Happy New Year! 2010! WOW! Ready or not, here it is.
I say, decree and declare, that we are ready, willing and fully surrendered to ALL that God has prepared for us to do, see, experience and receive. What do YOU say???
I say, decree and declare, that this is a NEW SEASON of greater grace experienced; greater faith manifested; greater wisdom conceived; greater wealth - in money and in mind! What do YOU say???
I say, decree and declare, that FULL purpose is manifested in all we are assigned to do, and we do it through the power of the Holy Spirit. What do YOU say???
Speak it: believe what you say, do what you believe and give thanks for what you see manifested because of it - even before you see it!
2010 SEASON:
S = stay grounded in the presence and peace of God's love
E = eat right, enjoy the moments, elevate your perspective and exam your past only to fortify your future.
A = applaud yourself for not quitting, after you raise from your knees praising God for the mercy and grace He empowered you with.
S = Stop and REST awhile. HEAR the VOICE of God speaking to your heart and OBEY.
O = OBEY! Observe; operate in wisdom!
N = NO compromise! Name the promise and prepare to receive it!
In Victory,
Be IN courage,
Linda Michelle
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Birthday Card from my Mama
I received a beautiful birthday card from my precious mama, which I was not able to read until I arrived home, 2 days after my birthday (being caught up in storms, cancellations and crowded airports). She gave birth to me one Christmas afternoon, not so very long ago :) She is (and my dad was) truly a precious gift to me; for they surrendered and allowed God to flow my life through their loins. For this I am truly grateful.
The experience of my 2009 birthday will forever be marked with the memory of me being stretched in my faith, growing and advancing into a new level of glory. For as much as my mama loves (and my daddy loved me before his passing), my Heavenly Father loves me even more. For as much as my mom wanted to help me get home for my birthday, she could not. Even if she had all the money in the world, possessed tremendous influence and power and had her own private jet plane, it still would have done no good, for airport operations were shut down because of the stormie weather. But God's grace was still in full operation throughout my entire 2 day ordeal! God's promises are true and His love is more intense than anything we can see or feel. He will NEVER leave you nor forsake you, regardless of the storm or situation you are in.
Always remember who you are: You are someones precious baby girl - all grown up now, but yet and still a beloved daughter. If your parents did not love you as you deserved or as was ordained, KNOW THAT YOU ARE STILL LOVED AND ADORED; A BELOVED DAUGHTER OF A LOVING FATHER WHOSE LOVE WILL NEVER FAIL. Read this wonderful poem by the anointed and gifted writer Emily Matthews and receive it as if it were sent directly to you, from your Abba Father. Know that it is not a coincidence that you are reading this. Know that it is not a coincidence that you have experienced all that you have. Know that you are being loved - supernaturally - at this very moment in time.
"If" for Daughters
-------------------------------------
If you can value truth
above approval,
and friendship over beauty,
wealth,or fame,
If you can share your gifts
and talents wisely,
leaving someone better off
than when you came...
If you find happiness
in simple pleasures
If you have faith to keep right on believing
in miracles that no one can explain,
If you look until you see the good in others
and keep your spirit honest, true, and free,
Then you'll be, not just happy and successful,
but the woman only you
were meant yo be.
If you could see
all the flowers in the world,
if you could hear
all the laughter in the universe,
if you could make all the dreams
that ever were wished come true,
then you would know
a little part of the joy
of having and loving
a daughter like you..
Emily Matthews
__________________
Be IN courage, my precious sister.
With love,
Linda Michelle
The experience of my 2009 birthday will forever be marked with the memory of me being stretched in my faith, growing and advancing into a new level of glory. For as much as my mama loves (and my daddy loved me before his passing), my Heavenly Father loves me even more. For as much as my mom wanted to help me get home for my birthday, she could not. Even if she had all the money in the world, possessed tremendous influence and power and had her own private jet plane, it still would have done no good, for airport operations were shut down because of the stormie weather. But God's grace was still in full operation throughout my entire 2 day ordeal! God's promises are true and His love is more intense than anything we can see or feel. He will NEVER leave you nor forsake you, regardless of the storm or situation you are in.
Always remember who you are: You are someones precious baby girl - all grown up now, but yet and still a beloved daughter. If your parents did not love you as you deserved or as was ordained, KNOW THAT YOU ARE STILL LOVED AND ADORED; A BELOVED DAUGHTER OF A LOVING FATHER WHOSE LOVE WILL NEVER FAIL. Read this wonderful poem by the anointed and gifted writer Emily Matthews and receive it as if it were sent directly to you, from your Abba Father. Know that it is not a coincidence that you are reading this. Know that it is not a coincidence that you have experienced all that you have. Know that you are being loved - supernaturally - at this very moment in time.
"If" for Daughters
-------------------------------------
If you can value truth
above approval,
and friendship over beauty,
wealth,or fame,
If you can share your gifts
and talents wisely,
leaving someone better off
than when you came...
If you find happiness
in simple pleasures
If you have faith to keep right on believing
in miracles that no one can explain,
If you look until you see the good in others
and keep your spirit honest, true, and free,
Then you'll be, not just happy and successful,
but the woman only you
were meant yo be.
If you could see
all the flowers in the world,
if you could hear
all the laughter in the universe,
if you could make all the dreams
that ever were wished come true,
then you would know
a little part of the joy
of having and loving
a daughter like you..
Emily Matthews
__________________
Be IN courage, my precious sister.
With love,
Linda Michelle
Friday, December 25, 2009
5 Special Gifts to Yourself: Gift 5 - Friday Dec 25 09
Gift 5 - Simply Believe and Receive.
Rest in the promises of truth and love!
The Greatest Gift
Into this world Jesus came
Both man and God, one in the same
He came to earth so He could save
All of us sinners who couldn't be have
But He had to be strong and He had to be brave
Cause they whipped and beat Him worse than a slave
Then on the cross, His life he gave
But on the third day, He rose from the grave
He went to Heaven where he lives today
And if you believe these words I say
Then get on your knees and start to pray
Let Him in your heart to show you the way
If you confess your sin and start to believe
Then His free Gift of Life you shall receive
And then He will send His Spirit to you
To comfort your pain and guide you through
All the trials and troubles that come each day
Cause in your heart, forever he will stay
And when your life comes to it's end
Straight to Heaven your soul will ascend.
- By Michael J. Hatcher, Jr.
(This poem can be used for free as long as the name of the author is included and the author is
given credit. If the poem is published online, please include a link to this post.
http://freepoemsonline.blogspot.com/)
Be In Courage!
With love,
Linda Michelle
Rest in the promises of truth and love!
The Greatest Gift
Into this world Jesus came
Both man and God, one in the same
He came to earth so He could save
All of us sinners who couldn't be have
But He had to be strong and He had to be brave
Cause they whipped and beat Him worse than a slave
Then on the cross, His life he gave
But on the third day, He rose from the grave
He went to Heaven where he lives today
And if you believe these words I say
Then get on your knees and start to pray
Let Him in your heart to show you the way
If you confess your sin and start to believe
Then His free Gift of Life you shall receive
And then He will send His Spirit to you
To comfort your pain and guide you through
All the trials and troubles that come each day
Cause in your heart, forever he will stay
And when your life comes to it's end
Straight to Heaven your soul will ascend.
- By Michael J. Hatcher, Jr.
(This poem can be used for free as long as the name of the author is included and the author is
given credit. If the poem is published online, please include a link to this post.
http://freepoemsonline.blogspot.com/)
Be In Courage!
With love,
Linda Michelle
Thursday, December 24, 2009
5 Special Gifts to Yourself: Gift 4 - Thursday 24 Dec 09
Gift 4:
ALLOW YOURSELF TO RELAX AND TO BE UNIQUELY YOU.
A Creed to Live By
Don't undermine your worth by comparing yourself with others,
It is because we are different that each of us is special.
Don't set your goals by what other people deem important,
Only you know what is best for you.
Don't take for granted the things closest to your heart
Cling to that as you would your life, for without them life is meaningless.
Don't let your life slip through your fingers by living in the past or the future.
By living your life one day at a time, you live all the days of your life.
Don't give up when you still have something to give
Nothing is really over … until the moment you stop trying.
Don't be afraid to admit that you are less than perfect,
It is the fragile thread that binds us to each other.
Don't be afraid to encounter risks,
It is by taking chances that we learn how to be brave.
Don't shut love out of your life by saying it's impossible to find.
The quickest way to receive love is to give love.
The fastest way to lose love is to hold on too tightly,
And the best way to keep love is to give it wings.
Don't dismiss your Dreams. To be without dreams is to be without hope.
To be without hope is to be without purpose.
Don't run through life so fast that you forget where you've been,
But also know where you're going.
Life is not a race, but a journey to be savored every step of the way.
Author Unknown
Be IN Courage,
With love,
Linda Michelle
ALLOW YOURSELF TO RELAX AND TO BE UNIQUELY YOU.
A Creed to Live By
Don't undermine your worth by comparing yourself with others,
It is because we are different that each of us is special.
Don't set your goals by what other people deem important,
Only you know what is best for you.
Don't take for granted the things closest to your heart
Cling to that as you would your life, for without them life is meaningless.
Don't let your life slip through your fingers by living in the past or the future.
By living your life one day at a time, you live all the days of your life.
Don't give up when you still have something to give
Nothing is really over … until the moment you stop trying.
Don't be afraid to admit that you are less than perfect,
It is the fragile thread that binds us to each other.
Don't be afraid to encounter risks,
It is by taking chances that we learn how to be brave.
Don't shut love out of your life by saying it's impossible to find.
The quickest way to receive love is to give love.
The fastest way to lose love is to hold on too tightly,
And the best way to keep love is to give it wings.
Don't dismiss your Dreams. To be without dreams is to be without hope.
To be without hope is to be without purpose.
Don't run through life so fast that you forget where you've been,
But also know where you're going.
Life is not a race, but a journey to be savored every step of the way.
Author Unknown
Be IN Courage,
With love,
Linda Michelle
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
5 Special Gifts to Yourself: Gift 3 - Wednesday 23 Dec 09
To an Extraordinary Person... YOU!!
Extraordinary people...
Extraordinary people survive under the most terrible circumstances and they become more extraordinary because of it.
—Robertson Davies.
Be IN Courage!
With love,
Linda Michelle
Extraordinary people...
Extraordinary people survive under the most terrible circumstances and they become more extraordinary because of it.
—Robertson Davies.
Be IN Courage!
With love,
Linda Michelle
5 Special Gifts to Yourself: Gift 2 - Tuesday 22 Dec.09
Gift 2 is a reminder to yourself to DON'T QUIT!
You have come to far to turn back now!!!
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest, if you must, but don't you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don't give up though the pace seems slow--
You may succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than,
It seems to a faint and faltering man,
Often the struggler has given up,
When he might have captured the victor's cup,
And he learned too late when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out--
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far,
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--
It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.
- Author unknown
Be IN Courage!!
With love,
Linda Michelle
You have come to far to turn back now!!!
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest, if you must, but don't you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don't give up though the pace seems slow--
You may succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than,
It seems to a faint and faltering man,
Often the struggler has given up,
When he might have captured the victor's cup,
And he learned too late when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out--
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far,
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--
It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.
- Author unknown
Be IN Courage!!
