Women's Life at Existence

Weekly Inspiration - Commit to the Lord Whatever You Do in 2011...and Your Plans Will Succeed!

2011-01-03T20:18:00.001-08:00

Commit to the Lord Whatever You Do in 2011...and Your Plans Will Succeed!
by Kendall Valenzuela

A new year is dawning, and the Christmas rush is through. It is time
to start packing away the boxes of garland, unused wrapping paper
rolls and lights, and to turn our focus towards 2011.

Almost everyone I know begins a new year with a list of resolutions
for things they hope to change, accomplish or improve. A new year
signifies a fresh start and a new beginning. We obtain a brand new
calendar, flipping through and temporarily admiring the twelve empty
pages; for the time being, these calendar pages are clear from any
activities, commitments or obligations which customarily beckon and
clamor for our time and attention.

For many people, their "resolution list" begins automatically with
plans to change diet habits and their physical fitness regime. Have you
ever paid a visit to your local gym in the beginning of January? It is
typically packed with newcomers, all dressed like the first day of school
in their crisp white running shoes and colorfully coordinating gym attire!
If you go back to that same gym in mid-February or March, the number of
patrons will have significantly "thinned out." (Yes...the pun was intended.) ;)
Many of these newcomers lose interest in exercise, and their initial resolve
& determination to get in better shape for the new year wanes. For others,
the resolution topping their list has to do with establishing new
financial goals, in an effort to save more money and to spend less.

Some people actually succeed in accomplishing their new year's
resolutions. They seem to have been blessed with an "extra measure" of
will power, stamina, determination and follow through. Unfortunately,
I am not one of those lucky ones!

No matter how good and sincere my intentions are to make changes for
the better in a new year, I always seem to fall short of reaching my
goals. My self-proclaimed "ADD" kicks in to high gear, and I typically
lose interest and focus of my resolutions within just a week or two.
Another problem I have, is that I often over commit and "under
pray" in regard to my life's activities, unwittingly setting myself up
for failure. I know that I am not in this boat alone. Perhaps you can
relate, or know of someone whom can?

I think one of the most important factors, which many of us fail to
consistantly do, is to PRAY about the changes that we wish to see take
place in our lives, and to earnestly seek the Lord's will, guidance
and assistance BEFORE we act. So often, we make commitments with our
time and resources, and set personal goals, without really asking God if our
endeavors are what He desires of us. We pack our calendars with
activities, and dedicate ourselves to tasks and new year's resolutions
(albeit many of which are noble, healthy and worthwhile causes), without
consulting the One whom knows us better than we know ourselves!

Seeing how God is omnipotent, and already can tell what our future holds
for each day in 2011...doesn't it make sense to consult Him in prayer
before committing ourselves to any tasks or resolutions in the new
year? In 1 John 5:14-15 it states: "This is the confidence we
have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his
will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us―whatever we ask―we
know that we have what we asked of him." In Proverbs 16:3, it also
says: "Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed."

So, here is your charge for the new year, my friends...Approach the
Lord with your 2011 calendar in hand. Pray earnestly, and seek His will,
prior to writing out your list of resolutions, and before you commit to undertaking
any new tasks. Spend time praying about how God wants to use your talents,
time and resources in the new year. If you have preconceived ideas
about items you wish to change or areas in which you wish to
grow...be sure to bring those before the Lord in prayer.

If you have a journal, write down your thoughts and ask the Lord to give you a
scripture verse to apply as your motto for 2011! His word is full of truth and wisdom. Delve in, and see how God leads and guides your path. He will speak to your heart, and direct your footsteps, when you commit to earnestly seek Him.

May the Lord richly bless each of your endeavors in the year ahead. Remember to commit your plans to Him daily, and they will succeed. Best wishes...and I pray you will have a happy, healthy, joy-filled and prosperous New Year!

Weekly Inspiration - Financially Free Christmas

2010-12-08T14:25:00.001-08:00

Financially Free Christmas

8 Dec 2010

Marybeth Whalen

"For nothing is impossible with God." Luke 1:37 (NIV)

The reality of our poor financial choices hit my husband and me one night just a few days before Christmas several years ago. What should have been a time of festivities and celebrating became just another cause for stress in our lives. We didn't know how we were going to afford the expensive presents on our kids' lists. We didn't want to tell them no, yet to buy gifts meant adding to our already overwhelming debt load. We took God at His word when He said that nothing is impossible with Him. And yet, from where we sat, our financial situation looked impossible.
For years, we had been trying to do something to change our financial picture, to no avail. We desperately wanted to stop using credit cards, yet financial emergencies always cropped up that drove us back to credit card purchases. We wanted to begin tithing and saving, yet there was never any money leftover to do that. We wanted to begin chipping away at our debt, and yet we saw no way to do so. We felt trapped at every turn. We had gotten ourselves unwittingly into a financial mess. Never before had we felt so strongly about getting out of that mess than that night.
I watched from our parked car as the other shoppers "rushed home with their treasures" like the carol says. I vaguely wondered how many of them were slipping deeper into debt as they charged purchases they couldn't really afford. Meanwhile, my husband and I sat in that parking lot for over an hour. We talked through what it would take for us to change our spending habits and take steps towards achieving our dream of being debt free. God met with us there and united our hearts with a purpose and a passion to see it through.
The plan we mapped out was not a quick and easy solution, but it was the real picture of what it would take. Though neither of us realized it then, that night was the beginning of a major change in our lives. We were embarking on a journey that would enable us to escape the bondage of debt and begin to enjoy financial freedom. It took us four and a half years but we are so glad we did what it took to change our family's financial picture.
If you are approaching the Christmas season with that same sense of fear and dread, I urge you to not let another day go by without making a plan and committing to do whatever it takes to avoid debt. If you're married, have this hard but necessary conversation with your spouse. By next Christmas your financial situation might not be 100% better, but it will be better than it is this year. And each Christmas, with perseverance, it will get better. It won't be easy, but it will be the one of the best things you will ever do for your family. Ask me how I know.

Dear Lord, I want to honor You with my finances. I want to tithe and save and stop borrowing money. Please help me and my family to know what steps to take, and to seek out the wise counsel we need to change our financial picture. I trust You to do the impossible. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Weekly Inspiration - Have a Merry Heart, and also a “Heart like Mary” During This Joyous Christmas Season

2010-11-30T09:07:00.000-08:00

Have a Merry Heart, and also a “Heart like Mary” During This Joyous Christmas Season…

By Kendall Valenzuela

The last of the turkey and stuffing have been eaten, and our minds are now turned towards the “Countdown to Christmas.” How many of us can reflect back upon our childhood days, where as young girls we would write out our “Christmas Wish List” of desired toys, and make certain that, at our parent’s behest, we were displaying our very best behavior because Santa was watching? How wonderful was that, when our most difficult task at this time of year was to make certain that we did not end up with a lump of coal in our stocking? I don’t know about you, but there are times when I agree whole heartedly with the “Toys R Us” jingle … I DON’T WANT TO GROW UP!

Life is certainly more simplistic as a child. There are no parties to plan and host. You walk down the stairs on Christmas morning, with eager anticipation to see what gifts may have “magically” appeared over night. You have no real concept of the amount of thought, time, energy and money that went into purchasing, assembling and wrapping those items. Your primary focus is on playing with and enjoying the new gifts you have opened.

