Sunday, November 27, 2016

The Inner Views of Lovelle Gerth-Myers

"...weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."
Psalm 30:5
(KJV)

I first "met" the sweet young lady being interviewed today through her mother, Holley Gerth's blog,
where I am a follower and have been a sporadic link-up participant for the past few years.
The first time I remember clicking over to her blog, I read this post and watched the accompanying video, which I am including towards the end of this post.
I will never forget how much her words ministered to me that day,
in light of some circumstances my family and I were walking through. 
As I became acquainted with her story, my heart went out to her so much.
I was just floored, as I read of how God has redeemed her pain and brought her out of the hurts of her past, leading her to a place of peace and happiness and fulfillment in Him.
I am so blessed and grateful to be able to introduce her and her amazing story to you today, 
and it is my prayer that you will find hope for your own situation as you read how God has worked in and through her life.


The
of 
Speaker, Writer, Life Coach, Encourager,
Lovelle Gerth-Myers.

Cheryl:  Please introduce yourself to us. 

Lovelle:  I love to write, speak, and encourage people. I have seen God do amazing things in the most impossible circumstances. I am passionate about helping others deepen their relationship with the Lord by using my story to help people truly see that we serve a limitless God. I live with my husband David, my dog, Buford, and my parents Holley and Mark Gerth in the South. I love teenagers, especially the ones that are rough around the edges. My background gives me the ability to help them in tremendous ways. I am passionate about mentoring our youth. We can’t expect the next generation to be a good one if we don’t guide and direct them. I also love coffee, carbs, running, and the great outdoors.

Cheryl:  What was life like for you growing up?

Lovelle:  Well, horrible. I don’t remember much of it. I was in the California foster care system from ages 4-8. I had a few good years with my grandmother, but when my grandfather died, I moved in with my abusive mother and step-dad. I was physically, emotionally, verbally, and sexually abused from the ages of 12-17. I moved out at the age of 17 to escape it.

Cheryl:  Can you tell us about your earliest recollection of hearing about Jesus? What about Him most stirred your heart and drew you to Him? When did you become a Christian?

Lovelle:  My first recollection of hearing about Jesus was definitely with my grandma. The short 3 years I had with her really did get me through the next 5 years of abuse. I learned the foundations about Jesus but didn’t follow Him. Honestly, I hated God for letting my parents do all the horrible things they did to me when I was a teenager. I accepted God into my heart at the age of 17 when I was homeless. When I moved out of my home I didn’t have anyone but my grandma, so I went to church with her to spend time with her. Every time I walked through the church doors I felt the Lord poke at my heart. Even though I hated Him for everything, He still stirred at my heart. I had tried so hard to control my surroundings because of my past, but on that cold winter evening, when I had literally nothing, I let Him take control, and it’s been the best adventure ever since.

Cheryl:  Looking back over your life, so far, what would you define as your darkest moment? How did you make it through?

Lovelle:  To be honest, I feel like my whole entire childhood was dark. I have a lot of horrible memories that I will never be able to forget. How I made it through? I am not sure. The only thing I can think of is that God had His hand on me. When I started following Christ I held on to Him. I literally had no one. I prayed a lot and held onto his promise that everything was going to be okay. It took a long time but God fulfilled his promise to me. I have amazing adoptive parents, a husband, family that loves me extremely well, and healing. God gave me a purpose. I can honestly say, I wouldn’t change anything because I have had to lean on God in a way not a lot of people have ever had to experience. I’ve seen him provide gas money when my tank was on E. I’ve seen him provide a home when I was homeless (twice). He provides, and hardships built my faith and endurance.

Cheryl:  We would love to hear about what happened on August 28, 2014. How has life changed for you since this monumental event? How did your life intersect with the lives of Mark and Holley? What events led up to your adoption?

