Arise Like Esther

Tag: Making Motherhood Great Again

  • When Bible Stories Come Alive: How God Used Comic Books to Transform Our Family Devotions

    When Bible Stories Come Alive: How God Used Comic Books to Transform Our Family Devotions

    Woman of God!

    I am SO EXCITED to share this with you!

    I never thought I’d be writing about comic books in relation to spiritual growth.

    But isn’t it just like our creative God to show up in unexpected ways?

    Last week, as I watched my 4-year-old son completely absorbed in Scripture for the first like I’ve never seen him- just completely come alive & want us to read more & more, tears of gratitude streamed down my face after I put him to bed. God birthed a new excitement in our home!

    The Struggle Can Be Real

    Family Bible time can become a battle in many homes.

    But it doesn’t have to be and I am super grateful it’s treasured in our home.

    I really see this Bible changing this generation in a beautiful Holy Spirit inspired way.

    A Divine Appointment

    A sister in Christ share about this Bible I’d never seen, The Action Bible. My initial skepticism (comic book Bible?) quickly turned to awe as I searched the stunning illustrations created by a former Marvel & DC Comics artist.

    This wasn’t just another picture Bible – it was a masterfully crafted visual journey through Scripture that maintained biblical accuracy while bringing the stories to life in a whole new way!!!

    The vivid illustrations spark deep conversations about God’s character. These are the meaningful moments I’d been praying for! Oh and HUGE plus- they actually make Jesus look like a manly man! Not some eunuch. Praise the Lord!

    A Tool, Not a Replacement

    Let me be clear – The Action Bible doesn’t replace regular Scripture reading. Instead, it serves as a powerful bridge, especially for visual learners and young minds. It’s helping my children build a solid biblical foundation that makes reading the full Bible more meaningful.

    As Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go…” Sometimes that training requires creative approaches that meet our children where they are. It’s not just for children but to impact this next generation that LOVES comics & anime & manga. Christ is storming the market place!

    An Invitation to Experience It

    If you’re struggling to engage your children with Scripture, I want to share this resource that has blessed our family so deeply. The Action Bible has become a treasured part of our spiritual journey, and I believe it could do the same for you.

    I think every home ought to have one!

    You can find The Action Bible here: https://ariselikeesther.com/csp/v.php?page=julianne-0805-amor-6f979a-2348

    Whatever you decide, I’m praying that God gives you wisdom and creativity in teaching your children His Word. May He continue to surprise us with His innovative ways of reaching young hearts for His glory!

    Love, JC

  • From God-hater to foster care advocate: My unexpected calling

    From God-hater to foster care advocate: My unexpected calling

    I remember being a young child, tears streaming down my face as I was longing for some of our childhood best friends.

    They were in and out of foster care. They moved often.

    Maybe you’ve watched helplessly as children you cared about disappeared from your life, moved by systems beyond your control. Maybe you’ve felt that ache of wanting to help but not knowing how.

    We spent years together growing up and my heart deeply loved them but also hurt deeply for them.

    Years later my God-hating self ended up at an herb shop and though I went in for herbs, I came out with the Living God – Jehovah.

    As I read the Bible, I was surprised to see James 1:27 – “Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress.”

    This ONE verse changed everything.

    As I drew closer to God over the years & learned about who He really was and not just what religion teaches – God started to break my heart for what breaks His – the 400,000+ precious children in the foster care system who need to know they are seen, known, and deeply loved.

    I had no idea God loved the orphans so much. It was honestly hard for me at the time to believe that God loved children so much after seeing some of the things I did as a child – often questioning where God was.

    Fast forward to nursing school I wanted to adopt a newborn baby. He was my patient and also being weaned off of narcotics. I wept hard because I wanted to adopt him but it wasn’t God’s time.

    Maybe you’ve felt that same stirring. That gentle whisper asking you to step out in faith to make a difference. But then the doubts creep in:

    • “I could never do foster care”
    • “What if I get too attached?”
    • “What if it’s too hard?”
    • “What if I’m not equipped?”
    • “How can I really help?”

    Beloved, I’ve learned that the enemy loves to use fear and misconceptions to keep us from walking in God’s calling. For years, I believed the lies that foster care was too messy, too painful, too complicated.

    But God showed me that His perfect love casts out all fear (1 John 4:18). Fear is NOT of God, not is it normal and should NEVER be tolerated.

    Abba also showed me that I did not need to go adopt in order to make a difference. Sometimes He calls you now, to help how you are able to, where you are at. While at the same time preparing your heart for more at a later timeline.

