Erin, when we recarpeted our home I wrote out scripture promises with a black sharpie on the underlayment. Now when I walk through our home I am 'Standing on the Promises' (one of my favorite hymns! Thank you for your and your family's inspiration and witness. God bless.
Please remember me in prayer. My husband died a month ago. He became ill at work, was diagnosed with a brain tumor that night and went to heaven 10 weeks later. We were married at 18 and our 40th anniversary would have been next month. I know we will meet at the feet of Our Savior but I miss him so very much.
When I am in a hard situation, I repeat these words over and over, "I trust you Lord." When we were in Arizona when my husband was dying of cancer, these were the only words I could say. It was hard, but God was with us all the way. Thank you for sharing Erin. God bless you and Chad and your precious little family. ❤
Thanks Erin for sharing this! I’m a momma to four kiddos and I’ve had hard times and currently in and out of health and fear and anxiety. Thanks for sharing this!
Erin I've struggled with this too. Psalm 23 is such a good reminder. God is with us even in the midst of fear and anxiety when we dont see or feel him. Praying for you Erin God bless xx
amen ,I have been going through some things and just yesterday i read Psalm23 and i called my husband crying , he always says babe read the bible it will help you feel better.. just typing this is making me tear up... God bless everyone and stay safe.. sending love from Tx
@@adrieancortez3433 Gods word and worship gets me through each day. God bless you and thanking God you have a husband encouraging you to read the word. Lean into the Lord through out your day post scriptures that speak to your heart around your home. Stay strong sister 🙏🏼
It really opened my eyes when you said some of these are conditional promises. I sometimes find myself questioning and even blaming God because I don't feel the peace and joy he says he offers. But it is up to me to keep my heart and mind on him so that I can have the peace and joy he offers. Thanks for the video 😊
I was reading in Jeremiah 23:23&24 where God is saying am I not a God at hand? Where can you go that are secret places that I can not see you. He is and will always be right there with us no matter what we are going through. Satan will try and plant seeds and doubts, that is why it is important to stay in God's word and be there for one another.
My husband and I have covid right now, we are on the way to being better. I really appreciate this video because I’ve been seriously afraid to go see my children and grandchildren because I don’t want them to be sick the way we have been. I appreciate you doing this for others. You are a blessing to so many people.
❤❤Erin this is what I been doing these past weeks. To get myself on a routine waking up before my baby and devoted time to be with God, read his word, and do my affirmations/clinch to His word a verse. God bless you and your beautiful family. Enjoy so much watching you guys.
Thank you Erin! I’ve become chronically ill, homebound with no medical help available. God has been teaching me so much and is drawing me closer. I love these promise cards. I will order some for me and also for other friends who are struggling! You are beautiful inside and out! Love from Oklahoma.
You guys are so amazing and you encouraged me to get back to be amazing again in every area starting with having a strong and stable Walk With Jesus by spending time with him everyday when he wants me to! I have struggled with depression anxiety and fear xcetera. I have been told to memorize scripture as one of those things I need to help me heal. Thank you for encouraging me to get back to memorizing scripture. I love flowers and gardening also and drawing and painting and baking and cooking and children and family and healthy relationships and music and so much more. I need you get Jesus in the right place and keep him in the right place so I can share him with others and so I can develop my desire for drawing and painting and all of my hobbies. It's amazing how much you guys do and I know it's because you have Jesus in the right place and you guys worked hard to get your work done and so you guys are a great inspiration to me to get everything back in my life that needs to be.
I love the bates family. I'm going to try this Erin, but I know God has never forsaken me. He has pulled me out of some messes, some I brought on, alot done by others, but he saved me and loved me and you CAN believe in His word. Your family is beautiful!
Erin, you are such an encouragement. Your sweet family has always shown trust in difficult circumstances, and is a great example. I love to say, “Jesus, thank you for your precious promises” when I feel low. It always strengthens me. I will be ordering your cards!
Erin~ You are such beautiful lady inside and out. I love how you share the Lord with others, and care for those that are hurting. God Bless you and your family... Thanks for sharing what is on your hear....
This was so helpful! I instantly put a bible truth beside my bed so I can look at it when I first open my eyes! Thank you for the reminder to stay focused on God ❤️🙏🏻
Thank you for sharing this!! It’s been helpful to me. Since my child died, I have been struggling with my faith and every day things in general. Some days I’m good, but other days I feel I stepped backwards. I appreciate your videos. Thanks.
You two are such a genuine, loving, Respectful couple. Grounded in your faith raising your children in such a beautiful Christian atmosphere. I admire your faithfulness in such a word of disappointment, ugliness hate, greed you name it. It's here the end is coming. You have a beautiful family and such a breath of fresh air. I admire you so much. Thank you for sharing your beautiful souls with us. God Bless you both and your little family.
This is sooooo timely for me at this time in my life. Thank you for sharing how you'd gone through fear and anxiety. Look at how Abba has turned it around for good! You're a beautiful SOLDIER. God Bless you and your beautiful family.🙏🏽❤
What a beautiful couple who represent my Savior so well…our God not only helps us enjoy the mountain top experiences of life but He also carries us through our valleys …we are fully human so we have to depend on our Lord🥰
Erin you are my favorite Bates even though I love all of your family. I wish I lived near you and could be your friend. You are an inspiration and I feel Gods goodness through you. Could you share sometime in a video how you and Chat met I've not heard or seen that on the show or anywhere.
I'm so excited!! You are so very inspiring! I can't wait to get them! I need this. It has been a tough year. I lost my father that I work with everyday at a family business and am very close to in May. He was involved in a motorcycle accident in 2019 that caused head trauma and changed him completely. He tried for a year and half seeking spiritual help and medical help but couldn't find his way in his new mind and took his life. It has been a tough couple of years. I am looking forward to my cards. Thank you so much!
How encouraging!!! So thankful to come across your channel .. Grateful for those in Christ . Without him we we can do nothing ❣️ Thanks for sharing your heart .
Thank you so much for your words of wisdom you are and amazing woman mother and wife. I needed this vlog I have been the only one working for my family for last 3 years my husband has been sick and trying to get on disability and somedays it's hard to be everyone's rock. I will save this video and watch it when I need just a little bit of encouragement or a promise I may have forgotten
Erin your very inspiring God works through you in many different ways i just love you and your family and how God has blessed you all to be sharing his word and encouraged to help spread the Gospel where its so needed love you all God Bless
Erin, just saying a prayer for you, but also asking for prayer for my daughter, her husband was killed early yesterday, he left four kids and a grandson. In the last year she lost her job, and her car, and now this, she came feal far, from where she was at.thank you in advance. God bless you.
I just ordered the cards with the box (natural color). Most of my adult life I have suffered with anxiety but God's grace gives me hope. These cards are a blessing - your family is a blessing! 💖
Erin, thank you for using the talent God has given you like this. This last year has been one of the worst with PCOS hormonal issues, and lately I’ve been discouraged over the 20 years or so of cyst issues. I also have been struggling how to be the best Mom I can be to my adopted children in the midst of difficult trials there. I will look into these cards, because I think they would be incredibly helpful vs. for me to remember and meditate on.
Thank you so much for the beautiful words and the Promise cards. I got mine the other day. I’m battling fear, doubts and anxiety. I’ve been a Christian for many years and have never went through a time like I’ve going through and have been for the past year. May God bless you and your family
Thank you for your transparency and sharing with us your struggles. I believe the last couple of years have been difficult for many. I too struggle with anxiety. God Bless you.
I practice deep relaxation when anxious and listen to praise songs or sing hymns. Anxiety runs in my family. It's a hard thing. This week I had a death in my family that has challenged me. I know she is in a much better place. Her husband died several months ago and all she wanted was to go home to be with the Lord and be reunited with her husband. I prayed with her but they wete like parents to me because my own parents went home to be with the Lord long ago. I'm not exactly sad. I could never be so selfish. I am just lonely.
