Human.
Understood.
Loved.
I am just so grateful for my friendships and for all the ways they touch my life. I really feel like the women we know are the threads that stitch up the biggest warmest invisible quilt that we wear when the storms of life come.
Celebrate the women YOU know in every season of life and Thank our Heavenly Father for the spools of thread that adorn your quilt.
Job 12:7‑10
But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds of the air, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish of the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.
My husband woke up before sunrise, cleared his schedule, drove for two hours and then hiked a mile to photograph this breathtaking scene. It made me think how in life if we truly want to see the beauty of our relationships, we have to wake up early, walk the mile and clear our schedule to give our all. If we become distracted by temptation, get off track, or decide to quit, we miss out on the greater blessing that waits. Like this picture, I want to reflect God's amazing beauty in all my relationships...peaceful, breathtaking, God inspired beauty. His hand IS the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind! Have a blessed day. I hope you find YOUR waterfall.
As per Wikipedia: Water purification is the process of removing undesirable chemicals, materials, and biological contaminants from raw water. The goal is to produce water fit for a specific purpose. In general the methods used include physical process such as filtration and sedimentation, biological processes such as slow sand filters or activated sludge, chemical process such as flocculation and chlorination and the use of electromagnetic radiation such as ultraviolet light.
The purification process of water may reduce the concentration of particulate matter including suspended particles, parasites, bacteria, algae, viruses, fungi; etc.
Have you ever had the pleasure of spending an afternoon with a good friend and said to her after; “You are so refreshing!” Can you think of a time when someone has said that about you? I remember my husband saying it to me on our first date and eight years and two kids later I am wondering how often I am “refreshing” in the eyes of my family.
In our fast paced world filled with daily demands, pressures, heavy burdens and disappointments it’s hard not to feel like there is nothing left to give to those you love most.
When a woman is truly living life as God created her to be, she is like a drink of water to her family.
So the question is, what kind of water do you want to be? Contaminated river water or purified spring water? If your heart is harboring something that is inhibiting you from being a true blessing to your family what can you do about it? This week in my bible study group we discussed forgiveness. One sweet woman pointed out that as Christians we often assume that because we are Christian we think we should have it all together. Our leader said that being a Christian is all the more reason to make asking for forgiveness a daily part of our journey.
Like the process for purifying water, we too need to be filtered through God's amazing grace, which cleanses us from all unrighteousness, purifies our hearts and fills our tank so we can be that refreshing drink of water for our family.
How pure is your water tank?
2 Corinthians 7
1Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.
It made me wonder how often I am disconnected from God. I think I sometimes take for granted that God is even an option. Can you relate? I can’t tell you how many times I’ve consulted a friend, my parents or even Google for answers, comfort and understanding while the Lord waits for my call like a gentleman. Isn’t that an awesome visual? God, the perfect gentleman, waiting for you…waiting to hear your hearts desires, wanting to know the details of YOUR day, wanting to connect, to speak, to heal, to love. That’s it! I’m putting God on speed dial!
Three years ago while attending the ACF women’s retreat, Susie Davis gave an inspiring talk about slowing down. She encouraged us to find a quiet spot to just be with the Lord. I walked through the woods until I found a small clearing where there were logs placed around a fire pit. I sat and prayed and listened and watched for God to show me, speak to me, and connect with me. At that time my husband and I had been trying to conceive our second child. After three years and no baby, doctors had called it “unexplained secondary infertility.” All I ever wanted was to be a wife and mother and to struggle with getting pregnant just tore at my heart. Wanting something that badly is tiring let me tell you! As I sat in the quiet, the breeze around me, my eyes became fixed on three hawks that were gliding in the sky. Their wide wings flapped only periodically allowing the wind to carry them. When their wings were still, they were graceful and beautiful. That’s when I heard God’s message for me. He said: You and your family are the birds. See how when they are still, the wind carries them? I am your wind. I will carry you. You don’t have to work so hard to achieve your goals. Let me. I wept and thanked him for freeing me. If I had been in the woods texting or talking on the phone, or even reading a book, I never would have heard God’s very important message for my life. Two weeks later I found out I was pregnant. The power of connecting to God is life changing and although he doesn’t always answer you in the way that you hope…he DOES answer and he delights in hearing from you. Will you put God on your speed dial and connect with him more often? He waits, a gentleman, and wants nothing more than to answer your call and be the wind beneath your wings.
Psalm 46:10
"Be still, and know that I am God.
