GIVEAWAY: Live Full, Walk Free

Gwen SmithBlog, Christian Living, Giveaways 158 Comments

For the Liz Curtis Higgs giveaway on April 7th, please click here!

Hi friend!

Happy Friday! As you’ve probably figured out by now: I’ve got a GIVEAWAY and FRIEND FEATURE for you today! #yay

It’s my pleasure to introduce you to my sweet friend: author and Bible teacher CINDY BULTEMA. At first glance, you might see Cindy as a bouncy, suburban, church-going, soccer-mom type. {She might even drive a swagger wagon. Not sure.} When you get to know her deeper, however, you begin to see layer after layer of redemption. You see healing. You see honesty. You see hope. You see Jesus. She’s that kind of beautiful.

Now, open your heart as Cindy shares an excerpt from her new book and Bible Study: LIVE FULL, WALK FREE, Set Apart in a Sinful World.

WHAT NOT TO WEAR

High school was not kind to me.

Although there are a few fun memories – cheering for the freshmen basketball team, attending a zany psychology class, passing drivers training – I’m glad I never have to return to those four agonizing years again. Ever.

Mostly my adolescent days were filled with intense loneliness, rejection, and a bottomless longing for acceptance and love.

I’ll never forget the day I thought I finally was on my way to high school recognition. A fellow classmate shared she saw something written about me in the girls’ bathroom. Really? Me?!

I ran to the south side of the building as quickly as my clog-wearing feet would take me. I couldn’t wait to examine what someone had taken the time to reveal publicly about me!

I pulled open the heavy wooden door and scanned the chipped bathroom stall’s exterior. Then I spotted the six words that would shape my life for the next two decades…

“Cindy is a fat red cow.”

And on that dreadful day those six words attached to me like a sticky, descriptive name tag.

As the years went on, I may have appeared happy and self-confident. But beneath the cheery smile and bubbly personality, remained an injured and insecure young woman meticulously attempting to cover up the pain, and striving to protect herself from ever being hurt or teased…again.

I wonder if you can relate, sweet friend? What labels have attached to you over the years?

  • Not good enough.
  • Stupid.
  • Ugly.
  • Fat.
  • Not wanted.

Thankfully my story has a joyful ending. In 1996, in the midst of a drug and alcohol addiction, I was introduced to Jesus, and surrendered my life to Him. As I began to study the Bible, I quickly discovered God says I am….

  • Accepted (Romans 15:7).
  • Beautiful (Ephesians 1:3).
  • Chosen (1 Peter 2:9).
  • Dearly Loved (1 John 3:1).
  • Enough (2 Corinthians 12:9).
  • Forgiven (1 John 1:9).

My dear sister, you are too!

In Christ, we have been given new, Truth-filled, life-giving labels to wear. We all have.

Regardless of where we have been. Regardless of what we have done.

And in Christ, not only are the old labels erased, they have been replaced with power-filled words of Truth. Only God can do that!

What label are you wearing today? Did you put on “loved,” “significant,” “courageous” – or are your old labels trying to impact your new days?

May we say “no more” to not-nice nametags, lying labels, and sassy self-talk. Instead, may God infuse us with a fresh faith to “put on” Truth each day. His Words are always a perfect fit!

 

Congratulations to Giveaway Winners: Kathy Smith and Alexis Buhr!

Cindy would like to send a copy of her new Bible Study, LIVE FULL, WALK FREE: a Journey Through First Corinthians to TWO of my readers!

To qualify for the drawing, you need to do TWO things:

#1. LEAVE A COMMENT to win by CLICKING HERE.

#2. SHARE THIS POST on social media.

That’s it! Once you do both, your name will be entered into the random drawing. Be sure to tell your friends so they can sign up too. The drawing will take place on Sunday, February 12th, so don’t delay! {Contest is limited to US and Canada readers only.}

 

A FREEBIE FOR YOU!

Be reminded of God’s power-filled words of truth with these free A-Z Scripture Cards available for download at http://www.cindybultema.com/live-full-walk-free/.