Erin you are so encouraging I really needed this message today.im going the same thing with my health and marriage i love your videos id love to see more.if everyone that prays would pray for me and my family I really appreciate it. Thanks and God bless everyone.erin please continue your videos you truly are a blessing.
I get so much encouragement from your videos. Both you and Chad are so open and honest in your sharing. Much respect of you both. You have a beautiful family; I love your style and I’ve learned a lot from you.
Erin, is an amazing lady!! These cards are beautiful and so inspiring. The both of you make a precious couple, and your children are so wonderful. Very well mannered little ladies, and gentlemen. God bless all of you. Warm hugs and love. ♥️
John 16:33 is one of my favorites! It seems like I keep hearing it here and there a lot lately. I love when God speaks to me and reassures me of His promises.
I believe in God, I believe in his promises. In my case, drs had told me my anxiety is a genetic disorder. I’ve been taking controlled medicine for almost 4 years. And sometimes I feel so bad, because I don’t want to look like I don’t believe in God (some people think that when you suffer anxiety is because you sinned or don’t believe in God)
There is no shame in seeing a counselor or taking medication for anxiety! Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Especially if you deal with an anxiety disorder. Just because you take medicine doesn’t mean you don’t believe in God! Yes He is our hope, refuge, and strength. My hope is in Him completely!💛 I pray for mental healing and believe God can change things in an instant! But there should be no guilt for bettering your mental health! It’s not that we don’t trust God!
There is absolutely no shame in taking medication when needed. Don't we all take it for many different illnesses and diseases, even a headache pill? Anxiety, depression are just another temporary medical condition that can be helped by medication and Christian counselling. I suffered for years, ended up couldn't leave my home for fear. But after giving up and giving my whole life over to the Lord, He set me free! Fear is a liar! Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which passes all understanding, will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. God bless you from Australia! 🙏❤🕊
Erin, You are so beautiful & artistic. You & Chad have adorable children. The promise cards you made are lovely & uplifting! Thank you for sharing about what you have been going through. I have a daughter that suffers from anxiety & depression. She has been in therapy & on medication for about four years now. I thank God every day for her doctors because they have really helped her. They have also helped me, as her mom, to understand & learn about anxiety & depression & that people don't just snap out of it. Conditions of the brain are medical issues just like if someone needs glasses for their eyesight, insulin for their diabetes or shots for their blood disorder. A childhood friend of mine lost her husband to suicide last month. He left behind his loving wife, four children & some grandchildren. He had a good family life, good job, was in a band, could sing beautifully & played many instruments. His depression & anxiety had been spiraling out of control this past year & continuously got worse. He didn't get the medical mental help that he needed. Everyone meant well when they kept telling him to pray & turn to God for help. He was a good Christian man, but was mentally sick & took his own life! Nobody close to him knew that he was that sick or if they did, they thought he would just get better from reading the Bible & praying. His suicide could have been prevented. I wish I would have known about his condition, but we live in different cities & I only see my childhood friend every now & then. I didn't find out about her husband's condition until after he had taken his life. I know that God is here for us & I pray every day for His help. I also know that God expects us to see the right doctors & get the help that we need when we are suffering with illnesses. If I hadn't taken my daughter to get help, I truly don't think she would be here with us today. Sometimes depression & anxiety don't show up until adulthood but children & teenagers can also suffer with mental illnesses. Sometimes a person has been good at hiding how they have been feeling for a while because they don't think others will understand. Genetics, hormonal changes in the body, especially after pregnancy or other factors can contribute to mental issues. There's not always a reason & we don't always know the answer but that's where a professional Therapist, Psychologist or Psychiatrist comes into the picture. They are trained to help us & treat these types of illnesses that most people don't know much about. Some people just need therapy & some have to also be put on medication, like my daughter did. When someone is a little down for a few days, then gets better, that's pretty normal, especially due to circumstances. If someone has been feeling down for long periods of time, that's not normal & they should get help. Someone that they trust should help them research getting some help. A family doctor, or even a women's OBGYN, is usually a good place to ask for help because they will refer their patients to the best professional to get the help that they need. I highly recommend that the medical person that one sees be someone that they don't already know in a friendly way, so that they can be totally honest & only see them professionally for mental health issues. I apologize for this being so long, but if I can help one person get the professional help that they need, it may save a life. Also, I would remind anyone with mental illness in their family, whether diagnosed or not, that genetics can play a huge factor, so please pay attention for any signs in all family members, whether young or old. They just may need your help one day. That help may be getting them the professional help that they need. Thanks & may God continue to bless & watch over all of you!
Thank you so much! ❤️ I really needed this reminder today. I'm facing something a decision that can be life changing, not only for me but my whole family. My Pastors wife told me the same thing yesterday about reading and trusting God's promises. Psalm 56:3 & Proverbs 3:5-6 God bless you all!
You guys are SUCH a blessed encouragement to a dark world! May the Lord bless you and keep you! I can’t wait to purchase these cards! Maybe someday you could write a devotional!💗💗💗
So true. God’s promises are amazing and His peace is priceless. This is beautiful Erin. God is so faithful. He turns our mess into messages and out tests into testimonies. And how do we overcome? By the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony. I know this testimony will encourage so many. Thank you for letting the Lord use you. God bless.
Thank you Erin!!! This helped me because I've had to move away from my friends and things and I've been struggling with the transition and stuff so if you would keep me in your prayers!!! Love y'all
Lillian,, Me too !!! And I'm a paraplegic and it's so hard. I have to find new Dr.s/ Dentists etc.church too and my Grandson we are raising is 15 and started 9 th grade and has already gotten into trouble twice at school!!