Lovelle:  On August 28th 2014, I became a wanted daughter to an AMAZING couple named Mark and Holley Gerth at the age of 21. Life has changed a lot. I have had to learn how to interact with families. I never really knew how to do that because I didn’t grow up with a family that interacted. As bad as this sounds, I have had to be less selfish. When you only have yourself, you don’t really have to think to ask someone to do something or to call other people. You just get used to being alone. I’ve healed so much because I have an amazing support group that love me through my pain. The abuse caused attachment and trust issues. I don’t really know how to let people in. My heart is like an onion. Slowly those layers are opening up and my amazing family is letting me take my time. I met Mark and Holley at a transitional facility I was living at called Saving Grace. My mom volunteered there, and we met and just clicked. The more we hung out, the more we got closer. Mom and dad waited 10 years to adopt a 21-year-old, and God told them it was me. I am the luckiest girl in the world.

Holley, Lovelle, and Mark Gerth

Cheryl:  What does Ephesians 3:20 mean to you?

Lovelle:  God can do more than anything that we could ever come up with. His plans are great. We may not see it, but it’s true. He never fails, and is always faithful.

Cheryl:  Will you share with us about your love story? How were you and your husband introduced? When did you hear God whisper that he was the one for you?

Lovelle:  Ready for the cheesiest story ever? My husband and I met because of a forced blind date. I wanted nothing to do with it. Our mutual friend wouldn’t leave me alone, so I agreed to go on a chaperoned meeting IF he was interviewed by a couple of my friends and passed. I wasn’t present at the interview either, and he passed. I gave him my number after our chaperoned meeting and told him that until he knew if I was the person God had for him then we couldn’t really be in a relationship or anything. I told him to pray about it. We both prayed about it and started Courting. Within 4 months we had a wedding date. I think we knew we were going to be married within a month and a half. We didn’t hang out alone for over a month. Didn’t hold hands until almost 2 months and didn’t kiss until around 4 months into our courtship. David had never kissed anyone or even held hands. I was his first girlfriend. Through him the Lord has really showed me what freedom means. I am not defined by my past or the things that were done to me. Even though I am still going through healing because of my past, I am not damaged goods. I do deserve a good husband and Godly man. I may be biased, but I tend to think I hit the jackpot. ;-)


Lovelle & David on their happy wedding day!

Cheryl:  What part of marriage do you love the most?

Lovelle:  I can’t really think of one thing in particular, so here are some things I love about my husband…. I love how patient and tender my husband is. I love having someone by my side and not feeling alone anymore. I love having someone who takes such good care of me and loves me so well. Someone who holds me accountable and leads me spiritually. Wounds heal when people love you extremely well. My husband has done such an amazing job at that within the last 2 years.


David & Lovelle

Cheryl:  Of all of the hurts you have suffered throughout life, which would you say has been the hardest to forgive? Why? How has God given you victory in this situation?

Lovelle:  Definitely the sexual abuse… My husband has been super patient, but it has definitely been hard in marriage. It’s affected how I think about life and how I let people in. It’s affected my trust level with everyone including my husband. It makes me so mad sometimes because people are having to pay for what one person did. Still… I believe forgiveness is a daily thing. When you are affected by triggers, sometimes daily, it makes it hard to be okay with what one person did. I have to choose to see them the way Christ sees them. I may not like them sometimes, but I can pray for them and ask God to help me. That’s what I do. Take it one day at a time. I am slowly working towards victory in this situation. My husband and I have been going to counseling (for me) for a couple months and will continue. Just to clarify, we are completely fine. He goes because I am learning to let him in on some of my biggest hurts. I don’t really know how to let people be there for me. When he goes, he is there for me and I am learning to let him be. I am learning a whole new level of intimacy. I’ve gotten a lot better and will continue. The Lord is good. It just takes time.

Cheryl:  To what part of brokenness can you most relate?

Lovelle:  To all of it. I’ve seen a lot of things in my 23 years of life.

Cheryl:  How has God turned your tests into testimonies and allowed you to use painful life experiences to help others?