 

MEET CINDY BULTEMA

With nearly 20 years of ministry experience, Cindy is a popular women’s speaker, author, and Bible teacher. But don’t let her cheerful smile fool you—Cindy has endured single parenting, overcome bondage to addiction, and survived tragic loss.

Cindy’s latest Bible study, Live Full Walk Free: Set Apart in a Sin-Soaked World http://www.cindybultema.com/live-full-walk-free/ was released in December 2016. Cindy lives in Michigan with her husband and their four kids. Most days you can find Cindy walking her beagle Rocky, attending one of her boys’ hockey games, or serving hot lunch at her kids’ school. Visit Cindy at www.cindybultema.com.

 

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Comments 158

  1. I am a fixer, so 8 want to make things just so….. But it’s not my job w/o having God with me thru the Spirit, guiding my actions and reactions. Accepting that we have different roles to play in our faith….that its not what we are DOING but what were feeling towards God…and that the most important of all…IS TO PUT GOD FIRST. It’s kind of how I tell people who visit, are you here to see me or my house. If I spend my energy on making my home perfact instead of listening and being there for family and triends, than I am letting God down….be there for God’s sheep.

    Reply

  4. Inspiration is a great way to stay focused. How I would love to own this book and continue to “lean in” and learn especially now as Easter approaches.

    Reply

  6. The Women of Easter sounds like an inspiring book. Mary and Martha have always been intriguing… Looking forward to a giveaway win.. Blessings

    Reply

  7. I have this book! It’s wonderful. i think I own almost all of Liz Curtis Higgs books! she is one of my many favorite authors. I have the Women of Christmas, too.
    I would love to share with my Sisters class in Sunday School, too.
    I guess I’m a Martha, but, I am working towards Mary 🙂

    Reply
    1. Post
      Author

      Brenda, there was an incorrect link earlier for the Liz Curtis Higgs giveaway, which sent you here to this blog post. The correct link is: http://gwensmith.net/giveaway-the-women-of-easter
      Don’t worry about leaving a comment at the correct link, though. We’ll check these comments before choosing a winner. If you would like to leave a comment for Liz, however, please feel free to do so at the above link. So sorry for any inconvenience! Gwen

      Reply
    1. Post
      Author

      Bev, there was an incorrect link earlier for the Liz Curtis Higgs giveaway, which sent you here to this blog post. The correct link is: http://gwensmith.net/giveaway-the-women-of-easter
      Don’t worry about leaving a comment at the correct link, though. We’ll check these comments before choosing a winner. If you would like to leave a comment for Liz, however, please feel free to do so at the above link. So sorry for any inconvenience! Gwen

      Reply

  9. I listened to Liz Curtis Higgs talk to Jim Daly about the book on Focus on the Family the other day and thought it sounded like a great read. While talking, she brought up the fact that there are seven Marys in the NT – I didn’t know that. I’ll have to do more research. I know Mary, the mother of Jesus; Mary Magdala; Mary, Martha’s sister; but that’s as far as I can remember. Anyway, this book sounds wonderful!

    Reply
    1. Post
      Author

      Debbie, there was an incorrect link earlier for the Liz Curtis Higgs giveaway, which sent you here to this blog post. The correct link is: http://gwensmith.net/giveaway-the-women-of-easter
      Don’t worry about leaving a comment at the correct link, though. We’ll check these comments before choosing a winner. If you would like to leave a comment for Liz, however, please feel free to do so at the above link. So sorry for any inconvenience! Gwen

      Reply

  10. I love this story of Mary & Martha! Thank you for this devotion that shows Jesus’ loving correction. I so look forward to reading your book! God Bless! ??

