November 16, 2024

Lady in Waiting: Chance Rendezvous

October 16, 2012 by

It all comes down to trust.  It seems to always come down to trust, doesn’t it?  No matter what the situation, no matter what we are waiting for, no matter how hurt we are, no matter what decisions we make, it all comes down to that word, “trust”.  So tell me, do you like to take things into your own hands, or do you trust God?

As I was reading today’s passage I had to smile.  If we are honest, we have to admit we have all done something to try to cause that “chance” rendezvous.  I can’t say I have joined a ministry to be closer to a man I was interested in, or that I have switched churches to find a more singles-rich environment, but yes, I have lingered at times, hoping for a chance to say hello or have a conversation.  I have also gone to an event because there was more of a chance that there would be single males there, even if I weren’t 100% interested in the event itself.

I struggle with “putting myself out there”.  To say there is a shortage of single men in my church would be an understatement.  As I sit here and think about it, there are probably less than 10 men that would be appropriate for me to even consider as a possibility (and that may be being generous) and if I am not involved in church activities, I am involved in my son’s activities, which means even if I am around men, they are married dads.  So yes, sometimes I wonder how I will ever meet someone if I am never around single Christian men.  That is when I can fall into the trap of taking things into our own hands.

The hard part, for me, is knowing what is walking in faith, and what is taking things into my own hands.  Is going to an event I am not totally sold on walking in faith, because I need to give God opportunities and sitting in my house or at my singles starved church won’t do that?  Or is it taking things into my own hands because it’s not something I would have normally chosen to attend and I am trying to force God’s hand?

Another time this question comes up for me is when the topic of online dating comes up.  Some (married) friends have asked me whether I have considered doing e-Harmony or another Christian dating site.  Cost aside, I have the same questions.  Is that really having faith in God if I go onto these sites, or am I trying to speed up a process that God may already have in place that has nothing to do with the computer?  Is it opening myself up to temptations when I should be focusing somewhere else?  Or will God use this method to give me the man He has been preparing for me?   How do we know?  We need to check our hearts.

The last part of the passage really made me think.  How is your heart preparation?  When we get ready for church, or a singles event, or a small group, whatever it is, and you know “he” or “they” will be there, do you spend as much time preparing your heart, like Ruth, as you do preparing your physical appearance, like Orpah?  I can humbly and honestly say I never even thought of doing something like that.  I make sure I shower, do my hair, makeup, try to find a cute outfit, the whole deal.  I have never taken even 10 minutes to spend praying and talking to God.  Think about the difference that might make.  Not only will we look cute, but our heart is softened and opened to the will of God.

When we talk to someone at church, maybe we won’t be thinking about saying the right thing, we will know that God will give us the right words.  How does that sound?  Instead of wondering if we should be spending time with this man, we will be open to the nudging of the spirit and He will let us know if we are where we belong.  Don’t we want a man that is interested in more than what we have on the outside? I am reminded of the quote, “A woman’s heart should be so hidden in Christ that a man should have to seek Him first to find her.” Well then ladies, I urge you, spend just as much time preparing your inside as you do preparing your outside.  Then you will be amazingly beautiful to the man God has for you.

Let’s Pray
Lord I ask You to work on our hearts today.  We may not always have the purest of motives, even when we think we do.  But You know.  You know what is in our hearts.  According to Your word “All a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord” (Proverbs 16:2).  Help us to discern our true motives when we make the choices we do.  We want to have a heart like You, and we need You to help us with that.  Help us to trust You, to truly believe that Your plans are the best plans for us.  Through the tough situations, the waiting, the hurts, the hard choices, help us to know You are there for us and, as always, have only the best intentions for us.  We love You Lord and want Your will for us.  Amen.

Your Assignment:
Please leave a comment below about chance rendezvous that you have tried to create.

 

Thoughts to ponder:

Have you ever made a major decision based on finding a mate?  If so, what was the outcome?  How about the little things we do?  Share some experiences you have had.

When getting ready to go somewhere do you spend as much time on heart preparation as you do on physical preparation?  If so, have you seen a difference?  Is this a new concept for you?  If it is, do you intend on making any changes?

God bless,

Michelle

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If you are interested in joining us in this Online Bible Study, click on the “Sign-Up Here” button at the top of the page, and follow the instructions.  Once we receive your request, you will be added to a group.

 

Filed Under: Singles Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Lady in Waiting: Lady of Faith – Where the Boys Are

October 15, 2012 by

I must admit that when I started thinking about writing about this chapter for this blog, I was at loss!  How do I mix Faith and Boys in the same blog?  These are two different topics altogether and I was praying that I would be able to do justice to each without leaning more on one topic and neglecting the other.

