November 6, 2024

Captivating: Chapter 10 – “To Mother” – “My Sister, My Friend” (pgs 176-181)

So, if you don’t already know, I’m single.  I’ve never been married, and I don’t have any children.  Furthermore, if you know me at all, you know that little kids fascinate me.  I’m one of those creepy people who will stare at your kids just because they always put a smile on my face.  Nothing brings me more joy than when I wave to a little baby and get a great big smile in return.  Children are life in its most simple, pure, and innocent form.

Deep down, beyond all the outward fascination, I struggle with jealousy.  Oftentimes, I watch a mother take her toddler’s hand to “go find a book to read before bed tonight,” and I get jealous.  I want that.  I want to take a little mini-me and read bedtime stories to her.  I want to watch my son play baseball or score his first goal playing soccer.  I want to get lost in an imaginary world, dress up like a superhero and fly around my living room with my little ones. I want to listen as they try to pronounce words like “popsicle” and “spaghetti.” I want to snuggle with my baby as she falls asleep in my arms.  I want to mother.

When I find the jealousy creeping in, I have to turn it over to God.  He’s faithful, He knows these desires of mine, and I know He will give them to me in His time.  And when it is my turn to mother, I want to encourage my children to live a life from their heart, as our authors state.  I want to encourage them to be the person God has created them to be—nothing more, nothing less.

But, even if you don’t have children of your own, you do have opportunities to mother not only other people’s children, but other people in general.  All you have to do is care about someone, offer a listening ear to that person, and encourage him or her to simply be who God created them to be.  Let the following passage from Philippians resonate in your hearts:

“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”  Phillipians 2:1-4 ESV

Count others more significant than yourself? Really? I mean, who does that?

Mothers. Mothers do that.  Or, at least they should do that.  If you haven’t had a mother who sacrificed and loved you the way she should have, I’m sorry.  But there is Someone who has filled her role. There is Someone who counts you more than He counts Himself.  There’s Someone who died to save you from your sin so that you can live forever with Him in Heaven.  That Person is Jesus, and He loves you unconditionally.  I love this quote by Jerry Bridges, a notable Christian author.  It reminds me of a mother’s love for her children:

“God’s unfailing love for us is an objective fact affirmed over and over in the Scriptures. It is true whether we believe it or not. Our doubts do not destroy God’s love, nor does our faith create it. It originates in the very nature of God, who is love, and it flows to us through our union with His beloved Son.” — Jerry Bridges, Christian author

Right in suit with caring more about others than yourself falls our friendships with other women.  Do you have those? How are they? Can you think of a girlfriend who you know would be there for you if you needed someone to talk to, cry to, receive godly advice from, or just goof around with? If you don’t have a friend like that, I encourage you to seek one.  My mother told me that when I was a toddler, she didn’t have many girlfriends.  When I entered preschool, she had been praying for a good friend to come into her life.  God was faithful! Through a fun course of events, He placed another family into my family’s life, and our friendship continues to this day.  Not only did we gain a friendship, but this family led my family closer to God.  Our faith was strengthened through that friendship.

Do you have a friend who causes your relationship with God to deepen?  Does she encourage you to grow and walk closer with Him daily?  If not, I pray you seek, invest, and spend time with godly women in your church, Bible study, or even with this group online!  Proverbs 27:17 reminds us that “iron sharpens iron.”  Do you have an “iron” friend in your life? Friendship with like-minded women is crucial to your spiritual growth, and I’ve seen it create accountability and a safe place in my own life.  If you already have your “iron” friend or two, then don’t forget to nurture those friendships with love and attention.

Praise Him!

Carissa

 

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Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father, thank You for our innate desires to mother, care for, and encourage those in our lives.  I pray that we will apply these desires in the lives of our children, future families, marriage, friendships, and even acquaintances.  I pray that Your love that dwells in each of us will overflow to those around us.  Father, thank You for the gift of girlfriends and friendships.  Lord, I pray that our friendships will grow as we all seek to know You and serve You better each and every day.  In your Holy Name we pray, Amen.

Your Assignment:

Do you like kids as much as I do? I can’t be the only creeper out there! What does your heart desire with regard to children and a family?  Do you feel the desire to “mother” as our authors discuss?   In the past, what has held you back from forming friendships with other women? How do you plan on changing that for the future?

 

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GWS

Our next Women’s Online Bible/Book study begins March 24th.  

To sign up for this amazing study, click on the picture above, complete the registration form, and we will email you further details.   