Lovelle:  My life verse is Philippians 4:12-13. It says, “I have learned the secret to living content in any and every situation. whether its with a full stomach or empty. With plenty or with Little, for I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

This verse is why I have been able to turn tests into testimonies. I’ve lived in virtually any situation you can imagine, and God has taught me to be content through it all. I’ve learned to see trials as lessons. They teach me what I can do better and have shown me how I can help others. I love working with troubled teens because at one point in time I was one of them. I currently work with teens that struggle with drugs and/or were abused. My past gives me insight that not a lot of people have. It’s been wonderful to see the Lord use the hardest parts of my life for His glory.


Cheryl:  While going through the roughest times, who did God use the most to minister to you? What suggestions can you offer to those who want to reach out to others who are hurting? What specific actions of others have been most effective in helping you to heal?

Lovelle:  When you are struggling I don’t think there is ever only one person. You learn to embrace the good because it doesn’t happen very often. He’s used teachers, my grandmother, and a lot of random kind people to encourage me. My suggestion would be to keep your eyes and ears open. Every second we have on this earth is a second we could be using to minister to someone. Listen to God’s voice, and He will lead you to people He wants you to help. A lot of people hurt and may not say anything. God has insight we don’t have and if you ask, He will give it to you. 



Lovelle & Buford

Cheryl:  What would you say to the person reading this who feels unloved, rejected, abandoned, or hopeless?

Lovelle:  People will fail you. That’s a guarantee, but God won’t. God created you and knows you better than you know yourself. He knows your past, and He knows your future. He loves and embraces all of that. You are worthy, and you are loved more than you can possibly imagine. Trust in the person who created the heavens and the earth because He’s got a plan, and it will come to pass. He wastes nothing. It’s our darkest moments that God can use the most.

Cheryl:  How difficult is it to receive or feel worthy of being so abundantly loved after living through the pangs of hurt and abuse? How can we, as the body of Christ, penetrate and break through the barriers and walls of those who have have been deeply wounded and are afraid to trust again?

Lovelle:  Extremely difficult. I don’t know how to let people love me or be there for me. I’m getting better, but it’s still hard. The best way to help is to walk out God’s love and have no expectations. I’ve been hurt by a lot of Christians who have expectations in me that I just didn’t meet. I couldn’t open up or trust in the time they wanted, so they left, and my walls got higher. Love like God does. Let Him do the work. If you just walk it out, and trust that He is working in the hearts of the (ones who are) hurt, then it will save you and the person who is trying to learn to trust a lot of heartache. Remember, it’s not your job to save someone. It’s God's. It’s our job to lead by example, and God loves people right where they are at. It’s a process.


Buford

Cheryl:  Please share with us about your work. What about it most fulfills the passions of your heart?

Lovelle:  I work with teenagers who have drug issues and some have a background of abuse. Almost all of them have pretty bad home lives. My passion is to use my past for God’s good. I am doing that, and I am so grateful God is allowing me to do that.

Cheryl:  We are living in such discouraging times. How do you remain hopeful and encouraged in your walk with the Lord? What are some of your favorite Bible verses, hymns/music, books, and other resources that you turn to and use on a regular basis?

Lovelle:  My favorite bible verse is Philippians 4:12-13 and Hebrews 12:1. I love the First5 App by Proverbs 31 Ministries. I am a firm believer in reading your Bible. I have a journal, and I write letters to God. I try to do it every day, but sometimes I don’t. Any books by my Mom, Holley Gerth are amazing. I listen to Christian music. I currently have the Planet Shakers Outback Worship Session CD on repeat in my car. That’s been a huge help.

Cheryl:  How can we pray for you?

Lovelle:  You can pray for direction and for God to open doors. I’ve been going through a depression, and I want to feel better.

Cheryl:  I completely understand, Lovelle, and I will surely be praying for you.  I can't thank you enough for being so willing to be transparent and share your testimony with us here.  I know it will bless and encourage every reader.  May God abundantly bless you, your husband, your parents, and your ministry.  May He enlarge your coasts and expand your opportunities in new and unexpected ways, and may He keep all of you safe in His tender care.

