OK, so here we are in 2008 ready to go into the month of February. Have you succeeded at your New Year's resolutions so far, or have you forgotten them already?
We are through with our 21 day fast, already through the month of January, and what have we accomplished at this point? Have we grown in our relationship with the Lord? How about our relationship with others?
The GWA Advisory Board met again this past week, and we are trying to complete the calendar for the year. Not only are we trying to schedule celebrations, and opportunities for us to have fun together, but also areas that we can serve-not only each other, but our communities. He decided that every event will be some kind of fundraiser. Whether that means bringing a canned food item to pay your admission, gathering schools supplies for children, or asking for donations, because we are here to serve others.
The first celebration of the year will be our Spring Break, we're still gathering details, but watch for the invitation. The one thing I can promise you is that we will have FUN!!
I mentioned that we are here to serve, how do we do that in our every day life? And are we making a difference by serving?
I have to admit that there are times that I think I'm all that, and can save the world, but in reality am I faithful in the little things? I think that every day God gives each of us opportunities to serve, and to make a difference in the lives of others-but do we really do that? Why do I feel bothered because the mother with her screaming kids are in line IN FRONT OF ME at the store? Why do I cut off the other driver because I am in so much of a hurry to get to church? Why do I let the call go to voice mail because I don't want to deal with a difficult customer? Why do I rush into church and sit down so no one will bother me?
In the email last week I spoke of all the changes in my life at this time. I've realized that while I am running to and fro "all in the name of God and good" I am missing God moments and opportunities to be faithful in the small things, so I am going to make some changes. I am going to ask God every morning to open my eyes to those around me, to make me more like the Good Samaritan and show me those people who are hurting and naked. And while I'm at it I'm going to ask him to help me to be less self-centered, and more willing to touch those I come in contact with. Are you willing to pray that same prayer with me? Drop me a line and let me know how that's going.
We can make a difference in the lives of others, and we do-both positive and negative.
As always if you need anything-just call or email, I am here to serve the Lord through serving you.
In HIS Service!!
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Change is Good?
What a beautiful Sunday morning! I sit here at my computer listening to the silence; hearing nothing but the crackling of the fire in the fireplace. As I sit here it feels as if all is well with the world, and then reality crashes in.
Have you ever had that time when you feel as if everything in your life is changing, when nothing is safe from change? That is the place where Dan & I have found ourselves.
As I entered into the 21 day fast I asked the Lord to search my heart, and told him that everything is up for grabs, that there is nothing in my life that I am not willing to give up to have that personal relationship, and to be what He would have me to be.
Now that all sounds well and good, but there are lots of changes going on in our lives right now. Everything from our jobs to our family relationships seem to be in transition. Some things are obviously good, for example getting to establish a relationship with a granddaughter we had not seen in almost 2 years, but other changes seem to create fear, and lots of "what ifs" in our lives.
What if I take that new position at work and can't pay my bills? Since Dan's company has been bought out what if he gets laid off? What if we invest time, effort and energy in GWA and people don't like it, or me? What if....what if....what if?
In small group we are studying the book of Philippians and I am reminded of the scripture we discussed last week that says "he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion". Other scriptures that flood my mind are "God did not give us the spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind" "He who is able to do exceedingly abundantly more than you could ever ask or imagine".
As those scriptures flood my mind I feel God comfort me, and His peace wash over me as I recall the scripture in Romans where Paul shares with us " All things work for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose".
Jesus told his disciples "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me". I think what He was saying to us here is don't get your cross cemented in the ground, don't get too attached to where you are because at any time we need to be able to pull up stakes and follow wherever He is leading us.
Are you willing to follow? Trust me, it will be the ride of your life-and remember: "He who is able to do exceedingly abundantly more than you could ever ask or imagine".
Have you ever had that time when you feel as if everything in your life is changing, when nothing is safe from change? That is the place where Dan & I have found ourselves.