We hope you will join us.

Crazy Love: Our Final Week – “Is This What I Want to Be Doing When Christ Comes Back?”

What do I want to be doing when Christ returns?

I feel a sense of urgency. At the beginning of Chapter 10, Chan talks about how the first church in Acts responded to the Pentecost with “immediate action.” They repented, were baptized, sold their possessions, and shared the gospel. After going through this book and understanding how wide and long and high and deep our God loves every single one of us, I feel compelled to share that love. I do not want to hide in a box anymore. I want to do as Chan suggests on page 164 and “…live as though each person I come into contact with is Christ.” I do not want to live with any fear, but with supreme confidence in my Lord’s greatness and power. He is bigger than any problem I will face in my life. I yearn to trust fully in His promises and let go of my hesitations so that I can live for Him and for His glory.

I want to learn to not only listen to but obey our God with my whole heart. My senses are open to seeing Him work in my life and in the lives of those around me. I want to finish the race He has set before me. I want to run it alongside Him, knowing He will uphold me with His righteous right hand.

I want to live the life He created me to live. I want to be on fire for God, living fully in His Spirit and doing the work He is calling me to do. He did not die on the cross for me to live a complacent Christian life. He wants to move me into something bigger, something greater. I must be willing to let go of everything I am holding onto right now so that I can grasp the life that He has for me. It is scary, but He promises that He will be with me.

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Lord Jesus, I want to follow You with my whole heart, soul, mind, and strength. I want every fiber of my being to be consumed with You. Move me, guide me, walk with me, and teach me. Help me deal with my fear, insecurity, and lack of confidence for sharing You with those You call me to minister to. Convict me of my complacency and move me into a place of action. Speak to me and show me Your will. It is in Your holy and precious Name that I pray, Amen.

It has been a blessing and an honor to walk this Crazy Love journey with each one of you.

Jennifer

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GWS

Our next Women’s Online Bible/Book study begins March 24th.  

To sign up, click on the picture above, complete the registration form, and we will email you further details.  

We hope you will join us!!



If you would like to send a private message to Jennifer in regards to this blog post, you may e-mail her at Jennifer@GirlfriendsCoffeeHour.com.

Captivating: Chapter 10 – “Our Last Year Together” – “The Cost” (pgs 173-176)

The true repair of a relationship is an indescribable feeling. Some have experienced this and some haven’t; some haven’t had the need to rebuild a relationship on this level. But God will restore a relationship lost through simple miscommunication or deep hurt. The one point that has rang true to me through this entire book has more to do with not what God can do for us.  It has to do with what we will allow Him to do.  He has written in His word that He is capable, willing, and does great and wonderful things in our lives. 

Will we let Him into our lives and hearts and open ourselves to the healing He has ready for us?

I’ve worked as in the hospice field for a little over 3 years now and as a Bereavement Counselor for a little over two. The story in these two sections is one that I have seen many times, and each time it becomes more and more beautiful. The redemption and healing of a relationship is possible. Through some of the most difficult situations and circumstances God will rebuild ties we thought were severed forever. He will mend together the pieces of our heart that we thought were not able to ever be fixed.

“I tell you this story because I want you to know that redemption is possible. Healing is possible. Ask Jesus to bring it to you and it’s yours.”

 

Let’s Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of healing and restoration that You offer. If any of our hearts are hardened in this area please soften them, Lord. Please open our hearts and eyes to see the work that You want to do in our lives. Help us to bring the relationships in our lives that need healing to You, Lord. Thank You for this precious gift! It is a gift to us and to those we love.

Your Assignment:

Do you have an example of a relationship restored? Journal your story, and if you feel compelled, please share your story with us. Your story may encourage and inspire another.

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GWS

Our next Women’s Online Bible/Book study will begin March 24th!

To join us, click on the picture above and complete the registration form.

Once we receive your registration, we will email you further details!

We hope you will join us!

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 If you are interested in sending a private message to Tonya about this blog, please email her at TonyaEllison@girlfriendscoffeehour.com

Crazy Love: Our Final Week – “Is This What I Want to Be Doing When Christ Comes Back?”

What Will YOU Be Doing

 

My dear friends,

I believe with my whole heart that we are living in the end times. You might agree with me, you might not….  Really, that is not the issue.  I believe it, and I vow to live each day as if I will meet Jesus.

I live intentionally.

I live with purpose.

I live on-purpose.