I love helping other fellow Christian’s. I’m proud y’all decided to sell these. I can’t wait to get them come payday. The past 2 years have been very hard and I was very depressed with a lot of anxiety. After 25yrs of marriage I discovered my husband had cheated on me for most of 2020 with my cousins 29yr old wife. It broke my heart and my soul. We are trying to mend and heal our marriage. We’ve had Covid twice in that time. My 13yr old daughter wanted to kill herself due to bullying at school so I pulled her out to homeschool her. I spent 3 months educating myself. We lost 2 pets that were very close to our hearts. My mother in law has been battling cancer for the last 4 years and we found out it has come back for the 3rd time during this time. I never dreamed in my 40’s our marriage would be facing all it did. Everything has strengthened my faith in God & I’ve become closer to him. I think I had put my husband on a pedestal that no man could live up to and maybe higher than God liked. I had forgotten my husband is only human and makes mistakes too. I did have a grim outlook for awhile that you can’t trust anyone but God and everyone will eventually hurt you. But by deepening my faith with Him I’ve learned a lot. I also heard God’s voice in a prayer of mine almost a year after I found out about my husband. He told me that my husband is only human and makes mistakes just like I do. Because God has forgiven me so many times that I should forgive my husband and give him a 2nd chance. I was beginning to wonder if God was going to answer me but I realize now that if He had I wouldn’t have been ready to hear His answer and I wouldn’t have wanted to hear that answer. We had both agreed before we got married that if either of us cheated that was it. But that was before we’d spent a lifetime together and before we’d had 5 kids. My husband has become someone I didn’t know due to stress. Instead of coming to me he sought support from someone else. He’s told me he didn’t know the man he’d become and never wants to be that man again. Right now we are even better friends than before. We listen to one another and are much more conscious about each other’s feelings. Honestly, I haven’t gotten past the physical aspect. If he tries to kiss me I give him my cheek. I just haven’t been able to get past him being with someone else for so long in my head. I can’t get her off of him. In my mind he’s dirty and tainted. Thankfully, he’s been very patient and hasn’t pushed me on the subject at all. I keep praying God shows me how to work thru this and how to move forward. All of our situations are different but I completely understand what it’s like to of had a couple of hard years lately. It’s brings me so much comfort in listening to other good Christian people that understand we are all going to have trials and struggles. I love that you made something positive come out of yours! Honestly, I shut down for about a year and just stayed in bed. I’m still working daily to become productive again and to not fall back into that bad habit. I just thought my life was over. I realize because I’m still here God still has work for me to do. Thank you for sharing your precious life with all of us! And thank you for creating all these tools to help us in our walks with God! I do wish I had a do over button so I could raise my children like y’all are raising yours. I feel like I’ve failed my oldest 3. I pray it’s not too late to teach my 13yr olds the right way. And hopefully I can teach my future grandchildren what I didn’t teach my older 3 children. I do love seeing how you raise and teach your children! I wish I’d had that growing up. I wish I’d known that what little I was doing wasn’t nearly enough when it came to their hearts and love for God. I wish I’d given my children the foundation your parents gave you and the foundation y’all are giving your children. I truly believe in what I’ve seen in mankind these past few years that the good Lord will be coming sooner than we think. I’m 46 and I’ve seen a lot of things. Desert Storm, Y2K, 911 bombings, etc. But in all my years I’ve never seen mankind change so much in so many ways that are not glorifying to God! If says brother will turn against brother, families against one another, etc. I’m seeing all of these things. My husband is an only child but has this precious extended family that reminded me of the show Leave It to Beaver and other shows similar to that where no one in the family ever gets divorced, the have frequent get togethers, and everyone in his family gets promoted. All of his aunts and uncles are called by all of the great grandkids (our kids included) mamaw & pappaw instead of being their great aunts & uncles. Everyone that is a grandkid which includes my husband considers all their first cousins their brothers and sister because his mamaw babysat them all while her kids worked. They were raised thru the week all together. Then all the 1st cousins like me & my hubby are called by each other’s kids aunt and uncle. The great grandkids don’t have any idea that their “mamaw & pappaws” are actually their great aunts and uncles. They don’t know that their aunts and uncles are actually just their cousins. And they treat each other like brothers and sisters. It’s the sweetest thing! My family is broken and I never see my dad because his wife doesn’t like me. Her daughter is my age and she would rather my dad have her as a daughter and have nothing to do with me & my kids even though we’ve never done anything but try to get along with them. Her first husband died of a rare blood disease so she wanted my dad to be her second dad and only focus on her daughter and son. After being verbally, mentally, and emotionally abused by her for all of my teenage years just trying to have a relationship with my dad I finally decided once I had kids I wouldn’t let my babies be treated like that knowing how it effected me. So I just stopped calling him to see if he would call me and he never did. I invited him to my high school graduation but because my stepsisters graduation was the same day and time he never responded to my invite and never showed up. When I had my oldest all of a sudden they wanted something to do with us. I did. But when my oldest was 3 and my 2nd was an infant my sister got pregnant. My stepmom had just spent $10,000 on my stepsisters wedding and didn’t want to spend any on my sisters wedding who lived with them until she graduated college. She was 24, lived out of state because that’s where she got a job, and was living very well and independently on her own. She made a mistake. She thought because I had fertility issues and can’t get pregnant on my own she would too. I have to take a pill to make me ovulate. She read somewhere that redheads have a higher rate of infertility. 🙄🤦♀️ So they didn’t use protection. But they were trying to make it right by getting married. I ended up paying for most of my sisters wedding and planning it for her. My grandparents, my dads parents, gave her $1000 to put towards it. They are precious and had no idea what a wedding cost. My mom and other grandma who were both disabled and on fixed incomes together gave her a $1000. I spent about $3500 and she had a beautiful wedding. The only glitch was when the preacher asked who gives this woman and my dad could have easily said her mother and I and covered both my step and my mom in one. But instead he decided to say Kay and I which was my stepmoms name. I never had to say a word. At the reception everyone sat with my sweet little moma and even his parents my grandparents did too. No one sat with my dad and step. I saw after that they wouldn’t change. And he never called me once after that. So I just let that relationship go.
But because my family was so tiny and broken I just loved my husbands family! But in the last 5 plus years I’ve seen even them dividing. Some think that if you don’t act perfect then they don’t need to be around the ones who aren’t. They’ve gotten to where they judge everyone so harshly like they never sin. I’ve seen them talking about each other behind each other’s backs. They’ve told certain ones not to associate with certain ones. When they have get togethers if everyone shows up they sit split up in tiny groups and not all together. I never thought this family would act like they are. Instead of being there for one another they shun each other. They don’t realize bad mouthing each other is just as bad as what the other person is doing. I’ve seen men and women I never dreamed would be unfaithful cheat on their spouses and some even leave their families. I’ve seen people I never dreamed would get on drugs not only get on them but become bad addicts. Not just with illegal drugs but getting on prescription drugs and abusing them. The one thing I’ve really noticed is up until the last 5 plus years you rarely heard anyone say the bad words God with an ugly word or the F bomb. I can’t stand those 2! And I remember thinking a hole in the ground would open up and swallow someone when they said it. I rarely if ever heard anyone say those 2. Most folks didn’t even say ugly words in public. But now days I’ve noticed you can hear it any day of the week out in public. But I’ve also noticed people saying those first 2 more and more like it’s no big deal. It hurts my heart to know how desensitized people have become to it. Things that were looked at as taboo not long ago are now looked at by too many that it’s just everyday talk. It’s gotten to the point when you go anywhere you have no idea what you or your kids might hear. I just think with so so many things becoming commonplace that weren’t such a short time ago that God must be on the brink of coming back. Plus talks of war, all these people being so confused over their gender, everyone getting upset over everything and causing such uproars over things that shouldn’t be controversial, people editing the Bible to make it that God loves & approves of everyone and everything and accepts everything is so wrong, etc. I could go on and on. I’ve prayed so much about our world and leaders. But it’s no wonder the way the world has gotten that so so many are dealing with depression and anxiety! I’d never had anxiety before. But from being at home so much and because I have lupus & RA I was afraid to go anywhere at first. After being stuck at home so much and being depressed from all the things that were happening I started having bad anxiety about just getting ready to go anywhere. I would find any excuse to even reschedule doctors appts. I would only leave my home to go to 1 doctors appt per month that I had to go to in order to get my medications. I realized that just made it worse. When anyone would try to cheer me up it only stressed me out more and gave me more anxiety. It’s been a very very slow process of getting out of bed and becoming active again. I had to start with just getting out of bed and sitting on my couch. Then I started doing little things around the house. I finally made it to a second doctors appt. And each time I do a little more I feel better. But if I try to do too much I feel panicked and want to retreat. I’ve had to tell my husband to not encourage me because I feel like he’s trying to get me to do more even though he’s not. I also don’t tell him a lot when I do a little more because I’m afraid he will expect more. I do do a lot of praying. That seems to bring me calm and peace. I’ve also learned to celebrate each day in my head and for everything little thing I do that’s more than the day before to be proud of myself instead of saying that’s all I did. Staying positive helps a lot. Watching uplifting videos helps a lot too. I can’t bring myself to really tell anyone how bad it got. I was the super mom that could do it all and some. I never just stayed home. I was always on the go. I was always the life of our get togethers. I was the fun happy one. I just had to stop going so I didn’t have to fake all that. Lupus & RA truly humbled me because I can’t go and do like I used to. I can’t do it all. But I’ve learned my new normal and was just getting used to it when the issue with my husband hit and jerked the rug of life out from under me. But I’m getting my feet back on the ground and trying to find our new normal. I’m also sending my older 3 kids some amazing new testimonies I’ve heard on UA-cam. I’ve told them with everything that’s going on in our world they better make sure to be safe rather than sorry and make sure their souls are right with God in case something happens. I’ve told them I will be judged harshly if they don’t make it to heaven. It was my responsibility to make sure they knew everything they needed to know about God, Jesus, being a Christian, how to get to heaven, how to live a Godly life giving all the glory to God, how to pray, how to study, etc. I’ve told them that if I make it to heaven and they don’t that I would never be able to hold my head up and I’d never forgive myself. All I’ve ever wanted was to have a family. To have my kids meet and marry good Christian boys and girls. And for my entire family to be in heaven for eternity together. I never wanted a career, riches, etc. I just wanted a big happy family that put God first. We’ve strayed and sinned. But the most important thing is that we repent, ask for forgiveness, praise God, pray to Him, give Him the glory in all we do, give Him our hearts, minds, and souls, tell others about Him, serve God by serving each other, love everyone, forgive, read & study our bibles, gather in His name, keep the Sabbath holy, keep His commandments, and walk daily in a way that glorifies Him. If I’ve forgotten anything please let me know. But I’m trying so hard to stress to my kids how important this is. And I’m praying it’s not too late to reach them. I know some are going to look at me like I’m being a fanatic or going overboard. We’ve been southern Baptist and that’s fine. I don’t think it’s in the denomination but in what you believe and the things you do. We’ve unfortunately been way to relaxed Baptist’s. We’ve not been good role models for our kids in a long time.