With love,
Linda Michelle
Monday, December 21, 2009
5 Special Gifts to Yourself: Gift 1 - Monday 21 Dec 09.
During this week of Christmas, I want to offer you 5 special gifts; one for each day of this Holy week, leading up to and including Christmas Day. While you may be busy shopping for or making gifts for your loved one and friends, please take time and receive these special gifts to you. I am devoted, through my calling and service with Elegant Doves, to sharing love and encouragement. What better way to encourage you but to offer you a step by step gift of emotional healing from abortion. Post Abortion trauma is one of many repercussions of incest abuse for so many sisters of all color, creeds and nationalities. Accept and receive this very special gift of information and wisdom,(via the Elliot Institute), for yourself, and for those who love you.
Remember: The pain of understanding and healing is far less
than the pain of denial and despair.
----------------------------------------------------------------
After an Abortion: Steps Toward Healing
1. Recognize that the road to full recovery can take time and effort. While God is always near to you, sorting out your life and your feelings, overcoming the ever-present temptation to give in again to despair and doubt--these take time.
2. Recognize that it is normal and good to mourn the loss of a loved one. Just as mourning the loss of a parent or spouse takes time, so does mourning the loss of an aborted child. In the case of abortion, the mourning process is often cut short and never completed because of denial or feelings of guilt which block the mourning process. You must courageously allow the mourning process to get back on track. Accept your grief as normal rather than something which must covered up or pushed away. Recognize that the pain of your loss will fade as your healing progresses.
3. Recognize that you are not alone. Others have been through the same experience and the same trials. Their experiences and understanding can help you. They want to help you, just as you may want to help others after you have finished going through the healing process. Finding a post-abortion counselor or support group through our list of Post-Abortion Healing Resources may be very helpful to you.
4. Admit your personal responsibility but also recognize that others, too, were involved. Pray for God's forgiveness for both yourself and everyone else who either encouraged the abortion or failed to help you avoid the abortion.
5. Forgive yourself. God does not want you to live a lifetime in mourning. Your sin has been forgiven. You have been made new in Christ. Rejoice in the knowledge that one day you will be with your child in the arms of the Lord.
6. Forgive others. Recognize that they, too, acted out of ignorance, fear, or petty human selfishness. If possible, let them know that you forgive them. Forgive even the abortion providers.
7. Give your children over to the care of God, their Heavenly Father, and the true Parent of us all. Know that they are loved, happy, and well cared for. They, too, desire your joy and happiness. They miss you, but they do not resent or condemn you, because they live in the love and mercy of Christ. Do not try to hold onto them by prolonging your grief; hold onto them by sharing their happiness in heaven.
Copyright 1998 Elliot Institute
www.afterabortion.org
Be a partner in this work by making a donation today.
copyright 2000 Elliot Institute
Used with Permission
Elliot Institute,
PO Box 7348, Springfield, IL 62791-7348
"Additional material is posted at www.afterabortion.org"
Be IN Courage.
with love,
Linda Michelle
Remember: The pain of understanding and healing is far less
than the pain of denial and despair.
----------------------------------------------------------------
After an Abortion: Steps Toward Healing
1. Recognize that the road to full recovery can take time and effort. While God is always near to you, sorting out your life and your feelings, overcoming the ever-present temptation to give in again to despair and doubt--these take time.
2. Recognize that it is normal and good to mourn the loss of a loved one. Just as mourning the loss of a parent or spouse takes time, so does mourning the loss of an aborted child. In the case of abortion, the mourning process is often cut short and never completed because of denial or feelings of guilt which block the mourning process. You must courageously allow the mourning process to get back on track. Accept your grief as normal rather than something which must covered up or pushed away. Recognize that the pain of your loss will fade as your healing progresses.
3. Recognize that you are not alone. Others have been through the same experience and the same trials. Their experiences and understanding can help you. They want to help you, just as you may want to help others after you have finished going through the healing process. Finding a post-abortion counselor or support group through our list of Post-Abortion Healing Resources may be very helpful to you.
4. Admit your personal responsibility but also recognize that others, too, were involved. Pray for God's forgiveness for both yourself and everyone else who either encouraged the abortion or failed to help you avoid the abortion.
5. Forgive yourself. God does not want you to live a lifetime in mourning. Your sin has been forgiven. You have been made new in Christ. Rejoice in the knowledge that one day you will be with your child in the arms of the Lord.
6. Forgive others. Recognize that they, too, acted out of ignorance, fear, or petty human selfishness. If possible, let them know that you forgive them. Forgive even the abortion providers.
7. Give your children over to the care of God, their Heavenly Father, and the true Parent of us all. Know that they are loved, happy, and well cared for. They, too, desire your joy and happiness. They miss you, but they do not resent or condemn you, because they live in the love and mercy of Christ. Do not try to hold onto them by prolonging your grief; hold onto them by sharing their happiness in heaven.
Copyright 1998 Elliot Institute
www.afterabortion.org
Be a partner in this work by making a donation today.
copyright 2000 Elliot Institute
Used with Permission
Elliot Institute,
PO Box 7348, Springfield, IL 62791-7348
"Additional material is posted at www.afterabortion.org"
Be IN Courage.
with love,
Linda Michelle
Friday, December 4, 2009
Be IN Courage!
The most frequent command God gives us in Scripture is 'Do not be afraid.... Fear not.' The promise to which we hold fast is God’s promise to help us stand firm against fear, and to stand with us when we are powerless to avoid suffering, so that love—not fear—has the last word in our lives.
Rebecca Konyndyk Deyoung
Rebecca Konyndyk Deyoung
Sunday, November 29, 2009
The Movie "Precious"
I recently saw the movie "Precious". The acting was some of the most intense and poignant I have witnessed in some time. Before I share my thoughts and feelings on this timely movie, I would like to hear from you. In light of our vision - To see women and teen girls healed from the emotional scars of incest abuse and abortion - I would especially like to hear from those women and teen girls who have experienced issues that were depicted in the movie.
Let me hear your comments. My hope is that, during our 2 weeks of gather and posting comments, something will be said to encourage or inspire others.
Be IN courage.
Let me hear your comments. My hope is that, during our 2 weeks of gather and posting comments, something will be said to encourage or inspire others.
Be IN courage.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Volunteer Opportunity with Elegant Doves
We are in need of volunteers who works well with Microsoft Word and can reformat in-house original documents. Writing and editing skills desired. Other volunteer positions needed are: Prayer Team Coordinator and dedicated Prayer team members; Researcher, Web designer, Fund Raiser and grant writer. Please email inquires to Linda Michelle Trainer - elegantlin@aol.com. A passionate for our vision is required.
Thank you for your time and interest.
Thank you for your time and interest.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Jesus Cares
I came across this poem that has served to bless me over the years, at different times and stages in my life. I pray you will be blessed and encouraged by its message.
Jesus Cares
When your heart is heavy and burdened
and you can't see your way through,
while you're going through trials and testings
And you don't know what to do.
There's a friend above who watches
and He cares what happens to you;
This wonderful one is Jesus
And He will see you through.
He cares when your heart is troubled
And the tears come falling fast;
He will come and heal your broken heart
And make it a thing of the past.
When the battle seems too great to win
And hard the enemy's blast,
Remember the battle is not yours but the Lord's
And against Him Satan can't last.
So keep your eyes upon Jesus
And your troubles on Him roll,
He will fight your battles for you
And His love to you unfold.
He is a great and wonderful God
And His love as pure as gold;
Put your trust in Him today
And you will find rest for your soul.
By L.L. Lyle
Be IN courage!
Jesus Cares
When your heart is heavy and burdened
and you can't see your way through,
while you're going through trials and testings
And you don't know what to do.
There's a friend above who watches
and He cares what happens to you;
This wonderful one is Jesus
And He will see you through.
He cares when your heart is troubled
And the tears come falling fast;
He will come and heal your broken heart
And make it a thing of the past.
When the battle seems too great to win
And hard the enemy's blast,
Remember the battle is not yours but the Lord's
And against Him Satan can't last.
So keep your eyes upon Jesus
And your troubles on Him roll,
He will fight your battles for you
And His love to you unfold.
He is a great and wonderful God
And His love as pure as gold;
Put your trust in Him today
And you will find rest for your soul.
By L.L. Lyle
Be IN courage!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Encouragement from Deborah's Story
For Women that have experienced incest;
For Women who are married, who have experienced incest and marital abuse;
For Women who want to encourage other women who have experienced incest and marital abuse:
Go to:
http://www.rbc.org/radio-tv/words-to-live-by/2009/06/26/program.aspx
And Check out Deborah's story on RBC.org's "Words to Live By".
June 26, 2009 - Deborah's story
On left hand side of screen,
inside brown colored box titled: Inside Words to Live by (colored blue)
Click "Past Programs"
(screen will read: Filter Results By:
Date: 2009 with arrow - November with arrow (or current month) - Go
Click on the Calendar icon key and click on "June" and then click "go"
And then click on
June 26, 2009
Overcoming the scars of abuse – Deborah’s Story
Listen and hear the Holy Spirit speak to your heart, within and behind the words that are spoken and receive healing and encouragement.
Let me hear from you on how it encouraged you.
Be IN courage!
For Women who are married, who have experienced incest and marital abuse;
For Women who want to encourage other women who have experienced incest and marital abuse:
Go to:
http://www.rbc.org/radio-tv/words-to-live-by/2009/06/26/program.aspx
And Check out Deborah's story on RBC.org's "Words to Live By".
June 26, 2009 - Deborah's story
On left hand side of screen,
inside brown colored box titled: Inside Words to Live by (colored blue)
Click "Past Programs"
(screen will read: Filter Results By:
Date: 2009 with arrow - November with arrow (or current month) - Go
Click on the Calendar icon key and click on "June" and then click "go"
And then click on
June 26, 2009
Overcoming the scars of abuse – Deborah’s Story
Listen and hear the Holy Spirit speak to your heart, within and behind the words that are spoken and receive healing and encouragement.
Let me hear from you on how it encouraged you.
Be IN courage!
Sunday, November 8, 2009
One Flaw In Women
I received this poem via email from a dear sister-friend and I had to share it here. It is a great reminder of how POWERFULLY AWESOME YOU ARE my precious sister!
One Flaw In Women
Women have strengths that amaze men.
They bear hardships and they carry burdens,
but they hold happiness, love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry..
They cry when they are happy
and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in.
They stand up to injustice.
They don't take "no" for an answer
when they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel
and cheer when their friends get awards.
They are happy when they hear about
a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member,
yet they are strong when they
think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss
can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you
to show how much they care about you.
The heart of a woman is what
makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love.
They have compassion and ideas.
They give moral support to their
family and friends.
Women have vital things to say
and everything to give.
HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN,
IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.
Author Unknown
(End Quote)
Psalm 139:14 (The Message)
13-16 Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out;
you formed me in my mother's womb.
I thank you, High God—you're breathtaking!
Body and soul, I am marvelously made!
I worship in adoration—what a creation!
You know me inside and out,
you know every bone in my body;
You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit,
how I was sculpted from nothing into something.
Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth;
all the stages of my life were spread out before you,
The days of my life all prepared
before I'd even lived one day.
Psalm 138:1-3 (The Message)
1-3 Thank you! Everything in me says "Thank you!" Angels listen as I sing my thanks.
I kneel in worship facing your holy temple
and say it again: "Thank you!"
Thank you for your love,
thank you for your faithfulness;
Most holy is your name,
most holy is your Word.
The moment I called out, you stepped in;
you made my life large with strength.
Psalm 46:5 (New International Version)
5 God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.
Psalm 27:14 (Amplified Bible)
14 Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord.
Be IN courage!
One Flaw In Women
Women have strengths that amaze men.
They bear hardships and they carry burdens,
but they hold happiness, love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry..