As women, we are innately “wired” to be caretakers and to want to make the Christmas season a special and exciting time. I truly do LOVE this time of year, and enjoy listening to and singing Christmas carols. I think it is amazingly awesome to hear Christmas songs being played on “secular” radio stations, sharing the good news with our nation about the birth of Christ! As soon as the Thanksgiving holiday has passed, I begin to drag out the storage boxes and start the arduous process of decorating my home for the holidays. Seeing the beautiful lights and store front decorations springing up around my neighborhood makes me happy, along with so many other people that I randomly encounter. People seem to become more jovial, as the “Christmas Spirit” often spreads like the flu during this time of year.

The colder weather provides a welcomed opportunity to enjoy a warm fire, a cozy sweater and inspires (even more) trips to the local Starbucks. I relish the opportunity to gather with family and friends to share a good meal, as well as the time carved out each December to bake cookies, and other goodies to share. I have already received and thumbed through my latest edition of “Martha Stewart Living,” gathering new recipes and inspirational ideas for gifts and decorating!

Yet…the Christmas season can also be a time where, as women, we over exert ourselves. If we are not careful to prioritize and delegate our duties and resources, we can easily become too busy and “burnt out” by the time that the New Year roles around! I am quite embarrassed to recount that I have personally and literally “run away from home” in the past. Yes, as you may have also personally experienced, running away occurred once or twice when I was a pre-teen girl, and upset at my mother for not allowing me to do something that I wanted. However, that is not the “running away” episode about which I am speaking…I am referring to a full-grown-adult episode in my life, which occurred several years ago after a Christmas holiday season ended, leaving me in a state of existence requiring a “hasty retreat” to an isolated place alone.

This is not the sort of thing about which I am proud to share, but I will for the sake of possibly saving someone else from having the same thing occur. I seriously packed an overnight bag, kissed my husband and family good bye, and got in my car to drive away. I had no idea at that exact moment in time where I was headed…but due to the enormous amount of stress and physical exhaustion I felt from having endured multiple weeks straight of planning, hosting, shopping, decorating, wrapping, shipping, cooking, cleaning, etc., I desperately needed a retreat, or I was going to have a serious “melt-down.”…And believe me when I say that there would NOT have been a top hat, corn-cob pipe, button nose and two eyes made out of coal left behind if I had actually melted! At that moment, it would more than likely have looked like a scene from the “Wizard of Oz,” wherein a pointy black top hat, a green pool of liquid and a straw broom would have been found within my (beautifully decorated, mind you) dining or family room!

During this season it is important that as women and mothers, we do not give fodder to some ridiculous Television Producer, whom may decide after witnessing our frantic and hurried holiday behavior, to come up with a new spin on the “Desperate Housewives” or “Girls Gone Wild” series. (Although, frankly speaking, a new “spin” would be a vast improvement over the current crude content of these shows!) What we really need is to take time out for ourselves, and to stop and reflect upon the true meaning and significance of Christmas. We need to make certain that we are acting more like Mary, and less like Martha. (And, in a non-biblical reference… we can also try to be less like the modern day “Martha Stewart”, too!)

Take a moment to read the following passage concerning Mary and Martha, found in Luke 10: 38-42. In this brief passage, we see that Martha was distracted by the amount of serving, planning and preparation that she had to do as a host. She was irritated that her sister, Mary, was not offering to help her serve. Martha did not recognize that Mary was displaying the proper attitude and actions; by her making time to sit at Jesus’ feet, listening to him speak, Mary displayed that she valued her time in her Savior’s presence above that of everything else that was taking place around her. Martha became anxiety ridden over the simple, ordinary tasks that she had to address and accomplish.

During the “hustle and bustle” of the Christmas season, we need to be cautious not to act like Martha, too. In the midst of all the shopping, wrapping, cooking, baking, hosting and gathering…we need to pause and take time to sit at the feet of Jesus. Reflecting and rejoicing in the miracle of Christ’s birth, and the role that He has played in our lives.

In this passage of Luke, we read how Jesus lovingly scolded and corrected Martha. He told her to pause, to slow down from the busyness of the moment, and to reflect upon “the one thing” that is needed…that one thing was a fully focused devotion and commitment to Christ. Everything else will pass away in time. The Christmas tree trimmings, cookies, office parties and wrapped gifts are all wonderful and fun to experience. However the TRUE joy of the season will be found in the presence of Jesus. I don’t know for certain…but I don’t believe that Martha Stewart has figured this out yet, either!

My heartfelt wish is that you will embrace the truth of Christ’s words spoken to Martha (of Bethany) for yourself this season. I have learned the hard way, the effects of not personally slowing down enough to spend time alone in prayer, sitting at God’s feet and reading/listening to His Word during the busy and hectic Christmas season…Just call up the hotel, where I landed alone and exhausted on Catalina Island several years ago. (Yes…I stopped my car in Long Beach and boarded a ferry to get there. I did not flee home and drive straight to Catalina; although it would be pretty cool to have a submersible car that could drive along the bottom of the ocean! ... Santa, if you are listening…I think I just figured out what I want for Christmas this year!) If you could actually contact the hotel where I retreated, I am certain they would relay how at that point in time, I looked like a “Poster Child” of what happens when someone works non- stop, and doesn’t slow down and seek solace in the Lord to “recharge” their own battery.

Taking time out to read the Bible, journal and pray is an important personal habit to develop and establish as an individual throughout every season of the year…however, it is even more crucial that we seek time alone at the feet of Christ during this busy holiday season. Christ alone is the main and the most important gift. He is the only true source for obtaining inner peace, strength and a knowledge of the truth that surpasses all understanding. You can try to seek this fulfillment elsewhere, but I am here to tell you that you can’t buy it at the Macy’s “One Day Sale”, and it won’t be found wrapped under the tree on Christmas morning!

So… go on now! Make yourself a cup of hot cocoa. Grab a cookie or a slice of gingerbread, and take a seat by the fire. Open up your Bible and journal…there is a very special guest whom is patiently waiting there to meet you. He doesn’t need you to entertain Him, and He doesn’t care if your hair or your house is a mess. He isn’t impressed by the time you have spent decorating. What He desires most is that you have a “Merry” heart…and also a heart like that of Mary during this joyous Christmas season.

Weekly Inspiration - Voice of Love

2010-11-17T18:52:00.001-08:00

A VOICE OF LOVE:
By Kendall Valenzuela

Love is typically defined as “the emotion of strong affection and personal attachment.” In philosophical
context, love is a virtue representing all of human kindness, compassion, and affection. In religious
context, love is not just a virtue, but the basis for all being ("God is love"), and the foundation for all
divine law. WHY IS LOVE SO IMPORTANT? It is important because Jesus said that all of the
commandments were given for two simple reasons- to help us love God and to help us love others as
we should.

As women, and followers of Christ, we are called to love God completely; and to seek living in union
with Him daily. Through our uniquely personal life journey, and our accepting of Christ as Savior, each
of us has experienced & encountered God’s unconditional love, grace and forgiveness. Every woman
(and man) has sinned, and has a story to tell.

