Tag Archive | christianity

Journaling through the Seasons: Fall&Faith

Dec9

Bonnie Liabenow’s new series: Journaling through the Seasons: Fall&Faith; Winter&Word; Spring&Spirit and Summer&Sonship A fall season of life is represented by its brilliance and is themed, “In the Midst of Change”. Don’t miss the opportunity to have this guided devotional journal that is uniquely created to guide you through the change. Order you Fall&Faith today at Amazon. com

“There is something about writing – something about jotting down how we’ve felt and what we’ve learned in a fleeting moment on a day that may have seemed otherwise unremarkable. We so often remember the grandest core memories – where God’s work so evident, He seemingly all but showed up and shook hands around the room. But when life moved fast, smaller moments move faster and even the most joyful ones dissipate to join those now forgotten. Journaling can preserve them.”

Find these songs and prayers that are inspired by the Psalms in my New Series: Journaling through the Seasons.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     If you have enjoyed the Prayers and Songs inspired by the Psalms, you will enjoy Journaling through the Seasons. The first in a series of 4 guided journals have arrived . The calendar tells us the fall season will leave us soon. But many of us will continue to stay in this season of life characterized by change for months to come. This 160 page guided journal will help navigate you through the change. It is here in this daily discipline you will experience the benefits & power of writing.                                                                                  The journal has three sections; Response writing, Reflection writing  and Note writing. Each section has its own unique way of guiding you through the change and all the emotions that is felt in this season of life. I invite you to experience the power of journaling in faith today.

These amazing guided devotional journals gently walk you through each seasons of life: Fall is represented by brilliance and themed In the Midst of Change, Winter is represented by a pause and themed In the Waiting, Spring is represented by new beginnings and themed Blooms of Hope, and Summer is represented by the joys of living and themed Sunrise to Sunset. Purchase today and begin experiencing the tremendous benefits of journaling through the seasons.

Fall&Faith  https://a.co/d/dwLoLhz

Winter&Word.  https://a.co/d/fVFnCeR

Spring&Spirit https://a.co/d/hb55UGC

Summer&Sonship https://a.co/d/3yPait6

DISCIPLINE: Lesson 18 supplement

Oct28

The path to Excellence is a long, rough, rocky sloping road with no shortcut. To live at a higher level, we realize very quickly that the mental ingredient of discipline is the tool that manuevers us through the toughest curves and provides the stability to climb every slope. A disciplined life launches us to the experiences of God’s abundance and the joy of living in His presence.

 

It was here on our Christmas Tree Farm where God showed and taught me the true meaning of discipline.

   photo (7)

 

Scripture Memorization

“And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9

 

 

Life provides hundreds of opportunities. We are given the challenge of realistically looking at the decisions we have made and evaluate whether our decisions measure to the standard of excellence. If we fall short of excellence according to biblical standard; we adjust our pursuit. If our goal really is excellence, we need to be prepared to stay the course with persistence and disciple.

The Benefits of Hard Work

The display of colors during the autumn season has not always been welcomed by my family of three sons. No color tour for us. It meant that hard work was just around the corner. Yes, we are Christmas tree farmers. While others were looking forward to hunting, fishing, watching football, or taking in their last round of golf–my sons were to embark upon a season of very hard work. To complicate the experience, harvest season happens whether there is sunshine, rain or snow. It meant long hours , hard labor, and sometimes difficult situations that made completing the task almost impossible.

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might;  Eccelesiastes 9:10

So what possible benefit could their be from hard work especially when it brought discomfort of freezing hands, wet clothes, and equipment failure. These long hours taught our sons discipline, grit and diligence in all things.  They experienced internal wealth of a pride for a job well done.   Not only were they good starters but great finishers. The bonus benefit was family togetherness and of course a  paycheck.

Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than people. Ephesians 6:7 Our product, the Christmas tree, was unique. We were producing a excellent product that would be the centerpiece in every home that would be celebrating the birth of our Savior.  So the greatest benefit to this hard work was literally doing it unto our heavenly Father.

The Study

What is self-discipline?

Self-discipline is the ability to get yourself to take action regardless of your emotional state. Without self-discipline our intentions will not be accomplished. But with sufficient self-discipline, it’s a done deal. You will know when  you have arrived at the pinnacle of self-discipline when you make a conscious decision and its virtually guaranteed you will follow through on it.

How do you acquire self-discipline?

Self-discipline is a life skill that requires practice. You have to decide to live intentionally.  Set goals and work hard to accomplish whatever aspiration or task you have decided to tackle and don’t stop until it is finished. The environment that presented the opportunity to develop the skills of discipline and hard work for me was in the Christmas tree field. Yes, I am a Christmas tree farmer. The fields and the business of growing and retailing Christmas trees  taught me this:

You must produce a quality product.

