A Bit of Transparency

by Rosanne Parker - Used by permission

In my youth no one would have tagged me as anything but an extrovert. My sister in love described me as a white tornado when I'd arrive for a visit....I loved life and enjoyed people. In particular, I loved my Campus Life community of friends.

Life has a way of affecting change. The joys and sorrows conform us and teach us some BIG lessons. In my twenties I seemed to have lots of easy answers. My thirties were a blur with kids, a home and amazing relationships. The answers were less than easy but I was growing in grace and compassion. My temper was easily ignited to my shame. Hurt and what I now understand as trauma became an unwelcomed house guest and left messes that stained our lives. Those stains are being used to form an amazing piece of art, our life, to reflect resilience and grace from God alone.

The anger was often a reaction to fear. Fear is debilitating. As a teen I watched my beloved mom struggle through the change of life. For her, crowds and florescent lighting often triggered panic. Dear mom would get red faced on one side and go pale as Casper on the opposite side. People would offer help but that only served to make it harder for her. I recall being in a huge bus terminal in Canada when it once happened. Poor mom. I learned a little about assisting panicked people quietly during those days.

Here I am now, looking in to groups of people with a different lens than when I was in high school or college. Those waves of panic well up sometimes and I just need to pause and get acclimated like you do when you come inside from the sun into a dim room. It takes a few moments to adjust.

Please friends, be patient with those who don't jump into the party with gusto. Please remember, you do not know the history nor the current circumstance. 

Panic is a hard enemy and while it can mask as anger or unfriendliness, it is neither. It just needs a safe place to fall and gentle tenderness to get acclimated.

How can you be a safe place for someone today?

An Encouraging Word for Women of God

by my niece, Diane Fenlason ~ Used by permission

I can't tell you how many times I have thought how, in the struggle of trying to be self-reliant and independent and "strong," many Christian women end up NOT reflecting Christ.

That Proverbs 31 woman was not strong alone. She first of all recognized her strength was sourced from God Himself. She also did not work alone. She delegated and managed well, but had others working along with her. Thirdly, she was motivated by blessing others, especially within her own household.

How often, ladies, are we trying to put forth an image of being tough and strong and self-reliant? How are we encouraging our young girls to be pure if we are overly concerned about who likes us and whether or not we are accepted into certain groups of people?

Let's just encourage each other to lay those down at the feet of Jesus and ask Him to help us draw on Him for strength, but to BE the body of Christ to one another in the way we function and to humbly serve our families and one another better. For that is a truer picture of Christ. 

A Balanced Woman of God

quote from Chuck Swindoll

Ladies, after my scriptural search, I came to three conclusions regarding this matter of being a balanced woman of God.  Each will require a good deal of your time and each will call for a fair amount of effort if you hope to put it into action personally.

A balanced woman of God sees Scripture as God's vital and relevant Word worth her attention, devotion, and application.

I learned this principle from Timothy's mother Eunice and his maternal grandmother Lois.

Sit Still, My Daughter!

by J. Danson Smith

Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!
Nor deem these days—these waiting days—as ill!
The One who loves thee best, who plans thy way,
Hath not forgotten thy great need today! 

And if He waits, ’tis sure He waits to prove
To thee, His tender child, His heart’s deep love.

Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!
Thou longest much to know thy dear Lord’s will! 

While anxious thoughts would almost steal their way,
Corrodingly within, because of His delay—
Persuade thyself in simple faith to rest,
That He, who knows and loves, will do the best.

Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!
Nor move a step, not even one, until
His way hath opened. Then, ah, then, how sweet!
How glad thy heart, and then how swift thy feet! 

Thy inner being then, ah, then, how strong!
And waiting days not counted then too long.

Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!
What higher service could’st thou for Him fill? 

’Tis hard! Ah, yes! But choicest things must cost!
For lack of losing all how much is lost!
’Tis hard, ’tis true! But then—He giveth grace
To count the hardest spot the sweetest place.

The 10 Most Important Women of the Bible (and why they matter to you)

by Daniel Colston - Used by permission

This short list of the ten most important (and some of them, infamous) women of the Bible helps us grasp at some of the aspects of God’s plan for biblical womanhood. It’s exciting, scandalous, instructive, and real. I hope you enjoy reading these snapshot biographies of ten of the Bible’s most important women.

Eve kind of goes without saying. She’s the mother of all humanity (except Adam). She was the first woman to ever experience childbirth. She introduced the world to sin. She and Adam could literally say that they were “made for each other” (Genesis 1-3).

Sarah had Isaac when she was 90! She was the matriarch of Israel, God’s chosen people. She laughed at God’s promise at first (the name “Isaac” literally means laughter”), but then she stuck with Abraham through thick and thin. She was faithful to God (Genesis 21).

Rahab. No list is complete without a rags-to-riches story, or prostitute-to-promised land. Rahab was a ritual prostitute for the Canaanite gods in Jericho. When she discovered two Israelite spies she hid and protected them. So when Jericho came tumbling down God protected her and her family. She chose to believe in God and become an Israelite. She ended up being the grandmother of Kind David and is listed in Jesus’s genealogy in Matthew (Matthew 1:5)!