But as I re-read the chapter over and over, I realize that one cannot talk about boys without talking about faith and neither can one find a lifelong partner without faith.

Somehow I equated faith with other spiritual things and not boys or men as the case may be.  I must repent I used to be logical about this subject.  Please don’t write me off yet but give ear to what I am going to say.

“Now Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1

Hebrews chapter 11 is the Faith chapter and the “Hall of Fame” for the great men and women of Faith.  When reading this chapter you are introduced to the greatest exploits that people like Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses and everyone else did.  They overcame the most difficult situations; they were tested and passed through storms that we can only read about.

 

I thought faith came into play when I am faced with health issues, loss, job hunting and other major issues that I could not handle on my own.  But what about when I meet a guy I like.  Isn’t it so obvious that if I am single and he is single we can get together and see how it works out?  Right? WRONG.

As a Lady of Faith, I must take to God each and every decision that affects me.  I need to involve God in everything including issues of dating, marriage, etc.  Just because this nice young man is found in church and is involved in ministry doesn’t mean he is the right one for me.  I need to speak to my Heavenly Father about him before I can get involved.

You must be saying, “But Jackie, I have been here for so long, I have moved from my small town where “there are more livestock than people”; I have even changed churches so much that I have lost count the number of times I have filled out the membership forms; this is my opportunity, this is “where the boys are” so to speak.  This is my time; at last someone who is interested in me, who gives me the attention I deserve.  I can laugh at his jokes, he says the right words to me and never for once has he commented about my weight.  He is someone that I can introduce to my friends and family without feeling embarrassed because he is well spoken and articulate”.

Well girlfriends, I met such a guy once and I can relate to someone who once wrote “dear diary, I think I found the man I am going to marry” because I practically said that myself.

I returned to church after a five year hiatus and this church is where the Christian boys in town went to.  These boys were involved in ministry; be it choir, ushering, Sunday school, youth, evangelism; you name it they were there on the fore front.  Like every young woman on fire for Christ, I got involved in ministry and no sooner had I done that than I met him.  He was everything I thought a Christian guy should be.  He was involved in various ministries and then some.  He was a young man the Pastor relied upon.  Well, we dated for close to a year and the relationship grew serious to the point of getting parents involved and engagement talks were underway.  But something happened that caused the relationship to disintegrate.  Mr.  Right bowed out when I needed him the most.  Mr. Right did not sign up for what I was going through and he had prayed about the way forward and it was to end the relationship.

Through this heart breaking situation the Lord opened my “eyes of faith” and I was able to see that I had been in this relationship for the wrong reasons.  The Lord showed me that I wanted to be part of the church so much that I thought the best way to be accepted was by marrying this guy.  The Lord knew my heart better than I knew myself.  He did this to get my attention and to show me that I was accepted by Him and that He loved me the way I was.  I needed to serve Him with the right motive.  I needed to know who I was in Him before I could get married.  I needed to fall in love with Him before I could fall in love with someone else.

For three years, I embarked on a journey of getting to know the Lord and falling in love with Him as well as doing the things He wanted me to do.  It wasn’t easy because when a guy came along I wanted to throw caution to the wind and let logic take charge, but the Lord always reminded me what I went through and I needed to continue to trust Him with this.  He knew the desires of my heart and in time He would fulfill them.  Well He did because when I stopped searching and trying to help the Lord, He brought a man whom I married.

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LET’S PRAY

Lord, I commit my sisters into your loving arms today, be with them as they trust you with this area of Faith and boys.  I know how difficult it is to surrender this issue to you but that is the only way we can avoid heartbreak.  Lord we surrender our will to you today.  Open our eyes of faith to see what you have in store for us as we wait upon you.  You know the desires of our hearts and in time you shall fulfill them.  In Jesus Name. Amen.

 

YOUR ASSIGNMENT

  1. When you meet a guy you like, what comes out first logic or faith?

  2. Read through Hebrews 11 and underline all the verbs. Then go back through and confess, “By faith I can __________,” filling in the blank with the verbs from each verse.

Is there anything you can think of that you can’t do by faith?

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If you would like to take part in this Online Bible Study and Facebook Discussion Group, please click on the “Sign-Up Here” button located at the top of our website, in the Menu Bar.  Once we receive your request, we will add you to our group!

 

Be Blessed,

Jackie

Filed Under: Singles Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Lady in Waiting: Lady of Faith

October 14, 2012 by

Oh girls…I wish I had the words to express how wonderful I think you all are!  I am enjoying the sharing and growing that I am seeing in our group already.  Is this book amazing or what?  I know it is speaking to me (even when it’s hard!)  Are you ready for week 3?  I know I am.  Here are our reading assignments for the week.  Let Jackie or I know if you have any questions.

