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Ellen Gonzales's avatar

Wow! Very encouraging. God’s enablement is obscured by the dictates of the world “you can do it” “ you are powerful” “ focus” etc.

Our efforts and endeavours without God are vain attempts to prove that our triumphs rest on us. It is God alone who blesses and allows things to happen according to His perfect will. It is only by His grace that we are who we are. Saved. Blessed. Empowered by His Spirit where our wisdom and capabilities comes from. Like Moses we can use anything at our disposal. A pen, a notebook, a garden spade, a baking pan. We can do things because of who He is.

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Audra Powers's avatar

You are so right, Ellen! "Empowered by His Spirit." That's why the title of my SS is Life Empowered. It's not really about what's in our hands, but whose hands are holding us with great power! Thanks for reading!

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Rosemary Van Gelderen's avatar

Your comment and list really resonated with me. The baking pan. I spend a lot of time in the homeless community as my daughter is homeless and there is literally an army of older men and women with baking pans, feeding the homeless, week in, week out. There is aways something God with empower us to do, even if it's to fold our hands and pray.

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Ellen Gonzales's avatar

lol! A bit late for a reply. Thanks Rosemary. I mentioned baking pan because at our church there are ladies who bake cakes for a Monday morning Cafe at our church where we open to the public. Cafe ambiance, barista coffee and cakes at Cafe prices. Proceeds are used to support our missionaries in India, Philippines, Nepal etc. True indeed, baking pans is such powerful weapon to advance the kingdom of God.

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Melanie Dorsey Art Works's avatar

"...a staff and a stutter..."

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Growing Through God’s Word's avatar

And fantastic post. I hope your family is all better.

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Susie Teramura's avatar

God is speaking to my heart through this! Thank you! Find myself in a very similar space and this was a good word for me this morning!! Thank you!

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Audra Powers's avatar

Thank you for letting me know, Susie. I am so glad to hear this message was encouraging. May God bless you as you continue to use what's in your hands.

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Susie Teramura's avatar

Thanks!!

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Amy Ehrlich's avatar

Wow. I continue to be so inspired by all of your posts. You’re a fantastic writer. Your words are filled with the spirit.

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Audra Powers's avatar

Such kind words, Amy. Thank you so much for reading and letting me know my posts inspire you. That truly means so much. Many blessings to you!

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Merritt McKeon's avatar

Very encouraging thank you.

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Julia Kostraba's avatar

Beautiful reminder!!!

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Audra Powers's avatar

Thank you for reading, Julia.

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Mariah's avatar

This is perfect timing. Thanks for writing what God directs you to write ❤️

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Audra Powers's avatar

I am so glad it was timely for you! Thank you for letting me know.

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Tom Penrod's avatar

What an amazing essay, Audra. And one of my favorite reflections. Use what is in your hands, Say a prayer and let God guide your hands in ways that prosper you and bring Him glory. God’s peace to you and your house.

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Audra Powers's avatar

Thank you for reading! He is faithful to finish what He started in us. Blessings!

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Jimmy Anderson's avatar

WOW! I stumbled on your blog via a 'chat' (?) that came across the feed I RARELY even glance at. It struck me so I wanted to include it in mine (crediting you, of course) and thought I'd read your latest post too. Again I say WOW - it doesn't resonate with me as much as someone I'm very close to - my wife... As we get close to a new school year, she is VERY overwhelmed with her classroom setup, etc. I will point her to this (as well as my readers) and perhaps it will help her too...

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Audra Powers's avatar

Thank you for reading and sharing! I pray it continues to encourage all who need the message. Blessings!

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Rosemary Van Gelderen's avatar

I have a pen in my hands and stories to tell. Thank you for posting this. One more encouragement to keep writing in the hard seasons. My husband was recently diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. I'm taking care of him and our home. Its a lot but there is plenty to write about. Sometimes I feel like Moses. Stuttering and asking, Why me? Or Jonah. Running blindly in the other direction. But he is faithful to call and equip however strange the equiping might be.

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Audra Powers's avatar

Thank you for reading and for your comment. I am so sorry to hear about your husband. Praying for God's strength, peace, and encouragement in your heart and home in this season.

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Kitha Cockrell's avatar

Great encouragement and much needed!! Seems like I take one step forward in my art and three steps backwards way too often. 😞…

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Audra Powers's avatar

I feel the same way with creative things I do. You should follow my mom, The Backdoor Artist, for art & faith related posts! God is faithful to complete the work He started in us. Thanks for reading! Blessings.

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Growing Through God’s Word's avatar

What’s your mom’s Substack?

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Audra Powers's avatar

The Backdoor Artist

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Growing Through God’s Word's avatar

I love turtles. I wrote a kids book, “Tadeo Turtle”. And recently published Simple Turtle Activities for homeschool. When I read your story about turtles I had to smile.

I’m new at Substack. I would love to connect with homeschoolers. I have 3 children’s story book, an activity book and a Bible study journal.

I also have many other art activities on my website.

Great to meet you.

Jan

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Audra Powers's avatar

Sounds awesome! I'll have to check out your work and resources. Thanks for reading and nice meeting you as well. Blessings!

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Growing Through God’s Word's avatar

Thank you. Will pray for your peace and joy during this time of your life.

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Audra Powers's avatar

Thank you!

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