Deborah was a judge in Israel who had more courage than her captain, Barack. She feared the Lord and led her nation well, even defeating the army of Sisera (Judges 4).

Esther is known for her beauty, courage, and cunning. She risked her life in order to save her people from the hatred of Haman. Her success is celebrated every year during the Jewish feast of Purim (Esther).

Jezebel was both important and infamous. She is known in the Bible for her outspoken neglect of and rebellion against God. She was a Phoenician princess who married the spineless Israelite king Ahab. She usurped his power and promoted idol worship throughout the land, killing hundreds of God’s righteous prophets. Even Elijah was scared silly of her. The result of God’s curse was that she fell from a window and died, and dogs ate her flesh (sorry for the graphic nature—but I can’t exactly edit the Bible). Her name is used as a figure of speech to depict evil in the book of Revelation. And you’ve probably heard people use the colloquialism “that Jezebel” to describe someone they don’t like (I and II Kings).

Gomer. Isn’t that supposed to be a male name for that funny guy on the Andy Griffith show? Yes, but Gomer was also an infamous woman of the Old Testament. God commanded the prophet Hosea to marry a harlot named Gomer. Why? Well, that’s a good question for another blog post. Anyway, Hosea married her, had children with her, and was constantly emotionally torn because she cheated on him. This is a picture of God’s pursuit of us, who don’t deserve His love or blessings. We cheat on Him all the time by chasing lesser things (Hosea 1-4).

Mary, Mother of Jesus. She had such great faith at such a young age. Everyone’s heard of her. It’s hard to imagine how she could give birth to God, watch God grow, and then watch God, her Son, die, rise again, and ascend into Heaven. Her faith was so severely tested. She watched a thousand miracles before her eyes. What did she consider normal (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John)?

Lydia was a God-fearing lady who lived in the city of Phillipi. She was a rich clothing designer who traveled and had a big house. She determined to host a Bible study down by the river one day when the Apostle Paul came by and converted the whole crowd. Then she invited everyone who needed to come stay at her house and she helped finance Paul’s missionary journeys and found the church at Philippi (Acts 16:14-16).

Mary, the sister of Martha, sat at the feet of Jesus and worshipped Him while her sister was too busy with the chores and hosting responsibilities. She teaches us that our time with Jesus is the most necessary aspect of our lives. Everything else will fall into place, just spend time with Jesus (Luke 10:38-42).

This list of the 10 most important women in the Bible instructs us about faith, destiny, and playing our part in writing the stories of our lives well. God has a plan for your life just like He had a plan for these women. Some of them followed well, others didn’t. What about you? Will you follow His plan for your life well?

 http://www.amazon.com/Unstoppable-Chasing-Dreams-Achieving-Finding-ebook/dp/B019UQRFIE/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8

Daniel Colston is a youth pastor in Roanoke, VA. He recently wrote a book that tells you how to find and chase God’s will for your life. It’s called Unstoppable: 40 Keys for Chasing your Dreams, Achieving your Goals, and Finding God’s Best for your Life. He blogs at http://www.danielcolston.com/.

Dust If You Must

Dust If You Must
by Rose Milligan

Dust if you must, but wouldn't it be better
To paint a picture, or write a letter,
Bake a cake, or plant a seed;
Ponder the difference between want and need?

Dust if you must, but there's not much time,
With rivers to swim, and mountains to climb;
Music to hear, and books to read;
Friends to cherish, and life to lead.

Dust if you must, but the world's out there
With the sun in your eyes, and the wind in your hair;
A flutter of snow, a shower of rain,
This day will not come around again.

Dust if you must, but bear in mind,
Old age will come and it's not kind.
And when you go (and go you must)
You, yourself, will make more dust.

Used by permission from John M. Sweeney on whose website this was found (www.johnmsweeney.com)


Note from Lois:
Along the line of dusting, we can make quick work of dusting and still have plenty of time for other adventures and productive activities.  Here's how!

Purchase several lamb's wool dusters, which will grab the dust for you much more quickly than a dust cloth will.  Don't use the static-filled dusters though (usually bright colors). The static they cause while dusting is not good to use near electrical appliances, and the dust clings much better to lamb's wool.  The job of dusting can be done in about ten minutes with lamb's wool dusters, and still give you plenty of time for other things.

Simply dust over furniture and decorative items quickly with a lamb's wool duster until it is filled with dust.  Then use the next one and take several dusters outside at one time to hit against your hand to make the dust fly. 

A Well Prepared Home

Used with permission by Suzanne Gill

Never in my lifetime has the future of young families seemed so challenging and uncertain.  In light of all the uncertainties, I would like to encourage you to be as the Proverbs 31 woman who watches diligently over the ways of her household.  Part of that is providing food for her home.  Food that is not just convenient but strengthens the body and nourishes them for their health's sakes.  I know what a challenge that is when your are rushed here and there for activities that are all very important.

