Retro Wednesday

Avacado & Corn Salsa

 

2 1/2 cups of frozen whole kernel corn (thawed)
1 medium tomato, chopped
1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Juice from 2 limes
1/4 teaspoon of garlic salt
4 small chopped avacados
salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients except avacado. Gently stir in avacados. Cover & chill for 2 hours. Serve with tortilla chips, fish, chicken...etc!!
Makes 6 cups.

Q and A

Q and A

By Amy Gentry

 

Q: What is the difference between the 1984 NIV bible translation and the 2011 NIV translation?

A: These are some of the differences that I have found in my research:

1.   The 2011 NIV has more of an accepting view of females in leadership over men than the 1984 version.

             

1984 NIV 1 Timothy 2:12 “I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent.”

            2011 NIV 1 Timothy 2:12 “I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she               must be quiet.”

2.       The 2011 NIV version changes “father” to “parent.”

1984 NIV Proverbs 15:5 “A fool spurns his father’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.”

2011 NIV Proverbs 15:5 “A fool spurns a parent’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.”

3.       The 2011 NIV changes “mighty men” to “might warriors.”

1984 NIV 2 Samuel 23:8  “These are the names of David’s mighty men: Josheb-Basshebeth, a Tahkemonite, was chief of the Three; he raised his spear against eight hundred men, whom he killed in one encounter.”

2011 NIV 2 Samuel 23:8  “These are the names of David’s mighty warriors: Josheb-Basshebeth, a Tahkemonite, was chief of the Three; he raised his spear against eight hundred men, whom he killed in one encounter.”

4.       The 2011 NIV changes “son” to child.”

1984 NIV Proverbs 13:24 “Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.^”

2011 NIV Proverbs 13:24 “Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but he who loves him is careful to discipline them.^”

5.       The 2011 NIV changes “man” to a gender-neutral term.

1984 NIV 1 Kings 9:5  “I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever, as I promised David your father when I said, ‘You shall never fail to have a man on the throne of Israel.’”

2011 NIV 1 Kings 9:5  “I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever, as I promised David your father when I said, ‘You shall never fail to have a successor on the throne of Israel.’”

If you are anything like me, you probably did not even know that there was a 2011 version of the NIV Bible.  It seems the 2011 version has made the scriptures more universally adaptable.  I personally feel that God’s Word is bigger than any particular translation.  He will speak to you through His Word by illuminating scripture.  Changes in nouns and pronouns cannot stop God from speaking truth to you.  That is why His Word is alive!

Menu Reminder

A Prayer for Our Sons

A Prayer for Our Sons

By Stephanie H.

Sovereign, Almighty God, thank you for (your sons’ name).

I come to you carrying my child and offering him to you.  He is Yours.  Thank you for trusting me to take care of him, love him and teach him more about you.  Thank you for teaching me more about your love through his life.  Thank you for blessing our family with more laughter, more joy and more love through his life.

When I fail to show him Your love, Your grace and Your mercy, please forgive me.   Please forgive me when I fail to look at him as you created him.

Lord,

I pray that he would come to Know you in a very real and personal way.

I pray that he would come to know you at an early age.

I pray that you would protect him and help him to know that you are always in control.

I pray that you would burden his heart when he is not in your will.

I pray that he would seek to be the eyes, ears, mouth, feet and hands of Jesus.

I pray that you equip him with a servant’s heart.

I pray that he would learn quickly from every trial and that he would always reflect on your promises.

I pray for the woman that you are preparing for him.

I pray that you will protect her and her family.

I pray that she has 2 loving parents that hold marriage as a blessing from you and are teaching her about your love through their love.

I pray that she comes to know you at an early age as well and that she will also Know you in very real and personal way.

I pray that when they meet that you will help them to always remember to seek your wisdom and truths for their lives and to put you first.

Thank you for hearing my prayers and thank you again for the opportunity to partner with you in raising (your son’s name) to be a man of God.  He is Yours.

Amen.

Winter Book Club Discussion: Margin



 

CLICK HERE to see our Facebook discussion on chapters 3 & 4 of the book Margin! 

The Friday Focus

May our Hearts forever be Grateful

Simply having a grateful heart can drastically change our perspective and even our circumstances. Watch for changes in your overall outlook, job, home, children, marriage and relationships. As soon as you focus on what’s good, not only will you have an altered attitude, but others will feel and see the difference too! Walk in the fullness of God’s grace and for goodness sake, give grace!

Cast out all doubt, fear, hurts, judgments, insecurities, ect..