    The truth is, every child deserves to know they are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). To know that they matter and to know the love of God.

    This is why my heart leapt when I discovered Seint’s commitment to transforming lives through their Angels Landing and Love is Never Wasted foundations.

    Their mission isn’t just about making people look beautiful on the outside – it’s about helping them believe they are beautiful, worthy, and valued.

    Through these foundations, they’re tackling the foster care crisis head-on:

    • ✨ Myth Demolition System – Dispelling lies that keep families from fostering
    • ✨ Village Support Network – Wrapping around families who say yes
    • ✨ Future Launch Program – Supporting youth aging out of the system

    They understand that every child needs a village of support, just as we need the body of Christ.

    You might be thinking, “But what can I really do?”

    Remember the story of the five loaves and two fish (Matthew 14:13-21). Jesus took one small offering and multiplied it to feed thousands.

    Your step of faith – however small it may seem – can create ripples of impact.

    When you purchase Seint’s Angels Landing or Stay Golden eyeshadows, 100% of proceeds go directly to these life-changing foundations. But more than that, you become part of a movement that declares “love is never wasted” over every foster child’s life.

    As I’ve walked this journey, I’ve seen God’s faithfulness in every step – even when it’s been so hard.

    Whether He’s nudging you toward fostering, supporting foster families, or simply being more aware and involved, remember: He will make a way where there seems to be no way.

    Don’t quit before your miracle. Lives depend on it. And sometimes YOU are somebody else’s miracle.

    If you feel that gentle tug on your heart, I invite you to take one small step today:

    → Learn more about Angels Landing and Stay Golden

    → Consider how your purchase of these two beautiful eyeshadows could help create lasting change

    → Most importantly, pray about how God might use you to show His love to a child who needs to know they matter

    For His glory always and may He get ALL the glory,
    JC

    Julianne Clark

  • The Hidden Hormone Crisis: Why Your Body’s Control Center Might Be Crying for Help

    The Hidden Hormone Crisis: Why Your Body’s Control Center Might Be Crying for Help

    Hi beautiful,

    Have you noticed how despite getting enough sleep, eating well, and trying to manage stress, something still feels… off? Maybe it’s the brain fog that rolls in around 2 PM, or that unexplained fatigue that no amount of coffee seems to fix, or the stubborn belly fat that won’t budge & has been there for years? If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone – and more importantly, you’re not imagining things.

    What are Hormones Anyway?

    We hear it all the time.

    Hormones are chemical substances that are secreted into the blood, and carried by the blood, tissues and fluids to targeted locations in the body.

    They fall into the category of endocrine signaling because they are secreted by endocrine glands.

    Sometimes it is used for substances that are not secreted by endocrine glands but have a similar effect.

    The Modern Hormone Puzzle

    Here’s what most wellness articles won’t tell you: our hormonal systems are facing unprecedented challenges in today’s world. It’s not just about stress or aging – we’re dealing with living in a perfect storm of hormone disruption.

    That organic produce you’re eating? It’s grown in soil depleted of crucial minerals.

    That “clean” water you drink? Loaded with hormone-disrupting chemicals that your grandfather never had to deal with.

    Think of your endocrine system as your body’s master control center. When it’s working properly, it orchestrates everything from your energy levels and mood to your metabolism and reproductive health. But here’s the breakthrough insight that changed my understanding: hormone imbalances don’t just happen overnight – they’re the culmination of thousands of tiny disruptions our bodies face every day.

    The Adaptation Crisis

    Our bodies were designed with an incredible ability to adapt to stress and maintain balance. But this natural resilience requires specific nutritional and botanical support – support that’s increasingly hard to get from our modern food supply alone.

    You know how in the Bible, they would let the soil rest every seven years or so for sometime? That would allow the soil to have a chance to rest, and not become “dead soil.” Where is that being done now?

    Here’s what’s fascinating: traditional cultures have long understood this challenge. In the high Andes mountains, where environmental stresses are extreme, people have relied for centuries on adaptive plants like maca – not just one variety, but multiple types, each supporting different aspects of hormonal health.

    The Three-Pillar Solution

    Through years of research and working with clients, I’ve discovered that sustainable hormone balance rests on three crucial pillars:

    1. Adaptogenic Support: Using plants that help your body respond to stress without overstimulating any one hormonal pathway
    2. Systemic Clearing: Supporting your body’s natural detoxification systems to remove hormone-disrupting compounds
    3. Nutritional Foundation: Providing the specific nutrients your endocrine system needs to function optimally

    Your Path Forward

    The good news? Once you understand these principles, small strategic changes can create powerful cascading effects. Clients who address their hormone health often report improvements far beyond their initial concerns – from better sleep and mental clarity to improved relationships and workplace performance.