I believe that revival is coming and that it will begin with our youth; God showed me this and it has been confirmed for me three times. I like to be where God is moving and shaking, what about you?

I will do my part intentionally.

I will encourage with purpose.

I will do my part on-purpose.

God has shown me through this book what I need to do next, and that is to have my own mutiny against excess in my life. I will be starting this journey March 25th and you will be able to follow along with me here:

www.megansmidt.com

This is essentially a 7 month fast and it will not be easy by any means. I know, I know…. It sounds “extreme.”  I hear that a lot.  I think it sounds necessary.  I am being obedient and I pray it stirs something new in me like never before.  I am believing God for great things through this experience.

I will be obedient intentionally.

I will be obedient with purpose.

I will let God mold me on-purpose.

THIS is what I want to be doing when God comes back.

I want to be doing exactly what God asks me to…no matter how crazy it sounds to this world.

I pray that Crazy Love has forever changed you and began a revival with you that will only gain more momentum. I am believing this over you and I am praying for you with my whole heart.

Let’s pray:

Dear Lord, thank You for Your Word and Your Promises. Give us all the fortitude and strength to stand intentionally for Your Kingdom in our everyday lives. We can’t wait for Your return, and we vow to live our best life for Your glory until that day arrives. We have repented of all our ways that are not pleasing to You, and we mark today as the beginning of a new life.  May You get all the glory, Lord!  In Your Son’s matchless name we pray, amen <3

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GWS

Our next Women’s Online Bible/Book study will begin March 24th!

We hope you will join us!

To sign up for this amazing study, click on the picture above and complete the registration form.  

Once we receive your registration, we will email you further details.

Captivating: Chapter 10 – “Mothers, Daughters, Sisters” – “The Long Road Home” (pp 168-173)

 

Adam named his wife Eve,

because she would become the mother of all the living.

 GENESIS 3:20 

If you want to understand any woman

When I think about the woman that I have become, I give all the credit to my mother.  I may not have been the perfect daughter, but I did my best to be who she wanted me to be.

Just like Stasi Eldredge, I went through different phases while growing up.  I, too, did things I am not proud of; and I, too, gave my mother grief during my college years and my early twenties.  When I was at home, I made sure I was doing everything as I was told but all the while hiding the things I was doing.  I wasn’t into drugs, but I portrayed myself as someone who wasn’t dating or going to parties.  However, no matter how hard you try to hide, things come out in the end and, in my case, they did. My mother was disappointed and threatened to have me withdrawn from college.  For a while I lived up to her expectations until I started working and began to live with my aunt.  Well, my aunt made sure she reported everything I did—if I came late from work, my mother knew about it; if I had a date on Saturday afternoon or if I didn’t go to church on Sunday morning, my mother would ask me why on Monday morning.

My relationship with my mother was restrained during this time, and it made me hide who I was from her.  I longed to be a good daughter…but I couldn’t be since all she heard were the bad things that I did.  My mum would say that “I needed Jesus.”  All the “bad” I was doing was because I didn’t know Jesus.  Well, like a daughter who wanted to be in the best books with her mother, I received Jesus at a major crusade that took place.  I stopped pretending that I loved the Catholic Church and started going to a Pentecostal church.  I broke up with my boyfriend at that time because he didn’t share my new faith.  My weekends were spent at church or at home if there wasn’t a church program.  I became someone who my mum and aunt were proud of.  The reporting slowly stopped and life was good.

I wish I could end here and say that things were like that over the years.  Unfortunately it wasn’t.  I wasn’t always the good girl and this wasn’t the last time I would hide or make wrong decisions in life and disappoint my mother.  However, despite my shortcomings, my mother was there to correct me and show the correct path.  My mistakes did not stop my mum from loving me.  She was there with me through the heartbreak and pain that I suffered in my relationships.  She always rushed to be by my side when I needed her the most.

“Girls’ hearts flourish in homes where they are seen and invited to become ever more themselves. Parents who enjoy their daughters are giving them and the world a great gift. Mothers in particular have the opportunity to offer encouragement to their daughters by inviting them into their feminine world and by treasuring their daughters’ unique beauty” – Stasi Eldredge.

Looking back at my life now, I cherish the life that my parents gave me and my siblings.  We were given opportunities to excel in everything that we did.  My parents encouraged us to dream big and rejoiced with us when we did well in school and never failed to show us how much they loved and cared for us.

