November 26, 2024

Resolution for Women: Chapter 7 — My Forgiveness

August 12, 2012 by

 

This week we embark upon a resolution to release others from the prison of our hurt and anger.

 

Forgiveness – for some this brings a flood of bad memories.  For others, it brings freedom and liberation!  Forgiveness for some can be a very difficult action.  It means releasing the sins of others that have hurt us.  It means having to “let go” of what we have been harboring for years.  It means stepping out of something that has become a “normal” in our life, into something of the unknown.

 

For some, “letting go” means fear.  “This is all I have known.  What will life be like without it?”  It means, not having the emptiness, anger, bitterness, and hatred, on the inside anymore.  These are things that some have come to adopt into their lives and have held them close inside their hearts for many many years.  It means stepping out of something that has become “comfortable” to them.  Something they have learned to live with.  Something that sleeps, eats, watches television, plays, works and travels with them, everywhere they go.  It’s like the shadow that has been following them …. For all these years!

 

For some, forgiveness means the wrong was made right.  What I mean by this, is that they fear by forgiving someone who has wronged them, it’s like saying what they have done to them is okay now.  No.  That is not what forgiveness is, at all.  Hurt is not okay; whether it’s emotional, physical, or mental.  Forgiveness does not grant freedom to the sin….it grants freedom to the one who was sinned upon.  Do you know what I mean by that?  I mean forgiveness is for YOUR benefit….in so many different ways.

 

Forgiveness means freedom for YOU!!  It means stepping out of those prison walls that have held you captive all these years.  Whether the sin committed was towards you, or you yourself committed the sin….forgiveness awaits you!  And I can’t wait for you to read this chapter this week and find out what God has waiting just for YOU!!  “Whom the Son sets free is free indeed”!!

 

Forgiveness IS a beautiful thing!

 

_______________________

Your Assignment:

This weeks reading assignment can by found by clicking HERE

 

 

Let’s pray:

Father, I pray for each and every woman that is reading this blog and this chapter this week.  I pray Lord that You will open their ears and their eyes Lord to what You have for them!  Lord, I pray that the words of this book will jump off the pages for them, and show them just how liberating Your true forgiveness really is!  Lord, walk alongside each one of them; talk to them; show them Lord what harboring unforgiveness is doing to them, not only spiritually, but physically and emotionally, as well.  Lord, I pray for those who are harboring unforgiveness this week, that this will be their week that the chains of bondage will be released, and the prison doors will swing wide open, and they will be able to walk in total freedom, in Your Precious Name, Lord.  For whom You set free Lord, is free indeed!!  AMEN!!

 

We’ll see you tomorrow….right here, same time, same place!  Enjoy the rest of your day!

 

Living Intentionally to Forgive and Accept Forgiveness, 

 

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Resolution for Women — Chapter 6 Overview

August 10, 2012 by

Weekly Review

Our Memory verse this week was Luke 6:45

“out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks”.

This has been an eye-opening chapter for me.  I realized this week just how much I talk, and just how little I listen!  I also learned just how much I talk “over” people…in other words, how much I interrupt others!  As much as I do not like others doing that to me, I realized I do that to others, too!  This is certainly something I need to work on!!

So, what did you think of this weeks chapter?  What were your ah-ha moments?

Where did the Lord gently nudge you and say “We need to work on this?”

I think I highlighted the whole chapter.  I think I needed to highlight the whole chapter!  I know I have so much more to learn in this area, and it will truly be a chapter that I re-read over and over again!

So, let’s take a look back and see what the Lord was showing all of us this week:

Monday:  Priscilla shared her words with us on the art of listening and edifying others, and the importance of both.  She talked about the importance of “learning” how to listen to others.  The art of really intentionally putting aside any our own thoughts, the distractions, and whatever else may prevent us from intentionally listen to another.  Intentionally listening to others shows them they are important to us; they are valued; they are worthy of our time.  It builds them up and encourages them.  It feeds their self-worth.  The art of listening is a discipline that we all need to work on.  Listening is the most valuable gift we can give anyone.

Wisdom has two parts:

One part is learning what to say.

The second part is learning when to say it.