As I read through Lovelle's interview responses, I am reminded of Joseph's words found in 
Genesis 50:20,
"But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive."

God is turning all of Lovelle's pain into good, as she pours hope into the lives and hearts of the young people He brings across her path and allows her to connect with and minister to.
Please add Lovelle and her prayer requests to your regular prayers, dear friends,
and I hope you will stop by her blog and consider becoming a follower/subscriber.

And, now for that promised video.
I can't begin to tell you how much Lovelle's words meant to me when I watched this back in March,
and I hope her words minister to you and your situation today.


If video doesn't load, click here.

And, here is a bonus video in which Lovelle talks about the amazing story of her adoption
and what it means to "wait well" for God's promises.
One of my favorite takeaways from Lovelle's words in the video below is this...
"Our dreams can only go as far as we allow God to take them."
I know this will bless you as you watch and listen!


If video doesn't load, click here.

Thank you again, Lovelle, for sharing with us here.
Your life is truly a shining light of Jesus' love,
and I know God is going to use you and your story of redemption in ways you have not yet imagined!

Thank you, dear readers, for your support, encouragement, and faithfulness to stop by here.
Your visits are so appreciated.
God bless you all!

To read previous
click the links below.


73 comments:

  1. Thank you for another wonderful and encouraging interview, Cheryl.

    God bless you and all your interviewees.

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    1. Thank you for your visit, kind words, and support, my friend! God bless you!

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    2. Thanks for stopping by Victor! I'm glad you enjoyed the interview. :)

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  2. so powerful, it makes me cry...

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    1. You are so right, BJ. Lovelle's is truly a moving story. Thank you so much for your sweet visit. God bless you!

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    2. Thanks for stoppiong by BJ. I'm so glad my story resonated with you. :-) Have a great day!

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  3. How wonderful that Lovelle has come through such a terrible time...but only through God's help.

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  4. What a sweet young girl! I love the attitude, perspective, and victory in her soul. Despite the world trying to break her, she's God's amazing messenger. Lovelle's honesty and determination to serve God and be healed by and through Him is an encouragement no matter where a person is at in their walk through life.

    Praying for Lovelle, her husband and family.

    Thanks for sharing, sister.


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    1. Amen, brother. I wholeheartedly agree with all you said. Your support and encouragement is such a blessing. God bless you, in return!

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    2. Floyd,
      Thank you so much for your kind words. They mean so much. I'm glad you liked the article. Thanks for stopping by :-)

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  5. Lovelle, thank you for this open, honest, transparent "inner view" ... you are a testimony to God's grace...truly, all is grace...many blessings to you ❤️

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    1. Thank you, sweet friend, for your visit and kind words! God bless you. :)

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    2. Beth,
      Thank you for the sweet words. I'm so glad you liked my "inner view" on life. Thanks for stopping by! :-)

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  6. Thank you for sharing this story, Cheryl. I am a huge fan of Holly's and am so thankful that God has brought her this lovely daughter.

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    1. Oh, how wonderful, Pam! I am just amazed at their story. It just blesses me so much! Thank you for stopping by and for your kind, encouraging words!

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    2. Pam,
      I'm honored you stopped by. I'm a fan of my mom's too but I tend to be a little biased. I think I hit the jackpot ;-) Thanks so much for stopping by!

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  7. Oh God I read it whole with my crying heart .
    Lovelle is really Blessed and truly an inspiration for all .
    Her life was a test that she passed with excellence.
    I adore her for her strength and courage to stick with right even in worset conditions. God blessed her soon with everything one can wish for.may she find inner peace forever amen.
    Thank you dear your blog is so precious .

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    1. Thank you ever so much, Baili! Your kind words were such a blessing to me today. God bless you for stopping by and for leaving such sweet encouragement here!

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    2. Baili,

      Thank you for your encouraging words. "Her life was a test that she passed with excellence" pretty much made me start balling my eyes out. It's hard for me to see it that way sometimes. I'm so glad you stopped by. :-)

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  8. I've read parts of your story, Lovelle, from your mum's perspective, but this has been beautiful and God-honoring as only a first-person account of the hand of God at work can be!
    Thanks so much, Cheryl, for this interview!

