November 26, 2024

The Resolution for Women — Weekly Overview

July 6, 2012 by

Well, how was your first week with The Resolution for Women?  Were you able to make some changes in your life, or at least see some areas where changes are needed?  I know I did!  I saw a few things!

Our Memory Verse of the week:  

Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.

1 Timothy 6:6 (NIV)

Monday we talked about making “every bite count” and enjoying your life where you are right now!  Taking the time to smell the coffee, and enjoying what God has given you; scraping up every last crumb of that amazing dessert!  No matter what age you are, there is still time to start enjoying your life TODAY!  Resolve to make that change in your life; spend more quality time with your husband and children, and move on from there.

Tuesday we talked about the “secret” to contentment.  Do you remember what the secret is?  Choosing to recognize that God has already supplied us with everything we need in life, and choosing to be perfectly content with what He has already given us.  Only then will we be able to fully engage in life in a way that we never have before….living life to the fullest.

Wednesday we talked about His “overflowing blessings”.  Here we learned how to be more comfortable with giving, because we have learned that God’s got our back, no matter what!  To use the abundance that He has already given us to give to others, and not to worry about “what if I run short by giving what I have to someone else”.  This was truly an eye-opening chapter for me!!  How about you??

Thursday we talked about the “balancing point”.  Again, another eye-opening chapter, for me!  What is true contentment?  Priscilla describes in so many different ways in this chapter, but the one that I liked the best was this, “It’s a balance.  A holy equilibrium.  A genuine gratitude for what the day brings, all the while maintaining a controlled anticipation for tomorrow may offer.”  I LOVE that!!  Having gratitude for today, and a “controlled anticipation” for tomorrow!  Meaning, not allowing ourselves to get ahead of God and begin to worry about tomorrow!

I don’t know about you, but I have learned a lot in this section of the Resolution for Women!  Be sure to go back over this first section once more, before we head into next week.  Highlight areas in each chapter where you feel God is speaking to you about.  Then pray and ask Him to help you resolve to become increasingly satisfied in your life, as Paul was.  Ask Him to teach you to be content.  As Paul said, being content is a process that we need to learn.  It isn’t something that just happens overnight.  But it is something that can be learned!

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Next week, our topic is “Purposefully Feminine — a resolution to champion biblical femininity”.   Another awesome chapter!
 
Have a Great weekend Ladies!  See you again on Sunday! 
 
Living Intentionally for Him,
Christi
 
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Let’s pray:
Father, thank You so much for the lessons we have learned this week.  As Paul learned how to be content in all things, Lord, we ask that You help us learn to be content in all things, as well.  We understand that in our own power, it can’t be done completely, but through You, Lord, we can truly learn to be content!  We thank You Lord for what You are doing in our lives through this study.  We ask special blessings upon Priscilla Shirer, the author of this book, for the work she put into writing this amazing book!  We love You Lord, in Jesus’ Name, AMEN!
 
After reading today’s blog, please return to our Online Bible Study Group on Facebook for your daily activity!  ♥  You just never know what we have in store for you!
 
 
If you are not currently a part of our Online Bible Study group, and would like to be, please send an email to GirlfriendsCoffeeHour@gmail.com, and we’ll be glad to add you!
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The Resolution for Women-The Balancing Point

July 5, 2012 by

Memory Verse: “True godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.” 1 Timothy 6:6

A couple of years ago, I was going through a really hard period in my life. I was in a great deal of physical pain, which led to emotional pain, it was a very low point. When you’re in such a situation the enemy can really try to torment you, But God.

I was feeling like I wasn’t going anywhere. The dreams I had of becoming a nurse were squashed when I became ill. I’d waited to go back to college until I felt my children were old enough to handle it, I was taking my pre-requisites and now I was too sick to attend and had to drop out. I was a C student in high school, in college I had a 4.0 gpa, this was of course with God’s help. I was SO excited! I loved learning! Finally!!

The enemy really had a field day with me, I became very depressed and discouraged and started thinking that this is it, how am I going to achieve my dreams if they’ve been ripped out from under me?  Yes, I became very good at throwing myself a party with Ms. Pity, she became a frequent guest.

The Lord told me to write a list of the things He’d blessed me with, things I was grateful for, big and small. It’s hard to be discouraged when it’s in front of your face in black and white. This list took my eyes off  of what I felt I could have had, vs what I did have.

