Our Amazing Artist!

On of GGF Bible study 9/30, Patti brought over two of her awesome palm frond painted creations, one as a birthday gift to Kim, the other made for Roxanne.  Patti has made over 60 of these now, and they're all incredible.  She is SO talented, and we are all so happy she has found her creative niche.  God has blessed us all with different gifts, and we strive to bring glory to His name through those talents.

Stauros Ladies Retreat

We arrived in Maryland on Friday, September 10th ... 6 Florida ladies ready to renew our minds at a retreat in the mountains ... and what a renewal it was! Peggy picked us up at the airport and the adventure began. We drove to meet Rock & Margie for a delightful dinner at a local cafe. We spent some time reminiscing and getting to know our Northern "ya ya sistas" (and Rock). When we arrived at Margie's beautiful home, it paled in comparisome as her gracious gift of hospitality took over and she made us feel so welcome and comfortable in her home.

After a great night's sleep wrapped up in comforters against the cool night air (somewhere in the low 50's), we lounged around in our pajamas for a while, had breakfast and then walked to the cabin, Elim House, where we had an impromtu time of group prayer as we felt led by the Spirit. Next we took off for a tour of local, historical Harper's Ferry. We shopped (YEAH, LORRAINE), took tons of pictures, ate ice cream (YEAH, PUMPKIN PEGGY), and walked UP alot of hills.

By the time we arrived back at Margie's the other ladies were beginning to arrive. We were joined by the lovely new addition to our group, Maria, and the fun continued. We met so many new friends as the group grew to 22 "ya ya sistas". After a wonderful dinner that included a 50 pound pan of lasagna ;-) , cornbread salad, and every desert you could possibly imaginge, we gathered for the teaching of God's Word. Amy led us in a study titled "It Is An Honor Knowing Christ Through You" which took us on a journey beginning with her old friend "Spurgie" and the cook, incorporating the poor widow and her humble offering, and reminding us how we are constantly influencing the people in our relationships, our friendships, and our children. Amy challenged us as she led us through a thought provoking and very interactive study of the Truth of God's Word and our responsibility to share the Gospel with others; to plant and water the seeds, while being mindful of God's grace in remembering that God alone has the power to change a heart of stone to a heart of flesh. Great job Amy! After the study, we had more desert, coffee and fellowship. After saying goodbyes to the ladies who couldn't stay for the rest of the weekend, we gathered together to watch a Choundra Pierce DVD, then headed off for another night sleeping with a comforter wrapped around us to keep the chill off. Me and Maria and Peggy got to sleep in the cabin, Elim House with our guard dog Jack to keep us safe!

Sunday morning was a little lazy, followed by a Devotion time, Craft time and a wonderful lunch of delicious home made Panini's from "Margie & Amy's Cafe" ;-) Next comes the bittersweet goodbyes as the day came to a close, and it was time to travel back to the airport and back to reality. Special thanks to Margie for her hospitality, Peggy for her transportation, Amy for her wonderful Bible study and to all our Northern Sistas for making our retreat such a fun and inspirational time of renewal and fellowship. Until next year.....God's special blessings to all.