As I entered into the 21 day fast I asked the Lord to search my heart, and told him that everything is up for grabs, that there is nothing in my life that I am not willing to give up to have that personal relationship, and to be what He would have me to be.
Now that all sounds well and good, but there are lots of changes going on in our lives right now. Everything from our jobs to our family relationships seem to be in transition. Some things are obviously good, for example getting to establish a relationship with a granddaughter we had not seen in almost 2 years, but other changes seem to create fear, and lots of "what ifs" in our lives.
What if I take that new position at work and can't pay my bills? Since Dan's company has been bought out what if he gets laid off? What if we invest time, effort and energy in GWA and people don't like it, or me? What if....what if....what if?
In small group we are studying the book of Philippians and I am reminded of the scripture we discussed last week that says "he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion". Other scriptures that flood my mind are "God did not give us the spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind" "He who is able to do exceedingly abundantly more than you could ever ask or imagine".
As those scriptures flood my mind I feel God comfort me, and His peace wash over me as I recall the scripture in Romans where Paul shares with us " All things work for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose".
Jesus told his disciples "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me". I think what He was saying to us here is don't get your cross cemented in the ground, don't get too attached to where you are because at any time we need to be able to pull up stakes and follow wherever He is leading us.
Are you willing to follow? Trust me, it will be the ride of your life-and remember: "He who is able to do exceedingly abundantly more than you could ever ask or imagine".
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Selfish Ambition
I have been in thought lately on the direction that God is leading in my life. Dan & I spent time this past weekend listening, and sharing where we feel God is leading us. Although some of the things you may be hearing are difficult, remember "obedience is better than sacrifice".
I think about Girls with Attitude! and want it to be what God wants it to be, and not something created out of my own selfish ambition. As we were having GWA small group last night we started our study in the book of Philippians. In the first chapter Paul talks about heart motives, and how the important thing is that the Word and the Truth is being preached. At that I was reminded of the scripture that tells us his word will not go forth void. We all need to be careful that we are sharing the Truth, and not just an opinion.
I think about how God has created us with the need to be known, and our need to know. We need to know God and know others, he'll take care of the rest.
Love God, and love your neighbors. We all have that need to be loved and accepted just as we are. We have a need for community-a loving relationship within a group of like-minded people. And we have a need for accountability to one another. We need to know that we are not the center of the universe and that our choices affect not only ourselves, but others as well.
As I have those thoughts I think that is what I want GWA to be. A place where girls can come and be loved, just the way God created you to be. ALL GIRLS, regardless of age, race, size...just because you're you.
I think about Girls with Attitude! and want it to be what God wants it to be, and not something created out of my own selfish ambition. As we were having GWA small group last night we started our study in the book of Philippians. In the first chapter Paul talks about heart motives, and how the important thing is that the Word and the Truth is being preached. At that I was reminded of the scripture that tells us his word will not go forth void. We all need to be careful that we are sharing the Truth, and not just an opinion.
I think about how God has created us with the need to be known, and our need to know. We need to know God and know others, he'll take care of the rest.
Love God, and love your neighbors. We all have that need to be loved and accepted just as we are. We have a need for community-a loving relationship within a group of like-minded people. And we have a need for accountability to one another. We need to know that we are not the center of the universe and that our choices affect not only ourselves, but others as well.
As I have those thoughts I think that is what I want GWA to be. A place where girls can come and be loved, just the way God created you to be. ALL GIRLS, regardless of age, race, size...just because you're you.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Random Thoughts
I sit here in awe of what God has done in my life in 2007, and wonder what 2008 holds in store for me.
I am so excited about the doors God is going to open, and the "girls" who are going to be touched by Girls with Attitude!
I am reminded of Moses when he said to God "If you're not going with me, I don't want to go" that is exactly the way I feel. I don't want to just build some "club" for all to see, but I want something that will draw others to Christ and his saving knowledge.