I needed this and of course God knew it. I had become obsessed with guilt, thinking I messed up somehow and because I did, I was not going to get any further ahead in life, yes, Ms Drama Queen made a few appearances also. Bottom line was that it wasn’t even time for me  to attend school, I  had been following my own agenda instead of God’s plan for me. I thought that I was supposed to apply for nursing school with a friend of mine, but I got sick and  she just graduated this past May and was hired immediately. I’m truly very happy for her.

I’m a person who ALWAYS reads the end of a novel. I have to know the ending  and that determines whether or not I’ll finish it, this REALLY bugs my mother and my daughters. My “logic” is that I know how the Bible ends soooo,  I’m allowed to know the ending of each book I get my hands on. Unfortunately I had applied this same principle to my life, I was in a hurry to know what happened next instead of being content with where I was at, and trusting God for the rest.

Now I’m counseling alongside my Gorgeous Hubby, and had I not waited on the Lord, I might have missed this opportunity to minister to and be blessed by. I’m not giving myself any credit, this was all with God’s help. He showed me that I had to get out of the “what if’s” and the “if onlys” and be content where I’m at right now. To not worry about tomorrow but to trust that He has a good plan for me and will be faithful to complete it.

I thank God for where I’m at today. It’s like Joyce Meyer always says ” I’m not where I want to be, but thank God I’m not where I used to be”. With the help of the Holy Spirit I’m reaching the “holy equilibrium” that Priscilla talked about, “a genuine gratitude for what the day brings, all the while maintaining a controlled anticipation for what tomorrow may offer”.

I like her statement “happy to be here, and when the time is right, happy to be there”.  Is this you?

Go back and reread your answers and comments from the questions in this section. Then read the resolution you are about to make. Pray about it. Sit with it awhile. Rest in it. Even if you’re exhausted from life’s challenges and demands, make this a moment to breathe deep and savor what God is inviting you into, what He’s asking you to give and what He’s promising to supply you in order to do it. When you’re ready, make this resolution out loud, maybe even in the presence of someone who can help hold you accountable to it. Then sign your name below.

Surprisingly Satisfied

I do solemnly resolve to embrace my current season of life and will maximize my time in it. I will resist the urge to hurry through or circumvent any portion of my journey but will live with a spirit of contentment.

 

Gorgeous Girlfriends, if there is no one in your area who you would like to hold you accountable, ask one of the women in our group.

Father I lift the women reading this You in prayer today. Which ever phase of life they are in, whether it be from raising toddlers to raising teenagers, raising grandchildren to empty nesters, those waiting to have children to those deciding not to, please help them to be content, to have a “holy equilibrium”. Help them to not lose hope in their dreams or expectations, but to keep their hope in You.

In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.

Write your blessings down on a sheet of paper if you haven’t already, then go to our Girlfriends Coffee Page for your assignment from Megan.

Love y’all and be blessed and content today!!

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The Resolution for Women: The Secret

July 3, 2012 by

Memory Verse for this week:

“Now godliness with contentment is great gain”

1 Timothy 6:6 (NIV)

I am speechless. Dear Priscilla…….. I, Megan Smidt, am SPEECHLESS!!!!!

I don’t even know what to write. There is no way I could add anything of importance to what Priscilla penned on the 6 pages that make up the section of Chapter One called “The Secret.” If you have not read it yet, I BEG YOU to stop reading my words, pull out your Resolution book, and read pages 17 to 22. Go now. I’ll wait…..

Ok so I just gave you pleanty of time to read this all for yourself. Now….. let’s chat.

I was a retail sales manager for over 10 years and I was good at it. It was my job to motivate people to sell things to other people wether they needed it or not. I’m not talking about a $30 handbag either…. the handbags I sold cost anywhere from $500 to $10,000. I decided I couldn;t do it any longer when my boss came to me a few weeks after 9/11 complaining about our sales numbers. She urged me to make my sales people “play up” feeling better about life and the state of our world by buying things to make them feel better. While we were living in the midst of complete uncertainty about EVERYTHING, I was supposed make my sales people prey on our customer’s insecurities, fear and doubt to get them to buy stuff to give them a false sense of security.

I couldn’t do it.

I was recruited to a higher paying retail job managing “secrets” of another kind involving lots of bras and panties. I didn’t work there for very long though, as I was more needed managing my newly acquired full-time household of 7.

Philippians 4:12-13

12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry,whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Priscilla states: “When you’ve concluded that what you already have on hand is enough, that it’s adequate- that it’s been deemed by God as sufficient- then you’re EQUIPPED and EMPOWERED to participate fully in the tasks set before you during this season of life.”