Proverbs 31 for today - this spoke VOLUMES to me

Beauty Wounds 11 Aug 2010 Shari Braendel "God heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds." Psalm 147:3 (NIV) A few girlfriends recently confided to me about past wounds that still hurt. One sweet friend shared how she has worked for over 20 years to heal from the wounds inflicted by harsh words. "My mother always thought I was too heavy and called me her elephant. She was constantly making comparisons between my much smaller sister and me. She even went so far as to accuse me of being bulimic, which was a crushing blow to a 13-year old girl." My other friend confided, "My mom's friend asked me what it was like to have a sister who was so pretty and then said how difficult it must be growing up with her, so beautiful and tiny, and me not being that way. I wa sn't fat; it's just we are built completely different. I remember being surprised that someone would actually say that to me and wondered WHY she would say it. That one comment defined me for many years and still hurts when I think about it today." Beauty wounds. Every single one of us has them. Some inflict deep pain and others prove to be a little nasty pinch that bothers us from time to time; regardless, all of them hurt. There are many things that need to take place in order to heal our innermost being and assure we don't get caught in the habit of repeating this behavior with those we love or even those we don't know well. It is important to extend grace and forgiveness to those who have wounded us. I know this can be easier said than done, but through Christ it is possible. Often the one who brought us pain has no idea the heartache they have caused. I often wonder whom I could have hurt without meaning to, and I hope and pray they forgive me for my thou ghtless actions. The Bible tells us words are powerful, but so are our thoughts. We often give too much value to the destructive dialogue that runs in our head from past wounds. We listen to the hurtful thoughts that play over and over like a broken record. The moment these thoughts pop up, we need to put an end to them by taking them captive. We need to immediately replace the wounded thinking with something more powerful and loving. One thing that has helped me is to have scripture verses ready in my mind to shut down those damaging head games. For instance, when a critical thought about my beauty or my weight comes into my mind, I try to realize it and immediately say, "The king is enthralled by [my] beauty" (Psalm 45:11,NIV). I want to encourage you to not allow your heart to dwell on ugly thoughts. God is a big God and He's crazy about you. You are a treasure to Him. He did not make a mistake when He created you! I pray you will believe and stand on that tru th my friend. For if I know one thing for sure, it is that Jesus came to heal the brokenhearted and bind up every one of our wounds, including our beauty wounds. Dear God, I know You see the deepest places of my heart and know the lies and words that continue to haunt me and hurt me. Will You take that hurt away, please? Heal me and help me to accept and understand that You didn't make a mistake with me. You made me perfectly wonderful. In Jesus' Name, Amen. Related Resources: Enter a national makeover contest with Shari Braendel! Multiple winners will be chosen for additional give-aways including a $500 Visa gift card, a Skype fashion session with Shari, a webcam and more! Find out more at www.fashionmeetsfaith.com/contest . Good Girls Don't Have to Dress Bad by Shari Braendel Visit Shari's blog for more encouragement and some fun fashion tips. Do you know the One who calls you Beautiful? Applicati on Steps: 1. Print out Psalm 139:13-14 and post it on your mirror. Let it be a daily reminder that you belong to God. Read it every day until that is what you hear inside your heart and mind. 2. Pray and ask God to help you forgive those who have inflicted pain upon you. 3. Choose this day to begin the healing process. Reflections: Would you want to be granted the forgiveness that another may need from you if you were in the same situation? Is there a time you can remember being forgiven whether you deserved it or not? There is freedom in forgiveness that touches all parties involved. Power Verses: Genesis 1:27, "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. (NIV) 2 Corinthians 3:9, "I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters," says the Lord Almighty." (NIV) Psalm 13 9:13-14, "For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother's womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well." (NASB) © 2010 by Shari Braendel. All rights reserved. You have signed up to receive this daily devotional email. You are subscribed as: pamelatyre@att.net To immediately stop receiving these emails, click here Proverbs 31 Ministries 616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Matthews, NC 28105 877-P31-HOME (877-731-4663)

Words - A poem from Kim

A careless word may kindle strife;
A cruel word may wreck a life.
A bitter word may hate instill;
A brutal work may smith and kill.
A gracious word may smooth the way;
A joyous word may light the day.
A timely word may lessen stress;
A loving word may heal and bless.

centerpiece

The beautiful table

Lunch and Bible Study at Roxanne's 7.30.10

What a beautiful luncheon we had today at Roxanne's :-)  She set the bar very high with a gorgeous table including a centerpiece figurine of Christ carrying the cross, and linen napkins (this is over the top for our group!).  Her promised fried chicken lived up to it's heard about reputation, with delicious side dishes, and fresh watermelon for dessert (courtesy of Kim).  Dutch was such a sweetheart, taking care of all the clean-up (now maybe there was a small ulterior motive of stashing away the left-over chicken, but he's still one good man to wash up all those dirty dishes!).  Afterwards, Kim led the Bible study called "Be careful little tongue what you say",  based on James 3:1-12.  It was a great lesson on how powerful our words can be, both good and bad, and how we can't control it without God's help.  There are many, many references to the tongue in the Bible, like Matt. 12:14, where Jesus says "For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks".  We discussed gossip, harsh criticism, name calling and brow beating as ways we've experienced the power of words in our lives and in the lives of others.  Jean offered up a good guideline for discernment in our words.  Ask these questions BEFORE you speak:  Is it true?  Is it necessary?  Is it kind?  Good advice for keeping our tongues tamed!  It was a great time, and we all can't get over how much we love our friendships...God has blessed us all, even in the midst of difficulties and trials.

Pam, I cannot believe this...another "God"incident!!! Earlier tonight I typed a pretty long comment to leave on your blog, "Where has July gone". I wanted to tell you what an inspiration you are to me! I had not seen this Post.
I wrote: God often allows our hearts to be broken so that He can beautify our souls. "Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word. It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees." Ps.119:67&71. (Beautiful words from David, "a man after God's Heart!"
Sometimes our afflictions can mean other "things" we have done or committed. I love to think that God allows these things to happen to us because He loves us and wants to draw us closer to Him.
When I went to Post...I had forgotten my password...so I lost everything. After I recv'd. my new password I began to read the older posts and I found this one you had written earlier!!!!
SAME SCRIPTURE...isn't it awesome when that happens???
Love you,Jean

Where has July gone?