Tuesday:  Megan talked to us about the gift of intentionally listening to others.  The chapter also shows us how the gift of intentionally listening can lead into other gifts — the gifts of self-worth, significance, personal satisfaction.  The kind of gifts that we all want to be known for.  We learned how to bless others by really leaning into what they are saying, and forgetting about anything and everything else around us and giving our “all” to that person at that very moment.  It is truly our gift to them, and a blessing!

The Gift of Listening

is the most valuable gift you can give someone.

Wednesday:  Kelley shared with us about the habit of talking too much and how that can get us into trouble.  Proverbs 10:19 says “Too much talk leads to sin.  Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.”  Pretty much puts it all in to one nutshell, huh??  The art of listening enables us to think before we speak.  Weighing out our words before they are spoken.  Waiting for the right time to say the right thing.  Not sitting while someone is talking and contemplating what you will say next.  Or not allowing the other person to express their own opinion, and thinking our opinion is the only one that counts!  

 Listen.  Learn.  Contemplate.  Consider.

Weighing our words.  Waiting.

The Blessing of Silence!

Thursday:  Beverly shared with us the importance of the power of our tongue and guarding our hearts.  Our heart is our inner being (the foundation)….the place where our thoughts, attitudes, and beliefs are kept.  A reservoir for every thought, attitude, belief we’ve either placed there, or allowed to hang out there!

What are we allowing to hang out in our hearts????  Our heart is the essence of who we truly are, or who we are becoming.  Out of the abundance of our heart, our words flow.  Are we quick to offer an opinion?  Are we constantly critical or demeaning to others?  Do we frequently argue with others?  Do we gossip?  Do our words often speak of negativity, doubt, and skepticism?   These are all conditions of the heart.  The foundation of our being.    So we have to ask ourselves what we are putting inside?  What treasures are we storing in our hearts?  Insecurity?  Anger?  Judgmental attitude?  Low in faith and belief?  No peace?

The author of the this book, Priscilla Shirer suggests that if we don’t know the answer to these questions, we need to just listen to ourselves for a couple of days.  Listen to our topics of conversations.  Then ask the Lord to forgive you for the words you have spoken, and to help you guard your hearts, making sure that you do not allow your heart to become filled with anything that will hinder you from being conformed into the likeness of Christ.  Stay in the word.  The more you stay in the word and in His truth, the more your words will then be filled with wisdom, kindness, and humility!

A woman whose heart is full of gratitude and humility, who is certain of God’s favor on her, and who genuinely prizes the worth of those around her will release a steady stream of graciousness that will refresh others through her conversation.  Others will desire her company.  She will invite the opportunity to listen to others.  She will humbly offer wisdom that comes from a treasure box filled with a wealth of good things!

It’s not all about watching your mouth….

It’s about watching your heart!

Are you ready to sign this weeks resolution?  Before you do, picture the people in your life who most need to receive this gift from you.  Consider what changes you can make to become a person who is “quick to listen and slow to speak.”  Be willing to make some of these practical and necessary adjustments so this resolution doesn’t just “sit on a shelf” in your life and become reality.  THEN, when you’re ready, prayerfully read the statement below and sign your name.

Resolution #6

My Blessing

I will be a woman who is quick to listen and slow to speak.

I will care about the concerns of others and esteem them more highly than myself.

Signed: ____________________

____________________

Next week, Priscilla walks us through the art of forgiveness into a resolution to release others from the prison of our hurt and anger.  I can’t wait! Another AWESOME WEEK ahead of us!!!

___________________

YOUR READING ASSIGNMENT FOR NEXT WEEK CAN BE FOUND BY CLICKING >> HERE

Be Blessed & Be a Blessing to Someone Else Today!

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Resolution for Women: Underneath It All

August 9, 2012 by

Our Memory Verse

“out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks”

Luke 6:45

____________________ 

I am sure that all of you have seen a picture of a crack in the earth when an earthquake is about to happen, if not, here is a picture of one when it hits.

And next is a picture of the sheer devastation after the earthquake has hit full force.

_________________________

These pictures are what came into my mind as I was studying this lesson.  As our lesson stated,  “the cracks are merely symptoms of a more serious condition that is underneath”.

The only way to remedy complete and utter disaster by this thing called “our tongue” is to address the foundation, structural issues that could possibly cause an eruption.    Our lesson states that controlling our tongue is a quest.

As we continue on this quest to determine how we can uncover what is hidden we will begin to see that “the cracks” are actually symptoms of a much deeper, more difficult problem that we must fix in order to be the blessing to others like God is wanting and asking us to be.