My mother went to be with the Lord last year after she lost her battle with diabetes.  She left behind a legacy of love, strength, and care.  She was always full of advice.  She was not someone who would embarrass you when you did something wrong;she would call you aside, listen to your side of the story, and tell you what you did wrong and what doing the right thing looked like.  My mother lived by example.  If she wanted something done, she would be the first to do it.  She was someone who would be the first and last to leave a room, making sure everything was fine.  I pray that I  become half the person that she was.

I know that some of you cannot say such things about your relationship with your mother because of the pain she may have caused you; but at the end of the day, a mother and daughter’s relationship is the most of important of all.  It’s the relationship that helps us when we grow up and become mothers ourselves.

My prayer is that no matter what went on in the past or if it may still be happening right now, we would look to the Lord to help us restore the relationship with our mothers.  My mother said I needed Jesus—and she was right.  Our faith in the Lord is what cemented our relationship.  Every time we discussed issues regarding faith, all our differences would melt away.  When we talked about Jesus, we were not mother and daughter but we were both children of the most High God, we were both daughters.  I enjoyed hearing my mother say “I am praying for you” because I knew that she meant it.

Be Blessed

Jackie

LET’S PRAY:

Lord, I thank You for the precious gift that You gave to me—my mother.   I thank You for the life that I had with her, and what she meant to me and my family.  I pray for my fellow sisters whose relationships with their mothers are not great right now, that You will restore it.  May they cherish one another and learn from one another.  May their relationships be Christ-like and forgiving.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

YOUR ASSIGNMENT:

How is the relationship with your mother or daughter?  If you were given an opportunity to write about her, what would you say?  Please take time today and tell her how much she means to you.

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GWS

Our next Women’s Online Bible/Book study begins March 24th!

We hope you will join us.

Click on the picture above to sign up today!

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If you would like to send Jackie a private email in regards to this blog post, you may email her at:  Jackie@GirlfriendsCoffeeHour.com

Crazy Love: Our Final Week – “Is This What I Want to Be Doing When Christ Comes Back?”

We have come to the end of our Crazy Love journey. This book is truly life-changing. This week, we will be reading chapter 10, but here on the blog, we will be posting our answers to the question of the last section of Chapter 10:  “Is this what I want to be doing when Christ comes back?”  We’ll be answering in a way that will tell you what we want to be doing when Christ returns.  We would love to hear your answers, as well.

 

Let’s Pray:

Lord, thank You for changing lives, for being our Redeemer, for loving us so very much. You have turned hearts and taught us to look at things differently during this study and we thank and praise You for that. As we finish this study and continue forward, do not let us forget what we have learned. Continue to bring it into our hearts. Thank You, Jesus. We love You. Amen.

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GWS

 Our next online Bible study begins March 24th!!  

To join us, click on the picture above and complete the sign-up form.

Once we receive your registration, we will email you further details! 

Captivating: Chapter 9 – “How Does a Woman Love A Man?” – “The Holy Scandalous Women Of The Bible”

Throughout my life I have heard that there are many ways to a man’s heart, many ways to make a man happy. Sex and food being the main two theories or methods, tools, feeding his favorite hobby, or being submissive. I’m sure if a survey were taken it would be found that there are as many answers as there are people polled, and that the answers differ greatly between men and women.

“Femininity is what arouses his masculinity. His strength is what makes a woman yearn to be beautiful.”

”The beauty of a woman is what arouses the strength of a man.” 

The first thought that popped into my head was “hmmm….” But it makes sense, there are many other complimentary relationships in life, this just happens to be a very important one, past the peanut butter to my jelly, past the ink to my printer, it is about a man to his woman and a woman to her man, strength to beauty and beauty to strength.

But what if I’m single. What does that mean for me?

What I write next applies to all women. Before God sends our husband, and even after God has blessed us with the man we are to marry, we need to make Him Number One in our life. The strength of God is what makes us beautiful. The hand of God in our life is what prepares us for life, it’s what teaches us how to be beautiful, it’s what teaches us how to be good women. It’s been said before that a man doesn’t complete us, God completes us. Yes, a man’s strength is what makes a woman yearn to be beautiful, but until that man comes along, and even after he has been placed in our lives, the Number One man needs to be God.

The strongest women in the Bible displayed courage, cunning, and stunning vulnerability.  When we display these characteristics in our relationship with God it will only allow His strength to shine through more.  When we allow ourselves to be vulnerable to Him, then our beauty will shine through more.