Wow...I can't believe it's already late July.  The time has just flown by, with everyone busy and so many events taking place.  Please keep up your prayers for Lorraine after her knee surgery, and for Darlene, who is still in the hospital with a blood infection.  Praise God she lived through that awful ordeal.  We love both these ladies so much.  Jean, Patty and Maria (am I forgetting anyone?) had our Bible Study last week with Lorraine in rehab, which was so special.  I know she felt God's love through you all.  Kim's son, Colin, broke his arm pretty badly last week, so we're praying for their family.  Mom is back to her sweet self after some of her medications sent her into personality trauma!  I'm so blessed it wasn't the big A (Alzheimer's), thank you Lord.  Outings, parties, company and lots of work for me (another thank you, Lord) have kept me running this month, but I'm not complaining.   What a blessed life God has given me in this past year, and I thank Him every day.  I hung on to Jeremiah 29:11 for 3 years, and boy, has He ever come through with His promises big time!  I know there will be tough times ahead (there always are, and God will be there for me when that happens), but for now, I'm blessed beyond my wildest dreams!

My dear friends....

Thank you all so much for praying over me last Friday after our Bible study.  I can't express how much it means to have friends like you with whom I can share my deepest fears and failures, and whose prayers for me bring me to tears of gratitude, appreciation and humility.  I still don't know the final outcome, but know that God loves me and I pray for acceptance of God's will in my life, whatever that may be.  I love you all.

Your sister in Christ,
Pam

I know this to be true....

I was never changed so much than through those tough 3 years.....

June 30, 2010
It Is Good to Be Afflicted
Psalm 119:71-76

David rejoiced in affliction because trials added to his knowledge of God. Lessons in the Lord's constancy, grace, and provision were more valuable to him than a sack of money. Moreover, David's heart and spirit were enriched as well.

Affliction acts as spiritual fertilizer on a believer's faith. David's radical pursuit of the Lord developed while he was running from a murderous king. The years between his victory over Goliath and his ascension to the throne were physically demanding and emotionally draining. Yet the challenges molded the future king into a wise leader, a cunning warrior, and a humble servant of God.

David's psalms reveal that his struggles taught him dependence on God (Ps. 4), perseverance (Ps. 13), and many other valuable spiritual traits. The Lord also provided comfort even as He stretched the warrior-poet's faith (Ps. 86:17). As God intended, David's words offer solace to others who must walk through misery.

By means of affliction, God molds His children into comfort carriers (2 Cor. 1:4). The message we offer is the one we learned in our trials: God is enough. He is sufficient to meet needs when the pit is deep, the obstacle high, or the suffering prolonged. Moreover, our own life proves that hardship makes Christians stronger and wiser.

Second Corinthians 2:14 tells us that believers are a sweet aroma on the earth. Those whom God leads to triumph over affliction become the fragrance of His care to a hurting world. We carry cheer to the discouraged, relief to the hurting, and the message of Christ's love to all.

He promises.....

I've been put under some financial pressures recently, family responsibilities I need to step up on.  The latest came about last Thurs., and I won't go into details, but just say it's a sizable monthly sum for me.  My big job for last week feel short by half, and there was nothing new on the horizon to bring in the extra cash.  I do trust God to provide, but will admit I was somewhat stressed.  Can you see where this is leading?  Over the past few days, God has blessed me BIG with new jobs.  Once again, I am in awe of His mighty power and provision in my life.  He comes through every time, just like He promises in His Word.  He tells us He will never leave us or forsake us, that we're not to worry about tomorrow, that if He clothes the lillies and feeds the sparrows, how much more will He see to our needs?  He tells us not to be afraid, because He's walking with us.  On and on.  Thank you, Father, for loving even someone like me....

revelations bible study

Hey everyone....going to try another post WITH my name this time! This blogging still mystifies me!!! God is my refuge and I do not fear! My Lord is with me ALWAYS......I am loving this study of Revelations....this is the third time I have studied it and I STILL continue to learn more each time. Roxanne

Does Revelations Scare You?

Pastor Brian's 1st lesson in his summer bible study on the Book of Revelations was awesome.  I spoke with several people afterwards (not from our group), who say that this is very frightening and scary.  I didn't react that way, and wonder about ya'll's reaction.

Are you ready for a REVALATION?

