Christmas Fluff

Posted on December 23, 2010 by WomanAlive

Thoughts on Christmas this morning…some people say it originated from pagan holidays, others say it started with Jesus Christ birth.  It seems everyone has their opinion, it’s almost like many onions with many layers.  Seems to me there’s an awful lot of fluff from both sides of the fence.
So let’s get to the heart of the matter, let’s move on past the glutinous commercial greed, negativity and petty arguing…let’s move our thoughts in a positive direction. Sometimes I think we get so caught up in being right that we neglect a wonderful opportunity to truly love one another unconditionally at this time of year.
Whether you believe in Christmas or not…the fact is it’s the end of the year as we know it in this current time period.  It’s a time of reflection and looking forward.
Let’s see now, you are here, I’m here,  let us right now in this moment of the time God has given us, show appreciation and love to our families, friends, loved ones, and yes … especially to those people we don’t know!
Let’s be kinder, nicer, gentler and consider how blessed we are to have them in our lives.
Every moment is precious.
Some of our family members are gone now and we miss them terribly, all the more reason to love the ones we have left to the fullest and set aside all pettiness.  Let your heart be full with knowing you aren’t alone in this world, you have family and friends and if you are a believer, you have Jesus who will never leave you nor forsake you.
Deuteronomy 31:6 So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”
And just for clarification Jesus said if we know him and see Him, then we know and see our Father creator.  In God’s word it says He is Love so if this season is about love then … ponder on that a while.
John 10:30 “I and the Father are one.”
John 14:7-10 [7] If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” [8] Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.”   [9] Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, `Show us the Father’?  [10] Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work.
John 14:11 Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves.

Wisdom and Foolishness

Posted on December 21, 2010 by WomanAlive

From the Life Application Study Bible:

PROVERBS
Wisdom and Foolishness. The wise and the foolish are often contrasted in Proverbs.  The characteristics, reputation, and results of each are worth knowing if wisdom is our goal.
	The Wise	The Foolish
Characteristics	Give encouragement	Lack common sense	10:21
	Enjoy living wisely	Enjoy foolishness	10:23
	Consider their steps	Gullible	14:15
		Avoid the wise	15:12
	Hungry for knowledge	Feed on trash of foolishness	15:12
	Value wisdom above riches		16:16
	Respond to correction	Do not respond to punishment	17:10
	Pursue wisdom	Pursue illusive dreams	17:24
		Blame failure on God	19:3
	Profit from correction	An example to others	19:25
		Proud and arrogant	21:24
		Despise wise advice	23:9
		Make truth useless	26:7
		Repeat their folly	26:11
	Trust in wisdom	Trust in themselves	28:26
	Control their anger	Unleash their anger	29:11
Reputation	Crowned with knowledge	Clothed with foolishness	14:18
		Cause quarrels	22:10
		Receive no honor	26:1
	Calm anger	Stir up anger	29:8
Results	Stay on right paths	Enjoy the wrong paths	15:21
		Lash out when discovered in folly	17:12
		Endangered by their words	18:6,7
	Their wisdom conquers others’ strength		21:22
	Avoid wicked paths	Walk a treacherous road	22:5
	Grow stronger		24:5
		Will never be chosen as leaders	24:7
		Must be guided by hardship	26:3
		Persist in foolishness	27:22

Encouraging Others

Posted on December 18, 2010 by WomanAlive

Checklist for Encouraging:
The command to “encourage” others is found throughout the Bible.
In I Thessalonians 5:11-23 Paul gives many specific examples                                                  of how we can encourage others.

Reference –   I Thessalonians	Example	Suggested Application
5:11	Build each other up.	Point out to someone a quality you appreciate in him or her.
5:12	Honor leaders.	Look for ways to cooperate.
5:13	Show leaders great respect.	Hold back your next critical comments about those in positions of responsibility.  Say “thank you” to your leaders for their efforts.
5:13	Live in peace.	Search for ways to get along with others.
5:14	Warn the lazy.	Challenge someone to join you in a project.
5:14	Encourage the timid.	Encourage those who are timid by reminding them of God’s promises.
5:14	Help the weak.	Support those who are weak by loving them and praying for them.
5:14	Be patient.	Think of a situation that tries your patience, and plan ahead of time how you can stay calm.
5:15	Resist Revenge.	Instead of planning t o get even with those who mistreat you, do good to them.
5:16	Be joyful.	Remember that even in the midst of turmoil, God is in control
5:17	Pray continually	God is always with you – talk to him.
5:18	Give thanks.	Make a list of all the gifts God has given you, giving thanks to God for each one.
5:19	Do not stifle the Holy Spirit.	Cooperate with Spirit the next time he prompts you to participate in a Christian meeting.
5:20	Do not scoff at prophecies.	Receive God’s word from those who speak for him.
5:22	Avoid every kind of evil.	Avoid situations where you will be drawn into temptation.
5:23	Count on God’s constant help.	Realize that the Christian life is to be lived not in our own strength but through God’s power.

