Chill Out Julia, I Know What I'm Doing!
Happy Thursday Ladies. Please enjoy this article submitted by a dear friend, and relax knowing that God has your situation under control.
I woke up today not feeling so well but I knew I had a laundry list of things to do. There is so much going on in my life right now as I’m sure most of us can say the same. I rushed around this morning to get ready and hurried my children along as well.
I faced a number of disappointments before I made it into work. The first two disappointments involve checking 2 PO Boxes that NEEDED to have money in them last week! They were empty. I had to keep moving. I went to the gas pump and spent more money than I would’ve liked and then my mind flashed back to the PO Boxes that were empty. Once again, I kept moving.
Along the way to the parking the garage and my walk to the building, thoughts were rolling around in my head, with the biggest question…how were all these expenses going to be paid? I made it to my desk and while my computer booted up I looked at a sign hanging over my monitor that reads:
I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out – plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. Jeremiah 29:11 Message Translation
Call it hormones, emotions or whatever, but I felt tears well up in my eyes. I knew I needed to read that this morning. I was reminded of the things God has promised me over the last several years.
All the bills and expenses that seem so large really can’t compare to the depth of the love my Father has for me. He knows every situation. I was reminded of that a couple of weeks ago. From time to time I struggle with a situation that surfaces its ugly head. I was reminded as I was crying (against my own will, I might add) that he already knew about the situation and like Esther, I was chosen for such a time as this.
I am encouraged to remember that however hard a situation seems, no matter what economists say on TV, how much money I keep paying to fill up my gas tank (sigh); God already has it under control. I don’t have to worry about what I’m going to eat and wear or how bills will get paid. He said if I seek his kingdom and his righteousness he will give me all these other things. (see Matthew 6:25-34)
So today if you’re stressing over anything just remember our Father has it all under control. I know today I needed to hear these words; Chill out Julia, I know what I’m doing!
Be blessed!
Julia Bostick
Harrisburg, PA
July 16, 2008
Confessions of a Proverbs 30.5 Woman by Esperanca A. Cardosa
Happy Thursday, everyone! I have the pleasure of sharing this devotional work from one of our very own ladies from New Life. Enjoy!
I had a conversation with God the other day on the way to work. I so love and appreciate the way God deals with each of His children as the individuals He created us to be. In my case, God knows that some subjects are touchy for me, so He chooses the right time to approach me about them so I don't shut down. This was one of those times and one of those subjects. I was thinking about one of my best friends who is getting married later this summer and eventually that led to thoughts of my singleness. Don't get me wrong, I'm not one of those bitter women mad at the world or one of those sisters pining away for a man. At least not anymore...Those days have come and gone for me. Thinking about my girlfriend's upcoming nuptials simply made me reflective and left me open, with my guard down, leaving space for God to minister to me.
He started by asking me why I thought I was still single. Instantly, I recalled things that had been said to me over the years by well meaning saints attempting to bring understanding as to why I was 30 then 35 then 40 (it'll be 42 in 25 days)...and still not married. So I answered with the things I'd been told over the years -- because you don't think I'm ready, because I don't wear dresses more, because I don't shop in bulk, because I don't cook everyday, because my house isn't always spotless, because I haven't lost any weight, because my hair is natural, because I don't wear makeup every single day, because I'm not confessing, praying and believing, because, because, because....Talk about pressure! I get it. I'm NOT the Proverbs 31 woman. In fact, I might just be her polar opposite! Regardless of what was said or the intentions behind it, what I heard was always the same. I am single because, obviously, I fall short.
When I finished with my tirade God asked me another question. "Did I ever tell you that you wouldn't get married?"
"No," I admitted, "but you never told me that I would either, so I don't know what to believe. Instead, I'm stuck in limbo." This uncertainty about God's will in this area has been a major source of confusion for me for years. Circumstances seem to indicate that marriage simply isn't in the cards for me. Again come the voices of those well meaning saints bringing reminders about how we walk by faith and not by sight; how it's not good for man to be alone; and how I should confess that I'm a good thing to be found everyday and believe and not doubt in my heart. That's all true, but what about when you don't know what to believe, where to walk, what to confess? What then? Crickets...thought so.
I poured it all out to God as I stared out the window on the commuter bus barely cognizant of the traffic whizzing by and waiting for His response which was - "I need you to be okay with you not knowing. Learn to let it be enough that I know the plans I have for you." He may as well have spoken in Chinese because I had no clue what to do with that. You can't tell a control freak to give up control - it messes with our heads. However, the fact remained I tried everything else. I tried it my way. I tried what others thought I should do. Maybe it was about time to let go and let God do it His way.
I can't explain how or why, but instantly I felt lighter in my heart and freer in this area than I've ever been before, which makes me think that maybe it's less about having everything in my life perfect and more about having a heart that's open for whatever God wants to do in and through me. That being said, I'm okay with being the Proverbs 30.5 woman.
GIRLFRIEND GATHERING
This is just a little reminder about our Girlfriend Gathering "Relaxing and Renewing" this coming Saturday (Feb 23) from 9:00 am - noon. Remember - don't bother with makeup!!! If you have signed up but have not paid your $6 yet you can do that at the door on Saturday.
We know bad weather is predicted for tomorrow, but we are going to pray that the roads will be clear to drive on Saturday morning. We will let you know if we need to delay the start time or cancel this event. Just pray that we don't have to do that.
We look forward to seeing you all on Saturday. Be safe tomorrow.
Happy New Year
Hello Ladies,
The Women's Ministry Leadership Team would like to wish you all a very joyous New Year! Be sure to check your weekly bulletin and the women's webpage for upcoming events, the first being our next Girlfriend Gathering on Saturday, January 26.