Is everyone getting ready the Revelations bible study starting tomorrow night?  I'm excited about it, and looking forward to seeing everyone for pizza first in the fellowship hall 6:15-6:30.  Remember to call Kim and let her know if you're in on the pizza, so she can bring enough.  Should only cost us each a couple of bucks each...that's my kinda party :-)   See you tomorrow!

6/11 Bible Study

Hi Ladies :-)  We had a wonderful Bible study yesterday at Jeans, where she prepared a lesson on the book of Ruth.  We're making our way through the old testament, and Ruth's story is especially tender.  She was so devoted to Naomi, her mother-in-law, that she would not leave her to go back to her own people after the death of Naomi's husband and both sons, saying "wherever you go, I go, wherever you stay, I will stay, your people will be my people, your God will be my God" (Ruth 1:15)  She obeyed her other-in-laws instructions about Boaz, her kinsman-redeemer, in faith, because she knew Naomi was a woman of God, who had a perfect plan for these two women.  I wish I had a man like Boaz, his qualities of integrity and kindness and seeing the needs of the women, acted without being asked.  But, that's another story.... ;-)  Through Boaz, Ruth became a member of Jesus' family line.  Jean researched some interesting facts that pull things together for us.  Rahab (the prostitute who saved the Israelite spies from the authorities in Jericho in the book of Joshua, and who's family was saved for her deed) was the mother of Boaz!  We learned that Ruth was the only virtuous woman in Jesus' family line, and that the name Ruth means friendship.  Patty's mother's name was Ruth :-)  Jean, your lesson was great; thanks for the time you spent preparing for it.  

     We also agreed to put together a prayer list, and I'll be e-mailing that to everyone.  We also talked about possibly selling Krispy Kreme donuts to help raise money for some of us to attend the Stauros Women's Retreat in MD, which is hopefully getting changed to September.  Jean, Kim and I brainstormed that after the Bible Study, and I will be checking out how much and where we can get the donuts, and we thought it might be fun to do one Friday morning before our Bible Study, possibly going out in teams to local businesses and such and make a little competition out of it.  Hey, what do ya'll think?  Are you up for it?  Any suggestions?

     Last but not least is the Wed. night series on the book of Revelations that Paster Herrington is doing for the next 9 weeks at First Baptist of PSL (Kim, Roxanne and I attend there).  It's a 9 week course, and promises to be very 'revealing'!   We're all excited about it, and hope everyone will join us starting this Wed. 6/ 16 around 6:15-6:30 pm at the church fellowship hall for pizza before the study, which starts at 7 pm and is one hour long.  I'm pretty sure there's childcare, but you may want to verify with the church.  Please confirm with Kim if you'll be there, as she's picking up the pizza and needs to know how much to get.  We'll all chip in and share the cost of the pizza.  There's a soda machine at the church, or you can bring whatever you want to drink.  Coffee is provided starting 7 pm.

     Wow, we've got a lot going on for a little bunch of God's Girls Fridays!  Our group is a blessing to all of us, and we give the glory to our Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  Amen?  Amen!

thank you

Thank you Pam for your wonderful hosting for our group yesterday. That chicken salad is out of this world!!!....and of course that pie was DELICIOUS! "Butch" loved the pie and said thank you for it. ;-) and....Kim your lesson on Judges was ever so good and interesting. I am like Pam, I have never know the books of the bible and I am sure learning a lot. We have a wonderful loving group of women and may God continue to bless our group as we grow in His word! Love you girls!

Healing for Inferiority from Dr. Charles Stanley

Not only does God know about our feelings of inferiority, His Living Word tells us how to get over them!Dr. Charles Stanley - InTouch Ministries
June 5, 2010
Healing for Inferiority
Ephesians 3:14-21

The world bombards us with messages that nourish feelings of inferiority. Happiness and satisfaction are promised if we will only drive the latest car, wear the newest styles, or build up those muscles while losing unsightly pounds. If we do not guard against the onslaught of commercialism, it will drive the truth of God from our minds, and we will pursue a fruitless search for adequacy and value.

So often we look at externals to prove to ourselves and others that we're valuable. Or we think, If only I were better-looking, richer, or smarter, I would be accepted and esteemed. It's not wise to let others' opinions and standards determine our feelings about ourselves; the only accurate assessment of our worth comes from looking into the eyes of the One who loved us enough to die in our place.

Paul told his readers that true significance comes from knowing and understanding the full dimensions of God's love for them. This knowledge is our anchor when feelings of worthlessness overwhelm or failures tempt us to berate ourselves and withdraw in defeat. Notice that the Lord doesn't say He'll give us all the qualities and possessions we think will overcome our sense of inferiority. Instead, He promises to strengthen us "in the inner man" (v. 16).