Our True Identity In Christ

Posted on December 16, 2010 by WomanAlive

Sometimes we get so bogged down in daily life and hard circumstances we forget who we are.  I needed a reminder this morning, in case you need it too, here it is.
Romans 3:24 ….. We are justified (declared “righteous”)
Romans 8:1 … No condemnation awaits us.
Romans 8:2 … We are set free from the power of sin that leads to death.
1 Corinthians 1:2 … We are sanctified (made holy) in Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:30 … We are pure and holy in Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:22 … We will  be given new life at the resurrection
2 Corinthians 5:17 … We are new persons
2 Corinthians 5:21 … We are made right with God.
Galatians 3:28 … We are one in Christ with all other believers
Ephesians 1:3 … We are blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
Ephesians 1:4 … We are holy and without fault.
Ephesians 1:5, 6 … We are adopted as God’s children
Ephesians 1:7 … Our sins are taken away, and we are forgiven.
Ephesians 1:10, 11 … We will be brought under Christ’s authority.
Ephesians 1:13 … We are identified as belonging to God by the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 2:6 … We have been raised up to sit with Christ in the heavenly realms.
Ephesians 2:10 … We are God’s masterpiece.
Ephesians 2:13 …  We have been brought near to God.
Ephesians 3:6 … We share in the promise of blessings through Christ.
Ephesians 3:12 … We can come boldly and confidently into God’s presence.
Ephesians 5:29, 30 … We are members of Christ’s body, the church.
Colossians 2:10 … We are made complete in Christ.
Colossians 2:11 … We are set free from our sinful nature.
2 Timothy 2:10 … We will have eternal glory.

Emergency Telephone Numbers

Posted on December 9, 2010 by WomanAlive

Feed your Faith and Doubt will Starve to Death

EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS

When in sorrow, ..call John 14. When men fail you,… call Psalm 27.
If you want to be fruitful, call John 15.
When you have sinned, …call Psalm 51
When you worry, …call Matthew 6:19-34.
When you are in danger, …call Psalm 91.
When God seems far away, ..call Psalm 139.
When your faith needs stirring, …call Hebrews 11.
When you are lonely and fearful, …call Psalm 23.
When you grow bitter and critical, …call I Corinthians 13.
Paul’s secret to happiness,…call Colossians 3:12-17.
For understanding of Christianity,…call II Corinthians 5:15-19.
When you feel down and out, ….call Romans 8:31.
When you want peace and rest, …call Matthew 11:25-30.
When the world seems bigger than God,…call Psalm 90.
When you want Christian assurance, …call Romans 8:1-30.
When you leave home for labor or travel, ..call Psalm 121.
When your prayers grow narrow or selfish,.. call Psalm 67.
For a great invention/opportunity, …call Isaiah 55.
When you want courage for a task, …call Joshua 1.
For how to get along with fellow men, … call Romans 12.
When you think of investments and returns,.. call Mark 10.
If you are depressed, …call Psalm 27.
If your pocketbook is empty, …call Psalm 37.
If you are losing confidence in people, … call I Corinthians 13.
If people seem unkind, …call John 15.
If discouraged about your work, …call Psalm 126.
If you find the world growing small and yourself great,..call Psalm19.
Alternate numbers: For dealing with fear, …call Psalm 34:7.
For security, …call Psalm 121:3.
For assurance, …call Mark 8:35.
For reassurance, …call Psalm 145:18.
Emergency numbers may be dialed direct. No operator assistance is necessary.
All lines to Heaven are open 24 hours a day!

Feeling Grouchy?

Posted on December 3, 2010 by WomanAlive

Feeling Grouchy?  Feeling Negative?  Feeling like a sourpuss?  Feeling sick?
God has everything you need for what ails you.  Check out what Joyce Meyer has to say about healing and God!

Click to watch 12/02/2010 – The Lord Our Healer – Pt 2

Thanksgiving Proclamation and Ponderings

Posted on November 19, 2010 by WomanAlive

The wonderful adventure and blessing of Thanksgiving, it’s almost here!
Let us remember what this holiday is really about.

Thanksgiving Day
Proclamation of 1789
President George Washington
Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor, and Whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint committee requested me to “recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanks-giving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many single favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.”
Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the Service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be. That we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks, for His kind care and protection of the People of this country previous to their becoming a Nation, for the single and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of His providence, which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war, for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed, for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted, of the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have to acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge and in general for all the great and various favors which He hath been pleased to confer upon us.
And also that we may then unite in most humble offering our prayers and supplications to the Great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions, to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually, to render our national government a blessing to all people, by constantly being a government of wise, just and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed, to protect and guide all Sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace and concord. To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us, and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone know to be best.
More Thanksgiving Ponderings …

One day a father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the firm purpose of showing his son how poor people live. They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family. On their return from their trip, the father asked his son, “How was the trip?”

” It was great, Dad.”

“Did you see how poor people live?” the father asked.

“Oh yeah,” said the son.

“So, tell me, what did you learn from the trip?” asked the father.