 

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8

 The result will be unspeakable JOY!

www.titus2women.org

For Richer or Poorer, In Sickness and in Health

For Richer or Poorer, In Sickness and In Health

by Kim Hawkins

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.  Hebrews 10:23

The vows and covenant we take in marriage can be likened to our commitment to Christ. As we walk with Jesus, we can’t lose faith when life or situations don’t go as planned.

The longer a marriage, the more you realize how important being flexible is for success. That same flexibility is true for our staying in step with the spirit.

When spirit of The Lord gently whispers to our heart:

*We need to be tuned into him, to know him well enough to hear. “Speak Lord, your servant is listening.”

*We should surrender all to God, whatever his will is for us, for that day. Total trust. “Here I am, Lord, send me.”

*We are to die to our fleshly desires and will, being Christ-like—“Nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.”

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

It seems like a very big sacrifice, but it’s quite the opposite. Follow the spirit’s promptings and not our own and the stress and frustration will go away. God’s way is simple, peaceful, powerful and not complicated. You will be amazed at the way things just work themselves out without you laboring and stressing.

Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart.   Proverbs 3:3

The trials in our marriage have definitely drawn us nearer to each other. God has a mysterious way of drawing us near to him through trials the same way. He also has multiple ways he uses our heartaches to teach and grow us.

Challenge: Commit fully to your spouse and to your savior. Great is your reward!www.titus2women.org

Beyond, Beyond

Beyond, Beyond

By Amy Gentry

The conclusion to Ephesians 3:20 in the Amplified Bible says that God is able to, “…do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]— ”

He is able to go far beyond what we think of as an impossible answer to our prayer.  He is able to go beyond what we would consider beyond to the point of beyond, beyond.  

Beyond, beyond is where I recently found myself.  I had a seemingly impossible prayer that God and I were discussing on a daily basis.  One day, in prayer, I told God about the very specific, detailed way this prayer could be answered by Him that would be beyond, beyond anything I could reasonably expect Him to do for me.  

Every day we would talk over this dilemma, I would beg and in response He would illuminate words from scripture that would be of great comfort to me.  Throughout the day I would pray a breath prayer, “Please beyond, beyond Lord.”  He knew exactly what I was asking, what I was offering up, what I was stressing over and fretting about.  Every time I would say, “beyond, beyond” He knew exactly the list needs that was my highest prayer, my highest desire, my highest thought, my highest hope, and my highest dream.  He knew my heart.

In His infinite wisdom, God may not give me a single thing I asked for on list of beyond, beyond needs, but I know that He is able to – and that’s alright by me.

CHALLENGE:  What is your beyond, beyond prayer?  Ask Him, because He is able.

The Friday Focus

 



Dealing With Our Own Flaws

As we draw nearer to God, he purifies us into the image of his son. He loves us too much to leave us in sin. Humbly, we need to realize that cleaning ourselves should be our only concern. There is pride involved in looking at others’ sin instead of our own…God hates pride. Acknowledging our dire need for confession, repentance, and restoration is where true growth and progress is made.

"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? Matthew 7:3

www.titus2women.org

Shadow Box Bank = Dream Bank

January is a great time to start saving for something you might not have received for Christmas, a trip your family wants to go on this coming year or something special.  This is a fun way to see what it is your saving for while adding money to it.

1. Pick up a shadow box at your local craft supply store (don't forget your coupon).  They come in all different sizes and prices.  I just used a simple 8x8.

2. Go to google images and type in what you are saving for.  When you find a good picture, right click on it and choose save picture as...

3. Print the picture and adhere it to the inside of the shadow box.

4. Cut a  rectangle slit in the back.

5. Add money!  Watch the dream grow!!

A "Myan" Happy New Year

 

A “Myan” Happy New Year

by Carri Pratt

 

If you are reading this, the world has not ended and we are continuing on in our daily lives unaffected by the Myan calendar.  December 21^st has come and gone and a new year has begun.

 

However, isn’t it possible that God could use this as a wake-up call for us to become  more established in our walk with Him?  In Romans 11:8 we discover that, “As the Scriptures say, “God has put them into a deep sleep. To this day he has shut their eyes so they do not see, and closed their ears so they do not hear.”  Is that us?  Are we going through life with our eyes shut, concentrating so hard on the busy work right in front of us that we are totally asleep to the eternal aspect of our lives and the lives of those around us?

 

I personally thank God for a godly group of women that surround me, lift me up and keep me motivated and on the track towards His Kingdom.  It is crucial to have Christian  girlfriends that hold you accountable.  I believe what Paul said to Titus applies to us girls as well, “⁶ In the same way, encourage the young (women) to live wisely. ⁷ And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind.” Titus 2:6-7

 

It is truly time for us not only to evaluate and make necessary changes in our own lives but to reach out and be an encouragement and a role model of Jesus and His love for our  sisters-in-Christ and to those who have not accepted Him yet.

