Friday, September 29, 2017

Stand By Me


Stand By Me

We were not created to walk this life alone. 
That doesn't mean marriage is for everyone; it just means there's value in having trusted friends, a mentor and/or someone younger you can disciple. 

Do you desire to have close and fulfilling relationships?
Some of you are surrounded by people and yet still find yourselves lonely. 

There is more to having close relationships than merely knowing and working with people. You first must allow yourself to be known. Being known is not typical surface conversation of the current weather or how the new car drives. 

Being known is opening yourself up with someone by building connection and trust. This allows you to be vulnerable and share more of you. 

Delve deeper into someones life to grow closer by asking them: "How are you, really?" and even more intimate,  "Let's pray together." Some difficult situations don't require words at all, but just being there.

Ask someone you care to know deeper to go have coffee and open your heart and listen--most people just want to be heard.

Life is so much more rich with friends and family, but if you won't lean in to the hearts of those you know,
you won't have the connectedness or closeness.   

Stay close to people who feel like sunlight.

Vulnerability is the only bridge to build connection.

"The greatest risk any of us will take, is to be seen as we are." ~Cinderella

"Wherever you go, I will go; wherever stay, I will stay." Ruth 1:16

women encouraging women



Friday, September 22, 2017

Fork In The Road


Fork In The Road

"Choose whom you will serve." Joshua 24:14-15

There are so many decisions in each day that show who were are and who we are serving. Our reactions are indicators of the condition of our heart. 

When interruptions or mishaps happen in your day, how do you respond? For instance:

Spilled milk 
Child or dog throws up
Getting cut off in traffic
Long lines at store
Hubby's socks on floor
Flat tire
Lost luggage
Drive-thru order is wrong

Okay, You get the idea here. 
Life is messy. People are rude and make mistakes, or just don't care. With all that aside, what do your reactions say about your heart? Maybe all these things are opportunities for growth and/or tests to reveal what's inside you that needs pruning.

The Spirit that dwells inside of you has a list of Fruit that makes it evident that you are walking in the Spirit.

The more you start catching yourself "throwing rotten fruit" the easier it gets to use His self-control, peace, gentleness, kindness....

Wisdom calls for people to expect and and prepare for evil attacks.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." 
Galatians 5:22

women encouraging women












Friday, September 15, 2017

The Opposite of What You Think


The Opposite of What You Think 

God's way is opposite of your flesh and/or what the world tells you.

The world says to guard yourself, keep safe distance.
God says to be vulnerable and transparent.

The world says to defend yourself.
God says, I'll be your defender.

The world says to hide your sin and pain.
God says to confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.

The world says hold onto grudges and past hurts.
God says to forgive and hold no record of wrongs.

"...you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors." 1 Peter 1:18

"Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."
Ephesians 4:23-24

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Friday, September 8, 2017

Respond Not React


Respond Not React

“Feelings should be indicators, not dictators.”  ~Lysa TerKeurst

Responding in complete faith, unconditional love, and sincere patience will be the only way we don’t put a wedge between our loved ones and us.

If you don’t have anything good to say, then you're not being led by the spirit.

Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.

“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace 
and to mutual edification.” Romans 14:19

(Recommended reading: UNGLUED by Lysa TerKeurst)

www.titus2women.org

Friday, September 1, 2017

Yearn For Greatness


Yearn for Greatness

If you want this to be your year: 
Don't sit on the couch and wait for it. Instead...

Go out
 Make a change
Smile more
Be excited
Do new things
Throw away clutter
Unfollow negative people 
Go to bed early
Wake up early
Don't gossip
Show more gratitude
Do things that challenge you
Open your heart 
Be brave

Position yourself for change.
Your thoughts have to change before your situation changes. 
Why are you crying when you could be celebrating?

"No, in all things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." Romans 8:37

women encouraging women