But I would like you to consider that she is also prepared for the 'winter' season.  That can mean more than the 'cold' season.  It could mean any type of change or emergency situation.  I would like to encourage you to create a well prepared home.
 

• Stock one to three months of food items.  Have a food source that can reproduce if there is a long term shortage (chickens, rabbits, ...).
• Make sure you have a complete first aid kit.  Your kit should enable you to weather a storm, should you be unable to get to a doctor or hospital right away.  Know first aid essentials.  Learn how to make silver, which is a natural antibiotic.
• Have a clean water source that will work in your circumstances, whether filtered water, a hand pump well, rain barrel, etc.

All this may seem just too overwhelming to some and others may be stocked to the hilt.  Remember we are to watch over our households and Jesus Christ has promised to lead us and guide us in all truth.  Prayerfully go about your preparations.  Begin somewhere and keep at it until you have peace that you have done what you are able to do, and trust Him.
 

¹⁶ She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard. ¹⁷ She girds herself with strength, And strengthens her arms. ¹⁸ She perceives that her merchandise is good, And her lamp does not go out by night.
 

Proverbs 31:16-18 (NKJV)
 

Suzanne Gill holds degrees in Family, Child and Consumer Science and in Child Development from Florida State University.  She is the mother of four and grandmother of eleven.

10 Life Changing Things Elisabeth Elliot Said

• 

by Erin Branham

June 15, 2015

http://www.951shinefm.com/shine-daily/10-life-changing-things-elisabeth-elliot-said
Radio Station: 95.1 SHINE-FM

Used by permission
 

Christianity Today called Elisabeth Elliot "one of the most influential Christian women of the 20th century," and I couldn't agree more. She was a woman who helped shape my teen years and is a woman I still look up to for inspiration and guidance through her many books. If this is the first time you're hearing about her, I suggest reading "Through the Gates of Splendor." It's the true story of how her husband and four other men were tragically killed on a missionary trip to Ecuador. It's through this loss that Elisabeth shares some of her deepest words on pain, suffering, and hope.

She died this morning (June 15, 2015), and I can only imagine the party happening in Heaven. Here are just a few quotes from this great woman. 

“The fact that I am a woman does not make me a different kind of Christian, but the fact that I am a Christian makes me a different kind of woman.”

“I realized that the deepest spiritual lessons are not learned by His letting us have our way in the end, but by His making us wait, bearing with us in love and patience until we are able to honestly to pray what He taught His disciples to pray: Thy will be done.”

“Today is mine. Tomorrow is none of my business. If I peer anxiously into the fog of the future, I will strain my spiritual eyes so that I will not see clearly what is required of me now.”

“Where does your security lie? Is God your refuge, your hiding place, your stronghold, your shepherd, your counselor, your friend, your redeemer, your saviour, your guide? If He is, you don't need to search any further for security.”

“One reason we are so harried and hurried is that we make yesterday and tomorrow our business, when all that legitimately concerns us is today. If we really have too much to do, there are some items on the agenda which God did not put there. Let us submit the list to Him and ask Him to indicate which items we must delete. There is always time to do the will of God. If we are too busy to do that, we are too busy.”

“Work is a blessing. God has so arranged the world that work is necessary, and He gives us hands and strength to do it. The enjoyment of leisure would be nothing if we had only leisure. It is the joy of work well done that enables us to enjoy rest, just as it is the experiences of hunger and thirst that make food and drink such pleasures.” 

“But the question to precede all others, which finally determines the course of our lives is, 'What do I really want?' Was it to love what God commands, in the words of the collect, and to desire what He promises? Did I want what I wanted, or did I want what He wanted, no matter what it might cost?” 

“God has promised to supply all our needs. What we don’t have now, we don’t need now.”

"Don't dig up in doubt what you have planted in faith."

"The secret is Christ in me, not me in a different set of circumstances."

“When ours are interrupted, his are not. His plans are proceeding exactly as scheduled, moving us always (including those minutes or hours or years which seem most useless or wasted or unendurable).” 

BONUS: "Leave it all in the hands that were wounded for you."

Attributes of the Proverbs 31 Woman

She is loyal to her husband (vs. 10-12).

She is faithful in her home (vs. 13-16).

She is tireless in her responsibilities (vs. 17-19).

She is generous toward the needy ( vs. 20).

She is fearless about circumstances (vs. 21-23).

She is honest in business matters (vs. 24).

She is secured for the future (vs. 25).

She is wise in her utterances (vs.26).

She is dependable in daily duties (vs. 27).

She is praised by her children (vs. 28-29).

She is beautiful in her conduct (vs. 30).

She is appreciated by her neighbors (vs. 31).