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    1. Thank you, Michele, for your sweet support and encouragement. :) God bless you!

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    2. Michele,
      Thanks for stopping by! I'm so glad you liked my interview :-) God is good and ALWAYS faithful.

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  9. Hi Cheryl and Lovelle! I was not aware of any of your story, so this was something new for me. It always humbles me to read about how people overcome their history to blossom into a new, God-given story. Not that it's easy, or that it doesn't sometimes take a lifetime of work...but you see God moving in you and around you.
    Blessings on your wonderful adoptive parents who taught you so much by their example, and I know you have taught them so much too. May his grace always accompany you on your journey in life.
    Blessings,
    Ceil

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    1. Thank you, Ceil! God bless you, sweet friend. :)

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    2. Ceil,
      Thanks for stopping by and blessing me with your sweet words. I'm so glad you liked it :-)

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  10. What a blessing Lovelle is to my heart! Her courageous story inspires me and I pray for her and her husband. I enjoyed the photos too! Thank you, Cheryl, for this wonderful interview. You bring out the best in people!

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    1. And, thank you, dear Mary, for your love and friendship and support! You are such a dear blessing to me. God bless you. :)

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    2. Saleslady317,

      Your prayers are so appreciated. I'm so glad my hardship can bless you. Thanks for stopping by! :-)

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  11. Thank you Cheryl for sharing Lovelle's inspiring story of God's love and his redemption power with us here at Tell me a Story. It is amazing that through it all, she is able now to understand the hurts of the young people she is ministering to. Forgiveness is the great healer for those who have been hurt in any way.

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    1. Wonderful words of wisdom, Hazel! Thank you so much for your visit. God bless you. ;)

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    2. Hazel,
      You are so correct. Every trial is a testimony. I believe that with my whole heart and I hope to spend the rest of my life helping others with mine. I'm so thankful you stopped by. :-)

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  12. Very good interview. Thank you Cheryl--and Lovelle!

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    1. Thank you, Bethany! God bless you!

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    2. Bethany,

      I'm so glad you liked it. Thanks for stopping by!

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  13. That first video, Exodus13 is just what I needed to hear tonight. What an encouragement to this 50 year old man! Thank God for this young lady!

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    1. Praise the Lord, Ed! That is wonderful. Lovelle has blessed me so much, too. She is a gift to us all. God bless you for stopping by and leaving encouragement here!

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    2. Ed,

      I'm so glad that video helped you. I wrote it when I was in the middle of a wilderness and didn't know what to do. The Lord helped me through it and although I am in a new one, I will hold close to His promise that He leads us to the paths of righteousness (Pslam 23). I am praying that the Lord guides you and directs you to His perfect plans for your life. At any age and time we can be used. Remember that he is still using you Ed. God bless you!

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  14. Dear Cheryl, you always do such an amazing job of finding precious people of God who have incredible stories to tell! How wonderful to read that the deep scars in Lovelle's life are being healed in such amazing ways, by having birth parents at the age of 21 and a precious loving husband to be there to protect and love her too. Only the Lord can take such difficult and unimaginable experiences and use those very experiences as the building blocks to help and support others in similar situations. Another amazing and powerful interview, and tribute to our mighty God whose love is measureless, boundless, and steadfast in spite of whatever curve balls come our way. I will certainly be praying for Lovelle and her husband that the Lord will direct their paths, and for you and your sweet family too dear Cheryl! Many hugs and blessings to both of you :)

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    1. All glory be to God, sweet friend. It is only He that makes anything beneficial coming from this blog or my life possible. I am so thankful you were blessed by reading Lovelle's Inner Views, and your visits always, always make me smile. You are such a dear blessing to my life. May God bless you abundantly, in return. Sending hugs and blessings back to you!!