Sadly, women are often known to be some of the most judgmental people on Earth. How often do you
personally pass judgment on others, without really knowing their “life story,” and without really thinking
that God has given you the commandment, as well as the blessing of opportunity, to be His voice of
unconditional love to them? Pause here for a moment, and truly reflect upon this… Then, mentally, fill
in the blank: I typically judge a person by___________. (Example: “… Their past or current failures and
transgressions, whether or not they have been kind & loving towards me ,whether or not they are walking
closely with God, the color of their skin, the color or style of their clothes and/or hair, the number of
tattoos on their body, the way they speak, the level of education they have obtained, the place they live,
the music to which they listen, the car they drive, the neighborhood in which they live, the job they have
or by the people with whom they choose to surround themselves.)

Christ chose to offer us salvation from sin, and to love us in spite of our shortcomings and failures. He
alone is the righteous judge of mankind (“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” Matthew 7:1). We
are called to extend the same grace, by non-judgmentally expressing God’s love and mercy to others.

Take a moment to read, and to think quietly about the significance of the encounter that took place
between Jesus and two criminals during His last moments here on Earth. This narrative is perhaps
one of the most touching examples of “A VOICE OF LOVE” in the entire Bible. While our Lord was
experiencing the physical, emotional and perhaps even spiritual agony of death on the cross, he still
expressed the divine nature of His love for man. He had the compassion to listen to the pleas of one who
had great need. He made the effort to repress his own pain, in order to answer the needs of a sinner.

Luke 23:32-43 (New International Version) 32Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with

him to be executed. 33When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with
the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. 34Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not
know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. 35The people stood watching,
and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ
of God, the Chosen One." 36The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar
37and said, "If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself." 38There was a written notice above him,
which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. 39One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at
him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!" 40But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear
God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? 41We are punished justly, for we are getting what
our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong." 42Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when
you come into your kingdom." 43Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in
paradise."

In the midst of his own suffering, Jesus reached out to offer love and forgiveness. The two other men,
whom were crucified on either side of Christ, were labeled as criminals in the eyes of society. Insults

We Love God & Others, Because He First Loved Us

were hurled by the local people, as these three hung to die upon crosses before them. Yet, one of the
criminals heard an opposing “voice of love,” uttered in the midst of all the insults, judgment and human
persecution.

"Father forgive them!" thus did He pray,
Even as His lifeblood flowed fast away;
Praying for sinners while in such woe -
No one but Jesus ever loved so.
- Avis Christiansen

This “criminal” on the cross next to Jesus was no different from you or me. He was a sinner, condemned
to die for his actions of wrong doing. (“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in
Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23) Jesus was…and still is…the ultimate role model for unconditional
love. We need to strive as women to not pass judgment upon others so flippantly, and to be more like
Christ. We need to actively seek out opportunities, as we encounter those in need of love and forgiveness,
whereby we can share the gift of salvation that God has so freely given to us.

You are being provided the opportunity to take Communion at this “Soul Station” today.

Before doing so, please take some time to pray and to seek God’s forgiveness personally in your heart and
life. Then, ask God to reveal those moments when you may have passed judgment unfairly upon another,
not forgiven, or for when you did not speak with a “VOICE OF LOVE” when the opportunity presented
itself. Ask the Lord to make you His “hands and feet;” and to give you a greater awareness of future
opportunities where you might be enabled to share God’s love and mercy more passionately & boldly,
while journeying through this precious life together as “brothers and sisters” in the Lord.

You may choose to find a place alone where you can close your eyes and silently speak and listen to
Him. Or, if you are more comfortable journaling your thoughts, you might wish to write them down
instead. Select a few passages from John (shown below) to read. Reflect quietly upon God’s amazing and
unlimited capacity to love all sinners, including you; give thanks that Jesus willingly sacrificed himself,
offering forgiveness & redemption to all mankind!

•

John 3:16, John 4: 1-42, John 8, John 15:9-10, John 17:23, John 21:15-17

When you are ready, take the bread, hold it, and praise God for who He is.

“This is my body given for you, do this in remembrance of me.”

Then, dip the bread into the juice and thank Him for dying to take away your sins and for forgiving
you.

“This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.”

As you take Communion with Christ, know that He has appointed this exact moment in time… and
also know full well that He loves you more sincerely and deeply than anyone else ever has or will.

Weekly Inspiration - Discerning God’s Voice

2010-11-15T21:03:00.000-08:00

Discerning God’s Voice

Ding Dong…the doorbell rang and I ran to answer it. I knew just what sat outside waiting for me. Iknew for sure as I heard the rumble of the large truck engine. FedEx had brought my package. I had the tracking number sitting in my email and I had checked the status at least a hundred timesthroughout the day. I threw open the door and there it was, a shiny gold package addressed justto me! As I picked it up and held it in my hands I looked just below it and saw another packagesitting there, also addressed to me! This was surely going to be an excellent day. I ripped open thegold package and inside was a manuscript titled “Your Life.” It wasn’t signed but I was sure it wasfrom God. He had emailed me the day before sending me the confirmation number and everything.I knew I would want to spend most of the evening pouring over the details so I set it aside andpulled out my second package. Most likely it was a gift from my mom, or a letter from my brother,but I wanted it out of the way so I could get down to business. I slid open the top and pulled outwhat seemed to be another manuscript. As I pulled it out of the packaging I was devastated, itwas also titled “Your Life” and was also unsigned. With panic running through my brain I quickly flipped through several pages of each book and found that they were similar but some parts wereincredibly different. My heart sank, how could I know which one was from God? Who could havesent this other version? I slumped down in my chair, closed my eyes and prayed.

I don’t know about you but I have begged God, on more than one occasion, to send me a FedExpackage with my name on it that would spell out in clear black and white letters just what path Ishould take, what a certain situation meant, if the guy I was dating was “the one” (that one wasprayed on several different occasions) and the list goes on and on. Every time I made that prayerGod would point me to the obvious spot…The Bible…and I would read and read, pray and pray andstill at the end of the day I would have so many voices inside my head auditioning for a part in mylife. How could I possibly figure out just which one was God?

While God never promises to send each of us a manuscript with the details of our life etched inside,He does promise to have an intimate personal relationship with each one of us individually; andthrough this relationship we will each begin to know Him so deeply that we will be able to discernquite quickly the Voice of God.

Discerning God’s Voice is an acquired skillYou may be one of the lucky ones, like Gideon, and the Lord will send his Angel down to speak withyou face to face. Or one of the not so lucky ones like Jonah and have the Lord throw you into thebelly of a whale to speak to you. Most likely though, you are like the rest of us and searching forclues to hear from God.

How can I learn to hear God speaking to me?

RelationshipGod tells us in the Bible that he wants a personal relationship with each one of us. It is difficult toimagine having a relationship with someone we cannot see or touch but the power of God is so strongit does happen.In Job 29:4 Job speaks of an intimate friendship he has with the Lord and that it graced his homefrequently.

Growing a relationship with God is much like any other friendship. We must spend time with Him,reading his Word, prayer time conversations, worship in adoration and at times simply being still andwaiting on Him to come to you.

Christian FellowshipGod uses human beings to pass his word along to us. We will never know who God could use in ourlives to get His word to us. He may even use us in someone else’s life as well. All of God’s wordis “inspired” which literally means “God Breathed.” Being in fellowship with other Christians will giveyou more opportunities for God to speak through a mature voice to your heart, and possibly evenopen doors for a mentorship or intimate relationship with a new friend.

