Nov 2014 – Ladies On Life

October 31, 2014

Let The Weak Say, “I Am Strong” by Kenika

Give thanks with a grateful heart

Give thanks to the Holy One

Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son.

And now, let the weak say, “I am strong”

Let the poor say, “I am rich”

Because of what the Lord has done for us

Give thanks

(Lyrics by Don Moen)

I set out to write about the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday and when I sat down and tried to visualize that time, the lyrics of the above song came to me. It most definitely has to do with the first two words, “Give thanks.” I had this whole plan to write about how thankful and grateful we should be during this time to have family, friends, and loved ones. The goal was to pen something cushy and nice that makes you feel as warm as a pumpkin spice latte. Thinking of the song slowly turned into humming the song and then singing it. As I began to sing, the thankful aspect of the song began to fade and I focused on the climax.

We should certainly be grateful and give thanks to the Holy One, but perhaps we do it for the wrong reasons. We thank God for our possessions, for opportunities, and for people, but this lovely melody says we should be giving thanks because God gave. Who did He give? He gave His son, Jesus Christ. What an amazing thing God has done for us! In addition to material, temporal things, He gave us His most precious, eternal possession. To take it a step further, we should be grateful for this incredible, immeasurable, indescribable gift not just because we have it, but because as a result of it, everything that was once one way can now change.

“And now, let the weak say, ‘I am strong.’” Maybe you’ve been weary, but you can give thanks to the Holy One for the gift He’s given because now, where you may have been weak, you can receive His strength. We would have been hopeless without Him, but now we have a place to carry our burdens to. Prior to what Christ did, the poor had to stay poor, and the weak had to stay defeated, but because of God’s gift and Christ’s sacrifice, we can now declare that we are rich and strong! This Thanksgiving holiday, hug your kids a little tighter, love on your family and friends a little deeper, but don’t neglect to give thanks to the Holy One, because you are now rich and strong.

Photo Credit:© Keeweeboy | Dreamstime.com – Girl Boxer Photo

October 31, 2014October 31, 2014

Pain Management by Bombi

I’m convinced that at least once in a person’s lifetime they will experience sickness of the heart. I’m referring to stuff like homelessness, divorce, burying a loved one, the list goes on and on. These are the things that most people don’t immediately bounce back from. No quick fixes here. Grief is involved and grieving takes time. For some it takes longer than others.

Whatever the case, a major symptom of this heart sickness is pain. Pain can be a powerful motivator for good or bad. When it’s good it can serve as a wakeup call, getting us back on track with our health or our faith. But when it’s bad, it’s bad.

I remember a time when I experienced pain after pain. One year I survived divorce as well as the death of two family members and a very dear family friend, all within a period of a few months. Because of this onslaught of pain, the days began to blur into each other and I truly lost track of time. I found myself identifying with my pain as more of a way of life, rather than a reaction to these terrible circumstances. As the pain continued on, I found myself in pain management mode in order to survive. This survival mode was no way to live, it served to be more selfish than anything. I spent my days trying to make the pain go away, and each attempt seemed futile.

I’m not here to rehash every detail, but I do want to share with you a powerful truth that unfortunately goes unnoticed when it’s most needed. It’s something I should have realized the moment I felt my heart’s first twinge of pain. It’s something that should be the first go-to when disaster strikes the heart. It’s the amazing truth that no matter the pain or hurt or what method we use to rehab our heart, we must remember to run to Jesus and that ultimately He is the healer.

Why again am I reminding you about this? If you’re like me, you know you are a follower of Christ, but sometimes you don’t ask for healing. You get busy trying to go about your day, or you’re trying to manage the pain yourself, or you doubt that you can be healed, or you try not to even think about it, or you’re too busy praying for someone else to be healed. Whatever the case is, you’ve found yourself in pain management mode, and God says it’s time to rise, take up your bed, and be made whole.

You’re reading this for a reason, so I pray it quickens your spirit to remember Christ’s journey to the cross. His painful journey was not just for you to be saved and sanctified, but so that you would also be healed. Call out to Him today and ask Him to do what only He can do. Ask Him to heal your heart.

“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5 (KJV)

Photo Credit:ID 18265413 © Wrangler | Dreamstime.com

October 31, 2014

Is Your Lamp On? by Sonya

“No one lights a lamp and then hides it or puts it under a basket. Instead, it is put on a lamp stand to give light to all who enter the room. Your eye is a lamp for your body. A pure eye lets sunshine into your soul.” Luke 11: 33-34

The lamp we light and turn on is our reflection of Christ. So the question is, “Is your lamp burning bright for Him today?” This is a question I have to ask myself every day especially as a parent of four children. I sometimes wonder am I being the mother God has called me to be and the light for my children? I feel all alone at times when my light is the only one I see in the darkness of this world.