 

God Bless You and Have a Happy New Year!

 

Challenge:  Offer godly words of encouragement to a female in your circle of influence

Evening Stars

NAME:  Evening Stars

DESCRIPTION:  Special Needs Ministry to Children
The Evening Stars Respite Program is designed to give a period of break/or relief for caregivers of special needs children. First Baptist Church of Colleyville established Evening Stars to provide free monthly respite for families who have special needs children in our community.

To Participate In Evening Stars: Applications can be obtained by calling FBCC Children's Department at 817.281.4158. Upon receipt of completed forms, Evening Stars will contact you to further discuss the needs of your child(ren). If Evening Stars is able to meet your child's needs, reservations will be required 2 weeks in advance for each monthly respite night.

Who Can Attend?

Children with special needs, who do not require constant nursing care, and siblings ages 0 until their 12th birthday may attend the Evening Stars Respite Program. The Respite Program is the 4th Friday of the month from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. (some months may vary)

To Volunteer At EVENING STARS:

Individuals with and without medical backgrounds can help with this ministry. There are many areas in which to volunteer such as special needs children childcare, sibling childcare, registration, photography, crafts, music, and much more. Volunteer as often as you wish --adult groups & Bible Study classes are encouraged to sponsor one night twice a year.

For additional information contact number/email -- Connie Britton -- 817.281.4158 ext 225 or connieb@fbccolleyville.com 

Menu Reminder

Family Matters

Family Matters:  A Good Book

By Amy Gentry

 Both of my daughters have begged me for years to let them watch two of the popular teenage epic movies that were based on a series of novels, Harry Potter and Twilight.  As tweens and middle school girls, I thought that they were just too young to be watching movies of that caliber.   I had a host of very justifiable and noble reasons: an immature spiritual walk might cause them question what they believe, the story lines are not consistent with scripture, and a love dramas so intense they develop a preconceived (but wrong) idea of what a loving relationship should look like.   I wanted my daughters to become obsessed with loving God and being loved by Him before they became obsessed with boys and being loved by them.

As my girls reached high school, they were very obedient for years by not watching any of these movies while at friends’ houses. They endured great peer pressure and a hoard of questions “why, what’s wrong with them, I watch them” and statements like, “Your mom is a crazy Christian.”

When my oldest daughter was approaching high school, I spoke with her and told her that I was confident she was maturing in her faith and she had a firm foundation in scripture. We discussed praying for the Lord to guard her heart until God brings her a man that would become her husband and guard their heart.  I let her know that she could now watch the “forbidden” movies.  There was one stipulation- “YOU HAVE TO READ THE BOOKS FIRST!”  I would buy the books and rent the movies, but she had to do the work. 

Psalm 128:2 “You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.”

 

I then had the same conversation with my younger daughter as well when she was approaching high school.  This was particularly challenging for her because she is not a natural born reader and this first book of the series was amazingly thick.  She did it.  She read the gigantic book in a week.  She was so proud of herself and reveled in the knowledge that she knew all of the other details of the movie that were left on the cutting room floor. 

Winter Book Club starts today!

 

 

CLICK HERE to see our Facebook discussion on chapters 1 & 2 of the book Margin!  Still don't have the book?  It's not too late!  You can order it HERE or check your local bookstores.

The Friday Focus



 

Choose Sympathy

Encourage someone who is dealing with a loss, disappointment, or hard time with your sympathy.

Avoid terms like: “you’ll get another job”, “she lived a full life”, “tomorrow will be better”, “don’t sweat the small things”.

 

 They don’t need your help. What they need is your sympathy. When someone opens up to you, tell them instead: “Here’s a hug”, “I’m so sorry”, “I understand”, “That must be so hard”.

Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 1 Peter 3:8

www.titus2women.org

Jalapeno Popper Dip Recipe

• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chiles
• 1 (4 ounce) can diced jalapenos or 4 fresh seeded jalapenos diced finely
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup melted butter

1. Mix the first 6 ingredients together and spread the dip into a greased pie pan or a 2 quart baking dish.

2. In a bowl, mix Panko breadcrumbs, remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, and melted butter until incorporated.

3. Sprinkle crumb mixture evenly over the dip and bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for about 20 minutes or until top is browned and the dip is bubbly.

My iPhone (or smartphones)

 

T2W Favorite Things
My iPhone (or smartphones)
by Jenn Vaught
 

How in the world did I ever live without this thing!?!  It just about does everything but the dishes!  I wonder how many trees I have saved going to a paperless calendar since I went “smart” back in my Blackberry days?  It reminds me of everything I need to do (well, as long as I add the alarm on it!).  I have 38 notes in my Notes App saved on that beautiful little virtual legal pad because I haven’t remembered a thing in my head since I had that third kid. 