Do you know that you can BANK on that? Really, deep down in your soul, do you TRUST that God is not only capable of providing for you but He wants to give you even more than you need to be able to EXCEL at His purposes?

This is Biblical, my friends, and I urge you to let this sink into your heart. Priscilla shares with us that “God has already given enough. He always does. And when you and I choose to recognize this and TRUST in His continued supply, we’ll be able to engage in life in a way we never have before. We’ll finally be living life to the fullest.”

THAT is the secret. WE MUST RESOLVE TO BE CONTENT!!!

Please, please, please DO NOT keep it to yourself!!!!! Really let this penetrate into every crevice of your heart and soul today. Spend time with this TRUTH and I urge you to spend a good amount of time in prayer with your Heavenly Father before beginning today’s homework.

HOMEWORK:

When you are ready, begin your journey to contentment by making a list. Label one side “My Needs.”  Label the other side “God’s Provision.” Then match up your needs with the way God is currently meeting them. Place your list in a handy place for the times you are tempted to lean toward dissatisfaction.

Let’s pray:

Dear God, You don’t ask us to do anything in Your Word that isn’t possible through You and through having a deep, intimate walk with You. Thank you for this perfect provision, Lord, and I pray that TODAY is a new day for every woman who reads this blog who is struggling with trusting You with every aspect of her life. Speak boldly into her life today, Lord! Wake her up to your perfect provision so that she can FINALLY be all You have created her to be for YOU to get all the glory Lord! You want more for us than we could ever come up with on our own for your love is truly extravagant…. more amazing than anything we could try to replace it with of this world. Help us to only seek satisfaction through walking intimately with You within Your will, God, and help us to boldly share the  perfect provision found only through You with every life we encounter. We are believing for INCREDIBLE revelation today, Father, and I pray that none of us will EVER be the same again as our eyes are now open to YOU being the only satisfaction that could ever quench our thirst. We love you and we thank you. In Your Son’s matchless name we pray, amen <3

Question of the day:

What might God be trying to grow in your character or cement in your relationship with Him by keeping you separated from some of the things you want but don’t have yet?  Please share your thoughts about this in a comment below!

After reading today’s blog, please return to our Online Bible Study Group on Facebook for your daily activity!  ♥  You just never know what we have in store for you!

If you are not currently a part of our Online Bible Study group, and would like to be, please send an email to GirlfriendsCoffeeHour@gmail.com, and we’ll be glad to add you!

…AND don’t forget to also follow my husband Craig and I’s blogs as we are writing about this journey daily here:

Me: www.glorytoglorylifecoaching.wordpress.com

Craig: www.adversusmundi.wordpress.com

Many blessings, dear friends,

Megan 🙂

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The Resolution for Women: Every Bite Counts

July 2, 2012 by


Memory Verse for this week:

 

“Now godliness with contentment is great gain”

1 Timothy 6:6 (NIV)

 

Welcome to our first week of The Resolution for Women!  I’m very excited to begin this new journey with you, as we resolve to become the very best that we can be!

This chapter “Every Bite Counts” really hit home for me!  I will be celebrating my 54th birthday in December of this year.  I’ve seen a lot of things happen in my lifetime:

  • I’ve experienced the joy of being pregnant three times.
  • I’ve experienced the immense joy that came when I saw the birth of my two daughters.
  • I’ve watched ten amazing grandchildren come into this world!
  • I’ve learned what being a stepmom means, and what it can bring into your life.
  • I’ve seen gasoline go from 75-cents a gallon to over $4.00!
  • I’ve seen bread go from 3 for $1.00 to over $2.00 / loaf!
  • I’ve seen milk go from $.99 a gallon to over $4.00 / gallon!
  • I saw the Space Shuttle Program begin in 1972.
  • I’ve seen 10 President’s serve theUnited States.

I’ve seen a lot in my 53 years.  But, what stood out to me in this chapter was Priscilla’s comment “Instead of relishing each moment, each year, each opportunity, each step on the journey, I’m constantly overeager to get to the next thing, which always looks more enticing than what is currently before me.  I’m rarely satisfied in full with my current situation.”

Can you relate to that statement?

Have you found yourself not being in full attendance for large portions of your life?

Are you taking the time today to enjoy your life to its fullest?

If not, what is stopping you? 

Priscilla discusses the word “discontentment” in this chapter.  It’s like an intruder that shows up at your front door step, eager to step inside and make himself at home.  A visitor that sometimes refuses to leave!  A visitor that robs you of your years!  Before you know it, you’ve missed the joy of the journey!