    The key is choosing solutions that work with your body’s natural intelligence, not against it. Look for comprehensive approaches that combine traditional wisdom with modern scientific understanding.

    If you’re ready to take the next step in your hormone health journey, I invite you to explore natural solutions that honor these principles. One option I particularly respect is SolleExcell®, which thoughtfully combines three types of maca with clarifying herbs and immune-supporting superfruits.

    Learn more about how SolleExcell® supports your body’s natural hormone balance → (savings code: faithrefinedbyfire)

    Remember the “dead soil” problem? Here’s what makes SolleExcell different. The testing.

    What do we test for?

    1. Purity – checks for any contaminants such as microbials, pesticides and heavy metals.

    2. Potency – certifies the strength and effectiveness of the raw material. This can include the concentration of a nutrient or active ingredient, as well as its bio-availability.

    3. Identity – guarantees that the raw material we received is what our supplier said it is and that its composition and characteristics meet our standards.

    Remember: Your body wants to be in balance. Sometimes it just needs the right support to find its way back home.

    Stay close to Abba 💛

    Julianne Clark

  • The Hidden Reason You’re Tired All The Time (That Has Nothing To Do With Sleep)

    The Hidden Reason You’re Tired All The Time (That Has Nothing To Do With Sleep)

    Hi beauty,

    Let me guess – you’re doing “all the right things.” Getting decent sleep. Eating pretty well. Maybe even exercising when you can squeeze it in. Yet somehow, you still feel like you’re running on fumes by 2 PM every day.

    I discovered something fascinating while researching modern fatigue patterns. It turns out the exhaustion most of us feel isn’t actually about lack of sleep or poor diet. It’s about something called “adaptive capacity” – and it explains why traditional energy solutions often fall flat.

    Why Your Body’s “Stress Battery” Keeps Dying

    Think of your body like a smartphone. Just like your phone has a battery that drains faster when multiple apps are running, your body has a finite capacity to handle stress. The catch? In 2024, we’re running about 47 background apps we don’t even realize are active.

    Work deadlines. Family responsibilities. Environmental toxins. Social media. Political tension. That weird noise your car is making. Each one slowly drains your adaptive capacity – your body’s ability to bounce back from stress.

    The Ancient Solution to Modern Exhaustion

    Here’s where it gets interesting. Traditional cultures had a secret weapon against this kind of systemic fatigue: adaptogens. These are rare plants that actually help your body adapt to stress instead of just masking tiredness like caffeine does.

    The science behind this is pretty mind-blowing. Adaptogens work at a cellular level to help your body maintain balance under pressure! Think of them as training wheels for your stress response system. They don’t just give you energy – they teach your body to use energy more efficiently.

    The Cascading Effects Nobody Talks About

    When your adaptive capacity improves, something fascinating happens. It’s not just about having more energy. People report better focus at work, more patience with their kids, a stronger bond with their spouse, and even improved digestion (fun fact: stress wreaks havoc on your gut).

    One woman, a busy mom of three, started incorporating adaptogens into her routine and noticed she wasn’t stress-snacking in the afternoon anymore. Her sugar cravings disappeared because her body wasn’t desperately searching for quick energy fixes. Usually when the body signals that it’s hungry, it’s really saying- we are low on nutrients – feed us. So if you can respond to your body with giving it true nutrition instead of coffee or sugary drinks and snacks that are really a band aid and a very superficial approach, you will revolutionize your health.

    The Simple Way to Test This For Yourself

    Here’s the thing – everyone responds to adaptogens differently. That’s why I always suggest people start with a variety pack to find what works best for their unique system. It’s like dating – you need to meet a few before you find your perfect match.

    If you’re curious about trying adaptogens but don’t want to commit to full-size products yet, I’ve found a pretty sweet deal. There’s a sample pack that lets you try 7 different adaptogenic drinks for $14.95 (with free shipping for first-timers). The best part? It comes with a $15 gift card for your next purchase – basically making it risk-free.

    But whether you try that specific pack or not, start paying attention to your adaptive capacity. Notice when your “stress battery” feels low. Look for patterns. Understanding this one concept could completely change how you approach your energy management.