I pray they don’t think that we are just getting older and being worry warts. I pray they listen and not only do what we do but also see what we are doing and want to do the same. I wish I’d been around more people like you and your husband when we were younger and understood the importance. We’ve always known when we were in church and trying to do what we are supposed to that God gave us lots of blessings and life in general was so much easier. When we didn’t know where money or things we needed were going to come from they just always came in time. But when we weren’t in church life was so so much more difficult. And we didn’t see those blessings. That should have been enough to keep us in church and doing right. I guess it took my marriage almost dissolving to truly open my eyes and show me all the things I’m not doing and how badly I’ve failed my babies. It was a high price to pay. But I know in the end it was necessary and the most important thing I learn. Regardless of what we want if we don’t put God first in everything nothing is going to work out right. And He is what’s most important. I won’t make that mistake again! We are currently looking at churches to try. The one we’ve always been part of just isn’t what it was. The pastor we have and the one before this one just aren’t men I feel like I could go to and talk to in confidence if I needed to. Because of that I don’t listen to them whole heartedly. If I can’t trust them to talk to them then I feel like I can’t truly listen to them. My husband wanted to wait them out, wait till they moved on, instead of finding a church. He said none have lasted over about 7 years. He’s right but that’s way too much time to let pass not actively listening to someone who is supposed to be helping us in following the Lord. Jan & Feb. are my hardest months with my illnesses. I rarely go anywhere because the cold hurts me so much. So I think we can stay home and watch preaching on the tv and discuss it as a family. Once March warms it up a bit then we can get out and try these churches out. Hopefully He will lead us to the one He wants us to attend. If you have read all of this God bless you!!! What you said really touched me and made me think. I do think we are close to Him coming back. I do think our world is in a bad sad shape. I think so so many have too many reasons to be depressed and have anxiety. I pray for anyone that needs help and that they seek that help out. They have told the suicide rate has dramatically increased since Covid hit. I pray that families draw nearer to one another and support each other rather than dividing. I pray for all the lost souls that they find God before it’s too late. I pray that everyone takes their burdens and worries to God and they learn to lean on God thru prayer. Our world needs a lot of love, understanding, compassion, uplifting one another, being there for each other, and putting God first in everything. I pray God continues to bless your sweet family! May He rain down blessing upon you, keeps you healthy, comforts you when you need it, carries you when you need it, gives you the wisdom you need to handle all life throws ar you, continues to bless you with wealth to take care of your family, and sees you thru all life’s trials. I pray your family sees mostly happy wonderful blessed days. If you have time I would appreciate it if you would say a little prayer to help me so that I’m able to work thru what’s happened so I can move forward and make my marriage better than it was before. I’m just stuck right now and I don’t know how to move forward. Again, thank you for sharing and for all you do!!!🥰🥰🥰🥰
I would love to buy these but it looks like they are out of stock. This is a wonderful idea and something to brighten everyone’s lives. I love that you share how God gets you through even the hardest of times!
This is so good Erin!! This ministered to me so much. I knew this, but I needed to be reminded! I am a single mom and a teacher. I am a child of Christ first, and I have seen Him do so much in my life. I have even trusted Jesus for a healthy baby in a high risk pregnancy. He is 14 now. Samuel is healthy and wonderful! God bless you sweet lady and mighty woman of God!
I just love watching anyone from The Bates Famiky. My name is Jeanne. I'm from Louisiana. I'm 58 years old and having major issues with my pancreas. No, I don't drink alcohol. It just happened. Please pray for me.
I always find you and your Dad through online , very moving and inspiring… your a lovely young woman Erin… I can’t wait to get them .. may take a while to the Uk but still worth it xx
THIS IS JUST SO BEAUTIFUL IM STRUGGLING MYSELF ITS BIN A HARD YEAR WITH MY MOM BEING DIAGNOSED WITH BREAST CANCER SHE IS NOW CANCÈR FREE THANKS TO GODAN THE SURGEONAN NURSES . IT'S MADE ME GROW CLOSER TO GOD AN HIS WORDS GOD SAYS HE WILL NEVER FOR SAKE US . THANKS FOR YOUR TRUTH AND YOUR WORDS WE ARE NOT ALONE HE IS HEAR THROUGH THE THICK AN THIN. PRAISE TO THE MOST HIGH 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Erin, when we recarpeted our home I wrote out scripture promises with a black sharpie on the underlayment. Now when I walk through our home I am 'Standing on the Promises' (one of my favorite hymns! Thank you for your and your family's inspiration and witness. God bless.
I LOVE this!!
❤️ that!! Great idea
Wow, what an awesome idea! I absolutely love that! 🙏😍💕 Grounded in God's word! 💗
Love that soo much. What a great idea!
❤❤❤
Please remember me in prayer. My husband died a month ago. He became ill at work, was diagnosed with a brain tumor that night and went to heaven 10 weeks later. We were married at 18 and our 40th anniversary would have been next month. I know we will meet at the feet of Our Savior but I miss him so very much.
I have added you to my prayer list.
Prayers! 🙏🏻♥️
I’m so sorry! 🤍
I will be praying for you, Pamela. May God give you His comfort and presence in your loneliness.
I am so sorry, Pamela! ♥️
When I am in a hard situation, I repeat these words over and over, "I trust you Lord." When we were in Arizona when my husband was dying of cancer, these were the only words I could say. It was hard, but God was with us all the way. Thank you for sharing Erin. God bless you and Chad and your precious little family. ❤
Thanks Erin for sharing this! I’m a momma to four kiddos and I’ve had hard times and currently in and out of health and fear and anxiety. Thanks for sharing this!
Erin I've struggled with this too. Psalm 23 is such a good reminder. God is with us even in the midst of fear and anxiety when we dont see or feel him. Praying for you Erin God bless xx
amen ,I have been going through some things and just yesterday i read Psalm23 and i called my husband crying , he always says babe read the bible it will help you feel better.. just typing this is making me tear up... God bless everyone and stay safe.. sending love from Tx
@@adrieancortez3433 Gods word and worship gets me through each day. God bless you and thanking God you have a husband encouraging you to read the word. Lean into the Lord through out your day post scriptures that speak to your heart around your home. Stay strong sister 🙏🏼
I appreciate honestly and people expressing their difficulties, it’s human and relatable. Thanks for sharing.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of love and a sound mind 🙌🏻
It really opened my eyes when you said some of these are conditional promises. I sometimes find myself questioning and even blaming God because I don't feel the peace and joy he says he offers. But it is up to me to keep my heart and mind on him so that I can have the peace and joy he offers. Thanks for the video 😊
I was reading in Jeremiah 23:23&24 where God is saying am I not a God at hand? Where can you go that are secret places that I can not see you. He is and will always be right there with us no matter what we are going through. Satan will try and plant seeds and doubts, that is why it is important to stay in God's word and be there for one another.
My husband and I have covid right now, we are on the way to being better. I really appreciate this video because I’ve been seriously afraid to go see my children and grandchildren because I don’t want them to be sick the way we have been. I appreciate you doing this for others. You are a blessing to so many people.