One Flaw in Women

Author unknown

Women have strengths that amaze men.  They also can't figure them out. 
They bear hardships and they carry burdens, but they hold happiness, love and joy. 
They smile when they want to scream.  They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in.  They stand up to injustice.
They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their family can have.  They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards.
They are thrilled when they hear about a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.  They love unconditionally.
They grieve at the loss of a family member -
Yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart. 
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you. 
The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love.  They have compassion and ideas.
They give moral support to their family and friends.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
Women have vital things to say and everything to give.
However, if there is one flaw in women, it is that they forget their worth.

Warm Water and Bath Salts for the Soul

by Debra Romines, © 2002 - Used by permission

My mind in all its flesh tells me I don't have the time to make the time for you.  To come to you with my heart, my mind and my arms outstretched sometimes requires more of me than my self wants to give.  I feel your tug on my heart; I feel you reaching down to me; reaching out for me.  My heart knows what it is you want me to do, but my mind is not one that has ever easily given in to giving up, or letting go.  The flesh of my mind encourages me to stay on the go.

I drew a bath and poured in some salts with a little soap.  I lit some candles and turned off all the lights.  Stillness filled the air; flickering candles called out my name; bubbles whispered to me; but I knew it was really you.  I have come to recognize your voice, Lord; I could hear you whispering to me; begging me in your firm but gentle way to let go; to take a break from the responsibilities that have put such strong demands upon my time.  Responsibilities, which have become loads I have put upon myself, for they are not all things that were initiated by you.

As I gaze into the hot steamy water frothed in white my mind lets go and I give myself, all of me, to thee as I gently lower my body and sink into the tub.  My tub that represents your tub of victory; the tub that proclaims I have been and will forever be cleansed of all my sins; your tub of forgiveness, your tub of refreshment for my soul, your tub of healing as your warmth and kindness caress my nakedness from my head to my toes.  I am here with you, unclothed and unashamed, the world and all those things that tempt me to pull away from spending time with you are waiting outside; behind the closed door and in other rooms.  Warm water and bath salts relax my mind and I can feel the tension leave my body as I give in and let go of myself and meditate on you. 

All I hear and all I feel is your presence beating in my heart and pulsing through my veins, a quiver quickens my pulse and sends a tickle through my soul.  I wear no masks; I have nothing to hide.  Just you and me Lord spending time; such precious time.  I am so thankful you always meet me here. 

Have your way Lord, speak to me and speak through me; let me know without any fear and  without a doubt it is you.  Use me Lord; remind me in your gentle but firm way to take the time every day to be still with you; to be real with you.  Touch me Lord, form my heart be like warm water and bath salts for the soul; train my mind and instruct my thoughts to always be humble, gentle and kind; help me to be more like you in all I say and all I do.  Have your way Lord, have your way.  Thank you for this time Lord, thank you for whispering to my heart today.  In Jesus Name I pray.  Amen     

Helping to Meet the Needs of Women around Us

by Lois Breneman, © 2008, Heart to Heart

A "Heart to Heart" subscriber wrote and asked for ideas on how she could help meet the needs of women in both her business and through the women's ministry in her church. 

I would suggest first of all that if you are quite sure a woman is not a Christian, simply be her friend to her in some of the ways mentioned below. 

Don't try to push your faith on her, but ask the Holy Spirit to infuse the fruit of His Spirit into your life and help you live out the Christian life before her with love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and self control, as Galatians 5:22 and 23 instructs.

Ask the Lord to shine through your life to others around you each day.

Ask the Lord to open doors for you to encourage other women and be a witness for Him.

Smile, be courteous, and show kindness.

Never gossip or share about others in a negative way.

Be a genuine/real friend to her.

Be yourself.  Don't pretend to be someone you are not.

Don't think of yourself more highly that you ought to think.

Show an interest in her - ask her to tell you about her own interests.

Put her interests above your own.

Invite her to your home for breakfast or lunch.

Invite several women into your home at a time - possibly ask each one to bring a dish to share.

Invite her and her family to join your family for dinner.

Offer to babysit one evening, if you see she is lacking time alone with her husband.

Ask her if there is anything she would like you to pray about for her or her family.  Then do so.

Remember her on her birthday with a card and maybe a small gift.

Ask her advice pertaining to a talent she has or ask if she would teach you in that area.

Offer to help her in the area of your expertise - maybe knitting, card making or sewing.

Never jam your "religion" down any unbeliever's throat, but live the Christian life before her, waiting for the right moment to share your faith with her, little by little.  Then when the opportunity arises you could tell her how the Lord has changed your life or helped you through a particular situation.  When you do share, bathe each word in prayer and follow the Lord's prompting, rather than your own.

Meeting the Needs of Women around Us

by Lois Breneman, © 2008, Heart to Heart Newsletter

A "Heart to Heart" subscriber wrote and asked for ideas on how she could help meet the needs of women in both her business and through the women's ministry in her church. 

I would suggest first of all that if you are quite sure a woman is not a Christian, simply be her friend to her in some of the ways mentioned below.  Don't try to push your faith on her, but ask the Holy Spirit to infuse the fruit of His Spirit into your life and help you live out the Christian life before her with love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and self control, as Galatians 5:22 and 23 instructs.