Being AvailableIn Judges 6:17 Gideon asks God give him a sign that it is really God talking to him.; and Godprovided.We have to be ready and willing to accept God’s Word. Don’t worry if you are thinking that youmay have missed it in your busy life. God will provide many opportunities, more than we can evenimagine, for us to know him intimately.

John 14:26 says "But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, willteach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you."He will remind us constantly of his desires for our heart. Often times I will have a thought nag atme for days. Sometimes that thought is even physically painful and inside me I know this must beGod.

In your quiet time today try and hear God’s voice speaking to you. Reflect on your life and thecurrent events in it and see if you can find the still small voice of God urging you along. If you arestill unsure spend time asking God to give you a sign that it is really him speaking to you.

Along the wall you will see a string hanging and on a table nearby some supplies. Think about yourquiet time with God and reflect on his voice to you. Spend a few moments and create somethingthat reflects God’s voice to you and hang it on the wall. Maybe others will hear God’s voice throughyour bubble.

“This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit,expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.” 1 Corinthians 2:13

Weekly Inspiration - A Voice of Worship

2010-11-11T08:57:00.001-08:00

A Voice of Worship
By Angela Cachero

A simple definition of worship is: to regard with great devotion or to honor.What in this life are you most devoted to? Ask yourself, "Is it worthy of mydevotion and worship?” Are you most devoted to your family? Your career?Your ministry? Your church? Your God? God alone is worthy of our devotion.Everything and everyone else in this world will let us down. Even when thingsgo wrong around us, our Creator still commands us to worship Him. Psalm 92:9says, “Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, allthe earth.”

Sometimes it is easy to worship God. There are times in our lives wheneverything seems to be going just right and we have every reason to bow downto God in thanks and praise. But there are also times when it is difficult to find areason to rejoice. In Psalm 6, David writes about crying so much that his entirebed is drenched with tears. Yet, he still would still rather be alive and weeping,than be in a grave and unable to worship God anymore.

Worship is not merely singing songs. It means living a life that glorifies God.It means taking time to say “Thank You” to Him. It means recognizing Hisgoodness in your life whether your days are filled with sunshine, or you’re in themidst of storms. The well-known worship song, “Everything That Has Breath”says: “Praise You in the morning, praise You in the evening, praise You whenI'm young and when I'm old. Praise You when I'm laughing, praise You when I'mgrieving, praise You every season of the soul.”

Here is your opportunity to praise your God. Read Psalm 86. Then take sometime to journal. What season of life are you in now? Are you tired and barelystaying afloat? Or are you walking on water with Christ? Be vulnerable in yourwriting. Wherever you may be in your walk with God, take this opportunity nowto thank Him…to praise Him…and to worship Him for all that He’s done and allthat He will do. God loves you no matter the circumstances. He loves you. Hereis your opportunity to love Him back.

In Psalm 86, David writes about his life, then recognizes God’s perfectcharacteristics.After you’ve taken a moment to journal your thoughts, take a piece of thestationary provided and write your own psalm of praise. Keep it in a place whereyou can be reminded of God’s grace, love, and goodness in your life.

Weekly Inspiration - Hearing God's Voice

2010-11-09T20:23:00.000-08:00

Hearing God's Voice

By Mackenzie Sterling

As we learned this morning in Judges 6, God clearly and powerfully spoke to Gideon. What God said, WAS! He spoke truth into Gideon's life and He is speaking truth into our lives today.

If God has ever spoken to you, you know how impactful it is. Whether a Bible verse jumped off the page, He made an impression in your heart during worship, or a Christian friend spoke truth into your life; when God speaks, it's powerful.

Numerous times in Matthew, Mark and Luke, Jesus says "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." Does that mean that some people hear God while others don't? We know that it's God's will for all of his children to know, hear and follow his voice. However, some people have ears to hear God and some don't. The good news is, you have a choice as to which kind of ears you have! If you haven't ever heard God's voice spoken into your life through the Bible, a friend, an impression on your heart, or any number of other ways... or if you wish you heard God's voice more often, let's journey together and see how we can clear the way for God to speak in our lives.

What are some roadblocks to hearing God and receiving his Word? Before you continue reading, write down a couple things that come to mind. Make it personal. Think about your life and what is keeping you from hearing him daily.

Distraction / Busyness
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. Luke 10:38-40

It's difficult to make our personal relationship with God a priority in our busy lives. It's easier to schedule Christian activities such as Life Groups, service projects and even Church. However, to be in a personal relationship with God means that you spend time with him one-on-one. Martha was distracted, too distracted to sit at God's feet and listen to Him. The more that we choose to stop our busy lives, ignore the housework, turn off the computer and simply sit with God and his Word and listen to Him, the more he will speak to us.

Take a moment right now and simply sit with God. Be still, clear your mind of any distractions, and give him your full attention for a brief moment of silence.

A hard heart
Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts. Psalm 95:7-8

We don't often use the phrase "hardening your heart". The Bible uses this phrase a lot to symbolize a person who is out of touch with God and unable to hear his voice. This can be due to many things, some of them being: pride, arrogance, not confessing, hiding/running away from God, disobeying His commands and generally putting other things as a priority instead of Him. Another way our hearts get hardened is by not giving God complete access to speak into all areas of our lives. For example, if your heart is closed to (or you are ignoring) His guidance regarding the way you spend your money, then it will be harder to hear His voice speaking to you. If we close off areas of our life to God, he most likely won't bust down the walls we build up just to speak to us. He will most likely respect the walls we've built, and not speak to us as often as if we had a soft open heart.
Is there an area of your life that comes to mind when you think of a hardened heart? Maybe something that has caused you to have a hardened heart? Take a moment to reflect and write down what you are feeling.

The good news is that God wants to speak to us! He wants us to hear His voice. He wants to break down our walls and come into all areas of our hearts. He wants to fill us with His love so that we're unable to be too busy to listen to Him... so that He is our highest priority. Let's pray for our roadblocks to be removed so we can better hear the voice of our loving, wonderful God.

Dear God, you are so powerful! The fact that you made each of us and desire to speak to us personally is awe-inspiring. We confess that we don't always put our relationship with you as first priority. Thank you that you are a loving, good God who wants to restore our relationships with you. God, please give us ears to hear you. Silence all of the distractions of this world and focus our hearts on you. Inspire us to frequently sit at your feet and listen to you. Soften our hearts and remind us to turn every part of our lives over to your hands. May we put nothing above our relationship with you, because you love us more than anything or anyone in the world ever could. Amen.

"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever." - Psalm 107:1 (NIV)

2010-11-02T21:06:00.000-07:00

Psalm 107:1 (NIV)

"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever."

I was thinking about how awesome it is that the Lord's love ENDURES forever! Here is an excellent song of worship to thank God for his ever enduring love! Hope everyone's week is starting out great! Love, Mikala

Give thanks to the Lord
Our God and King
His love endures forever
For He is good, He is above all things
His love endures forever
Sing praise, sing praise
With a mighty hand
and outstretched arm
His love endures forever
For the life that's been reborn
His love endures forever
Sing praise, sing praise
Sing praise, sing praise

Yeah
Forever God is faithful
Forever God is strong
Forever God is with us
Forever
Forever
From the rising to the setting sun
His love endures forever
By the grace of God
We will carry on
His love endures forever
Sing praise, sing praise
Sing praise, sing praise
Yeah
Forever God is faithful
Forever God is strong
Forever God is with us
Forever
Forever
Forever God is faithful
Forever God is strong
Forever God is with us
Forever
Forever
Forever

His love endures forever
His love endures forever
His love endures forever
Forever
Sing praise, sing praise
Sing praise, sing praise
Yeah
Forever you are faithful
Forever you are strong
Foerver you are with us
Forever
And ever
Yeah

Forever you are faithful
Forever you are strong
Forever you are with us
Forever
Forever
You are God.....
Forever
And ever and ever ....

