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Saturday, September 29, 2012
Friday, September 21, 2012
Mommy Survival Kit
A dear friend of mine is celebrating her birthday this week. She is a busy mom with four active kids, so I was trying to figure out what would bless her the most. Her mini-van is her 2nd home, so, I thought a van survival kit might come in handy.
This box was on sale at Michael's for $2.00. Then I spent about $4.00 on stickers: alphabet with stars and cute insects (lady bugs, butterflies, dragonflies, etc.), plus a package of neat sayings (she and I collect fun and inspiring sayings, usually in plaque form - and that doesn't mean on our teeth). I scattered the stickers on top and on all four sides.
The boys and I scoured Dollar Tree and came up with some great mommy emergency items, and I raided my own personal stash to come of with a box full of smiles:
- Correspondence Items - encouragement notes, stamps, stickers
- Feed the Soul Items - New Testament, Gospel tracts, two small books full of short stories (each with a Bible verse)
- Office supplies/Tools - tape, glue stick, scissors, mini stapler, calculator, white out, pens, pencils, screw driver, sticky notes,
- Mommy 9-1-1 - silly string, "Bang" gun (pull the trigger and sign falls down that says "bang"), earplugs, sudoku book, $1 bill plus loose change, disposable plastic gloves
- Medicine - ibuprofen, 1 children's benadryl, cough drops, band-aids, antibacterial gel, tums
- Personal Care Items - fingernail file and clippers, lotion, red lipstick, tissues, wisp (disposable toothbrushes), clear fingernail polish
- Yummies - chocolate (of course!), tea bags, granola bar, coffee bags, mints
I've probably forgotten something, but you get the general idea. Danean was thrilled with her gift, and it makes me so happy thinking about her driving around town, ministering to her family with her handy-dandy kit at her side.
Do you know someone who needs a box? It's a blast putting it together and giving it away. :)
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
What Are You Waiting For?
Today I read the following article. It blew me away. I wish I had read it years ago as a single woman. But, it is helpful to this married woman's heart, because it's principles are biblical and universal.
What are you waiting for? Waiting isn't just for single women. I've spent many a day waiting for . . .
"I just didn’t want to wait anymore – didn’t want to live like I was waiting on anyone to get here. I already have Him … and He is everything." - Grace
Click the following link to drink more in . . .
"Truly my soul silently waits for God;
From Him comes my salvation."
Psalm 62:1
What are you waiting for? Waiting isn't just for single women. I've spent many a day waiting for . . .
- school to start/end
- my prince charming to come on the scene
- my wedding day to arrive
- babies to spring forth
- doctors and lab results
- pain to subside following miscarriage
- my husband to get better
- a positive preganancy test
- sick children to get better
- sons to give their hearts to Jesus
- God to open the eyes of friends who are spiritually blind
- God to reveal His will for the next step of my mission
"I just didn’t want to wait anymore – didn’t want to live like I was waiting on anyone to get here. I already have Him … and He is everything." - Grace
Click the following link to drink more in . . .
"Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day."
Psalm 25:5
Psalm 25:5
"Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord!"
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord!"
Psalm 27:14
"For evildoers shall be cut off; But those who wait on the LORD, They shall inherit the earth." Psalm 37:9
"Truly my soul silently waits for God;
From Him comes my salvation."
Psalm 62:1
"For since the beginning of the world men have not heard nor perceived by the ear, nor has the eye seen any God besides You, Who acts for the one who waits for Him."
Isaiah 64:4
Isaiah 64:4
"Therefore the LORD will wait, that He may be gracious to you; And therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy on you. For the LORD is a God of justice; Blessed are all those who wait for Him." Isaiah 30:18
"But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31
"It is good that one should hope and wait quietly, for the salvation of the LORD." Lamentations 3:26
Sunday, September 2, 2012
God of Mountains Topples Walls of Fear
"I will lift up my eyes to the hills— from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1
From the breathtaking mountains of Colorado . . . back down to the foothills of Mount Neverest (laundry). I didn't want to come home. I wanted to stay there and stare at God's art work all day, every day!
What did I come home to, besides lots of dirty clothes? A busy autumn schedule, a spiritual battle, and a wall of fear . . . it looms over me.
- How am I going to ____?
- What if ____ happens?
- I don't feel good about ____.
- Am I going to be able to be ____?
- Am I ever going to be content with an imperfect life and house?
- What about my friend's hurts?
- What if ____ happens to my family?
- What if my dreams for Women On God's Mission are too big?
- What if I've bitten off too much with my schedule?
- How can I continue to make the 45 minute commute to church 2-3 times per week?
- Do my goals match God's plans for me?