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Here is your Reading Assignment for Week #3

Monday, Oct 15: Lady of Faith / Where the Boys Are – Jackie

Tuesday, Oct 16: Chance Rendezvous – Michelle

Wednesday, Oct 17th: Eyes of Faith – Tonya

Thursday, Oct 18th: Divine Encounter – Katie

Friday, Oct 19th: Meeting Across Continents – Diane

 

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Let’s Pray:
Abba Father, I lift all of the women in our group up to You.  You know their heart Father.  You know their pains and their joys.  I ask You to strengthen them where they are weak, and reach out to others in service where they are strong.  Teach us to embrace the single life and truly believe it is not a curse, but a gift from You.  Draw us closer Lord.  We love You.

Blessings,

Michelle

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If you would like to take part in this Online Bible Study and Facebook Discussion Group, please click on the “Sign-Up Here” button located at the top of our website, in the Menu Bar.  Once we receive your request, we will add you to our group!

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Saturdays with Shauna: Knitting!

October 13, 2012 by

Now that the weather is getting cooler here in Middle Tennessee, there’s nothing more relaxing to me than curling up under my favorite blanket with a steaming cup of hot chocolate next to me and a quick knitting project in my hands!  I discovered a love for knitting several years ago.  For me, it is calming and I get a sense of accomplishment when I can finish a quick project in a few hours’ time.

One of my favorite projects is a simple knit hat, which can be finished in one sitting if you have a few hours to spare.  Even if you don’t know how to knit, this is a great starter project and I’ve posted links along the way to help you learn!  A great resource for learning the basics is knittinghelp.com. There you can find free videos that show you how to do everything from cast on, knit, purl, cast off and everything in between.  So if you don’t understand something, search for a video on knittinghelp.com or check their message boards.

Now, let’s get started! 🙂

 Simple Knit Hat (adult size)

 

This is me sporting one of these hats I made last fall

 You will need: 

Size 13 knitting needles – 16” circular 

Size 13 double pointed knitting needles (set of 5)

One skein of Lion Brand “Hometown USA” Super Bulky yarn (weight 6) in your choice of color (or about 5 oz/81 yards of any other super bulky weight yarn of your choice, I just prefer to use Hometown USA because it’s inexpensive – $2.79/per skein on amazon.com — and comes in a variety of great colors for fall)

A large-eyed tapestry needle

A stitch marker 

A tape measure

To start, cast on 48 stitches using the circular needles.  If you are unsure how to cast on, see this video:  http://www.knittinghelp.com/video/play/long-tail-cast-on

Row 1:  Knit and join together, being careful not to twist.  Knit the entire row, marking the beginning of the row with a stitch marker.  To see how to join and make sure not to twist, see this video:  http://www.knittinghelp.com/video/play/circular-needle

And to learn the “knit” stitch:  http://www.knittinghelp.com/video/play/the-knit-stitch-english-english  And here is some information on using stitch markers:  http://www.knittinghelp.com/forum/showthread.php?t=99967

Knit every row until your work measures 8” long.

After you’ve got 8” knitted, you’re going to K2tog (knit two together) all the way across the next row.  Here is a video on how to K2tog:  http://www.knittinghelp.com/video/play/knit-2-together-english

Knit the next row.

Switch your work to the double pointed needles.  At this point, you should have 24 stitches, so just slip each stitch onto a double pointed needle – 6 stitches on each of the 4 needles.  Use the 5th needle in the set to work with.  Here is a video about working on double pointed needles (DPNs):  http://www.knittinghelp.com/video/play/double-pointed-needles

K2tog across the next row.

Knit the next row.

Now you’re ready to finish!  Cut your yarn and leave a 6” tail.  Thread this into your large-eyed tapestry needle and carefully transfer the remaining stitches off of the DPNs and thread your needle through them.  Pull the yarn tightly to gather the top of the hat.  Then stick your needle through to the inside of the hat and turn the hat inside out so you can weave in the end of the yarn on the inside where it won’t be seen.  Here is a post that talks about weaving in ends:  http://www.knittinghelp.com/forum/showthread.php?t=109276

Basically, you’re just going to work the yarn tail through a few stitches inside the hat (make sure you’re not going all the way through!  You don’t want to be able to see it on the right side of the hat) so that it doesn’t unravel.  After you feel like it’s tucked in there good and won’t come out, you can cut off any remaining length of your tail.