    Reply
    1. Post
      Author

      Marcia, there was an incorrect link earlier for the Liz Curtis Higgs giveaway, which sent you here to this blog post. The correct link is: http://gwensmith.net/giveaway-the-women-of-easter
      Don’t worry about leaving a comment at the correct link, though. We’ll check these comments before choosing a winner. If you would like to leave a comment for Liz, however, please feel free to do so at the above link. So sorry for any inconvenience! Gwen

      Reply

  11. As usual you rocked it, Gwen! I am def a Martha but am slooooooowly learning to have the Mary edge? Love my Lord and your columns; they have brought peace n joy to me n others I send it to! Would enjoy reading about the Marys!

    Reply
    1. Post
      Author

      Laurie, there was an incorrect link earlier for the Liz Curtis Higgs giveaway, which sent you here to this blog post. The correct link is: http://gwensmith.net/giveaway-the-women-of-easter
      Don’t worry about leaving a comment at the correct link, though. We’ll check these comments before choosing a winner. If you would like to leave a comment for Liz, however, please feel free to do so at the above link. So sorry for any inconvenience! Gwen

      Reply
    1. Post
      Author

      There was an incorrect link earlier for the Liz Curtis Higgs giveaway, which sent you here to this blog post. The correct link is: http://gwensmith.net/giveaway-the-women-of-easter
      Don’t worry about leaving a comment at the correct link, though. We’ll check these comments before choosing a winner. If you would like to leave a comment for Liz, however, please feel free to do so at the above link. So sorry for any inconvenience! Gwen

      Reply
    1. Post
      Author

      Candy, there was an incorrect link earlier for the Liz Curtis Higgs giveaway, which sent you here to this blog post. The correct link is: http://gwensmith.net/giveaway-the-women-of-easter
      Don’t worry about leaving a comment at the correct link, though. We’ll check these comments before choosing a winner. If you would like to leave a comment for Liz, however, please feel free to do so at the above link. So sorry for any inconvenience! Gwen

      Reply

  14. I love to read Lizzy’s writings. What an awesome giveaway! Would just love to have a copy of this book!

    Reply
    1. Post
      Author

      Patty, there was an incorrect link earlier for the Liz Curtis Higgs giveaway, which sent you here to this blog post. The correct link is: http://gwensmith.net/giveaway-the-women-of-easter
      Don’t worry about leaving a comment at the correct link, though. We’ll check these comments before choosing a winner. If you would like to leave a comment for Liz, however, please feel free to do so at the above link. So sorry for any inconvenience! Gwen

      Reply

  16. Looking forward to reading this book…we just started a new bible study at church and this is what it is on..thank you for always sharing life with us..

    Reply
    1. Post
      Author

      Lorrie, there was an incorrect link earlier for the Liz Curtis Higgs giveaway, which sent you here to this blog post. The correct link is: http://gwensmith.net/giveaway-the-women-of-easter
      Don’t worry about leaving a comment at the correct link, though. We’ll check these comments before choosing a winner. If you would like to leave a comment for Liz, however, please feel free to do so at the above link. So sorry for any inconvenience! Gwen

      Reply
    1. Post
      Author

      Cynthia, there was an incorrect link earlier for the Liz Curtis Higgs giveaway, which sent you here to this blog post. The correct link is: http://gwensmith.net/giveaway-the-women-of-easter
      Don’t worry about leaving a comment at the correct link, though. We’ll check these comments before choosing a winner. If you would like to leave a comment for Liz, however, please feel free to do so at the above link. So sorry for any inconvenience! Gwen

      Reply
    1. Post
      Author

      Karen, there was an incorrect link earlier for the Liz Curtis Higgs giveaway, which sent you here to this blog post. The correct link is: http://gwensmith.net/giveaway-the-women-of-easter
      Don’t worry about leaving a comment at the correct link, though. We’ll check these comments before choosing a winner. If you would like to leave a comment for Liz, however, please feel free to do so at the above link. So sorry for any inconvenience! Gwen

      Reply
    1. Post
      Author

      Carlynn, there was an incorrect link earlier for the Liz Curtis Higgs giveaway, which sent you here to this blog post. The correct link is: http://gwensmith.net/giveaway-the-women-of-easter
      Don’t worry about leaving a comment at the correct link, though. We’ll check these comments before choosing a winner. If you would like to leave a comment for Liz, however, please feel free to do so at the above link. So sorry for any inconvenience! Gwen

      Reply

  20. Thank you for sharing this great opportunity to read the viewpoints of another woman and author. I am blessed by life and God daily.I would love to add this devotional book to my library.