They cry when they are happy
and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in.
They stand up to injustice.
They don't take "no" for an answer
when they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel
and cheer when their friends get awards.
They are happy when they hear about
a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member,
yet they are strong when they
think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss
can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you
to show how much they care about you.
The heart of a woman is what
makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love.
They have compassion and ideas.
They give moral support to their
family and friends.
Women have vital things to say
and everything to give.
HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN,
IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.
Author Unknown
(End Quote)
Psalm 139:14 (The Message)
13-16 Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out;
you formed me in my mother's womb.
I thank you, High God—you're breathtaking!
Body and soul, I am marvelously made!
I worship in adoration—what a creation!
You know me inside and out,
you know every bone in my body;
You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit,
how I was sculpted from nothing into something.
Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth;
all the stages of my life were spread out before you,
The days of my life all prepared
before I'd even lived one day.
Psalm 138:1-3 (The Message)
1-3 Thank you! Everything in me says "Thank you!" Angels listen as I sing my thanks.
I kneel in worship facing your holy temple
and say it again: "Thank you!"
Thank you for your love,
thank you for your faithfulness;
Most holy is your name,
most holy is your Word.
The moment I called out, you stepped in;
you made my life large with strength.
Psalm 46:5 (New International Version)
5 God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.
Psalm 27:14 (Amplified Bible)
14 Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord.
Be IN courage!
Monday, November 2, 2009
Healed and Whole - A Poem to Encourage You.
HEALED AND WHOLE
One day I dug a little hole
And put my hurt inside,
I thought that I could just forget
I put it there to hide.
But that little hurt began to grow,
I covered it every day
I couldn't leave it and go on,
It seemed the price I had to pay.
My joy was gone, my heart was sad
Pain was all I knew.
My wounded soul enveloped me,
Loving seemed too hard to do.
One day while standing by my hole
I cried to God above
And said, "If You are really there--They say, You're a God of love!"
And just like that--He was right there
And just put His arms around me.
He wiped my tears, His hurting child
There was no safer place to be.
I told Him all about my hurt,
I opened up my heart,
He listened to each and every word,
To every sordid part.
I dug down deep and got my hurt
I brushed the dirt away
And placed it in the Master's hand
And healing came that day.
He took the blackness of my soul
And set my spirit free!
Something beautiful began to grow
Where the hurt used to be.
And when I look at what has grown
Out of my tears and pain
I remember every day to give my hurts to Him
And never bury them again!
Author Unknown
Be IN Courage!
One day I dug a little hole
And put my hurt inside,
I thought that I could just forget
I put it there to hide.
But that little hurt began to grow,
I covered it every day
I couldn't leave it and go on,
It seemed the price I had to pay.
My joy was gone, my heart was sad
Pain was all I knew.
My wounded soul enveloped me,
Loving seemed too hard to do.
One day while standing by my hole
I cried to God above
And said, "If You are really there--They say, You're a God of love!"
And just like that--He was right there
And just put His arms around me.
He wiped my tears, His hurting child
There was no safer place to be.
I told Him all about my hurt,
I opened up my heart,
He listened to each and every word,
To every sordid part.
I dug down deep and got my hurt
I brushed the dirt away
And placed it in the Master's hand
And healing came that day.
He took the blackness of my soul
And set my spirit free!
Something beautiful began to grow
Where the hurt used to be.
And when I look at what has grown
Out of my tears and pain
I remember every day to give my hurts to Him
And never bury them again!
Author Unknown
Be IN Courage!
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Join us for our Incest Recovery Tele-Class
Women of all ages, you are invited to join us for our
Incest Recovery Tele–Class via conference call line.
Incest Recovery Tele–Class via conference call line.
Our focus is “From Pain to Purpose", highlighting step by step, focused application of tools to heal the wounds of incest,
Shifting from Victim to Victory!
It is Restoration and Wholeness Tailored to You Experience.
It is Restoration and Wholeness Tailored to You Experience.
WHEN: 19 October -7 December, 2009
(Monday evenings for 8 weeks)
9:30pm - 10:30pm (EST)
Tele-class will be facilitated by Linda Michelle Trainer, Founder and Director of Elegant Doves International, Inc. We will work from the book
“Overcoming the Victim Spirit: A Message of Hope”
by Arthur Burk.
Invest the time in your wholeness and healing:
Cost: One Time Donation of any Amount to Elegant Doves
Cost: One Time Donation of any Amount to Elegant Doves
Number of participants limited
Register Today to secure your space!
Register via Email at Elegantlin@aol.com
Telephone Conference Number provided at time of confirmed reservation
Elegant Doves International, Inc. (A 501(c)(3) non profit)
PO Box 420, Powder Springs, Georgia, 30127 (404) 681-6071
Elegant Doves International, Inc. (A 501(c)(3) non profit)
PO Box 420, Powder Springs, Georgia, 30127 (404) 681-6071
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
A Quick Word of Encouragement from Linda Michelle
Be encouraged today by this scripture from the Young's Literal Translation version of the Bible:
"Here are my instructions for you, based on the prophetic words spoken about you earlier. May they help you fight well in the Lord's battles. Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked."
1 Timothy 1:18-20 (YLT)
Do what you KNOW is right and you will get the right results; peace, strength and joy will always follow when all is said and done.
Be In courage, even the more!!
Blessings and love,
Linda Michelle
"Here are my instructions for you, based on the prophetic words spoken about you earlier. May they help you fight well in the Lord's battles. Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked."
1 Timothy 1:18-20 (YLT)
Do what you KNOW is right and you will get the right results; peace, strength and joy will always follow when all is said and done.
Be In courage, even the more!!
Blessings and love,
Linda Michelle
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Shift your thinking UPward!
In order to go up we must set our focus in the direction we are headed. Here are some "Words of wisdom", from various sources, that encourage the same message of Hope: Look UP and and go UP; move from the place of hopelessness into the center of Hope. If you are in the center of hope, advance into the swing of activation. If you are in the swing of activation, take hold of the manifestation of fullness and reap the rewards of your faith. Continue pressing onward and UpWard, towards your goals. Remember, Quitting is NOT an option!!
"Sometimes we are so busy adding up our troubles that we forget to count our blessings." (author unknown)
"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly; so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat. - Theodore Roosevelt.
"....If we base our self-worth on the approval of others, then we are actually saying that our ability to please others is of greater value than Christ's payment. We are the sinners, the depraved, the wretched, and the helpless. He is the loving Father, the seeking, searching, patient Savior who has made atonement for the lost, and has extended to us His grace and sonship. We add nothing to our salvation. It is God who seeks us out, convicts us of sin, and reveals Himself to us. It is God who gives us the very faith with which to accept Him. Our faith is simply our response to what He has done for us."
"So than, our worth lies in the fact that Christ's blood has paid for our sins; therefore, we are reconciled to God. We are accepted on that basis alone, but does this great truth indicate that we don't need other people in our lives? On the contrary, God very often uses other believers to demonstrate His love and
acceptance to us. The strength, comfort, encouragement, and love of Christians towards one another is a visible expression of God's love. However, our acceptance and worth are not dependant on other's acceptance of us, even if they are fellow believers. Whether they accept us or not, we are still deeply loved, completely forgiven, fully pleasing, totally accepted, and complete in Christ. He alone is the final authority on our worth and acceptance."- Robert S. McGee, The Search for Significance.
"In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength." - Isaiah 30:15
Be IN courage, even the more!!
"Sometimes we are so busy adding up our troubles that we forget to count our blessings." (author unknown)
"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly; so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat. - Theodore Roosevelt.
"....If we base our self-worth on the approval of others, then we are actually saying that our ability to please others is of greater value than Christ's payment. We are the sinners, the depraved, the wretched, and the helpless. He is the loving Father, the seeking, searching, patient Savior who has made atonement for the lost, and has extended to us His grace and sonship. We add nothing to our salvation. It is God who seeks us out, convicts us of sin, and reveals Himself to us. It is God who gives us the very faith with which to accept Him. Our faith is simply our response to what He has done for us."
"So than, our worth lies in the fact that Christ's blood has paid for our sins; therefore, we are reconciled to God. We are accepted on that basis alone, but does this great truth indicate that we don't need other people in our lives? On the contrary, God very often uses other believers to demonstrate His love and
acceptance to us. The strength, comfort, encouragement, and love of Christians towards one another is a visible expression of God's love. However, our acceptance and worth are not dependant on other's acceptance of us, even if they are fellow believers. Whether they accept us or not, we are still deeply loved, completely forgiven, fully pleasing, totally accepted, and complete in Christ. He alone is the final authority on our worth and acceptance."- Robert S. McGee, The Search for Significance."In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength." - Isaiah 30:15
Be IN courage, even the more!!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
What's The Good of Prayer?
This is from one of my favorite devotions, "My Utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers". It is from last week, but just as vital today.
Read, receive and be renewed with hope.
August 28th.
WHAT'S THE GOOD OF PRAYER?
"Lord, teach us to pray." Luke 11:1
It is not part of the life of a natural man to pray. We hear it said that a man will suffer in his life if he does not pray; I question it. What will suffer is the life of the Son of God in him, which is nourished not by food, but by prayer. When a man is born from above, the life of the Son of God is born in him, and he can either starve that life or nourish it. Prayer is the way the life of God is nourished. Our ordinary views of prayer are not found in the New Testament. We look upon prayer as a means of getting things for ourselves; the Bible idea of prayer is that we may get to know God Himself.
"Ask and ye shall receive." We grouse before God, we are apologetic or apathetic, but we ask very few things. Yet what a splendid audacity a childlike child has! Our Lord says - "Except ye become as little children." Ask, and God will do. Give Jesus Christ a chance, give Him elbow room, and no man will ever do this unless he is at his wits' end. When a man is at his wits' end it is not a cowardly thing to pray, it is the only way he can get into touch with Reality. Be yourself before God and present your problems, the things you know you have come to your wits' end over. As long as you are self-sufficient, you do not need to ask God for anything.
It is not so true that "prayer changes things" as that prayer changes me and I change things. God has so constituted things that prayer on the basis of Redemption alters the way in which a man looks at things. Prayer is not a question of altering things externally, but of working wonders in a man's disposition.
Be IN Courage!
Read, receive and be renewed with hope.
August 28th.
WHAT'S THE GOOD OF PRAYER?
"Lord, teach us to pray." Luke 11:1
It is not part of the life of a natural man to pray. We hear it said that a man will suffer in his life if he does not pray; I question it. What will suffer is the life of the Son of God in him, which is nourished not by food, but by prayer. When a man is born from above, the life of the Son of God is born in him, and he can either starve that life or nourish it. Prayer is the way the life of God is nourished. Our ordinary views of prayer are not found in the New Testament. We look upon prayer as a means of getting things for ourselves; the Bible idea of prayer is that we may get to know God Himself.
"Ask and ye shall receive." We grouse before God, we are apologetic or apathetic, but we ask very few things. Yet what a splendid audacity a childlike child has! Our Lord says - "Except ye become as little children." Ask, and God will do. Give Jesus Christ a chance, give Him elbow room, and no man will ever do this unless he is at his wits' end. When a man is at his wits' end it is not a cowardly thing to pray, it is the only way he can get into touch with Reality. Be yourself before God and present your problems, the things you know you have come to your wits' end over. As long as you are self-sufficient, you do not need to ask God for anything.
It is not so true that "prayer changes things" as that prayer changes me and I change things. God has so constituted things that prayer on the basis of Redemption alters the way in which a man looks at things. Prayer is not a question of altering things externally, but of working wonders in a man's disposition.