Need to check your email?  The weather?  Need to go online?  Take a quick picture?  Video?  Don’t know where your headed or where you’ve been?  Don’t know what to cook for dinner?  Need to send someone a get-well card?  Did you miss last Sunday’s sermon?  Bored and need to “creep on” someone on Facebook?  I’ve only scratched the surface!  Haven’t even mentioned games, movies, music and the business I conduct, sending or checking on a FedEx or my latest discovery that I can now edit documents in Word and convert them to pdf…(or whatever else) then print right from my phone to my wireless printer!  [insert choir singing The Hallelujah Chorus here]  

Bring on the Bling!

Scattering Seeds…Bring On The Bling!

By Carri Pratt

  

“I assure you that those who declare publicly that they belong to me, the Son of Man will do the same for them before the angels of God.” Luke 12:8 The Good News Translation

One of the easiest ways to scatter the seeds of our faith is to simply wear it in public. 

We can be bold in our witness without even opening our mouths.  There are hats, purses, necklaces and t-shirts that let others know that we are Christian women who have respect and honor for the cross of Jesus.

One word of warning, I try to be very careful how I act in public when I am being bold in my faith because others are watching my behavior to see if I follow the teachings of Jesus or if I just think a cross is a nice accessory.

Challenge:  Bring on the bling this new year and wear your faith to declare that Jesus is Lord and Savior of your life.

Girls Interrupted

Girls Interrupted
by Jenn Vaught

2 Tim 2:16 (ESV) But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodlines.

 

Gossip seems to be more and more accepted and commonplace in today’s world.  They’re even naming TV shows for it such as Gossip Girl!  What about those reality shows where everyone hates each other and openly talks bad about one another like on Real Housewives of [insert city], is especially filled with “networking” drama.  What about Jersey Shore and could someone please explain to me why a woman named Snookie gets so much media attention? 

     

God wants us to choose our thoughts and words carefully.  He interrupts us with that ever so soft and gentle voice.  Our words can make us or break us in our Christian walk.  Whether at work, church, school or wherever we are or whomever we are with, we have to be mindful of what is coming out from between our sweet southern ruby red lips!   Prov. 26:18-19 (ESV) ¹⁸ Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death ¹⁹ is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “I am only joking!”         

How do you want to be perceived by others?  Do you want to be seen as a gossiper or a person whom people can trust?  Ask a close friend you know who will be honest with you and see how you are looked at from an outside point of view.           

CHALLENGE:  Think about the women friends you have and know.  Who do you have trouble with and seem to not get along with?  Do you talk about them or do you talk to them?  Pray and ask God for help if you need it.  Eph. 3:16 (ESV) “…that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being.”

The Friday Focus

For we walk by faith, not by sight

The enemy of our soul has 2 very powerful tools that will cause you more harm, and those are discouragement and doubt.

Discouragement comes from a lack of hope and doubt is the result of unbelief.

Without faith it is impossible to please him, for he who comes to God must believe that he is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6

www.titus2women.org

Margin by Richard Swensen

T2W Book Corner

Margin

By Richard A. Swenson M.D.

Our pastor at church recommended this book to his congregation last year and my husband ordered it online, read it, and couldn’t stop talking about it.  In fact, he nagged me to read it and EVEN said my Titus 2 girlfriends need to read this book too!  I couldn’t believe it.  He never nags about anything, well almost anything.  I read the back cover’s first two sentences which say, “Overload is not having enough time to finish the book you are reading on Stress.  Margin is having the time to read it twice.”  [Attention grabbed!] 

“Overload is fatigue, Margin is energy.  Overload is red ink.  Margin is black ink.  Overload is hurry.  Margin is calm.  Overload is anxiety.  Margin is security.  Overload is the disease of our time and Margin is the cure.”  [I must be dying of this disease!]   

“Margin is the space that once existed between ourselves and our limits.  It is something held in reserve for contingencies or unanticipated situations.  In Margin, Dr. Swenson provides a prescription against the danger of overloaded lives.  Focusing on margin in four key areas; emotional energy, physical energy, time, and finances, he offers an overall picture of health that employs contentment, simplicity, balance and rest.  [Where do I sign up?] 

If you yearn for relief from the pain and pressure of overload, take a lifelong dose of Margin.  The benefits of good health, financial stability, fulfilling relationships, and availability for God’s purposes will follow you all of your days.”

Join Titus 2 Women in reading Margin for the next 15 weeks!  You won’t regret it!  Look for our discussions every other Thursday on Facebook, starting January 10^th with chapter 1. 

Psalm 37:23-24