I Love what Priscilla says on page 122,  “Our mouth is like a barometer, it will tell us and others whether we are truly immersed in humility and surrendered in obedience to God or if we are housing a malnourished spirit that stubbornly refuses to yield to the wisdom of God’s own Word”.

She tells us we need to take inventory of our tongues track record and use that as an instructive way for us to uncover what is hidden within, and here is the list of questions that she gave us to use as our inventory check list:

  1. Are we always quick to offer an opinion into conversations at every opportunity?
  2. Are we constantly critical and demeaning in our spoken sentiments?
  3. Do we frequently find ourself quarreling with our spouse or being divisive among others?
  4. Does gossip continue to come easily for us?
  5. Do our words often reveal a doubtful, skeptical outlook?

The words we use on our lips are just like the first picture in this post “they reveal what is going on in our foundation”

Here are some tongue facts for you that I thought you might enjoy knowing:

  1. Our tongue is the strongest muscle in our body.
  2. Our tongue is the only muscle in our body that is attached only on one end.
  3. 50% of the bacteria in our mouth lives on the surface of our tongue.
  4. Every person has a unique tongue print.

Our tongue may be a small part of our body, but it can cause huge devastation just like in the second picture in this post.  We use this tongue to demean others and then in another breath we use it to praise our Lord.    With the most powerful muscle in our body, we can either say negative things, degrade someone, cut someone down, or we can build up, edify, encourage and uplift someone.  Our Words  have power and those words come from our tongues.  We have the ability to control how that muscle is used whether it will be used for good or bad but often we let it move unrestrained and without much thought and that is when the cracks start appearing in our foundation.

Over the past few years I have truly sought out how I speak to others, and God has used many things in my life to change “my tongue” and one of them sometimes has been “silence”  and  another has been to “listen”.   When I make exerted efforts to do both of these, I begin to find what is “underneath it all”, I find where my cracks are beginning to surface, and how He is using these two tools to change my foundation, to help repair what is there so that no eruptions come forth.

Priscilla tells us on Pg.125 as we soak in His Word we can expect to have a deep reservoir filled with all the treasures needed to help temper our conversations with wisdom, kindness and humility.  She also reminds us that its not just about watching our mouth, but watching our heart and that any lasting change we make in controlling our tongue must start at the base, the foundation, down where the cracks are forming.

One great verse that Robin gave us weeks ago when we were doing the study on our words and it has stuck with me since that day and is posted at my desk at work and other places is “Set a guard over my mouth Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips”. Psalms 141:3 NIV…..this verse gave me a foundational structure to help me build this new work God is doing in my life and this week of lessons has taught me how I can be a blessing to others (with my time, my concern and my full attention) and to do all those well I need good ears and a good tongue…..so yep these are areas I am working on giving to HIM first so I can bless others with them next…

 Your assignment for today:   Take the tongue inventory test talked about above and “Before signing your name to the “My Blessing” resolution, consider what changes you may need to make in order to be the person who is “quick to listen and slow to speak” make those adjustments and when you are ready to commit it to God, then sign your name on the dotted line.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Lord,    I praise you for this little member of our body “the tongue”. It can destroy but it can also build up and I pray for each of us that we look for where our foundation is cracking within our tongue and show us how to get it repaired so that each of us can use this little muscle to be a blessing to others.   Amen.

___________________

Now it’s time to go back to your Facebook Online Bible Study Group to see what your Daily Activity is!!  I’m guessing it’s going to be a fun one!!  If you are not currently in one our FB OBS Groups, and would like to be, please send an email to:  GirlfriendsCoffeeHour@gmail.com, and we’ll be glad to add you!!

Love ya’ll

Beverly

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Resolution for Women: Shhhhh

August 7, 2012 by

Our Memory Verse

  Luke 6:45

“Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks”

WOW Ladies!  How many of you can relate to the picture above?   Be honest, be really really honest……Well?  No, you have to be really honest!  Can you?   Okay, I’ll admit – I can.   But…..if you don’t agree, can you at least agree that talking is one of the things women do best – We TALK. We love to talk!    We talk about everything and talk some more.   Many times we talk before we think.  We talk when we should just be quiet – when we should pray.  We like to talk.  It’s in our blood!

