Days before my mother passed in 1989, after a battle with breast cancer, she told her only brother's wife that a train was coming and she was going to be on it.  Her eyes were on her Savior, Jesus. I closely observed how she placed all her hope, trust, joy, peace and faith in Him for what laid ahead.

She placed all her hope, trust, joy, peace and faith in Him for what laid ahead.

Her brother struggled over the last decade with a rare diagnosis and passed away just two weeks ago. As we laid my uncle to rest, a train made itself known in the background. It was a comforting sight for me, because I remembered what she told my aunt about a train coming.

​These close siblings did not grow up in church, but longed to be apart of a close knit community of Christians. Later, as young married adults they found and joined in with different denominations of believers and enjoyed the sweet fellowships that comes along with a church family.

I listened and took to heart what was communicated to me during several honest conversations with them about their faith, and what they felt God was revealing to them before they passed. We attended a Church of The Highlands' service the day after my uncle's funeral, and this verse was listed in the message.

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.  2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV)

When we returned home after the burial of my uncle it seemed bad news kept pouring in: our youngest had a severe reaction to a food intolerance that involved days of washing bedding and carpets, I found out a fellow Christian blogger died in a house fire along with her husband and two young children. There was the attack in the U.K. and then I learned of the unexpected death of a friend's mother. If it wasn't for the hope found in a loving God, l don't know how living in this world would be bearable during tragic times. Jesus truly is the light and hope of the world! He also made a pretty bold claim, He said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6 (ESV)

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6 (ESV)

If you do not have a personal relationship with Him, please ask me how to know Him. If you are not sure where your spirit is headed after your body eventually gives out, don't ignore that tugging at your heart. That tugging is placed there to help you.

With love,

​Christina

Stay humble & be BOLD!

​"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."  Psalm 119:105 (ASV)

To check out my testimony click here
To like my facebook page click here 
Find me on twitter @humble_bold ​
​On Pinterest at humble&BOLD by Christina
​Contact me at [email protected]

 beHere is another clue on how to find imperishable treasure from the lips of Jesus.

"For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?" Matthew 16: 25-26

Just imagine, if Maewyn never went back to Ireland. All that would have been lost! 

Thankfully, he did, so Happy St. Patrick's Day! 
 
With love,

​Christina

Stay humble & be BOLD!

​"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."  Psalm 119:105 (ASV)

To check out my testimony click here
To like my facebook page click here 
Find me on twitter @humble_bold ​
​On Pinterest at humble&BOLD by Christina

By the time I reached the age of 19, I didn’t want to have anything to do with God. By the age of 28, I assumed Jesus was just a good teacher from history. Then I met my wife, Tina, who grew up in the Christian faith. We hit it off very quickly and got engaged within six months. As the weeks went by, we started making wedding plans. Then discussions of Jesus, being the Son of God and the only way to heaven, were being initiated by Tina. I was annoyed and aggravated by the discussions, and eventually, Tina obeyed the voice of God telling her not to marry me if I didn’t believe in Jesus. So she broke off our engagement. I was hurt but decided to move on. That’s when God came in and worked on me with strange events and a terrifying dream about being completely separated from the presence of God. A few days after having this dream, I said a simple prayer like this, “God, if Jesus is your son, I ask that you reveal that to me." After the prayer, I did feel that something was different. I called Tina and told her about the prayer and within a few days and some discussions, she lead me through a prayer of repentance, and I became a believer in Jesus, the Son of God who died for the sins of mankind and gives eternal life to all who believe in Him.  

We called the wedding back on and got married.

In the first few years of our marriage we were very casual about our church involvement. Then we had our first son and decided to get more involved at church. We started putting our faith into action by going to church, spending time with other believers, serving at church and tithing our money. On June 15th, 2003, I followed the instructions of the Bible and made my public profession of faith and got baptized. At this point God gave me a passion to follow Him, study His words and obey Him. Looking back on the events, from becoming a believer to getting involved at church to completely committing my life to following Jesus, I see the evidence of my spirit becoming alive to the things of God. My mind and thoughts are now in line with Him. Since I began reading the Bible daily, God has continually directed the steps of my life. He shows me how to treat my wife, Tina, and our two sons and has given me a heart to reach out and share the goodness of God with others.  

There is nothing in this world that compares to knowing God and walking with Him. God’s desire is for you to know Him and be in right standing with Him. All it takes is a conscious decision to seek Him with a humble and repentant heart.