The son answered: “I saw that we have one dog and they had four. We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end. We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night. Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon. We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight. We have servants who serve us, but they serve others. We buy our food, but they grow theirs. We have walls around our property to protect us, they have friends to protect them.”

The boy’s father was speechless.

Then his son added, “Thanks, Dad, for showing me how poor we are.”

Isn’t perspective a wonderful thing? Makes you wonder what would happen if we all gave thanks for everything we have, instead of worrying about what we don’t have. Appreciate every single thing you have, especially your friends!

Put your belief into action, VOTE!

Posted on November 1, 2010 by WomanAlive

Top 10 Reasons Why Christians Should Vote
1.           Voting publicly recognizes that we submit to the authority of the political system in our nation as established by God. Romans 13:1-7
2.           Voting recognizes the equality of all people and their right to speak and be heard. Deuteronomy 10:17-19
3.           Voting is one way that we can obey God’s command to seek the good of those around us and our nation as a whole. Jeremiah 29:7
4.           Voting shows that we care deeply about who our leaders are as we are urged to offer prayer and intercession on their behalf. 1 Timothy 2:1,2
5.           Voting is a simple yet significant way we can do something about politics in our nation. ‘All that is required for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing’, Edmund Burke. Psalms 34:14
6.           Voting makes a difference the way a grain of salt makes a difference, and that is how we are to influence our society for good. Matthew 5:13
7.           Voting is a privilege not to be taken for granted. Those of us who reap the benefits of living in a democracy should play a part in upholding democracy.
8.           Not voting is a form of voting, as it will influence the outcome. We need to take responsibility for our actions, as well as our lack of actions. Luke 10:25-37
9.           Voting is part of our stewardship to use all the resources we have been given in ways that honor God; to waste a vote is to squander a gift.
10.       Voting is Biblical. The Bible contains numerous references to “casting lots.” (ex. Proverbs 16:33) Acts 14:23 shows that the early Christians elected elders by voting.
[Source: Adapted from "Factfile: Top Ten Reasons to Vote" by Kandiah Krish in "Just Politics."]
Helpful Links:
Free Voters Guide
Liberty Institute
Judeo-Christian Voter Guide

$86,400

Posted on October 29, 2010 by WomanAlive

Imagine that you had won the following prize in a contest: Each morning
your bank would deposit $86,400.00 in your private account for your use.
However, this prize has rules, just as any game has certain rules. The
first set of rules would be:
Everything that you didn’t spend during each day would be taken
away from you.
You may not simply transfer money into some other account.
You may only spend it.
Each morning upon awakening, the bank opens your account with another
$86,400.00 for that day. The second set of rules:
The bank can end the game without warning; at any time it can say, It’s
over, the game is over! It can close the account and you will not receive
a new one.
What would you personally do?
You would buy anything and everything you wanted right? Not only for
yourself, but for all people you love, right? Even for people you don’t
know, because you couldn’t possibly spend it all on yourself, right? You
would try to spend every cent, and use it all, right?
ACTUALLY This GAME is REALITY!
Each of us is in possession of such a magical bank. We just can’t seem to
see it.
The MAGICAL BANK is TIME!
Each morning we awaken to receive 86,400 seconds as a gift of life, and
when we go to sleep at night, any remaining time is NOT credited to us.
What we haven’t lived up that day is forever lost.
Yesterday is forever gone.
Each morning the account is refilled, but the bank can dissolve your
account at any time …WITHOUT WARNING.
SO, what will YOU do with your 86,400 seconds?
Those seconds are worth so much more than the same amount in dollars.
Think about that, and always think of this:
Enjoy every second of your life, because time races by so much quicker than
you think.
So take care of yourself, be Happy, Love Deeply and enjoy life!
Here’s wishing you a wonderfully beautiful day.
Start spending.

Instrument of Blessing or Destruction?

Posted on October 13, 2010 by WomanAlive

Instrument of Blessing or Destruction?   THE TONGUE!
Does yours bless or curse?


This weekend the ladies on staff here at the station went to a Hettie Lue Brooks conference in the Arkansas mountains.  One of the things Hettie stressed were the subjects of our conversations.  Do we talk about silly things of no value or do we converse on things that really matter.  Are we negative or positive with our speech?  Do we tear down or uplift with our words?  We are to be a blessing…ALWAYS!  It is a worthwhile goal to bless and uplift daily with our words, for they can bring life and blessing or destruction!
I encourage you today to bless someone with your speech, let them know you appreciate them, that they are valuable and they matter.  Find something positive to say!
Here’s a great teaching out of the Life Applications bible, something to ponder and meditate on.

The Four Tongues:

The Controlled Tongue: Those with this speech pattern think before speaking, know when silence is best, and give wise advice.
The Caring Tongue: Those with this speech pattern speak truthfully while seeking to encourage.
The Conniving Tongue: Those with this speech pattern are filled wrong motives, gossip, slander, and a desire to twist truth.
The Careless Tongue: Those with this speech pattern are filled with lies, curses, quick-tempered words…which can lead to rebellion and destruction.