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    2. SpicingUpIdaho,

      Your prayers are so appreciated. The Lord is so faithful. I am constantly amazed at how He uses so many people to encourage- even at a distance. If you were with me I would give you a big hug. I'm so glad you stopped by. Thank you again for your prayers. :-)

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  15. Thank you for sharing this story of healing, hope and the grace and salvation from God.
    I am so thankful that Lovelle's journey was and is guided by our Heavenly Father.
    Thank you also for visiting me yesterday from our mutual friend Carole!
    Jemma

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    1. Thank you ever so much, Jemma! I was so happy to "meet" you yesterday and so enjoyed Carole's Christmas Memories segment. Thank you ever so much for returning my visit and for the kind encouragement you left here today. God bless you, my new friend. :)

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    2. Jemma,

      Thank you for stopping by and taking time to read my interview! I am so glad you enjoyed it. :-)

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  16. Hi Cheryl. I'm your neighbor at Jennifer's. Thank you so much for interviewing Lovelle. She is such a beautiful example of God's love and grace. She has been through so much, but God is using her pain for a purpose. I also love how transparent she is here - about healing being a process. Even some Christians don't always understand it. I love that you ask her how best to help others who are hurting. Blessings to you and Lovelle!

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    1. Thank you so much for your sweet visit and kind comment, Trudy! I will be over to visit with you shortly. :) God bless you!!

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    2. Trudy Den Hoed,

      A HUGE smile came to my face when I saw your name in the comments. I have always been so encouraged by your participation on my blog and in my ministry. Know that I am thankful for you. I'm so glad you stopped by!

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  17. What a sweet story of how God works things out in ways we would never expect! My students could really relate to you, Lovelle--80% of the girls at our school have suffered abuse at the hands of family members. I'm so glad you're working with teenagers so that you can reflect Jesus' love and saving grace to those who need it and can't see it in the lives of their family members.

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    1. Your work must be so rewarding, Anita. God bless you for your kind words and for sharing with us here. :)

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    2. Anita,
      First off I just want to say thank you for being a vessel to those students. I had a few teachers that really impacted me. They are still in my life today and its 6 years later. They even showed up to my wedding! You do make a difference. Most of those kiddos are not in a place where they can mentally comprehend how much you truly help but I promise you that all of your efforts aren't wasted and your work does matter. I'm so glad you enjoyed my story! If you ever need someone to talk to the teenagers via skype or even to have a video done don't hesitate to ask. Thanks for stopping by!

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  18. Wow - thank you so much for sharing Lovelle's story with us and Lovelle, for bravely opening your heart to us. I don't have a fraction of the past history, but I do know trust issues and they simply are not easy to overcome. What a blessing that you are surrounded by those who treasure you, most of all Jesus. Thank you, Cheryl - I truly loved reading this interview!

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    1. Thank you, Tiffany, for your sweet visit and kind words! God bless you, my friend. :)

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    2. Tiffany,

      Thank you for your sweet words. They are such a blessing to me today. I'm so honored you took time to stop by and read my interview. I hope you have a great day!

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  19. Wow! What an amazing story! A story of redemption, love, and HOPE. My dear Cheryl, thank you for sharing Lovelle's story, and sweet Lovelle, thank you for your willingness to share your journey with us.

    I couldn't help but cry as I read this post. Such pain and heartache, but also beauty and hope. There is precious healing found in the arms of the Lord and Lovelle's story is a testimony of God's love, mercy, and grace. Lovelle has come forth as gold - what a blessing and encouragement.

    I thought of one of my favorite verses as I read this... " When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee." -Isaiah 43:2

    Again, thank you for sharing this incredibly story. Hugs and love to both of you!

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    1. Oh, Stephanie! I love that verse, too! It is SO comforting to know that He never leaves us, but walks through those places with us. Your visit was such a blessing, sweet friend. Sending you love and hugs!

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    2. Stephanie,

      Your words made me cry. Thank you for your encouragement. It means so much. The Lord is so faithful. I would not be where I am without him. I'm so thankful you took time to read my interview and stop by. :-)

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  20. I love this! Loved the videos and I love Lovelle's heart. Thanks for sharing this!