Be IN Courage!
Monday, August 24, 2009
In Faith, with Courage, DON'T QUIT!!
This past Friday I spent almost 12 hours in an airport in New York trying to get home, after working 8 hours. It was cold, crowded and I was beyond tired. I pushed back the tears as I asked God to help me understand why I was there and what He was doing and how it all added up to His ordained purpose for my life. I reminded Him of the scripture that says "with all you getting get understanding" so I wanted some "major understanding."
After all of those hours of working and waiting, I had to take a bus, train and another bus to my commuter apartment. Arriving about 1am I had to get up at 3am to catch a van back to the airport on Saturday morning. I stood by for 3 more nonstop flights on Delta, before I was led to go over to United, which meant a connection through Chicago and then to Atlanta.
Not only did I get the first flight I stood by for (New York to Chicago, having to seat on the Flight Attendant Jump seat, which meant no sleeping, but), I was fed like a queen and on the next flight from Chicago to Atlanta (which had 70 open seats!!!) I was blessed with a seat in first class, by the window and was able to sleep from the time the aircraft pushed back in Chicago until after it landed in Atlanta (at 4:30pm)!
Still trying to make sense of it all (having missed a Saturday class in Atlanta that I really wanted to attend), I praised God for getting me home. In putting my things away as I prepared to get off of the aircraft, I came across the Mustard Seed book marks we had made for the Prayer Walk last weekend (Matt 17:20 with an actual mustard seed glued on). I gave one to the Flight Attendant working first class, just as a way of encouragement. She was shocked, but really pleased and later said "I really needed that today."
I dug into my bag to pull more out to give to the other 2 Flight Attendants working in the back, but they passed by me before I had a chance to locate the other bookmarks in my bag. After finding the bookmarks, I instead gave them to the gate agents there in Atlanta, 4 women I had not seen in a long while. They too were surprised and before I knew it, one after the other gave me a big hug and said they really needed that today!!
I was encouraged by their encouragement! In stopping at the restroom in the terminal I felt led to share one of the book marks with the cleaning lady there. On my way out, as I handed it to her, she quickly looked at it and before I knew what was going on she had grabbed me by the neck, hugging me and said "Praise God, thank you so much! Praise God!!" That almost brought tears to my eyes as I saw her face light up at the reaction to God's word!
Sensing a pattern "assignment" here from God, I gave one to the 3 TSA security women standing at the door leading out to the baggage claim area and heard one say she was going to put it on her refrigerator. There was one of the 3 who did not seem too thrilled by it, as I noticed her reading the words, but, as I walked on my way, I continued to silently pray for God to bless her. I knew that a "seed" had been planted into her soul, literally, and it was only my responsibility to plant it as God led and He would take care of the rest.
I caught up with the crew that had brought me, standing at the Hotel Pickup area and was able to give the other 2 flight attendants a book mark. One shared at she had never seen anything like it and the other said when she was young she had a necklace with a mustard seed inside! I did too!!
As I sat quietly waiting for my van to take me to my car, I wondered if the entire reason for me not making it home on Friday was so that I could be used by God to plant "mustard seed" encouragement into the hands of those women I had come across. Especially the cleaning lady in the rest room. By her reaction you would have thought I had given her a million dollars, seriously. What ever the reason for the delay in me getting home, I praise God for every aspect my life: 1. For having a job and it being a job I enjoy; 2. For being called to a ministry that I can incorporate into any where in the World I am; 3 For being safe in the airport in New York on Friday, instead of up in the air in the midst of the storm, or sitting on a hot aircraft somewhere waiting for it to pass over before we could take off; 4. For being able blessed to see the Hand of God move in the big ways and in small ways too!! 5. And for being used of God in unique and interesting ways.
The sermon my Pastor taught on Sunday was right on target: "The Blessing of the Kingdom: Called to Blessing", based on 1 Peter 3:8-12. She taught, in part, that the trials we go through are often "test" to build our "faith muscles." Regardless of the test, we are to still have a good attitude and still obey God, knowing that His Word is true and He will never leave us, nor forsake us (my paraphrasing from the sermon). Even in persecution and hardship there is a way He wants us to act - in faith, with courage.
Regardless if your "persecution or hardship" is dealing with a major health or financial, or job related issue, or being "temporarily" stuck in a place you would rather not be, we must trust and believe God that "this too will pass" and that "God works ALL things together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His Purpose." (See Isaiah 43:1 -3 and Romans. 8:28). We are more than conquerors!! God has a plan for take every adversity and hardship we go through and bring good out of it, making us stronger, more mature and better prepared for the next level of promotion. We can trust God's trustworthiness! God has a good plan for you and for me and He has good thoughts toward us. "For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you", says the Lord, "thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome." Jeremiah 29:11.
Hope is the breeding ground for miracles!!
Be IN Courage and DO NOT QUIT the good fight of faith! Remember, regardless of what you are going through, big or small, "weeping may endure for a night (season), but joy comes in the morning!"
Be IN Courage!!
After all of those hours of working and waiting, I had to take a bus, train and another bus to my commuter apartment. Arriving about 1am I had to get up at 3am to catch a van back to the airport on Saturday morning. I stood by for 3 more nonstop flights on Delta, before I was led to go over to United, which meant a connection through Chicago and then to Atlanta.
Not only did I get the first flight I stood by for (New York to Chicago, having to seat on the Flight Attendant Jump seat, which meant no sleeping, but), I was fed like a queen and on the next flight from Chicago to Atlanta (which had 70 open seats!!!) I was blessed with a seat in first class, by the window and was able to sleep from the time the aircraft pushed back in Chicago until after it landed in Atlanta (at 4:30pm)!
Still trying to make sense of it all (having missed a Saturday class in Atlanta that I really wanted to attend), I praised God for getting me home. In putting my things away as I prepared to get off of the aircraft, I came across the Mustard Seed book marks we had made for the Prayer Walk last weekend (Matt 17:20 with an actual mustard seed glued on). I gave one to the Flight Attendant working first class, just as a way of encouragement. She was shocked, but really pleased and later said "I really needed that today."
I dug into my bag to pull more out to give to the other 2 Flight Attendants working in the back, but they passed by me before I had a chance to locate the other bookmarks in my bag. After finding the bookmarks, I instead gave them to the gate agents there in Atlanta, 4 women I had not seen in a long while. They too were surprised and before I knew it, one after the other gave me a big hug and said they really needed that today!!
I was encouraged by their encouragement! In stopping at the restroom in the terminal I felt led to share one of the book marks with the cleaning lady there. On my way out, as I handed it to her, she quickly looked at it and before I knew what was going on she had grabbed me by the neck, hugging me and said "Praise God, thank you so much! Praise God!!" That almost brought tears to my eyes as I saw her face light up at the reaction to God's word!
Sensing a pattern "assignment" here from God, I gave one to the 3 TSA security women standing at the door leading out to the baggage claim area and heard one say she was going to put it on her refrigerator. There was one of the 3 who did not seem too thrilled by it, as I noticed her reading the words, but, as I walked on my way, I continued to silently pray for God to bless her. I knew that a "seed" had been planted into her soul, literally, and it was only my responsibility to plant it as God led and He would take care of the rest.
I caught up with the crew that had brought me, standing at the Hotel Pickup area and was able to give the other 2 flight attendants a book mark. One shared at she had never seen anything like it and the other said when she was young she had a necklace with a mustard seed inside! I did too!!
As I sat quietly waiting for my van to take me to my car, I wondered if the entire reason for me not making it home on Friday was so that I could be used by God to plant "mustard seed" encouragement into the hands of those women I had come across. Especially the cleaning lady in the rest room. By her reaction you would have thought I had given her a million dollars, seriously. What ever the reason for the delay in me getting home, I praise God for every aspect my life: 1. For having a job and it being a job I enjoy; 2. For being called to a ministry that I can incorporate into any where in the World I am; 3 For being safe in the airport in New York on Friday, instead of up in the air in the midst of the storm, or sitting on a hot aircraft somewhere waiting for it to pass over before we could take off; 4. For being able blessed to see the Hand of God move in the big ways and in small ways too!! 5. And for being used of God in unique and interesting ways.
The sermon my Pastor taught on Sunday was right on target: "The Blessing of the Kingdom: Called to Blessing", based on 1 Peter 3:8-12. She taught, in part, that the trials we go through are often "test" to build our "faith muscles." Regardless of the test, we are to still have a good attitude and still obey God, knowing that His Word is true and He will never leave us, nor forsake us (my paraphrasing from the sermon). Even in persecution and hardship there is a way He wants us to act - in faith, with courage.
Regardless if your "persecution or hardship" is dealing with a major health or financial, or job related issue, or being "temporarily" stuck in a place you would rather not be, we must trust and believe God that "this too will pass" and that "God works ALL things together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His Purpose." (See Isaiah 43:1 -3 and Romans. 8:28). We are more than conquerors!! God has a plan for take every adversity and hardship we go through and bring good out of it, making us stronger, more mature and better prepared for the next level of promotion. We can trust God's trustworthiness! God has a good plan for you and for me and He has good thoughts toward us. "For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you", says the Lord, "thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome." Jeremiah 29:11.
Hope is the breeding ground for miracles!!
Be IN Courage and DO NOT QUIT the good fight of faith! Remember, regardless of what you are going through, big or small, "weeping may endure for a night (season), but joy comes in the morning!"
Be IN Courage!!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Healing the Effects of Childhoold Sexual Abuse: Elegant Doves' Incest and Abortion Recovery & Prevention Assistance
"Left turn only after complete stop". I read those words attached to a stop sign today. I was reminded of how often, especially when I am focused on getting to my destination, that I make only "rolling stops". A girlfriend of mine was recently given a ticket when stop in a residential area for only coming to a rolling stop at a stop sign. It was mid morning and there was hardly any traffic, except for the police officer on patrol. It seemed harmless, as she was on her way to a very important meeting, and she was running late. There was no one else in the area, so it seemed OK just to "pressing into" getting to her meeting on time. But she got stopped, pulled over, given a ticket and was still even later for her appointment.
Check this out:
Rolling Stop Law & Legal Definition
A rolling stop is a term used in traffic law to refer to when a vehicle fails to come to a complete stop. A complete stop is when there is no forward momentum and the needle on the speedometer is at 0. In a rolling stop, the car wheels are still in motion and the car is moving at less than 5 m.p.h. Failing to come to a complete stop at a stop sign is a traffic violation governed by state laws, which vary by state. The longer the stop, the more discernable it is to the naked eye, giving a motorist a better chance of avoiding a ticket.
Personal Application
When it comes to the repercussion of incest;(incest being defined as sexual abuse with a family member or someone close enough to be considered as family); and the scars of abortion, rolling stops can be lethal to the soul. I can personally speak of the confusion I experienced because of the pain of the incest that clouded my judgement in many areas. I know first hand of choices made from a wounded spirit, because of not taking time out to think about or rationally deal with the root issues of the things I was facing. I justified many of my actions by keeping "busy". It hurt too bad to think about the pain of the incest abuse my uncle caused me and what it had done to my self-esteem. Later in life, as a repercussion of the scars (effects)of the incest abuse, I could not (did not want to) take time out to deal with the thoughts of what it really meant to have given my baby (babies)"up"; to admit that what I had done was to end the cycle of their lives, which really is the same as murder. A malicious act on my part? Malicious being defined as "Having the nature of or resulting from malice; deliberately harmful; spiteful". No! And yet the results were the same; hidden, undealt with guilt and shame. The painful thoughts of "what could have been" not being addressed.