Good practices must be a routine to produce a quality product.

Time limits are automatically in place dictated by the season to perform the good practices that produce a quality product.

Accountability appears at harvest time revealing whether we have done every thing required to produce a premium Christmas tree. It is shown in the number of harvestable trees and in the products final grade.

In life the same is true. You must plan for excellence by virtue of planning to finish well what you have started. Set the goal, make a plan and see it through to excellence.

Complete pages 87-89 in Excellence with Simple Elegance: The Study. 

study mockup

Decisions we make for ourselves will affect us throughout our entire lives. We must choose to be  hard workers and disciplined to experience God’s best for our lives. See choosing to sidestep boundaries and taking shortcuts because it appears easy and gratifying will be short-lived and painful. If our goal is to live God’s way–one of excellence, we need to be prepared to stay the course. Being patient and diligent with what God has entrusted to us, nurturing it the best we know how, we will then grow into women of excellence.

Mary’s Song

 Luke 1:46-55 ,The Message (MSG)

  ” And Mary said,

I’m bursting with God-news;

I’m dancing the song of my Savior God.

God took one good look at me, and look what happened—

I’m the most fortunate woman on earth!

What God has done for me will never be forgotten,

the God whose very name is holy, set apart from all others.

His mercy flows in wave after wave

on those who are in awe before him.

He bared his arm and showed his strength,

scattered the bluffing braggarts.

He knocked tyrants off their high horses,

pulled victims out of the mud.

The starving poor sat down to a banquet;

the callous rich were left out in the cold.

He embraced his chosen child, Israel;

he remembered and piled on the mercies, piled them high.

It’s exactly what he promised”

Mary was a chosen privileged vessel to be the mother of the Son of God. She clearly did not claim to understand it but responded willingly. Her response to God’s call on her life was to simply worship in humble acknowledgement of God’s touch on her life. A disciplined life as woman of faith also requires us to be obedient to God’s call.  Our challenge is to embrace God’s call, pursue it willingly, obey and humbly worship.

John 2 : 5 “Whatever Jesus says to you, do it.”

A disciplined life will launch you to the experiences of God’s abundance and the joy of living in His presence. And your reward for obedience to His call is fulfillment, joy and blessings beyond measure. Be intentional giving Him your praise for His goodness.

Promise

“Come to me and I will give you rest–all of you who work so hard. ” 

Blessing

“Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling…be glory and majesty…both now and forever.”

Both Excellence with Simple and The Study can be purchased at Amazon.com

https://a.co/d/3Iyzm1q

https://a.co/d/0ayecaT

PASSION: Lesson 17 Bonus Content

Jul8

Passion allows endeavors of life to be enjoyable, fun, and creative.

Whether we’re thinking of what career path we choose or where to volunteer our time or selecting a leisure time activity, it’s important that we follow our passions. When we think about what is needed to be successful in life and in our work, we usually think about characteristics like value, talent, ambition, intellect, discipline, and persistence. What many of us often fail to include in this recipe for success is passion. The passion we have, or don’t have, for the life we choose should not be underestimated. Sometimes this ingredient could make the biggest difference of all.

Mother Theresa said, “I am not sure exactly what heaven will be like, but I know that when we die and it comes time for God to judge us, He will not ask, ‘How many good things have you done in your life rather He will ask, ‘How much love did you put into what you did?’”

True success is, or at least should be, primarily defined as an achievement of something desired. So, the most successful people are the ones who achieve the things they most desire. And what we desire the most is to be proud of what we do with our lives. I believe this is especially true when it comes to our work and our family. A truly successful person is one who is proud of the work she does and the care she gives to her family.

What I Mean by Passion

When I speak of passion, I don’t mean it in the romantic way. What I mean by passion is the powerful feeling of enthusiasm we all have inside of us. We are all enthusiastic and passionate about something, whether its finance, food or a favorite activity. That enthusiasm is very powerful. When we can combine it with our pursuits and our faith, we are setting ourselves up well for achieving true success.

Passion Is so Important

When we are enthusiastic and proud of the work we do, the better equipped we’ll be to overcome the many obstacles that will surely arise.  Also, the more enthusiasm we have, the more inclined we are to work harder at improving ourselves. This will allow us to continuously get better at every pursuit we are engaged in.

Where does the passion come from?

But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely. Galatians 5: 2

As a young child, I loved Jesus. It was simple. I was excited about the decision I made to invite Jesus Christ Lord into my life.  I could not wait to share this good news with my best friend. I wanted Sara, my childhood friend, to have the blessing of eternal life in heaven too. I wanted her to love and to accept Jesus into her heart also.  So it became my daily pursuit to livbest friends3e God’s way and to share the love of Jesus. And that same desire, passion continues still to this day.