To be in right standing with God, admit you have sinned against Him and ask to be forgiven. Commit your life to following Jesus. Be devoted to reading the Bible and believe God’s words above all else. Turn away from sin and turn to Jesus. Believe that God sent His son Jesus to die as a sacrifice for your sins and raised Him from the dead so that whoever believes in Him, follows Him and confesses Him will have eternal life with God and escape the torment and agony of a place prepared for those who have rejected Him.  

Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 1:13 (NKJV)

I would like to thank my husband, Scott, for sharing his personal testimony. He is passionate about sharing the love of God with others, and also has a strong desire to help equip other believers in sharing the good news. To find out more, you can check out his ministry at www.shofaroutreach.org.

Thanks for stopping by and happy out!

With love,

Christina

Stay humble & BOLD!

​"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."  Psalm 119:105

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If you're on a budget, but still looking for a WOW look, this might be for you! Hula hoops can be found at the Dollar Tree for you guessed it . . . one dollar.

I opened up the hula hoop, where it was taped together, to take the small pebbles out of it. I decided I liked it better as an open wreath. Remember, have fun with it and let the creative juices flow!

I used some green duck tape that was in my utility room to wrap around the hoop to cover the stripes. You could use green paint tape, floral tape or ribbon. Whatever you already own is what I recommend.

​Look for what you already have around the house.

​I also had some artificial greenery that I use at different times of the year, so I used it again for the wreath. 

Simply Wow look for one dollar! The hula hoop was so light that I was able to gently rest it on top of dining light fixture.

​Thanks for stopping by and happy out!

Christina

Stay humble & BOLD!

​"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."  Psalm 119:105 (ASV)

To check out my testimony click here
To like my facebook page click here 
Find me on twitter @humble_bold ​
​On Pinterest at humble&BOLD by Christina

A precious friend of mine is sharing her walk with us here at humble & Bold. She impresses me with her love for others, and bravery in opening up her life to bring awareness, help and hope to those in need. She wrote the following letter to me in a language not her first. Because of the delicate nature and details of her story, she is going by the cover name of Grace. 

Grace writes.

I grew up with my grandparents. I never understood why I lived with my grandparents, even though my parents lived across from them. In my young age, every time I saw my mom doing laundry by hands, there's something inside of me that wanted to help her, but my grandfather wouldn't allow me. I was the only granddaughter and their first grandchild.

Then around 1980, my dad decided to work in Saudi Arabia to support our family. During that time, my parents moved to the next town. It wasn't far from my grandparents house. When I turned 14 years of age, I decided to move in with my mom so that I could be with her and my two younger brothers.

My mom decided to ask her youngest brother to live with us for our protection. During that time, my mom and my brothers were usually out somewhere with their friends, so it was usually just me and my uncle. I was very close to him, since him and my mom had a very close relationship. Little did I know that the person supposed to protect us was the one I need protection from. One day he asked me if I would like to get a massage. With my innocent mind, I said yes. And next thing I know, he was touching parts of my body that he was not supposed to touch. I was young and scared and didn't know what to do. It happened repeatedly. Now I understand that victims were the ones who were protecting their abusers. I never said anything to anyone because I was afraid that no one would believe me, and it would create problems in our family. 

"I was young and scared and didn't know what to do."

I decided to date someone in my second year of high school. I guess there was a part of me looking for love. But even though I was dating someone, that didn't stop my uncle from what he was doing to me. In fact, he disapproved that I had a boyfriend; he was against that.

Back then my mom usually allowed my brother's friends to stay with us for the night.  There were nights that I will woke up feeling someone's hands on my body. For a time, I didn't allow anyone else to do anything to me, but I continued to be quiet. Another two of my uncles had touched me in areas of my body that they had no right to touch. One of my friend's brother tried to kiss me and go on top of me while I was in their house; I fought and threaten that I will tell his sister what he was doing, so he stopped. At that time, there was something inside of me where I was mad at guys. I felt like every time they see girls, they just see us as sex objects. When I was in college, I saw the news about the women in Olongapo being sold by their parents to have sex with Americans. I remember being so mad at Americans and I made a comment that "I will never marry a foreigner".  