"God is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think" (v. 20), but His method is to work from the inside out, "according to the power that works within us." If you struggle with feelings of inferiority, ask God to heal your soul by doing a great work within.

Discount Fundraising Card for Church & Faith-Groups Fundraising Programs | Samaritan Fundraising Card

This Fundraising Item just happened to come up on my computer and I thought it may be interesting for our ideas today at the luncheon so I have ordered the kit.

Discount Fundraising Card for Church & Faith-Groups Fundraising Programs Samaritan Fundraising Card

Today was a wonderful Bible Study...great teaching on Judges, Kim!!! Super Friends, Delicious food!!! I love our Group!

Feeling Inferior....

Amazing how God addresses everything that can stand in our way......
InTouch Ministries by Dr. Charles Stanley
June 4, 2010
Feelings of Inferiority
Ephesians 2:10

Ephesians 2:10 (New American Standard Bible)

 ¹⁰For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

Early in my life, I experienced some feelings of inferiority. Because we struggled financially, my mom and I didn't live in the "right" places, and I didn't wear the "right" clothes. Even in school, I felt that I did not measure up academically to the other kids. The sense of failure and embarrassment at not being good enough was devastating to me.

The misery of inferiority is never what God intends for His children. Its seed usually takes root in the impressionable hearts of the young and thrives in an atmosphere of comparison. This kind of emotional baggage can have debilitating and enslaving ramifications in every area of life. Feelings of inadequacy may cause avoidance of healthy challenges; low self-esteem cripples personal relationships; and comparison steals contentment.

We need to understand how God sees us. Then, when feelings of inferiority come, we can cling to His accurate assessment rather than our own faulty one. He says we are His workmanship—His masterpieces. Each person is specially and uniquely designed by the Creator for His purpose. The differences that cause us to make comparisons and feel discouraged are the very qualities that the Lord "programmed" into us to bring Him glory.

Feelings of inferiority are a hindrance to becoming the people God designed us to be and fulfilling His purpose for our lives. When it comes to our value, we either accept the truth of His appraisal or decide not to believe Him and instead rely on our own feelings. What will your choice be?

group party

It was such a fun day for all.....everything from Dutch's delicious
bar-b-q and then the swimming and of course the wonderful fellowshipping. We missed you ladies who could not attend.....hopefully you can join us for our next gather. God bless all of you and have a very happy, blessed week!!!!

group party

Hi everyone. We are having so much fun at our Memorial day group party....will post more later. God bless

23rd Psalm Challenge

A little while back, I made this card for Lorraine, because it's her favorite verse.  On the other side, is her para-phrasal (is this a word?) of it;  Kim had done this exercise with her.  I'm issuing a challenge to each one of us to para-phrase this verse ourselves; replacing each verse with your own words, and I'll make a card for you specially, with your version on the back.  Just give me your version at our next Bible Study, or e-mail it to me.  I won't post your version of it anywhere, ever.  It's from God, using me, for you.  So, who's up for this?  Take the challenge!

I think I'm addicted to this blog!  Please, no intervention just yet :-)

Food for thought

Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." (NIV)


This is one of the verses I read from my Proverbs 31 devotional, and naturally, as with God's living Word, it gave me things to think about.   Check it out for the whole reading.


I also get a Daily Thought from AA and I thought this was profound and easy to remember.  


Alcohol gave me wings to fly, then it took away the sky.


Simply replace the word alcohol with whatever your addiction or stronghold was or is.   This tells me how sneaky and deceptive Satan can be, by tempting me with things that make me "feel good" or "fit in",  and then when I've taken the rope he extends, eventually I find myself with a noose around my neck.  But THE GOOD NEWS is with God on our side, we don't need Satan's rope.  Obedience is the answer for me. 


Even if nobody else reads this blog, I need to write it out.  

2 Corinthians 5:17

This is one of Kim's favorites, (oh, and p.s. it's 2 Corinthians 5:17) and has inspired and comforted me this past week.  Struggling with some financial responsibilities that will be difficult for me to fulfill, Satan immediately attacked the old me and my insecurities and feeling like a failure.  I cried, felt defeated and was wanting some relief from these feelings.  I used to choose booze, or shopping, or popping some pill to obliterate my feelings.  This time, God's Living Word came to my rescue, as I remembered that I'm NOT the old me, that I'm His beloved daughter, that He's on my side and will see me through these difficulties if I just TRUST Him on this.  I'm not worrying, but I am seeking work more aggressively, and some things are coming through.  Praise our Glorious Lord and His Mighty Power!  HE is my comfort and my security, my rock.  Amen.