Surprisingly this passion never changed. Oh! definitely the picture has changed with each new season: I am not swinging on a playground swing telling my friends about Jesus. I am not involved any more in the high school or college campus ministry sharing the truth of the gospel. I am not even that young mom raising her young sons in the faith and leading them to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ or being that teacher/instructor who wanted so desperately for my students to experience the abundance of a God-centered life. Those seasons have passed but in my present season the passion continues.  God has graciously brought me to a new space to share.  I simply love Jesus; so I write, counsel, mentor, lead, speak and encourage women to live simply, passionately, and intentionally for Jesus.

This passion has brought purpose and fulfillment in my life. It has not only enriched my personal life but brought wonderful enthusiasm to my career life.  I encourage you today to really seek the passion that God has placed in your heart and run to it.

The Study: Complete in the workbook pages 83-85. 

Promise

“He will give you the desires of your heart”

Blessing

“Be blessed by the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”

Both books can be purchased at Amazon.com

https://a.co/d/5DoT4VL and https://a.co/d/ib89HE1

COURAGE: Lesson 16 Bonus Content

Jun12

God grants seasons of favor for His people in order to extend His kingdom

 

Heavenly Father, please give us the courage to walk confidently onto the stage of what you have called us to. Release all worries. In this season of favor, help us to let go and trust You.

Scripture Memorization

“Whatever you do, do it heartily as to the Lord and not to men.” Colossians 3:23

 Strength in  Courage

Deuteronomy 31:6“Be strong  and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he  it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”

Joshua 1:7-9 “Only be thou  strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the  law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand  or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest. This book of  the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day  and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written  therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have  good success. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not  afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee  whithersoever thou goest.”

1 Chronicles 28:20 “And  David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear  not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will  not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the  service of the house of the LORD.”

Psalm 31:24 “Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen  your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.”

Isaiah 41:10-13 “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be  not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee;  yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.Behold, all they  that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be  as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish. Thou shalt seek them,  and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee: they that war  against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought. For I the LORD thy  God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help  thee.”

1 Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be  ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as  ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”

1 Corinthians 16:13 “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith,  quit you like men, be strong.”

Ephesians 6:10 “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the  Lord, and in the power of his might.”

Courageous and Unafraid

Psalm 23:4 “Yea, though I  walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff  they comfort me.”

Psalm 27:1 “The LORD is my  light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life;  of whom shall I be afraid?”

Psalm 56:3-4 “What time I  am afraid, I will trust in thee. In God I will praise his word, in God I have  put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.”

Isaiah 54:4 “Fear not; for  thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put  to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember  the reproach of thy widowhood any more.”

Matthew 10:28 “And fear not  them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him  which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”

2 Timothy 1:7 “For God hath not given us the spirit of  fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

Hebrews 13:5-6 “Let your conversation be without  covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I  will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is  my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”

1 Peter 3:14-16 “But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But  sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to  every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and  fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of  evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in  Christ.”

1 John 4:18 “There is no fear in love; but perfect love  casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect  in love.”

Courage  brings Freedom & Peace

John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the  world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be  afraid.”

Romans 8:15 “For ye have  not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the  Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.”

Philippians 1:12-14 “But I  would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me  have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; So that my bonds in  Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; And many of the  brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak  the word without fear.”

The Study

Courage, do you possess it?

“A truth I have come to realize is that God does not care who you are, man or woman—or where you are, rural town or urban city—when He puts His call out to you. He expects an answer, followed up with perseverance and courage; for the rewards He has planned for you are unimaginable. My reward was excellence in my life in an abundance of ways,”                                                                                                JENNY A. LIABENOW, Major, USAF

When obedient to God’s call, we can be assured that it leads us many times to unfamiliar where courage is required of us. In my life, I have experienced the unfamiliar. It was a place way out of my comfort zone.

We all love comfortable: sitting in the same pew on Sundays, having coffee with the same friends, vacationing in the same location, staying in the same job, volunteering in the same position…but it’s not always the best of us so God expands our horizons and leads us out of familiar to unfamiliar.

Because I made a commitment to be obedient to the task God put before me, I chose to step out of comfortable.  Even though I had done my part to be well prepared for the task, I was sure that I would fail. Lacking confidence in myself and in my ability I walked into the unfamilar and  was welcomed to a wonderful truth. God is faithful and He shows up.

In these scary moments, we have an increased awareness of needing Him. It’s a desperate need. But it is here that God blesses us with His presence, His Words and His anointing.

I like to think that embracing the challenges of the unfamiliar is God’s promotion, an opportunity to grow and to be bold for Him. As a woman of faith of 51 years, I have been so blessed to have had enough of a taste of the majesty of God to want more. More of  His love, His guidance, His strength, and His protection. It is in the unfamiliar, that leap of faith that we take, because we know it’s right, that leads us to the purpose we are meant to find; that leads us to the realization of the God-given dreams in our hearts. It is here that we see God work in a Huge way. But it requires courage.