Ask the Lord to shine through your life to others around you each day.

Ask the Lord to open doors for you to encourage other women and be a witness for Him.

Smile, be courteous, and show kindness.

Never gossip or share about others in a negative way.

Be a genuine/real friend to her.

Be yourself.  Don't pretend to be someone you are not.

Don't think of yourself more highly that you ought to think.

Show an interest in her - ask her to tell you about her own interests.

Put her interests above your own.

Invite her to your home for breakfast or lunch.

Invite several women into your home at a time - possibly ask each one to bring a dish to share.

Invite her and her family to join your family for dinner.

Offer to babysit one evening, if you see she is lacking time alone with her husband.

Ask her if there is anything she would like you to pray about for her or her family.  Then do so.

Remember her on her birthday with a card and maybe a small gift.

Ask her advice pertaining to a talent she has or ask if she would teach you in that area.

Offer to help her in the area of your expertise - maybe knitting, card making or sewing.

Never jam your "religion" down any unbeliever's throat, but live the Christian life before her, waiting for the right moment to share your faith with her, little by little.  Then when the opportunity arises you could tell her how the Lord has changed your life or helped you through a particular situation.  When you do share, bathe each word in prayer and follow the Lord's prompting, rather than your own.

Women's Department: Staying Safe

contributed by Janet -- Compliments of Tip du Jour

     I learned from my children's karate classes that the elbow is the strongest point on your body. If you are close enough to use it, do!
      If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car, kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out the hole and start waving like crazy. The driver won't see you but everybody else will. This has saved lives.
      Last night I attended a personal safety workshop, and it jolted me.  Here are some of the most important points that I got out of the presentation:

(1.) The three reasons women are easy targets for random acts of violence are:
(a.) Lack of Awareness -- You must know where you are and what's going on around you.
(b.) Body Language -- Keep your head up, swing your arms, stand straight up.
(c.) Wrong Place, Wrong Time -- Don't walk alone in an alley, or drive in a bad neighborhood at night.

(2.) Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping, eating, working, etc., and just sit (doing their checkbook, or making a list, etc).  Don't do this! The predator will be watching you, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in the passenger side, put a gun to your head, and tell you where to go. As soon as you get into your car, lock the doors and leave!

(a.) A few notes about getting into your car in a parking lot, or parking garage: Be aware: look around you, look into your car, at the passenger side floor, and in the back seat.
(b.) If you are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door. Most serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women are attempting to get into their cars. 
(c.) Look at the car parked on the driver's side of your vehicle, and the passenger side. If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back into the mall, or work, and get a guard/policeman to walk you back out. It is always better to be safe than sorry. (And better paranoid than dead.)

(3.) Always take the elevator instead of the stairs. (Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and the perfect crime spot).

4.) If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control, always run!
(a.)The predator will only hit you (a running target) 4 in 100 times. And even then, it most likely will not be a vital organ. Run!  

 

(5.) As women, we are always trying to be sympathetic: Stop it!  It may get you raped, or killed. Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good looking, well educated man, who always played on the sympathies of unsuspecting women.  He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often asked "for help" into his vehicle or with his vehicle, which is when he abducted his next victim.

A Gracious Woman Retains Honor

Proverbs 11:16 - From Laine's Letters - Used by permission 

http://www.lainesletters.com      To subscribe: Laines_Letters-subscribe@welovegod.org

I have been doing a study for myself on the verse in Proverbs which states, "A gracious woman retains honor."  As I have been studying many of the verses pertaining to godly women in the Bible and their roles in the home and in the church, I have come up with a list based on those verses of a godly woman, wife, and mother - whom I aspire to grow into as I continually grow in Christ by the power of His Spirit. It also helps me to understand the role of the church as His Fruitful Bride and His Holy Spirit as our Helper and Comforter in that vital role.

With all that in mind and more, here is my list of a godly woman in her many roles written in the back of my Bible. My gleanings are based on Proverbs 31, Ruth, some verses on women in Proverbs, 1 Peter 3:1-7, 1 Timothy 2:8-15 & 5:3-16, 1 Corinthians 11:1-16, Song of Solomon, Psalm 113, 127, and 128, 1 Thessalonians 2:7-9, and Titus 2:3-5.

She loves her First Love and her First Faith - Jesus Christ her LORD. 

She has inside strength through the Spirit of God for her Husband's honor. 

She rises before dawn, she cries for help, she hopes in His Word. 

She is a bearer of the children. 

She is a modest dresser. 

She is a worker of good. 

She has a gentle and quiet spirit. 

She is faithful and continues in the faith. 

She is loving - her LORD, her husband, her children, her home, and others - in godly, wise priority. 

She is holy - set apart for God's use. 

She is self-controlled. 

She is merciful to the poor. 

She excels at woman's work. 

She is submissive to her husband. 

She trusts in God. 

She looks nice. 

She is a keeper (guard and shield in prayer and practice) for her home. 

She is obedient to her own husband. 

