How God Has Been Moving at Barren to Beautiful

Things have been a little quieter on my blog this month–and I want to share why. Behind the scenes, God has been moving in a mighty way. Just like when a seed is planted in the dirt–it doesn’t look like anything is happening. But it is. Underground–life is taking form, and suddenly, it pushes through the dirt, and springs forth.

200 Women Join the 20-Day Bible Reading Plan

Over the last month, from November 1st-20th, over 200 women from all over the world joined me for an adventure seeking God every day by following a 20-Day Infertility Bible Reading Plan. (This plan, called, “Yet I Will Rejoice: Bible Reading Plan,” was created by Kristy at Organic Christian Living. You can check it out here!)

In our “female-only,” “closed,”  Facebook group, we interacted with the Bible passages for each day and got to share what God was revealing to us. Also, most evenings, I held “Live Nightly Prayer,” where I would pray that day’s scripture over the women and share specific things God laid on my heart for that day.

None of this was my plan. (Especially to do “Facebook Live!” at the end of the day, when my mind was tired, my make-up was all wiped off from the day, and my kids wiped their food on my clothes.) I’m a writer–I like to have things written just so. But speaking, and doing it “live” from my living room or kitchen table–felt so out of my comfort zone–or giftings. But, you know what God kept reminding me? “This isn’t about you, it’s about Me.” So…I pressed that very scary “live” button–and did just that…live. 

I shared things I hadn’t planned on sharing, talked longer than I meant to, laughed, cried, and even on the last night…sang.

But God had things to say to these girls–life-changing things–and He chose me in my weakness, so He could show Himself strong. Because it’s not about speaking with “eloquence,” it’s just about speaking in obedience, and letting His Spirit take over. 

Let me tell you, it was such a sweet time. If you are one of the ladies who participated: Thank you. What a beautiful, called, set-apart group of women you are. I learned so much walking alongside these ladies, hearing their hearts pour out for God, and allowing themselves to be changed by His living, breathing Word in the Bible. Opening their minds and hearts up to His will, above their own.

It’s a beautiful thing–when barren women come together–seeking the greatest Beauty of all–Jesus Christ. 

And He opens their eyes, to His beauty. 

I believe this 20-Day adventure was only the beginning of a new journey for them. Of God opening their eyes to His beauty–all around. Because even for the woman who perhaps didn’t feel she “changed” during this 20-day journey–I believe change is coming.

There is a Scripture in Galatians 6:7-8 that says, “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.”

That’s what the last month has been. Digging in the dirt. Planting seeds. Watering ourselves with the Word of God, opening up our hearts and lives to His Spirit. Because even if we can’t see it yet–the blooms will eventually come.

We sow to the Spirit, and we will reap from the Spirit. And He will bring a beautiful harvest in His time, and in His way. 

(If you are reading this, and happened to miss the 20-Day Bible Reading Plan you can access it and follow it on your own here. )

God is moving in women’s hearts all over the globe, taking them from barren to beautiful.

How This Blog Began

When I started this blog, about 3 years ago–I had no idea what God would do with it.  I had no idea how to even start a blog. I literally took “Blogging for Dummies” out from the library and renewed it as many times as I was allowed.

God gave me the name, “Barren to Beautiful,” because that’s what He did in me.

He had changed me. He had opened my eyes. And He did this before I ever got pregnant. DURING infertility, when there was no hope given to me, He came close.

He met me in the desert.

I was a sad, angry, broken woman. I had a barren womb, yes, but I also had a barren soul. With clenched fists, trying to tolerate God’s plan for me. Trying to be okay with it. I often looked out and saw my life as a dry, barren wasteland. Dry, cracked earth. Nothing grew there.

“But that’s not what I see,” the Lord whispered. 

I say this with tears.

“That’s not what I see.” 

He opened my eyes. To the beauty all around me. 

He opened my eyes to Him.

To His beauty. 

He took me from seeing me life as barren…to beautiful.

Because wherever God is, there is beauty.

(You can read more of my story here.  )

This is why I started this blog. The things He spoke to me in the darkness–I now proclaim from the rooftops. Whatever “rooftops” He gives me. I have to share these things. I have to tell of His wonderful works. He healed my womb. He gave me two beautiful children. But He also healed my soul–and this perhaps was the biggest miracle of all.

Because whether we can have babies, or not; whether we are married, or single, whether we have the life we dreamed, or not–we are all barren inside apart from Jesus Christ.

And He has come to take us from barren to beautiful. 

He pours out streams in the desert, and rivers in the wastelands. 

Of our souls. 

So if the Spirit has led you here, I believe He wants to take your barreness away–and show you His beauty.

That’s why this blog began. That’s why it continues. That’s why I continue–because I believe with all my heart–this is true. 

Women (from all over the world) Begin Sending In “Barren to Beautiful” Testimonies (Because God is Moving)

Last Spring, the Lord prompted me to ask for testimonies of women who have been healed of either a barren womb, or a barren soul, or both. So, I did.

And here’s what happened: I recieved testimonies from all over the world. More testimonies than I could even read. Incredible stories of God working in women’s lives and hearts–bringing them to life. And I began publishing them for “Testimony Tuesdays,” maybe you’ve read some? And…I still have a big stack of them in my inbox, that I have not even gotten to read yet. I actually had to “close” submissions until spring or summer because I was getting so many.  But isn’t this an amazing problem to have? 

God is healing barren souls and barren wombs. God is moving, wooing, loving His daughters and calling them closer to Himself.

And the barren are singing again. 

I love that this isn’t just about my testimony, or my story anymore. It’s about yours, too. It’s about God–and what He is doing.

Because this isn’t simply about women getting pregnant, or God healing barren wombs. Sometimes, He does that. He did it for me (even when I was faithless, He did it.) But what this is about, is God healing barren souls.  This is about women laying down their lives, their plans, their dreams, and abandoning themselves fully to the Lord, desiring Him above all else, letting their arms fall open like a book–in surrender, in trust, and in hope–because they have a good, good Father. And He is calling His daughters back to Himself. And He is taking them from barren…to beautiful.

New Blog Design In the Works

Over the last couple years of blogging, I’ve had some site updates I’ve been neglecting to make–just because tech issues are a BIG weakness for me. (Remember the “Blogging for Dummies” book?) Yeah.

However, I recently purchased a new theme from Restored 316 to update Barren to Beautiful–basically this will give my blog a little (or big) makeover. (Eek!) I’m really excited to make this change, as it will make it so much easier for you to find the articles you are looking for and organize everything, and it will also be great for whatever future God has in store has for “Barren to Beautiful.” However, trying to watch hours of video tutorials, while nursing my son, and being on the phone with my hosting provider, and having my blog most-likely appear side-ways for days on end…scares me a little. 

It might take me weeks…or months. (Because my kids need me a lot, every day…And I’m THE worst multi-tasker… #mommyblogger)

Even though it would be nice to have undisturbed hours to write and work on this blog, I have to remember, that these beautiful kids, are answers to my sobbing prayers.  And they are walking miracles of His goodness to me. So, it’s okay. Whatever God has called me to as a mom, wife, writer and blogger–He will also give me the grace, energy, and time to do it. (And if my blog is sideways for a couple days…you’ll understand, right?)

 

So much love to you,

I’m honored to be walking this journey with you,

From Barren…to Beautiful,

Rebekah

Photo credit: Sarah D’Attoma of D’Attoma Studios Photography