Guess what?  You’re DONE!  And you have a cute hat that you made to show off to all your friends!  It was fast and inexpensive too!  You could whip out a few of these for Christmas presents and bless everyone you know!  And as you learn more about knitting, you can add your own variations such as stripes in different colors or incorporating the purl stitch to make your hat look different.  I’d love to see your hats and hear about your projects, so please leave a comment below!  I hope you enjoy making many hats in the future and if you’re new to knitting, I hope this tutorial has sparked your interest in the craft!  Happy Knitting!

<3 Shauna

You can visit Shauna Jared’s personal blog, Work Home Play, for more crafts, DIY projects, and recipes!

Filed Under: Singles Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Lady In Waiting: Ministry of Listening, Helps, and Non-Newsy Works

October 12, 2012 by

This blog post is brought to you 

by Diane Meyers

Where is Your Glue Gun?
1 Corinthians 10:31: So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.  This verse is one of my LIFE VERSES!  When I spend time in the word, every so often I read a verse that the highlighter does not even do justice to!  These verses struck a chord in my heart, and because of that they change me.  These verses are my strength in weakness, my light in darkness, my solid ROCK when shaken; or LIFE VERSES as me and my sister like to call them!  1 Corinthians 10:31 is one that really struck me when I read it.  I’m not sure if it was because as I read it over and over again, I thought of everything that I had once done in my past that was the complete opposite of giving glory to God; or, if it was because I instantly thought of everything that I would do from that moment forward to GIVE GOD GLORY.  Probably both, this verse was my motivation and God used it to lead me to live a life full of helping others.

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Every single day I (WE) encounter broken after broken hearts.  These hearts come in all shapes, sizes, and pieces.  It is the heart of the lady you sit next to at work who cannot go home because she is her husband’s punching bag.  It is the heart of the man that you pass by at the bus stop wondering how he is going to provide for his family because at his last interview he was too experienced or just not what they are looking for.  It is the heart of the little boys and girls you hear about on the news who are ripped out of their homes and now living with temporary families.  It is the heart of the lives of every single person that you encounter who does not know their Savior in Heaven personally, that ought to make you want to grab a super-size glue gun and help fix these broken pieces.  I know I have my glue gun, all because when I look into the faces of these broken lives all I see is my old, glory-less self; the lost little girl in a big scary world.  I see the hurt behind their smile, the pain in their eyes, and I know them all too well.

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Can I ask you some things that you either will not get or crave to find out the answer to?  Where is your glue gun?  Have you been renewed from all of your hurts?  Do you know what it is like to be made new, with no broken pieces all because of the glue guns of others that God is the power source to?  If yes, don’t you want to be that glue gun to others, leading them to the only power that will heal them, help them, and restore them; Jesus Christ.  If no, be honest to God; let Him know where you need those broken pieces to be glued together again.  His glue lasts forever.

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Matthew 25:40 And the King will answer them, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.”  There it is, another LIFE VERSE.  That one hit me even harder, everything I have ever done to anyone I did to God.  That realization brought about a huge change in how I treat others.  Now, I still do see myself in the brokenhearted of the world, but even more so I see Jesus.  When people look at me, I want them to see Jesus, NOT ME.  This verse also helps me remember that God is with the brokenhearted, and I want to be where God is.  I have come to love my single days instead of dreading them because I get to spend them looking for Jesus, among the brokenhearted.

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There are opportunities all around me and YOU to share God’s light.  Are you sulking in your singleness that it is blinding you from taking advantage of all of the opportunities God is giving you to minister to others, and live each day with HIM (where you just so happen to be the happiest, not in a marriage)?  Being single is the perfect time to ask God to bring the brokenhearted along your path.  This is the time to spend listening to others needs instead of focusing on the one need you think you need that God has not given you yet-a husband.  This is the time to figure out your LIFE VERSES, and share them with the world.  This is the time to find that glue gun and go on a journey with God to find the broken pieces.  Don’t let what the world says about being alone and single ruin your happy.  And better yet, LET THE WORLD KNOW you are not alone, you are with God; and they can be too!

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LET’S PRAY:

Lord, I thank you so much for always shining through when I write.  I thank you for this time we have to hear from YOU.  I pray that each and every one of us that is along this journey together desire to seek your face among the brokenhearted.  I pray that you bring opportunities into our lives to help others come to know you as their personal Savior.  Lord, we love you so much, and I just pray that we learn to be happy, productive, single women, helping to FURTHER YOUR KINGDOM, give us your strength Lord.  I pray these things in your Son’s precious name, AMEN!