    → Learn more about the Adaptogen Sample Pack here

    Remember: True energy isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about building your body’s resilience, one small step at a time.

    And of course, make sure you are resting in God’s presence.

    Stay close to Abba

    Julianne

    Psalm 91:16 With a long life I will satisfy him, and shew him My Salvation.

  • When Exhaustion Meets Divine Purpose: My Journey from Burnout to Breakthrough

    When Exhaustion Meets Divine Purpose: My Journey from Burnout to Breakthrough

    I remember waking up postpartum for another precious nursing session, I was too drained to even keep my eyes open. My body felt heavy, my mind foggy, the eyelid slumber was pretty hardcore and my spirit… well, I wasn’t even sure I could hear God’s voice anymore through the exhaustion. Can you relate?

    As I sat there that morning dealing with the fear of dropping my newborn because I was so sleepy, doing my best to cast down thoughts & say scripture out loud to help me like “ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Praying in the Spirit an hour daily to stay sharp.

    I remembered I had something that I didn’t have during my last postpartum experience… CinnaMate.

    I was immediately drawn to back to the hardship of my first postpartum experience & how deep the struggle was, well at the same time sooooo grateful I didn’t have to go back to that but God provided me with the solution to have an easy breezy postpartum experience.

    I sipped on my “Holy Spirit hug in a mug” that tasted like a sweet piece of heaven & in seconds, no exaggeration, I felt energized, and the heavy eyelids all of a sudden could open with ease.

    A true Godsent.

    I knew there was more. I knew God had more. My body was designed for abundance, not mere survival.

    My only regret was that I found out too late & felt that I lost a part of my motherhood experience to unnecessary pain & I knew that I NEVER wanted another woman to experience the hardships I endured with our first treasure entrusted to us by God.

    You see, for years I’d been pushing through, even before my pregnancies, thinking that running on empty was somehow more spiritual. “Take up your cross,” right? But God began showing me how His Word speaks of our bodies as temples (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).

    The Hidden Cost of “Push Through” Christianity

    Beloved, we’ve bought into a lie that serving God means neglecting the vessel He gave us to serve Him with. We wear our exhaustion like a badge of honor, thinking it proves our dedication. But what if our fatigue is actually hindering the fullness of what He has for us?

    When I finally surrendered this area to the Lord, He began teaching me about something fascinating: adaptogens. Although I knew they existed they were kinda not really on my mind because of a lack of revelation of the true value that they bring in all their fullness. These are God’s natural gifts that help our bodies respond to stress the way He designed them to. Just like He provides spiritual armor (Ephesians 6:13), He’s provided physical support for the battles we face that greatly and beautifully impact our emotional and mental health.

    A Divine Discovery in Modern Science

    What amazes me is how modern research is just catching up to God’s wisdom. These adaptogenic herbs actually help our bodies find balance – supporting healthy stress responses, immune function, and energy levels. It’s like they speak our body’s language, helping it remember its original design.

    I remember hearing a brilliant herbalist state that they are likened to “smart herbs,” they go where they are needed in the body to help out where things need attention.

    When I started incorporating these gifts into my daily routine, the transformation went far beyond physical energy. Yes, the brain fog lifted and my stamina returned, but more importantly, I could hear God’s voice with clarity again. My prayer life deepened because I wasn’t constantly fighting exhaustion.

    It’s hard to hear God when you are worn out.

    From Surviving to Thriving

    The Lord showed me that when we’re operating from a place of wholeness – spirit, soul, AND body – we can truly fulfill our calling. It’s not about having superhuman energy; it’s about stewarding our temples so we can serve from overflow, not emptiness.

    If you’re where I was – trying to pour out while running on empty – I want to share something that became my first step toward wholeness. I discovered a simple way to experience these God-given adaptogens and see how they might support your journey.

    For just $14.95, you can try seven different adaptogenic drinks that have become part of my daily routine of temple stewardship. Each one is carefully formulated to support different aspects of wellness – from mental clarity to physical stamina. I also love to fast on these as well!

    Click here to learn more about the blessings that started my journey from exhaustion to abundance

    Remember, beloved, God’s desire for you isn’t survival – it’s abundance. John 10:10 reminds us that He came so we might have life “more abundantly.” Sometimes, that abundance starts with simply caring for the temple He’s entrusted to us.

    Let’s pray together: Father, show us how to steward these bodies You’ve given us. Help us serve You with our whole being – spirit, soul, and body. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

    As always, stay close to Holy Spirit. JC