In this male-dominated society, women look to one another for support, confirmation, reassurance, and knowledge. We compare everything: our child rearing strategies, our cooking secrets, stess levels, careers, cleaning habits, and yes guys, we compare our husbands & boyfriends...we are always taking mental notes.
There are all kinds of women: pleasant...friendly, stuck up...up tight, perfectly dressed & made up...barely put together, gossipers...talkers, shy...fun loving, mean spirited...caring...and the list goes on. But what makes a woman beautiful? Depends on who you ask. After almost 18 years of marriage, my husband knows what to say to that question. He says that physical traits are important, but it's more about the attitude. Don't I know it!
For a few of my girlfriends, we greet each other with a "Hello, Beautiful" quite often. Just saying it projects how much we care for the other person, and receiving such a greeting brings an instant smile, and makes the heart feel full and happy. And it is almost always followed by a hug. Why? Because we know that we don't have to be anything more to each other than what we are. I could have no make up with my hair sticking up like I just got out of bed, and my friends would still say "Hello, Beautiful". Of course, they would proceed to tell me how awful I look...and that would be just fine with me, because I know they love me, and they know I love them.
As I walked around the office this morning, checking email, and browsing through my Facebook friends, I quietly said to the Lord "Thank you for all my beautiful girlfriends".
Have you told a woman in your life how beautiful she is to you today?
1 Peter 3:3-4 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
From Darkness to Light
Psalm 6 I am weary with my groaning; All night I make my bed swim; I drench my couch with my tears. 7 My eye wastes away because of grief; It grows old because of all my enemies.
There are those dark days when I just want to crawl into bed and hide from the outside world. Years ago I allowed myself to be swallowed up by the darkness. I would go weeks, months and I think even years where I would separate myself. I held everyone in my life at arms length and refused to allow my heart to feel love. That, in turn, kept me from giving love. I was miserable. There was always conflict in my life. My husband battled for my attention, I sat quietly in church and hoped no one would bother me. Yet I tried to pass off the image of being happy, content, and Christ-like. My entire life was a sham! I was good at faking a smile, faking interest in someone elses life, and faking the "happy family" life. I was convinced that this was all life had to offer me.
I had known who Christ was my entire life. I studied the Bible, I knew the stories, the promises and since childhood I'd prayed to Him to quiet the storms of my life both literal and surreal. It was not until the day finally came when I had done so much damage to myself and those around me that I could no longer live with myself. I had never felt unconditional love, and I had never given it, yet I did not know that. I was completely broken and without hope. I cried out to Jesus for mercy through streams of tears and shuddering sobs. Then He came to me, and wrapped me in the most beautiful, peaceful feeling I had ever had...His unconditional, never ending grace! He erased the pain from my heart, dried my tears, and replaced them with most beautiful Spirit.
Since that day, I have craved a touch from my Father. I've sought after His closeness and I know that in the darkest times God answers my cry for mercy. A simple heartfelt prayer can bring on the most wonderful peace. Sometimes I just want to wollow in my sorrow and hide from people and from God. But he's always waiting for me, gently knocking, reminding me of the love that he offers.
My life is so completely different now, and yes it happened overnight. My husband can tell you when that change happened and how drastic it was. I love without much restaint, now that I have felt the ultimate Love.
1 John 1: 5This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
There are those dark days when I just want to crawl into bed and hide from the outside world. Years ago I allowed myself to be swallowed up by the darkness. I would go weeks, months and I think even years where I would separate myself. I held everyone in my life at arms length and refused to allow my heart to feel love. That, in turn, kept me from giving love. I was miserable. There was always conflict in my life. My husband battled for my attention, I sat quietly in church and hoped no one would bother me. Yet I tried to pass off the image of being happy, content, and Christ-like. My entire life was a sham! I was good at faking a smile, faking interest in someone elses life, and faking the "happy family" life. I was convinced that this was all life had to offer me.
I had known who Christ was my entire life. I studied the Bible, I knew the stories, the promises and since childhood I'd prayed to Him to quiet the storms of my life both literal and surreal. It was not until the day finally came when I had done so much damage to myself and those around me that I could no longer live with myself. I had never felt unconditional love, and I had never given it, yet I did not know that. I was completely broken and without hope. I cried out to Jesus for mercy through streams of tears and shuddering sobs. Then He came to me, and wrapped me in the most beautiful, peaceful feeling I had ever had...His unconditional, never ending grace! He erased the pain from my heart, dried my tears, and replaced them with most beautiful Spirit.