    Reply
    1. Post
      Author

      Sue, there was an incorrect link earlier for the Liz Curtis Higgs giveaway, which sent you here to this blog post. The correct link is: http://gwensmith.net/giveaway-the-women-of-easter
      Don’t worry about leaving a comment at the correct link, though. We’ll check these comments before choosing a winner. If you would like to leave a comment for Liz, however, please feel free to do so at the above link. So sorry for any inconvenience! Gwen

      Reply

  21. Wow, I must say Martha or Mary, which one am I. I’m getting married in 15 days after being widowed for 12 years. As I’ve matured in age and spiritually I’m more of Mary. As I start this new chapter, I need this book to help me stay on track. God Bless…..

    Reply
    1. Post
      Author

      Lorna, there was an incorrect link earlier for the Liz Curtis Higgs giveaway, which sent you here to this blog post. The correct link is: http://gwensmith.net/giveaway-the-women-of-easter
      Don’t worry about leaving a comment at the correct link, though. We’ll check these comments before choosing a winner. If you would like to leave a comment for Liz, however, please feel free to do so at the above link. So sorry for any inconvenience! Gwen

      Reply

  22. Thanks so much for sharing!
    I want to be a Mary ALL THE TIME but, you know how things can get a little overwhelming, and that’s when I let my Martha out. Thanks for the reminder that I’m human but that I can also focus on the Lord each day.

    Reply
    1. Post
      Author

      Deb, there was an incorrect link earlier for the Liz Curtis Higgs giveaway, which sent you here to this blog post. The correct link is: http://gwensmith.net/giveaway-the-women-of-easter
      Don’t worry about leaving a comment at the correct link, though. We’ll check these comments before choosing a winner. If you would like to leave a comment for Liz, however, please feel free to do so at the above link. So sorry for any inconvenience! Gwen

      Reply
    1. Post
      Author

      Angie, there was an incorrect link earlier for the Liz Curtis Higgs giveaway, which sent you here to this blog post. The correct link is: http://gwensmith.net/giveaway-the-women-of-easter
      Don’t worry about leaving a comment at the correct link, though. We’ll check these comments before choosing a winner. If you would like to leave a comment for Liz, however, please feel free to do so at the above link. So sorry for any inconvenience! Gwen

      Reply
    1. Post
      Author

      Janet, there was an incorrect link earlier for the Liz Curtis Higgs giveaway, which sent you here to this blog post. The correct link is: http://gwensmith.net/giveaway-the-women-of-easter
      Don’t worry about leaving a comment at the correct link, though. We’ll check these comments before choosing a winner. If you would like to leave a comment for Liz, however, please feel free to do so at the above link. So sorry for any inconvenience! Gwen

      Reply

  25. I love my Father and Jesus, but so many times I am more focused on others and work that I forget who I am trying to please. I need to please Him first! I am definitely such a Martha!

    Reply
    1. Post
      Author

      Kathy, there was an incorrect link earlier for the Liz Curtis Higgs giveaway, which sent you here to this blog post. The correct link is: http://gwensmith.net/giveaway-the-women-of-easter
      Don’t worry about leaving a comment at the correct link, though. We’ll check these comments before choosing a winner. If you would like to leave a comment for Liz, however, please feel free to do so at the above link. So sorry for any inconvenience! Gwen

      Reply
    1. Post
      Author

      Kenya, there was an incorrect link earlier for the Liz Curtis Higgs giveaway, which sent you here to this blog post. The correct link is: http://gwensmith.net/giveaway-the-women-of-easter
      Don’t worry about leaving a comment at the correct link, though. We’ll check these comments before choosing a winner. If you would like to leave a comment for Liz, however, please feel free to do so at the above link. So sorry for any inconvenience! Gwen

