My MetamorphosisI was born and raised in the Mormon church, baptized when I was 8, received my patriarchal blessing at 15, was awarded my Young Women's medallion at 16, and was endowed at age 19. I checked all the boxes short of going on a mission, which was something I was highly pressured to do and very misunderstood when I chose not to.
My walk with God has been a dance, and a journey, and when I was diagnosed with Chronic Lyme Disease at age 19, my walk with Him took a turn I never would have fathomed in my young years. And throughout that journey I was put in a position to question everything I'd ever believed, and go on a mission for seeking truth. I think the majority of people would be blown away by what I discovered on that path! Many would question my steps and assume my distance from the Mormon church as "stepping off the covenant path." But on the contrary, I actually found my feet being placed closer to Jesus than I ever could have imagined. My passion for living in alignment with Christ has been ignited on this path, and my desire for sin diminishes more and more every day as I make active choices to pray, study, cleanse my inner vessel, and grow in relationship. My life in the Mormon church was a beautiful introduction to my relationship with Jesus and Father, and very carefully They lead me to paths many dare not take. This doesn't mean I claim to be perfect or that I somehow "have it all figured out." I'm young, and I have much to learn. My desire is to grow closer to Him, purify myself, and live in sanctification and consecration. But that takes work and effort on my part, and lots of grace and guidance from my Heavenly Father. I'm so thankful to Jesus, His sacrifice for me, and for His Atonement that makes me whole in incomprehensible ways. |
|
|
I'm a farmer by day, and learner by night. I enjoy books, baking, sewing, and creating something out of nothing. I love food, but only if it's organic ;) I adore my animals on my farm, and I find great strength in watching my garden grow every season.
I'm the creator and writer of the Chronically Beautiful Life Blog, now of which is retired, yet active if you wish to read old articles of mine. I'm the founder and president of a non-profit 501(c)3, The Chronically Care Project, and I really enjoy making people smile or offering what I can to support the chronic illness community. I've been the author of The Chronically Beautiful Life Blog for about eight years now, and upon my decision to retire that blog, Forged in His Fire was born. You see, I've been writing about the beautiful within the crevices of chronic illnesses for a long time, and now as I'm emerging out of this life rendering illness, it's also time for me to begin sharing what I've learned on this painful path. Forged in His fire is not about the beautiful. Forged in His Fire is for the ugly, the difficult, the suffering, and the affliction. But it's also for the truth. Forged in His Fire is about endurance, sanctification, consecration, and all of the grueling difficulties, sweat, and perseverance that come with these things. This page is for those who have been seeking Jesus, yet stumbling amongst the trials that seem to so easily come your way. I have stumbled many times on this journey, and God allows me to rise again as he continuously promises me "beauty for ashes" (Isaiah 61:3) |
|
I was introduced to God in the church, but I found on this path it takes more than an introduction to really know Him. I didn't necessarily find God in the church. Rather, He met me in my darkest abyss, and every day He continuously pulls me out, even in all my imperfection. He knows my heart lies with Him, and with that, We walk together on this road.
So with that said, Forged in His Fire is not for the purpose of "convincing" people in one way or another on their journey. Forged in His Fire is simply in invitation to begin evaluating yourself. Evaluate what you do every day, every week, every month, and every year. Then, partner with God to reach for something better than simply what you've been doing you're entire life. Seek for Him, reach for Him, come to know Him and the principles He's beautifully outlined for us to live by. And when you do that, our Peacemaker, our loving God, will guide you to breathtaking vistas in this life that were unfathomable to you before. God bless you as you're forged in His fire. -Claire |
|