Read the story of Esther.

This is story of a woman who possessed remarkable courage.  Her courage is even more remarkable when we consider that the name of God is not mentioned in the book of Esther. This is the author’s way of depicting the hidden hand of providence; the Lord’s sustaining power, divine guidance, and care; working in ways that are not immediately discernible to us. Esther trusted this providence even when she had no idea how things would turn out.

Complete pages 77-81 in Excellence with Simple Elegance: The Study.

Both books can be purchased at www,Amazon.com  https://a.co/d/8DBgVpF  and  https://a.co/d/7Zn8Csf

 

 

 

 

For the most part, God’s hand of providence remains hidden, and we do not always know how things will turn out for us. Trusting Him and doing the right thing even if we know it might cost us; is not an easy feat. But I do know for certainty that God is ever working for our good and His glory. God’s protection and favor is available to us just as it was for Esther.  Esther’s courage resulted in the deliverance of God’s people.

Have courage and answer His call.

 

Promise

“Do not be afraid, the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Blessing

“You’re blessed when you stay the course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God.”

THE INGREDIENTS OF EXCELLENCE: Lesson 15 Bonus Content

Jun6

 Time, energy, and desire is required to achieve excellence and to establish the ingredients that comprise it. Once you have established that you are on a journey to excellence, it is important to realize what it will take to get there.

Scripture Memorization

“Do what is right and good in the Lord’s sight, so all will go well with you.” Deuteronomy 6:18

The Study

Much is required of us on this journey to excellence: “For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.” Luke 12:48

 First it is essential that you surrender:  John 5:30 and Luke 22:42

As Jesus surrendered to The Father so we must do the same. The task that has been given us, women of faith, is to bear witness to the holiness of God. We were created for commitment to serve God. We were made to mirror and to reflect His image. Surrendering our lives to God’s purpose must be our passion and desire. As woman of faith, we establish a routine that displays what God is like. But we quickly realize that we lack ability to achieve and we simply can’t do it. In sin we broke the mirror; shattered the image; blurred the reflection. Until Jesus. Jesus perfectly reflected and mirrored the character of the Father.  Jesus came to show us how to live. It’s possible because of Jesus. When we totally surrender our life, it is then we find divine strength to pursue this worthwhile journey.  So our praise and worship is inspired by the remembrance of the tremendous sacrifice Jesus made for us.  We are thankful and our passion becomes to live God’s way. Take this time to worship before the heavenly Father. As you listen to worship music daily surrender every part of your life to Jesus.

Then be committed to the renewing of  your mind daily: Psalm 51:10 and Roman 12:2

Make a clean heart in me, O God. Give me a new spirit that will not be moved. Women of faith commit to renewing your mind daily to what is good and pure. To renew is to renovate. It is a restoration to freshness. The mind is the intellect or understanding, but also includes all that is described in the word ‘mindset’. The mindset is the feelings and the will. As Romans 12:2 says being” transformed by the renewal of the mind”, this indicates a literal change in the form of thought or being.  In this scripture, it describes redemption’s provision of power to instill godliness in us–a power that transforms our thoughts, our purposes and our actions. The path to holy living is not complicated, nor is it energized by the flesh, but it does call us, women of faith, to surrender and to submit to God’s provision and ways.

In this journey to excellence, you will need three primary ingredients: courage, passion, and discipline. Complete page 74 in Excellence with Simple Elegance: The Study.

Bonnie’s books can be purchased at http://www.amazon.comMay be an image of diary and text

Promise

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.”

Blessing

“Blessed are those who act justly, who always do what is right.”

A Spring Prayer of Petition and Blessing adapted from Psalm 15, 16 & 17

May30

Jehovah-M’Kaddesh – Sanctifier

 God Himself made the way so you can have new life through Christ Jesus. God gave us Christ to be our wisdom. Christ made us right with God and set us apart for God and made us holy. Christ bought us with His blood and made us free from our sins. 1 Corinthians 1:30 (NLV)

May Your favor be upon me. You have tested my heart and have visited me during the night. My steps have followed Your paths. My feet have followed Your leading.

 

Choosing to live in this manner, I will never be shaken.              We are glad for our troubles also. We know that troubles help us learn not to give up. When we have learned not to give up, it shows we have stood the test. When we have stood the test, it gives us hope. Romans 5:3-4 NLV

So I call to You, O God, knowing You will listen to every word and answer me with Your great loving kindness. You save by Your right hand and help in my time of need.  O Lord, save me by Your hand and I will see Your face in what is right and good. Keep me, O God, for I am safe in You. You are my Lord. All the good things I have come from You. I will find joy and happiness when I wake.