She is gentle. 

She is dear to her children, and her children to her. 

She longs for her children. 

She imparts life. 

She imparts the gospel - everlasting life. 

She is affectionate. 

She is a nursing and caring mother who cherishes her children. 

She is a nurse by day and by night. 

She will be praised because she fears God. 

She shows piety at home to repay her parents by taking care of the widows in her family. 

She is careful with her tongue - gracious and discreet. 

She is not a busybody. 

She is busy in her own home. 

She opens her mouth with wisdom. 

She is not idle - she watches over the ways of her household. 

She is not a gossiper. 

She lives for God. 

She is always praying. 

She is a helper of the hurting. 

She is a servant to the saints - doing even the lowest jobs for their strength. 

She is hospitable. 

She is faithful in all things - little or big. 

She is self-controlled. 

She is not a drunkard.

She is a teacher of lovely, good things. 

She honors the Word by the living of her life. 

She is reverent. 

She is not a slanderer. 

She learns in silence in the church with all submission. 

She is not a teacher of men in the church. 

She is not a leader of men in the church. 

She is a great helper in the church. 

She labors night and day - if necessary. 

She continues to learn and grow - especially in God's Word. 

She keeps her body as strong as possible to be of such a help to her family. 

She has good foresight through wisdom given her by God. 

She does quality work. 

She keeps the bills paid - her lamps are always lit and welcoming. 

She is a gifted artisan selling from her home- thus her lamps are always lit. 

She prepares for hard times - "the winter" - during the summer and fall harvest. 

She is a decorator with tapestries that she has made. 

She is a provider of quality clothing for her family. 

She wears purple - the color of queens and quality. 

She honors her husband by all her good works causing him to lead wisely and well. 

She supplies the merchants with her wares. 

She is a wise cook - for health and frugality. 

She is a wise shopper. 

She is fragrant. 

She has paths of peace. 

She is a wall - pure and only for her husband - an enclosed garden and a sealed fountain. 

She is her husband's crown. 

She restrains her lips and keeps a guard over her mouth. 

She provides her supplies in the summer. 

She gathers her food at harvest. 

She is enraptured with her husband's love. 

She loves her husband and children. 

She avoids deception by her godly duties of raising children in faith, love, holiness, with self control. 

She is a teacher and trainer of her children. 

She builds her house with her children. 

She builds His House with her children - imparting to them the gospel as well as her own life. 

She is fruitful and multiplying. 

She prepares her food and furnishes her table. 

She is humbly hidden and helping for His Honor. 

She watches over her children well and does not leave them to themselves. 

She disciplines her children promptly. 

She is not contentious. 

She is a joyful mother of her children. 

She seldom sets foot in her neighbor's house, rather she is busy in her own home. 

She is a wise woman who daily builds her house. 

She has a house built by wisdom and established by understanding - The Word. 

She has rooms filled with all precious and pleasant riches by knowledge - The Word. 

She continually trains her children with patience and perseverance. 

She is a good saver. 

She is a careful spender.

She is prudent. 

She is not slothful. 

She promotes health with her tongue and learning with her sweetness of lips. 

She has a godly attitude - The Word hidden in her heart. 

She has discretion. 

She gets more and more beautiful as she continues to grow in Christ, no matter what her age.

She is a fruitful vine in the very heart of her house.

She gets up before dawn. 

She is a loving cook early in the morning. 

She is a land researcher. 

She is a land purchaser and developer. 

She is a vineyard manager - land put to profitable use for the benefit of her family's finances. 

She is a wise student - ever learning. 

She is trustworthy. 

She gets her servants going early in the day. 

She has a full pantry provided at wise prices. 

She is blessed by her children. 

She is blessed by her husband. 

She fears the LORD - the beginning of wisdom and true beauty. 

She has so much fruit from her hands. 

She excels above all - according to her family! 

She will rejoice one day, for God promises her so. 

Thank you for letting me share "my gleanings" with you. I know "all things are possible through Christ" and "apart from Him I can do nothing." "I forget what lies behind, and I reach forward to what lies ahead" in Christ.

A Great Recipe

Thanks to Margie DeMonbrun and Pat DeMonbrun in Missouri for sending this great recipe for life!

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.  Talk to God about what is going on in your life.  Buy a lock if you have to.
(Note from Lois:  I would add that you get the Lord's instructions and blueprint for your life by reading His Word each day as well.)

3. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, ‘My purpose is to__________ today.  I am thankful for______________.’

4. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.

5. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.

6. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

7. Don’t waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

8. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.

9. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.

10. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

11. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

12. You are not so important that you have to win every argument.  Agree to disagree.

13. Make peace with your past so it won’t spoil the present.

14. Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

15. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

16. Frame every so-called disaster with these words:  ‘In five years, will this matter?’

17. Forgive everyone for everything.

18. What other people think of you is none of your business.

19. GOD heals everything – but you have to ask Him.

20. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

21. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick.  Your friends will.  Stay in touch!!!