Was my girlfriend aiming to violate the traffic laws and score a ticket? of course not. But her actions brought the ticket forth just the same. Her rolling stop, not taking time to cease her forward momentum for even a friction of a minute, resulted in her having to pay money she would have much preferred to spend else where.
Be IN Courage!
This article is written to encourage you to come to a full and complete STOP and take a few minutes out to really think about and consider the things that you have buried alive, deep inside of you. Anything buried produces some type of growth, if not properly processed to remain underground. The burial of a loved one after passing is done so in a casket, after the proper processing of the deceased body. A bad memory or a negative reaction to a hurt or neglected pain, not properly processed, tends to resurface, often at inappropriate times, in unexplainable ways; depression, crying spells, eating disorders, substance abuse, anxiety, anger, confusion, despair, loneliness, unable to forget, regret, hopelessness, or grief. I truly believe that "The pain of understanding and healing is far less than the pain of denial and despair".
There is hope!
RESTORE!!! EMPOWER!!! PREVENT!!!
RESTORE!!!
Restore the hope of someone lost in the confusion of the pain of sexual abuse by sharing the positiveness of what you have learned from your experience along with the following resources.
RESOURCES
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children =
http://www.missingkids.com/missingkids/servlet/PublicHomeServlet?LanguageCountry=en_US
Survivors Of Incest Anonymous=
http://www.siawso.org/
Childhelp USA The National Children's Alliance Hopehouse=
http://www.hopehousemaine.com/
Hotlines:
Suicide Hotline: 1.800.SUICIDE
All States' Reporting: 1.800.FYI.3366
National Survivors of Domestic Violence: 1.800.799.SAFE
National Family Violence: 1.800.222.2000
Incest Awareness Foundation: 1.888.547.3222
Incest Hotline: 1.212.227.3000
Incest Survivors Anonymous: 1.800.386.5599
Child Abuse Childhelp: 1.800.422.4453
Youth Crisis Hotline: 1.800.448.4663
Child Sexual Abuse Stop It Now: 1.888.773.8368
Family Violence National Domestic Violence: 1.800.799.7233
Piedmont Women's Center 24 Hour Hopeline - 1. 864.233.3823
Also, be informed about where sex offenders live by contacting FAMILY WATCHDOG
http://www.familywatchdog.us/
(note: you can put the name of your street (with or without adding your house number) and it will bring the information up).
EMPOWER!!!
Empower yourself by renewing your strength in every area of your life: Physically, Spiritually, Mentally and Financially. Take the time for your yearly medical and dental check-up and mammogram.
Take quality time EVERYDAY to get quiet in God's presence to hear His voice. Yes, remember to pray, but just as vital, take time to really hear His voice. Open your Bible and hear what the Holy Spirit is saying as you read the Scriptures.
Take time to study and just as important, take time to laugh and have fun. BALANCE is the key. Take the Motivation DNA test at http://www.getmotivatedbook.com/Test.aspx, to find personal strategies on overcoming any obstacles, achieve any goal and accelerate your success with Motivation DNA. It's free and you will get immediate results (with no strings or obligation attached).
Take time to review your current financial situation. If stressed by overwhelming challenges, process through it. Go and get wise counsel on how to make the needed adjustments to take you forward to your desired goals. OPEN AND READ YOUR MAIL even if you are challenged by your budget. TALK TO YOUR CREDITORS. YOU ARE IN CONTROL! YOU ARE have rights and regardless of the status, you are due respect. You give what you get, so be respectful, and YOU control the peaceful flow of the conversations.
Join us for our quarterly Celebrate You! Celebration Workshop, a support meeting style workshop. The next workshop will be held in October. Stay tuned for date and location.
Our Annual Annihilating Incest Conference will equip you with information and tools that will help you stop the generational cycles of this senseless crime. Join us in November for this empowering event.
Take TIME FOR YOU! and retreat with us, as we join: 1) True Identity Retreat, October 2-4, 2009 in Cleveland, Georgia (Contact http://www.trueidentityministries.org/ or call 770.865.3655. 2) Balancing Life's Demands Women's Retreat in Callaway Garden, October 16-18, 2009. (Contact http://www.mylonn.com/ or call 770. 945.1736 for more information and call 404-681-6071 only to register with the discount offered to Elegant Doves participants).
Take part in our 8 week Incest Recovery Tele-class beginning every Monday evening from October 19, 2009 through December 7, 2009, from 8:30pm -10:00pm. This is a step by step focus, with personal application of tools to heal the wounds of incest and childhood sexual abuse.
PREVENT!!!
Equip yourself with knowledge! Allow us to share the 7 Steps to Protect Our Children through the Darkness to Light's Stewards of Children Training. It is a must for every one of us on the planet. We, as the adults, are responsible for keeping our children safe. (call 404- 681-6071 or email me for more information - elegantlin@aol.com)
Allow us to help you with Abortion Recovery Assistance, processing through the wounds of post abortion healing through our 12 week Bible Study or our condensed 4 day weekend retreat. Email me for more information.
YOU ARE MORE THAN A CONQUEROR!! You have the power to heal. Tap into your power of choice to live life more abundantly - healed and in wholeness, turning your scars into stars.
Celebrate You! and Be IN Courage.
Check this out:
Rolling Stop Law & Legal Definition
A rolling stop is a term used in traffic law to refer to when a vehicle fails to come to a complete stop. A complete stop is when there is no forward momentum and the needle on the speedometer is at 0. In a rolling stop, the car wheels are still in motion and the car is moving at less than 5 m.p.h. Failing to come to a complete stop at a stop sign is a traffic violation governed by state laws, which vary by state. The longer the stop, the more discernable it is to the naked eye, giving a motorist a better chance of avoiding a ticket.
Personal Application
When it comes to the repercussion of incest;(incest being defined as sexual abuse with a family member or someone close enough to be considered as family); and the scars of abortion, rolling stops can be lethal to the soul. I can personally speak of the confusion I experienced because of the pain of the incest that clouded my judgement in many areas. I know first hand of choices made from a wounded spirit, because of not taking time out to think about or rationally deal with the root issues of the things I was facing. I justified many of my actions by keeping "busy". It hurt too bad to think about the pain of the incest abuse my uncle caused me and what it had done to my self-esteem. Later in life, as a repercussion of the scars (effects)of the incest abuse, I could not (did not want to) take time out to deal with the thoughts of what it really meant to have given my baby (babies)"up"; to admit that what I had done was to end the cycle of their lives, which really is the same as murder. A malicious act on my part? Malicious being defined as "Having the nature of or resulting from malice; deliberately harmful; spiteful". No! And yet the results were the same; hidden, undealt with guilt and shame. The painful thoughts of "what could have been" not being addressed.
Was my girlfriend aiming to violate the traffic laws and score a ticket? of course not. But her actions brought the ticket forth just the same. Her rolling stop, not taking time to cease her forward momentum for even a friction of a minute, resulted in her having to pay money she would have much preferred to spend else where.
Be IN Courage!
This article is written to encourage you to come to a full and complete STOP and take a few minutes out to really think about and consider the things that you have buried alive, deep inside of you. Anything buried produces some type of growth, if not properly processed to remain underground. The burial of a loved one after passing is done so in a casket, after the proper processing of the deceased body. A bad memory or a negative reaction to a hurt or neglected pain, not properly processed, tends to resurface, often at inappropriate times, in unexplainable ways; depression, crying spells, eating disorders, substance abuse, anxiety, anger, confusion, despair, loneliness, unable to forget, regret, hopelessness, or grief. I truly believe that "The pain of understanding and healing is far less than the pain of denial and despair".
There is hope!
RESTORE!!! EMPOWER!!! PREVENT!!!
RESTORE!!!
Restore the hope of someone lost in the confusion of the pain of sexual abuse by sharing the positiveness of what you have learned from your experience along with the following resources.
RESOURCES
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children =
http://www.missingkids.com/missingkids/servlet/PublicHomeServlet?LanguageCountry=en_US
Survivors Of Incest Anonymous=
http://www.siawso.org/
Childhelp USA The National Children's Alliance Hopehouse=
http://www.hopehousemaine.com/
Hotlines:
Suicide Hotline: 1.800.SUICIDE
All States' Reporting: 1.800.FYI.3366
National Survivors of Domestic Violence: 1.800.799.SAFE
National Family Violence: 1.800.222.2000
Incest Awareness Foundation: 1.888.547.3222
Incest Hotline: 1.212.227.3000
Incest Survivors Anonymous: 1.800.386.5599
Child Abuse Childhelp: 1.800.422.4453
Youth Crisis Hotline: 1.800.448.4663
Child Sexual Abuse Stop It Now: 1.888.773.8368
Family Violence National Domestic Violence: 1.800.799.7233
Piedmont Women's Center 24 Hour Hopeline - 1. 864.233.3823
Also, be informed about where sex offenders live by contacting FAMILY WATCHDOG
http://www.familywatchdog.us/
(note: you can put the name of your street (with or without adding your house number) and it will bring the information up).
EMPOWER!!!
Empower yourself by renewing your strength in every area of your life: Physically, Spiritually, Mentally and Financially. Take the time for your yearly medical and dental check-up and mammogram.
Take quality time EVERYDAY to get quiet in God's presence to hear His voice. Yes, remember to pray, but just as vital, take time to really hear His voice. Open your Bible and hear what the Holy Spirit is saying as you read the Scriptures.
Take time to study and just as important, take time to laugh and have fun. BALANCE is the key. Take the Motivation DNA test at http://www.getmotivatedbook.com/Test.aspx, to find personal strategies on overcoming any obstacles, achieve any goal and accelerate your success with Motivation DNA. It's free and you will get immediate results (with no strings or obligation attached).
Take time to review your current financial situation. If stressed by overwhelming challenges, process through it. Go and get wise counsel on how to make the needed adjustments to take you forward to your desired goals. OPEN AND READ YOUR MAIL even if you are challenged by your budget. TALK TO YOUR CREDITORS. YOU ARE IN CONTROL! YOU ARE have rights and regardless of the status, you are due respect. You give what you get, so be respectful, and YOU control the peaceful flow of the conversations.
Join us for our quarterly Celebrate You! Celebration Workshop, a support meeting style workshop. The next workshop will be held in October. Stay tuned for date and location.
Our Annual Annihilating Incest Conference will equip you with information and tools that will help you stop the generational cycles of this senseless crime. Join us in November for this empowering event.
Take TIME FOR YOU! and retreat with us, as we join: 1) True Identity Retreat, October 2-4, 2009 in Cleveland, Georgia (Contact http://www.trueidentityministries.org/ or call 770.865.3655. 2) Balancing Life's Demands Women's Retreat in Callaway Garden, October 16-18, 2009. (Contact http://www.mylonn.com/ or call 770. 945.1736 for more information and call 404-681-6071 only to register with the discount offered to Elegant Doves participants).
Take part in our 8 week Incest Recovery Tele-class beginning every Monday evening from October 19, 2009 through December 7, 2009, from 8:30pm -10:00pm. This is a step by step focus, with personal application of tools to heal the wounds of incest and childhood sexual abuse.
PREVENT!!!
Equip yourself with knowledge! Allow us to share the 7 Steps to Protect Our Children through the Darkness to Light's Stewards of Children Training. It is a must for every one of us on the planet. We, as the adults, are responsible for keeping our children safe. (call 404- 681-6071 or email me for more information - elegantlin@aol.com)
Allow us to help you with Abortion Recovery Assistance, processing through the wounds of post abortion healing through our 12 week Bible Study or our condensed 4 day weekend retreat. Email me for more information.