Here is a link to the song if you want to listen along.

Weekly Inspiration - Discipleship is not an option, its a responsibility - Matt. 28:19

2010-10-29T09:33:00.000-07:00

Weekly Inspiration - Discipleship is not an option, its a responsibility - Matt. 28:19

Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in^[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit

Many of us feel that we are not good enough to spread the word of God. We haven't been Christians for very long, we don't know all of the bible stories, we don't know the answers to the tough questions, we aren't sure about Jesus/The Bible/Heaven/Hell etc. We are nervous to say how we feel today because we just aren't sure if that is really how we will feel tomorrow. And some of us are embarrassed by our faith and don't want others to know that we are believers. I am sure there are other categories we fit into, but I am sure that most of us fit into one or the other. I know I have fit into all of these categories at different points in my life.

Regardless of how we feel, God commands us to "go and make disciples of all nations." However, God doesn't only command us, he equips us with every single tool that we need. The ONLY prerequisite is that you have experienced life - the joys, trials, pitfalls, celebrations. Once you have experienced any life event you now have every tool you need to be a disciple.

Think about any other task you set about in your life. I personally remember when I first went off to college, leaving behind my dishwasher, clothes washer/dryer, grocery shopper, rule giver etc....if you haven't guessed I am talking about my mom. I was so excited to finally live my life all on my own. Then it came time to do all of these things I had never really had to do on my own. It was daunting and there were definitely trials and errors. One of my favorite memories is when it was time to mop the floor. I read the directions on the mopping liquid and I mixed together the right proportions. I had also seen shows with janitors dipping their mop in the bucket and then mopping the floor. I had not however thought about the logistics. I only had about 10 tiles to mop, but I went ahead and mixed enough liquid for an office building. Then I forgot to wring out the mop and poured a bucket full of water all over the kitchen, and then to top it off I was inside the kitchen when it happened so I had to walk through it all in my shoes tracking dirt everywhere to get out. It was exhausting and frustrating but somehow, today I can mop like you have never seen any mop! Being a disciple of Christ is the same. You will learn by doing. YES, you will make mistakes, you will have errors, but one day you will see yourself witnessing alongside the best of 'em.

I want to challenge all of the women reading this. Take a bold step for God. Go out and find a way to use the gifts, the life experiences, that God has given you and share them with someone. Simply find someone to relate to and in the midst of fellowship, take a leap of faith and share with them just how God has impacted your life. I bet you will be surprised at how quickly they leap back. You will feel yourself stretching and growing, but these growing pains will bring a smile to your heart and will kick start your pathway to discipleship.

Dear Lord, thank you for giving us ALL of the tools we need to fulfill your word and disciple to others in our world. It is hard to think of how many opportunities are out there to tell someone about the awesomeness of you. It is daunting to take a leap and be bold spreading your word, but Lord I pray that you can instill in all of our hearts courage as we do step out in faith. I pray that you reveal to every woman reading this that they ARE good enough, even perfectly made specifically and individually by you Lord for a purpose. In your name Lord, Amen.

Weekly Inspiration - So This is What "Hard" Feels Like - Job

2010-10-20T08:35:00.000-07:00

So This is What "Hard" Feels Like?

Written by Glynnis Whitwer

"I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth." Job 19:25 (NIV)

Do you know what "hard" feels like? I'm not talking about the feel of stone by a river, or concrete under your feet. I'm talking emotionally hard ... spiritually hard. The kind of hard that makes you want to give up, go back to bed or slip into some sort of temporary abandonment of reality.

Do you know the kind of hard that makes you question everything you know, or thought you knew, about God?

The book of Job in the Old Testament tells the story of someone who knew hard. It's surely one of the most difficult to read because God re moved His hand of protection and allowed all the pain that Job experienced. In fact, God even pointed Job out to Satan as blameless, which Satan twisted into a challenge to bring Job down.

Confident in Job, God allowed the testing. So one by one, Satan destroyed that which was dear to Job: his family, health and possessions. Then, just when you think it couldn't get any worse, Job's wife and friends step in to "help" with the most unhelpful advice. Job is beset on all sides, and at times he is ready to give up, even asking God to "crush" him and relieve him of misery.

Job was a good and honest man. A man of high integrity, He didn't deserve the hard times he experienced. Yet, in spite of unrelenting agony, Job battled to hold on to truth – truth about his feelings and truth about God. In spite of confusion and questions, Job refused to curse God. Though Job didn't understand why he was suffering, he chose to walk in honest y and integrity, believing God would bring something good out if it.

Job faced "hard" head on. He wobbled a bit, but then planted his feet and steadfastly held on to faith that his God who had never abandoned him before, would not do so now. No matter what he lost, and who abandoned him, Job knew God would always be with him. His emotions may have pulled a bit on this, but Job kept steering back to center. Job faced "hard" well.

To declare his faith, Job spoke words that echo through generations, off the lips of saints of old and suffering saints today: "I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth."

Job's story has a happy ending. After passing the testing, the Bible says, "The Lord blessed the latter part of Job's life more than the first" (Job 42:12a, NIV). Although Job had to go through the hard times, and there were no easy answers, the Lord never abandoned hi m, and had a reward on the other side.

The good news is Job's story can be ours. Not that we would wish such catastrophe on ourselves, but we all face our own "hard." And Job's Redeemer is our Redeemer. If you are facing something hard today, Job's story can bring you comfort and hope, for our Redeemer lives!

Dear Lord, I praise You for being the same regardless of what I am going through. There is nothing that is outside Your control. Help me to suffer well, and to guard my lips against any falsehood. Turn my face toward You when I can't lift it myself. I choose to trust You today. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Weekly Inspiration - I Samuel 18:1-4 - Friendship!

2010-09-30T09:09:00.000-07:00

Hi Ladies! I have been reflecting on why I am so passionate about women's ministry, especially at Existence church. I grew up in a small town and even though there wasn't a lot of competition to be had, it was still fierce. I grew up with a small group of girlfriends and we did almost everything together. There were a few of us that were tighter than others but for the most part we all enjoyed each other's company. As we got into middle and high school the boyfriend craze began to unfold and I saw many of our friendships come to ruin because of jealousies and heart ache. I was surprised at how easily a friendship could dissolve, and I was unnerved that the deep connection I felt in my heart could be uprooted without my consent. As each day passed I could feel the competition and pressures grow. Our friends wanted to stay together, we knew it was important to have friends, so every so often my group of friends would get together and have a truth telling session. It was awful, and I can remember the last one I attended. All of the girls would sit in a circle and tell each other the bad things other kids would say behind their backs (this included each of us). Some were called fat, others promiscuous, others ugly and the list goes on and on. The tough part for me was there was nothing productive about this confession session. It was simply a way to state in front of everyone that we all had something on one another so we should stick together or else. I couldn't take it that friendship meant keeping your enemies close. Thank God that He did eventually give me healthy and long lasting female friendships built out of love and trust.