      Reply
    1. Post
      Author

      Pam, there was an incorrect link earlier for the Liz Curtis Higgs giveaway, which sent you here to this blog post. The correct link is: http://gwensmith.net/giveaway-the-women-of-easter
      Don’t worry about leaving a comment at the correct link, though. We’ll check these comments before choosing a winner. If you would like to leave a comment for Liz, however, please feel free to do so at the above link. So sorry for any inconvenience! Gwen

      Reply
    1. Post
      Author

      Robin, there was an incorrect link earlier for the Liz Curtis Higgs giveaway, which sent you here to this blog post. The correct link is: http://gwensmith.net/giveaway-the-women-of-easter
      Don’t worry about leaving a comment at the correct link, though. We’ll check these comments before choosing a winner. If you would like to leave a comment for Liz, however, please feel free to do so at the above link. So sorry for any inconvenience! Gwen

      Reply
    1. Post
      Author

      Wilya, there was an incorrect link earlier for the Liz Curtis Higgs giveaway, which sent you here to this blog post. The correct link is: http://gwensmith.net/giveaway-the-women-of-easter
      Don’t worry about leaving a comment at the correct link, though. We’ll check these comments before choosing a winner. If you would like to leave a comment for Liz, however, please feel free to do so at the above link. So sorry for any inconvenience! Gwen

      Reply
    1. Post
      Author

      Carol, there was an incorrect link earlier for the Liz Curtis Higgs giveaway, which sent you here to this blog post. The correct link is: http://gwensmith.net/giveaway-the-women-of-easter
      Don’t worry about leaving a comment at the correct link, though. We’ll check these comments before choosing a winner. If you would like to leave a comment for Liz, however, please feel free to do so at the above link. So sorry for any inconvenience! Gwen

      Reply
    2. Post
      Author

      Jan, there was an incorrect link earlier for the Liz Curtis Higgs giveaway, which sent you here to this blog post. The correct link is: http://gwensmith.net/giveaway-the-women-of-easter
      Don’t worry about leaving a comment at the correct link, though. We’ll check these comments before choosing a winner. If you would like to leave a comment for Liz, however, please feel free to do so at the above link. So sorry for any inconvenience! Gwen

      Reply

  32. I would love to have the book. I enjoyed the devotional. Mary and Martha are a great example of how we should/shouldn’t be.

    Reply
    1. Post
      Author

      Peggy, there was an incorrect link earlier for the Liz Curtis Higgs giveaway, which sent you here to this blog post. The correct link is: http://gwensmith.net/giveaway-the-women-of-easter
      Don’t worry about leaving a comment at the correct link, though. We’ll check these comments before choosing a winner. If you would like to leave a comment for Liz, however, please feel free to do so at the above link. So sorry for any inconvenience! Gwen

      Reply
    1. Post
      Author

      Carmen, there was an incorrect link earlier for the Liz Curtis Higgs giveaway, which sent you here to this blog post. The correct link is: http://gwensmith.net/giveaway-the-women-of-easter
      Don’t worry about leaving a comment at the correct link, though. We’ll check these comments before choosing a winner. If you would like to leave a comment for Liz, however, please feel free to do so at the above link. So sorry for any inconvenience! Gwen

      Reply

  34. I am so truly excited to have won the giveaway! Everything happens for a reason and I am hopeful that my eyes and heart receive the blessings and message that the Lord has intended for me.

    Thank you to Gwen and Cindy!!

    Hugs,

    Alexis A. Buhr

    Reply

  39. Thank you for the post. I, too, feel that I am not good enough. I struggle with who I am. But reminders like this puts my head a little straighter.

    Reply

  41. Hi Cindy, Yes I can relate to everything you went through in high school as I was tall, too thin and surely didn’t have any friends except friends who used me as my mother pointed out to me each and every day. I felt very un loved even though I had a lot no love.