YOU ARE MORE THAN A CONQUEROR!! You have the power to heal. Tap into your power of choice to live life more abundantly - healed and in wholeness, turning your scars into stars.
Celebrate You! and Be IN Courage.
Monday, August 10, 2009
JOIN US FOR OUR PRAYER WALK AUGUST 15, 2009
You are invited to join us for a one hour PRAY WALK of unified prayer for Elegant Doves International, Saturday morning, August 15, 2009 from 8:00am -9:30am (Rain or Shine) at the Mud Creek Soccer Complex, 5600 Ernest Barrett Parkway, Powder Springs, 30127.
One hour of intense, concentrated, focused prayer for strategies to meet all the overall needs of Elegant Doves; binding the spirit of incest, sexual abuse and abortion across our city, nation and around the globe; lifting up similar ministries and organizations.
Informal (come as you are), unified in purpose, walking the track in groups of 2 or 3's, standing on God's Word.
For more information, email Linda Michelle Trainer @ elegantlin@aol.com
One hour of intense, concentrated, focused prayer for strategies to meet all the overall needs of Elegant Doves; binding the spirit of incest, sexual abuse and abortion across our city, nation and around the globe; lifting up similar ministries and organizations.
Informal (come as you are), unified in purpose, walking the track in groups of 2 or 3's, standing on God's Word.
For more information, email Linda Michelle Trainer @ elegantlin@aol.com
Inspiration from original Steams in the Desert Volume 1
I still remember the day I was in an old book store in Limerick, Ireland and picked up a new copy of "Streams in the Desert" by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman. I could hardly believe my eyes. My mom had first introduced me to this inspiring devotional book years earlier, and here I was, working for American Trans Air as a Flight Attendant, on layover near Shannon, Ireland, in a tiny, store-front book store, holding a book that had helped me to understand God on a personal level when I could not make sense of of anything in my young teen life. Out side it was a cold, gray and overcast day, but with the greenest green grass and foliage I had ever seen. Inside that "doll house" size book store, it seemed the sun rose to shine as if in the middle of an August afternoon in the deep south; bright,joyous and sho-nuff real heat!
As I held a copy of the devotional book my mom had allowed me to read on many occasion as I was growing up and going through the hard places in my life (which she did not even know of); the book that peeled back the truth of God's tender love and mercy in ways that I had never understood, I was amazed. I felt a fresh confirmation that the God I had often put on hold, was indeed "sho-nuff real"! I remember pushing back tears as I read words that comforted and encouraged my soul that afternoon in the same way they had before, with the same intensity and the same warmth and power. I have cherished that book ever since; worn,tearing at the seams and taped up, but remaining powerfully anointed and packed with inspiration and encouragement which is truly from God Himself, touching the deep places in my soul with hope and assurance.
Today I came across a selection that I pray and trust will encourage you, as you continue to press through all that life hurls at you. Take comfort that God's Word is the "sword of the Spirit" which can cut through to the core of any challenge, bringing peace and joy back to replace the places of fear and sadness in your life.
Be IN Courage as you read these awe inspiring words. Stand up and DON'T QUIT!
Streams in the Desert - Volume 1 - complied by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman
August 8
Thou art my king, O God: Command deliverance (victories, margin) for Jacob. (Psalms 44:4 RV)
There is no foe to your growth in grace, no enemy in your Christian work, which was not included in your Savior's conquests.
You need not be afraid of them. When your touch them, they will flee before you. God has promised to deliver them up before you. Only be strong and very courageous! Fear not, or be dismayed! The Lord is with you. O mighty men of valor - mighty because you are one with the Mightiest. Claim victory!
Whenever your enemies close in upon you, claim victory! Whenever heart and flesh fail, look up and claim VICTORY!
Be sure that you have a share in that triumph which Jesus won, not for Himself alone, but for us all; remember that you were in Him when He won it, and claim victory!
Reckon that it is your, and gather spoils. Neither the Anakim nor fenced cities need daunt or abash you. You are one of the conquering legion. Claim your share in the Savior's victory.
As I held a copy of the devotional book my mom had allowed me to read on many occasion as I was growing up and going through the hard places in my life (which she did not even know of); the book that peeled back the truth of God's tender love and mercy in ways that I had never understood, I was amazed. I felt a fresh confirmation that the God I had often put on hold, was indeed "sho-nuff real"! I remember pushing back tears as I read words that comforted and encouraged my soul that afternoon in the same way they had before, with the same intensity and the same warmth and power. I have cherished that book ever since; worn,tearing at the seams and taped up, but remaining powerfully anointed and packed with inspiration and encouragement which is truly from God Himself, touching the deep places in my soul with hope and assurance.
Today I came across a selection that I pray and trust will encourage you, as you continue to press through all that life hurls at you. Take comfort that God's Word is the "sword of the Spirit" which can cut through to the core of any challenge, bringing peace and joy back to replace the places of fear and sadness in your life.
Be IN Courage as you read these awe inspiring words. Stand up and DON'T QUIT!
Streams in the Desert - Volume 1 - complied by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman
August 8
Thou art my king, O God: Command deliverance (victories, margin) for Jacob. (Psalms 44:4 RV)
There is no foe to your growth in grace, no enemy in your Christian work, which was not included in your Savior's conquests.
You need not be afraid of them. When your touch them, they will flee before you. God has promised to deliver them up before you. Only be strong and very courageous! Fear not, or be dismayed! The Lord is with you. O mighty men of valor - mighty because you are one with the Mightiest. Claim victory!
Whenever your enemies close in upon you, claim victory! Whenever heart and flesh fail, look up and claim VICTORY!
Be sure that you have a share in that triumph which Jesus won, not for Himself alone, but for us all; remember that you were in Him when He won it, and claim victory!
Reckon that it is your, and gather spoils. Neither the Anakim nor fenced cities need daunt or abash you. You are one of the conquering legion. Claim your share in the Savior's victory.
From Joshua, by Meyer
We are children of the King. In which way do we most honor our divine Sovereign, by failing to claim our rights and even doubting whether they belong to us, or by asserting our privilege as children of the Royal Family and demanding the rights which belong to our heirship?"
(end quote)
Be IN courage!
Friday, July 31, 2009
A David Psalm
1. GOD, my Shepherd! I don't need a thing.
2. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from.
3. True to Your word, You let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.
4. Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I'm not afraid when You walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd's crook makes me feel secure.
5. You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing.
6. Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I'm back home in the house of GOD for the rest of my life.
(Author Unknown)
Be IN courage.
2. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from.
3. True to Your word, You let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.
4. Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I'm not afraid when You walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd's crook makes me feel secure.
5. You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing.
6. Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I'm back home in the house of GOD for the rest of my life.
(Author Unknown)
Be IN courage.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Set Apart
From:
Streams in the Desert - July 15
"He went up into a mountain apart" (Matt. 14:23).
One of the blessings of the old-time Sabbath was its calm, its restfulness, its holy peace. There is a strange strength conceived in solitude. Crows go in flocks and wolves in packs, but the lion and the eagle are solitaires.
Strength is not in bluster and noise. Strength is in quietness. The lake must be calm if the heavens are to be reflected on its surface. Our Lord loved the people, but how often we read of His going away from them for a brief season. He tried every little while to withdraw from the crowd. He was always stealing away at evening to the hills. Most of His ministry was carried on in the towns and cities by the seashore, but He loved the hills the best, and oftentimes when night fell He would plunge into their peaceful depths.
The one thing needed above all others today is that we shall go apart with our Lord, and sit at His feet in the sacred privacy of His blessed presence. Oh, for the lost art of meditation! Oh, for the culture of the secret place! Oh, for the
tonic of waiting upon God! --Selected
"It is well to live in the valley sweet,
Where the work of the world is done,
Where the reapers sing in the fields of wheat,
As they toil till the set of sun.
But beyond the meadows, the hills I see
Where the noises of traffic cease,
And I follow a Voice that calleth to me
From the hilltop regions of peace.
"Aye, to live is sweet in the valley fair,
And to toil till the set of sun;
But my spirit yearns for the hilltop's air
When the day and its work are done.
For a Presence breathes o'er the silent hills,
And its sweetness is living yet;
The same deep calm all the hillside fills,
As breathed over Olivet."
"Every life that would be strong must have its Holy of Holies into which only God enters."
Be IN Courage
Streams in the Desert - July 15
"He went up into a mountain apart" (Matt. 14:23).
One of the blessings of the old-time Sabbath was its calm, its restfulness, its holy peace. There is a strange strength conceived in solitude. Crows go in flocks and wolves in packs, but the lion and the eagle are solitaires.
Strength is not in bluster and noise. Strength is in quietness. The lake must be calm if the heavens are to be reflected on its surface. Our Lord loved the people, but how often we read of His going away from them for a brief season. He tried every little while to withdraw from the crowd. He was always stealing away at evening to the hills. Most of His ministry was carried on in the towns and cities by the seashore, but He loved the hills the best, and oftentimes when night fell He would plunge into their peaceful depths.
The one thing needed above all others today is that we shall go apart with our Lord, and sit at His feet in the sacred privacy of His blessed presence. Oh, for the lost art of meditation! Oh, for the culture of the secret place! Oh, for the
tonic of waiting upon God! --Selected
"It is well to live in the valley sweet,
Where the work of the world is done,
Where the reapers sing in the fields of wheat,
As they toil till the set of sun.
But beyond the meadows, the hills I see
Where the noises of traffic cease,
And I follow a Voice that calleth to me
From the hilltop regions of peace.
"Aye, to live is sweet in the valley fair,
And to toil till the set of sun;
But my spirit yearns for the hilltop's air
When the day and its work are done.
For a Presence breathes o'er the silent hills,
And its sweetness is living yet;
The same deep calm all the hillside fills,
As breathed over Olivet."
"Every life that would be strong must have its Holy of Holies into which only God enters."
Be IN Courage
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Just A Minute
I have just a minute with sixty seconds in it,
Forced upon me, can't refuse it.
Didn't seek it. didn't choose it,
But, it's up to me to use it.
I must suffer if I lose it,
Give account if I abuse it.
Just a tiny, little minute...
But, eternity is in it.
- Source Unknown
"What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee."
- Psalm 56:3
Be IN Courage!!
Forced upon me, can't refuse it.
Didn't seek it. didn't choose it,
But, it's up to me to use it.
I must suffer if I lose it,
Give account if I abuse it.
Just a tiny, little minute...
But, eternity is in it.
- Source Unknown
"What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee."
- Psalm 56:3
Be IN Courage!!
Monday, June 29, 2009
Keep Driving
I received the following in an email from a friend. I pray and trust it will inspire and encourage you to continue to keep "driving" your faith through every area of your life.
Be IN courage!
One day a young lady was driving along with her father. They came upon a storm. The young lady asked her father what should she do, he said "keep driving". Cars began to pull over to the side, the storm was getting worse. "What should I do?" the young lady asked, "keep driving", her father replied.
On up a few feet she noticed eighteen wheelers were pulling over also. She told her dad, "I must pull over, I can barely see ahead. It is terrible out here, everyone is pulling over." Her father told her not to give up, "just keep driving".
Now the storm was terrible but she never stopped driving and soon she could see a little clearer. After a couple of miles she was on dry land and the sun was out. Her father said "now pull over and get out". She said "but why now?" He said "get out and look back at all the people who gave up and are still in the storm. You never gave up and now your storm is over."