I agree Very special PEACE over Us in JESUS name
❤❤Erin this is what I been doing these past weeks. To get myself on a routine waking up before my baby and devoted time to be with God, read his word, and do my affirmations/clinch to His word a verse. God bless you and your beautiful family. Enjoy so much watching you guys.
When I listen to you, I feel like I’m listening to my own mom. Love, comfort, light- you’re an inspiration.
Thank you Erin! I’ve become chronically ill, homebound with no medical help available. God has been teaching me so much and is drawing me closer. I love these promise cards. I will order some for me and also for other friends who are struggling! You are beautiful inside and out! Love from Oklahoma.
Erin sweet girl you are such an inspiration. I pray blessing on you and your family because you certainly bless others. Love you.
You guys are so amazing and you encouraged me to get back to be amazing again in every area starting with having a strong and stable Walk With Jesus by spending time with him everyday when he wants me to! I have struggled with depression anxiety and fear xcetera. I have been told to memorize scripture as one of those things I need to help me heal. Thank you for encouraging me to get back to memorizing scripture. I love flowers and gardening also and drawing and painting and baking and cooking and children and family and healthy relationships and music and so much more. I need you get Jesus in the right place and keep him in the right place so I can share him with others and so I can develop my desire for drawing and painting and all of my hobbies. It's amazing how much you guys do and I know it's because you have Jesus in the right place and you guys worked hard to get your work done and so you guys are a great inspiration to me to get everything back in my life that needs to be.
I love the bates family. I'm going to try this Erin, but I know God has never forsaken me. He has pulled me out of some messes, some I brought on, alot done by others, but he saved me and loved me and you CAN believe in His word. Your family is beautiful!
Erin, you are such an encouragement. Your sweet family has always shown trust in difficult circumstances, and is a great example. I love to say, “Jesus, thank you for your precious promises” when I feel low. It always strengthens me. I will be ordering your cards!
Erin~ You are such beautiful lady inside and out. I love how you share the Lord with others, and care for those that are hurting. God Bless you and your family... Thanks for sharing what is on your hear....
Love you so much, Chad, Erin, Carson, Brookie, Everly, Holland
Thank you sharing and y'all are ABSOLUTELY 💯 AMAZING AND A BEAUTIFUL Family and I enjoy seeing y'all on UP Channel
Wonderful words. I think y’all need y’all’s television program and teaching people a lot about the love and belief in the Lord.
Erin, You have no idea how I needed to hear to hear this.
Your relationship is inspiring.
You are beautiful inside and out and have many talents and a beautiful family. 💖
What an encouragement you are to everyone struggling right now! You are so genuine in teaching God’s word.
This was so helpful! I instantly put a bible truth beside my bed so I can look at it when I first open my eyes! Thank you for the reminder to stay focused on God ❤️🙏🏻
Love that every chance you get, you and Chad share the love of God. Love the cards! 🙏🏼❤️
God really gifted you with so much talent Erin, and you glorify Him in using it for Him. Thank you for inspiring us.
Erin, I been through anxiety and depression too. I have these card they are beautiful and amazing. Thank you so much for these. Love your family!
Thank you for sharing this!! It’s been helpful to me. Since my child died, I have been struggling with my faith and every day things in general. Some days I’m good, but other days I feel I stepped backwards. I appreciate your videos. Thanks.
Wow. I am so sorry you lost your child. I can't imagine your grief.
I’m so sorry
Check out hungry generation church on UA-cam could be encouraging. I also had a still birth it sucks
Just got my cards. I'm not in a valley necessarily, but I am in a big slump in my faith walk. This came at the perfect time!
You two are such a genuine, loving, Respectful couple. Grounded in your faith raising your children in such a beautiful Christian atmosphere. I admire your faithfulness in such a word of disappointment, ugliness hate, greed you name it. It's here the end is coming. You have a beautiful family and such a breath of fresh air. I admire you so much. Thank you for sharing your beautiful souls with us. God Bless you both and your little family.
This is sooooo timely for me at this time in my life. Thank you for sharing how you'd gone through fear and anxiety. Look at how Abba has turned it around for good! You're a beautiful SOLDIER. God Bless you and your beautiful family.🙏🏽❤
What a beautiful couple who represent my Savior so well…our God not only helps us enjoy the mountain top experiences of life but He also carries us through our valleys …we are fully human so we have to depend on our Lord🥰
Erin you are my favorite Bates even though I love all of your family. I wish I lived near you and could be your friend. You are an inspiration and I feel Gods goodness through you. Could you share sometime in a video how you and Chat met I've not heard or seen that on the show or anywhere.
I'm so excited!! You are so very inspiring! I can't wait to get them! I need this. It has been a tough year. I lost my father that I work with everyday at a family business and am very close to in May. He was involved in a motorcycle accident in 2019 that caused head trauma and changed him completely. He tried for a year and half seeking spiritual help and medical help but couldn't find his way in his new mind and took his life. It has been a tough couple of years. I am looking forward to my cards. Thank you so much!
So sorry for your loss and for your father's struggle. Rest assured he is in Heaven with God and no longer suffering. 🙏
Sending hugs and prayers 🙏 May the lord lovingly wrap you in His peace and comfort 💕
I've gone thru something similar this past year. I will testify prayers and scriptures are a big help. Love your family Chad and Erin🙏🙏❤❤🤗🤗
You are a precious young mama! Thank you for reaching out and helping others 💓
How encouraging!!! So thankful to come across your channel .. Grateful for those in Christ . Without him we we can do nothing ❣️ Thanks for sharing your heart .
Thank you so much for your words of wisdom you are and amazing woman mother and wife. I needed this vlog I have been the only one working for my family for last 3 years my husband has been sick and trying to get on disability and somedays it's hard to be everyone's rock. I will save this video and watch it when I need just a little bit of encouragement or a promise I may have forgotten
Erin your very inspiring God works through you in many different ways i just love you and your family and how God has blessed you all to be sharing his word and encouraged to help spread the Gospel where its so needed love you all God Bless
Amen!! I so look forward to your uploads! You’re such a blessing💕
Precious Family! I love u all....Your faith is so encouraging to us! May God bless you tremendously
Erin, just saying a prayer for you, but also asking for prayer for my daughter, her husband was killed early yesterday, he left four kids and a grandson. In the last year she lost her job, and her car, and now this, she came feal far, from where she was at.thank you in advance. God bless you.
I prayed for your daughter, her children and grandson. I’m so sorry 😢
@@csandst1 thank you, very much, GOD bless
I've prayed for your daughter and your whole family🙏 hugs💕
I just ordered the cards with the box (natural color). Most of my adult life I have suffered with anxiety but God's grace gives me hope. These cards are a blessing - your family is a blessing! 💖
This is such a sweet idea🌺
So creative, so loving and so true & strong❤
God is great🙏💕
Y’all’s video are just such a heartwarming blessing:). God Bless y’all!
Forgot to say that I love your family and thank you for sharing this.
Beautifully Ministered Erin 🙏🏽📖🙌🏽
Erin, thank you for using the talent God has given you like this. This last year has been one of the worst with PCOS hormonal issues, and lately I’ve been discouraged over the 20 years or so of cyst issues. I also have been struggling how to be the best Mom I can be to my adopted children in the midst of difficult trials there. I will look into these cards, because I think they would be incredibly helpful vs. for me to remember and meditate on.
Thank you so much for sharing. You both have such sweet spirits. Blessings
I’ve been singing the worship song “Promises” lately, and what you are saying, Erin, just connects to that song so much!! 🙌🏻❤️
Thank you so much for the beautiful words and the Promise cards. I got mine the other day. I’m
battling fear, doubts and anxiety. I’ve been a Christian for many years and have never went through a time like I’ve going through and have been for the past year. May God bless you and your family
So good. Thank you for using the KJV!
Erin you have such a Beautiful Heart May God Continue to Bless you and Your Family
Thank you for your transparency and sharing with us your struggles. I believe the last couple of years have been difficult for many. I too struggle with anxiety. God Bless you.
