Monday, November 17, 2008

Quitters

To not be a quitter - this is what I struggle with the most. If my job gets tedious, boring, or I feel like I'm working alone, I have the temptation to quit. When my husband and I fight - aren't seeing eye to eye on things - or we're having dull moments, I have the temptation to quit. When I'm not included in plans my friends are making, or if friendships get ugly, I have the temptation to quit. Bottom line, when things get hard, I have the temptation to quit.

Why? I'm not sure, maybe it's partly due to the way I'm chemically wired. Maybe it's due to the fact I like to take what seems to be easy way out. Maybe I'm too lazy or not disciplined enough. Whatever the reason - it's a daily fight.

I do not want to be a quitter, so I've had to find a way to fight off my temptation. I have found the key to not quitting, is knowing you have someone in your corner - cheering for you. I have a story to illustrate my point.

My husband and I go rock climbing together occasionally. He goes much more often than I do...mainly due to my fear of heights. But I go because I want to overcome my fear - I want to look it in the face and spit on it. Maybe that 's a little dramatic, but you get the point. I also like the opportunity for us to do things together, and I LOVE being outside.
Sometimes when I climb I get about 20 feet up the rock and I freak out. When I say I freak out, I mean I freeze. I can't move. I look down and I get freaked out. I can't climb any further and I'm ready to come down.
Usually once I'm at this point I stop and look down at my husband and tell him I'm done. I'm ready to quit. I've had my fill of climbing - I'm ready to take the easy way out - the safe way out. You see I know by quitting nothing bad will happen. I'll just be lowered on the rope and my feet will once again be on the ground. But my husband responds to my announcement, no your not.
He just told me I'm not done! After I clearly told him I was. I say it again, a little louder, just in case he didn't hear me. I'm done. I'm done climbing. I'm ready to come down.
Once again he tells me, no your not. Look up - you are almost to the top. I've got you - you're not going to fall. You can do this.
No, I'm done.
No look. Look to your right, there's a solid hold right there. Reach up with your right hand and grab hold of it. Use your feet to push up.
Nope. I'm done.
Look at the hold. You can do this.
Despite the fact that I'm really mad at this point, I look up see the hold. I tell myself, that one hold doesn't look so bad. I can do that one hold, but then I'm done. I move. I make it. I'm further up the cliff.
I announce again, I'm done.
No you're not he responds. Boy he really knows how to make me mad!
Look again. You're almost there. Look to your left. Look at your knee, there's a good spot for you to put your foot by your knee. Begrudgingly I make another move.
This continues for awhile, but he's patient with me. Eventually I make it up to the top. I did it! I beat the climb, and now the hardest part, I have to let go of the rock so i can be lowered down.
I make another announcement. I quit. I'm just going to stay up here. I don't think I can let go.
You can. Trust me. Trust the rope. Sit back and let go.
Nope, I'm done. I'm just going to stay up here.
You can't. you have to come down. Let go.
Eventually I muster enough courage to let go. He lowers me down and then celebrates with me for finishing the climb. I didn't so much spit in the face of fear, but at least I faced it.

It's harder to quit when you have someone in your corner who won't let you. It's worth taking risks to find friends that will be there to challenge you. It's also worth reading scripture everyday - to memorize it. This helps you remember that God is also in your corner - and if God if for you, who can be against you?




Sunday, November 16, 2008

Stick-to-it-tiveness!

Hi ladies!
Wow, I cannot even believe that our time together is coming to a close! I sincerely hope that you have stuck with this life-changing study and allowed God to work in your life in a profound way!

This week is all about perseverance, or, as I like to call it, stick-to-it-tiveness! Tricky to spell, but fun to say ~ just try it! :) My blog post is Scripture-heavy because it is oh so important for this topic!

Hebrews 10: 32-39 NLT
32 Think back on those early days when you first learned about Christ. Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering. 33 Sometimes you were exposed to public ridicule and were beaten, and sometimes you helped others who were suffering the same things. 34 You suffered along with those who were thrown into jail, and when all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew there were better things waiting for you that will last forever. 35 So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! 36 Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.
37 “For in just a little while,
the Coming One will come and not delay.
38 And my righteous ones will live by faith.
But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away.”
39 But we are not like those who turn away from God to their own destruction. We are the faithful ones, whose souls will be saved.

I am sure that few, if any of us, can say that we have been beaten for the cause of Christ but in our own daily struggles it can feel that way. Because of that we may be tempted to give up but the writer of Hebrews encourages us to "hang on" to our confidence in the Lord and to not displease the Lord by turning away.

This quote from John MacArthur is very pointed but clear ~ persevering is a sort of "the ball is in OUR court" type of thing: “God’s grace insures our persevering`but this does not make it any less our persevering.” Believers cannot acquire “the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” unless they “press on toward the goal” (Phil 3:14). But as they “work out [their] salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil 2:12), they find that “it is God who is at work in [them], both to will and work for His good pleasure” (Phil. 2:13).

Colossians 1:9-14 NIV
9For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. 13For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

This Scripture from Colossians is something that I know I have prayed for those of you doing this study. I also encourage you to use it in your prayer time for yourself and those whom you know that are fighting the good fight of faith. But what is exciting is that Jesus Himself prayed for us that we might persevere!

John 17:9-21 NASB
9"(A)I ask on their behalf; (B)I do not ask on behalf of the world, but of those whom (C)You have given Me; for (D)they are Yours;

10and (E)all things that are Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine; and I have been glorified in them.

11"I am no longer in the world; and yet (F)they themselves are in the world, and (G)I come to You (H)Holy Father, keep them in Your name, the name (I)which You have given Me, that (J)they may be one even as We are.

12"While I was with them, I was keeping them in Your name (K)which You have given Me; and I guarded them and (L)not one of them perished but (M)the son of perdition, so that the (N)Scripture would be fulfilled.
The Disciples in the World
13"But now (O)I come to You; and (P)these things I speak in the world so that they may have My (Q)joy made full in themselves.

14"I have given them Your word; and (R)the world has hated them, because (S)they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

15"I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from (T)the evil one.

16"(U)They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

17"(V)Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.

18"As (W)You sent Me into the world, (X)I also have sent them into the world.

19"For their sakes I (Y)sanctify Myself, that they themselves also may be (Z)sanctified (AA)in truth.

20"I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word;

21that they may all be one; (AB)even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, (AC)so that the world may believe that (AD)You sent Me.

Isn't that amazing? I don't know about you but it means something to me that Jesus foreknew the struggles we would have and the temptation to give up on God that would come as a result of those struggles and He has and does intercede on our behalf before the Father. I cherish the prayers of my sisters in Christ but am absolutely bowled over at the thought of my Saviour praying for me!


So, how do you persevere? How do you "stick-to-it"? Consider the following in pressing on with God:

1. Pray for determined purpose/tenacity by the power and grace of the Holy Spirit ~ Jesus is your lifeline to the Father and the Holy Spirit is your strength to hold on through the tough times, the dry times, the not-so-fun times. During some of my rough times of struggling with trusting God, I wanted to let go but knew that I had nothing to go back to. God was all I could ever have again that was worthwhile.

2. Dedicate yourself to time in the Word ~ become a student
Romans 15:4 NIV
4For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
Psalm 119:1-8 NLT
1 Joyful are people of integrity,
who follow the instructions of the LORD.
2 Joyful are those who obey his laws
and search for him with all their hearts.
3 They do not compromise with evil,
and they walk only in his paths.
4 You have charged us
to keep your commandments carefully.
5 Oh, that my actions would consistently
reflect your decrees!
6 Then I will not be ashamed
when I compare my life with your commands.
7 As I learn your righteous regulations,
I will thank you by living as I should!
8 I will obey your decrees.
Please don’t give up on me!

3. Cultivate your personal relationship with Jesus as your Lord and Saviour
a. DAILY ~ this will result in an actual relationship, not simply an acquaintance
b. Communication ~ both ways!!
c. discipline/correction/repentance ~ difficult but necessary and He disciplines those He loves
d. submission ~ When we have truly repented (sorrow and brokenness over our sin against God), then we will find that submission and obedience are desires of our hearts, not something that is loathsome to do.
e. obedience

4. Look up ~ Psalm 3:1-5 AMP
A Psalm of David. When he fled from Absalom his son.
1LORD, HOW they are increased who trouble me! Many are they who rise up against me.
2Many are saying of me, There is no help for him in God. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!
3But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.
4With my voice I cry to the Lord, and He hears and answers me out of His holy hill. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!
5I lay down and slept; I wakened again, for the Lord sustains me.