What we say probably affects more people than any other action we take.  It is not surprising, then, to find that proverbs gives special attention to words and how they are used.  Four common speech patterns are described in Proverbs.  The first two should be copied; the last two should be avoided.

Peace that surpasses all understanding?

Posted on September 16, 2010 by WomanAlive

Last week I found myself so stressed I was ready to run for the hills!  I think we’ve all experienced this kind of stress.  It’s hard on your mind, body and spirit.  I decided Friday that I was going to completely disconnect, at least for the weekend.  I had to for my sanity.  I disconnected from my cell phone and texting, actually turned it off and put it away, I also disconnected from Facebook and emails.  Facebook is a great, you can keep in touch with just about everyone …old friends and new.
But alas, it’s easy to get involved in all your friends lives and sometimes feels like your life is getting lost in theirs, sometimes I think it’s because we care so much and want them to be well and happy, we want to fix the bad times for them, it hurts to see your loved ones suffer, it becomes overwhelming….especially when you are already stressed to the max from work.
So, I disconnected and then reconnected with God….and oh how wonderful it was!  After spending time with God, simply sitting with Him, telling Him all about my concerns and hurts, then listening to what He said to to my heart…I truly found “Peace that surpasses all understanding”.  You have access to this peace as well, all you have to do is get alone with Him, pour your heart out and He will fill it back up with His love and peace.
Philippians 4:7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Just remember that next time you are feeling overwhelmed and stressed, it’s okay to disconnect and then reconnect with God!

Wow…what a word in due season!

Posted on September 14, 2010 by WomanAlive

SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND by Marsha Burns — Sept. 14, 2010:
I had a vision of logs floating down a river and getting jammed up in a narrow place, and the Lord said: Many of you, My people, are finding yourself in a tight spot and instead of continuing in the flow of My Spirit, your emotions are causing you to get jammed up and unable to move. Fear and rejection will have a paralyzing effect on your body and soul. You must come to a place of trust in Me before peace can be restored. Do not be afraid.
Isaiah 41:13 For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’

False Gods? It’s probably not what you think!

Posted on September 7, 2010 by WomanAlive

From one of my favorite “Healthy” websites www.sparkpeople.com a truthful article about weightloss and what we want to look like vs. who we really are and should be!
rest of story … The business of “False Gods”

The Cage

Posted on August 27, 2010 by WomanAlive

Was thinking of those puppies and kittens stuck in their cages last week.  During the station’s Love Out Loud event at the area animal shelters, we walked dogs, play with kittens and generally showed love to the lost and abandoned animals.  While there I took a picture of a kitten reaching out of it’s cage for some love, it really touched my heart and eventually my husband and I did adopt this kitty
This picture got me to thinking though about us and Jesus.  How we are sometimes stuck in our cages and we don’t know how to get out, and if we did where would we go and how would we survive?     The dark cage isn’t a fun place to be, it can be noisy or too quiet, and all the while entirely scary and lonely.
The good news is that Jesus has the key to your cage, He can open the door and let you out.  Maybe that cage is depression, anxiety, drug addiction, low self esteem, an abusive relationship or something else that keeps you trapped.  He is the answer to all things and can be your best friend if you let Him.
Revelation 21:6
He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life.

On my mind!

Posted on August 7, 2010 by WomanAlive

The following has been on my mind all day, and not necessarilly in this order
Grilled Corn with Lime Butter
What Staples Do You Keep Stocked in Your Pantry for Quick, Frugal Meals?

True faith is timeless. It can only be INTERRUPTED by two things–doubt or manifestation. (www.joycemeyer.org)

Friday 8/6/2010

Jesus said, Take away the stone. Martha, the sister of the dead man, exclaimed, But Lord, by this time he [is decaying and] throws off an offensive odor, for he has been dead four days! Jesus said to her, Did I not tell you and promise you that if you would believe and rely on Me, you would see the glory of God? —John 11:39,40

THE STORY OF the raising of Lazarus from the dead is a beauty. Martha truly believed Lazarus would not have died if Jesus had been there sooner. She believed in Jesus as the Christ, her Messiah (John 11:21-27). But Jesus was about to take her faith to a new level—a level that defied any hint of natural possibilities. Faith must move beyond the theoretical to where it touches your deepest need at a level that requires the supernatural. 