May I renew my mind daily to Your goodness and may I possess a desire to…

Walk straight, act right, tell the truth.

Speak words that encourage and never hurt.

Never wrong my neighbor or bring shame to my family.  

Choose a Godly lifestyle; despise despicable actions.

Keep my commitments and promises even when it costs me or causes sacrifice.

Make an honest living with a giving heart.

Lord, You are all that I am to receive. You are my cup. My future is in Your hands. My life and everything that has been given to me is good. Yes, my share is beautiful to me. I will give honor and thanks to You Who tells me what to do. I place You always before me. Because You remain at my right hand, I will not be moved. And so my heart is glad. My soul is full of joy. My body will also rest without fear.  You will show me the way of life. Being with You is to be full of joy and happiness forever.

Choosing to live in this manner, I will never be shaken.

A Spring Prayer of Petition and Blessing adapted from Psalm 24, 60 & 61

Apr1

Jehovah-Gador Milchamah–The Lord powerful in war.

Lift up your heads, O gates. Lift them up, O doors that last forever, and the King of shining greatness will come in. Who is the King of shining greatness? The Lord of All. He is the King of shining greatness; One Who is mighty in battle.

Lord, this earth is Yours, and all that is in it, the world and all who live in it. For You have built it upon the seas. You have set it in the valleys where rivers flow and on the mountains where Your shining greatness is displayed. And who may stand in Your holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart. The one who has not lifted up their soul to what is not true and has not made false promises. I will receive what is good from You, Lord, for what is right and good only comes from the One Who saves me.

 I will look for Your face, O God of Jacob. In Your shining greatness will I experience your strength and power. You are mighty in battle. Heal me and turn me toward You.  It is You who has made the land shake and have torn it open. Heal it where it is broken, for it shakes. I also have suffered hard things.  Save me with Your right hand and answer me so that I may be set free.

Hear my cry, O God. Listen to my prayer. I call to You from the end of the earth when my heart is weak. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

For You have been a safe place for me, a tower of strength where I am safe from those who fight against me. Let me live in Your tent forever. Let me be safe under the covering of Your wings. For You have heard my promises, O God. You have given me that which You give to those who fear Your name. Add days to my life so that I may sing thanks to Your name forever and keep my promises day by day.

Hear my cry, O God. Listen to my prayer. I call to You from the end of the earth when my heart is weak. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

COMMUNITY: Lesson 8 Bonus Content

Feb22

The Great Commission

“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16: 15Public domain image, royalty free stock photo from www.public-domain-image.com

Meanwhile, the eleven disciples were on their way to Galilee, headed for the mountain Jesus had set for their reunion. The moment they saw him they worshiped him. Some, though, held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally. Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age. Matthew 28:16-20

Your career and community service can be your outreach or mission field that will give you a platform to put your faith foundation into action. Having a job affords you room to challenge yourself, to exercise your God-given talents, and to share God’s love.  The commitment to community is the third step in building the foundation that leads to a life of excellence.

Scripture Memorization

“Love your neighbor”

As a woman of faith, community should matter to you.  Jesus said to the scribes in the passage of Mark 12: 28-34, “The first of all the commandments is: Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is one.  And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: you shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.” Why should community matter to you? Because Jesus said there is no other commandment greater than loving the Lord your God and loving your neighbor. In obedience to our heavenly Father, we are compelled to love others. And so this is why we serve in our community.

The Study

Complete pages 43-44 in Excellence with Simple Elegance: The Study.  The Study (workbook)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Become a mentor page 45 in The Study.

“God did not call us to have lots of friends, but to be a friend” Dr. Bill Anderson

As a mentor and a life coach for 20 years, I am totally convinced that we can positively affect our community one person at a time.  We  must first realize our need to have a lifestyle that reflects the excellence of God. We must actually live out our faith putting God first in all areas of our life. It is imperative that the actions of life model the words spoken.

“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.”
―    Mother Teresa

Mentoring is defined in the Merriam-Webster as “a trusted counselor or guide”.  A mentor is a coach, a tutor, or an advisor. One who speaks encouragement and wisdom to the one being mentored.  A mentor is an individual, usually older, always more experienced, who helps and guides another individual’s development. This guidance is not done for personal gain. To mentor, you must be sincerely interested in someone else’s growth assisting in goals setting and holding them accountable.

Be mentored page 45 in The Study,

Women’s ways of mentoring in the business world call it “wo-mentoring”.  It is a refreshing new approach that’s more about commitment and learning.  Women’s mentoring is about personal growth and development. You should pair with someone who, by her very nature, will challenge you.

New Rule of Mentoring: Everyone needs mentors. The old school taught that mentoring was for the young. The new style adamantly rejects such an antiquated notion.

