remain awakened through a vital spiritual relationship that I maintain with Jesus Christ…Delighting myself in the Lord and reaping the rewards of all His benefits… (Psalm 37:4..Psalm 103). I'm elated about our adventure! My admiration of Him as my first true love has overflowed into the New Year (Matthew 22:37-38)! This adventure has truly been the journey of a lifetime….. <br /><br />I remember ever so clearly the day when my life truly awakened to His spirit. The amazement and excitement of my new nature bubbled over into such a JOY, love and peace that I had never experienced prior to that moment! I look forward to beholding that cherished memory and more throughout this New Year! Join me along the journey of spiritual maturity and let's tell the world about the marvelous works Jesus has done!Ana Gilleylenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07512914861426763083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5993031918721036019.post-65052432051670288432010-06-25T14:49:00.000-07:002010-06-25T17:43:37.936-07:00Use your gift to glorify God!"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms." 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)<br /><br />My spirit is delighted to witness the grace of God at work in the life of people. What sparks a delight in your spirit? Have you identified your gift so that it may be offered to serve others and glorify God? <br /><br />If not,<br /><br />1) Open your heart in prayer to God for an answer regarding your unique gift. <br /><br />2) Seek scriptures in God's word that align with your God given gift to confess aloud each day.<br /><br />3) Then, offer and accept opportunities to use your gift to bless others around you and glorify God.<br /><br />I agree with LeAnn Rice at Proverbs 31 Ministries that God calls each of us to use the gifts that He has given us to glorify Him. So my heart is open to the limitless opportunities that God may present to me as He shapes my purpose in writing, speaking and mentoring women to pursue their God-inspired dreams. <br /><br />Let's explore the gifts of women throughout the bible this week and the path that led them to glorify God.<br /><br />Please feel free to share your comments.Ana Gilleylenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07512914861426763083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5993031918721036019.post-62769125888197279732010-06-03T06:59:00.000-07:002010-06-03T07:01:59.640-07:00Virtue QuoteNew Book Release: www.BringingForthVirtue.com<br /><br />~ Courage is the most important of all the virtues, because without courage you can't practice any other virtue consistently. You can practice any virtue erratically, but nothing consistently without courage. ~ Maya AngelouAna Gilleylenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07512914861426763083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5993031918721036019.post-60015732234235723682010-05-19T19:26:00.001-07:002010-05-19T19:26:59.732-07:00VIRTUE QuoteWisdom is knowing what to do next, skill is knowing how to do it, and VIRTUE is doing it. David Starr Jordan <br />New Book Release: www.BringingForthVirtue.comAna Gilleylenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07512914861426763083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5993031918721036019.post-10600511498372252292010-05-06T20:26:00.000-07:002010-05-06T23:18:31.349-07:00Give a Gift"The Lord said to Moses, "Tell the Israelites to bring me gifts. Receive for me the gifts each person wants to give......." Exodus 25:1-26:37<br /><br /> My new book will be published in May 2010, and I am excited to present it as a gift to honor, praise and glorify Jesus Christ. I simply expressed to God my desire to glorify Him, soon afterwards the Holy Spirit impressed upon my heart the story of the "Widow's Oil" (2 Kings 4). <br /><br />In the story the prophet, Elisha said, "I wonder how I can be of help. Tell me, what do you have in your house?" "Nothing," she said. "Well, I do have a little oil." <br /><br /> In the midst of reflecting upon the widow, I asked myself, "What do I have in my house?" My answer was a pen, paper, a computer and our story. "Lord are you telling me to write," I asked? The answer was evident. <br /> <br /> I began to trust the Lord by FAITH to birth Bringing Forth VIRTUE. This process led me to diligently exercise my faith to develop virtue; and to virtue the knowledge of godly love. (2 Peter 1:5) I truly realized that the virtuous life is acheived through faith in Jesus Christ.<br /><br />Are you diligent in your faith? Live the mature, spiritual life daily and give gifts to God!Ana Gilleylenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07512914861426763083noreply@blogger.com0