Since that day, I have craved a touch from my Father. I've sought after His closeness and I know that in the darkest times God answers my cry for mercy. A simple heartfelt prayer can bring on the most wonderful peace. Sometimes I just want to wollow in my sorrow and hide from people and from God. But he's always waiting for me, gently knocking, reminding me of the love that he offers.
My life is so completely different now, and yes it happened overnight. My husband can tell you when that change happened and how drastic it was. I love without much restaint, now that I have felt the ultimate Love.
1 John 1: 5This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Listening for God
God has given me many gifts that have taken me a lifetime to find. Some I have managed to cultivate and grow. Some are still waiting for my full attentions. A few years ago I surrendered to God’s call to Women’s Ministry, and like so many eager to get started, I signed up for several things and answered fellow church members request to do this or that. But none of those “this” & “that’s” seemed to go anywhere. Now, three years later, my service direction is headed down a seemingly new path. What I didn’t know when I started down this path, was how many women’s lives were going to touch mine. In turn God blesses me with discernment, and the desire to grow those relationships. I’ve been through so much, both good and bad, in my life that my experiences seem to radiate from those women around me. I’ve felt what they feel, and I see it in their eyes, in their actions.
What I have the most trouble with is just listening and not giving advice. That’s what we do as women, we fix things, we fix relationships, we fix problems, we fix it all. Most of the time all these women want is someone to hear them, someone to listen. So that’s my goal…to try to listen…both to them and to what God is telling me. Sometimes the problem is obvious and the solution simple, but God says “Don’t speak”. Sometimes that person just comes to mind, and God says “Call her” or “Go say hello”. Sometimes He gives me words and I’m too scared to speak them. Sometimes a person crosses my mind so many times that I seek them out to find out what’s going on in their lives.
I used to ask “How do I know its God speaking to me?” That answer came over time with discipline and perseverance. If I’m reading the Word daily, and seeking His presence in prayer throughout my day, I don’t question. When I’m lagging behind and catching a scripture here and there, and prayer time is brief and far between, then I doubt myself constantly. So, yes, here comes the advice, but you’ve heard it before: read your Bible daily and pray with intent. Get into a Bible study, or start by reading one book in the Bible. Find one story from your childhood and study it. Then pray about what you read. "All Scripture is God-breathed..."2 Timothy 2:16 NIV
Do I get it right every time? NO! Do I always listen as well as I should? NO! Do I stumble over my self? Yes! Everyday! But we are not perfect. And unfortunately, as humans, part of the process of becoming like Christ, and listening to and using God’s words is making those mistakes and learning from them.
1 Peter 4:11 (New International Version)
If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Check out Brandon Heath’s “Give Me Your Eyes” video http://www.brandonheath.net/updatesinfo.php?id=10
What I have the most trouble with is just listening and not giving advice. That’s what we do as women, we fix things, we fix relationships, we fix problems, we fix it all. Most of the time all these women want is someone to hear them, someone to listen. So that’s my goal…to try to listen…both to them and to what God is telling me. Sometimes the problem is obvious and the solution simple, but God says “Don’t speak”. Sometimes that person just comes to mind, and God says “Call her” or “Go say hello”. Sometimes He gives me words and I’m too scared to speak them. Sometimes a person crosses my mind so many times that I seek them out to find out what’s going on in their lives.
I used to ask “How do I know its God speaking to me?” That answer came over time with discipline and perseverance. If I’m reading the Word daily, and seeking His presence in prayer throughout my day, I don’t question. When I’m lagging behind and catching a scripture here and there, and prayer time is brief and far between, then I doubt myself constantly. So, yes, here comes the advice, but you’ve heard it before: read your Bible daily and pray with intent. Get into a Bible study, or start by reading one book in the Bible. Find one story from your childhood and study it. Then pray about what you read. "All Scripture is God-breathed..."2 Timothy 2:16 NIV
Do I get it right every time? NO! Do I always listen as well as I should? NO! Do I stumble over my self? Yes! Everyday! But we are not perfect. And unfortunately, as humans, part of the process of becoming like Christ, and listening to and using God’s words is making those mistakes and learning from them.
1 Peter 4:11 (New International Version)
If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Check out Brandon Heath’s “Give Me Your Eyes” video http://www.brandonheath.net/updatesinfo.php?id=10
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Hard Blessings
When my two year-old daughter, Kaylea Grace was diagnosed with Leukemia in March of 2000, the news threw our family into shock. We numbly followed the protocol schedule through the first 28 days of “induction therapy”…the worst of it all. My worst memory in life is laying my baby girl on a towel in the floor, and then forcing her to take meds that made her instantly sick. I remember pleading with her to hold it down so we wouldn’t have to do it again, then rocking her in my arms and singing to her till she stopped gagging. Kaylea Grace has been in remission now for almost nine years, with what we have discovered are minimal side effects.