This was a testimony for anyone that is going through something. Just because everyone else, even the ones that appear to be the biggest and strongest give up, you don't have to, because if you keep going on, up ahead your storm will soon be over and the sun will shine upon your face again.
Be IN courage!
One day a young lady was driving along with her father. They came upon a storm. The young lady asked her father what should she do, he said "keep driving". Cars began to pull over to the side, the storm was getting worse. "What should I do?" the young lady asked, "keep driving", her father replied.
On up a few feet she noticed eighteen wheelers were pulling over also. She told her dad, "I must pull over, I can barely see ahead. It is terrible out here, everyone is pulling over." Her father told her not to give up, "just keep driving".
Now the storm was terrible but she never stopped driving and soon she could see a little clearer. After a couple of miles she was on dry land and the sun was out. Her father said "now pull over and get out". She said "but why now?" He said "get out and look back at all the people who gave up and are still in the storm. You never gave up and now your storm is over."
This was a testimony for anyone that is going through something. Just because everyone else, even the ones that appear to be the biggest and strongest give up, you don't have to, because if you keep going on, up ahead your storm will soon be over and the sun will shine upon your face again.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Word to the Wise
"Do not let your conscience get a callous". Be sensitive. "Feel" your life and live it in living color; accepting responsibility for your actions, being aware of your thoughts and hearing your own words, before they leave your mouth. Be present in the moment, focused on your destiny.
Be In courage!
Be In courage!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Action Plan
"Don't worry about anything ~ instead, pray about everything.
Tell God your needs and don't forget to thank Him for His answers."
Philippians 4:6
Philippians 4:6-7 (The Message)
Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
Be IN courage!
Tell God your needs and don't forget to thank Him for His answers."
Philippians 4:6
Philippians 4:6-7 (The Message)
Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
Be IN courage!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Something Beautiful
Life isn't always easy or fair, but it is within our power to choose our reaction towards each and every situation. Look for something beautiful inside of it.
It is very easy to become discouraged and confused when the pressures of life are screaming louder than reason. But You are in control of YOU!! You have the power to give in under the weight of the situation, or to fight back with all of your might (the power that works within in - Ephesians 6:10), standing tall doing the very best you can, and releasing whatever remains to the power of God who does perfect it all.
Look for the beauty in the moment. This is not to diminish the reality of what is happening, but it is to enhance the clarity of the full picture. Even in rain storms flowers are being watered and nourished. Look for the beauty within your situation, for there is something beautiful there, if even hiding underneath the "rock". Lift the rock as you "lift your eyes to the place where your help comes from" (Psalms 121:1)and witness something beautiful in your life today!! Take a look in the mirror to behold something truly beautiful - a one of a kind masterpiece, the workmanship of God Almighty = YOU!! Simply Beautiful!
Be IN Courage!
It is very easy to become discouraged and confused when the pressures of life are screaming louder than reason. But You are in control of YOU!! You have the power to give in under the weight of the situation, or to fight back with all of your might (the power that works within in - Ephesians 6:10), standing tall doing the very best you can, and releasing whatever remains to the power of God who does perfect it all.
Look for the beauty in the moment. This is not to diminish the reality of what is happening, but it is to enhance the clarity of the full picture. Even in rain storms flowers are being watered and nourished. Look for the beauty within your situation, for there is something beautiful there, if even hiding underneath the "rock". Lift the rock as you "lift your eyes to the place where your help comes from" (Psalms 121:1)and witness something beautiful in your life today!! Take a look in the mirror to behold something truly beautiful - a one of a kind masterpiece, the workmanship of God Almighty = YOU!! Simply Beautiful!
Be IN Courage!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
STONE
TWO FRIENDS WERE WALKING THROUGH THE DESERT. DURING SOME POINT OF THE JOURNEY THEY HAD AN ARGUMENT AND ONE FRIEND SLAPPED THE OTHER ONE IN THE FACE. THE ONE WHO GOT SLAPPED WAS HURT, BUT WITHOUT SAYING ANYTHING WROTE IN THE SAND, "TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE".
THEY KEPT ON WALKING UNTIL THEY FOUND AN OASIS WHERE THEY DECIDED TO TAKE A BATH. THE ONE WHO HAD BEEN SLAPPED GOT STUCK IN THE MIRE AND STARTED DROWNING, BUT THE FRIEND SAVED HIM. AFTER HE RECOVERED FROM THE NEAR DROWNING HE WROTE ON A STONE, "TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SAVED MY LIFE".
THE FRIEND WHO HAD SLAPPED AND SAVED HIS BEST FRIEND ASKED HIM, "AFTER I HURT YOU, YOU WROTE IN THE SAND AND NOW YOU WRITE ON A STONE, WHY"? THE FRIEND REPLIED, "WHEN SOMEONE HURTS US WE SHOULD WRITE IT DOWN IN SAND, WHERE WINDS OF FORGIVENESS CAN ERASE IT AWAY. BUT WHEN SOMEONE DOES SOMETHING GOOD FOR US, WE MUST ENGRAVE IT IN STONE WHERE NO WIND CAN EVER ERASE IT".
LEARN TO WRITE YOUR HURTS IN THE SAND AND TO CARVE YOUR BENEFITS IN STONE.
Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
(author unknown)
Be IN courage!
THEY KEPT ON WALKING UNTIL THEY FOUND AN OASIS WHERE THEY DECIDED TO TAKE A BATH. THE ONE WHO HAD BEEN SLAPPED GOT STUCK IN THE MIRE AND STARTED DROWNING, BUT THE FRIEND SAVED HIM. AFTER HE RECOVERED FROM THE NEAR DROWNING HE WROTE ON A STONE, "TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SAVED MY LIFE".
THE FRIEND WHO HAD SLAPPED AND SAVED HIS BEST FRIEND ASKED HIM, "AFTER I HURT YOU, YOU WROTE IN THE SAND AND NOW YOU WRITE ON A STONE, WHY"? THE FRIEND REPLIED, "WHEN SOMEONE HURTS US WE SHOULD WRITE IT DOWN IN SAND, WHERE WINDS OF FORGIVENESS CAN ERASE IT AWAY. BUT WHEN SOMEONE DOES SOMETHING GOOD FOR US, WE MUST ENGRAVE IT IN STONE WHERE NO WIND CAN EVER ERASE IT".
LEARN TO WRITE YOUR HURTS IN THE SAND AND TO CARVE YOUR BENEFITS IN STONE.
Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
(author unknown)
Be IN courage!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Don't Quit
When things go wrong as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low, and the debts are high,
and you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit -
Rest if you must, but don't quit.
Success is failure turned inside out,
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be nearer when it seems afar.
So, stick to the fight when you're hardest hit -
It's when things go wrong that you must not quit.
~ Author Unknown ~
Be IN courage!
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low, and the debts are high,
and you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit -
Rest if you must, but don't quit.
Success is failure turned inside out,
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be nearer when it seems afar.
So, stick to the fight when you're hardest hit -
It's when things go wrong that you must not quit.
~ Author Unknown ~
Be IN courage!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Fear = False Evidence Appearing Real
The greatest barrier to success is
the fear of failure.
Sven Goran Erikkson
Be IN Courage
the fear of failure.
Sven Goran Erikkson
Be IN Courage
Courage
Courage is the ability to face
danger or difficult situations in life.
A courageous person overcomes
challenges and hardships despite
being fearful. Courage gives us
strength to accomplish tasks and
help us do the right thing even if
we are scared or frightened.
(Author Unknown)
Be IN Courage!!!
danger or difficult situations in life.
A courageous person overcomes
challenges and hardships despite
being fearful. Courage gives us
strength to accomplish tasks and
help us do the right thing even if
we are scared or frightened.
(Author Unknown)
Be IN Courage!!!
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Hope Refreshed
"His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor His delight in the legs of a man; the Lord delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His unfailing love." - Psalm 147:10-11
One thing God does not need is our skills and abilities. However, He does give us the privilege to exercise our gifts and abilities for His service. That service may be as a computer technician, a secretary, an ironworker, or even a lawyer. God calls each of us to our vocations to work unto Him. To believe that He needs our skills to accomplish His mission on earth would be to lower our understanding of an all-encompassing and all-powerful God.
The psalmist tells us that His pleasure is not in our strength and ability, but His pleasure is in the attitude of the heart. It is what we find in the heart that helps determine whether ability is translated into availability.
You see God is looking to and fro throughout the earth for a man or woman who is fully committed to Him. A man or woman who is committed to fearing the Lord and placing his hope in His unfailing love is the person God seeks to support. "For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him" (2 Chron. 16:9a).
When our agenda becomes His agenda, we can expect God to fully support all that we do.
(This is an excerpt from Os Hillman's Today God Is First Devotion ( 2 May 09/Volume 1 - Ability Verus Availibility - www.TodayGodisFirst.com)
Be In Courage
One thing God does not need is our skills and abilities. However, He does give us the privilege to exercise our gifts and abilities for His service. That service may be as a computer technician, a secretary, an ironworker, or even a lawyer. God calls each of us to our vocations to work unto Him. To believe that He needs our skills to accomplish His mission on earth would be to lower our understanding of an all-encompassing and all-powerful God.
The psalmist tells us that His pleasure is not in our strength and ability, but His pleasure is in the attitude of the heart. It is what we find in the heart that helps determine whether ability is translated into availability.
You see God is looking to and fro throughout the earth for a man or woman who is fully committed to Him. A man or woman who is committed to fearing the Lord and placing his hope in His unfailing love is the person God seeks to support. "For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him" (2 Chron. 16:9a).
When our agenda becomes His agenda, we can expect God to fully support all that we do.
(This is an excerpt from Os Hillman's Today God Is First Devotion ( 2 May 09/Volume 1 - Ability Verus Availibility - www.TodayGodisFirst.com)
Be In Courage
Friday, May 1, 2009
The Mountain and the Fog
When I first arrived, I could see a mountain from my hotel window overlooking the San Francisco Bay. As I laid across my bed, processing some stress I was experiencing, I thanked God for allowing me to have this particular room, with this particular view. It reminded me to "...Look to the hills from where my help comes from." The verse actually says, "I will lift up my eyes to the hills from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth." (Psalm 121:1)
I knew it was not a coincidence that I was assigned this exact room, with this exact view. I was just here yesterday and many other times over the last few months, and had never been assigned a room on this floor, let alone with this view.
I dozed off for a short nap and when I opened my eyes, I was amazed to see the mountain gone! "It was just there. Where could it have gone to?" Once fully awake, I realized that even though I could not see it, the mountain was still there. It was just on the other side of the fog that had rolled in. I couldn't even see the "fog", for it looked to me just like an overcast day, but I knew the "cast" was caused my the low flowing clouds which formed the fog. Even though I could not "see" the fog I knew it was there. Even though I could no longer "see" the mountain, I knew it was still there.
Even though I could not "see" the answer to how the challenges facing me were to be worked out, I know they already are, and I know the answer is there and will be revealed to me; It is just on the other side of the "fog of anxious thoughts trying to grip my emotions,". I knew the answer is laying in my prayers, trust and hope in the One who has moved "mountains" in my life before. Just like not being able to SEE the mountain behind the fog, but knowing it is still there, even though I don't SEE the answer, I know God is still here - perfecting ALL that concerns me, having "supplied all my needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19). The passage I am reminded of here actually states:
"Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your Hand against the wrath of my enemies, and Your right Hand will save me. The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the works of Your Hand." Psalm 138:7-8.