Reading Samuel 18:1-4 I see that God created friendships to be like family, closer even at times. God says that David and Jonathan became one in spirit and loved one another as himself.

In this world of pressures to be sexy, wealthy, provocative, competitive and the list goes on, we as women need to find a way to stick together, not as enemies keeping close, but as children of God loving one another as ourself. When we feel the temptation to dress provocatively to lure in a man, the need to act hautey to get attention, the need to gossip to get a step ahead - in these times find a girlfriend to lift up, give a woman a compliment and remember that God made us to be dear, dear friends to one another. I can't help but think that God had a great plan when he made friendship this way. We will need eachother in battle one day. It might not be an "end of the world" battle but it might be a war inside us and we will surely need eachother.

Dear God, Please bless all of the women who are reading this Lord. Please give us all the ability to put aside our sinful and selfish desires to lift one another up in your name instead. Give us hearts that will bind to eachother in love just as you showed us. And Lord, in the name of Jesus, help us be not of this world and worldy pressures and desires, but of you Lord. In your name, amen.

Weekly Harvest - Hebrews 12:11

2010-09-17T09:22:00.000-07:00

Sanctifying Discipline

By Wendy Blight

"No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening – it's painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way." Hebrews 12:11 (NLT)

Discipline hurts.

When on the receiving end of it, we hate it. We whine. We groan. We complain. Our sin nature rises up to defend, rebel, and justify.

The author of Hebrews recognizes this in Hebrews 12:11. He says, "No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening – it's painful."

Yes, it is. Don't you love how God validates our feelings? Discipline hurts!

But when we examine the second half of this verse, God also makes a promise. He promises that afterwards there will be "peaceful harvest of right living for tho se who are trained in this way." God promises to bring forth fruit from discipline. This fruit is the outward effect of His divine discipline. Each time God disciplines us, He moves us closer and closer to holiness.

Oh, how it hurts, though. Recently, I watched and listened as my husband spoke what I believed to be harsh words to my son about his behavior. I did not feel my son's childish behavior warranted my husband's reaction. I made my opinion known right then and there...in front of my son. Looking back, I can see that I disrespected my husband. But, of course, I did not see it that way at the time. In my mind, I was protecting my son's heart, believing I knew the right way, a better way, to say what my husband said.

Later that night, my husband addressed this with me privately. It felt like he was correcting me. I reacted as expected...defending and justifying my words.

God being God had already arranged for me to have coffee the next day with a dear frien d who is about ten years ahead of me in parenting. I casually asked how her youngest son was doing. It opened the door to a conversation that led to how a woman needs to respect her husband and trust him with the discipline of a son. She stressed the importance of wives not only respecting their husbands but also trusting them and praying for them...for wisdom and strength as they father their children, especially sons.

Wow!! She knew nothing of my circumstances when she began sharing her wisdom. Tears fell from my eyes as I heard God speaking to me through her.

God softened my heart. Why? To be honest, it was probably because the words did not come from my husband.

I realized in that moment that I needed to change my heart. I learned through her words that my husband's admonishment about what I had done was God's discipline and sanctifying work. With this new perspective, I find myself more willing now to accept discipline and to work with God instead of against Him.

As we closed our time together, my friend prayed the most beautiful prayer that moved my heart to repentance. I could not wait for my husband to get home that night and share what God taught me.

God's promise does not end there. Hebrews 12:12 says:

"Therefore strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. Make level paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed." (NIV)

Friend, God uses discipline to heal. Our God wants the very best for us. He loves us. He delights in us. He has a plan for us. It is only when we willingly allow God to sanctify our hearts and remove sin...whatever it may be (pride, bitterness, fear, mistrust, shame, guilt, anger)...that God can truly use us and accomplish His plans in and through us.

Heavenly Father, give me a heart of glad surrender, one that willingly receives Your discipline. Father, whatever it takes, make me more like You. Bring forth a harvest of righteous ness and peace in my life. Amen.

Weekly Inspiration - James 5:13 - Prayer

2010-09-09T20:58:00.001-07:00

James 5:13
Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.

Prayer is defined as a devout petition to God or an object of worship. (www.dictionary.com)

When I read this I hear that praying is asking God for something. But, prayer can't just be for the broken and needy can it?

I definitely use the prayer of petition on 99.9% of my prayer occasions. This prayer usually surfaces when something is going wrong in my life. I prayed this prayer for boyfriends when I was younger, getting me out of webs I had weaved my way into and when I was so broken I couldn't see straight this prayer was my refuge. As I get older and more mature I am finding that I am less and less a woman of frantic petition prayer and unfortunately this has led me to being a woman of irregular prayer as well.

Thankfully, in my moment of prayer petition to God, asking Him to give me prayers when my world isn't falling apart he revealed to me James 5:13. I read what I normally hear about prayer "Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray." but then just after I read "Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise." I should have known that God had put it right there in front of my face where I should have tripped right over it. When I am happy, satisfied and blessed by God I should sing songs of praise!

For those of you who find it difficult to remember to pray when there isn't something tugging at your heart or those of you who can't find the words to pray when you aren't in need there are some easy tips and outlines you can follow to help. No, God is not upset if you schedule time for prayer, or even if you structure prayer; God is delighted that you, his daughter, wants to speak to Him and be in relationship with Him!

First, many of you may be used to praying a standard repetitive prayer. It may have been an easy way for you to begin a routine of prayer and that is great, but God truly desires a personal relationship with you and that can't be done with repetition. Just imagine if you called your best friend and you said the exact same words to one another every time you spoke! You would never really know one another and would be wasting both of your time. So put your heart out there, and say what is right there on the tip of it. (Matthew 6:5-7)

Second, God so longs to be your friend, your Father, your intimate partner. It may be difficult to truly feel that way but He does. The more you talk to Him and listen for Him to speak back and the more honest and regular your conversations, the closer and more intimate you will be with Him. Just imagine your relationship with your best of friends or spouse. How did you become so close? This is the same intimacy God desires with you.

Thirdly, here is an outline to help you cover more than your current daily needs. It is called the AWCIPA prayer.

A - Adoration - Give thanks to the Lord and spend time praising His works
(Ex. Thank you Lord for being so loving and patient. Thank you for providing beauty in nature and lovely weather)
W - Waiting - Give the Lord a chance to speak to you. If you find your mind wandering while you are sitting in silence you can think of a single word to say in your mind such as Jesus or Hallelujah.
C - Confession - Confess your sins to the Lord and be honest because he already knows. You do not have to limit confession to big things such as theft and murder, you can confess gossip, raising your voice, lack of time reading the Bible or anything else that you know may plague you even in a small way.
I - Intercession - Prayer for others. Ask for prayer for your pastor, your government, those in need overseas, the military or friends and family members.
P - Petition - This is your chance to pray that prayer you are used to praying. It is not a bad thing to bring your wants and needs to the Lord. He is there for you, as your Father and wants to know all the desires of your heart.
A - Adoration - End your prayer in thanksgiving to the Lord again. Sometimes just saying "Lord, thank you for giving me the wisdom of how to pray to you Lord and the ability to have a personal relationship with you"

Here is an easy to print out version of the AWCIPA prayer with some scripture attached.
http://home.earthlink.net/~occhristian/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/awcipa_prayer.pdf

Dear Lord, thank you SO much for your inspiration with these weekly devotions. I hope that these words will enter the hearts of every woman who reads them and that they will be able to feel your desire for an intimate relationship with each one of them. Thank you for making us unique and special in your eyes and thank you for knowing all of those special parts of our hearts. Please continue to work in our hearts and our mouths to bring you words of praise as well as petition Lord. In your holy name I pray, Amen.

