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Serena: Sent & Shining ✨

@sentandshining

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Proud @daghmills Daughter 🫶🏽
Helping women in missions & ministry learn to Live - not just survive. ✨
One post. One step. One happier you. 😀

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Before you GO, prepare for what will make you STAY. 👀

For the women who love missions & ministry.
Hebrews 12:1 🤍

Thank you mummy @adelaidehmills 🫀 taken in Somewhere Safe by @sentandshining

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a month ago

Hola todos! I’m so excited to finally introduce myself to you all! 🌍 Here are 5 fun facts about me and why I’m on this incredible journey as a missionary in Guatemala... (it's long so brace yourself)

Fact 1:
I’m Serena, originally from South Africa, but now living in Guatemala as a missionary. Oh, and when I’m not busy with missions, I teach in my spare time—because even missionaries need to pay the bills, right?

Fact 2:
I’m married to a missionary, and together we have two beautiful kids! Funny story—I’ve always wanted to marry a missionary, especially after I realized I could combine two things I love: traveling and living for Christ. My desire really took off when I met my spiritual father, who’s a missionary from Ghana. Seeing his selflessness toward us South Africans, I thought, ‘Lord, I want a man like my pastor, please!’ And here we are!

Fact 3:
I’m always learning new things! I’ve been a missionary for almost six years—same time I’ve been married, actually. I can honestly say most of what I know, I’ve picked up on the mission field. So yes, the learning is REAL out here!

Fact 4:
My main reason for starting this page is simple: to show that living for Jesus is the best decision you’ll ever make. You might think you’re losing something, but trust me, you’re gaining so much more! I’m here to encourage you to take that leap of faith and say YES to the Great Commission. The harvest is ready, but we need more hands in the field!

Fact 5:
I’m in my fit mom era! So you’ll see me advocating for us to stay healthy—because when we’re strong, we can do what God’s called us to do even better!

Thanks so much for reading! 💛 I’m curious—which fact about me surprised you the most or made you smile? Let me know in the comments!

#livingabroad #missionary #fypage #trendy
#family #Christian #livingforchrist #guatemala🇬🇹 taken in Zona 14, Guatemala City by @sentandshining

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2 years ago

I’m on a mission to cultivate a merry heart and I want you to come with me. 🌻

Especially for my fellow wives: if you’re tired of being cold, easily irritated, unnecessarily moody, or constantly feeling like you’re just surviving at home, it’s time to take action.

Not by pretending everything is perfect.
Not by ignoring your emotions.
But by allowing God’s Word to transform the way you think, respond, and live.

Over the past 2 years, I’ve learned so much about cultivating joy, changing my perspective, and choosing the kind of woman I want to be at home and I’m going to be sharing the practical things that have helped me and continue to help me. ❤️

Because a merry heart doesn’t just happen.

You can cultivate it.

“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine…” Proverbs 17:22

So if you're ready to become a more joyful wife, a warmer woman, and a happier you, follow along.

One post. One step. One happier you.

#choosehappy💛 #merryheart #happywife #godlywifeinthemaking #christianwomenbloggers by @sentandshining

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4 days ago

What if a merry heart is something we can cultivate?

Not because life is always easy, but because we can learn to see life through the truth of God’s Word.

“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.” Proverbs 17:22

Start here: ask yourself, “What have I been allowing to steal my joy?”

God takes the condition of our hearts seriously.

A merry heart doesn't mean you're never sad. It means sadness doesn't get the final word.

“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” Proverbs 17:22

Today, notice what makes your heart heavy and bring it to God.

You can have problems and peace.

Jesus never promised us a trouble-free life, but He did promise us His presence.

“In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

You don't have to deny what's hard. Choose where you will look while you're going through it.

Sometimes the situation hasn't changed.

Your perspective has.

Scripture tells us to deliberately direct our thoughts toward what is true, honest, lovely and good.

“Think on these things.” Philippians 4:8

Try it today: instead of listing everything that's wrong, write down 3 things that are still good.

A merry heart doesn't always happen accidentally.

Sometimes you have to choose gratitude before you feel grateful.

“The joy of the LORD is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10

Today, choose one thing to thank God for on purpose.

Don't wait for something BIG to happen before you notice God's goodness.

The meal.
The laughter.
The answered prayer.
The quiet morning.
The hug.

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Practice: name 5 small things you're grateful for today.

You don't have to wait for the next season to experience joy.