Upcoming Bible Study, Friday, May 21, 2010

Just a note to let everyone know our study this week will be on the

Book of Joshua, a great General he was...the one that "fit the Battle of Jericho"! So many interesting stories lie beneath these battles and prove how much God loves His people...you and me!

Looking forward to seeing everyone on "GOD'S GIRLS FRIDAY!!!

God's Word is so precious to me, I have many favorites. Here are a couple:

Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Sometimes we think we know better than God, what is best for us or what path we should take. But we will only take the BEST path when we follow Him and let Him show us the way. Help us,Oh Lord, to seek You and Your path. Help us to trust You in all things.

2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."We are not who we once were. When we come to Christ, he changes us from the inside out. We become brand new. Don't let anyone define you by your past, or by who you used to be. You are now defined by who He says you are, His child.

Jeremiah 29:12-14a "Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the LORD, and I will bring you back from your captivity..." Do you ever feel trapped, in bondage? How do we break free? Seek the Lord with ALL YOUR HEART and He promises you will find Him. Cry out to Him in prayer and He will listen.

HAIRBRUSH EXPERIENCE OF BETH MOORE AT THE AIRPORT

For those of you who do not know Beth Moore, she is an outstanding Bible teacher, writer of Bible studies, and is a married mother of two daughters.This is one of her experiences:

April 20, 2005, at the Airport in Knoxville , waiting to board the plane, I had the Bible on my lap and was very intent upon what I was doing.. I'd had a marvelous morning with the Lord. I say this because I want to tell you it is a scary thing to have the Spirit of God really working in you.You could end up doing some things you never would have done otherwise. Life in the Spirit can be dangerous for a thousand reasons, not the least of which is your ego.I tried to keep from staring, but he was such a strange sight. Humped over in a wheelchair, he was skin and bones, dressed in clothes that obviously fit when he was at least twenty pounds heavier. His knees protruded from his trousers, and his shoulders looked like the coat hanger was still in his shirt. His hands looked like tangled masses of veins and bones.The strangest part of him was his hair and nails. Stringy, gray hair hung well over his shoulders and down part of his back. His fingernails were long, clean but strangely out of place on an old man.I looked down at my Bible as fast as I could, discomfort burning my face. As I tried to imagine what his story might have been, I found myself wondering if I'd just had a Howard Hughes sighting. Then, I remembered that he was dead. So this man in the airport... an impersonator maybe? Was a camera on us somewhere?

There I sat; trying to concentrate on the Word to keep from being concerned about a thin slice of humanity served up on a wheelchair only a few seats from me. All the while, my heart was growing more and more overwhelmed with a feeling for him.Let's admit it. Curiosity is a heap more comfortable than true concern, and suddenly I was awash with aching emotion for this bizarre-looking old man.I had walked with God long enough to see the handwriting on the wall. I've learned that when I begin to feel what God feels, something so contrary to my natural feelings, something dramatic is bound to happen. And it may be embarrassing.I immediately began to resist because I could feel God working on my spirit and I started arguing with God in my mind. 'Oh, no, God, please, no' I looked up at the ceiling as if I could stare straight through it into heaven and said, 'Don't make me witness to this man. Not right here and now. Please. I'll do anything. Put me on the same plane, but don't make me get up here and witness to this man in front of this gawking audience. Please, Lord!'There I sat in the blue vinyl chair begging His Highness, 'Please don't make me witness to this man. Not now. I'll do it on the plane.' Then I heard it...'I don't want you to witness to him. I want you to brush his hair.'The words were so clear, my heart leapt into my throat, and my thoughts spun like a top. Do I witness to the man or brush his hair? No-brainer. I looked straight back up at the ceiling and said, 'God, as I live and breathe, I want you to know I am ready to witness to this man. I'm on this Lord. I'm your girl! You've never seen a woman witness to a man faster in your life. What difference does it make if his hair is a mess if he is not redeemed? I am going to witness to this man.'Again, as clearly as I've ever heard an audible word, God seemed to write this statement across the wall of my mind. 'That is not what I said, Beth. I don't want you to witness to him. I want you to go brush his hair.'I looked up at God and quipped, 'I don't have a hairbrush. It's in my suitcase on the plane. How am I supposed to brush his hair without a hairbrush?'