    Since I met the Holy Trinity my life turned around for I know I can do anything through Jesus Christ who loves me and gives me strength, grace and energy to do what needs to be done. Jesus has been there for me all of those very lonely years of grade school, high school and college and marriage which has so many trials and tribulations. I thank you for this latest book which you wrote and I know will bring everyone else to God closer

    Thank you for the ability to be able to read this free of charge if I am one of the lucky one who gets a free copy. Amen to the Holy Trinity.

    Reply

  42. This was a great devotion. We have all felt this way and I want to say thank you for encouraging us to take the labels that God has given us rather than the labels that others give us. Why is it that we believe others before we believe God. The God who knows all, sees all and has created all. Sometimes I am dumb founded by what I hang on to. So mahalo nui loa! (thank you very much)

    Reply

  45. Thank you for the devotion. I can very much relate to the labels and still struggle even today with a lack of self esteem. Thank you for the the words and Bible verses about who God’s says we are. I will have to write them down So reminders of who I really am especially when things pull me down. Thank you for the chance to possibly win your book. I really would love to read it.

    Reply

  46. Cindy, as I began to read the excerpt from your book, I knew I could relate. Being labeled started young for me too. Thank you for being real. I can’t wait to read your Bible study! God will bring me to it because He made me aware of it. God bless.

    Reply

    2. Dear Natasha, I’m super thankful God has new labels for us! I’m praying for you tonight, asking God to remind you afresh the Truth of who He says that you are, sweet sister! You are the apple of His eye and dearly loved by Him. And that is the capital T TRUTH!

      Reply

  50. Thank you, it’s hard when you feel that you aren’t good enough or in the click. Sometimes even in Christian churches that happens, I even had a Christian woman say about me not having college degree, what? Why do Christians hurt others? Thankful God loves me as I am.

    Reply

  51. Thank you for offering this amazing opportunity to us and God Bless you for being so beautiful. I can so relate, I’ve been called stupid by my father when I was younger because I did not know how to read and spell. It is heart breaking to know that my father would have evil in his heart to crush me like I’m nothing and never felling loved. I would love to know Gods Love for me the way I should be loved. Thank you for this amazing opportunity.

    Reply

  52. I just found this site and look forward to the Bible study. This book looks like another one to read just before you close your eyes.

    Reply

  53. My high school years were terrible as well. Being picked on because I was shy and had red hair. But I’m not any of those things in Christ. I would love to read this book.

    Reply

  54. This sounds like a great devotional! We have been doing a few different studies in our Sunday School on what it means to be a godly woman, and this sounds like it would be a good continuation of that study!

    Reply

  56. Would love to win this for my daughter. She’s 13. High school was rough for me. I love your devotionals. Read them daily. If I don’t win , I’m getting this book for her anyway. Blessings to you all! Thank you!

    Reply

  57. High school can be the worst time for many girls. I also hated my high school years. It may take years of pealing off all those labels, as I well know. Through reading the Bible and walking with Jesus they have come off one by one.

    Reply

  62. Seeing the author’s picture, I find it VERY difficult to believe she was ever labeled “…fat, red cow” much less believed that lie. And here’s what I have to say, even if she had been FAT, rather RED &/or COWISH — big deal!!!! I am not trying to sound callous. Rather I am trying to appeal to maturity.

    Show me a female, western adolescent who has not grappled with such labels; & that’s a rarity! Appearances & peer approval are infantile. Yes, we may be stung by such comments, but that’s the cause of great despair? Come on! Grow up!!! First century Christians were being raped, tortured & killed for their beliefs. That is cause for despair!!!

    I think it may be time to growing up the girlfriends into a less narcissistic point of view.

    Reply

  63. I think almost everyone must have faced something like this in school. (I was the shy nerd. 😉 )
    I think it sounds like Cindy’s book gives us a helpful look through 1st Cor at our real identity!
    Thanks for sharing it & the giveaway.