Have you been in situations where you have been listening to people talk and they are excited about being the first to tell someone something?  They absolutely love being the person to share news or happenings – they enjoy being in the position of getting noticed for what they are telling and talking about – even if its negative.   This is certainly not wisdom and can be rather embarrassing for her and those around her.

“Wisdom – knowing what to say and not saying it” – This is the definition Priscilla shares with us in our book. How many times have we been in situations where we said things when we should have just kept our mouth shut. Let’s face it ladies, for the majority of us, this happens quite often, or DID, before we met Jesus and began to learn wisdom.

With me, when I started building a relationship with Jesus Christ and started studying The Word, I too realized that I talk way too much (hold your laugh) and unfortunately not all of it would bring glory to our Father.  My husband was forever telling me I needed to ‘hush’;  I was talking too much, telling too much, and it would be better for all if I just stopped talking. Truth be told, he was right many times – Yes, I hate to admit it, but the Hubby was right.

I love the way Priscilla writes about this subject.  The following, shared by Priscilla in our chapter, really struck me personally.  When you read these statements what were your thoughts?

  • Silence is our friend. Silence is our strength.   –   I love this!  It’s amazing what we can do with silence now that we have a  relationship with Jesus.   Silence IS our friend and IS our strength!  All we have to do is utilize it, all to glorify Him.
  • A woman who is quick to listen is one who gathers up all the information before releasing her reaction.   WOW – YES!   This is my goal!  How about you!?
  • When she speaks, her advice and assessments are sensible and sober. Prudent and purposeful.  – these sisters represent WISDOM – Wisdom is a blessing!

In God’s Word, sweet sisters, it is made clear.    We need to stop and listen to the direction of our Father before acting or discussing a situation.  We need to remember that words DO have power – and not all power will glorify our Lord and Savior. We need to pray more and talk less.  We need to remember that we are children of the King.  We need to reach out and take hold of the wisdom we know comes from our Heavenly Father ~ and actively display this Wisdom in every situation.  We need to grow in the quiet.   I challenge you to read the following scriptures and become convicted by the words written especially for us.

‘…..the tongue of the righteous is pure silver’  Proverbs 10:20

‘The tongue has the power of life and death’  Proverbs 18:21

‘Be still and know that I am God’     Psalms 46:10

Remember, Silence is our Friend.  Silence is our Strength

———————————————————————————————————————

Your Assignment:

  • What would immediately change for the better in your life if you began exercising the spiritual restraint of silence?
  • Try it for just a day or two.  Deliberately keep from saying something that’s better left unsaid.  Allow the bait of another’s unkind or inappropriate remark to land without hooking a response from you.  Record what you observe about yourself and the change in the dynamics around you.

____________________

Let’s Pray:

Dear Lord,

Father God thank you for the blessing of silence.  Change our hearts so that we may use this silence to prepare our words and actions in such ways to bring glory to you in all we do.  In addition, may we remember the power of words and the damage it can cause, as well as the praises it may bring.  Thank you for these blessings.  Thank you for each sister here. We love you Father and We ask these things in your precious and Holy name.  Amen.

___________________

Now it’s time to go back to your Facebook Online Bible Study Group to see what your Daily Activity is!!  I’m guessing it’s going to be a fun one!!  If you are not currently in one our FB OBS Groups, and would like to be, please send an email to:  GirlfriendsCoffeeHour@gmail.com, and we’ll be glad to add you!!

Love,

Kelley <3<3

Read all about Craig’s Resolution for Men Journey here: www.adversusmundi.wordpress.com

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Resolution for Women: The Gift

August 7, 2012 by

Our Memory Verse

Luke 6:45

“Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks”

My sweet sisters in Christ…..

We are going to do things a little differently today here at Girlfriends Coffee Hour. As I was praying over writing this blog post, God put it on my heart to give you a gift. I hope you don’t mind and I certainly pray that it is a blessing to every single one of you.

First, I need you to ready today’s lesson in our book if you have not done so already. You can find it on pages 112-115 of our books.

Then, I need you to come right back here and read the rest of this post.

Priscilla tells us today that really actively listening to someone is the greatest gift we can give them…… as it is also a blessing God bestows on each of us. I need you to understand that by really listening to someone else…. you are also the benefactor of one incredible gift that should not be pushed aside or re-gifted. If someone ever trusts you so much that they share their heart with you, please understand that you have been given a priceless gift that you should treasure. I need you to BE THIS to someone today.