God was so insistent that I almost involuntarily began to walk toward him as these thoughts came to me from God's word: 'I will thoroughly furnish you unto all good works.' (2 Timothy 3:17)I stumbled over to the wheelchair thinking I could use one myself. Even as I retell this story, my pulse quickens and I feel those same butterflies. I knelt down in front of the man and asked as demurely as possible, 'Sir, may I have the pleasure of brushing your hair?'He looked back at me and said, 'What did you say?''May I have the pleasure of brushing your hair?'To which he responded in volume ten, 'Little lady, if you expect me to hear you, you're going to have to talk louder than that.'At this point, I took a deep breath and blurted out, 'SIR, MAY I HAVE THE PLEASURE OF BRUSHING YOUR HAIR?' At which point every eye in the place darted right at me. I was the only thing in the room looking more peculiar than old Mr. Long Locks. Face crimson and forehead breaking out in a sweat, I watched him look up at me with absolute shock on his face, and say, 'If you really want to.'Are you kidding? Of course I didn't want to. But God didn't seem interested in my personal preference right about then. He pressed on my heart until I could utter the words, 'Yes, sir, I would be pleased. But I have one little problem. I don't have a hairbrush.''I have one in my bag,' he responded.I went around to the back of that wheelchair, and I got on my hands and knees and unzipped the stranger's old carry-on, hardly believing what I was doing. I stood up and started brushing the old man's hair. It was perfectly clean, but it was tangled and matted. I don't do many things well, but must admit I've had notable experience untangling knotted hair mothering two little girls. Like I'd done with either Amanda or Melissa in such a condition, I began brushing at the very bottom of the strands, remembering to take my time not to pull.

A miraculous thing happened to me as I started brushing that old man's hair. Everybody else in the room disappeared. There was no one alive for those moments except that old man and me. I brushed and I brushed and I brushed until every tangle was out of that hair. I know this sounds so strange, but I've never felt that kind of love for another soul in my entire life. I believe with all my heart, I - for that few minutes - felt a portion of the very love of God. That He had overtaken my heart for a little while like someone renting a room and making Himself at home for a short while.The emotions were so strong and so pure that I knew they had to be God's. His hair was finally as soft and smooth as an infant's.

I slipped the brush back in the bag and went around the chair to face him. I got back down on my knees, put my hands on his knee and said, 'Sir, do you know my Jesus?'He said, 'Yes, I do'Well, that figures, I thought.He explained, 'I've known Him since I married my bride. She wouldn't marry me until I got to know the Savior.' He said, 'You see, the problem is, I haven't seen my bride in months. I've had open-heart surgery, and she's been too ill to come see me. I was sitting here thinking to myself, what a mess I must be for my bride.'Only God knows how often He allows us to be part of a divine moment when we're completely unaware of the significance. This, on the other hand, was one of those rare encounters when I knew God had intervened in details only He could have known. It was a God moment, and I'll never forget it.Our time came to board, and we were not on the same plane. I was deeply ashamed of how I'd acted earlier and would have been so proud to have accompanied him on that aircraft.I still had a few minutes, and as I gathered my things to board, the airline hostess returned from the corridor, tears streaming down her cheeks She said, 'That old man's sitting on the plane, sobbing. Why did you do that? What made you do that?'I said, 'Do you know Jesus? He can be the bossiest thing!'And we got to share.

I learned something about God that day. He knows if you're exhausted, you're hungry, you're serving in the wrong place or it is time to move on but you feel too responsible to budge. He knows if you're hurting or feeling rejected. He knows if you're sick or drowning under a wave of temptation. Or He knows if you just need your hair brushed. He sees you as an individual. Tell Him your need!I got on my own flight, sobs choking my throat, wondering how many opportunities just like that one had I missed along the way... all because I didn't want people to think I was strange..God didn't send me to that old man. He sent that old man to me.Please share this wonderful story.'Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!

Beautiful Blog!!! Pam you never fail to amaze us with all your talents! I am so excited about our blog and so glad I am one of God's Girls Friday! My favorite Bible verse is Joshua 1:9, "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 whitersoever thou goest". Never forget that the world is in a Spiritual Warfare and we must not be afraid or ashamed to tell others about Jesus Christ. As we faithfully step out for Him, he will be with us in whatever we do or go through. I know this from experience and I love Him for all He has done for me and saved me from!
May 11, 2010 12:20 PM

Bible verse cards

This one is for Gay, made with love.  I'll have full book sets for those who don't have any, and individual cards for those who just need to add to theirs.  They're all laminated and cut out, so now I just need to put on the finishing touches.

OUR LUNCHEON IS FINALLY ON THE CALENDAR!