“This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

Don't postpone today's joy waiting for tomorrow's circumstances.

Find something beautiful about today.

What you repeatedly focus on will shape what fills your heart.

When your mind stays fixed on God, Scripture says He gives peace.

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mi taken in Happy Place by @sentandshining

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7 days ago

Looking back at these old videos feels like reading a letter about the faithfulness of God. 🤍

I see us dancing in an empty house. Dancing when the house was full. Dancing on long walks under the sun. Dancing in the car. 😂

And what strikes me most isn't the places we were in. It's our disposition in those places.

Our circumstances changed, but our joy didn't have to.

We were learning to see God in every season - to trust that He was with us, that He had not forgotten us, and that we could still rejoice even when things didn't look the way we expected.

“Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.” Philippians 4:4

“Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:20

And then comes the clip before last… us dancing LAST NIGHT. 😂❤️

The kids have grown, but they haven't grown out of the joy.

And honestly? Mommy is a specialist of joy. 😂

But seriously, women, I want you to realize how much influence you have over the atmosphere of your home. You don't control everything that happens in your home, but you have tremendous influence over how your home responds to what happens.

Your children are watching how you respond to disappointment, how you respond when things don't go according to plan, how you speak when you're tired, and how you treat people when you're frustrated.

So cultivate joy. Cultivate gratitude. Cultivate faith. Let your home see what it looks like to trust God.

Last night, I looked around our empty yet full house and remembered our family dance.

Empty of furniture.
Full of love.
Full of laughter.
Full of God's presence.
Full of memories still being made.

I hope these little clips encourage you to enjoy your family and love the people God has given you, wherever you are.

Especially if you're walking in obedience to what He has called you to do - don't waste the season wishing you were somewhere else.

#missionarylife #servantofgod #livingloving #joyful taken in Happy Place by @sentandshining

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13 days ago

Choosing to be a HAPPY girl. 😂🤍

Look at me getting on public transport, finding my way around, and making it to the store ALL BY MYSELF! 👏🏽

Honestly, I’m proud of myself. 🥳🥳

Sometimes you just have to celebrate the little wins.

#newcountry #missionarylife #happygirl❤️ taken in Central America by @sentandshining

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22 days ago

“Bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5

WIN THE BATTLE IN YOUR MIND.
THEN OBEY GOD.

#missionarylife #christiancontentcreator #powerofthemind #thoughtstoponder taken in God’s Will by @sentandshining

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25 days ago

My favourite question. 😂

I love that I resemble the Spirit 😍😝😂 where there's life - there's movement.
... here today, somewhere else tomorrow!🥳

#adventurer #livingabroadwithkids #missionariesrock #travelwithme✈️ by @sentandshining

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a month ago

If we, being imperfect, know how to give good gifts to our children, how much more does our Father in Heaven?

So before you complain. Before you lose hope. Before you assume God has forgotten you - cast your cares on Him, because He cares for you.

Have you asked God about what’s worrying you, or are you just winging it?

Be like this little boy: voice your needs (or strooong desires 😂) to your Father! Ask Him. Trust Him. Wait on Him. 🙏🏽

“…how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” Matthew 7:11

#ask #askmehow #thepowerofprayer #christianliving #toddlermommy by @sentandshining

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a month ago

“To everything there is a season…” – Ecclesiastes 3:1

And now, a season of returning -
to encourage missionary wives,
mothers in ministry,
and women serving God with tired but faithful hearts.

If you’re still standing,
still serving,
still loving -
welcome home 🤍 by @sentandshining

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9 months ago

D E C E M B E R °

Delayed post! Ending the year with BIG smiles after crying big tears 😂
Someone said there’s no light at the end of the tunnel… but the Light is with you in the darkness(Ps 23:4), and yep - I totally agree.

May this year end well for you and yours ☺️
Thank you for riding with me!

Also… something big is coming. Stay tuned 🥰 by @sentandshining

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10 months ago

Dominicanos in the building! Wepaaaaaaa @iglesiaprimeramorrepublica

¡Gracias a nuestro Padre y Profeta por estas poderosas canciones de @thelivingwaterssingers ! Nos encantan 😍❤️

@oluwakemiiii @_ladyshazz @nay_kwabs @sarahbangura_ show us!

@lizzy_oseibonsu make DR proud 😂

#roseofsharonchallenge
#dominicanrepublic by @sentandshining

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a year ago