YOUR ASSIGNMENT:  

What are some things you have done to help others all around you?  Are there people in your life that you know God has placed in it so that you can minister HIS love to them?  What areas of helping, listening, and staying humble do you enjoy most or struggle the most with?  Please comment answers below, I CANNOT WAIT TO HEAR WHAT YOU HAVE TO SAY!

Join Us!
Want to join the conversation in our Online Bible Study Facebook Discussion Group? We would love to have you, just click the Sign Up Here button at the top of this page and follow the directions. See you there!

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If you have not accepted Christ as your Lord & Savior, we would love to pray with you. Please contact our Prayer Team leader by emailing Prayer@GirlfriendsCoffeeHour.com. Someone from our prayer team will contact you soon!

Blessings,

Diane

Filed Under: Singles Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Lady In Waiting: Ministry of Service, Writing, and Hospitality

October 11, 2012 by

This blog is brought to you

by Katie Blumberg

 

For me, the excuses began in college. I wanted to meet the perfect man, and in order for that to happen, I had to become the perfect woman. In my mind the perfect man for me would be studying to become a pastor or a youth pastor, therefore I would need to become the perfect pastor’s wife. How does one attain this high and regal status? By becoming a Biblical Studies major of course! Now don’t get me wrong, I loved studying the Word and diving through Scripture, pursuing the Lord, and learning about how to do ministry well in my every day life. I do not regret what I studied in school because it has made me the woman I am today; however, my initial intentions were not the holiest! I thought that as I waited for my future man, I would have to give up on becoming anything but a future wife of someone.

Continuing on to graduate school… Studying something that may lead to a job, rather than just a marital status… Pursuing a long-term mission’s trip to another country… Traveling to the other side of the country for a summer to work in a ministry position… Taking a fellowship in another state where I could pursue my dreams of owning a coffee shop, and be connected with other Christians who are figuring out life post-college… Joining Youth With a Mission and traveling the world spreading the good news… Moving in with my aunt in Georgia and doing ministry in her church… The list goes on and on. These are all service opportunities, dreams, and passions that I gave up as I waited for my future husband. “I’ll do that when I get married,” or “What if doing that leads me away from the man that I am supposed to be with, and I miss my opportunity with him?” were always thoughts that held me back from accepting my singleness and running towards my dreams. So here I sit, snuggling my cat in a city I feel safe in, surrounded by people I feel safe with, at a job that is safe. I only fear now that I will get married, eventually, and wonder what could have been if I had pursued the desires of my heart when I was single.

Ladies, you have all been blessed with gifts, desires, and passions. Some you may be figuring out, others you have known your entire life. Use them! Don’t wait around for your husband to arrive thinking that you will be able to pursue those things then! He is not going to make you any more able to be you than you can be RIGHT now! Have you been blessed with a servants’ heart? Find out the needs of those in your neighborhood (ministry is not confined to a four-walled building we call the church!) and help them!

Has the Lord given you the gift of encouragement? Write a letter, and email, send a text, or meet a friend for coffee and tell them how much they have blessed you. Is opening your home to friends and family exciting to you? Break out your best dishes, cook up a delicious meal and invite over everyone you know! Please don’t stuff those gifts inside thinking you’ll pull them out on a rainy day or that your husband will help you to become the woman you were meant to be.

Use this time to build relationships with amazing, godly women who will encourage and lift you up, surround you with love, keep you accountable, and push you to use those gifts for the Lord.

“It is doubtful that there could ever be a better time to serve Jesus than this “moment” of singleness. Rather than wasting precious moments fantasizing about an earthly lover, take advantage of your free hours each day to serve the Lord of Heaven. If you are frustrated and distracted, rather than fruitfully serving Jesus, then ask Him right now to adjust your vision.” (pg 33).

Take this time to let the Lord teach you who you are, what you love, and how you will be used to advance his Kingdom. Your husband is not going to tell you those things, and guess what?! I bet that amazing man will be even more attracted to you if you have spent time figuring these things out, building a strong foundation in Christ, and serving the Lord and your neighbor even without him by your side! Take the risk you have been putting off for fear of losing your chance with ‘him.’ Figure out your love language, and start loving on everyone who comes across your path!

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 Let’s Pray:

 Abba, Pappa; thank you for your grace and mercy on us. Thank you for bestowing gifts upon us to bless you and others with. Please teach us to prayerfully and thoughtfully use these gifts in the way that you intended. Give us the courage to explore our interests; teach us who we are in YOU, so that we never lose our identity, even in marriage! Instill in us a servants heart, and a desire to seek out your plan for our lives. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.

Your Assignment:

What have you given up for fear that you will miss out on finding the man of your dreams? Are you waiting to start something big because you think you need a husband to help you? If so, what step are you going to take to stop sitting around bored and day-dreaming about your fantasy man, and start acting on what the Lord has given you? Let’s get started ladies!