Praise God for that!

OK ladies! Here comes the time that I want to take a minute and discuss something. Kelly and I never want to assume that all of you have come to know Christ as your Saviour and Lord. It would be easy to assume that but it also would be wrong. The Bible even says that many will worship Him with their lips only but that their hearts would be far from Him (Matthew 15:8). This is not what we pray for you! We want you to examine yourself and see if you are truly a child of God. So how can you know? It is all about the heart: Is there a change in you? Do you hate all sin or is it secretly no big deal if you say a white lie or commit some other sin? Is your heart's desire to please God with your life or are you hoping that you are good enough to make it in to heaven? Do you compare yourself with someone else and secretly rate yourself as "not as bad as they are so I should be fine"? Does your heart twist inside you when you recognize that you've committed a sin or can you brush it off? The answers to these questions can give you a glimpse as to the condition of your heart. Salvation is much more than saying a prayer and then "you are in". Saying a prayer is part of it but is your heart in the prayer or are you saying it because you don't want to go to hell? Knowing ABOUT Jesus, His miracles, death and resurrection is not enough either. So what is true salvation? Instead of adding to the length of this post, I am providing a couple of good links that lays out what the Bible (the only true authority) says:
What is your response to God?
What is repentance?

I pray that you don't just gloss over this or skip it. Examine your heart. Follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit. This is too important. If you want to talk further about this, please contact me at tara@ibloom.us.
Praying for you!
Love in Him,
Tara

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Giving As God Gives

This is how we've come to understand and experience love: Christ sacrificed his life for us. This is why we ought to live sacrificially for our fellow believers, and not just be out for ourselves. If you see some brother or sister in need and have the means to do something about it but turn a cold shoulder and do nothing, what happens to God's love? It disappears. And you made it disappear. My dear children, let's not just talk about love; let's practice real love. This is the only way we'll know we're living truly, living in God's reality. I John 3:16-18 (MSG).

“You can always give without loving, but you can never love without giving.”
Amy Carmichael

What, when, how, or to whom we give is not really what matters. God looks at our hearts, our motives for giving. If we give to get, to impress, or to please others our motives are wrong. The world gives for all those reasons and many more. However, as God’s people we are to give as He gives. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.

If we have Christ in us, we will love. And if we love as He loves, we will give. Not just of our finances or possessions. We will give of our time, our words of encouragement, and most of all, we will give the good news of salvation. We do not have to be wealthy or blessed with unlimited time. We just need to tune our hearts to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to reveal opportunities to give. We need to view interruptions as open doors for giving. We need to smile at people with whom we come into contact during our daily routine. We need to yield the right of way in rush hour traffic. When we see a need, we need to use whatever resources God has given us to help. And we will do it with love.

How about you? Have you checked your motives lately? Allow God’s Spirit to search your heart and convict you of any wrong motives you may have. Ask Him to fill your heart with His love so that it can spill out onto a world that so desperately needs it. He is faithful. He will hear an answer.

Father, forgive me for the times I have given out of my own needs. Forgive me for the times I have neglected to give. Open my eyes and heart and pour into me Your love so that it will overflow and touch the lives of those around me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen

© 2008 by Ginny Holcombe. All rights reserved.

Greed

The flip side this weeks takes us to one of the seven deadly sins, greed.

The first time I read through this chapter I did not necessarily agree with Shelly that greed was at the core of most all character flaws. I got all huffy and puffy, but then decided perhaps I should practice the character trait of humbleness and simmer down. So I processed greed. I came up with a short list of horrible things that have happened in the world. Then one by one I went through my list to see if greed was lurking in each particular event. I discovered that it was. Greed - why is it such a powerful driving force? Why is greed such an easy weapon for the enemy to use? Perhaps it's because there's no room for love in greed...no room to be about others.

Here's my list:
1. The Holocost
2. The Lost Boys of Sudan
3. The current economic situation in the U.S.


How do we fight greed? We fight greed through the characteristic generosity, loving others, looking at others and not ourselves.

One of the Children's Ministries in Lexington has a great idea this Christmas to combat greed. They are asking the children to give a toy, but not just any toy, their favorite toy. As that child hands in their toy, they are in return given a gift to be opened on Christmas. Inside is a note that will remind them, another child is opening your gift this morning. They will have the joy of playing with your favorite toy, and it may too become their favorite toy. Thank you for giving. Thank you for your generosity.

What a wonderful thing to teach children. What a wonderful thing to teach us all. Maybe this Christmas I should find my favorite sweater, purse, earrings, or pair of shoes and give them away. Maybe I should fight off the Christmas greed by giving away something near and dear to my heart. Perhaps that will help me to love someone I've never met. It will help me to think of others during a time when it's very easy to be about my traditions, rituals, and desires.

Any other takers?

Thursday, November 6, 2008

JOY

“Spiritual joy is: The settled conviction that God sovereignly controls the events of life for the believers’ good and His glory. Spiritual joy is not an attitude dependent on chance or circumstance. It is the deep and abiding confidence that regardless of one’s circumstances in life, all is well between the believer and the Lord. No matter what difficulty, pain, disappointment, failure, rejection, or other challenge one is facing, genuine joy remains because of that eternal well being established by God’s grace in salvation. Thus, Scripture makes it clear that the fullest, most lasting and satisfying joy is derived from a true relationship with God. It is not based on circumstances or chance, but is the gracious and permanent possession of every child of God.” John MacArthur

When I was at one of the lowest points of my life, God spoke to my heart and gave me the following poem.

Joy Is…

A complete certainty you are loved.
A bubbling brook in your soul.
A satisfied smile in your heart.
A permanent presence in your life.

Joy is not…

A practically perfect life.
A totally trouble free existence.
A lovely life of ease.
A conditionally controlled emotion.

Joy is…

A lavish love from the Father.
A perfect peace because of the Son.
A constant companion because of the Spirit.
A gracious gift from the Trinity.

Joy is Love.
Joy is Peace.
Joy is Life.
Joy is Jesus.

“I have told you this so that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”
John 15:11(NIV)

Whenever I find myself being bogged down by the drudgery of everyday life, I allow the words of this poem to remind me of the true joy I have as a child of God. I am reminded of the awesome privilege of spending each day in His presence doing what He calls me to do. What about you? Is your joy in the Lord? If not, I urge you to unwrap this precious jewel of joy.

“Father, thank You for blessing Your children with the gift of joy. Help each of us to accept this gift and to allow Your joy to color every aspect of our lives. In Jesus’ Precious Name, Amen.

© 2004 by Ginny Holcombe. All rights reserved.

Monday, November 3, 2008

The Comparison Game

In day 2 of Chapter 6 Shelly lists things she's envious about. She even talks about Envy's favorite sport - the Comparison Game. While comparing can lead to self doubt, self-pity, and encouraging one to focus on their own life, I believe the comparison game can also lead you to a place of contentment. To explain, here are a few things I struggle with.


1. Our truck. We have an old 94 Ford Ranger. She's not the prettiest to look at, she smells horrible, and she's quite awkward to drive. I would love to trade her in for a newer model. I see lots of other cars that would be less frustrating to drive, why can't we have one? Clearly...struggling with contentment here.

2. I love gardens. I would love to have a beautifully landscaped area in front of our house. It would be great if we could get it all done in one weekend - just go out and buy everything at once. It would also be nice to have thick grass. Oh, I can definitely have yard envy sometimes.

3. Clothes. I do love clothes. I'm not obsessed with them, but I think it's fun to dress up - have a nice outfit on. Oh - and the perfect shoes to go with each outfit.


So how does the Comparison Game help with my envy? When I think about our Ford Ranger - I am reminded of how many people would just love to have a car to help them get around...especially if you live in a city that does not have a user friendly public transportation system. I am reminded that I should be thankful that we have a truck that works, that we can afford to buy gas, and that we have a truck that is completely paid for...no money owed.


When I think of landscaping. I think of those that would love to have a yard. There are many that dream of having a yard, but for whatever reason, don't have one right now. And I could spend money we don't have to put flowers and bushes in our yard. I could spend money to add chemicals to make our grass thick and green. But then I compare how I want to spend the money God has in trusted me with. Maybe it might be better if I take time to gather bulbs, seeds, saplings over the months and years so I can use some of the other money to help those that need food. Hungry people don't care how thick or what shade of green their grass is.