The most important lesson that the women’s approach to mentoring has to teach: It’s not about a mentoring relationship. It’s about a mentoring mentality. You don’t need a single mentor. God can use different mentors during a lifetime. What you need is a mind-set that allows you to learn from those around you. My husband’s saying is “you are the average of the people you hang with” so with that in mind choose mentors who will challenge you, who are passionate about life, and foremost women who are in pursuit of living God’s way.

Please let me know your progress. I want to hear your stories. Take time to comment on this blog site.

Our pursuit of excellence demands that we have a routine of sharing our faith.  We have been called to share the biblical truth  about eternity with those we love. It is wonderful that we have the certainty of heaven but how much more joy we would experience  knowing that we are taking our family and friends.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…” Matthew 28:19

I believe we are not bold when it comes to sharing the Good News, the plan of salvation. Why? Is it a possibility that we truly don’t believe that hell is for real or that a loving God would condemn good people to a life of eternal damnation. And if there is hell, an eternal separation from God, then it must only be a mere annoyance and mild displeasure. It certainly cannot be fire!

“And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire” Rev 20:15

When we truly understand the nature of the Holiness of God, we then will understand how unrighteousness and unrepentant violates His Holiness, insults His justice and be littles His grace. Jonathan Edwards is known for the most famous sermon preached in America titled, ‘Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God’. In that sermon he says,” almost every natural man who hears of hell, flatters himself that he shall escape it; he depends upon himself for his own security; he flatters himself in what he has done, in what he is doing, or what he intends to do. Every one lays out matters in his own mind how he shall avoid damnation, and flatters himself that he contrives well for himself, and that his schemes will not fail.” God’s wrath is divine, fierce and everlasting. But God provided a way to escape His wrath by way of the cross.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9.

In your pursuit of excellence, make a routine that includes sharing this good news with your community.  Women of faith your community’s eternal fate should matter because Heaven is real and so is Hell.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16  
 

Promise

” His love never fails”

Blessing 

“Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out.”                                                                                                                                                                                                               

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MARRIAGE: Lesson 7 Bonus Content

Feb21

 SERVE EACH OTHER IN MARRIAGE   A husband and wife who walk in love, unity and mutual respect for each other is God’s intentional design for marriage.

Scripture Memorization

Ephesians 5:22 NIV

“Wives, submit to your own husbands as to the LORD.”

The Study

Submission?

When I think of submission to my husband, I view it as a journey of joy and privilege. I choose every day to walk beside him and  support his many endeavors. This walk with my husband has been filled with wonderful adventures but also challenges. With each challenge we continue to face head on together.  I am mindful with every step that we are ‘One’  and  thankful for the man I chose 47 years ago  to walk beside. Submitting is truly bending down to raise up with the utmost respect .

 1 Corinthians 13       The Way of Love    The Message

If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don’t love, I’m nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate. 2If I speak God’s Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, “Jump,” and it jumps, but I don’t love, I’m nothing. If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.    Love never gives up.    Love cares more for others than for self.    Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.    Love doesn’t strut,    Doesn’t have a swelled head,    Doesn’t force itself on others,    Isn’t always “me first,”    Doesn’t fly off the handle,    Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,    Doesn’t revel when others grovel,    Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,    Puts up with anything,    Trusts God always,    Always looks for the best,    Never looks back,    But keeps going to the end.8-10Love never dies. Inspired speech will be over some day; praying in tongues will end; understanding will reach its limit. We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled.When I was an infant at my mother’s breast, I gurgled and cooed like any infant. When I grew up, I left those infant ways for good. We don’t yet see things clearly. We’re squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won’t be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We’ll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us! But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.

Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies. Philippians 4:8 (MSG)

A close friend, a single woman, said to me not long ago, “if it were not for you and your husband, I would not believe that a faithful loving marriage was possible.” Your relationship with your spouse is a testimony to others of the goodness of God and His faithfulness. A faithful loving marriage is possible for you when we are obedient to His guidance.  Proverbs 3:6 In everything you do put God first… The heart of submission is filled with love and respect that only God can provide. It is the power of the Holy Spirit within you that gives strength and courage to persevere through challenging chaotic moments in a marriage. Ephesians 5:21 says, Out of respect for Christ, be courteously reverent to one another. And after 45 years of married life, I can attest that it is a workout! Marriage isn’t easy, but NEVER GIVE UP! Stay the course of excellence in your marriage relationship. It is never too late to develop these attributes of unconditional love and respect in your marriage. Be committed, be loving, be respectful, but most of all be faithful renewing your mind to whatever is true, whatever is respected, whatever is right, whatever is pure.  God, who makes everything work together, will work into your marriage His most excellent harmonies.