I thank God for the girls he has surrounded me with, and the ones who are yet to come. As I met with for the first time with my advisory board I reminded them that the most important girls are the ones who haven't been a part of the group, or haven't even heard of Girls with Attitude!
I am reminded that a leadership position is not about status or "look at me" to be a true leader is to serve.
My goal for 2008 is to be all that God would have me to be, nothing more-nothing less.
Keep me in your thoughts & prayers!
In HIS Service!
I am so excited about the doors God is going to open, and the "girls" who are going to be touched by Girls with Attitude!
I am reminded of Moses when he said to God "If you're not going with me, I don't want to go" that is exactly the way I feel. I don't want to just build some "club" for all to see, but I want something that will draw others to Christ and his saving knowledge.
I thank God for the girls he has surrounded me with, and the ones who are yet to come. As I met with for the first time with my advisory board I reminded them that the most important girls are the ones who haven't been a part of the group, or haven't even heard of Girls with Attitude!
I am reminded that a leadership position is not about status or "look at me" to be a true leader is to serve.
My goal for 2008 is to be all that God would have me to be, nothing more-nothing less.
Keep me in your thoughts & prayers!
In HIS Service!
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Attitude
I came across this quote a while back, and think it speaks so clearly to us about our attitude.
Think about it! Have a blessed day!
Attitude
by Charles Swindoll
The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life.
Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. It will make or break a company ... a church ... a home.
The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past. We cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable.
The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude ... I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me, and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you ... we are in charge of our Attitudes.
Think about it! Have a blessed day!
Attitude
by Charles Swindoll
The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life.
Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. It will make or break a company ... a church ... a home.
The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past. We cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable.
The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude ... I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me, and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you ... we are in charge of our Attitudes.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Hospitality during the Holidays
What an awesome week! Three Christmas parties, and a Welcome Home celebration service for my nephew Michael, who could ask for more?
It was such a joyous time Wednesday evening to hear Michael's testimony, and the way that God is continuing to touch others through his faith & obedience. I don't know if anyone realized, but his celebration service was one month to the day from when he was diagnosed with luekemia. He told of blowing his shofar in the halls of the James Cancer Hospital, and the woman who 2 days later was healed of 18 tumors. God is alive and well, and the James Hospital will never be the same!
Friday morning I had the opportunity to speak to the MOPS group at Grove City Nazarene. It was great to see friends, and share with this group of "girls".
As I was studying for this event I came across a scripture I never remembered reading. Psalms 2:4 says "The One enthroned in heaven laughs". At this time of year we need to laugh, and enjoy ALL the blessings God has given us. At times we allow the pressure to be perfect to overtake us. Company and family are coming to visit, and we think the food must be perfect, the children must act just right, and our home needs to look like those in the magazines. I am here to spread the good news that it doesn't have to be so.
Romans 12:13 says "Practice Hospitality"-did you get that? PRACTICE. OK, so here's my theory on the whole entertaining thing: Make sure the house looks good when the first guest arrives, and use lots of candlelight, you can't see dust in candlelight. (This is really humorous to my friends who know that 6 years ago this month we had a house fire from a candle.) Once the first guest arrives-enjoy, it's your party, these are your guests, and they are here to see you-not the house.
Thank you for allowing me to share even a few moments of your life. As always, if there is anything I can do for you-just call.
LIVE-LAUGH-LOVE
In HIS Service!!
As always check out the website http://www.girlswithattitude.org/
It was such a joyous time Wednesday evening to hear Michael's testimony, and the way that God is continuing to touch others through his faith & obedience. I don't know if anyone realized, but his celebration service was one month to the day from when he was diagnosed with luekemia. He told of blowing his shofar in the halls of the James Cancer Hospital, and the woman who 2 days later was healed of 18 tumors. God is alive and well, and the James Hospital will never be the same!
Friday morning I had the opportunity to speak to the MOPS group at Grove City Nazarene. It was great to see friends, and share with this group of "girls".