22. Envy is a waste of time.  You already have all you need.

23. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for__________.   Today I accomplished_________.

24. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

25. When you are feeling down, start listing your many blessings. You’ll be smiling before you know it.

My New Year's Prayer

Sent by Barb Campbell in MS: This is from a tried and true devotional by June Masters Bacher -- The Quiet Heart: Daily Devotional for Women (©1988)

Dear Lord, we praise You for the beauty and glory of Christmas.  We praise You for the loveliness of the world around us -- and for another New Year, a chance to try again.  You see, we want to continue to give good gifts as the year progresses: to our enemies, we would offer tolerance; to our friends, our service and loyalty; to our children (whether we be mothers, grandmothers, teachers, or neighbors), our patience and a fine example; to our parents, deference and the kind of conduct that will make them proud of their daughters; to ourselves, confidence and respect; to our mates, our love renewed; and to You, our hearts!

But, Lord, we are tired.  There is so much to do.  Already Christmas seems by a memory (except for the tinsel on the carpet, the dropping Christmas tree, and the leftovers to be wrestled with).  And spring seems but a dream.  We need Your help, Lord, as we try to navigate through the snowdrifts we yet must climb.  You have blessed an old world with a New Year.  Now we need hope for old situations and new courage to face them.  Give us, we pray, new boots for our weary feet.

Open our eyes to small things.  No matter how good our vision, let our hearts probe deeper.  Unstop our ears that we may hear the sounds of Your voice in nature.  Strengthen our legs as we search out small corners in which we may serve others.  Sharpen our intellects and our awareness.  let us ponder the wonderment of our existence, building bridges to the unforeseeable future of this year, leaving a daily heritage for those who come behind us.

Pick us up, Lord, when we falter.  Give us the faith and the strength to begin each day anew in service of our families, our friends, the "outsiders," and You.  Let us so live that when this year is finished we may say -- as we say at life's end -- "It is good to have been a woman!"

I'm Not _____________ Enough

by Sharon Jaynes - http://www.sharonjaynes.com/ - January 28, 2009 - Used by permission

Today's Truth
"Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?" 1 Corinthians 3:16 (NIV)

Friend To Friend
I'm not _______ enough. You can fill that blank in with smart, talented, gifted, spiritual, or any number of positive attributes, but the root source of each one of those lies is "I'm not good enough."  It is one of the enemy's favorite weapons and he uses it to keep God's children in bondage to feelings of inferiority, insecurity, and inadequacy. The bottom line is that the enemy wants you to believe that you are "not enough."  Period.  But you are enough. You are enough and have been equipped and empowered to do everything that God has called you to do.

It seems the message of "I'm not good enough to earn my way to heaven on my own," has been transformed into I'm not good enough ... period.   God created man and woman and said, "It is good."  We are so valuable to God that He gave His only Son to restore our brokenness.

To be honest, I could have been the poster child for this lie.  If feeling inadequate was an Olympic event, I would have been on the Wheaties box. It was the undercurrent of my entire existence until I finally realized who I was in Christ.  Bible teacher Beth Moore said, "In the dead of the night when insecurities crawl on us like fleas, all of us have terrifying bouts of insecurity and panics of insignificance.  Our human natures pitifully fall to the temptation to pull out the tape measure and gauge ourselves against people who seem more gifted and anointed by God."  That was me.

Many women are living in silent defeat, comparing themselves to other women who are living in secret defeat.  I'm not a good mother.  I'm not a good wife.  I'm not a good Christian.  I'm not a good witness.  I'm not a good housekeeper.  I'm not a good decorator.  I'm not a good cook.  I'm not a good ....  Women are caught in a cycle of the "I'm not good enoughs."  One by one, the petals fall from the beautiful flower God created us to be.  Like ticker tape, our fragmented pieces of confidence litter the streets like the Macy's parade passing by.

Unfortunately, I wasted many precious years held captive by the enemy's lies before I held up my chained hands to God and said, "I'm ready for you to set me free."

Consider this:  Jacob was a liar.  Moses was a stutterer.  Gideon was a coward.  David was an adulterer.  Rahab was a prostitute.  Esther was an orphan.  Balaam's donkey was ...well, a donkey.  Yet God used each one of them to impact His kingdom. 

God doesn't call us because we are particularly gifted or talented.  He uses us because we are obedient and dependent on Him.  He doesn't call the qualified -- He qualifies the called.

The truth is, if you have experienced new birth in Christ, when God looks at you, He sees Jesus.  And friend, Jesus is good enough.

Let's Pray
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You today.  Because of Jesus Christ and His work of redemption in me, I am deeply loved, completely forgiven, fully pleasing and totally accepted by You.  Because of Jesus Christ in me, I am equipped and empowered to do all that You have called me to do.  Now, LORD, help me act like it.   In Jesus' Name, Amen

Now It's Your Turn
Go back to that first sentence in today's devotion.  What would you put in that blank?  Is that the truth?  What do you think God would say to you about what you have written in that blank? 