We've finally se a date (after talking about it for months!) for a lunch get together before our Bible study.  The date is Friday, June 4, 2010 at 12 pm at Pam's house.  I'm making my world famous (haha) chicken salad, and ya'll can bring the rest!  Kim and I have ideas for a few little games we can play, too (wink wink).  It'll be fun, like all our get togethers are.   I'll send out an e-mail to everyone with directions for those who don't have a GPS ;-)

5/14 Bible Study

Once again, we had a beautiful and uplifting study.  We used another Beth Moore book "Get Out of That Pit", which I had read while on 'vacation' a few years back.  We learned that a pit is that shadowy home of the heart, mind and soul, a place where we feel stuck.  We can get into the pit several ways:
    1.  You are thrown into it, without doing one thing to deserve it;  the death of a loved one, a husband walking out after years of marriage telling us he just doesn't love us anymore;  a circumstance that hurts us that is totally out of our control.
    2.  You slip into a pit, not meaning to, but we just weren't watching where we were going.  An innocent flirtation turns into something more; we 'borrow' money from work without asking, with every intention of paying it back, but somehow can't seem to.  Guilt and shame are beating us down, because we are the ones to blame.  The enemy uses this guilt to trap you into never getting out.
    3.  You jump into the pit;  knowing full well that it was wrong, even foolish, we jumped right in, because we like the trip.  You don't necessarily like the cost - but like all vacations - we think the trip is worth the expense.  It looks good, feels good, tasted good.
     The God News is THERE IS A WAY OUT of the pits.  
     Psalm 40:1-3 says "I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry,  He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet pon a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.  He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.  Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord."
     Psalm 94:18-19 says "If i should say "my foot has slipped", your loving kindness, O Lord, will hold me up.  When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul."
     Psalm 19:13 says :Keep your servant from willful sins; do not let them rule over me.  Then I will be innocent, and cleansed from blatant rebellion."
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Kim and Jean, if you would e-mail me copies of your lessons, I could post the document on out blog, so everyone can access them, even if they miss that week.  Or ya'll could post them, just let me know what you want to do.

Blessings to all my God's Girls Fridays, I love you all.
Pam

Sunlight Community Church ReNew Ministry

This is the new Goodwill type-donation ministry I told ya'll about last Friday. It's right off Peacock. They also said they will have a food bank, and will be helping people from our local community (Port St. Lucie), even helping people pay their bill. There's only one employee, the rest of the workers are volunteers, and their church covers all overhead expenses, all their profits go directly to those in need.

INSTEAD OF SHAME.....from Proverbs 31 Daily Devotional on line.

This is only part of their devotion I got today. Now you can see why I just love this web site. Sure gives me some things to think and pray about.

"Instead of their shame my people will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace they will rejoice in their inheritance; and so they will inherit a double portion in their land, and everlasting joy will be theirs." Isaiah 61:7 (NIV)

Application Steps:
Consider the years of your life you feel might have been wasted. Reread and memorize Isaiah 61:7, today's key verse. Cast away your shame and look for your double portion of inheritance. Rejoice in God's mercy and grace.

Reflections:
Do I feel I have lost my chance to use my spiritual gifts?

How can I begin to use my spiritual gifts to display God's mercy in my life?

Power Verses:
Joel 2:26, "You will have plenty to eat, until you are full, and you will praise the name of the Lord your God, who has worked wonders for you; never again will my people be shamed." (NIV)

Psalm 36:5, "Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies." (NIV)

Romans 11:29-30, "For God's gifts and his call are irrevocable. Just as you who were at one time disobedient to God have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience." (NIV)

Your Favorite Bible Verse

Please post your favorite Bible verse(s) and I'll make sure everyone has a card made especially for them.

Mine is Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

God has fulfilled these promises to me beyond anything I could have anticipated. I hung on to this promise through three of the worst years of my life, and continue every day.

Verses from 5/7 Bible Study

2 Timothy 3:6-7

6. They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over weak willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, 7. always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth. NIV

Matthew 6:27

Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? NIV

Ok, here we go ladies :-)

What a great bible study we had today, using Beth Moore's new book "So Long Insecurity". Most of us attended her simulcast in Vero back on 4/24 and just loved it! We read and discuss how giving away our security is a choice. We can be put down and humiliated, have our faults pointed out, feel sad or lonely, unattractive or unappreciated, yet still keep the security that God has promised us. And we know that our Lord always keeps His promises. We shared some of the thing we are insecure about, and were reminded of several scriptures, 2 Timothy 3:6-7 and Matthew 6:27. I'll post these later cause it's 12 am and I'm getting up tomorrow morning to go and wash windows! I need to rest up :-) Nighty nite **