Clothing. It doesn't take me long to snap out of this one. I have images in my mind from visiting Africa and Haiti that help me to be thankful for the clothes that I have. I have images of children running, playing - laughing even...they had no clothing what so ever. If someone can run, laugh, and play and they struggle to get the basic food, clothing, and shelter...maybe I need to recheck myself.


The one thing you must be careful of in this comparison game is to NOT think of yourself better than anyone else. You just need to realize your envy struggles, in the grand scheme of things, really don't matter. At least that's what it's come to for me. Let's just tell God what we ARE thankful for!



Ants in the Pants

Contentment is feeling or showing satisfaction with one's possessions, status, or situation.

Philippians 4:12 NIV

12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

Ecclesiastes 4:7-9 (New International Version)

7 Again I saw something meaningless under the sun:

8 There was a man all alone;
he had neither son nor brother.
There was no end to his toil,
yet his eyes were not content with his wealth.
"For whom am I toiling," he asked,
"and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?"
This too is meaningless—
a miserable business!

Contentment is something that I have struggled with for about 5 years now. When I finally truly surrendered my life to the Lord, He planted a seed in my heart that gave me an acute sense of His purpose for my life, not a full revelation but a "knowing". Since then as I have matured in Him and grown closer to His heart, my restlessness has grown stronger. Restless is the best word I can use to describe the "ants in my pants" feeling that I get when I think about my future. It's kind of a "Come ON, let's get on with it!" feeling. Each birthday, I think "God, You know how old I am getting and I would like to be able to accomplish what You want me to before I come to live with You forever.....can we get to it, please?" My day job is a gift from God in that it provides a wonderful income and flexibility for my family's needs but it doesn't utilize the gifts, talents and interests God blessed me with. Because of this, I have had to fight loathing my daily life. I want to do something every day that has an eternal impact for the Lord. Then a few weeks ago, the Lord revealed to me that what I do indirectly helps people in that it allows people to live another day and have another chance to come to know God. That allowed me to relax and know that even if I am not yet doing what the Lord has planted in my heart to do, I am still having an impact for Him. Another revelation was that, with and since the birth of my son, I am living God's will for my life IN THIS SEASON. This is a huge revelation to me. I used to think that God's will was an ultimate and final destination but He showed me that it has different seasons and that while there is an ultimate purpose (something that He wants me to do for Him as an everyday job/ministry) that I can be content in the season He has me in now by knowing I am doing what He wants me to do in this season. For me, this season has me nurturing and training my son in the ways of God and preparing myself by studying God's Word and letting Him rebuild the shattered foundation of trust in Him.


I have to pray for a balance every day between contentment with where I am now and the passionate fire for eternal impact that burns in my heart. I only know that balance can be found in Him alone.

Philippians 4:12 (New Living Translation)

12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.

Can you say that? Where does your discontent lie? What would it take for you to be contented? What if those things never happened? Some things to ponder this week.

Love in Him,

Tara

Friday, October 31, 2008

Steps to Patience

Submitted by: Sandra Harris Frey

In a world where there are constant tasks, duties and many “hats to wear”, we sometimes miss out on those golden opportunities because we were so focused on crossing off another item on our to do list in life. We’re in a hurry to be in a hurry if that makes any sense whatsoever. Slow down. Listen. Change your pace. It will be the blessing of a lifetime. You won’t want to cross that item off your life. You will want it there forever to savor.


Action Steps: Developing Patience in the Wilderness
- I will make an encouragement card.
- I will change my pace.
- I will meet God outdoors.
- I will pray in a new way.
- I will keep a wilderness record.
- I will develop patience in the wilderness by .

Action Steps: Developing Patience in Relationships
- I will get to know someone.
- I will pray.
- I will listen.
- I will be flexible.
- I will be interruptible.
- I will develop patience in my relationships by .

Action Steps: Developing Everyday Patience
- I will practice waiting.
- I will practice going slower.
- I will practice being there.
- I will be serene.
- I will develop every day patience by .

Patience Prayer

Precious Lord,
I sit before you humbled that you have always been patient with me. After all, you know how often I’ve moved forward spiritually only to take my eyes off you…time and time again. Yet, you always wait patiently for me to look toward you once more. I want you to be my role model in this do-over of my character, especially my patience! I marvel at how patient you were when you were wrongly accused, beaten nearly to death, and sent to the cross to die. Thank you for having such enormous patience, even during the worst of situations. It’s well past time that I ask you for some of your patience to rub off on me. Thank you in advance for continuing to help me.

In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

A Parable by Ginny: Fuzzy and Wuzzy

Quiet down before GOD, be prayerful before him.
Don't bother with those who climb the ladder, who elbow their way to the top.
Psalm 37:7

Two baby caterpillars, Fuzzy and Wuzzy, were inching their way through the green grass of the meadow. As they neared a bright bed of flowers, the brilliant burst of a beautiful flying creature captured their attention. “Look, “squealed Fuzzy, “I wonder what that is.” “ I don’t know,” answered Wuzzy, “but I see hundreds of them up in the sky!” Both caterpillars strained to see the vibrant flashes of color as the creatures darted from blossom to blossom. “I want to be able to do that,” cried Fuzzy. “I bet if I could just climb up on one of those flowers, I would be beautiful too.” “Don’t be foolish, “said Wuzzy. “You are nothing like those fellows. You’ll just hurt yourself.”

But Fuzzy wouldn’t listen to her friend. She moved slowly along the ground until she reached the stem of a flower. As her gaze swept upward, she thought, “I just know that if I can touch the colors, I will be like those beautiful creatures I saw.” Fuzzy began climbing toward the colorful petals. As she climbed, she felt her skin becoming tight so she would push and push until she burst through the old skin. Instead of resting to allow her new soft skin to harden, Fuzzy continued her climb. When she finally reached the top of the flower, she latched onto the colorful petal expecting to transform into a beautiful soaring creature. At that moment, a hungry bird spotted Fuzzy, swooped down, and Fuzzy was no more.

Meanwhile, on the ground Wuzzy continued her slow journey through the meadow. She grew in size as she climbed trees to snack on leaves. Each time she burst through her old skin, she rested as her new soft skin hardened to a protective coat. Eventually, Wuzzy climbed a tree, transformed into a gray-brown chrysalis, and hung like a shriveled leaf from a branch. Time passed as Wuzzy waited. One warm day she awoke to a strange and wonderful sensation. She slowly wiggled out of her shell, clung to the branch with her new long legs, and fluttered her moist gossamer wings. The moistness dried in the breeze and the fluttering motion lifted her high about the garden. As she joyously darted from flower to flower, she briefly thought of her friend, Fuzzy. “I wonder if she is experiencing the joy I am feeling right now. I hope so.” Then she continued her delightful journey through the garden.

Father, Help us to remember that You have a plan for each life and that Your timing is perfect. Teach us not to rush ahead of You because that only leads to disappointment and failure. Slow us down so we do not miss the wonders You have prepared for each of us. Amen.

© 2006 by Ginny Holcombe. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Flip Side of Patience

Impatience. Just the mention of the word can send me into a frenzy some times. Impatience, the word makes me want to take off like Roadrunner. If ever I hear, "You should be more patient" I take a couple of deep breaths, pray, and remember understanding is the key to Patience. For me to be patient I have to dig down deep, focus on the person, problem, or task at hand. I say a prayer, God help me to understand what's going on here. God give me insight. Help me to surrender everything to you. Then I can relax, and then I am better prepared to live in Patience.

I've mentioned before that music helps me to focus - so does it surprise you that I have a song to help me fight my impatience? Who better to help me practice patience, than Axel Rose, and his wise words from Guns-n-Roses song, Patience.

"Said woman take it slow it'll work itself out fine. All we need is just a little patience. Said sugar make it slow and we'll come together fine. All we need is just a little patience."

Take it slow. Relax. Let it go. I think too many times, when people are impatient, they haven't taken the time to place themselves in another persons shoes. One practice I gleaned from acting is the practice of walking in anothers shoes. In acting it's important to take the time to see where other people are coming from. You can't become a character if you don't research to see what makes them who they are. You can't become a character by thinking you are better than the person you are portraying.

So in real life, taking time to understand others, I think makes it easier to have patience with a person or situation. This does not mean you have to agree with what they do, their beliefs, or how they live and construct their daily life...but it helps you to understand. Understanding helps you to put things in a different perspective, and also helps fight impatience.

"Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love." ephesians 4:2

"I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience." 1 Timothy 1:16

Monday, October 27, 2008

Too much to do + not enough time = IMPATIENCE

Maybe you are like me. I have an 18-month-old son, a husband, a home, a full-time job and three part-time jobs ( just FYI ~ I'm doing the PT jobs to get us to the place where I can stay home with my son and two of them I would like to continue once I do that!). I've got a lot on my plate like so many women do these days. So when I was preparing for this teaching and felt led to go in the direction of developing patience by SLOWING DOWN, my first thought was, "Are you KIDDING me?!!?!!" Just for the record, no, God wasn't kidding me! Too much to do + not enough time = IMPATIENCE…with spouse, kids, waiter, clerk, even the gosh-darn computer connection!! Read this excerpt from "Character Makeover" by Dr. Katie Brazelton and see if this sounds like your life:

You leap out of bed, zip in and out of the shower, bolt down your breakfast, gulp down your coffee and rush off to work. Your boss tells you to hustle on that report, get in gear on those changes and step on it to complete that project. You dash out to lunch where you wolf down a sandwich, hurry back to the office, dash off some emails, whip through your voice mails and get cracking on those assignments. At five, you hotfoot it out of there, race home in rush-hour traffic, and dart in the front door. You throw dinner on the table, run through everyone's report about their day, scramble to get the kids to their lessons and fall into bed after doing instant messaging and paying some bills on Quicken. And at night you pray, "Lord, I need patience, and I need it now!"

Sound vaguely familiar? Then read on, my friend!

The tendency of those of us that are DOERS, those that have to make something happen if it isn’t happening fast enough, is to JUMP THE GUN. Our motto is: Don’t just stand there; do something …anything! Perhaps God wants our motto to be:Don’t just do something; Stand there!

Psalm 37:7

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret.



*Let God move in His timing ~ WITHOUT your help

*Trust that where you are is EXACTLY where He wants you to be for now

*Proverbs 16:9 ~ The mind of a man plans his way, but the Lord directs His steps. MacArthur states that “God’s sovereignty overrules the plans of men to fulfill His purposes”

*Proverbs 3:5-6 ~ Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean unto your own understanding but in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.

When we trust and acknowledge Him as Lord, He will direct our paths. But we shouldn’t then look up and shout, “Lord, what in the world am I doing HERE????!!!” Trust His Sovereignty and His plan and do not go out and make your own way unless you want a mess!

Feeling antsy about a decision or problem that seems to go unnoticed by God?

Step 1: Stand still ~ you won't get clear instructions when you are moving at a break-neck pace

Step 2: PRAY!

Step 3: Surrender your will to His = peace ~ Hand over the map and the compass to Him and let Him navigate

Step 4: Worship ~ He knows what He's doing and is a big enough God to make a way

Step 5: Relax ~ keep doing what He last told you to do until He tells you to do something different

Step 6: Move when and where He leads

So this is a real challenge to those of us that like to MAKE SOMETHING HAPPEN! But this is a vital lesson in patience. I pray that those of you who are like me will learn to slow down and then stand still. Pray for me too, won't you?

Friday, October 24, 2008

Steps to Self Control

Self-control. For many, being impulsive can be a positive if we do it for the right reasons. Being impulsive by going the extra mile by helping a friend in need or supporting a cause we think worthy of our attention. Impulsive actions can also be negative if we use our impulsiveness to inflict hurt or pain. That is where we must be brave and exercise self-control. Hurtful words can never be taken back and it is up to us to overcome and conquer our desires against negative impulse.

As our prayer focus for greater self-control, pray that God will give you the power to control your words and actions. Seek his word on topics of self control. Both the books of Galatians and Corinthians have ways to practice our own self discipline.

Action Steps: Developing Self-Control Over My Mouth

- I will give a blessing.
- I will stop and think.
- I will stop gossiping.
- I will be gentle.
- I will be thankful.
- I will guard my mind.
- I will work on developing control over my mouth by .

Action Steps: Developing Self-Discipline

- I will start exercising.
- I will eat a balanced diet.
- I will take a Sabbath.
- I will be punctual.
- I will stop procrastinating.
- I will work on developing self-discipline by .

Action Steps: Developing Good Habits

- I will keep a journal.
- I will find a mentor.
- I will worship.
- I will have a daily mini-Sabbath.
- I will find an accountability partner.
- I will work on developing good habits by .

Self-Control Prayer


Precious Lord,
I’m not doing so well with my self-control. It seems like every time I turn around, I’m “blowing it” again. When I lose control, sin is evident or close on its heels. Help me pay special attention to the action steps I marked, concentrating on them not only this week for homework, but for a lifetime. Hear my request. Send me an accountability partner who will check in with me regularly for prayer and discussion about how I am doing. I need an extra measure of grace to help me implement this character trait into my life, and I am grateful you have already made that deposit in my spiritual bank account. Thank you.

In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Stress: Trying to be a Martha When You’re a Mary

For most of my adult life, I was made to feel like I was lazy. I had to be “busy” every waking moment. If I sat down to read, watch TV, or just to sit I was wasting time. I didn’t dare spend a quiet day in my robe and pj’s. When I was a child one of the good things about being sick was lying on the couch and having Mom take care of me. However, as an adult, if I wasn’t sick enough to stay in bed, I was well enough to work. Working was the most important thing in life. I wondered what was wrong with me. My life was filled with the stress of trying to be what I wasn’t. Instead of my self-control allowing myself to be the person God created me to be, I allowed another person to control me.

In the five years since my divorce, God has used many resources to show me that I am not lazy. The following scripture passage became God’s personal message to me as I rediscovered the Ginny He created.

38-40As they continued their travel, Jesus entered a village. A woman by the name of Martha welcomed him and made him feel quite at home. She had a sister, Mary, who sat before the Master, hanging on every word he said. But Martha was pulled away by all she had to do in the kitchen. Later, she stepped in, interrupting them. "Master, don't you care that my sister has abandoned the kitchen to me? Tell her to lend me a hand."

41-42The Master said, "Martha, dear Martha, you're fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it—it's the main course, and won't be taken from her." Luke 10: 38-42, MSG.

I am not a Martha. I have some Martha’s in my life and I am very thankful for them. We need Martha’s in our world. I do enjoy the events Martha’s create. I welcome people into my home but I am not a Martha Stewart hostess. I don’t always think to offer people something to drink but I have no problem with them helping themselves. I don’t enjoy fixing a formal meal or setting a fancy table. I do enjoy sharing a meal from Panera Bread or a having a pizza delivered.

I am a Mary. I love to sit at the feet of Jesus and worship. I love to meet friends at a restaurant and talk about what God is doing in our lives. I love to share with anyone who will listen all that God has done for and in me. I am decluttering my life of things that tie me down or take time I would rather spend in other ways. I do work. And I do experience stress. Life is stressful! When I do feel stressed, I whisper a prayer and God always hears. The cause of the stress may not disappear but I always sense God’s calming presence. And now I let myself be me. I have learned to say no. I don’t commit to things because someone thinks I should. I am discovering my passions and focusing on them.

What about you? Who or what controls your life? Whether you are a Martha or a Mary or a little of both, allow your self-control to keep your eyes and heart tuned to Jesus so that when you do experience life’s stress, His presence will calm you. When you do this, much of the stress you feel will disappear. Jesus does care.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Choose Each Day ~ Flesh or Spirit?

Self- control is something that we as women dread talking about. I know I do! But it is an important character trait (as exhibited by the fruit of the Spirit) that must be allowed to develop in our lives.

Proverbs 25:28

28 Like a city whose walls are broken down
is a man who lacks self-control.

There are several concepts inherent in self-control:

Moderation

Self-discipline

Willpower

Restraint

The flipside (or lack of self-control) looks like this: overindulgent, impulsive, over-reactive or lazy

As is written in Character Makeover “The strongest self-control is not self-control at all, but God-control. In and of ourselves, we don’t have the willpower, strength, or virtue to exercise consistent self-control. But when we put ourselves under God’s control, then we will find the power we need to exercise self-control.”

You and I have a choice in everything we do. Choice is rooted in our desires ~ either to satisfy/glorify the flesh (body, emotions, will) or to glorify God.

1 Corinthians 10:31

31So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

So evaluate yourself (I know....OUCH!). Which desire is stronger: Flesh or spirit? Who is in control? Someone always is ~ you and me or God. When we choose to give into what the flesh wants (that sarcastic remark or gossipping about co-worker or eating the second piece of cake) that is un-Godly self-control. That’s why God-control is mentioned above. Let God be in control of your self, that way your self-control will truly be Godly.