We also would like to share this beautiful message that was written by Denise Forshey:
"If I were the enemy devising a strategy to defeat humankind, the first thing I would do is make people questions their ability. I would lie to them so they would doubt their purpose. I would keep them focused on their weaknesses so that they would never harness their strength." Holly Wagner Warrior Chicks
The start of the new year - a time when many of us make those resolutions - hopeful wishes to do something, change something or become something. Inevitably, these hopeful wishes remain nothing more than that - wishes. I have often wondered why when I try to make positive changes it lasts for a while and then fizzles into oblivion. The above quote got me thinking this morning....
Am I allowing the devil to defeat my thinking? Am I allowing fear and doubt keep me from succeeding in this life? Fear of failing - not living up to certain standards? Fear of changing - am I going to lose control of the situation - am I going to have to give up something I have, I want or I need? Fear of succeeding - does that mean more will be expected of me? Doubt of who I am - I am just a girl from Ohio. Doubt of what I can do - I am not educated, I am not strong and I don't have the means. Doubt that this is really what I am supposed to be doing - is it me or is it God.
What is the problem.....well, it is where I have my focus.....ON ME. I am not strong enough, educated enough, rich enough. I might have to give somethng up. More might be expected of me. I probably will fail at one time or another. If my focus stays on me then I am stuck - boxed inside my own weakness.
But God! (I love those two words together)
"I can do everything through him who gives me strength!" Philippians 4:13 Paul, has found that in whatever circumstances he found himself - the source of his strength is in Christ. In 2 Corinthians 12 Paul discusses his "thorn" - his weakness and in verse 9 "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses so that Christ's power may rest on me." Paul didn't dwell on his "thorn" but saw it as an opportunity for Christ to shine more brilliantly through it. When my focus in on me - I mistakenly think my strength is there but in all tru th, that is where my weakness is! My strength is from Christ and Christ alone!
Ladies, often our new year's resolutions revolve around getting in shape....so I challenge you to join me this year at God's Gym! Together let us build up our strength in His Precious and Holy Word! Together may we realize that "God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and self-discipline". 2 Timothy 1:7 May we harness the strength of Christ in our life - so that when we serve we do it with all the strength that God provides. (1 Peter 4:11) When the moments of fear and doubt come in, may we be like Christ in the desert and focus on the Word - our promise, our strength to counter the lies. May we love as Christ loves us and may we be disciplined to grow and serve.
Father, as Paul prayed for the Ephesians, I too ask that out of your glorious riches you strengthen us with your power through your Spirit in our innermost being. May our eyes be open to the schemes of the devil because subtlety is how he wants to deceive us. May we arm ourselves with the Sword of the Spirit - the Word of God - so that when the deception comes we can find our true strength to overcome. Lord, in this coming year may we draw our strength from you. May we not allow anything, anyone or any circumstance to hinder our success of acheiving our God given assignments. Let us draw support and encouragement from each other as we make this journey side by side. I thank you for the opportunities that lie ahead. I thank you for your grace, your patience and love. May each of harness our strength in you. In Jesus' precious name I pray. Amen.
Happy Thanksgiving
The leadership team is so excited about our new Women's Ministry Blog. We hope it is something you all can use to stay connected to the great things we have going on. Be sure to spread the word to all your girlfriends to subscribe!
It was awesome seeing so many of you at the Girlfriend Gathering last Saturday. Denise does such an amazing job of putting those events together and I know she is excited about those of you who signed up to join her team. Terry had a wonderful lesson for all of us in her principals of prayer. How are you all doing with your conversations with your Father this week? Don't forget to stop and listen to His response!
Ladies Christmas Tea - Saturday, December 8th from 9:00 am - 11:00 am. You don't want to miss this, be sure to get signed up right away! We've had an enthusiastic response so far and also some great questions, so I thought it would help if we published some details
- Fellowship, traditional Christmas favorites, and the Message of the season presented in a social atmosphere. This is a great outreach opportunity to bring friends, coworkers and neighbors.
- We are seeking volunteers to sign-up and bring food.
- Those whom God has gifted with hopitality and just love to entertain, please take advantage of this time to "host" a table at the tea...
- We provide the table and chairs, you sign up for round or rectangular. There are 6-8 place settings at each table, depending on how many people sign up to participate
- You provide the tablecloth, place settings and decorations. This can be anything from paper and plastic to linen and china - whatever you want to do
- I've already had two people ask - you do not have to have actual "teacups" for the place settings. All the big wonderful holiday mugs work just as well.
- If you want to provide something special to eat for your table, just be sure to let us know so we can include it into the "food count"
- Childcare will be available both during and after the tea.
- Cost of childcare for the 2-hour tea is $5 per child ($3 for each additional child)
- Childcare is available after the tea until 3:30pm. Cost is $3 per hour per child. This is a great way to support our teens as they work to earn money for their upcoming trip, and it gives you the opportunity to get some shopping (or relaxing) done without the kids while they are doing something fun!
- Sign-up sheets for attending, food, childcare and hosting are all in the foyer next to the big snowman teacup!
As we all head out into the official start of the Christmas Season, I encourage each of you to keep your focus on your Father. When someone is rude, steals your parking space, grabs the very last of something you were laying your hand on, or the traffic is just too much, take a quick moment and pray for the person who is frustrating you. Smile, be gracious and remember that we are to live according to His example. As Paul tells us... "Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 12: 10-12 (NLT)
Ladies, have a blessed weekend!
Your Sister in Christ,
Jenn Legacy