Fears like a dripping faucet nag at my heart - that loved ones who do not believe in Jesus, as the Way the Truth and the Life, will lose their opportunity with God. And fears for precious friends facing persecution around the world . . . on and on, the walls of fear could rival the Wall of China.
Thankfully, peace is not inextricably connected with time, place, vacation, God's beautiful creation, nor with anything I do or don't do! C.S. Lewis said, "God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing." Where God is, there is peace. Even in the midst of hectic real life! I thank God that He uses these fears to draw me to Himself. If I had no fear, there would be no need for God.
"For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father."
Romans 8:15
If I am carrying fears around, I am accepting a "gift" from the father of lies, Satan. After I lift off the enticing wrapper I drag around a back-breaking, heart-wrenching, rash inducing time bomb. Through me Satan disrespectfully flaunts a small victory in the face of his and my Creator God, while he designs to do everything he can to destroy me, my family, and any godly influence from my life! In contrast, our wonderful God sweetly yet powerfully assures, "I have it all under control." He calms the storms around me, giving me freedom to breathe, freedom to sleep sweetly, and the assurance that He is working on ___ and ___. God understands! God cares!
Are you in a fearful place? Surgery is scheduled, your biological clock is ticking, you lost your job, your baby has cancer, loved ones are moving away, your house won't sell, your husband is being called up for another tour of duty, you don't know if you are on your way to heaven when you die (see above under Lovely Links to get help), your very life is at stake in a land where there is no freedom of religion . . . whatever it is, Satan would love to tie us up in ropes of fear - he wants to snuff out all of the big dreams that come with following a big God!
Like my Indonesian sister in Christ told me tonight, "I just need to meditate more on His word and draw myself even closer to Him. This cloud of uncertainty and doubt has been a thorn I need to get rid of FAST!"
And when we are too weak to cast off our fears, He can and He will! Will you kneel with me right now and commit our fears to God? He has all the answers we need. He is the answer. Pray and watch the walls topple.
"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’" Isaiah 41:10
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Come In For Coffee and a Testimony
Welcome to my home! Pull up a chair - can I get you something to drink? I have coffee, tea, and lemonade. How are you today? It is a lovely sunny day here, with pleasant breezes carrying a hint of autumn. Early this morning my boys and I enjoyed peeking out our window to watch a little woodpecker pecking away on our playhouse out back. I've spent all morning cleaning out a closet full of clothes my boys have grown out of. I look forward to sharing them with my friends who have tiny boys. Thanks for coming by! It's a good excuse for a relaxing break. :)
When I first sensed God directing me to create Women On God's Mission, I knew the most important thing to share right away was my salvation testimony - how God has forgiven me through Jesus' sacrifice in my place. My life isn't about me - it's about everything God has done for me, in me, and (when I live surrendered to Him) through me. HE is my mission. And HE daily gives me a mission to serve Him by serving others.
[If you are interested in reading my salvation testimony, it is listed under the topics list (to your left) under "My Testimony." If you are wondering what a testimony is, see *below.]
Has God been working in your life, or are you haunted with doubts and fears about your future? If you are unsure where you stand with God, you can find the answers you've been hoping for! A great place to begin is by clicking on the link below.
" . . . if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Romans 10:9-10
If you believe in Jesus, God's living Word, and confess Him as your Savior, would you please share? May I refill your cup? How about an ooey, gooey, low-cal muffin to go with your drink? :) I am eagerly awaiting your testimony.
If you are unsure how to share your testimony, see **below. I realize many testimonies are lengthy, so if you just want to share a favorite verse and when/where you chose to answer God's call, that will be perfectly fine. If you've never left a comment before, it's simple. Just go down to the bottom of this post and click on "comments." You can leave one anonymously if you don't want anyone to know your name.
Looking forward to hearing how God wooed you to Himself. Your testimony will be an encouragement to me and all our sisters around the world. Thank you for visiting today! :)
"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;" I Peter 3:15
. . . . .
*What is a testimony? The first thing I think of when I hear the word testimony is a person who witnessed a car accident telling the policeman or judge what the saw, heard, smelled, felt - anything he can remember about what he experienced at the time of the collision. Testimony is described by www.dictionary.com as evidence in support of a fact or statement; proof; a declaration or profession, as of faith." So, it is telling others what you have seen and heard about God, and what you believe about Him - what He means to you and what He has done in your life. Another equally good term would be confession, as in a confession of faith.
**Have you ever been asked to share your salvation testimony in front of a group of people? Maybe you just want to tell your new roommate what God has done for you, but you don't know where to begin. Are you scared? It takes preparation and practice, but soon you will feel comfortable and anticipate chances to tell your story. Click below to find some excellent helpful hints for how to prepare to share.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Just God and Me
"Your words were found, and I ate them, And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; For I am called by Your name, O LORD God of hosts." Jeremiah 15:16
On Saturday I listened to an inspiring Christian woman speaking about godly priorities while cleaning my room. Later that same day, while I was folding underwear and sorting socks, I heard another famous woman interviewed on a highly revered Christian website. As her voice streamed through my laptop, my hopes for a meaty message quickly faded. I was left feeling parched. Yes, she mentioned God, spoke about prayer as well as other true and good things, but never communicated God's own words. Most of her words were about her.