Definitions - Intentional

2010-09-02T22:37:00.001-07:00

Definitions: Intentional - characterized by conscious design or purpose.

What aspects of your life do you live out intentionally?

What makes a woman beautiful?

2010-09-02T22:36:00.001-07:00

What makes a woman beautiful? The color of her eyes, her hair, the clothes she wears, her figure, her skin complexion? These things are only temporary. What truly makes a woman beautiful is who she is in Christ. As Christ enters a woman's life, something beautiful is created that cannot be changed by earthly things. This can only come from the Lord. ~Anne Graham Lotz

Weekly Inspiration - 2 Timothy 3:16-17

2010-08-27T10:17:00.000-07:00

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (New International Version)

¹⁶All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, ¹⁷so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

I recently went to Texas to visit my family and to see my brother off on a new adventure with the ARMY. It was difficult to watch my new sister-in-law and my mom cry as they realized they would not be seeing him for the next 10 weeks. The only real communication any of us will have with him from this point on are letters that we get to write him. My sister-in-law put together a little packet of addressed and stamped envelopes so that my brother will be able to write letters back to us as well. In his absence we three began to research on the Internet what boot camp is like and how we could support my brother during this time, his first real time away from home. An overarching theme was to make sure and write, write, write. Plenty of soldiers said that the only thing that got them through the tough times was looking forward to the letters from loved ones. This first week has already felt like a century waiting to get an address to send the first letters too. I have found so much information on his camp though. I have had the fortune of finding out who his drill sergeant will most likely be, thanks to Facebook! I have read all about his life, his family and even requested to be his wife’s friend in hopes of learning some more information. While I can’t physically be with my brother to encourage him or to see how he is doing, knowing all about where he is and what he is going through has provided my family and me some comfort.

This letter writing got me thinking about the Bible. I have always known that it is important to read the Bible; mostly because I have heard my pastor and other spiritual leaders tell me so. I have never really understood why, or how to do it and so I have mostly taken the approach of randomly opening up to a page, reading a few lines of so and so begat so and so before I was bored and willing to do anything else. I remember being ecstatic that the Message bible came out and that the cryptic phrases were finally unpacked for me, but there was still a distance I felt as I read the stories, especially if I found the story particularly boring. I have tried countless tactics to get more interested in the bible such as keeping various scripture written on papers inside my purse for encouragement, exciting bible studies that applied the lessons to my life and even looking for passages that I think will speak to the women that may read these weekly messages. While all of these things have led me to “aha” moments and have definitely benefited me, I have still always felt like it was still a book with lots and lots of boring parts.

It wasn’t until I began thinking about these letters to and from my brother that I realized that this book, the Bible, are the words of our Father in heaven specifically written to me, to us! I could never get passed the “so and so begat so and so” until I realized how important it was for me to know the background of my brother’s drill sergeant. When I was reading the “begats” I was getting to know the background, the ins and outs of God and Jesus! How could I have missed this treasure that I had in my possession? I have letters written to me from God himself since he cannot sit here and tell me all of the wonderful things he did, is doing and has done. Anytime I feel lonely, confused, thankful or simply want to be comforted by His presence, I can open up my book of letters from Him to me and feel so close. I opened my Bible for the first time and read with emotions of love so deep that I knew I had to share it with you in hopes that you can do the same!

Dear God, I am constantly amazed at how you can stretch my heart to limits I never knew possible. Thank you so much for knowing that we would need letters from you Lord. Thank you for giving us words that will feel like arms wrapped around us when we need our Father’s comfort. Thank you for words that will give us insight into your presence, background into the world you created and hope that you have taken care of everything we will ever need. I pray for the women reading these words that you will open their hearts to the personal nature of these letters and to give them the understanding that they are written specifically for each one of them Lord. In your name, Amen.

Weekly Harvest: What is your gift? God gives us all a special gift, what is yours and how do you share it with others?

2010-08-23T08:40:00.001-07:00

God gives us all a special gift, what is yours and how do you share it with others?

Women of Existence Cook Book!

2010-08-20T10:29:00.000-07:00

We are collecting recipes from YOU the women at Existence church! We will be compiling these yummy recipes into a book that will be available for purchase during the holidays. The proceeds will go to the women's ministry as well as the Isaiah Project (www.helpthewaterman.com) We will also have a women's mixer in December to hang out and sample some of the recipes!

Please submit your (or your grandma's) recipe to existencewomen@gmail.com

Weekly Inspiration - Matthew 16:24

2010-08-19T23:50:00.000-07:00

Mean Mom, Kind Mom

Devotioanl by Lysa TerKeurst

"Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me.'" Matthew 16:24 (NIV)

Yesterday we were driving back from the joy called the beach vacation. All total we logged over 20 hours in the car. It was family bonding at its finest.

So, this is what I hear from the backseat:

Ashley: "Mom, Brooke just licked my hash brown! Ewwwwww!"

Me: "Brooke, why would you lick your sister's hash brown for heaven's sake?"

Brooke: "Because my arm hurts."

Me: "Oh. Well that just makes complete sense."

There may have been 127 other instances where the soundtrack of my life was, "Mom...she poked me and she is on my side and she just spilled her drink and she took my book."

My kids were getting on the last good nerve I had and I could feel an emotional eruption bubbling to the surface.

Do you ever struggle with the mean mom trying to come out? Or the mean girl? Or the mean sister? Or the mean wife?

How is it I can be marching along to the sweetest tune and then veer off so suddenly into a bad attitude?

I wish there was one simple fix-it plan where if we follow three steps all tendencies toward emotional eruptions would vanish. But that's not reality. If all we needed to follow was a plan, we'd have no need to follow Jesus.

And ultimately isn't that what life is supposed to show us - that we need to follow Jesus? So what does Jesus say about this? He says we must do three things. But these aren't three easy steps. They are three attitude shifts of the heart.

He says we have to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Him (Matthew 16:24).

Deny myself...

I have to l ook beyond the emotions begging to erupt and use self-control. I have to deny myself the momentary satisfaction of the quick comeback, the rude response, and the full out yelling.

Deny myself. It's hard. But it is the way with Jesus.

Then I must take up my cross...

My cross. Stop the blaming and finger pointing and wishing everyone else would change...and see my sinful reaction as a negative contribution to the problem at hand. I must take my issues to His cross and see my sin for what it is - sin. And I must be disgusted enough by my sin to truly want to do something about it.

Take up my cross. It's hard. But it is the way with Jesus.

Finally, I must follow Him...

Really follow Him. Follow who He is and how He is. I must close my mouth, pause long enough to let Him interrupt my eruption, and let His Spirit redirect me. Yes, my children need to be corrected but I can let the consequences scream so I don't have to. Only a calm mama can think of rational, reasonable consequences that instruct.