Romans 8:

5 Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. 6 So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. 7 For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. 8 That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God.

9 But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) Skip to verse 12.

12 Therefore, dear brothers and sisters,you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. 13 For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.

Just because we struggle with God-controlled self-control doesn’t mean that we aren’t children of God. It means that we must allow His Spirit to grow in us by reading the Word and spending time with Him. What we feed is what will grow whether it be our fleshly desires or the Holy Spirit in us. As we starve our fleshly desires, there is more room for the Spirit to take over and fill us with God’s desires.

It doesn’t take any effort at all to be ruled by the flesh. That’s our natural bent. Giving in to the flesh and not practicing self-control fulfills a desire in us: to do what we want, to feel good in some way, to exercise fleshly self-control, i.e. if I want it, I’m going to have it. But it takes more than our own willpower to be ruled by the Spirit.

Here’s the exciting thing:

Philippians 2:13

13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.

When we lack of Godly self-control the evidence can be outward (such as obesity, gossip, outward expressions of anger) or inward (such as negative self-talk, pride, worry/anxiety) but the root is always inward and based in how we think about God in relation to ourselves. We base the way we think about God on something He did or didn’t do or hasn’t done, something He allowed to happen, our lack of trust in Him to take care of us or a situation, not knowing who we are in Christ plus so much more.

What is your main area that is out of God-controlled self-control? What would it look like if you surrendered that to God instead of being controlled by the flesh? How would your life be different? Is your desire to bring glory to God stronger than your desire to give into the flesh and/or being passively controlled by the flesh because it is “easier”? Are you at least willing to be made willing?

Again ~ go to Philippians 2:13: For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him. Each one of us can make the choice to allow that work and follow where it leads or take the easy road of fleshly control and its consequences. I know it's a struggle but when we CHOOSE to walk in the Spirit instead of our flesh, we have victory. Let's pray for each other this week in this area. If you are comfortable doing so, please post and share your struggles with self-control so we can be praying for you specifically.

Love to my sisters!

Tara

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Courage to Take Risks

Opening Scene: A simple house in Capernaum in the 1st century AD.

What a day this has been. I awoke to another day of pain with no idea of the miracle God had planned for me. For twelve years I had sought healing from doctors, priests, any one who offered a ray of hope. I was still bleeding. I heard rumors of a Man who had healed people of all sorts of diseases and infirmities. He had raised people from the dead. I didn’t know what to think. Could this be true?

I crawled out of bed and dressed. My desire for healing gave me a determination I had never felt before. I left my house and blended into a group of people in the center of town. People began pushing toward a Man in the center of the mob. He looked like an ordinary man but I needed to believe He could heal me so I inched my way through the crowd. I hoped I could go unnoticed as I reached out and gently touched the fringe of His garment. A burst of sunshine exploded inside of me and I knew the bleeding had ceased. I quickly turned to escape the pressing throng.

Suddenly the Rabbi turned and said, “Who touched Me?” His friends were all saying, “But, Master, the people are pressing in on You. What do You mean, ‘Who touched Me?’” I begin to tremble. What would He think of me? Would He rebuke me for disturbing Him? I fell down before Him and admitted I was the one who had touched Him. And I exclaimed, “And Master, I am healed!” Jesus looked at me with a tenderness I had never seen before and spoke in a quiet voice.

"Daughter, you took a risk of faith, and now you're healed and whole. Live well, live blessed! Be healed of your plague.” (Matthew 5:34; MSG, emphasis mine).

This short scripture passage relating one woman’s story has become my testimony. I didn’t experience an actual blood loss but an innocent comment I misunderstood when I was twelve years old inflicted a small emotional wound. I kept breathing but my lifeblood, my passions, my joy, began to seep out of my body. As my life continued other wounds caused the tiny hemorrhage that began that day became a major blood loss.

Forty years later I found myself divorced and alone. My identity was gone. I was no longer a wife and my children were grown and on their own. All I had were my job and my faith. Just like the women with the issue of blood, I was seeking healing. Daily, hourly, by the minute I cried out to God for healing. One day I found myself face down on the floor in complete hopelessness, just wanting the pain to stop. In the darkest moment, I lifted up my eyes and cried out to my Father. He was there. His presence filled the room and embraced me with a love unlike any I had ever felt. This is when I took my risk of faith and reached out to touch the fringe of His garment. The bleeding ceased and the restoration of my lifeblood began.

Five years after this “risk of faith” God continues to restore what was lost in every area of my life. With His guidance and strength I have taken other risks of faith. I sought and obtained a position in a church in another city where I bought a house. I traveled from Kentucky to California to train with Katie Brazelton. My ministry to women through my writing and speaking is making slow but steady progress. In the last year I had two total knee replacements. God is leading me into amore intimate and loving relationship with Him. Spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically God is allowing me to begin living well and blessed.

What about you? Has life wounded you? Reach out and touch the hem of His garment. Allow Jesus to tenderly heal you and restore to you a life of hope and blessings. Dare to take a risk of faith. Jesus will not fail you.

Joy in Jesus!
Ginny

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Keep Walking

Fear

The flip side of courage is fear. Fear is something I am very familiar with. In college I was diagnosed with Social Anxiety Disorder. This diagnosis seemed very strange to me because I LOVE to be around people. But for some reason in certain social situations I would have panic attacks. I’m not talking about mild attacks – I’m talking serious attacks.

My panic attacks always started with losing the ability to breathe, like my chest was closing in on me. I felt a large amount of adrenaline rushing throughout my entire body – I could not be still. My heart beat increased, I got light headed, and eventually I would throw up. After getting sick, I would just sit on the floor in the bathroom for a few minutes because, I was too weak to do anything else. I loathed this experience. You must understand throwing up is in my top 5 least favorite things to do. I HATE getting sick – thus I dreaded panic attacks even more than normal.

At first I prayed and prayed and asked God to take this away from me. Month after month passed by and nothing changed in my behavior. I continued to experience panic attacks, even while on medication. These attacks were getting to me mentally and emotionally. I began to feel defeated. And then one morning while I was laying in bed, contemplating how to face the day with another attack in my future, my phone rang. I actually answered my phone. This is what I heard on the other end.

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans words can not express.”

That was my friend Shelly reading Romans 8:26. Shelly told me she felt that God wanted her to call me and read this verse to me. I am SO thankful that she decided to listen to the Spirit’s prompting, because that is exactly what I needed to hear in that moment. Groans – I was at the point of groans. I could no longer find the words to pray. I was desperate. Fear had taken over, but to know that God was praying for me gave me strength.

I got out of bed with a new attitude. I learned what Geri talks about in her story – that I did not have to conquer fear to experience life. I learned that I have to find courage to walk through my fear. The only way I could walk through my fear was to walk through it with Jesus holding my hand. And I would picture just that in my mind in those hard moments. I too called this fear my thorn in my flesh, and with this new God given insight, my fear began to lose it’s power over me.

Now, year’s later my anxiety is MUCH better. I know a new freedom in life because of Jesus. I cling to the fact that He is praying for me, and that He loves me. And if God is praying for me and loves me – what do I really have to fear? I rarely experience a panic attack these days. But if for some reason my thorn rears its ugly head, I don’t cower. I walk through it.

My prayer for you is that you learn Romans 8:26. I pray that you cling to God’s word. I pray that you trust him. I pray, that you internalize the fact, that THE all powerful God of the universe has YOU in His prayers. Breathe deep His hope. Take in the courage He can give you…and keep walking.

One last note – if you did pick a theme song (reference from my last blog entry) this is another great time to play it in your head.

May the Lord Bless you.

Monday, October 13, 2008

Are You the Cowardly Lion?

Hi Ladies!
How did you do with the study last week? I pray that you have a gained a new perspective on self-confidence with that perspective being a new focus on confidence in God instead of in yourself! That takes such a load off of our shoulders, doesn't it?!
This next week, we will be taking a look at courage. Thinking about courage automatically makes me think of the Cowardly Lion from the Wizard of Oz. You had to feel sorry for him because he was scared of everything! Poor guy! I just wanted to hug him! But how many of us could say that we have an inward Cowardly Lion? My hand would have to be raised to this question for sure. But let's take a look at what God says about courage vs. fear.