    If Jesus could have spared Lazarus before his death, why not believe He would raise him from the dead after four days? Why not move beyond “could” do it to “will” do it? Take His promise and rest in it. You will see the glory of God!
Gas Station Secrets That Could Save You Money

Fear

Posted on August 17, 2010 by WomanAlive

2 Timothy 1:7
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Ever find yourself afraid?  Off and on throughout my life I’ve had fear of many things.  Sometimes fear comes upon you in an instant like when you look down and see a snake right at your feet, or when a car barely misses hitting you on the highway.  These things I believe are common in everyday life…the other kind of fear isn’t and should be dealt with.
Other kinds of fear, the unhealthy kind, comes from dwelling on things that “might” happen.  Things like your house might burn down while you’re gone, a wild dog might come in your yard and attack your family, your car might blow up and you might have to buy another one.  These fears, if you dwell on them can turn into phobias and obsessive compulsive disorders…maybe these fears stem from something in one’s childhood or maybe it’s behavior learned from your parents.  These need to be dealt with and overcome, or else they can ruin quality of life, cost time and money.
I’ve personally have had these kinds of fears.  I’ve overcome most of them but others are still a struggle…but as God’s word says in 2 Timothy 1:7

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

For many years I had no idea there was a “spirit of fear”, first time I ever heard of this I was blown away, I had never heard of such a thing.  And with this revelation from God’s word I was also greatly encouraged!!!  Why?  Because with God we can be over comers, we can be healthy in mind, body and spirit. Our minds are renewed with His word.  As we study and meditate we are re-assured, strengthened realize that God gives us what we need for this day, for this moment.   He cares for us and when we finally realize what we mean to Him…those spirits of fear are driven away.  God means to do us good and not harm. See what He says in Matthew 7:7 – 11 ….

⁷“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. ⁸For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.⁹“Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? ¹⁰Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? ¹¹If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

I want to encourage you today if you are struggling with fear.  Meditate on God’s word, His promises, and let your mind be renewed with His love for you.

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2 Responses to Fear

1. Wendi Berry says:

   August 19, 2010 at 10:57 am (Edit)

   I was completely agoraphobic for almost ten years. I couldn’t drive, leave my house, take a long walk, nothing, I was prisoner of my fears. I was afraid of everything under the sun and nothing at all. I had horrible panic attacks that incapacitated me for days. Due to an abusive marriage, I also had PTSD which didn’t help at all. Until I found God. I had gotten involved in Wicca and for some reason it made my anxiety skyrocket. I broke down one night and for the first time in ten years, I talked to God, I begged for forgiveness and cried until I had no more tears, for hours it seemed. It suddenly felt like I was enfolded in loving arms and I knew it would all be okay, that everything was fine. My anxiety vanished and I really believe I was healed. It’s been almost nine months now, and I have truly been reborn. I can get out of the house now and have been driving. It truly is a miracle how God can wipe away your most horrible terrors if you but only ask.
2. kswpnila says:

   August 27, 2010 at 12:07 am (Edit)

   This is an awesome testimony!!! Thank you so much for sharing Wendi! It really helps others know they aren’t alone!
   Many blessings to you girl!
   Nila

Got Nerves?

Posted on June 29, 2010 by WomanAlive

You’ve got nerves, I’ve got nerves, we all have nerves!  So what happens when someone gets on them?  I usually keep my mouth closed so my foot won’t go in it!  Notice I said usually, it’s a work in progress for sure.
What does God say about how we should handle anger?
Proverbs 29:11,20
(11)A fool vents  all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back.  (20) Do you see a man hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
The problem with anger is that it may lead us to lose control of our conduct and lash out at others with foolish words or deeds that are intended to hurt others and may be regretted later. By contrast, a wise man will control himself, even when he is angry.
The Bible teaches that our words and deeds are controlled by our thoughts. We must learn to control our thoughts and emotions, because harboring sinful thoughts will lead to sinful conduct. [Prov. 4:23; Matt. 15:18]
Ephesians 4:31,32
Not all anger is sinful (v26), but we should put away anger that is associated with bitterness, clamor (“loud quarreling” – NKJV), evil speaking, and malice. It is the opposite of kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness (v32).
Anger is sinful when it leads us to lose control so that, instead of being helpful to others, we become abusive, saying evil or hateful things intended to hurt them. Or we may simply not care about how we affect them. [Col. 3:8; 2 Cor. 12:20]

Do you feel Inadequate? Me too!

Posted on July 23, 2010 by WomanAlive

I was taking a look at Joyce Meyers magazine online this morning and the headline “Do you feel inadequate? ” jumped out at me!   I’m thinking “Great, now here’s an article I need to read!”  I wonder, do you feel that way too?  Below I’ve given you the link to the magazine PDF, I hope it will help you realized you aren’t alone in the way you might be feeling right now and I pray it ministers to you.  Here’s part of what BY STASI ELDREDGE had to say about feeling inadequate…

“I have friends who are absolutely
beautiful. But when someone pays them
a compliment, you can see it bounce off
them like a tennis ball.” … (more)

STASI ELDREDGE is a writer and speaker, and the leader of the women’s ministries of Ransomed Heart. She and her husband, John, cowrote the bestseller “Captivating.” Their newest book, “Love & War: Finding the Marriage You Dreamed Of,” is about learning to fight for each other instead of with each other.  The Eldredges live in Colorado.   www.ransomedheart.com

Bitterness Hinders Hearing … Asthma Solution …

Posted on July 13, 2010 by WomanAlive

THIS Asthma Solution Costs No Money… (from Dr. Mercola)

Bitterness Hinders Hearing… (Joyce Meyer)