My Greatest Love
I met him when I was very young. I accepted him easily and spoke to him often over the years going to him to help me work out feelings of loneliness. He was always there for me and I took him for granted.
In my 20’s I still had a relationship with him but it was distant. I had my own agenda and no longer listened to his whispers of wisdom. I had a plan of my own and believed that I could achieve my goals without his guidance. I thanked him for the good things in my life but rarely consulted him in the decisions I made. My decisions were sometimes poor and clouded by my desire to be loved.
I eventually stopped listening to him altogether.
When I choose to dwell in a dark place, he forgave me before I even asked him to. I fell hard in the darkness and tried in vain to swim out of the murky water I dove into. Finally when I thought I might drown, I called for him, surrendered my life to him once again as I had as a child and he swooped in without questioning me, breathing new life into my soul. The love that overcame me was like a peace I had forgotten existed. I no longer had to strive and struggle only to sink…my life was in his hands and I could trust him completely. The love I had with the Lord freed me from my insecurities, my fears of being alone and gave me the knowledge that I could do all things through him that strengthened me.
I live a fulfilling life with my loving husband and two beautiful daughters and I know it is because I listened to God's plan for me that I am where I am. Life is not perfect and I do struggle like everyone else, but I know that during THOSE times, I can lean on Him and He will carry me through, whispering wisdom in my ear like he did when I was a child.
Today and everyday I will listen and know that He is Lord of my life, my greatest love.
Have a Happy Valentines Day.
May you love the Lord with all your heart, mind and soul!
Intentional Living.
Happy New Year!
To read more about “Intentional Living” refer to the women’s ministry page for a list of studies available.
Intentional living studies will help you learn what God has to say on various life topics so that you will choose to live your life for HIS purposes. These studies will include video series, books by Christian authors, and teachers from our own Women's ministry. Personal study time, small group discussions, and lectures will help you in this process.
One of my favorite Christmas gifts that I get every year from my mother-in-law is a beautiful tin of her homemade short bread cookies. She brought them one year to share with the family and after tasting the perfect buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies, they instantly became a “must have” on my wish list! They are yummy, can’t be replaced by store bought cookies and are made with love.
Here are some other gift ideas that are from the heart.
10. A BUTTERFLY GARDEN - A single butterfly milkweed bush attracts so many butterflies. It's a simple pleasure that will grow in your friend's garden for years to come.
9. A COMPLIMENT JAR - Fill a decorated mason jar with words of affirmation for the one you love. Have your kids participate in this project. They’ll have fun coming up with nice things to say about daddy, nana or a close friend.
8. A PHOTO BOOK - Do you love scrap-booking but don’t have the time? There are so many computer programs now that allow you to create a photo album quickly and at a reasonable price. These are especially great for loved ones that live far away.
7. BABYSITTING/COOKING SERVICE - Who couldn’t use a night out with free babysitting or a home cooked dinner delivered.
6. A LOVE LETTER – Tell your spouse why after all these years he’s still the one or send a letter to a friend listing all the things you admire and love about her. Include a coupon for coffee or her favorite dessert shop.
5. A COOKBOOK - Your friends are always asking you for your latest recipes. Compile a list of your best dishes and pass it on.
4. THE GIFT OF TIME - Tell your daughter-in-law that you’ll babysit for an hour once a week. Get on the floor and play with your kids for an hour every day. Give your husband an hour every night to unwind without asking him do anything. Call your Grandmother once a week and have a nice chat.
3. A CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT - My best friend and I give each other a Christmas ornament every year. We try to find ornaments that reflect the year our friend has had. When my husband and I bought our first home, my friend sent an ornament that said “home sweet home” and when she opened a music school I sent her an ornament shaped like a musical note. Every year when I decorate my tree I think of my friend and the memories we have shared.
2. LESSONS – Have you ever heard a friend say: “I wish I hadn’t quit...fill in the blank”. Do you have a talent for photography, tennis, playing the piano? Give the gift of free lessons.
1. A SPIRITUAL MAKEOVER – Enroll a friend in a bible study with you. An hour at an ACF bible study is like a facial for the soul. Bonus…babysitting is often included! Check out women’s ministry main webpage for a list of upcoming studies.
I would love to hear from YOU! Share your creative gift ideas along with your email address in the comments box. The most creative idea will win a gift certificate to STARBUCKS!
It is more blessed to give than to receive. (Acts 20:35)