Let’s take a bit of time today to really think about the things in our lives that we have missed out on, and what we can do to change that for the future.

How can we slow down our life just a bit to be able to really enjoy the journey?  There is really nothing you can do to go backwards and change what has been done already.  But, there is a lot you can do to change while moving forward.  Pick yourself up.  Brush yourself off.  And move forward!  No looking back…and no going back!!  Just focus on being content and enjoying today!

Let’s pray:

Father, we are so very thankful for bible studies like this one that makes Your word so clear to us.  Lord, I ask that You teach us how to slow down, and really enjoy and appreciate the life that You have given us!  Teach us to make better use of our time, to allow more opportunity to enjoy life and all it holds in store for us.  In Your Son’s Precious Name, Amen.

Question of the day:

“What can you do differently today to “scrape the plate” – to gather up all the good things around you and begin enjoying the journey of your life?”  Please share your comments below.

After reading today’s blog, please return to our Online Bible Study Group for your daily activity!  ♥  You just never know what we have in store for you!

If you are not currently a part of our Online Bible Study group, and would like to be, please send an email to GirlfriendsCoffeeHour@gmail.com, and we’ll be glad to add you!

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The Resolution Begins!

July 1, 2012 by

The Resolution for Women

Week of: July 2 – 6, 2012

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Hello Everyone!

It’s finally here!  I’ve been anticipating this study for quite some time now, and I am so happy to finally begin this new journey with all of you!

When I first saw the movie “Courageous”, which is where this book stems from, my first thought after hearing the “Men of honor, where are you” speech at the end of the movie, was “What about the WOMEN?!?   Where are the Women of Honor?  Women need to step up to the plate, too!!”  That’s where this book comes into play….  I hope you are ready because this is going to be one amazing journey!

Click HERE to read the first chapter, if you do not yet have the book!You will see a button on the right side of the page that says “Free first chapter FREE”.  Click on that button, and it will take you to the first chapter! 

Let’s begin with the definition of the word “Resolution”.  What does that word mean to you personally?  For me, I have to be honest and say that it usually meant failure!  It meant that I would set the Resolutions for the New Year with much anticipation, only to find two weeks into the New Year, I had fizzled out!

Was it the resolution that had fizzled out?  Or was it me that had fizzled out?  The answer, of course, is that I had fizzled out!  I had given up on what was once a desire that I had for the New Year; a new achievement that I wanted to accomplish.

I believe the first part of this book, “The Resolution Revolution” finally helped me understand why my personal resolutions were never accomplished….because they were not God’s resolutions for my life!  I was trying to accomplish resolutions that I had set for myself, without seeking God and what His resolutions for my life would be!

In this new Resolution journey, we are going to discover that we are already women of resolutions.  We make resolutions every single day of our life!  A resolution is simply a change in attitude towards a specific goal you want to achieve.  It’s about becoming “intentional” about what you want to achieve.  You will hear that word “Intentional” quite a bit in this study.  I’ve heard it more in the last 6 weeks, than I’ve ever heard it before!  But, I’ve come to make this word a part of my every day vocabulary now, because I truly see just how important this word and the act of being “intentional” really is!  I hope you will add it to your vocabulary, as well.

As we travel along this Resolution, you will begin to see that this book is not just for pleasure reading!  Some of it may even make you want to quit!  You will have to ask yourself over and over again, “Why Am I Doing This?”  As Priscilla states in this chapter, the “why” is because first of all, the resolutions that we are going to learn about in this study is a “Resolution With God”, founded wholly on principles that God Himself has established; girded with the power of the Holy Spirit; encouraging, comforting, equipping you, and empowering you with the strength you will need to carry these resolutions out.  Thank God we have the Holy Spirit to help us, huh??  I know there would be no way that I could carry these resolutions out in my own power!  I’ve already proven that…over and over again!!

The second reason for why you are doing this is because not only will it change your life, but it will change the life of those around you, the ones you love!  Your husband….Your children….Friends….Family…Co-Workers….Business Partners, and on and on…will be impacted by what you learn and apply from this study!

I want to encourage you to go into this asking God what He wants for YOU out of this study.  Please, do not go into this study asking God how this will change your husband, or your kids, or family, and so on!!  It is not about what God is going to do in them!  It is about what He is going to do in YOU!  In YOUR relationship with Him!  It’s about what happens in YOUR heart!  I know that if you stick with this, and have the attitude every day to intentionally seek His will for you during this journey, you are going to see amazing changes in your heart, in your home, and in your life!