 

With Love,

Tonya

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Let’s Pray:

Dear Lord,

Beauty is a word strived for by all women, beauty is also one of the things in life that seems impossible to feel at times. But when we allow Your strength to take hold of our life that beauty shines bright; when we are vulnerable to You, Lord, our beauty is magnified because of Your strength. Please prepare us for our husbands by teaching us how to let masculinity and strength shine through because when this takes place our beauty does the same.  In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

Your Assignment:

 “Femininity is what arouses his masculinity. His strength is what makes a woman yearn to be beautiful”…”The beauty of a woman is what arouses the strength of a man.”   

What does this mean to you? Or what else stood out to you? Share your thoughts; they may bless someone more than you know.

 

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Our next Online Bible Study

“Girls with Swords” by Lisa Bevere begins March 24th.  

To join us for this amazing study, click on the picture above!

Once we receive your registration, we will email you further details!

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 If you are interested in sending a private message to Tonya, please email her at TonyaEllison@girlfriendscoffeehour.com

Crazy Love: Chapter 9 – “Who Really Lives That Way” (pgs. 153-157)

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

1 Corinthians 11:1

Using this verse as the basis for this chapter in Crazy Love, Chan tells the story of people who sought to live their lives fully surrendered to God.  Let’s take a brief look at the examples on pages 153-157.

Marva J. Dawn: Marva’s life is a reflection of her belief that small acts of faithfulness can have a profound and significant impact on the world.  She has written many books and all the profits of her books go to support charities.

Rich Mullins: A talented musician with much success in the music industry, Rich moved to a Navajo reservation to teach music to the children who lived there.  Rich never knew how successfully his albums sold because the profits from his concerts and albums went directly to his church, who paid him a small salary and gave the rest of the money away.

Rings:  Rings is an ex-convict, ex-addict, and ex-alcoholic.  Since he turned his life over to Jesus, his home is the cab of his pickup truck.  He uses his monthly check to buy food, then drives to the beach and makes meals for the homeless.

Rachael Saint: When Rachel was eighteen, a wealthy woman offered to make Rachel her heiress if she would be her companion for the rest of her life.  Rachel knew she couldn’t accept the offer of a comfortable life spent sipping tea and conversing.  After many years, Rachel finally went to live with the Waorani people, and translated the New Testament into their language.

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Just reading about those people inspired me.  Without a doubt, they lived their lives following the example of Christ as they served others.  They are now being read about in Mr. Chan’s book all over the world.

If you are like me, you personally know people who radically lived their lives for Jesus, and impacted their generation, yet their names never made it inside the cover of a book that has sold over a million copies. 

Would you bear with me as I pay tribute to a couple of  people who played a big role in my salvation and spiritual growth?

Edgar Bethany: It was under his ministry that I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior. One never forgets their moment of salvation, nor the person who lead them to the Lord.

Paul Radke: A man of wisdom, who taught me the importance of accepting people of all backgrounds in order to share Jesus with them. 

David Berkeheimer: You might say it was under his ministry that I began the process of becoming healed emotionally and spiritually.

Melbab Berkeheimer: She was my mentor that paved the way for me to begin a teaching and writing ministry.

Sylvia Thompson: A lady with the gift of prophesy that spoke many encouraging words into my life during trying circumstances.

Yes, because of these five people giving of themselves, my life was changed.  They did it without wanting any recognition, but I have always wanted to honor them publicly in some way.  Never have I dreamed that I could actually send their name to the other side of the world. But, because God had been preparing one woman to make this possible, I have been able to do just that! Christi Wilson, the Founder of Girlfriends Coffee Hour opened the doors for me to reach across the globe through my writing.  

Christi Wilson: A woman with a heart for online Bible studies that encourages women across the globe to develop a deeper walk with the Lord by studying His word.  She radically lives her life for Jesus to be a vessel that is impacting this generation.

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My prayer is that I will be an influence to others in some way and when I get to heaven, someone will say to me: “Thank you for giving to the Lord! I am a life that has been changed.”

Be Blessed, 

Martha

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Let’s Pray: 

Father God, we ask that You open our hearts to the convicting power of the Holy Spirit to show us where we can best serve You and impact our generation.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

Your Assignment:

What legacy would you like to leave?


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Our next Online Bible Study

“Girls with Swords” by Lisa Bevere begins March 24th.  

To join us for this amazing study, click on the picture above!

Once we receive your registration, we will email you further details!

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If you would like to send Martha a personal message in regards to this blog,

you may email her at: Martha@girlfriendscoffeehour.com.