July 13 Let all bitterness and indignation and wrath (passion, rage, bad temper) and resentment (anger, animosity) and quarreling (brawling, clamor, contention) and slander (evil-speaking, abusive or blasphemous language) be banished from you, with all malice (spite, ill will, or baseness of any kind). — Ephesians 4:31 Bitterness toward God is a sure hindrance to hearing His voice. Any-time bitterness tries to take hold of you, refuse it. Many times, the devil tries to make us think we are the only ones having a hard time. I don’t mean to sound unsympathetic, but no matter how bad our problems are, someone else always has a worse problem. A woman worked for me whose husband walked out on her after thirty-nine years of marriage. He simply left her a note, and was gone. It was a tragedy for her! I was so proud of her when she came to me after a few weeks and said, “Joyce, please pray for me that I will not get mad at God. Satan is tempting me so severely to get mad at Him. I can’t get mad at God. He’s the only friend I have. I need Him!” Bitterness was trying to take root in my friend’s heart because her life had not turned out the way she wanted it to. When we get hurt, we must realize that every person has a free will and we can’t control that free will—even through prayer. We can pray that God will speak to people who may hurt us; we can ask Him to lead them to do right instead of wrong, but the bottom line is that He must leave them to make their own choices. If someone makes a choice that hurts us, we shouldn’t blame it on God and become bitter toward Him.

God’s word for you today: If you get hurt, don’t ever blame God.  He is the best friend you have. From the book Hearing from God Each Morning: 365 Daily Devotions by Joyce Meyer. Copyright © 2010 by Joyce Meyer. Published by FaithWords. All rights reserved.

The Love of God!

Posted on July 10, 2010 by WomanAlive

Put together all the tenderest love you know of, the deepest you have ever felt and the strongest that has ever been poured out upon you, and heap upon it all the love of all the loving human hearts in the world, and then multiply it by infinity, and you will begin perhaps to have some faint glimpses of the love and grace of God!

A religion of bondage…

Posted on June 22, 2010 by WomanAlive

A religion of bondage always exalts self.  It is what I do…my efforts, my wrestlings, my faithfulness.
But a religion of liberty leaves self nothing to glory in; it is all Christ and what He does, and what He is, and how wonderfully He saves.

Don’t jump!

Posted on June 17, 2010 by WomanAlive

Why does it take us so long to learn life’s hard lessons?  I don’t know, I guess we’re just stubborn human beings.  But when a lesson is learned it’s such a relief to know you won’t be making that same mistake again…we have victory in that area of your life…finally, finally, finally we can breathe a sigh of relief.  Now that doesn’t mean we won’t be tempted to go back and repeat old behaviors from time to time but now we know better and are much less likely to go around that same mountain again!  I’ve heard said before…you’re not old or uncool, just wise enough to know the consequences of the decisions you make. 
Proverbs 3:5-6
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

Green Pastures

Posted on June 11, 2010 by WomanAlive

My heart needed this today…I hope if you need some encouragement this will help you too.  May you find rest today in His green pastures.
from Max Lucado “Traveling Light, Releasing the Burdens You Were Never Intended to bear”
Green pastures were not the natural terrain of Judea.  The hills around Bethlehem where David kept his flock were not lush and green.  Even today they are white and parched.  Any green pasture in Judea is work of some shepherd.  He has cleared the rough, rocky land.  Stumps have been torn out, and brush has been burned. Irrigation.  Cultivation.  Such are the work of a shepherd.
Hence, when David says, “He makes me to lie down in green pastures,” he is saying, “My shepherd makes me lie down in his finished work.”  With his own pierced hand, Jesus created a pasture to the soul.  He tore out the thorny underbrush of condemnation.  He pried loose the huge boulders of sin.  In their place he planted seeds of grace and dug ponds of mercy.
And he invites us to rest there.  Can you imagine the satisfaction in the heart of the shepherd who, with work completed, he sees his sheep rest in the tender grass?
Can you imagine the satisfaction in the heart of God when we do the same?  His pasture is his gift to us.  This is not a pasture that you have made.  Nor is it a pasture that your deserve.  It is a gift of God.  “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this  not from yourselves, it is the gift of God” (Eph.2:8 NIV)
In a word rocky with human failure, there is a land lush with divine mercy.  Your Shepherd invites you there.  He wants you to lie down.  Nestle deeply until you are hidden, buried, in the tall shoots of his love, and there you will find rest.

The Pear Tree

Posted on June 7, 2010 by WomanAlive

A surprise blessing!