This is your gift. Each of you are going to write our blog post today. After you complete today’s assignment, I need you to come back here and tell all of us what it was like to give and receive this beautiful gift of listening and being trusted with someone’s heart. We don’t want to know the details of the conversation….. we just want you to share your heart with us about what it was like. Please say you’ll do it!

_____________________

Your Assignment:

Today’s assignment will not cost you one precious penny…. but it is priceless!!! As Priscilla shares with us on page 115: “…listening is one of the most significant ways He blesses us. Therefore, quite predictably, it’s one of the key ways that we can bless others. ”

Please, dear sisters, choose to listen today….. REALLY listen! Who has been fighting for your attention? Please do not put them off for one more day…. give them all you have today and you might just be surprised by what you hear! FIGHT the urge to put your two cents in!!! Keep your conversation priceless by keeping your examples, criticisms, laughs and insults to yourself.

Report back to us here about who you shared this time with today and how God showed up! I triple-dog-dare you to do it…. and I can’t wait to listen in on how it goes <3

____________________

Let’s Pray:

Dear Lord,

I’d like to thank you in advance for meeting each and every woman reading this right where they are today in spending time with another of your precious souls. Give them your discernment, Father, of when to speak affirming, encouraging words and when to be silent. Have this time be all about the other person, Father, and I pray you give each and every woman the time back that they spend investing in Your Kingdom today. We love you, Lord, and we thank you for this lesson. May our actions spill over into every life we interact with and may we also be heard… really heard,…. by those we yearn to connect with the most. In Your Son’s name I pray, amen <3

___________________

Now it’s time to go back to your Facebook Online Bible Study Group to see what your Daily Activity is!!  I’m guessing it’s going to be a fun one!!  If you are not currently in one our FB OBS Groups, and would like to be, please send an email to:  GirlfriendsCoffeeHour@gmail.com, and we’ll be glad to add you!!

Blessings,

Megan 🙂

Read all about Craig’s Resolution for Men Journey here: www.adversusmundi.wordpress.com

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Resolution for Women — My Blessing

August 6, 2012 by

Once again, I am going to share a video from Priscilla Shirer speaking about in the sixth chapter of her book ‘The Resolution for Women’.  In this chapter, Priscilla discusses the “art of listening” verses talking too much; as well as the power of our tongue — whether it is faithless or faith-filled.

She discusses the art of edifying others, and building them up.  Encouraging one another is truly a gift from the Lord!  We live in a tough world!  We are slammed with negativity every day in our lives, at work, at school, from the media, and sometimes even at home.  The gift of edification is about being able to encourage others, lift them up with your words or prayers, and helping them feel better about their situation, and about themselves!

Luke 6:45 says, “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks”.  Let’s learn how to fill our heart with the right things that will help our mouth overflow with the proper words, to be spoken at the right time.

And now a word from Priscilla Shirer:  

_____________________

Your Assignment: 

Comment below how you will effectively use the art of listening to a loved one today.

____________________

Let’s Pray:

Father, Your word tells us that out of the abundance of our hearts, our mouths speak.  Your word also tells us that Life & Death come from our tongue.  Lord, we ask for this next week that You will give us revelation knowledge on how powerful our words are; and how we can tame our tongue.  We know it is not possible to tame another man’s tongue, Lord, but it is possible to tame our own tongue.  We ask that You will reveal areas in our hearts where work needs to be done, so the abundance that flows out of our mouths, will be pleasing unto You, Lord; and will bring life to others around us.  We ask You to forgive us Lord for the times we have fallen short with our words, and when we have not chosen to really “listen” to someone who needs our full attention.  Holy Spirit, we ask You to nudge us this week during those times that those around us need our FULL attention, in Jesus’ Name, AMEN!!

___________________

Now it’s time to go back to your Facebook Online Bible Study Group to see what your Daily Activity is!!  I’m guessing it’s going to be a fun one!!  If you are not currently in one our FB OBS Groups, and would like to be, please send an email to:  GirlfriendsCoffeeHour@gmail.com, and we’ll be glad to add you!!