I practice deep relaxation when anxious and listen to praise songs or sing hymns. Anxiety runs in my family. It's a hard thing. This week I had a death in my family that has challenged me. I know she is in a much better place. Her husband died several months ago and all she wanted was to go home to be with the Lord and be reunited with her husband. I prayed with her but they wete like parents to me because my own parents went home to be with the Lord long ago. I'm not exactly sad. I could never be so selfish. I am just lonely.
Thank you for sharing this, I ❤ that ya share something so very personal. God bless ya Sister Erin. 🙏
Erin you are so encouraging I really needed this message today.im going the same thing with my health and marriage i love your videos id love to see more.if everyone that prays would pray for me and my family I really appreciate it. Thanks and God bless everyone.erin please continue your videos you truly are a blessing.
Thank you soo much Erin!
I plan to get those cards...
Love your family and channel!
God Bless!
I get so much encouragement from your videos. Both you and Chad are so open and honest in your sharing. Much respect of you both. You have a beautiful family; I love your style and I’ve learned a lot from you.
thanks Erin ❤️🙏your words really helped me while going thru a bad time in my life
Hi Erin, I was really hoping you could talk about Modesty for teen girls!!! I love your channel and truly admire the woman you are!!
Erin, is an amazing lady!! These cards are beautiful and so inspiring. The both of you make a precious couple, and your children are so wonderful. Very well mannered little ladies, and gentlemen. God bless all of you. Warm hugs and love. ♥️
John 16:33 is one of my favorites! It seems like I keep hearing it here and there a lot lately. I love when God speaks to me and reassures me of His promises.
I’m saving this video to rewatch when I need encouragement ❤️ Thank you, Erin!
The truth of Gods word brings peace! Thanks for sharing.
I believe in God, I believe in his promises.
In my case, drs had told me my anxiety is a genetic disorder. I’ve been taking controlled medicine for almost 4 years. And sometimes I feel so bad, because I don’t want to look like I don’t believe in God (some people think that when you suffer anxiety is because you sinned or don’t believe in God)
There is no shame in seeing a counselor or taking medication for anxiety! Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Especially if you deal with an anxiety disorder. Just because you take medicine doesn’t mean you don’t believe in God! Yes He is our hope, refuge, and strength. My hope is in Him completely!💛 I pray for mental healing and believe God can change things in an instant! But there should be no guilt for bettering your mental health! It’s not that we don’t trust God!
Please don’t feel bad. God encourages you to look after yourself no matter what that looks like. He did create psychology and therapy after all…
There is absolutely no shame in taking medication when needed. Don't we all take it for many different illnesses and diseases, even a headache pill? Anxiety, depression are just another temporary medical condition that can be helped by medication and Christian counselling. I suffered for years, ended up couldn't leave my home for fear. But after giving up and giving my whole life over to the Lord, He set me free! Fear is a liar! Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which passes all understanding, will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. God bless you from Australia! 🙏❤🕊
@@annasmith5406 so much truth!!!! Yes yes yes! 💛
Thank you Erin for this God helping me.
Your video is what I needed.. I love your honest, genuine and relatable video.... God Bless you
Thank you Erin ❤️ I deal with the same issues, God bless you and your precious family LOVE from California🥰
Erin,
You are so beautiful & artistic. You & Chad have adorable children. The promise cards you made are lovely & uplifting! Thank you for sharing about what you have been going through.
I have a daughter that suffers from anxiety & depression. She has been in therapy & on medication for about four years now. I thank God every day for her doctors because they have really helped her. They have also helped me, as her mom, to understand & learn about anxiety & depression & that people don't just snap out of it. Conditions of the brain are medical issues just like if someone needs glasses for their eyesight, insulin for their diabetes or shots for their blood disorder.
A childhood friend of mine lost her husband to suicide last month. He left behind his loving wife, four children & some grandchildren. He had a good family life, good job, was in a band, could sing beautifully & played many instruments. His depression & anxiety had been spiraling out of control this past year & continuously got worse. He didn't get the medical mental help that he needed. Everyone meant well when they kept telling him to pray & turn to God for help. He was a good Christian man, but was mentally sick & took his own life! Nobody close to him knew that he was that sick or if they did, they thought he would just get better from reading the Bible & praying. His suicide could have been prevented. I wish I would have known about his condition, but we live in different cities & I only see my childhood friend every now & then. I didn't find out about her husband's condition until after he had taken his life.
I know that God is here for us & I pray every day for His help. I also know that God expects us to see the right doctors & get the help that we need when we are suffering with illnesses. If I hadn't taken my daughter to get help, I truly don't think she would be here with us today.
Sometimes depression & anxiety don't show up until adulthood but children & teenagers can also suffer with mental illnesses. Sometimes a person has been good at hiding how they have been feeling for a while because they don't think others will understand. Genetics, hormonal changes in the body, especially after pregnancy or other factors can contribute to mental issues. There's not always a reason & we don't always know the answer but that's where a professional Therapist, Psychologist or Psychiatrist comes into the picture. They are trained to help us & treat these types of illnesses that most people don't know much about. Some people just need therapy & some have to also be put on medication, like my daughter did.
When someone is a little down for a few days, then gets better, that's pretty normal, especially due to circumstances. If someone has been feeling down for long periods of time, that's not normal & they should get help. Someone that they trust should help them research getting some help. A family doctor, or even a women's OBGYN, is usually a good place to ask for help because they will refer their patients to the best professional to get the help that they need. I highly recommend that the medical person that one sees be someone that they don't already know in a friendly way, so that they can be totally honest & only see them professionally for mental health issues.
I apologize for this being so long, but if I can help one person get the professional help that they need, it may save a life. Also, I would remind anyone with mental illness in their family, whether diagnosed or not, that genetics can play a huge factor, so please pay attention for any signs in all family members, whether young or old. They just may need your help one day. That help may be getting them the professional help that they need. Thanks & may God continue to bless & watch over all of you!
You are the kindest people.
God Bless 💕
Thank you so much! ❤️ I really needed this reminder today. I'm facing something a decision that can be life changing, not only for me but my whole family. My Pastors wife told me the same thing yesterday about reading and trusting God's promises. Psalm 56:3 & Proverbs 3:5-6
God bless you all!
Love watching ur family u all r a blessing.
You guys are SUCH a blessed encouragement to a dark world!
May the Lord bless you and keep you!
I can’t wait to purchase these cards!
Maybe someday you could write a devotional!💗💗💗
So beautiful and inspiring! 🙏✝️❤
The flowers are beautiful, Please consider making a set of promise cards with a more masculine design that would appeal to the men in our life.
beautiful inspirational words! thank you from Wales, UK
So true. God’s promises are amazing and His peace is priceless. This is beautiful Erin. God is so faithful. He turns our mess into messages and out tests into testimonies. And how do we overcome? By the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony. I know this testimony will encourage so many. Thank you for letting the Lord use you. God bless.
So blessed and grateful for your content and the time you spend fellowshiping to others. Peace and joy be with you Paines❣
Erin you are such an inspiration!
I’m so encouraged about what you’re doing to inspire others during hard times. I really needed to hear that.
Love this so spiritual ❤
Confession brings possession. Love this!
Thank you Erin!!! This helped me because I've had to move away from my friends and things and I've been struggling with the transition and stuff so if you would keep me in your prayers!!! Love y'all
Lillian,, Me too !!! And I'm a paraplegic and it's so hard. I have to find new Dr.s/ Dentists etc.church too and my Grandson we are raising is 15 and started 9 th grade and has already gotten into trouble twice at school!!
Thank you. xxx
I love the idea of these cards ; just ordered a set. Looking forward to going through them one by one. Have a blessed day!
I lost my 2 brothers this year and I think you're blessing I've been watching you guys for a very long time God-bless you guys
Loved hearing these scriptures and advice helped u
Your are an AMAZING Lady ,you are BEAUTIFULL,,GOD BLESS YOU !!!!!