THE STUDY

Excellence with Simple EleganceComplete pages 39-41 in Excellence with Simple Elegance THE STUDY  

READ Ephesians 5: 18-21.

To serve each other in marriage is a foreign word in today’s world. But let’s consider what is means to submit.  The wonderful truth to submission is found in vs. 21 “submitting to one another“. This means it is both ways. The husband and wife lovingly desires to serve, to lift up, and to fulfill each others’ longings. They are willing to set aside their immediate needs, preferences and comforts in humble sacrifice for each other.  A mark of a marriage that’s filled with the Spirit there is mutual submission.  The key to the act of submitting is stated in vs. 18  “be filled with Spirit“. When you are filled with His Spirit you are changed and you give from the heart.

Incorporate the following 8 disciplines of love in your marriage relationship

couple0301.Respect your husband.  A man’s greatest need in this world is to be respected, and the person he desires that respect from the most is his wife. The trap that we’ve all been ensnared by is that they only deserve our respect when they earn it. Yes, we want our husbands to make decisions that will ultimately garner our respect, but the truth is that your husband is a human being. A human being who makes mistakes. This is the man that YOU have chosen to walk alongside you for the rest of your life, and to lead your family and he needs to be respected for that quality alone.
2.Guard your heart.  The grass is not greener on the other side. Guard your heart from things and people that will try to convince you that your life or your husband is not good enough. There will always be bigger, faster, stronger, or shinier – but you’ll never be satisfied with more until you’re fulfilled with what you have now. Live the life you have been blessed with and be thankful.
3.God, husband, children…in that order. My faith is of utmost importance, so God comes first in my life no matter what. Because of your faith foundation, your husband should come before your children. You cannot effectively parent your children if your marriage is falling apart. There will also come a time when your children leave the house to pursue their dreams as adults. If you have not cultivated a lasting relationship with your spouse, you will have both empty nests and empty hearts.
4.Forgive.  No one is perfect. Everyone makes mistakes. Forgiveness is a decision that you make daily for major mistakes to little annoyances.
5.Communicate. Talk to him about everything. He is your best friend and always speak highly of him.
6.Schedule a regular date night. Be lovers.
7.Never say the “D Word”. Plain and simple, threatening divorce is not fighting fair.
8. Choose to love. Marriage is a commitment. In sickness and health, in good times and in bad. Those vows are sacred.  “In good times and in bad”, implying that there will be bad times. It’s inevitable. So choose to love anyway. Your husband is worth it.

 A faithful loving marriage is possible for you, but obedience to Proverbs 3:6 is key, “In everything you do put God first…”

The heart of submission is  filled with love and respect that only God can provide. It is the power of the Holy Spirit within you that gives strength and courage to persevere through challenging chaotic moments in a marriage.  Ephesians 5:21 says “Out of respect for Christ, be courteously reverent to one another.” And as this lesson’s memory verse says,  we submit to our husbands as to the LORD.   After 40 years of married life, I can attest that it is a workout! Marriage isn’t easy, but NEVER GIVE UP!  It is never too late to develop these attributes in your marriage. Stay the course of excellence in your marriage relationship. Be faithful, be loving, be respectful, be humble and most of all be committed. And your reward will be God’s richest blessings on your marriage.                                 

                 

               PROMISE     

“the two shall become one flesh”                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                BLESSING

“May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.

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FAMILY: Lesson 6 Bonus Content

Jan17

BLESSING THE FAMILY

Heavenly Father, we pray that the blessing spoken to our family will be an outpouring of love from the heart that truly adores You. May the blessing of our loving touch be a blessing to our children and  to Your glory. In Jesus name, Amen.                                         

“He has blessed your children” Psalm 147:13                                                                         “Train up a child in the way he should go, when he is old he will not depart from it” Proverbs 22:6

A sincere commitment to make your family the first priority above all human relationships is the second step in building the foundation that leads to a life of excellence. Commitment is an agreement or a pledge to do something in the future. It is a state of being obligated or emotionally impelled. (Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary)10476045_10152618983616532_3411331249855560867_o

“There’s a difference between interest and commitment. When you’re interested in doing something, you do it only when it’s convenient. When you’re committed to something, you accept no excuses, only results.” Kenneth Blanchard

Scripture Memorization
“Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may be well with you in the land which the LORD your God is giving you.” Deuteronomy 5:16

The StudyThe Study (workbook)

Return to the story of Ruth. Note Ruth’s commitment to her mother-in-law, Naomi.  Ruth was emotionally impelled to meet the physical and emotional needs of Naomi. Note that  this commitment wasn’t convenient or easy. Identify the actions that demonstrated commitment.  Also identify the sacrifice endured by this princess from Moab that led to results of divine blessing and favor.
Complete pages 33-34  (workbook). 