That’s it for today.  I hope you have an AWESOME Week!!  Remember, THIS IS THE DAY THE LORD HAS MADE!!  Let’s CHOOSE to REJOICE & BE GLAD IN IT!!!

Living Intentionally Every Day to Learn How to Bless Others with My Ears & Mouth, 

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Resolution for Women — Chapter 6 – My Blessing

August 5, 2012 by

This week in The Resolution for Women, Chapter 6, we learn to esteem others with our time, concern, and full attention.

We’ll learn how to really listen to others, so they “know” we are truly listening.

We’ll learn about the power of our tongue, and how it can produce life or death.

We’ll learn how to control our tongue, to bring life into others and situations.

I’m very excited about this chapter, and what Priscilla has to say this week.  The power of the tongue is a subject that we learned about the week before this study began.  This chapter will reiterate what Robin Packer taught us during that week, and more!

So with that, are you ready????  Here we go!!

_______________

Your Reading Assignment

for the Week of Aug 6th – 10th:

Aug 6th:   My Blessing – Christi

 Aug 7th:  The Gift – Megan

Aug 8th:  Shhhh – Kelley

Aug 9th:  Underneath It All – Beverly

Aug 10th: Week Overview – Christi

_____________________

THIS WEEKS CONFERENCE CALL!!

Don’t forget our FREE Conference Call this coming TUESDAY night, at 8pm CST.  Our Guest Speaker will be Connie Moss from Mesquite Texas.  Connie is going to share her amazing testimony on how God delivered her from clinical depression! This call is for all of our Facebook Online Bible Study members.  If you are not a part of our FB OBS Groups, and would like to be, please email us at GirlfriendsCoffeeHour@gmail.com!  We’ll be glad to add you to a group!!

Let’s Pray:

Father, we lift this weeks chapter to You, Lord, and we ask for Your anointing upon our ears and eyes, that we may hear from You directly and also see what  You are trying to teach us this week.  Lord, we choose to put aside all distractions so that we can learn to become a blessing to others, with our words and actions.  We pray for our Conf Call Guest Speaker, Connie Moss,  and I ask that You guide her words and give her peace and boldness during her time with us on this call.  I pray for hearts to be prepared before this call Lord, to be ready to receive what You have for them.  Bring those Father, that You want on this call, In Jesus’ Name, AMEN!!

See You Tomorrow!!

Be Blessed & Be a Blessing to Someone Else!

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The Resolution for Women: Week 5 Overview

August 3, 2012 by

Weekly Overview

I don’t know about all of you….. but this lesson about being our best for God has really been challenging AND freeing at the same time for me. Let’s take a look back and see what all we learned this week.

MONDAY: It was all about BOXES! You know…. all the millions of things that we have pulling and tugging at us for our attention and resources every day while we are working so hard to achieve perfect balance in our life. God certainly intends for us to live full lives, but not to be stretched so thin that we burn out and are miserable. God calls us to have order in our lives and to line up our priorities with His will. Priscilla asked us to list our “boxes” and to be real about which ones might not need to be filled in this season.

TUESDAY: This day we learned about how important timing is in being able to be our best. God intends different priorities for us in different seasons we are in and we must not mix them up. This day was about boundaries and freeing ourselves of any obligations we currently have that are not meant for us in our current season. We were to pray for discernment and begin to take action to be able to live joyfully in our current season doing all of the things that God uniquely designed us to do.

WEDNESDAY: Oh Wednesday…. it was about anything, everything and whatever! You know what this means right? It’s all about how we can’t do anything well when we choose to do everything, so we decide to just do whatever. We were to list out our “whatever” places and pray over which ones God needs us to shift to the background during our current season. We are to do all of our whatever’s with everything that we have because THAT is part of God’s divine design!

THURSDAY: Priscilla gave us some breathing lessons worth noting. She urges us to intentionally make time in our daily lives to fill our oxygen tank so that we can breathe. That can look differently for everyone, but whatever you do to “re-fuel,” do it often! All of our loved ones need us to be our best and God does not intend any of us to grow weary in doing good. I hope you gave yourself a break…. because I did and it felt so good! Be sure so make this a habit!

….and in all this lies our fifth Resolution!

MY BEST

I will seek to devote the best of myself, my time, and my talents

to the primary roles the Lord has entrusted to me in this phase of my life.

Signed X___________________________________________

Please leave a comment below about one “ah-ha” moment for you this week! We want to know how this lesson spoke to your heart!