2 Timothy 1:7 (New Living Translation)
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

One of the most important things we have to realize is that fear, anxiety and worry do NOT come from God. Fear is not what God wants us to live in. Now, we can experience fear and use that as an exercise in remembering to put our trust in God (and thus gain courage) but He does not want us to live a lifestyle of fear, anxiety and worry. He has given us a spirit of power, love and self-discipline. Here is what John MacArthur has to say about this (from his study Bible):
"power: Positively, God has already given believers all the spiritual resources they need for every trial and threat . Divine power - effective, productive spiritual energy - belongs to believers (Ephesians 1:18-20 NASB: 18I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,
19and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might
20which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, )
"love: This kind of love centers on pleasing God and seeking others' welfare before one's own.
"discipline: Refers to a self-controlled and properly prioritized mind. This is the opposite of fear and cowardice that causes disorder and confusion. Focusing on the sovereign nature and perfect purposes of our eternal God allows believers to control their lives with godly wisdom and confidence in every situation."
(emphases mine)

I hope you can see the alternatives of confidence and courage that God has given His children as opposed to fear. One woman shared in our on-site Bible study group that God had shown her that constantly nurturing fear and worry was actually a lack of trust in God. That is certainly true. Somehow we think we can control the outcome if we worry and fear and cover all the bases "just in case" something happens. It may startle you to realize that we have no control over what happens in our lives other than to submit to God before His throne and lift up our concerns to Him in prayer and then LEAVE our concerns at His feet to take care of and TRUST HIM to take care of them according to His will and purpose. It's prideful, and frankly silly, to think that by worrying we can affect any difference in a situation.
I vote to leave my concerns at the feet of the One that is all-powerful and all-knowing and whom I have chosen to be Lord of my life. I choose to let Him be Lord and to let my courage come from the knowledge and faith that His qualifications for the job are much more impressive than mine. What about you? Will you cast your ballot for you and your abilities or God's? I pray that the Holy Spirit will lead us all into the whole truth about having courage in life's circumstances through trust in Jesus and the Father.
Praying you have a wonderful week in your study and time with the Lord!
In Him,
Tara

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Steps to Humility

Submitted by Sandra Harris Frey

We have learned this week that humility is the foundational character quality compared to all others. We must all take a good look at ourselves and discover if we have true humility. Without true humility, we cannot be humble servants of God.

Having a Humility Action Plan in place will improve upon the focus of humility. This action plan will enable us to develop having a better view of God, others, and ourselves. With a focus on prayer, devotion time, and extra perspectives such as books to help you better understand God’s nature, you will be able to successfully take action.

Action Steps: Developing a Right View of God

- I will worship God.
- I will study God.
- I will hunt for God.
- I will develop a right view of God .

Action Steps: Developing a Right View of Yourself
- I will stop trying as hard to be perfect.
- I will not tear myself down.
- I will not boast.
- I will try to learn new things every day.
- I will check my motives.
- I will obey God in an area in which I have been holding back.
- I will develop a right view of myself .

Action Steps: Developing a Right View of Others
- I will be an encourager.
- I will be a helper.
- I will be a servant.
- I will be a receiver.
- I will be a mentor.
- I will develop a right view of others .

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.

Philippians 2:3

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Words!

By: Ginny Holcombe

“Sticks and stones make break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” How many times did we hear or even say this as children? However, as adults we know this is not true. Words can cut more deeply than any other weapon humankind has ever invented.

It only takes a spark, remember, to set off a forest fire. A careless or wrongly placed word out of your mouth can do that. By our speech we can ruin the world, turn harmony to chaos, throw mud on a reputation, send the whole world up in smoke and go up in smoke with it, smoke right from the pit of hell. James 3:5-6 (The MSG).

I lived for over thirty years in a situation where I was belittled, ridiculed, and demeaned by words. I know how the wounds words can inflict on a soul. The worst result is when you begin to believe the words that you hear and repeat them to yourself. “Oh, I can’t do anything right.” “I am not worth loving.” “If anyone knew the real me, they wouldn’t have anything to do with me.” I told myself this and so much more for so long that it became who I was. Words do wound and ultimately destroy our very souls. I had no confidence in myself and it kept me from being the person God created me to be.

Words can also encourage, bring healing, and uplift a person who is hurting. They are beautiful expressions of God’s love for each of us.

Pleasant words are a honeycomb:
sweet to the taste and health to the body.
Proverbs 16:24 (HCSB)

After my divorce, God brought so many wonderful people into my life to encourage and heal me. People who used words of love, caring, and encouragement to show me who I am in God’s eyes. Today, whenever those old words of condemnation rear their ugly heads, I whisper a prayer to God and He brings to mind the thoughts He has about me. “I am a child of the King.” “I am His beloved.” “I am unique and created for a purpose.” “Jesus loves me! This I know, for the Bible tells me so.” I am becoming a woman of confidence. Not self-confidence, but confident as a daughter of a loving Father who was created for a purpose and who is loved beyond all measure.

What words are you saying to yourself today? If they are words of condemnation or words that belittle you, give them to God. Allow Him to whisper His words of love and encouragement to you. Remember, you are His child and no one can change that. Believe God’s truths not the world’s lies. Allow Him to be your confidence and He will lift you to places you could never imagine.

“Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.” Philippians 4:8 (The MSG).

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Theme Song

The other day I was watching an episode of Ally McBeal. In this particular episode Ally had a session with her therapist discussing her troubles, fears, and blunders. Ally's therapist gave some odd suggestions on how to face the challenges in her life. Most of the therapists suggestions I don't recommend, however she did suggest one idea that intrigued me. Ally's therapist told her to get a theme song - a song to help her through life. A theme song that would help her in tough situations. A theme song.

The more I thought about this, the more I liked it. You see, God speaks to me through music. I find that music naturally draws me closer to God. So...what if I found a theme song? What if there was a song I could sing in my head that would help me get through an insecure moment? What if I was having a bad day and there was a song that would help me walk down the street with my head held high and a spring in my step? What if?

So now the art of choosing a song. I want a song that helps me remember who I am in God. I want a song that reminds me its not about me - it's about God. I want a song that will change my focus to Godly things. AND I want a song with a good beat. Right now I have two songs I'm toying with. Hope by India Arie and Pocket full of Sunshine by Natasha Bedingfield. Why these songs? Hope is simple, it gives me hope. The song Hope takes my thoughts off of my insecurities. Pocket full of Sunshine makes me thing about Jesus - and how he's my love. Pocket Full of Sunshine makes me think about Heaven, about spending time with Jesus. Both songs have a good beat.

So ladies, what is your theme song? I would love to hear what you come up with, please share. Perhaps it will be a song that includes scripture. Maybe your song will be a great Motown song. Whatever you choose, make it a song that helps you keep your focus on God. Make your song one that can bring a smile to your face. Make your song a song that takes your out of the mind trap of insecurities. Make your song a song that encourages you to live life to the fullest. Make your song - your them song.

Monday, October 6, 2008

Confidence in God or myself?

Hi ladies!
How did the week studying pride go for you? Please comment on our posts and let us know what God has been showing you. That is such an encouragement for other women as they are on this journey with you!
This week, you will be studying about confidence. Confidence is such a tricky thing. The world tells us that we should hold our head high, walk purposefully and look everyone right in the eye and this will portray confidence even when we don't feel it. But, I don't think I could ever be confident in myself knowing my shortcomings. Sure, I recognize and praise God for all of the talents, skills and abilities He has given me but I also recognize that they come from Him alone and not of myself so I would not want to ever boast about them (see why the study of pride vs. humility was the foundational starting point of our study?). So to help you get started this week on the topic of confidence, I want to help you refocus. To whom should we look for our confidence ~ ourselves or God?
I'm sure most of you would agree that we should place our confidence in God but we all know that that is easier said than done! Why is it so difficult sometimes? I believe one of the keys is in understanding, and then believing, that God is who He says He is in His Word. We are going to look at some of the astounding character traits of God. Once we can grasp a little bit of who He is, I pray that we will have the courage to trust Him and put our confidence in Him as He is the only one that is worthy of that.

HOLY
I could never start a list of who God is without putting "holy" right at the very top.
Revelation 15:3-5
"Great and marvelous are your deeds,
Lord God Almighty.
Just and true are your ways,
King of the ages.
4Who will not fear you, O Lord,
and bring glory to your name?
For you alone are holy.
All nations will come
and worship before you,
for your righteous acts have been revealed."
Notice the part "For You alone are holy". We know we are not holy in our fallen flesh. God alone is holy and apart from Jesus Christ, we could never stand in the sight of God. That knowledge and understanding of God's holiness inspires humility, awe and wonder that we could call on Him and He will hear us, every time.