    Reply

  66. Everyone needs to know this:
    Accepted (Romans 15:7).
    Beautiful (Ephesians 1:3).
    Chosen (1 Peter 2:9).
    Dearly Loved (1 John 3:1).
    Enough (2 Corinthians 12:9).
    Forgiven (1 John 1:9).

    Reply

  69. Thank you, your words of encouragement are awesome, I frequently share them with my sister, I was called talk and lanky (taller than the boys in my class in grade school). Would love to win the book!

    Reply

  71. I can still remember that deep hurt from being overweight in school and all my life,
    still am, I have had that to battle all my life. Never had enough confidence about anything I ever did in my life. People can be so cruel. You carry that hurt in the
    your heart all your life. People look down on you in this world if you aren’t the
    perfect figure, smart person, everything has to be picture perfect.

    Reply

  73. This devotional was just what I needed – this has been a tough week for me. Thank you for reminding me to focus on all that I have as a daughter of God.

    Reply

  74. I can remember back to my younger years where I felt almost if not all of those feelings as well. I had a sister who was one grade ahead of me & she was BEAUTIFUL! Oh the joy of older sisters poking fun at the younger one. It is now with joy & sadness that I remember these times for to have them again with my sister knowing that I too am BEAUTIFUL, Smart, loving, kind, funny & so many other things would be pure joy!

    Blessings to you & thanks for all the wonderful words you pass on from the Lord!

    Reply

  75. This looks like a book I need to read! I’ve had a low self esteem since I was a teen and even though I’m 56 I still am shy and afraid to step out of the boat for fear I’ll fail and face ridicule.

    Reply

  77. Thank you so much for this devotion. I have struggled with low self-esteem for years.I was made fun of in high school. But with God I can do all things whom strengthens me.

    Reply

  79. My son is a drug addict who turned his life around too,I would love to have your book for the both of us to read together. His little boy at age 7 is called fat at school,breaks my heart how cruel others can be. My son is thirsty for inspirational books and would be delighted to soak in your words.

    Reply

  80. This study is exactly what I’ve been looking for-I just didn’t know it! I too would not relive those high school years for anything! I would love to immerse myself in this study. Thanks for the opportunity! God bless!

    Reply

  82. It is very sad to be bullied at school. It does leave a mark on our souls. I went to counseling to figure out why I had such low self esteem. Through several pastors and a counselor, they helped me realize Jesus loves me just as I am. I became a Christian at a very young age. He was my rock, my salvation, my redeemer. Without His love, we would all be full of nothingness. Praise God, praise God.

    Reply

  83. Hi my name is Jan and I can totally relate to your high school experience as well as elementary and jr high years. I grew up in a Christian home and excepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior at age eight and was so loved at home and desired the same thing at school, however, that was not the case so I tried to fit in with them by doing the opposite of what Jesus wanted for me ditching classes to ditching school all together, to getting pregnant at age 14 and running away 4 states from home and more….to much to get into. But all along Jesus never left my side and always told me I was worth MORE. Our God is such a loving and forgiving God and I totally know and believe how much I am loved by Him and how important, forgiven, beautiful, and accepted I am in Him. Thank you Jesus for all you have done for me and how you are using each thing I have done for your glory. Amen

    Reply

  84. Good morning, I meet you last year at the women of worth in whitville nc, and I must say I had an awesome time. I fight depression and anxiety everyday of my life. My faith in Jesus gets me through day by day. I will be returning to the conference this year, as a matter of fact, it starts tonight. You ladies had some powerful testimonies. It was a blessing to meet you all. I still read your e-mails and other things you send. I would love to have the chance to read this. Thank you for your time and being obedient to the Lord. Have a blessed day.

    Reply

  86. HIgh School was rough for me as well. And now I live in a retirement community, that is very much like the high school scene, of who’s popular and who is not.