I love helping other fellow Christian’s. I’m proud y’all decided to sell these. I can’t wait to get them come payday. The past 2 years have been very hard and I was very depressed with a lot of anxiety. After 25yrs of marriage I discovered my husband had cheated on me for most of 2020 with my cousins 29yr old wife. It broke my heart and my soul. We are trying to mend and heal our marriage. We’ve had Covid twice in that time. My 13yr old daughter wanted to kill herself due to bullying at school so I pulled her out to homeschool her. I spent 3 months educating myself. We lost 2 pets that were very close to our hearts. My mother in law has been battling cancer for the last 4 years and we found out it has come back for the 3rd time during this time. I never dreamed in my 40’s our marriage would be facing all it did. Everything has strengthened my faith in God & I’ve become closer to him. I think I had put my husband on a pedestal that no man could live up to and maybe higher than God liked. I had forgotten my husband is only human and makes mistakes too. I did have a grim outlook for awhile that you can’t trust anyone but God and everyone will eventually hurt you. But by deepening my faith with Him I’ve learned a lot. I also heard God’s voice in a prayer of mine almost a year after I found out about my husband. He told me that my husband is only human and makes mistakes just like I do. Because God has forgiven me so many times that I should forgive my husband and give him a 2nd chance. I was beginning to wonder if God was going to answer me but I realize now that if He had I wouldn’t have been ready to hear His answer and I wouldn’t have wanted to hear that answer. We had both agreed before we got married that if either of us cheated that was it. But that was before we’d spent a lifetime together and before we’d had 5 kids. My husband has become someone I didn’t know due to stress. Instead of coming to me he sought support from someone else. He’s told me he didn’t know the man he’d become and never wants to be that man again. Right now we are even better friends than before. We listen to one another and are much more conscious about each other’s feelings. Honestly, I haven’t gotten past the physical aspect. If he tries to kiss me I give him my cheek. I just haven’t been able to get past him being with someone else for so long in my head. I can’t get her off of him. In my mind he’s dirty and tainted. Thankfully, he’s been very patient and hasn’t pushed me on the subject at all. I keep praying God shows me how to work thru this and how to move forward. All of our situations are different but I completely understand what it’s like to of had a couple of hard years lately. It’s brings me so much comfort in listening to other good Christian people that understand we are all going to have trials and struggles. I love that you made something positive come out of yours! Honestly, I shut down for about a year and just stayed in bed. I’m still working daily to become productive again and to not fall back into that bad habit. I just thought my life was over. I realize because I’m still here God still has work for me to do. Thank you for sharing your precious life with all of us! And thank you for creating all these tools to help us in our walks with God! I do wish I had a do over button so I could raise my children like y’all are raising yours. I feel like I’ve failed my oldest 3. I pray it’s not too late to teach my 13yr olds the right way. And hopefully I can teach my future grandchildren what I didn’t teach my older 3 children. I do love seeing how you raise and teach your children! I wish I’d had that growing up. I wish I’d known that what little I was doing wasn’t nearly enough when it came to their hearts and love for God. I wish I’d given my children the foundation your parents gave you and the foundation y’all are giving your children. I truly believe in what I’ve seen in mankind these past few years that the good Lord will be coming sooner than we think. I’m 46 and I’ve seen a lot of things. Desert Storm, Y2K, 911 bombings, etc. But in all my years I’ve never seen mankind change so much in so many ways that are not glorifying to God! If says brother will turn against brother, families against one another, etc. I’m seeing all of these things. My husband is an only child but has this precious extended family that reminded me of the show Leave It to Beaver and other shows similar to that where no one in the family ever gets divorced, the have frequent get togethers, and everyone in his family gets promoted. All of his aunts and uncles are called by all of the great grandkids (our kids included) mamaw & pappaw instead of being their great aunts & uncles. Everyone that is a grandkid which includes my husband considers all their first cousins their brothers and sister because his mamaw babysat them all while her kids worked. They were raised thru the week all together. Then all the 1st cousins like me & my hubby are called by each other’s kids aunt and uncle. The great grandkids don’t have any idea that their “mamaw & pappaws” are actually their great aunts and uncles. They don’t know that their aunts and uncles are actually just their cousins. And they treat each other like brothers and sisters. It’s the sweetest thing! My family is broken and I never see my dad because his wife doesn’t like me. Her daughter is my age and she would rather my dad have her as a daughter and have nothing to do with me & my kids even though we’ve never done anything but try to get along with them. Her first husband died of a rare blood disease so she wanted my dad to be her second dad and only focus on her daughter and son. After being verbally, mentally, and emotionally abused by her for all of my teenage years just trying to have a relationship with my dad I finally decided once I had kids I wouldn’t let my babies be treated like that knowing how it effected me. So I just stopped calling him to see if he would call me and he never did. I invited him to my high school graduation but because my stepsisters graduation was the same day and time he never responded to my invite and never showed up. When I had my oldest all of a sudden they wanted something to do with us. I did. But when my oldest was 3 and my 2nd was an infant my sister got pregnant. My stepmom had just spent $10,000 on my stepsisters wedding and didn’t want to spend any on my sisters wedding who lived with them until she graduated college. She was 24, lived out of state because that’s where she got a job, and was living very well and independently on her own. She made a mistake. She thought because I had fertility issues and can’t get pregnant on my own she would too. I have to take a pill to make me ovulate. She read somewhere that redheads have a higher rate of infertility. 🙄🤦♀️ So they didn’t use protection. But they were trying to make it right by getting married. I ended up paying for most of my sisters wedding and planning it for her. My grandparents, my dads parents, gave her $1000 to put towards it. They are precious and had no idea what a wedding cost. My mom and other grandma who were both disabled and on fixed incomes together gave her a $1000. I spent about $3500 and she had a beautiful wedding. The only glitch was when the preacher asked who gives this woman and my dad could have easily said her mother and I and covered both my step and my mom in one. But instead he decided to say Kay and I which was my stepmoms name. I never had to say a word. At the reception everyone sat with my sweet little moma and even his parents my grandparents did too. No one sat with my dad and step. I saw after that they wouldn’t change. And he never called me once after that. So I just let that relationship go.