UNCHANGING
James 1:17
17Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

1 Samuel 15:29
29 He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind; for he is not a man, that he should change his mind."

It's difficult to think that God is not like us ~ he doesn't follow every wind of change or get tossed by circumstances. He is steady, unchanging, the Rock. When we put our confidence in Him, we have someone Rock-solid on whom we can depend.

FAITHFUL
Hebrews 10:23
23Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

Faithful means unswerving adherence to a person or thing or to the oath or promise by which a tie was contracted. God has a covenant with those who have repented and made Jesus the Lord of their lives. He will not break that covenant. How mind-boggling is that? We have all experienced in the world around us numerous examples of people breaking their word. God does not do that. Doesn't that inspire confidence in God?

GOODNESS
Lamentations 3:25
25 The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;

26 it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the LORD.

Psalm 34:8

8 Taste and see that the LORD is good;
blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.

God truly is good. We as humans struggle with that because we see all of the things going on around us and wonder how a good God could allow these things to take place. But we have to realize that we are NOT God and we do not see the whole picture and we have to let trust and faith fill the gap when we don't understand God's ways. Because He is good, we can be sure our confidence in Him is sure.

LORD OF HOSTS
I Samuel 17
44The Philistine also said to David, "Come to me, and I will give your flesh (A)to the birds of the sky and the beasts of the field."

45Then David said to the Philistine, "You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, (B)but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted.

David didn't approach Goliath alone. He had the Lord of Hosts with him! The Lord of Hosts signifies the multitude of armies of angels that God has in His command! Now, I ask you, would you rather trust in yourself alone or in the Lord of hosts ~ Jehovah Saboath ~ as your confidence?

Here is an exerpt from an article by Betsy Childs published on rzim.org:

"The image this title [Lord of Hosts] brings to mind is of a mighty military commander, one who can at a mere word summon rank upon rank of protective power. In some Old Testament stories, the use of Lord Sabaoth is particularly apt. When David approached Goliath, he responded to the warrior's taunts, saying, "You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied" (1 Sam. 17:45). Although Goliath may have been the superior soldier with better armor and more deadly weapons, David was not fighting alone. He came in the name of the Lord of hosts, the commander not only of the armies of Israel, but of all of heaven as well. The Lord of hosts only had to speak a word to guide David's pebble to Goliath's forehead, giving him over to David.

Not only do the hosts of heaven accomplish God's bidding, they also praise him without ceasing. In Isaiah 6:3, the seraphs call back and forth to each other, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory." The hosts are both a manifestation of God's glory (as a king's royal court could be considered his glory) while at the same time they are cognizant of his glory, calling the universe to acknowledge it.

Yet the Lord God's command over all of the hosts of heaven and of men does not keep him from being mindful of the smallest and most fragile of his subjects. The psalmist writes, "Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O LORD of hosts, my King and my God" (Ps. 84:3). The Lord of hosts is our fortress, protecting us against the onslaught of our enemies. But He is also a nest for the sparrow, protecting that which the hosts of men would trample underfoot. God sends his heavenly hosts to protect the most vulnerable, just as troops moving into a war-torn region seek out and protect defenseless orphans.

In your hour of need, call upon the Lord of hosts to help you. In your intercession for others, ask the Lord to send his heavenly hosts to dispense his will. Nothing can stop the Lord of hosts, and no one will He overlook. The whole earth is full of his glory.
"

I have nothing to add to that!! I pray that inspired God-confidence in your heart!

While God has so much to say in His Word about who we are in Him and through Him, we can't let that be our confidence. Our confidence, if it is to be rock-solid, real and unshakeable, must be in who God says HE is. I encourage you to spend some time in the Word, focusing on learning and understanding who God says He is. Here are some key words to use in your study:
Saviour
Just
Gracious
Merciful
Righteous
Father
Eternal
Perfect

I pray God reveals Himself to you in a REAL way this week!
Love in Him,
Tara

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Humility: The Oxygen of Christian Living

“Humility is an essential ingredient in the Christian life. Just like the human body needs oxygen … humility is vital for a growing Christian. The … core practices of Christian living are all powerless unless they partner with humility.” (Character Makeover, p. 41).

My recent hospital stay illustrates this. I went in for a knee replacement expecting to wake up on the orthopedic floor. When I returned to consciousness, I was in a room on the cardiac floor. My sister told me that while I was in recovery, my oxygen level dropped causing an erratic heart beat. Oxygen was given to level out my heart rate. When I stabilized, they removed the oxygen and all was well.

Two days later, I awakened to my heart trying to jump out of my chest. My oxygen level had dropped again. After several tests, the doctors believe I have sleep apnea. Apparently, when I am asleep, I forget to breathe!

We know oxygen is essential for life but don’t we take it for granted? How often do we notice each breath? I had knee surgery but the hospital chose to put my heart first. After all, having two good knees really doesn’t matter if my heart isn’t receiving enough oxygen. No oxygen, no life. Everything else is meaningless. The same is true of the Christian life without humility.

What is humility? Is it debasing oneself? Does it mean we become doormats allowing others to walk all over us? Charles Spurgeon said, “Humility is the proper estimate of oneself.” Or as God’s Word says,

“Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn't think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn't claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion.”
(Philippians 2: 5-5, MSG).

Jesus is our perfect example of humility. He didn’t have a low opinion of Himself.

Secure in His identity as a Child of God, He didn’t need the acceptance or accolades of others. His only desire was to please His Father.

Humility doesn’t come by our own strength. Humility results when we allow Jesus to live in and through us. We do this by spending time in His Word and prayer.

We tend to resemble the people with whom we hang around. Who do you hang around with?

Father, teach us to spend time with Your Son. We want to be more like Him. Teach us to think of ourselves the way He thought of Himself so that our only desire is to please You. In His Name, Amen.

Submitted By: Ginny Holcombe

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Humility, Pride, and the Flip Side

Humility, Pride, and the Flip Side

Pride – U2
One man come in the name of love

One man come and go
One man come, he to justify
One man to overthrow

In the name of love
What more in the name of love
In the name of love
What more in the name of love

One man caught on a barbed wire fence
One man he resist
One man washed on an empty beach.
One man betrayed with a kiss

In the name of love
What more in the name of love
In the name of loveWhat more in the name of love

Early morning, april 4
Shot rings out in the memphis sky
Free at last, they took your life
They could not take your pride

In the name of love
What more in the name of love
In the name of love
What more in the name of love
In the name of love
What more in the name of love...

What comes to mind when you think of the word Pride? I think of the great U2 song, Pride. I think of, “Pride before the fall.” I think of a proud papa.

I wanted to know what Merriam-Webster’s said about pride.
1: the quality or state of being proud: as a: inordinate self-esteem : conceit, a reasonable or justifiable self-respect c: delight or elation arising from some act, possession, or relationship

Merriam-Webster doesn’t make pride sound like such a bad thing. Merriam-Webster’s definition leads me to ask, is pride really so bad?

If I look at U2’s song I see both a good and bad example of pride. I see Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a man with much dignity, who did many good things, a man who did not die ashamed – they did not take his pride. But I also see Judas betray Jesus with a kiss – his pride took him down a dark path. I see one man who valued others above himself, and another who valued himself more than others.

As a woman from a family of strong women, we pride ourselves of being self-sufficient. We don’t need a man to take care of us. We can handle our own finances, social life, and repairs around the house. We are proud women – strong women! Grrrrr. Pride, it’s not such a bad thing, right?

But after going through the Pride test, and looking at the journal questions in day two, I stop to ponder my pride. After a closer look, perhaps I should own up to some of my issues. Am I truly a woman who values others above herself? This is not to say, I belittle myself, but do I love others with a greater love. The same deep love Jesus loves with? That’s what it comes down to right, loving well. I don’t like to make things complicated. So to simplify – humility is to love well and pride does not.

It’s been a few years since I’ve acted on stage, but throughout and at the end of the show I longed to hear a good response from the audience. Talk about instant gratification! If you do something funny – the good responsive audience laughs. If you’re in an intense dramatic moment, you sense the audience holding their breath. At the end of the show, you hope hear loud resounding applause – not a wimpy applause – applause with power and intentionality behind it. The energy from the audience tells you if performed well, if you’re loved well. Ah pride – did I love them well? Did I care? No, it was about me, I wanted them in that moment to love me well.