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Meet Katie Blumber – Blog Contributor Singles Ministry

Katie is a recent graduate from a small Christian liberal arts school, with a degree in Biblical Studies and Human Services. She has a huge ache for deep justice in her community and city, and longs to do God’s work in her every day life.

She is a barista at a local coffee shop, where she gets to serve amazing coffee and interact with people all day long. She volunteers at her church, loves going to shows and discovering new bands, and spends time with her amazing friends any chance that she gets.

For Katie, life is all about living out Christ’s love in the community that she lives in.  She is also passionate about purity, healthy relationships, and teaching others to see themselves the way that Christ sees them.

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Lady In Waiting: Diligence and the Ministry of Teaching, Encouragement, and Prayer

October 10, 2012 by

 

I was (and sometimes still am) an excuse maker.

“I’m too busy”

“I don’t know what to say”

“What difference will I make?’

“There are better qualified people”

Diligence in ministry is something that I was not, and honestly it is an area that God is still working on.

I did little things here and there at church. But a big lesson I learned was that it doesn’t stop at church. There were and continue to be so many opportunities in where I can be diligent in these areas; I actually saw more opportunities outside of my church than inside of it.

He calls us to do many things in his name; three of those are to teach, to encourage and to pray. My famous line was “I’m busy” or “I don’t have the time”; and yes, truth be told I am busy, but so is everyone else.

I had to stop making excuses.

Teach. Encourage. Pray.

The book asks a great question that can be applied to all three areas “Are we giving out as much as we take in?” I know that I take in a lot, whether it’s quiet study time with God, encouraging words (my love language is words of affirmation) or people praying for me.

I have to ask myself some questions. Am I teaching others, sharing the truths god has shown me? Am I encouraging others, whether it is my co-workers, or the frustrated mom in the store? Am I forming “duets” and lifting others up in prayer? Am I praying for others on my own?

Just yesterday I was in Wal-mart, a young mother was shopping with her little girl and the little girl was way beyond done with the shopping trip. The mom was frustrated which caused the little girl to express her dislike for Wal-mart even louder. I’ve been there. A smile to the mom and to the little girl, plus a reassuring word to the mother about not being alone in the world of toddler tempers tantrums and a prayer for the two; I feel that God had me go down that isle for a reason. It was an opportunity for be to give back.

I’m not always diligent in these areas. I talk myself out of opportunities (a lot); I make excuses (a lot). But He always gives me more chances (a lot). He gives us opportunities to teach, encourage
and to pray.

God doesn’t require us to be the most outgoing, the most eloquent, the most educated or resourceful women. He requires our time and our willingness and diligence.
God will provide us with the words, knowledge and tools to do the things he asks us to do.   I say that because I am not the most extroverted person out there and I was using my excuses to stay that way.

It’s funny, the more I explain to God why I can’t do these things the more opportunities He creates for them to be done. Yes, He is a God of humor. He does something else as well, He brings back the feelings I had when I had someone teach me, when I had someone lift me up and encourage me, when I knew that I was being prayed for.

I had to give back what I took in.

I have to give back what I take in.

Let’s Pray:
Lord, thank you for the teaching, encouraging and prayer that you have allowed us to receive, thank you for those who took in, and gave back out to us. Please open our eyes for such opportunities; for the chances for us to give out to others in need. Thank you for the time you have blessed us with, please let us see the time as a tool, and please let us to be sensitive to the words you give us and the urging you put on our hearts to do as you ask. Thank you for the opportunities to be diligent in teaching, in prayer and in encouragement.

Your Assignment:

Remember a time in which you were taught, encouraged or prayed for. How did it feel? Share some examples of situations in which you gave back what you took in. Reading examples of others may teach and encourage the rest of the group to step out and give back.

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If you would like to take part in this Online Bible Study, and join our Facebook Discussion Group, please click on the “Sign-Up Here” button located at the top of our website, in the Menu Bar.  Once we receive your request, we will add you to our group!

God bless,

Tonya

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Lady in Waiting: Full Place Setting, Enviable Singleness and Unrelenting Pursuit

October 9, 2012 by

As I read the passages for today, two very distinct ideas came through for me. In trying to decide what to talk about, I felt I should share the full spectrum of my feelings while I read and re-read the passage, so I will try to talk about both without too much confusion!