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Here is this week’s suggested assignment:

Memory Verse:  1 Timothy 6:6 (NLT)

“True godliness with contentment is itself great wealth”

Monday, July 2nd:  Read the Resolutions that you will be learning about in this book, on page 6.  Read the Resolution Revolution chapter, and Chapter 1: Every Bite Counts.  Be sure to visit our blog today for a commentary by Christi Wilson.

Tuesday, July 3rd:  Read “The Secret” and then visit our blog to read Megan Smidt’s commentary on this chapter.   Don’t forget about our Conference Call tonight, with our Guest Speaker, Robin Packer!!  The call is at 8pm CST!  Call-in details will be shared in your Facebook Discussion Group.

Wednesday, July 4th:  Happy 4th of July!!  I know it’s a holiday, but you still have an assignment!  It won’t take you but just a few moments to read the chapter “Overflowing Blessing” and then visit our blog to read Kelley Murphy’s commentary on this chapter.

Thursday, July 5th:  Read “The Balancing Point” and then visit our blog to read Robin Packer’s commentary on this blog.

Friday, July 6th:  Come back here to our blog for a weekly overview and commentary by Christi Wilson.

Each day you will want to return to your Facebook Discussion Group and discuss the question or topic that will be posted for that day.  Our blog is where you will get your assignment, and comment if you wish to do so.  The Facebook Group is where you will discuss that day’s chapter!  If you have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to ask them here, or in your Facebook Group!

Have a GREAT Day Everyone!! 

In His Love,

Christi

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This is the day….

May 5, 2012 by

Psalm 118:24 “This is the day the Lord has made.  Let us rejoice and be glad in it”.

Have you ever really stopped to think about “today”.  Today, the one more day on earth that God has granted you.  The one more day of air that you breathe.  The one more day on earth to spend with your loved ones.

Today, my daughter heard her little one say “mama”, for the first time!  There is nothing sweeter to a mother’s ear than to hear her name for the very first time.  God gave her one more day here on earth, just to hear those sweet precious words.

Today, I will soon be meeting some friends of mine for a fundraiser event.  We are all part of the Christian Motorcyclists Association.  It’s our annual fundraiser ride.  We always enjoy this event because it is filled with food, laughter, prayer, praise & worship!  Hundreds of bikes get together and we celebrate … this is the day the Lord has made!

Today, there is a single mom out there who is struggling to make ends meet.  She’s already working two jobs.  She’s tired.  But, she’s hanging in there, for herself and her kids!  … this is the day the Lord has made!

No matter what our circumstances, we should always choose to give God the glory.   Giving God the glory simply means that you are thankful to Him for giving you one more day …. one more day!  That is something to celebrate!

Maybe life hasn’t always been that easy for you.  Or maybe life isn’t easy at all, today!  But, I honestly believe that we have a choice in how we choose to see our day!  We can give this day power for good or bad, by our attitude.  Our attitude definitely sets our altitude!

When you wake up in the morning and the first thought is “Oh this is going to be a LONG day…..”, and you accept that thought as though it were already, you’ve just given yourself a LONG day!

BUT, if you wake up and think this thought, and you immediately rise up and say, “No it won’t be….THIS IS THE DAY THE LORD HAS MADE & I CHOOSE TO REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT”, you’ve set the standard for a MUCH BETTER day!

Don’t let the enemy get to you with negative thoughts and words.  CHOOSE to rise up against those words, and CHOOSE LIFE!  CHOOSE to rejoice and be glad.  CHOOSE to be more than a conqueror.  CHOOSE to believe that with God ALL things are possible!

Today, I CHOOSE to REJOICE, BE THANKFUL, AND BE GLAD!!

How about you?

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Welcome!

May 5, 2012 by

Welcome to Our New Blog!

Girlfriend’s Coffee Hour was created to bring together a few friends who enjoy each others company, a good cup of coffee or herbal tea, and a good bible study!

We’re a group of women who are scattered across the U.S.A.  We are married, single, SAHM’s, and Empty-Nesters!

We will use this site to share posts and comments about our current study; which currently happens to be The Love Dare.

If you would like to join us, send an email to: GirlfriendsCoffeeHour@gmail.com and we’ll add you to our Facebook Group.  You will need a copy of The Love Dare book, which was introduced with the movie “Fireproof”.  The book can be found at any bookstore.  We will not be using the devotional for this study….just the original book!

This study will begin on May 14th, 2012.  We hope you will join us!

Until then, enjoy the brew!

 

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