For many reasons, but mostly lack of time, I have not been in a show in awhile. This is probably a good thing. God has taken this time to teach me humility. God is teaching me to love well. Love with intentionality. God is teaching me how to be a good responsive audience. He wants me to laugh when little kids do silly things. When someone is in a dark place in life, He wants me to be there with them, holding my breath. Towards the end of someone’s life he wants me to show them, with intentionality, they mattered and they were loved well. They will continue to be loved well – even as they pass out of this life. Not only loved by someone here on this earth, but loved by God forever.

Pride, I wrestle with it. Sometimes I win and sometime she wins. Sometimes the match is easy. Sometimes there is hair pulling, grunting, spit flying, faces pressed into the mat. Sometimes I give in a little too easy, and sometimes I put all my energy into the fight.

I hope I’m gaining a little of Jesus’ wisdom. Jesus did not enter a wrestling match with Pride. In Luke Chapter 4, Jesus vs. the enemy, Jesus did not fight. Jesus wore the cloak of humility, he responded with wise words. He loves all of us well by not giving in to the enemy’s lines. He thought of us and not himself. He lived a life with pride surrendered to God. How did he do it?

My prayer for you, and for me, is for us to live lives surrendered to God. Father God, teach us humility! Teach us the truth about pride. God teach us wisdom. Teach us to be bold and to love well. Help us to love ourselves well and love others well. Give us a burning desire to learn how to love like you. And God, may we allow you to love us well. God help us to focus on Jesus in Luke 4, and not our failures that came about in the test. Give us the desire to be wise and love like Jesus. God teach us to live life in the name of love – your love – for you are love. Amen.

Monday, September 29, 2008

Surrender

Ah, pride! If you, like me, have ever come to a revelation of the depth of pride residing in your flesh, you have either been repulsed by it or justified it, or maybe both at the same time. I found a quote that says so much: “They that know God will be humble; they that know themselves cannot be proud. - John Flavel". How well I know that this is true.


I remember when I was in a place with the Lord that the Holy Spirit's convictions came as soon as I would sin. I remember during one particular instance at work, I became acutely convicted that pride was the driving force behind my relentless pursuit of a remedy. I had to fight with my flesh in such a way that, one day, I had to retreat to a back bathroom. I remember saying to God, "God - if you can't get this pride out of me then just kill me now because this is one of the biggest battles with myself that I have ever faced!!" And I was sincere. When we feel we are 100% right in a situation, it is extremely difficult to step back and not fight to the death.


Pride is the legacy of sin that has been willed to us through the fall of Adam and it is a strong force. But it is sin and as such can be conquered by the blood of Jesus if we allow Him to do a work in us. The essence of pride is saying "I don't need any help in this area." In fact, C.S. Lewis said, "If you think you are not conceited, it means you are very conceited indeed." It's almost like a catch-22. But if we ask God to break this cycle, to soften our hearts to conviction in this area and teach us to submit with humility - which is simply recognizing that He is God and whatever He says is just and righteous and that any response we have that is out of line with that is sin - then He can work this stubborn legacy of pride out of us, layer by layer.


One interesting thing about humility vs. pride that I have been learning is that when I want my plan to work instead of allowing God to work out His plan, I am operating in pride. When I have a fit when something doesn’t happen the way I think it should, I’m operating in pride. True humility is getting to the place where we are SURRENDERED to God’s plan in every detail of our lives. That sounds pretty impossible, doesn’t it? We always want what we want when we want it. But it takes a foundation of trust that God is good and His ways are better than ours to surrender our will to His. May we all get to the place that we can say, like our Saviour, “Not my will but Yours be done!” Luke 22:41-42

I strongly encourage you to not go any further in this study until you have had a serious talk with Him about dealing with the pride in your heart. Humility is truly the foundation of all the other character traits that he wants to mold in you. I'll leave you with this Scripture:

James 4:10 (Amplified Bible)
10Humble yourselves [feeling very insignificant] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you [He will lift you up and make your lives significant].

Once we really know His holiness, sovereignty and majesty it will be easy to realize that we have no place before Him except in surrendered humility and awe. Pray for God to teach you to humble yourself. He can do it for you, but I wouldn't recommend it.


In Him,
Tara

Friday, September 26, 2008

Friday's with Sandra

Hello! I’m Sandra Harris Frey and am delighted to be a participant of the Online Character Makeover provided to you by iBloom!

Writing has always come easily for me when it is based on personal experience. Sharing my thoughts and ideals with you through iBloom is truly a blessing for me and I hope to you as well. As we all continue to grow, learn, and experience all that life has to offer, the Online Character Makeover will be a positive that you will welcome each and every day.

My “day job” is at a local hospital where I am the executive assistant in the foundation and marketing department. Specializing in database management, donor, guest, and media relations, each day is a challenge that always has a blessing. My career path at the hospital has been life changing and one that has taught me much compassion, genuine happiness and fulfillment.

My childhood dreams were simple. I wanted to marry Elvis, live in a house with a picket fence, and have a huge family. Those simple childhood dreams have come true. My husband Jonathan is my Elvis and we live in a home that has a beautiful picket fence and we have 25 nieces and nephews. Our life together is the inspiration of many of my writings and living it is a thrill each day.

Be sure and follow the Online Character Makeover each day. Pledge to make a change today! Get inspired! Get fulfilled!

Sandra Frey
sandra@ibloom.us

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Thursday's with Kelly

Welcome! I'm SO thankful that you're joining us for the online Character Makeover journey! I'm anxious to see all that God reveals in our journey together. I'm Kelly Thorne, the Founder & President of iBloom. iBloom is an organization dedicated to inspiring women by 1) helping women discover and begin living into God's purposes 2) challenging women to live balanced, healthy, and thriving lives and 3) encouraging women as they cultivate a more intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.

My Favorite Verse

"I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I'll listen. When you come looking for me, you'll find me. Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you won't be disappointed." Jeremiah 29:11-13 (The Message)

I Love...

An intimate relationship with Christ, quality time with family and friends, my baby girl Hope (miniature schnauzer), planning, dreaming, bright/cheery colors, sunshine, gerber daisies, inspirational words/slogans, laying in the hammock, great food, chocolate, Diet Pepsi, reading, learning, journaling, Tyler Perry Movies & Plays, chick flicks, staying up late & sleeping in, worship music, the beach, traveling, card games, the spa: massages, manicures, pedicures – you get the picture!, solitude & silence, joy, hope, peace, inspiring others, and authenticity.

I'm looking forward to our time together! Know that you're each in my prayers daily!

Blessings,

Kelly Thorne
kelly@ibloom.us

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Wednesday's with Ginny!

Hi!


It is my pleasure to introduce myself to you. My favorite names are Mom and Memaw but most people know me as Ginny Holcombe. I am fifty-seven years young and embarking on a new and exciting stage of life.


I was in a difficult marriage for thirty-two years and have been divorced since 2003. I have three wonderful children and five beautiful grandchildren. I am constantly amazed as I look back over my life at the ways God protected me, provided for me, and prepared me to serve Him.


I share a home with my Jack Russell/Basenji Mix., Cinnamon. This little three-year-old bundle of energy has brought much joy, laughter, and love into my life. She loves and accepts me as I am and just wants to be with me.


I am presently employed as church receptionist and ministry assistant to the Pastor to Senior Adults and Pastoral Care at a church in Lexington. My job provides me with opportunities to practice my gifts of faith and encouragement. I try to find ways to assist people and to make them smile. Humor and laughter are important aspects of my ministry. I am also a writer, life coach, and women’s ministry speaker with my ministry caterpillartobutterfly.vpweb.com.


I enjoy reading, puzzles, word games, writing, research, and walking. In August of 2007, I had my right knee replaced and two weeks ago yesterday, I had my left knee replaced. I expect to be running with no pain this time next year. One unexpected result of my recent hospital stay was being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Over the past five years, God has healed me emotionally and psychologically. I believe He allowed diabetes into my life as an opportunity to improve my health and I am looking forward to doing so.


The most important part of my life is my relationship with God. It impacts every other area. I have been in church since before I was born and was saved at the age of nine. This has been a lifelong journey with many twists and turns but always with faith in God. My greatest joy is to share all that God has done in my life over the years. My greatest desire is to enable women to understand that it is not rules, regulations, or religion. It is all about a genuinely intimate and personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I am thankful for the opportunities God is providing for me to reveal what He is teaching me.


I am excited about this opportunity to share and learn with all of you as we seek to become the women God created us to be. I pray that we will be open and honest as we travel this journey together. So pack your bags, put on your traveling shoes, and get ready for a life-changing journey.


Joy in the Journey!

Smiles,

Ginny