More From The Girlfriends   Are you ready to begin walking in the truth rather than stumbling over the lies?  Are you ready to begin seeing yourself as God sees you?  Then you'll want to read Sharon's new book, I'm Not Good Enough...and Other Lies Women Tell Themselves. Visit her website to read an excerpt. But be warned. This book could change your life!










Note from Lois:
Nancy Leigh DeMoss has written a valuable book for women, entitled, Lies Women Believe.  She also wrote one for teens, Lies Young Women Believe.  Look for these books to get a biblical viewpoint on the truth about yourself and life.

A great gift for teen girls as well!

A Very Special Proverbs 31 Gift

by Lois Breneman, © 2009, Heart to Heart

 

A few weeks ago my sweet daughter-in-law and son gave me a "Proverbs 31" Basket for Mother's Day, and I'd like to share the idea with you as a very thoughtful gift to give and certainly a wonderful gift to receive. 

James, Emily, my husband and I were seated in the family room as they presented me with a large gift basket full of items.  James sat in the rocking chair reading Proverbs 31:10-31 from the NAS version of the Bible, as Emily, who was sitting on the floor in front of him, presented me with (twenty-one gifts) corresponding with the various scriptures as he read slowly, and paused as she told about each gift.  I was extremely touched, to say the least, by their thoughtfulness and love that went into this very special gift - one I will never forget!

 

¹⁰An excellent wife, who can find?  For her worth is far above jewels (body wash with the word "diamonds").

    ¹¹The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain (Gain laundry detergent).

    ¹²She does him good and not evil all the days of her life.

    ¹³She looks for wool and flax (flax seeds) and works with her hands in delight.

    ¹⁴She is like merchant ships; she brings her food from afar (bag of wheat berries)

    ¹⁵She rises also while it is still night and gives food to her household and portions to her maidens.

    ¹⁶She considers a field and buys it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard (Tuscan Vineyard candle). 

    ¹⁷She girds herself with strength and makes her arms strong (Brawny paper towels).

    ¹⁸She senses that her gain is good; her lamp (glass lantern) does not go out at night.

    ¹⁹She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hands grasp the spindle.

    ²⁰She extends her hand to the poor, and she stretches out her hands to the needy.

    ²¹She is not afraid of the snow for her household, for all her household are clothed with scarlet (red dishcloth, hot pad, mitt).

    ²²She makes coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen (lace doily) and purple (Lavender Fields fragrant sachet and a bag of lavender potpourri).

    ²³Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.

    ²⁴She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies belts to the tradesmen.

    ²⁵Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles (toothpaste and toothbrush) at the future.

    ²⁶She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

    ²⁷She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread (homemade loaf of bread) of idleness.

    ²⁸Her children (pictures of each of my children) rise up and bless her; her husband (picture of our entire family from last summer's beach trip) also, and he praises her, saying:

    ²⁹"Many daughters have done nobly, but you excel them all."

    ³⁰Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised (James then gave me a wooden plaque that he had made with this scripture verse painted on along with a flower he painted).

    ³¹Give her the product of her hands (2 moisturizer skin lotions), and let her works praise her in the gates.

Needless to say, I was so very touched in receiving this very special gift from them!

Meeting the Needs of Other Women

by Lois Breneman, © 2008, Heart to Heart

A "Heart to Heart" subscriber wrote and asked for ideas on how she could help meet the needs of women in both her business and through the women's ministry in her church. 

 

I would suggest first of all that if you are quite sure a woman is not a Christian, simply be her friend to her in some of the ways mentioned below.  Don't try to push your faith on her, but ask the Holy Spirit to infuse the fruit of His Spirit into your life and help you live out the Christian life before her with love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and self control, as Galatians 5:22 and 23 instructs.

 

Ask the Lord to shine through your life to others around you each day.

Ask the Lord to open doors for you to encourage other women and be a witness for Him.

 

Smile and show kindness.

Never gossip or share about others in a negative way.

Be a genuine/real friend to her.

Be yourself.  Don't pretend to be someone you are not.

Don't think of yourself more highly that you ought to think.

Show an interest in her - ask her to tell you about her own interests.

Put her interests above your own.

Invite her to your home for breakfast or lunch.

Invite several women into your home at a time - possibly ask each one to bring a dish to share.

Invite her and her family to join your family for dinner.

Offer to babysit one evening, if you see she is lacking time alone with her husband.

Ask her if there is anything she would like you to pray about for her or her family.  Then do so.

Remember her on her birthday with a card and maybe a small gift.

Ask her advice pertaining to a talent she has or ask if she would teach you in that area.

Offer to help her in the area of your expertise - maybe knitting, card making or sewing.

 

Rather than jamming your "religion" down an unbeliever's throat, live the Christian life before her, waiting for the right moment to share your faith with her, little by little.  Then when the opportunity arises you could tell her how the Lord has changed your life or helped you through a particular situation.  When you do share, bathe each word in prayer and follow the Lord's prompting, rather than your own.