________________________________

Next week, our topic is
“My Blessing— a resolution to esteem others with my time, concerns, and full attention.”
 
 Oooooooh…. this is going to be good!!!
 
Have a Great weekend Ladies!  See you again on Sunday with our assignments for next week!!
Please keep in mind that if you have fallen behind in your reading, the weekend is a great time to get all caught up!
 
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The Resolution for Women- Week 5: It Only Works When I Breathe

August 1, 2012 by

The past two-three weeks at work have been crazy!  I was assigned 3 projects to work on all at the same time, all with deadlines of yesterday.  I also had my Online Bible Study groups , my family, grandchildren to spend the night, was planning for a mission trip to Nicaragua, and was attempting to keep up with all the day-to-day tasks.  By the way, the list goes on!   I desperately needed oxygen.   Unfortunately for me it was not dropping out of the sky ready to be used!   In addition to this, the ‘boxes’ that we talked about the other day that could be rearranged or moved around were not the ones that were labeled W O R K, they were the things I enjoyed – the things that brought me peace.  Lovely, huh!?    Have any of you ladies had this problem?   –as I chuckle!   Of course you have.   To bed late, up way too early, running kids here, running kids there, working, doing laundry – running yourself ragged – trying to do it all…..needing a LARGE oxygen tank!   Suffocating from attempting the impossible. Do any of us think about how destructive this behavior is to our bodies? Nope, we totally believe we can do it all!  In our book Priscilla explains what this type of behavior provides us ,

“by running yourself ragged, trying to do everything morning till night, you’re in essence trying to be God. Overwork is a form of unbelief.  You’re saying through your actions that you don’t believe He can take care of everything, meaning you’re on the hook for it” (page 109)

Ladies, it’s time to stop and smell the roses, time to find your oxygen tank whatever, wherever that may be.  There is no possible way that you can help anyone else – not your children, your husband or anyone  else when you are out of ‘gas’.  I will be honest, even during those very difficult weeks at work recently, I made time for the one thing that totally relieves me of stress – even if only for a few minutes – my MuayThai class.  For 1 solid hour 3 times a week no matter what goes on, I go and hit pads, kick bags – relieving every ounce of frustration and finding my’oxygen’.    I would leave work so tired, seriously feeling like I could go straight home and go to bed, then I would change into my gym clothes and head to the gym.  By the time I left, the good endorphins in my body were rolling, my energy level was up, and thankfully I had found my oxygen tank – right in the nick of time!

So let’s think about this ladies.  What is something that you can do each day to re-energize?  Perhaps it’s your quiet time with God, or maybe your on-line bible study time.  Perhaps it’s an amazing tough workout at the gym or a much-needed date with your hubby.  Whatever it is, it is necessary to reach out and grab it, to find that oxygen tank and use it!  For me it’s an hour in the gym, for you this time may mean 10 minutes with Jesus.  Whether it’s a quick outdoor walk or getting an hour-long massage – it is absolutely imperative that you take this time to replenish your soul, to fill your lungs with fresh air, to suck up the molecules necessary to rebuild the cells throughout your body – Only then can you be the person you need to be for yourself and for those that are depending on you.

And let’s not forget to seek guidance from the Lord as we handle the many things we do.  We need to work with Him and let Him show us the tasks and priorities we need to be addressing, not all of them belong to us  – although we think they do!

Assignment for Today

When will I put on my oxygen mask so I can ….  bre-e-e-eathe?  What does my oxygen mask look like?   I would like for each and every sister here to commit to some time each day to breathe and replenish their body.  Share with us what that will be for you.

Prayer

Dear God, Guide and direct us each day as we go through our daily tasks.  Help us to reach for our oxgen in whatever form works for us, Provide us with the understanding Father that you are the only one in control, you are the only one capable of handling all of the tasks laid out for our lives.  Father, we love you and thank you.  We worship  you and praise you.  It is in your name we pray.  Amen.

 ___________________

After you have completed this assignment here, go back to your Facebook Online Bible Study Group, and see what fun activity we have for you there!  You never now what we will come up with!!  If you do not belong to an Online Bible Study Group, and would like to, please email us at GirlfriendsCoffeeHour@gmail.com, and we will be happy to add you!

