Catch Fire Friday: Tori

𝓜𝓮𝓮𝓽 𝓣𝓸𝓻𝓲 𝓛.

Tori and I go WAY back to almost our diaper days; we went to the same daycare in the little old town of Colfax, IA. I moved away, and we moved on in life, but God had a way of reuniting a friendship later in life, first after high school in our BC days (before Christ), and then now God brought us back together as we work in similar ministries and have just stayed in touch over the years! She is a blessing to many!

Tori has a heart of gold and will go to great lengths to help someone break through the chains of addiction because she has been there herself, and she knows firsthand the redemptive power of God. Her faith is inspirational, and I hope you find her story motivating to catch fire yourself for the Lord or reignite the fire that has been smoldering for years. Thank you, Tori, for sharing pieces of your story!

What do you do for a living?

 I stay at home with the kids. I also am a leader with Lighthouse Recovery Ministries.

What is your life verse and why?

John 14:27. This verse gives me comfort in all situations. There is so much power in the word of God, and this is the verse that speaks to my heart over and over again. The world can't give us the peace we crave that comes only from the Lord, and his peace is so much better!!!!! He reminds me not to be afraid or troubled. He is always with me.

What is your favorite book in the Bible & why?

That's tough to pick just one. I would have to say Ephesians, though. This book teaches us how to prepare for any schemes the devil may try to weaken us with. We have every tool we need in the word of God. We need not fear. The Lord goes before us!

What is your favorite Worship song?

Again. How do I pick just one?! So I won't, lol. Lay It Down, House of the Lord, O Come to the Altar, and many more. But a song that speaks to my life in big ways is I Believe It Now by Sidewalk Prophets.

Do you serve at your Church home? If so, what do you do?

Yes, I do. I serve in the nursery at church and also with Lighthouse Recovery Ministries. We have meetings in Prairie City and Des Moines. My husband and I lead the one in Des Moines. We also help people with the process of getting into treatment, etc., and stand alongside them and pray for them when needed.

Here's Some More About Lighthouse Recovery Ministries:

"We are a non-profit, faith-based program for individuals seeking recovery pre and post-treatment. With a Christ-centered program focused around learning daily life skills for a successful transition back to a drug/alcohol-free life."

To learn more, visit their website: https://lighthouserecoveryia.com/

Find them on Facebook. Click the image below!

In what ways do you praise Jesus?

I try to praise him in every way. Even daily chores I want to honor the Lord with but I praise him in song and in speech. Telling my story of how he rescued me and thank him daily for what he has done in my life! I can praise him ANYWHERE. Thanking him for everything.

In what ways do you proclaim Jesus?

I try to proclaim him everywhere I go. Even in the grocery store sometimes! He should get all the Glory! I proclaim his name boldly in our meetings and in regular conversation in hopes of bringing others closer to our savior.

In what ways do you promote Jesus?

I promote Jesus through my life. And in the ways I have answered before. God really loves us, and I want everyone to know that love.

How old were you when you caught fire for the Lord?

When I was 8 years old, I asked Jesus into my heart. I remember knowing what I was doing and knowing he was with me. He has never left me. Even when I turned my back on him. I regained my fire for the Lord when he rescued me from my addictions. When he pulled me out of dangerous situations, He rescued me from myself. Going to Clearview, I was able to surrender to him in a way I hadn't before, and it changed everything!

Did you experience a moment in your life when God revealed Himself in a significant way?

Many moments. I remember always knowing there was hope.... no matter how dark a situation seemed. The night my mom took her own life.... in the hours before, I was outside looking at the moon. God gave me a sense that things were about to be hard, but it was gonna be okay because he would never leave me. He was there with me always. The Lord speaks to me in significant ways a lot. I see him in everything, and the times I don't, I just try to pray and read his word because I will always find him there, too.

What keeps your fire for the Lord lit?

The amazing ways he reminds me every day what a friend he is to me. He speaks to me in ways only I could understand. That means he knows me better than anyone ever could. Better than I know myself. It's also amazing seeing people around me that come to meetings or whatever it may be starting to live for the Lord. When that match is lit inside of them, I see the lights that flip on, and it's so refreshing. He reminds me that he's working. Always. And it gives me the fire I need!!!!! Reading my Bible keeps the fire lit because his word is LIFE and prayer because that's our relationship moving, and there's so much power in prayer!!!

What is your favorite hobby or something you like to do for fun?

I just love being with my kids. There are lots of things I used to love but need to get back to, which would be writing and dancing. I do love to paint with my family. That is something that I've always loved as well. I also love exploring with my family and just finding fun in anything.

What advice or words of wisdom do you have for other women?

My advice would be to Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways, acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 Jesus loves you, and you have a purpose for his Glory. He can and will do beautiful things through you if you allow him to. Cling to him in the valleys and on the mountain top. He's the way, the truth, and the life.

𝒯𝒽𝒶𝓃𝓀 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒯𝑜𝓇𝒾

For sharing pieces of your God-given redemption story! I appreciate your vulnerability and sharing some harder times in your life while giving the Glory to God above, who has always been with you.

As I was praying for a verse to share with you, the word courage just kept repeating itself in my mind. This then brought me to this verse: Proverbs 31:25. When I think of a strong woman, Tori, you are most definitely one that comes to mind. The hands you have been dealt are full of adversity and difficulties, but victory because of your relationship with your Lord and Savior, and you know with confidence that whatever else life brings you, you will walk in strength, dignity, and joy because you know whose hands your life is in.

𝐹𝒶𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝒢𝑜𝒹,

I thank you for Tori; I thank you for her inspiring story, one that is filled with heartaches, grief, and bondages of addiction, but ultimately, the power of your saving grace and love for her. Lord, I know you have many plans for Tori to continue to be your hands and feet as she does ministry. I pray you continue to show up in her life as you are so faithful to do. I pray you give her the courage to do the hard things you call her to do and to continue to give her a heart for seeking and saving the lost. Lord, thank you again for who you created Tori to be, the blessing she is to so many, and the ways you will use her. Protect her, protect her family, and her ministry. We give you the Glory, Lord.

Bless her story and those who have eyes to read it.

𝐼𝓃 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝐻𝑜𝓁𝓎 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒫𝓇𝑒𝒸𝒾𝑜𝓊𝓈 𝓃𝒶𝓂𝑒 𝑜𝒻 𝒥𝑒𝓈𝓊𝓈 𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝒮𝒶𝓋𝒾𝑜𝓇 𝓌𝑒 𝓅𝓇𝒶𝓎. 𝒜𝓂𝑒𝓃.