Follow who He is and how He is. It's hard. But it is the way with Jesus.

It's amazing how quickly my mean mom vanishes when I deny myself, admit my sin, and choose to let Jesus interrupt me.

Just don't be messin' with my hash brown if your arm starts hurting. Okay? I have to draw the line somewhere you know.

Dear Lord, please interrupt my natural flesh pattern today. I desire to change. I need to change. I realize and admit that I need You, Lord. Help me to stop the blaming and finger pointing once and for all. Help me to follow in Your footsteps today. I want to seek You with all of my heart. For I know that those who seek You will find You. Thank You for this promise. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Weekly Inspiration - Titus 2:3-4

2010-08-12T09:35:00.000-07:00

Titus 2:3-4

³Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. ⁴Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children,

The apostle Paul wrote a letter of counsel to his friend Titus. In this letter he specifically calls to the older women in the church to “train” the younger women in the church in important life issues. It is an interesting request when you think about it. I am sure most of us will agree that we love our families without any coercing. Do we really need to be trained how to love? The bible says that we do!

I looked up the statistics for the divorce rate in the United States and this is what I found:

The divorce rate in America for first marriage is 41%
The divorce rate in America for second marriage is 60%
The divorce rate in America for third marriage is 73%

Those numbers are astounding! If we as women are made so perfectly to love, why then are marriages failing at such an enormous rate? I believe this is why God put these words in the bible. He knew that we would be so well equipped to love that we would go about it on our own, following our heart with reckless abandon. I have personally been through the trenches on this one. I have followed my heart through several failed romances that I was certain would lead to marriage and then one time through the pits of a marriage that led straight to divorce. I was careless with the gift of love God had given, and I was too young and too dumb to ask for help. I wish that I had been approached by a woman in my church and given some life lessons over coffee. I wish that I had been told by other young women in successful marriages what it was to really love. Of course my mother sat me down and mumbled something to me once….ok, maybe several times and I am sure it was filled with wisdom, but there are some things that daughters choose not to listen to their mothers on, and this was one of mine.

Jesus gave us so much instruction in the bible on being a woman, but these instructions cause controversy, anger and confusion. What does it mean to submit to our husbands? What does it mean to be gentle? What does it really mean to love as Christ loved? Is God serious about women not speaking in church? What does it mean to serve?

I challenge you ladies reading this today who have made it and are in successful godly relationships (including work relationships and friendships) to find opportunities to share your wisdom with younger women. If you are a mom find other pregnant women to lend them advice or even just the comfort of an ear that will listen. If you have been through the pits and made it out alive, give comfort to those who are in the pits and can’t see the light. Sometimes, even those who seem to have it altogether or seem to have a support system a mile wide are the ones who need us the most.

To those of you ladies who are in the pits, deep in the pits and you cannot see the light. I will be praying that you will seek out someone you can look up to that has been there, done that and made it out beautifully on the other side. In the mean time, Jesus knows your heart. In John 15:12 he says “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”

Ask yourself, has Jesus been patient with me?

Has he sacrificed for me?

Does He know my darkest places and still give me love?

Does He protect me?

If you answered yes to these questions then you can have some guidance on how to love yourself, your friends and your family. When you feel as though you are so tired and frustrated you cannot take anymore, and you give your co-workers patience you are loving as Christ loves you. When you allow your husband to have quirks and be weird when he wants to without stereotype or prejudice you are loving as Christ loves you. And when you take yourself out of dangerous situations and protect the gift of love that God gave you, you are loving as Christ loves you.

Dear God, thank you so much for making us so perfect in your image Lord. You gave us women a heart full of love, compassion and the excitement to bestow these emotions on those closest to us. I pray that you put women in our lives who can mentor us on how to truly love in a healthy, Godly way. I also pray that the women here who have been through the muck and made it out and are successfully loving their husbands, friends, families and themselves, that you would give them women in their lives who they can train to do what is good in your eyes. In your name, Amen.

*If you have questions or comments about any of these topics please feel free to email us at existencewomen@gmail.com

Weekly Harvest - What motivates your womanly spirit?

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As a woman what motivates your womanly spirit? God has placed us, on purpose, in various positions in life, so tell us, what motivates you as a wife, a mother, an employee, a Christian, or any other role that you take on?

*The weekly harvest is your chance to help mold the women's ministry to be custom tailored to the Women of Existence. I encourage you to respond even if you think your ideas aren't special, you never know what God has in store for your thoughts!*

Weekly Inspiration - James 1: 19-20

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Weekly Inspiration – August 5^th

James 1: 19-20

¹⁹My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, ²⁰for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.

Do you remember when your mom used to say “now honey, your face will freeze like that one day?” Maybe some of you even use that one on your children now.

I remember it was my personal mission to make every face I could think of that was silly and prove to my mom that your face would in fact not freeze like that one day. Lucky for me I was right, there were a few faces I would be sad to be carrying around today.

My mom would be happy to know that the old adage came back to me at a very opportune moment of growth for me. I was having a “discussion” with my husband and I found myself making a not so flattering face at him. After eventually apologizing I realized that not too long ago, on some of our first dates, I could never have imagined myself making a face like that at this man that I loved; yet here I was able to conjure that face up within seconds of being opposed, and without much guilt for doing so. I may have even felt that he deserved that very face at the moment.

Then, I thought about what my mom said and I realized she was right. The moment I allowed myself to make a nasty face at my husband, it became a new tool neatly tucked away just in case it were needed again. At the time I was probably devastated that I was able to do such a thing, but as time wore on it became easier and easier to bear. I am sure there have been times where my husband feels that my face did freeze that way. So after we got home, I went and looked in the mirror, and I made the face at myself. Try that one if you already haven’t. It was pretty disappointing, but I am glad I did it. I now know what face is also frozen in my husband’s mind when we have a “discussion,” and I am sure he is just waiting for it to paint itself back across my face.

So My dear sisters, take note of this… Let us be quicker to listen than to speak, quicker to have compassion and love than malice. Let us be quicker to sing praise than to spout angry words. And most of all, let our faces be those of loving kindness and tenderness; for God desires so much more for our womanly heart.

Dear Lord, thank you so much for your wisdom and inspiration in the Bible. I can’t imagine if I were left to my own devices in this world for guidance. Thank you for reminding me, during my selfish moments of anger, that my actions are not just my own, but will leave a mark on all who witness them. Please also remind me that when I am tempted to make nasty faces and become quickly angered that my face will freeze that way, even if it is only in my husband’s memory. I pray for the Women of Existence that we may continue to grow closer to you Lord and closer to becoming the women you designed us specifically to be. To hold our tongues, to steer away from gossip and to hold our faces in a smile so that they will freeze that way! In your name, Amen.

Welcome!

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I am so delighted that you have come to find out what the Women of Existence are up to. God is doing amazing things in our women everyday and we want to shout about it. Since rooftops can be tricky, we decided we would shout through the web, Facebook, Email, Blogging and all the more modern modes of communication. Please check back in regularly to learn about events we have planned, praises we have to sing and opportunities to serve. You might even pop in to get a dose of encouragement through our weekly posts.

We are the women of Existence Church in San Diego. We exist to provide a place for women to use their God given gifts through outreach, personal growth and serving others. If you would like to join us or simply learn more about what Existence Women are up to visit us on Facebook or email us.