In “Full Place Setting”, the authors talk about a friend who, at first, was saving her best for when she found her future husband and got married.  When she realized she didn’t need someone in her life to treat herself to the best she had to offer, it freed her.  She deserved china and crystal just as much as a single woman as she would as a married woman.  I agree with this 100%.  While I may not have china or some of the finer things in life, I do like to treat myself to things like manicures or a good haircut.  I like to use glasses and not plastic cups.  I like to wear pretty pajamas.  To do less implies that we are worth less without a husband and that is simply untrue.  So I am reading and thinking “Hey – I got this…no problem…finally something I don’t struggle with!”

Then I thought of it.  My mattress.  Yes, my mattress.  I moved out of my parent’s house when I was 26.  I had to buy all new furniture, and my new queen bed, finally graduating from the twin I had slept in all my life!  I am now 41.  This mattress is 15 years old.  It has rips, it sags, I constantly flip it, but it doesn’t take long before I need to do it all over again.  Now why am I telling you about my beat up mattress?  Guess what I say every time I wake up with a sore back, or I am changing the sheets and I see the rips or handles falling off?  “When I get married, I’ll get a new mattress set.  It will be a fresh beginning.”  My mattress is my “paper plates”!  Do I not deserve a good night sleep as a single woman?  To wake up without pain?  To feel like I am worth more than rips, tears and a big sag.  I don’t have to wait until I will be sharing my bed with a man to get a new mattress.  I am worth it all on my own!  (Now to find the money!  )

Now, in the rest of the passage I was called to look inward and see if I am doing all I can in service during my time as a single woman in Christ. I feel that I have fully embraced this time as a pursuit of Jesus and service.  My situation is a little different, because I am a single mom of a 5 year old boy.  Some may use this as a reason not to do as much at church, but have looked at the last 3+ years as a great way to include my son in the life of the church, so that he develops a love for it as much as I have.  I will not lie.  I have a lot on my plate, and I have been praying for guidance in whether God still wants me in all the places he has me.  That does not mean that I don’t enjoy everything I am involved in (or it wouldn’t be so hard to think about letting something go!), but admittedly it is a juggling act and sometimes I am very grateful for grace!

If you have not gotten involved at your church yet, I wholeheartedly encourage you to do so.  Pray to see where God leads you, think about what you enjoy, and if you don’t like babies I wouldn’t suggest the nursery as your first volunteer experience!   God may surprise you.  When I was first saved, I felt the calling of God clearly in the areas of youth and music.  I got involved in youth group right away, but it wasn’t until a few months ago that it became my time to get involved in the Worship Team.  Be sensitive to the spirit.  One place I never thought I would be is the head of women’s ministries in the church, but the fruit I have seen from serving in this ministry is truly humbling.

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One of the best ways to combat feeling sorry for ourselves in our time alone is to serve others in need. So ladies, take some time to pray today.  Where does our Lord want you?  Where can you be of service to Him? In your church?  In the missions field?  In your local community?  My guess is that God knows exactly where you belong, and can’t wait to see you shine! And remember, use the fine china along the way!

Let’s Pray
Lord I know that you have amazing experiences in store for every woman reading these words right now.  Help them to see where they are needed.  If they already faithfully serve you, give them the strength to continue on their path.  All that we do is for Your glory.  At times it is easy to focus inward on ourselves, and our situation.  Jesus help us to be humble as we serve and be reminded that it’s not all about us.  We are needed, we are useful, and we deserve to give ourselves the best along the way.  In your Holy Name we pray.  Amen

Your Assignment
Please leave a comment below sharing your experiences with service.  Do you currently serve in your church or other organization?  If so, how does that help you?  Does it help you?
If you are not currently serving, what things are you interested in that could lead to service opportunities?  Have you prayed for guidance?  Talked to someone at your church?  What would you like to see come out of that experience?

Blessings,

Michelle

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Lady in Waiting: Lady of Diligence, No Time to Waste and Free to Follow

October 8, 2012 by

LADY OF DILIGENCE – The perfect time to make the most of every opportunity is while you are single.

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” Ephesians 5:15-17 (NIV)

Before I got married, I used to wonder why the young married ladies of our church stopped being active in church after they said I do.   We discussed this at one of Singles Ministry meetings because it puzzled us.  How come the gifted lead singer in the choir with a beautiful Soprano could no longer usher in the presence of the Lord during the worship service?  That beautiful voice was now seated quietly in the pew opposite her husband.

I got that answer when I got married.  I realized that my time was not mine alone.  I had to consider that my husband’s needs came before my own.  I could no longer just come home, change clothes and leave for an evening meeting.  There was dinner and other things to be prepared.  Most of ministry meetings took place in the evenings and since I was at work all day, I could not be out in the evening as well.