Love,

<3 Kelley

…Don’t forget about the Men’s Journey over here:

www.adversusmundi.wordpress.com

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The Resolution for Women: Anything, Everything, and Whatever

August 1, 2012 by

“Anything, Everything and Whatever”

From Christi:  I would like to take a moment to introduce you to Beverly McCormick, our newest Blogger for Girlfriends Coffee Hour.  I am very excited that she has agreed to become a regular on a blog!  I hope you enjoy her blogs, as much as I think you will!  Welcome Bev, to the Girlfriends Coffee Hour Blogging Team!

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We can’t do anything well, when we choose to do everything, so we decide to just do whatever.

WOW, this statement hit me hard as I studied this lesson.   Then I took a look at our scripture verse for today,“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for God’s glory”. 1 Cor. 10:31.

and then another scripture came to my mind, “And whatever you do, whether  in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus giving thanks to God the Father through him”.  Col 3:17.

God is really trying hard to give us a message through this study today

Whatever we do

Do it for His glory

Then give Thanks.

Like many women we constantly feel like we are failing at everything, we go to bed feeling inadequate, that we just don’t have what it takes, that we just don’t have it together like everybody else. As this lesson taught us we set the bar too high, we get discouraged, we can’t do anything because we are exhausted from trying to do everything.

As Priscilla’s friend told her and should stand for us too “you cannot do a thousand things to the glory of God, but you can do one or two.”

And Paul teaches us that we should zero in on our unique set of “whatever you do” qualities, because there is value in the way we do them.

God has put us where we are in this season of life for a reason.  It may not be the most glamorous role we will have, it may not have been our choice, but it was the place He designed and chose just for each of us. We are in this place (this season)  on purpose.

God is not concerned at all about what we think we should have accomplished in our life or where we should be or how we compare to others, but God is concerned about what we are doing in the place (the season) that He has assigned us to.   God doesn’t ask us to do what other people are doing.   He wants us to do what He has told us to do and do it with all our being in the place we are in, even if the place is the “whatevers”.

Here are some of my “whatever” places that my life consists of:

-laundry
-dishes
-cleaning
-mothering
-chauffer
-cook
-library assistant
-mechanic
-nurse
-teacher
-wife

We must realize what God has gifted each of us to do and do them with all our might as unto the Lord.   Each of us will have our own set of “whatevers” because each of us are uniquely designed for a purpose.

We must take a moment to consider what God has uniquely equipped us to do as well as what He’s asking of us or (what He’s NOT asking of us) in this season of our life,  then no matter what day it is, or how old we are or what the moment demands we can be ourself,  fully believing that our personal “whatever you do” is fulfilling the purpose of God and that it will bring Him glory and honor (in anything and everything).

Pg. 100 of todays lesson from Priscilla Shirer “Resolution for Women” Paul’s instructions are not meant to inspire us to become like somebody else – to start doing more of the things they do, like they do them. It’s calling for “whatever YOU do”. There is value in the unique way you mother your children, love your husband, do your job, oversee that committee, participate in that organization and spend your time.  It’s what YOU do, how YOU do it and that’s what He has promised to undergird with His power, causing Himself to be magnified through your actions.

Be encouraged my dear sister, we are where we are on purpose – by His design. We are in this specific season of life for a reason, so whatever your whatevers are – do them all for His glory and don’t compare your whatevers to someone else’s.   Be faithful and accountable for the tasks He has assigned specifically to you for they are “preparation” for the great “whatevers” He still has yet to come in your life.

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Let’s pray:
God I thank you for all the ladies who are participating in this Bible Study and I pray that You help us all to “see” that we don’t have to “do everything” and that it is OK to say no, or there may be times we need to put things in the background and wait a while (until You are ready for us Lord), help us Lord to seek You so that in “whatever “ we do, we do it ALL for Your glory. Amen!
 
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Your Assignment:
Share some of your whatevers with us and also share if there are some whatevers in your life that God is showing you needs to be shifted to the background and replaced with what currently matters most with where He is moving you to in this season of your life.

After you have completed this assignment here, go back to your Facebook Online Bible Study Group, and see what fun activity we have for you there!  You never know what we will come up with!!  If you do not belong to an Online Bible Study Group, and would like to, please email us at GirlfriendsCoffeeHour@gmail.com, and we will be happy to add you!

Love to all,

Beverly

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