The forest behind our house it looks normal, but if you lived there many years ago you would know there is a mess underneath all the lush green overgrowth of vines, thick underbrush and tall pine trees .  The “mess” is chunks of metal and all sorts of scrap iron…it is so overgrown it’s hard to even walk through that part of the woods.
Last week while on vacation, I’m sitting out by the garden on a bench with my back to the forest and a termite flew out of the woods, (this time of year they swarm in Texas).  I watched as several Termites flew out in the open and as I did my eye traveled to where they flew from and I saw something astounding!!! Less than 10ft. from the clearing, a pear tree!!!  The one branch that I could see is loaded with beautiful fruit   WOW!  God immediately spoke!
Beauty from ashes, beauty from chaos…see the beautiful fruit that grows through hard circumstances.
Have I been missing this blessing of fruit all these years?  Or did the tree just start bearing fruit?
From this mess of scrap metal, this tangle knot of vines, grew something perfect, sweet and beautiful.
We can be in a current circumstance and think it’s an insurmountable problem, how can anything good come from this situation?  Or we can look back on our life and think, that was a tough time, what a waste, it wasn’t worth it and nothing good came out of it.
I guess the message in all this would be…look for the “Pear Tree” in the mess, it’s there although sometimes we don’t see it right away and sometimes it takes years to grow…be on the lookout , it’s there!
Nothing is a waste….Romans 8:28 says “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God-those whom He has called according to His plan.”

My Confession

Posted on June 2, 2010 by WomanAlive

Remember, you aren’t defeated, you are VICTORIOUS IN CHRIST!

1. I walk in divine health (3 John 2)
2. I live under an open heaven (Mal. 3:10)
3. I have no lack for any good thing (Jud. 18:10)
4. I am prosperous and God delights in my prosperity (Ps 35:27)
5. I expect favor with God and with man (Luke 2:52)
6. I live in abundance (Eph 3:20)
7. I am blessed to be a blessing (Gen 12:2)
8. I am a lender and not a borrower (Duet 28:12)
9. My God shall supply all of my need according to His riches & Glory in Christ (Phil 4:19)
10. I walk in the Fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22)
11. I hear from God (Acts 22:14)
12. My steps are ordered by the Lord (Ps 37:23)
13. God is my strength, and I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil 4:13)
14. I walk by faith and not by sight (2 Cor 5:7)
15. I enjoy my work and make the most of my time (Eph 5:16)
16. I am a person of excellence and integrity (Ps 25:21)
17. I have supernatural wisdom and discernment (James 1:5)
18. I walk in revelation knowledge (Eph 1:17)
19. I am a person who forgives easily and loves all people (Col 3:13)
20. The gifts of the Spirit operate in my life (1 Cor 12:8-10)
21. I am the head and not the tail (Duet 28:13)
22. I am blessed with every spiritual blessing (Eph 1:3)
23. I live every day in abundant Joy (Is 35:10)
24. I am strong in the Lord (Eph 6:10)
25. I am bold for Christ (Acts 4:29)
26. I am a soul winner (Mark 16:15)
27. I will fulfill my calling and destiny that God has for me, and I expect God’s best (Jer. 29:11)
28. I use my talents and gifts to glorify God (1 Pet 2:12)
29. I am faithful and steadfast in the Lord (Ps 51:10)
30. I have the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16)
31. I have a teachable spirit (Prov. 9:9)
32. I am strong in character and ready for anything (James 1:2-4)
33. I receive what I ask for, I find what I’m looking for, and the doors are open in my life (Matt 7:7-8)
AMEN!!!

Love now for it may be your last chance

Posted on May 18, 2010 by WomanAlive

 “If ever there is tomorrow when we’re not together.. there is something you must always remember. you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. but the most important thing is, even if we’re apart.. i’ll always be with you.” Winnie the Pooh

How do you communicate?

Posted on May 3, 2010 by WomanAlive

I found this article to be very helpful and I think it would apply not only to marriages but to any and all relationships.  Hope this might help you if you find yourself with a communication trial!
This comes from Marriage Today website…they also have a Facebook page, you might want to check it out!

Communication is so important in a healthy marriage. For a marriage to flourish, couples need to learn to communicate with each other.
A husband and wife are usually at one of three levels when it comes to communicating with each other.
The first level is pro-active communication. This means talking about things before they happen. This is a great way to communicate, because talking before a crisis allows you to be objective and see things properly. It leads to a peaceful partnership.
The second level of marriage communication is reactive communication. This means communicating after a situation arises and has already become a source of conflict. It’s not such a good way to communicate.
When Karen and I were first married, we were constantly reacting to each other. This led to a lot of tension. We fought and fought and fought. This reactive kind of communication usually escalates into the third level of communication: radioactive communication.
Radioactive communication means we cannot talk about this at all. If it comes up again, someone is going to get hurt.
The radioactive issue in our marriage was money. We absolutely couldn’t talk about it because we viewed money in different ways. I saw money as love—I wanted to share it and spread it to help people.
Karen saw money as security. She was generous but was much more conscious about spending. She saw money as providing for the future and protecting her from chaos.
When we got married, we had never talked proactively about money. We didn’t have a budget or a plan. What we did have was a different approach to our finances. As a result, we got into the worst arguments. I accused her of being a tightwad. She accused me of being a spendthrift.
It got to the point where we couldn’t bring up the subject at all. How do you communicate when that happens?
Number one, you have to start with the radioactive issue, whether yours is money, sex, children, or work. An issue becomes radioactive once it scares you. But you have to stop being afraid of it and get it out in the open.
Tell your spouse that nothing is off-limits. Promise him or her that you can have a reasonable discussion about the conflict without shaming each other, punishing each other, or yelling at each other. Radioactive issues keep you from having peace.
Sometimes, with love and understanding and honesty, you can resolve these issues. But occasionally you can’t. If you come to an impasse, you have to be willing to get help rather than hate one another. You have to be willing to compromise and love each other instead of shutting the other person out.
Radioactive issues can threaten your marriage. Marriages usually fail because things come up that the couple wasn’t prepared to deal with. Be pro-active. Talk about them now before it’s too late.
Jimmy Evans

That person makes me so mad!

