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The Essence of Spiritual Growth
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Hello, and welcome to My Sun & Shade Ministries where the world and all of its worries, falls away, so there can be an inner focus on the spiritual journey of renewing our mind in Christ.
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Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2)
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The essence of spiritual growth is to become more and more like Jesus. That is why it is so important to create a habit of meeting with the Lord on a daily basis. This depicts one of the most simplest examples: The more you spend time with someone, the more you will become like them.
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The Importance of Spiritual Growth
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Spiritual growth is an important aspect of being a Christian. This growth and development is necessary for us to be an overcomer in Christ.
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Spiritual growth can only happen when we spend time in the Word of God, pray, or immerse ourselves in Scripture, by way of sermons, music, and devotions.
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The Requirements of Spiritual Growth
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The Word of God is alive and has the ability to quicken our spirit with renewed life, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
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That is why reading the Bible is one of the requirements of spiritual growth and development. No other book on earth can accomplish what the Holy Bible can do with one Scripture verse.
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For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)
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When our mind is renewed each day, the world and all of its care fade away, because we start to realize what truly matters in life.
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Signs of Spiritual Growth in Your Life
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Be on the look out for signs that you are developing spiritually strong. If you spend time in the Word of God, and open your heart while you read the text, then you will experience some sort of peace within your spirit.
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Your view of God will broaden as He opens up His Word to You.
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Your interactions with people will be more wholesome.
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Your ability to handle family matters will be more graceful.
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Your heart will be more open to hear wisdom.
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There will be grace to forgive others.
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There will be grace to walk humbly before others.​​​
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More Resources on Spiritual Growth
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Run the Race, Win the Prize, Live for Jesus
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Let Forgiveness Flow Like a River
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Practice Happiness: Smile Brighter
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10 Ways to Accept Who You Are in Christ
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3 Daily Practices: Set Your Heart on Fire for God
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Do You Get Distracted During Devotions? Do This Instead
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Life is Short: Make the Most of Every Day
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Daily Prayers for Women of Faith
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Prayer Prompts for Women of Faith
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Blog Posts Quotes that Touch the Soul
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How to Become a Woman of Faith
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Hi there! I'm Angie, and I started this website ministry in 2019 with the aim of enriching the hearts of women with the love of Christ. I love sharing my faith by way of blog posts, prayers, songs, and Christian lifestyle tips, with the hope of inspiring women to become a better version of themselves. Would you like to be someone that inspires others? And blesses their families with love and kindness? Would you like to pray more for your loved ones? Would you like to be more forgiving? Rise above life's challenges with grace? Use your gifts to further God's kingdom? This website features a collection of motivational blog posts and articles that addresses various aspects of Christian living, such as the fundamentals of marriage, raising godly children, praying for adult children, and modeling The Virtuous Woman. ​Discover inspiring narratives centered on spiritual development and personal growth, such as the basics of love and forgiveness, along with practical guidance on becoming the best version of yourself through Christ who gives us strength. Visit About the Founder and read about my life and my interests. Explore My Sun & Shade Ministries and discover more about this ministry. ollow my faith journey and grow along with me! My 1st book is due to be released sometime in spring/summer 2025, and I'm pretty excited about it. ​Subscribe for updates!
Pursue Spiritual Development
As a woman of faith, you may encounter challenges in your spiritual journey toward growth and development. However, there are several tips that can help ease this path. Here are some suggestions to get you started:
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Develop a Reading Schedule
Engage with God's Word daily by reading your Bible. This practice deepens your understanding of His plan for your life and enhances your sensitivity to His teachings. Consider how your day usually flows and discern which time of day would work for you to fit in some Bible reading.
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Stick to this time of day until it becomes a habit.
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Develop Good Prayer Habits
Set a time of day to sit quietly in prayer. This is most beneficial following a time of reading God's Word. Make it a habit to surrender your worries to the Lord, by casting your cares on Him. This can help you resist temptation and gain strength, while also uplifting your spirit and freeing up your time.
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The Lord cares for you and for all of your needs. He wants to minister to your spirit, so be sure to sit quietly before Him. Prayer is the bridge of communication between us in heaven. This is when we share what is on our heart and the Lord shares what is on His heart.
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Nurture Spiritual Growth
To further nurture your spiritual growth, consider these additional tips:
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Attend church regularly and join Bible studies or small groups to enrich your understanding of God's Word and connect with others who share your faith. Find the right church.
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Cultivate gratitude by reflecting on your blessings and offering prayers of thanks to God.
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Serve others by volunteering, donating, or assisting friends and family in need.
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Embrace forgiveness to release negative feelings and move forward positively.
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Worship the Lord through songs, hymns, and praises. Singing can help you concentrate on Him and liberate you from spiritual burdens.
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Remember, spiritual growth is a lifelong journey. Stay dedicated to your faith and seek God's guidance through prayer, Bible reading, and worship.
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For more inspiration, check out the Read-Pray-Sing Blog.
Faith-Filled Passion to Share
Read-Pray-Sing Blog
As a Christian woman, it can be challenging to navigate the complexities of today's world and its changing culture. That's why this blog for Christian women offers blog posts on topics that can be a source of life and inspiration for those seeking personal growth and spiritual development.
These monthly blog posts are a testament to the power of faith in action and its ability to transform lives.
Join me, as I share my most vulnerable encounters in every day life, and how the Spirit of the Lord helps me to overcome victoriously through his grace.
Enjoy a Simple, Beautiful Life With My Sun & Shade
My Sun & Shade Ministries aims to inspire spiritual growth in women, children, marriages, and families through inspirational blog posts, anointed prayers, articles, lifestyle tips, and words of wisdom, so you can live a simple, beautiful life in Christ. We welcome your support through the link below.
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Picture: Angie, her husband Aaron, her daughter, Avery, and her grandson, Levi on a train at the zoo, July 2024.
Angie has served in ministry with her husband for over 20 years. Read more about their life together, why this website was created, and what keeps them inspired.
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Picture: Angie and her husband, Aaron celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary on a cruise, February 2020. Read More about their adventure!
ministries
The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. Numbers 6:24-26