In the spring of 2009, my Mom and I were talking about creating a newsletter/magazine for the girls that attend a week long conference my Mom directs in the fall (for more information please visit: daughtersofdestinyconference.weebly.com). We were looking for a way of encouraging the young ladies throughout the year. After discussing this at length Mom suggested that I start a magazine open for anyone (not just the girls from the conference). I thought this was a wonderful idea, if not a bit daunting, so I asked the Lord for direction. I never liked writing when I was in school, in fact I dreaded each writing assignment! But I knew that if it was the Lord's plan for me, then He would provide not only others written work but He would also give me the ability to write what He lays on my heart. Ironic, isn't it, how the Lord often calls us to serve Him in areas outside of our "comfort zone"!
After much prayer I felt that this was indeed what the Lord wanted me to do. A few days after reaching this conclusion I was talking to a friend of mine. She was admonishing me to "take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5b), dwelling on the things of the Lord. It was through that conversation that the Lord gave me a name and the vision for this magazine. That vision being to encourage young ladies "...to be holy both in body and spirit..." and "...to secure undistracted devotion to the Lord." (1 Corinthians 7:34-35) and to serve the Lord with a whole heart.
As a young teenager, magazines of this kind had a huge impact on my Spiritual growth. It was my desire that this magazine would do the same for other young ladies. We published our first issue in the fall of 2010 followed by two more issues the following year. I thoroughly enjoyed the task of designing and editing, though it could be a bit overwhelming. When it came about time to publish our fourth issue I found that I did not have enough material. There were several things that I could have done to make a fourth issue possible, but I did not have peace about pursuing them. So, I waited and I prayed.
Time passed and nothing happened. Taking Every Thought Captive was just not meant to be, so I thought. Perhaps it's purpose had been fulfilled and the Lord meant for me to move on to other things. Now, over two years since the last issue was published, the Lord has rekindled in my heart the desire for this ministry. As a result this blog was born. It has been my prayer from the beginning that this magazine, now blog, will encourage you in your walk with God and as you strive to serve Him with your life.
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