    Visiting from #TellHisStory

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    1. Thank you for visiting and reading, Meg! So thankful for your presence here. God bless you!

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    2. Meg,
      Thank you for stopping by! I'm so glad you found my stuff encouraging and enjoyable. :-)

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  21. Overwhelmed with your post on Lovelle. What a beautiful girl inside and out! Such AMAZING GRACE! Our Daddy is sooooooo good. I am amazed with Holley's story included in it. Thanks so much for sharing.
    ~Sherry Stahl
    xoxo

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    1. Sherry,

      Thanks for your sweet words. They are truly a blessing. I am honored you took a second to stop. I'm so glad my posts could encourage you.

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    2. Thank you so much for your precious encouragement, Sherry! God bless you abundantly!

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  22. Wow, Cheryl, what a wonderful story of God's redemption in Lovelle's life. Thanks so much for sharing her inspiring story with us. It's always amazing to me how God weaves these intimate details and "people" into our lives in ways that are nothing short of mind-blowing and family-knitting! Nice to meet you and I hope you keep linking up back at my place!

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    1. I know what you mean! It is truly amazing, and we surely serve an awesome God!! So happy to meet you, too, Beth, and I am certainly planning to link up with you often. :) God bless you abundantly!

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  23. Hi Cheryl,
    Thanks so much for visiting my online home today and I just love the interview you did with Lovelle! Thank you for sharing more of her inspiring story and the photos are wonderful too. I'd read a little of her story but it was great to learn more about her. I hope to continue to read your posts now that we've met! :)

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    1. Oh, it was truly wonderful to visit with you, Valerie! I LOVED reading your post...it was just so heartwarming and brought back such wonderful memories of our times in St. Augustine. I am so happy to meet you and subscribed to your blog. I can't wait to read more! God bless you!

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  24. Reading about Lovelle's adoption story brought tears. What a beautiful way God worked in their lives bringing them together! I love how she sees how God can use her pain and past experience to minister to others. She seems to have such a sweet spirit. I pray that God will continue to use her and give her more confidence and continued healing and that he would bless their marriage.

    This was such an encouraging post to read and the videos of Lovelle are great!

    Many blessings to you, Cheryl, and to Lovelle.

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    1. You are such a blessing, Gayl. It was so nice to visit with you today. God bless you, my friend. :)

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  25. Such a lovely interview and a beautiful space. I love to read the stories of others. Thank you for sharing Lovelle's! I'm so glad I stopped over. May God bless you as you continue to shine His light!

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    1. I'm so glad you stopped over, too, Julie! God bless you abundantly for the kind, sweet encouragement you left here. :)

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  26. Dear Cheryl, I never seem to stop by often enough. I am always blessed and encouraged by your blog and your interviews. Oh, this sweet young woman...what a journey. It was hard not to feel sad when reading this and thinking about the horror of living through those years. I know God is using her in mighty ways with other young woman now. What joy to read her words filled with hope and love. What a dear husband God has given to her...I can just feel the security there, even with times of struggle. It is also so humbling to read these stories. It makes me stop in my tracks and thank my Lord for all He has given to me. Even in my trials He has blessed me with such a wonderful life. Even with my medical problems, He has given me hope and been there as my healer. I will go to bed tonight with a full and thankful heart. Bless you for your ministry and your blog work.

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    1. Dear Linda! I am SO sorry that I am only now seeing this comment tonight! I have no idea what happened, but it never appeared, and I only happened to stumble across it. Your words were so very encouraging to me, and maybe God knew I would need them more tonight, so He saved them for me! I truly appreciate your visit and encouragement and hope the new year brings you better health!

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  27. Thank you so much for sharing this inspiring story. It is incredible what the Lord can make of us and help us overcome.

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    1. Yes, it surely is, Marielle! Thank you ever so much for your sweet visit and support. God bless you!

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