Friday, January 27, 2017

Building Up Men


Building Up Men

The bible is clear that men and boys require respect. Studies show that a majority of men would choose respect over anything else, including love.

I have not always gotten this right. The more I acted out in fear and flesh, the more I pushed my husband and oldest son away from me. One day I decided that The Lord can certainly be trusted to be my defender (bible tells me so) and where has my faith been??
 Then I officially stepped back from trying to fix them both and stopped focusing on the negative.  

All along it was me that needed fixing. I was a puppet in the enemy's hands and he baited me with every evil thought. When I acted on those bad thoughts and especially when I spoke out what I saw was wrong, I was in agreement with the enemy of my soul, my son, my husband, and my marriage.

Respect begets LOVE. It worked for us. 
Try It, I Dare Ya!!

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
LOVE NEVER FAILS."
1 Corinthians 13:1-4

women encouraging women







Friday, January 20, 2017

Make Good Use Of Today


Make Good Use Of Today

You were never meant to brave this cruel world alone. Why do we hurry out each day without peace, protection or guidance when we don't have to? Why are we so stressed, hurried, scattered, fearful, and operating in our own power? 

This way of living is certainly a downward spiral. We start our day in our own strength truly believing it will go well only to quickly loose steam and hope as the day goes on. 

Plain and simple: I've been there. I've shamefully and fearfully lectured my children and nagged my husband....and complained, o boy have I complained!! I've put my trust in what I thought should happen instead of choosing His peace and JOY. 

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil." Ephesians 6:10-11

"Abide in my love." John 15:9

"His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness." 2 Peter 1:3

www.titus2womendevotional.blogspot.com
women encouraging women



Friday, January 13, 2017

Lonely No More


Lonely No More

Have you been feeling disconnected, isolated and alone? 


Here are some important key factors in having good relationships that are all within your grasp.

Time: 
Making time for those you care about really makes a huge difference. Fellowship creates relationship. Prioritize your calendar to be with those you wish to be close to.

Communication:
This is something that I believe most people are lacking, communication skills. Tell people how much you love them and miss them. Celebrate their victories, and sympathize their losses, let them know you care with your words, emotions, and investment.

Connection: 
How can you encourage those you love? How do you show them you care? Do you really know them? Are you aware of what they have going on or what is in their hearts? 

Vulnerability: 
Being real with others really brings your relationship to another level. Can they come to you when their world is crashing down or when they need someone? Will you make time to listen or want to hear the truth?
Will you go beneath the surface and allow them and yourself to be vulnerable? True intimacy is born out of being vulnerable together. How much you respond to others really shows the how much you care. 

Technology: 
Distance should not be the problem (or excuse) when technology is so wonderful these days. If you are wondering what your grown children are up to, or the grand kids... Face Time is an amazing thing!! 
Oh, how I wish I would have had Face Time to regularly see and hear my Mema who lived out of state. Even texting is a wonderful tool to check in on your loved one. Example to text your niece or grandchild: "Hi Honey, How did you do on your math exam? I prayed for you! I love and adore you, Princess!"

What you invest in grows.

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." Ephesians 4:2-3

women encouraging women







Friday, January 6, 2017

EMBRACE THE BROKENNESS


EMBRACE THE BROKENNESS

Change your way of thinking, it is the opposite of what you think or always been taught. 

We tend to get down, way down and depressed because we are not _____... or like her, or what I had always dreamed... or the only thing I ever wanted.. 

What if you are wrong?

What if you are being duped. You have been so easy to distract. It's so simple to deceive you into walking out (or checking out) instead of investing, letting your guard down, and/or truly seeing all the beauty and enjoyment in your surroundings.

These are traps, lies, and false beliefs that the world and the enemy has fed us to keep us stuck. 

While you are stuck you are unable to enjoy life, the journey (even the bumps are blessings/lessons in hindsight)... and life passes you by while all your many blessings go unnoticed & unappreciated. 

"Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence." ~Helen Keller

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. 
Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 
fixing our eyes on JESUS, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith." Hebrews 12:1-2

watch this clip for your encouragement

women encouraging women