As my older two are in 2^nd and 4^th grade, I am reminded how dark and twisted some of the kid’s thinking is and how I have to be on guard and praying for my children more than ever before. There have been a few instances in the last months about sleepovers, mean kids, and inappropriate computer programs. These situations I have had to deal with and make decisions that were not popular like speaking up to the teacher about the program, talking to the mean kids, and not having my girls sleep over. I have found that I sometimes hesitate to turn my lamp on, but God nudges me to shine bright because if our lamp isn’t on, then how are they to know the truth? We may be the only light on for them that week and if we don’t turn our lamp on, how will they know?

Turning your light on may save someone’s life and make that difference. As parents we need to be that light for our children before their friends influence them and they become the wrong kind of light that blends into the darkness. Just recently God called me to turn my lamp on and fight for an after school program called “Good News Club.” I had to talk to the principal to ask her approval for the program. It took God’s flood light of love and truth for her to see how important this program was and if I didn’t turn my lamp on at that moment then 50 kids wouldn’t have heard the good news of the Gospel.

God is calling us to turn our lamp on and not be ashamed. Don’t be tempted to turn it on halfway because that allows the evil one to shut out your light. Instead turn it on all the way so your whole life will be filled with His life. Luke 11: 36 says, “If you are filled with light, with no dark corners, then your whole life will be radiant, as though a floodlight is shining on you.” Wow! God’s floodlight shining through you is powerful and can open the eyes of others in the darkness. Therefore turn your lamp on today, don’t hold back, and watch what God can do!

October 31, 2014November 5, 2014

Dealing With Frustration by Trish

Have you ever been at a point in your life where although the sky is blue, the sun is shining and all seems well with the world, there is an overwhelming feeling of frustration?

Frustration with work, relationships, personal goals etc. can all too easily consume one’s thoughts and if not dealt with, modify behavior.

We are called to live a peaceable life. This by no way implies a PERFECT life however there should be proper boundaries in place that protect our peace. I know for me, any time I’m dealing with frustration I have to take a closer look at what is going on in my world and take notice of what I allowed to come in and break down my safe guards.

Truth be told, there are circumstances in life that will occur that will be out of our control, however we have the CHOICE to determine how we will walk out our various seasons of life.

As women, I think it is imperative for us to be mindful of some key factors that can plant the seed of frustration within our hearts:

1) Unmet or unrealistic expectations

We can experience frustration when the bigger picture of how we think life should be turns out to be different than our plans. For example, my life has been blessed with the gift of a wonderful relationship. As amazing as my boyfriend is, and as grateful as I am for all of the stability, security and support he brings to my life, it is unrealistic for me to think he can satisfy my every need. That is unfair for me to place such a demand on one human being. I could very easily experience frustration if I expect him to be the entire source of my happiness. I believe God blesses our lives with various types of relationships to add to our lives, but He ultimately is the only one who can satisfy the longings of our heart.  The same principle applies to perhaps a long awaited career move. When a desire is fulfilled, there is celebration of such an achievement but the reality is even a “dream job” will have its own set of pros and cons to be accurately weighed. We should not approach life with our eyes closed, but be fully aware that our complete fulfillment is in Jesus Christ and not in people or material possessions.

2) Lack of balance

Where there is no balance there is prime opportunity for frustration. Lack of a balanced life opens the door for chaos and unnecessary interruptions. Let’s be mindful of what is MOST important and prioritize accordingly. Can I also encourage you to let go of what you cannot get to? Not everything is your urgency. Take care of you so you can take care of what is needed for God, your family and friends.

3) Unhealthy Relationships

Those who do not add to your life subtract from it or worse yet, divide. Be mindful of whom you let into your world, it matters! There was once a time in my life where I asked God for friendships that would encourage my walk with Him and for hearts that would share common values. I can’t say that it happened overnight but as I cultivated my relationship with God, He began to bring incredible young ladies into my life that remain my dearest of friends to this day. It is better to walk alone than to invite frustration, grief and regret by choosing to walk with the wrong ones.

As you navigate through life, you will experience opportunities for frustration but don’t foster that lifestyle; trust God and lean entirely on Him. Don’t push ahead of His plan or lag behind. Father knows best and He promises to keep those in perfect PEACE whose mind is stayed on Him.