Through two a & a half years of treatment, David and I found new personal strengths, new friends, a stronger bond with our baby girl and other family members, and a new respect for one another. In truth our marriage had been suffering from years of neglect and reckless words and behavior. This “almost” tragedy could have been the final straw…but it wasn’t…it was a new beginning.
Throughout our life we’ve faced problems that made us ask questions like “why us”, “how are we going to get through this” or “what am I being punished for now”. Once it was all said and done, we were better for it in some way, and we were always blessed.
Life deals the occasional shock: divorce, loss of a child, teenage pregnancy, bankruptcy, long term illness…we just have to remember that God has a plan. Every problem has a solution, every accident has a purpose, every hurt heals…just keep looking for the blessing on the other side.
Through two a & a half years of treatment, David and I found new personal strengths, new friends, a stronger bond with our baby girl and other family members, and a new respect for one another. In truth our marriage had been suffering from years of neglect and reckless words and behavior. This “almost” tragedy could have been the final straw…but it wasn’t…it was a new beginning.
Throughout our life we’ve faced problems that made us ask questions like “why us”, “how are we going to get through this” or “what am I being punished for now”. Once it was all said and done, we were better for it in some way, and we were always blessed.
Life deals the occasional shock: divorce, loss of a child, teenage pregnancy, bankruptcy, long term illness…we just have to remember that God has a plan. Every problem has a solution, every accident has a purpose, every hurt heals…just keep looking for the blessing on the other side.
Romans 8:28 (NIV) And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Gripped by Sin
For most people there are sins that just won’t let go…or maybe we just won’t let go of them. As I look back over my life, I see a theme. There is a certain category of sin that has followed me, and at times plagued me to the very core of my soul. Over the years it has morphed into whatever physical, mental or emotional state needed to cause the most damage. Before Jesus pulled me from the rubble in 2005, when this sin came slinking into my world I allowed it to take up residence and often times encouraged it to rage on until I couldn’t handle the pain it caused anymore. Then it would slink away…for a while…and wait for the next opportunity of weakness.
With God’s love, guidance and unending mercy over the last few years, I’ve learned to recognize areas in my life that are vulnerable to this sin, and I’ve been able to head off many of Satan’s attempts to quench the beautiful Spirit I share with my Lord. But he has also managed to sneak into unexpected places, and cause me great anguish at times. I like to think that there is something God wants me to do, and Satan doesn’t want it to happen. This makes whatever stress or tears this sin causes me so much easier to lay at Jesus’ feet, then burn that lesson learned into my conscience for later reference.
Bro. Tommy Miller said last Sunday that “the Devil can’t touch you unless God gives him permission”. That scares me more than anything in this world! But I know it has a purpose. God’s sifting me. He’s preparing me. He’s perfecting me. For what?...I know what pieces of it are, but the whole picture will never come to me in this life. I can’t wait till I can see the whole picture.
When I see Jesus, I know I will cry…for sorrow that I’m so unworthy, for Joy that He loves me anyway, and for gratitude that He carried me through it all and never gave up on me. He is my refuge from my own torment…my peace from my own chaos.
Psalm 40:1 I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry.
Read the rest of Psalm 40!
With God’s love, guidance and unending mercy over the last few years, I’ve learned to recognize areas in my life that are vulnerable to this sin, and I’ve been able to head off many of Satan’s attempts to quench the beautiful Spirit I share with my Lord. But he has also managed to sneak into unexpected places, and cause me great anguish at times. I like to think that there is something God wants me to do, and Satan doesn’t want it to happen. This makes whatever stress or tears this sin causes me so much easier to lay at Jesus’ feet, then burn that lesson learned into my conscience for later reference.
Bro. Tommy Miller said last Sunday that “the Devil can’t touch you unless God gives him permission”. That scares me more than anything in this world! But I know it has a purpose. God’s sifting me. He’s preparing me. He’s perfecting me. For what?...I know what pieces of it are, but the whole picture will never come to me in this life. I can’t wait till I can see the whole picture.
When I see Jesus, I know I will cry…for sorrow that I’m so unworthy, for Joy that He loves me anyway, and for gratitude that He carried me through it all and never gave up on me. He is my refuge from my own torment…my peace from my own chaos.
Psalm 40:1 I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry.
Read the rest of Psalm 40!
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