Fast forward, I got pregnant with my boyfriend. At that time, both if us were unemployed and having financial problems in supporting our son. I went to Hong Kong to work as a domestic helper. I never imagined and it never came across in my mind to look for another man. My heart totally belonged to the father of my son. In my heart, I only wanted to be with him. Someone shared something with me that hurt me so much. During this time, I hardly went to church; I grew up as a Catholic, but didn't really know who God was. I hardly prayed, and if I prayed, it was because I needed something from God. I treated God like genie in the bottle. I was 23 years old at that time, and didn't have a close relationship with my own family, I didn't share what was going on in my life with anyone. I was hurting so much that I felt like heaven and earth were crushing me. So much hurt that I lost respect for myself.  I lost hope. I felt like no one loved me, no one cared about me, so what the heck, I will just do whatever. I started going to clubs with my friends. Till one guy was courting me, and since I felt like I was free, I decided to sleep with him. And every time we go out partying, I would end up in a bed with a guy, as a one night stand. Instead of using drugs to numb the pain, having a one night stand, kind of filled the gap I had in my heart . . . temporarily.

"I was hurting so much that I felt like heaven and earth were crushing me."

One night, I was not in the mood to go out. But my friends told me we will dance for a little bit then we will go home before midnight. As soon as I walked in the club, a navy guy started walking towards me. It seemed like he was hypnotized. We started dancing and I ended up with him for the entire night. We met the second night and before he left, he gave me his address. (Note, I was not looking for a relationship at that time.) He asked for my address and said that he would send letters to me. He captured part of my heart that night. He asked me when I was with him, if he could make love with me; when I said no, he didn't ask again. 

For the first time in my life, I felt respected. I was surprised! I didn't know that there could be a man who would not take advantage of me. We started exchanging letters and phone calls. Eleven months later he proposed to me, and he came back to Hong Kong by himself. I've been happily married with him now for over 22 years.

Fast forward, we have two boys of our own. So many things have happened between 1994 to 2011. We moved to Georgia in 2006. It was not planned, Georgia was not on my list of where I would consider to live. But my thoughts are not God's thoughts, my ways are not His ways. In 2010, one of our friends invited us to go to Free Chapel. I turned her down several times. But it didn't stop her, she continuously kept inviting me and my family to go with her. December 2010 was the very first time we came to Free Chapel. It took us seven (number of completion) months to finally go to church every Sunday. After I got born again, that's when I saw God's hands were upon my life and my family's life. God was the one who orchestrated moving us here to Georgia. Isaiah 65:1 says, "I revealed Myself to those who did not ask for Me; I was found by those who did not seek Me." I was not looking for God when God found us. There was a hole in my life, but I didn't know what could fill that hole. I got born again and baptized on January 18, 2012. I started reading the Word of God.

"There was a hole in my life, but I didn't know what could fill that hole."

The year 2012 is when the change in our lives took place. After our family was born again, everything made sense looking back at what had happened in the past. And I strongly believe that what the enemy meant for evil, God meant it for good. God turned my ashes to beauty. I thank God that we are a brand new creation and that old things have passed away. I thank God that He didn't keep records of our wrong. I thank God that He had chosen us and pluck us out of the world. If  not for His mercy, His love and His grace, we would not be where we are. And I thank God that He is a Faithful God; faithful to finished what He started in my life, my spouse's life, my children's lives and all the generations to come until the coming back of His Son, Jesus Christ . . . to God be the glory!

To encourage someone who is facing hard times, never give up. God does not sleep. He knows our beginning and our end. He knows our name even before He formed us in our mother's womb. 

​
    Matthew 5:3‭-‬11 NKJV
 
  3 Blessed are the poor in spirit,
     For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
  4 Blessed are those who mourn,
     For they shall be comforted.
  5 Blessed are the meek,
     For they shall inherit the earth.
  6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
     For they shall be filled.
  7 Blessed are the merciful,
     For they shall obtain mercy.
  8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
     For they shall see God.
  9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
     For they shall be called sons of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
     For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.

​I would like to thank Grace for Sharing Her Walk here at humble & BOLD. And to you, the reader, thank you for visiting! 
I hope Grace's story has spoken to your heart!

Also, I want to invite you to church, especially if you have never been invited. You are welcome to visit Free Chapel at one of their four locations or attend online from anywhere in the world. 

FreeChapel.org

If interested in helping stop the sexual exploitation of children, please check out, Street Grace.org. The following is from their website.
 
Street Grace is an Atlanta-based nonprofit that works to bring together nonprofits, businesses, churches, and individuals with one purpose - ending domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST).

StreetGrace.org

MISSION To end the demand for domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST) in the U.S.
VISION To see a world where all children are free from sexual exploitation. 

​Thanks for stopping by,

Christina

Stay humble & BOLD!

​"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."  Psalm 119:105

To check out my testimony click here
To like my facebook page click here 
Find me on twitter @humble_bold ​
​On Pinterest at humble&BOLD by Christina ​