Bloom (verb):Â To grow or to flourish; to shine; prosper.
“Lord, how do I bloom? How do I live a life that shines for You? How can I be all that you’ve called me to be? “ For the longest time, I used to think God couldn’t use me unless everything was perfect in my life. I felt like I had to be in His Word daily, spending a certain amount of time each morning in prayer, fasting regularly, praying in my prayer language without ceasing, supporting kids in Africa, exercising love, joy, peace, patience, and self control. And the ‘to-do’ list continued on. And then I had the heart issues. In order for God to use me, I thought I had to be healed from my past, walking out that healing every moment of my life. I also had to be living a life of forgiveness. I was so good at making my lists.
My conversation with the Lord might sound something like this:
“What, Lord, you want me to lead that Bible Study?! Have you seen my house lately?â€
“Lord, You want me to mentor that young girl at church? Haven’t You seen the way I lose patience with my own kids?!â€
Then I hear the Lord whisper to me, “Do you have a willing heart?â€
“But Lord, let me just get everything in order first, let me just get some control over some areas in my life, then I will be ready, Lord.â€
“What? Give up control?â€
“Oh, of course I trust You…But what If I lose control?â€
“Okay Lord. But I have to warn You, things might get messy.â€
“Oh, yeah, Lord. You are the one who makes masterpieces out of messes.â€
“Okay, Lord, I am ready to be all that you have called me to be–imperfections and all. I want to grow in You, I want to flourish and shine for You. I want this garden to be in full bloom!
You see, we are all different. We are all amazing and beautiful colors in God’s garden. He desires for us to thrive, and grow, and shine, and flourish. But sometimes we hide beneath the leaves of life, not sure exactly how to bloom and let our colors shine. God says, “Let go, It’s okay. I’ve got you. You’re right where I knew you would be all along. I’ve never left you, nor will I ever. Let go. Trust me. You will be amazed by the things I can do through you. My child, I have called you to bloom.â€
You don’t have to be perfect and have everything figured out before God will use you and do amazing things in and through your life. This is your season. Now go ahead, and bloom!
Psalm 30:11-12 Message Bible
You did it: you changed wild lament into whirling dance; you ripped off my black mourning band and decked me with wildflowers. I’m about to burst with song; I can’t keep quiet about you. God, my God, I can’t thank you enough.
Celeste,
I absolutely love you. This devotional was gorgeous and beautiful. What a true depiction of how God urges to trust Him when He asks us to step out in faith. I pray that God opens His many more doors of blessings for you.
Love,
Kathleen Lopez
1st of all, what a great devo. I think that so many of us women struggle with that, thinking our lives should be perfect before He can use us and in the end that kind of thinking keeps us from the growth that we desire!
2nd of all, how cool, you are a published writer! Awesome job
love, jenn
Love it, Celeste! Such timely words, and definitely something I can relate to a hundred times over!
Celeste … excellent word! This spoke deeply to my heart. It is something I struggle with all the time and what you had to say greatly encouraged me! Thank you!
Celeste, your writing is always so amazing and uplifting. God has definitely blessed you with a gift of writing for women. Thank you for sharing the idea of bloom – I think we all get our check-lists in order to make sure we are worthy… but we will never be unless we let the Lord be in control. Thank you for sharing and inspiring me!
Love, LOVE LOVE!! Thank you for that- You are an amazing person Celeste! and I love to hear your heart and watch the Lord use you!
Great words dripping with His heart! You have touched me today!
Just want to say a HUGE thank you for all the encouraging comments! I am overwhelmed by Gods love through you! I love what Marissa says on the Home page under ‘Our Heart’. And I quote, “Truly these are ALL His stories – just our lives.” So excited about what God is stirring in His girls!
A very good reminder. Thanks for writing & sharing.
Blessings,
Tara
Oh wow, Celeste-that was beautiful-such wonderful thoughts and feelings–I love it!!! Thanks for having this site-I will definitely book mark it and enjoy it regularly!! I love you and know God is using you in a huge way through your writing!
xoxo and blessings, Nadelle
Celeste,
Thank you so much for being open and candid with us. I struggle in the same ways, and hearing your words of encouragement really help me to “Let go, and let God.” Thank you!
You are a blessing!
Meredith
Wow, wow, wow! Beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing, and this is such a wonderful idea to uplift and inspire woman from all over. I can see God has such plans for his followers, working through you ladies, and my prayer is that others come to know Him through this truly wonderful sight…
Well done Celeste, I loved your story, and your passion for Christ!
A goosebump moment!
Blessings, Ashleigh
What a wonderful post. I love the visual that you gave us to see just a glimps of the greater “garden” that God has for us. I was able to come away pondering on what season, fragrance, color, texture my bloom will be in the great landscape of life.
Thank you for your encouraging words.
Jessica
Celeste,
I am so proud of you. The devotional was
beautiful. It touched me and I know it touched many others. Keep allowing the Lord to speak through you.
Love Kay
This writing so touched my heart. It resonated too deeply because I am just like that. There always seem to be a “valid” excuse in my heart when God asks me to step out of my comfort zone and into something I’ve never done before. What If’s plague me and I have to remind myself that God wouldn’t speak doubt into something He’s asked me to do in the first place…that’s my enemy. This writing is incredibly encouraging and a great reminder for me to stop being fearful that I’m “just not good enough or prepared enough” and just BLOOM!
What a perfect piece to start our blog! Thanks for inspiring us to go for it.
I came here because my Auntie Babs will be writing as part of your team. I came here because I’m a blog reader and writer. But now I realize, I came here because I was led by the Holy Spirit. Because He wanted me to read your words. Well, His words. He wanted me to be reminded to…
Bloom like the wildflower that I am!
Thank you for sharing your heart. And your life. Here.
This was a word in due season for me. Thank you for taking time to share and be such an encouragement.
Awesome!Every time God calls me out, I’m thinking,”What are You thinking?! I’m not there yet! I’m not perfect!Let me highlight some flaws you missed!” I get this feeling that I can’t do it! I’m going to let someone or myself down! What if I can”t juggle it because I just remembered that I dropped this one or need to be better at that one! I am so glad he’s in the equipping business because , actually, I can’t do it unless I’m called and then God brings it and it’s amazing!! He says, “See, this is living!” I’m a little nervous about stepping out myself right now & you really encouraged me!!!Thanks!!
I love this blog! Thank you, it was so encouraging! I can’t wait to read your next one.