More than any other time in human history, we have countless opportunities to hear and learn from God's Word: radio, television, internet, books, church, CDs, Sunday school, small groups, conferences, magazines, DVDs, blogs, YouTube, email, Facebook, etc. Certainly there are messages and interviews worth hearing that point us to God. It takes some work, but we can wade through fluff and find solid biblical teaching.
My concern, as I get to know myself better and listen to others around me, is that we too easily depend on the testimonies of other humans. Before realizing it, my own quality time with God slips away. Unless the words of others springboard me toward further personal study in my Bible, munching from the crumbs of other people's spiritual meals soon leaves me depleted, hungry.
"And Jesus said to them, 'I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.'" John 6:35
If I allow this spiritual malnutrition to continue, my starved self turns to my husband and children, friends and pastor, to feed me, to fill me. I open my refrigerator, go shopping, listen to music. My emptiness echoes in my soul, and when women come to me for counsel I give them my helpful opinions and good ideas instead of God's. At times my family feels the brunt of my ugliness. I've allowed the potential fruit of the Spirit to wilt and rot. Then finally, after the damage has been done, I end up where I should've been in the beginning: on my knees and in His Word.
Do you have a daily quiet time with God alone? I understand, it can feel nearly impossible at times with the busyness of life. Do you enjoy listening to Christian radio but sometimes let that take place of your quiet time? What about church - do you tank up on the sermon and small group lesson, hoping it will carry you through your stressful week?
Dear sister, we need "just God and me" time. If it means getting up earlier, staying up later, shutting down the computer, getting away from the house for awhile, turning on a good video for our kids, declining an invitation from a friend, hiring a baby sitter . . . we will only be PEACEFUL and USEFUL when we spend time with God. Alone.
"His (her!) delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he (she!) meditates day and night. He (she!) shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he (she!) does shall prosper." Psalm 1:2-3
Stay tuned for ideas to help you develop a quality daily meeting with God.
Special thanks to The Narrow Gate for the picture above.
Monday, August 20, 2012
Martha To the Max Winners, and . . .
Good morning! :) It was a blessing to read all the comments. I was encouraged by your heart for God and your love for your families - for desiring to honor God in every mission He has entrusted to you! Thank you to everyone who participated in WOGM's first free book giveaway.
The book up for grabs is one my favorites (sorry, the picture is lying - you can't click on it to look inside) :) . . .
Just a few moments ago, my two boys each drew one name out of a "hat" to pick our winners. Josh is walking around the house saying, "I'm a winner!" Caleb is following him saying, "No you're not!" (I don't think they quite get it. :))
Drum roll, please . . .
Congratulations, Elizabeth! :) Congratulations, KLWalt! :) Please email me your address (see below), and I will have Martha To the Max sent your way! Enjoy! :) Thank you to everyone for participating and for sharing your God-given mission with us. Please stay tuned for our next free book giveaway. And please consider joining WOGM as a regular follower, so you won't miss any of the encouragement and free resources.
Speaking of FREE, I praise the Lord that He is working out the details for me to be able to provide
free downloadable Bible studies!
For years my husband and I have prayed about making study tools available, to make it easy for women on God's mission worldwide to dig into God's precious Word. We have maximum peace, joy and strength when we focus on God. "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17). What our families and neighbors need most is for us to be godly women. We become more like Him when we spend time with Him!
In the near future, look for simple yet deep study worksheets which should be useful in every culture, for one or one hundred!
My goal is to begin by providing two per month (which could be used for two or four studies).
Each study will be protected by copyright laws under my name (no changes allowed in my name by other parties).
You will be allowed to make minor adjustments during study time as necessary to fit your group needs.
Interest has been shown by women on God's mission overseas, as well as sisters in the USA. I am presently preparing a Bible study about contentment (God is teaching me a lot about this right now!), and have countless other ideas in mind.
Now is your opportunity to voice requests. If this resource interests you, please leave a comment to let me know what subjects/series you would like to see. I cannot promise you that I will use every idea you give, but I will prayerfully consider it. I prefer looking long-term at an ongoing study by topic or scripture passage.
For as long as possible all Bible studies will be free. All I ask it that you pray for me for wisdom as I write, and please tell all your friends about Women On God's Mission.
Praying now for you in your walk with God. Be encouraged on God's mission for you today! :)
"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13
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