BLESSING OUR CHILDREN

Blessing our children is as vital in today’s world as it was in biblical times. As women of faith and  excellence, the commitment to passing on the blessing to our family must be a priority. Throughout the Bible, we find evidence that the God of Israel was a God of blessing. The words bless or blessing is found in scripture 700 times. The people of the Bible needed and desired the grace, mercy, power, and encouragement that could be poured into their lives through God’s blessing.

What is a blessing?

The Old Testament word for blessing is berakah.  Berakah was the endowment of the power of God’s goodness and favor. The blessing was delivered through a spoken word and often laying hands on the one being blessed. The spoken blessing was commonly spoken by fathers to their children. In the New Testament, the word “bless” is the Greek verb eulogeo  which we get our word eulogy. It means “to speak well of” or “to praise”. (New International Exhaustive Concordance)

Why should we embrace the act of blessing?

As parents, our ultimate goal is to help our children know and love God with all their heart. What better way than to help our children experience God by giving them a daily concrete encounter with His power and favor by laying hands on them and speaking a blessing. Secondly, the blessings brings security. The blessing has the ability to convey God’s love to children by our parental attention. Children desperately need our undivided attention. Thirdly, the act of blessing creates an atmosphere of openness and honesty. And lastly, when we continue to bless our children especially through difficult times in their life, it demonstrates to them an element of faith that they might never see otherwise. This steady, unwavering demonstration of confidence in what they’ll become helps them mature in accordance with those positive expectations.

In Mark 10:13-16, Jesus blesses the children.  This story allows us to know the depths of Jesus’ concern for children and clearly demonstrates to us how we are to treat our children.  Read this account in Mark 10.

How to bless  your children.

Identify and use  the five key components to bless your child.  Choose the time of day in which you will routinely bless your child. Mornings were perfect for me and my husband chose bedtime. Refer to p 54 in Excellence with Simple Elegance.  These elements are the tool to bless and to enhance the way you communicate love and acceptance to your children. Make a  commitment to bless daily.

Numbers 6:24-25 “The Lord bless you, and keep you. The Lord make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you; The Lord life up His countenance on you, And give you peace.”     This is the priestly blessing the Lord gave to Moses for Aaron and his sons to bless the children of Israel.  All Christian parents say “Yes” to the idea of showing God’s goodness to their children. Yet we are keenly aware of our failures to help them love God as we ought to love Him.  So where are we going to go with that sense of failure? We must not go to guilt, but go to God for the grace to love Him as we should and as well as to show God’s goodness to our children. Begin using this written blessing to speak over your children nightly.  Also explain to your children what a blessing is and why you are choosing to speak a blessing over them beginning tonight.

Complete pages 35-37  (workbook)

Deuteronomy 6:5-7 “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.”

The Deuteronomy text is definitely for those who are serious about passing the blessings of God to their family. God calls us to frame the entire day with talking to our children about the ways of God. Obviously, presenting God’s glory and goodness to our children is an essential part of our calling as parents. If God’s power, mercy, and grace has not melted your heart, shaping in you a profound love for Him, it will be difficult to impress His glory on your children. God’s Word must be precious to you for it to be important to your children.

Passing the blessing to your children begins with being dazzled by God and His truths  filling your heart.  God’s goodness and love must fascinate you so much so that it’s the very pulse of your heart. So these elements of meaningful touch and kind words will be expressed to fully meet the need of the one to which you are bestowing the blessing. These acts of selflessness are expressed from a servant’s heart that truly comes from loving God. Simply living and blessing your children daily will impress upon them the excellence of God’s ways.

A mother’s devotion & prayer to her children
“To my grown children, you awoke a part of me I did not know existed, you are the greatest gift given to me by God.
I gave you life, but I cannot live it for you. • I can teach you things, but I cannot make you learn. • I can give you directions, but I cannot always be there to lead you. • I can take you to church, but I cannot make you believe. • I can teach you right from wrong, but I can’t always decide for you. • I can offer you advice, but I cannot accept it for you. • I can teach you to share, but I cannot make you unselfish. • I can advise you about friends, but I cannot choose them for you. • I can tell you about lofty goals, but I can’t achieve them for you. • I can teach you about kindness, but I can’t force you to be gracious. • I can warn you about sins, but I cannot make your morals. • I can love you as a child, but I cannot place you in God’s Family. • I can pray for you, but I cannot make you walk with God. • I can teach you about Jesus, but I cannot make Him your Savior. • I can teach you to obey but I cannot make Jesus Your Lord. • I can teach you how to live, but cannot give you Eternal Life.”
I love you, mom                     SmileFMquote

Promise

“Train up a child…he will not depart from it”

Blessing

Excellence with Simple Elegance

“I will pour out My Spirit on your children and bring good to your children’s children.”                                                                                     

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