But because my family was so tiny and broken I just loved my husbands family! But in the last 5 plus years I’ve seen even them dividing. Some think that if you don’t act perfect then they don’t need to be around the ones who aren’t. They’ve gotten to where they judge everyone so harshly like they never sin. I’ve seen them talking about each other behind each other’s backs. They’ve told certain ones not to associate with certain ones. When they have get togethers if everyone shows up they sit split up in tiny groups and not all together. I never thought this family would act like they are. Instead of being there for one another they shun each other. They don’t realize bad mouthing each other is just as bad as what the other person is doing. I’ve seen men and women I never dreamed would be unfaithful cheat on their spouses and some even leave their families. I’ve seen people I never dreamed would get on drugs not only get on them but become bad addicts. Not just with illegal drugs but getting on prescription drugs and abusing them. The one thing I’ve really noticed is up until the last 5 plus years you rarely heard anyone say the bad words God with an ugly word or the F bomb. I can’t stand those 2! And I remember thinking a hole in the ground would open up and swallow someone when they said it. I rarely if ever heard anyone say those 2. Most folks didn’t even say ugly words in public. But now days I’ve noticed you can hear it any day of the week out in public. But I’ve also noticed people saying those first 2 more and more like it’s no big deal. It hurts my heart to know how desensitized people have become to it. Things that were looked at as taboo not long ago are now looked at by too many that it’s just everyday talk. It’s gotten to the point when you go anywhere you have no idea what you or your kids might hear. I just think with so so many things becoming commonplace that weren’t such a short time ago that God must be on the brink of coming back. Plus talks of war, all these people being so confused over their gender, everyone getting upset over everything and causing such uproars over things that shouldn’t be controversial, people editing the Bible to make it that God loves & approves of everyone and everything and accepts everything is so wrong, etc. I could go on and on. I’ve prayed so much about our world and leaders. But it’s no wonder the way the world has gotten that so so many are dealing with depression and anxiety! I’d never had anxiety before. But from being at home so much and because I have lupus & RA I was afraid to go anywhere at first. After being stuck at home so much and being depressed from all the things that were happening I started having bad anxiety about just getting ready to go anywhere. I would find any excuse to even reschedule doctors appts. I would only leave my home to go to 1 doctors appt per month that I had to go to in order to get my medications. I realized that just made it worse. When anyone would try to cheer me up it only stressed me out more and gave me more anxiety. It’s been a very very slow process of getting out of bed and becoming active again. I had to start with just getting out of bed and sitting on my couch. Then I started doing little things around the house. I finally made it to a second doctors appt. And each time I do a little more I feel better. But if I try to do too much I feel panicked and want to retreat. I’ve had to tell my husband to not encourage me because I feel like he’s trying to get me to do more even though he’s not. I also don’t tell him a lot when I do a little more because I’m afraid he will expect more. I do do a lot of praying. That seems to bring me calm and peace. I’ve also learned to celebrate each day in my head and for everything little thing I do that’s more than the day before to be proud of myself instead of saying that’s all I did. Staying positive helps a lot. Watching uplifting videos helps a lot too. I can’t bring myself to really tell anyone how bad it got. I was the super mom that could do it all and some. I never just stayed home. I was always on the go. I was always the life of our get togethers. I was the fun happy one. I just had to stop going so I didn’t have to fake all that. Lupus & RA truly humbled me because I can’t go and do like I used to. I can’t do it all. But I’ve learned my new normal and was just getting used to it when the issue with my husband hit and jerked the rug of life out from under me. But I’m getting my feet back on the ground and trying to find our new normal. I’m also sending my older 3 kids some amazing new testimonies I’ve heard on UA-cam. I’ve told them with everything that’s going on in our world they better make sure to be safe rather than sorry and make sure their souls are right with God in case something happens. I’ve told them I will be judged harshly if they don’t make it to heaven. It was my responsibility to make sure they knew everything they needed to know about God, Jesus, being a Christian, how to get to heaven, how to live a Godly life giving all the glory to God, how to pray, how to study, etc. I’ve told them that if I make it to heaven and they don’t that I would never be able to hold my head up and I’d never forgive myself. All I’ve ever wanted was to have a family. To have my kids meet and marry good Christian boys and girls. And for my entire family to be in heaven for eternity together. I never wanted a career, riches, etc. I just wanted a big happy family that put God first. We’ve strayed and sinned. But the most important thing is that we repent, ask for forgiveness, praise God, pray to Him, give Him the glory in all we do, give Him our hearts, minds, and souls, tell others about Him, serve God by serving each other, love everyone, forgive, read & study our bibles, gather in His name, keep the Sabbath holy, keep His commandments, and walk daily in a way that glorifies Him. If I’ve forgotten anything please let me know. But I’m trying so hard to stress to my kids how important this is. And I’m praying it’s not too late to reach them. I know some are going to look at me like I’m being a fanatic or going overboard. We’ve been southern Baptist and that’s fine. I don’t think it’s in the denomination but in what you believe and the things you do. We’ve unfortunately been way to relaxed Baptist’s. We’ve not been good role models for our kids in a long time.
I pray they don’t think that we are just getting older and being worry warts. I pray they listen and not only do what we do but also see what we are doing and want to do the same. I wish I’d been around more people like you and your husband when we were younger and understood the importance. We’ve always known when we were in church and trying to do what we are supposed to that God gave us lots of blessings and life in general was so much easier. When we didn’t know where money or things we needed were going to come from they just always came in time. But when we weren’t in church life was so so much more difficult. And we didn’t see those blessings. That should have been enough to keep us in church and doing right. I guess it took my marriage almost dissolving to truly open my eyes and show me all the things I’m not doing and how badly I’ve failed my babies. It was a high price to pay. But I know in the end it was necessary and the most important thing I learn. Regardless of what we want if we don’t put God first in everything nothing is going to work out right. And He is what’s most important. I won’t make that mistake again! We are currently looking at churches to try. The one we’ve always been part of just isn’t what it was. The pastor we have and the one before this one just aren’t men I feel like I could go to and talk to in confidence if I needed to. Because of that I don’t listen to them whole heartedly. If I can’t trust them to talk to them then I feel like I can’t truly listen to them. My husband wanted to wait them out, wait till they moved on, instead of finding a church. He said none have lasted over about 7 years. He’s right but that’s way too much time to let pass not actively listening to someone who is supposed to be helping us in following the Lord. Jan & Feb. are my hardest months with my illnesses. I rarely go anywhere because the cold hurts me so much. So I think we can stay home and watch preaching on the tv and discuss it as a family. Once March warms it up a bit then we can get out and try these churches out. Hopefully He will lead us to the one He wants us to attend. If you have read all of this God bless you!!! What you said really touched me and made me think. I do think we are close to Him coming back. I do think our world is in a bad sad shape. I think so so many have too many reasons to be depressed and have anxiety. I pray for anyone that needs help and that they seek that help out. They have told the suicide rate has dramatically increased since Covid hit. I pray that families draw nearer to one another and support each other rather than dividing. I pray for all the lost souls that they find God before it’s too late. I pray that everyone takes their burdens and worries to God and they learn to lean on God thru prayer. Our world needs a lot of love, understanding, compassion, uplifting one another, being there for each other, and putting God first in everything. I pray God continues to bless your sweet family! May He rain down blessing upon you, keeps you healthy, comforts you when you need it, carries you when you need it, gives you the wisdom you need to handle all life throws ar you, continues to bless you with wealth to take care of your family, and sees you thru all life’s trials. I pray your family sees mostly happy wonderful blessed days. If you have time I would appreciate it if you would say a little prayer to help me so that I’m able to work thru what’s happened so I can move forward and make my marriage better than it was before. I’m just stuck right now and I don’t know how to move forward. Again, thank you for sharing and for all you do!!!🥰🥰🥰🥰
I would love to buy these but it looks like they are out of stock. This is a wonderful idea and something to brighten everyone’s lives. I love that you share how God gets you through even the hardest of times!
Wow this is so beautiful I love it God's love for us is so amazing 👏 💗 💖 💜 💕thank you much for sharing this with us love y'all
This is so good Erin!! This ministered to me so much. I knew this, but I needed to be reminded! I am a single mom and a teacher. I am a child of Christ first, and I have seen Him do so much in my life. I have even trusted Jesus for a healthy baby in a high risk pregnancy. He is 14 now. Samuel is healthy and wonderful! God bless you sweet lady and mighty woman of God!
You're so beautiful erin and true christian I pray that God will bless you, that people will inspired them when they read it "The promises of GOD".
I just love watching anyone from The Bates Famiky. My name is Jeanne. I'm from Louisiana. I'm 58 years old and having major issues with my pancreas. No, I don't drink alcohol. It just happened. Please pray for me.
I always find you and your Dad through online , very moving and inspiring… your a lovely young woman Erin… I can’t wait to get them .. may take a while to the Uk but still worth it xx
This is an awesome thing! I'm really looking forward to these cards. Just amazing. May the Lord bless you and keep you.:)
THIS IS JUST SO BEAUTIFUL IM STRUGGLING MYSELF ITS BIN A HARD YEAR WITH MY MOM BEING DIAGNOSED WITH BREAST CANCER SHE IS NOW CANCÈR FREE THANKS TO GODAN THE SURGEONAN NURSES . IT'S MADE ME GROW CLOSER TO GOD AN HIS WORDS GOD SAYS HE WILL NEVER FOR SAKE US . THANKS FOR YOUR TRUTH AND YOUR WORDS WE ARE NOT ALONE HE IS HEAR THROUGH THE THICK AN THIN. PRAISE TO THE MOST HIGH 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