“God has called me to live now. He wants me to realize my full potential as a man right now, to be thankful about where I am, and to enjoy it to the fullest. I have a strange feeling that the single person who is always wishing he were married will probably get married, discover all that is involved, and wish he were single again! He will ask himself, ‘Why didn’t I use that time for the Lord when I didn’t have so many other obligations? Why didn’t I give myself totally to Him when I was single?’ ”

John Fischer could easily have written the above with me in mind because as a single woman, I was so zealous for the Lord.  I grabbed every opportunity that came my way to reach out to others.  I was out of the house on Monday for Youth Meeting, Tuesday for Bible Study, Wednesday was mid-week service, Thursdays, we had Singles Ministry meetings, Friday evenings and Saturday were mine to have girlfriends over for  slumber parties, watch movies and talk all night.   Housework was also thrown in the mix.  Sunday was a day spent at church starting with teaching Sunday school, ushering in church during the main service and in the evening, community outreach.  You must be rolling your eyes just by reading this schedule but I enjoyed doing this so much.  No out of boredom but because the time was just perfect for me.

Now, to adjust all this to married life and staying at home in the evening really took some doing.  It’s a topic on its own!  I asked my husband for at least two evenings.  But overtime even the two evenings were too much until I settled for just Sundays.

“The single woman can be involved in the Lord’s work on a level that a married woman cannot because of the distractions and responsibilities of being a wife and mother. Ironically, some single women can be so distressed by their single state that they become emotionally more distracted than a wife and mother of four children.  Page 26.

It’s so easy to judge when you are seating on the other side of the table.  But when you get there you tend to appreciate things more.  I always admire a mother with children who are under 5.  To get them prepared and be on time for any activity is really work.  While I only need 45 minutes to get ready, she needs at least 2 hours or more!

Let’s end today by thinking about what Jackie and Debbie asked us.

Are you busy serving Jesus during your free time, or do you waste hours trying to pursue and snag an available guy? Ruth was a widow, but she did not use her time sponsoring pity parties for all unhappy single women to gather and compare the misery of datelessness. When she and Naomi moved back to Bethlehem, Ruth did not waste a moment feeling sorry for herself. She went right to work. Instead of being drained by her discouraging circumstances, she took advantage of them and diligently embraced each day. Page 27.

I don’t know about you but I am challenged by Ruth not to waste time anymore.  You have all the freedom to follow Christ wherever He may lead you.  I still dream of visiting India one day for missionary work!

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LET’S PRAY

Father I thank you for challenging us through the life of Ruth who did not waste time feeling sorry for herself as a widow but she did her work diligently.  Lord help us to open our eyes and see that the harvest is plenty but the laborers are few.  May we seize the opportunities that come our way so that we may joyfully serve you.   In Jesus Name. Amen.

 

YOUR ASSIGNMENT

Life is so full of traumatic situations.  Single ladies have their share of such situations.  In the comment below let’s discuss the following:

 

  1. Has someone disappointed you in the past that you feel like you cannot fully serve the Lord in any way?

  2. Have you put your life on hold and you are using this as an excuse for not serving Jesus?

 

If you would like to take part in our Online Bible Study and Facebook Discussion Group, please click on the “Sign-Up Here” button located at the top of our website, in the Menu Bar.  Once we receive your request, we will add you to our group!

 

Be Blessed,

Jackie

 

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Lady in Waiting: Chapter 2

October 7, 2012 by

 

How was everyone’s first week?  I know I have been blessed not only by the wonderful blog posts I read, but the great comments and messages from all of you!  Online studies are only as good as the participants and you girls are AMAZING!

Here is your Reading Assignments for week #2:
October 8:        Lady of Diligence, No Time to Waste and Free to Follow  – Jackie
October 9:        Full Place Setting, Enviable Singleness and Unrelenting Pursuit – Michelle
October 10:      Diligence & the Ministry of Teaching, Encouragement and Prayer – Tonya
October 11:      Diligence & the Ministry of Service, Writing and Hospitality  – Katie
October 12:      Diligence & the Ministry of Listening, Helps and Non Newsy Works – Diane

Let’s Pray
Father God, we have started on a journey that isn’t always easy.  Facing our fears, our sins, the strength of our faith is not something we take lightly.  We are weak, and in our weakness we find your strength.  Thank you Lord for being there for us whenever we need it.  Thank you for giving us comfort when we feel there is none, thank you for being love.  Continue with all of these women on the path of healing, growth and finding who we are in You.

If you would like to take part in our Online Bible Study and Facebook Discussion Group, please click on the “Sign-Up Here” button located at the top of our website, in the Menu Bar.  Once we receive your request, we will add you to our group!

God Bless,

Michelle

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