Posted on April 27, 2010 by WomanAlive

Okay now I know we all get mad from time to time and irritated…I’m not saying it’s not going to happen but when we stay mad and we allow it to fester it’s not good for our mental and physical health.  So how do we overcome anger?   Check out this great teaching from Gregory Dickow…it won’t happen overnight but we can have steady growth towards the end result.
Today we’re fasting from the thought that says, “That person makes me so mad!”
We all have someone in our life at times that we may feel that way about.  This thinking robs us of the happiness God intended; and from enjoying other people.
Let’s CHANGE IT TODAY:

1. Decide today that NO ONE makes you mad. Someone may light a match, but we ignite the fuse, by the choice to act on the feeling of anger.
2. Let’s learn from Cain. He tried to blame Abel for why he felt angry (Genesis 4:6-9). God told him, “Anger is crouching at the door, but you MUST master it.” (Genesis 4:7)
3. You CAN master your emotions. (Genesis 4:7) Believe this: God wouldn’t tell you to do something that He doesn’t give you the power to do. (2 Timothy 1:7)
4. Understand the meaning: Be angry, but sin not. (Ephesians 4:26) The sinful part of anger is blaming someone else for it; and taking it out on others. But it’s RIGHT to express it to God. Tell Him how you feel. He understands; and He can rescue you from it, when you’re honest.
5. Let go of your need for others to meet your expectations. Forgive them in your heart. And re-direct your misplaced expectations back toward God. (Psalm 75:6-7)
6. You will receive from God. (Colossians 3:23-24) Expect this. People only let you down when you have put too much dependence and expectation in their hands.
THINK IT & SAY IT:

I decide today that no one is the source of my anger. They may trigger it; but I have power over it. I express it to God and expect His deliverance. I forgive others for letting me down, and I expect to receive from God for all my needs, in Jesus’ Name.
In His Amazing Love,
Gregory Dickow

Happiness is Doing God’s Will

Posted on April 21, 2010 by WomanAlive

Happiness Is Doing God’s Will
     If you’re willing to do what God calls you to do, God will not only create in you the desire to do His Will, but He will also furnish the anointing to get the job done.
     God told Israel. “If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land…” (Isaiah 1:19)
     There are some who are willing, but have never been obedient, and there are others who are obedient, but they have never been willing. They drag their feet all of the way. Both of these individuals will be miserable in life and will never enter into full blessings of the promised land of God’s perfect will.
     If you are willing and obedient, you will have confidence that God’s calling will supply the anointing that will guide you into His perfect will.
     In Psalm 37:4, David said “Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart.”

Don’t run in the road!

Posted on March 22, 2010 by WomanAlive

Imagine you are outside next to the curb about to cross the road, you are tall and can see over the other parked cars, you can see what’s coming from both directions, it is a busy street…traffic is heavy.  Your child is standing next to you and grows impatient with waiting to cross…you tell them to wait but they aren’t listening, they look up at you with a snaggle tooth grin, let go of your hand and run into the street…disaster happens.
Much the same way our Father God holds our hand and tells us to wait, we grow impatient…we are ready to go now!  We let go of His hand and strike out on our own not seeing the danger we are about to face.
Sometimes we grow weary in waiting and we don’t like the situation we are in, we feel like if we have to keep waiting we’ll freak out, flip out, have a melt down and perish from longing to change our circumstances…we can’t take it another minute so we jump.  So many times I’ve ran into the road or known someone who has…we lived, but lived to regret our hasty decision.  If only we had waited on our Father, the whole time he could see what was coming down the road in our path, He saw the danger and told us to wait.
You see God doesn’t take His time or make us wait to punish us because he’s mean…he loves us and doesn’t want us to get run over…he knows it hurts and the recovery process is sometimes very long.
We can avoid future disasters by holding his hand and listening to His voice…He loves us.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

 ⁶ in all your ways acknowledge him,
       and he will make your paths straight.
 ⁵ Trust in the LORD with all your heart
       and lean not on your own understanding;
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (NLT)
Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (KJV)

Psalm 27:14 (NIV)

 ¹⁴ Wait for the LORD;
       be strong and take heart
       and wait for the LORD. 

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One Response to Don’t run in the road!

Rachel says:

March 23, 2010 at 11:23 am (Edit)

Amen! It is always best to wait. Believe me, I learned the hard way!