As I was studying for this event I came across a scripture I never remembered reading. Psalms 2:4 says "The One enthroned in heaven laughs". At this time of year we need to laugh, and enjoy ALL the blessings God has given us. At times we allow the pressure to be perfect to overtake us. Company and family are coming to visit, and we think the food must be perfect, the children must act just right, and our home needs to look like those in the magazines. I am here to spread the good news that it doesn't have to be so.
Romans 12:13 says "Practice Hospitality"-did you get that? PRACTICE. OK, so here's my theory on the whole entertaining thing: Make sure the house looks good when the first guest arrives, and use lots of candlelight, you can't see dust in candlelight. (This is really humorous to my friends who know that 6 years ago this month we had a house fire from a candle.) Once the first guest arrives-enjoy, it's your party, these are your guests, and they are here to see you-not the house.
Thank you for allowing me to share even a few moments of your life. As always, if there is anything I can do for you-just call.
LIVE-LAUGH-LOVE
In HIS Service!!
As always check out the website http://www.girlswithattitude.org/
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Praise Report
OK, so the blog last week was not typical of a Girls with Attitude! blog, but instead I felt God directing me to do a word on healing. I made reference to nephew Michael who was diagnosed with leukemia. So...now you'll hear the rest of the story.
The beginning of last week doctors were telling Michael that he was one of the sickest patients in the hospital, and that they didn't know if he would be home for Christmas. Remember, I told you he has a 10 month old son, who will be celebrating his first Christmas. All along we all believed that God was doing a work, and the Michael was already healed.
Friday the doctor's came in with the results of the 3rd biopsy, and the leukemia is GONE!!!! The doctors are now saying he will get to go home Monday or Tuesday this week. HOW GOOD IS GOD? Remember everything he says in his word is true, and we just need to start believing it and standing on his promises.
"For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God" 2 Cor 1:20
TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!!
I want to take this opportunity to thank every one who helped with the GWA Christmas Party. There were about 50-60 "girls" in attendance. Who knew a pink & brown Christmas could be so much fun.
We raised several hundred dollars in donations for domestic violence, and are getting ready to make our delivery. I have purchased 15 PINK watches for the women. I've attached a GWA postcard with the scripture from Ecclesiastes with the sentiment "May the peace of God be with you during this time. THANK YOU for making this gift possible!!
Keep me in your prayers this Friday as I have a speaking engagement before a MOPS group. I plan to share the "Joy of the Lord" to some women who are at this time in their lives knee deep in babies.
As always, if you are in need of prayer, or I can be of assistance to you email me cindi@girlswithattitude.org .
In HIS Service!!
The beginning of last week doctors were telling Michael that he was one of the sickest patients in the hospital, and that they didn't know if he would be home for Christmas. Remember, I told you he has a 10 month old son, who will be celebrating his first Christmas. All along we all believed that God was doing a work, and the Michael was already healed.
Friday the doctor's came in with the results of the 3rd biopsy, and the leukemia is GONE!!!! The doctors are now saying he will get to go home Monday or Tuesday this week. HOW GOOD IS GOD? Remember everything he says in his word is true, and we just need to start believing it and standing on his promises.
"For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God" 2 Cor 1:20
TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!!
I want to take this opportunity to thank every one who helped with the GWA Christmas Party. There were about 50-60 "girls" in attendance. Who knew a pink & brown Christmas could be so much fun.
We raised several hundred dollars in donations for domestic violence, and are getting ready to make our delivery. I have purchased 15 PINK watches for the women. I've attached a GWA postcard with the scripture from Ecclesiastes with the sentiment "May the peace of God be with you during this time. THANK YOU for making this gift possible!!
Keep me in your prayers this Friday as I have a speaking engagement before a MOPS group. I plan to share the "Joy of the Lord" to some women who are at this time in their lives knee deep in babies.
As always, if you are in need of prayer, or I can be of assistance to you email me cindi@girlswithattitude.org .
In HIS Service!!
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