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  91. I would love a bible study to help me better understand 1 Corinthians! Thank you so much Cindy for sharing your story with those of us who have experienced unkind labels. And thank you for reminding me that I am enough 🙂

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  93. what a great devotion. it brought tears to my eyes. would love to share this with our women’s group. we all have days that we feel we are not beautiful, or enough thank you

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  96. I would LOVE to win this book!! I’ve listened to Cindy on Facebook and love her down to earth style. I actually have this book already but I have a friend that I’d love to give this one to if I won. We could read and study it then meet for coffee and discuss it. To me that would be amazing!! ❤

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  101. I absolutely love this! I can so relate. Even though it’s been many years since I was in high school, it brought back memories of my high school days. This sounds like such an encouraging book. Hope I win!

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  104. So many of us can relate to your pain in the high school years. Mine was from a church “friend ” in my early twenties. Her and I have moved on and she, I am sure,
    doesn’t even know how her comment in front of so many hurt me. I have forgiven. However I remember it clearly even today.

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  106. Cindy…thank you! Like you I was big and not popular tho I so wanted to be. By junior high I weighed in at 180-190 pounds. By high school in the 200’s. I laughed away the hurt. They gave me the nickname TANK!! So instead of showing upset at that I ran with it, laughed with them and never showed how much it hurt. I never had a boy or a man after school show interest in me. So I wore things I shouldn’t, did things I shouldn’t like drink to be more interesting, drugs to dull the hurt and slept with strange men to feel loved/wanted. I had 3 miscarriages and was a single Mom by 26. I went through a bad marriage at 33 that ended 10 years later….and that’s when I took an overdose. My mom found me and that was when I realized what I did to her…my son…myself. I was better than that…. It took a while after that but God picked me up, told me I was loved and chosen. And now I still struggle with how I look, I’m still big, but I like me more and the Lord’s not finished with me yet!

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  109. This book sounds like a wonderful tool, filled with God’s love and the Word to remind me of who I am and whose I am… I am loved…. I am cherished…. I am redeemed. I would love this! God bless you `

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  110. Wow, this book seems to be along the lines of what I’m needing….the Truth of God & how He sees me….versus how I see myself after 21 yrs of verbal & emotional abuse by dad & then stepdad along with emotional abandonment by my mom…I then married my hero, my knight in shining armor who ended up never abusing me (PTL) but emotional damage was done for about 18 as our marriage has ridden the rollercoaster of his addictions (drugs & alcohol). He’s got 9yrs drug free & 1 year sober!

    I’m working on healing & growing but mainly SURRENDER, trust, self-worth!

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  111. I thought my high school days were awful but I can see I wasn’t the only one that had the same kind of hurts and pain. I’d love to win your book and see how you are dealing or have dealt with it. I see girls of all ages being picked on and it brings back all those memories. Thank you for your blog today. I guess I still live with the pain. I not only had to deal with it from other kids but then I would have to go home to an abusive household. It’s so hard to forgive when they won’t acknowledge what happened so my sisters and I can have closure.

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  112. Thank You for sharing your experience with us. I also went thru this in school,I was taller and bigger than everyone in my class. They called me Grape Ape. Thank God I found him and he has done a lot of healing in my life. Hopefully I will be reading your book soon. God Bless You.

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  113. Really needed to read this today. We all have struggled with our teenage years. This is healing to me. I appreciate the offer for the Bible Study. I would use it for my Sisters Sunday school class. Thank you.

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  116. I truly am grateful for your willingness to open your heart and share a similar story to mine. I pray that someday I may be able to help a soul in need. Spiritual healing outranks all!

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  119. As a teacher, my heart so aches when I see students be so cruel. It’s not something I take lightly or let slide. Fortunately, I teach at a Christian school, so I can remind them whose they are and the other person is 🙂

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  121. Thanks for sharing. I can relate to what you shared. I had eczema when I was a child and had to face many insulting comments. I took to the books and made good grades as coping skills but was still bullied. When I went to high school, I went to a different school and saw few of the same people and things got better. College was great because there was only one person there that I knew. I’m proud that peer pressure sent me to the books rather than other things that could have shortened my life.

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