I can rest knowing "this too shall pass" and I can be sure that the "Sun will come out tomorrow", and my hope and trust and faith will produce a "mountain of blessings" for me, based on another passage I have seen manifest in my life before:
"So Jesus said to them, "Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, "If you have faith as a mustard see, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you." (Matthew 17:20)
Hold fast to your hope. Don't let go of your faith. Be IN Courage and know that "weeping may endure for the night, but joy.." (and the sun which burns away the fog) "...will come in the morning." (Psalm 30:5)
Be In Courage
I knew it was not a coincidence that I was assigned this exact room, with this exact view. I was just here yesterday and many other times over the last few months, and had never been assigned a room on this floor, let alone with this view.
I dozed off for a short nap and when I opened my eyes, I was amazed to see the mountain gone! "It was just there. Where could it have gone to?" Once fully awake, I realized that even though I could not see it, the mountain was still there. It was just on the other side of the fog that had rolled in. I couldn't even see the "fog", for it looked to me just like an overcast day, but I knew the "cast" was caused my the low flowing clouds which formed the fog. Even though I could not "see" the fog I knew it was there. Even though I could no longer "see" the mountain, I knew it was still there.
Even though I could not "see" the answer to how the challenges facing me were to be worked out, I know they already are, and I know the answer is there and will be revealed to me; It is just on the other side of the "fog of anxious thoughts trying to grip my emotions,". I knew the answer is laying in my prayers, trust and hope in the One who has moved "mountains" in my life before. Just like not being able to SEE the mountain behind the fog, but knowing it is still there, even though I don't SEE the answer, I know God is still here - perfecting ALL that concerns me, having "supplied all my needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19). The passage I am reminded of here actually states:
"Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your Hand against the wrath of my enemies, and Your right Hand will save me. The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the works of Your Hand." Psalm 138:7-8.
I can rest knowing "this too shall pass" and I can be sure that the "Sun will come out tomorrow", and my hope and trust and faith will produce a "mountain of blessings" for me, based on another passage I have seen manifest in my life before:
"So Jesus said to them, "Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, "If you have faith as a mustard see, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you." (Matthew 17:20)
Hold fast to your hope. Don't let go of your faith. Be IN Courage and know that "weeping may endure for the night, but joy.." (and the sun which burns away the fog) "...will come in the morning." (Psalm 30:5)
Be In Courage
Friday, April 24, 2009
Forgiveness
Forgiveness is a journey of the heart. We don't reach our destination in one giant stride, by somehow willing ourselves there. Rather, we make a humble beginning, setting the compass of our soul in the direction of forgiveness.
We don't forgive in order to be generous to the person who offended us. We don't forgive because it's the "right" thing to do. We forgive in order to set things right within our own heart. Holding a grudge holds us prisoner to the past. Forgiveness frees us to accept the injustices of life and then move on.
From "Finding the Serenity of Acceptance by Lisa O. Engelhardt
We don't forgive in order to be generous to the person who offended us. We don't forgive because it's the "right" thing to do. We forgive in order to set things right within our own heart. Holding a grudge holds us prisoner to the past. Forgiveness frees us to accept the injustices of life and then move on.
From "Finding the Serenity of Acceptance by Lisa O. Engelhardt
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
God with you
Yesterday I was was privileged to witness an often unrecognized portion of God's love. The first was in an emergency room, visiting a friend. In the bed next to her, behind the curtain, I was drawn by the sound of tears. While my friend was taken briefly out of the room, I gently stepped around the curtain to ask if I could offer a hug. My offer was welcomed. As I bent down to embrace the most beautiful sister, she grabbed my neck and said, "I just lost my baby".
The shock and saddness flung open the flood gates of my own tears. She touched a familiar place in my heart. From the place which has been healed and is now whole inside of me, I asked her if I could pray with her and she again graciously accepted. We both felt the presence of God and His healing love envelope us.
A short while later, I could hear from my friend's side of the curtain, a doctor saying that although the bleeding had occured and no heart beat was detected, they had to presume the baby "demised", but recommended another ultrasound in 1 week, since it is at 8 weeks that a heart beat is usually detected. This sister's baby was only 7 weeks old. Just before she was released to go home, she asked me to pray with her again, because she had " a tiny bit of hope". I reminded her that God is the God of the impossible and His Word said that He can do a big things with tiny mustard seed faith. I prayed that whatever His plan, that He would give my beautiful sister the courage, strength and peace to trust Him and experience His love in a very personal way.
Later that evening, I recieved an update about another sister, across the country, who we had been praying for, her baby being in distress as they worked to stabilize and keep the baby in the womb to develope more. The email stated that this sister had delivered a beautiful baby boy who was now with our Father in Heaven. The mom was "stable" but continued prayer for she and her husband are desired.
Be encourged by this piece I just discovered by an anointed sister:
The shock and saddness flung open the flood gates of my own tears. She touched a familiar place in my heart. From the place which has been healed and is now whole inside of me, I asked her if I could pray with her and she again graciously accepted. We both felt the presence of God and His healing love envelope us.
A short while later, I could hear from my friend's side of the curtain, a doctor saying that although the bleeding had occured and no heart beat was detected, they had to presume the baby "demised", but recommended another ultrasound in 1 week, since it is at 8 weeks that a heart beat is usually detected. This sister's baby was only 7 weeks old. Just before she was released to go home, she asked me to pray with her again, because she had " a tiny bit of hope". I reminded her that God is the God of the impossible and His Word said that He can do a big things with tiny mustard seed faith. I prayed that whatever His plan, that He would give my beautiful sister the courage, strength and peace to trust Him and experience His love in a very personal way.
Later that evening, I recieved an update about another sister, across the country, who we had been praying for, her baby being in distress as they worked to stabilize and keep the baby in the womb to develope more. The email stated that this sister had delivered a beautiful baby boy who was now with our Father in Heaven. The mom was "stable" but continued prayer for she and her husband are desired.
What do you say in situations like these? How are you suppose to feel?
The answer is: You are suppose to feel what you feel. You are suppose to say what you know. If you hurt - cry. If you are angry - say so. And then climb or crawl, if you must, back to the center of your foundation, remembering what it is that you know, that you know, that you know... God is with you, regardless.. no matter the circumstances or the situation. His Word is true and His love is proven.
Be encourged by this piece I just discovered by an anointed sister:
GOD WITH YOU
As surely as you are alive,
God is with you
- right here, right now.
Your heart beats
with the pulse of Love.
Your spirit moves
with the breath of Life.
You need never be afraid, then,
of the depths of despair.
If you go over the edge,
you land in the waiting arms of Love.
God will catch you and bind your wounds,
singing to you all the while
a lullaby of love.
by Lisa O. Engelhardt
from the book "Finding the Serenity of Acceptance".
One Caring Place
Abbey Press
ISBN 0-87029-277-3
Be In Courage!!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Laugh Out Loud
The more intense the challenge,
The more intense the need for laughter.
Laugh.... and then Laugh some more.
Need inspiration: go look in the mirror!
LOL!!!!
Be in Courage!
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Wit's End Corner
'At their wit's end, then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and He bringeth them out. " (Psalm 107:27-28)
"Are you standing at "Wit's End Corner,"
Christian, with troubled brow?
Are you thinking of what is before you,
and all you are bearing now?
Does all the world seem against you,
And you in the battle alone?
Remember-at 'Wit's End Corner"
is just where God's power is shown.
Are you standing at "Wit's End Corner,"
Blinded with wearying pain,
Feeling you cannot endure it,
You cannot bear the stain,
Bruised through the constant suffering,
Dizzy, and dazed, and numb?
Remember-at "Wit's End Corner"
is where Jesus loves to come.
Are you standing at "Wit's End Corner"?
Your work before you spread,
All laying begun, unfinished,
And pressing on heart and head,
Longing for strength to do it,
Stretching out trembled hands?
Remember-at "Wit's End Corner"
The Burden-bearer stands.
Are you standing at "Wit's End Corner"?
Then you're just in the very spot
To learn the wondrous resources
Of Him who faileth not:
No doubt to a brighter pathway
Your footsteps will soon be moved,
But only at "Wit's End Corner"
Is the "God who is able" proved.
(by Antoinette Wilson)
(From Streams in the Desert by Mrs.Charles Cowman)
Be In Courage!
Friday, March 27, 2009
No Signal
"No Signal" is what displayed on the TV in my hotel room yesterday. None of the channels, except the "Welcome to the Marriott - stay in your room and enjoy movies that in now in theaters" channel.
I didn't want to watch, and although the TV, this time, was not keeping me from any work I should have been doing, I knew that I should have been headed to bed and rest my body.
I forced the issue! After acknowledging the spiritual application, (No Signal: helping me to stay focused and away from the distraction of the TV) I put the remote down, but after a few minutes I picked it back up again, wondering why I wasn't getting a signal!!!
Was it just my room because it was situated in a corner portion of the hotel, or was it the entire floor not getting a signal???
God, being gracious, not to force any issue, but allowing free choice, gave me the "greatest" desire of my heart in that moment - to solve the "no signal" mystery. With the next click of the remote the channels appeared. The signal was restored.
I didn't want to watch, and although the TV, this time, was not keeping me from any work I should have been doing, I knew that I should have been headed to bed and rest my body.
I forced the issue! After acknowledging the spiritual application, (No Signal: helping me to stay focused and away from the distraction of the TV) I put the remote down, but after a few minutes I picked it back up again, wondering why I wasn't getting a signal!!!
Was it just my room because it was situated in a corner portion of the hotel, or was it the entire floor not getting a signal???
God, being gracious, not to force any issue, but allowing free choice, gave me the "greatest" desire of my heart in that moment - to solve the "no signal" mystery. With the next click of the remote the channels appeared. The signal was restored.
But I wasn't!!
After catching a small portion of the nightly news about the tornadoes in one part of the country and snow and flooding in another part; passing by informericals and an empty 30 minute sitcom which I thought would make me laugh, I realized that it, that hour I had just spent, was as if I had just eaten something with empty calories and no nutritional value.
Picking up the signal was evidence that "no signal": silence and rest, was the best thing for me and my body at that time. It was the "recommended program"of the Holy Spirit.
I surrendered my will, turned off the TV, drew the drapes closed (because it was still light outside, and relatively early) and I went to sleep. I am rested enough to receive this message and to register it within my "data bank" and to share it as encouragement herein on this new morning.
Remember: "No signal" is a "signal". Take heed; REST.
"Test yourselves to make sure you are solid in the faith.
Don't drift along taking everything for granted. Give
yourselves regular checkups. You need firsthand evidence, not mere
hearsay that Jesus Christ is in you. Test it out.
Be cheerful. Keep things in good repair. Keep your spirits up.
Think in harmony. Be agreeable. Do all that, and the God of love and
peace will be with you for sure. Greet one another with a holy embrace."
2 Cor 13 (The Message)
Be In Courage!!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Food for thought
I came across this today, by Os Hillman. It caught my attention and added "fuel" to my faith. I trust it will do the same for you.
"..... "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies" (Ps. 23:5a).
"The battle you are in will soon become a meal for you, an experience that will nourish and build you up spiritually. Only God's peace will quell your fleshly reactions in battle. The source of God's peace is God Himself. If fear has been knocking at your door, begin to face that fear with God's peace. It is God's secret weapon to destroy fear. "
"..... "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies" (Ps. 23:5a).
"The battle you are in will soon become a meal for you, an experience that will nourish and build you up spiritually. Only God's peace will quell your fleshly reactions in battle. The source of God's peace is God Himself. If fear has been knocking at your door, begin to face that fear with God's peace. It is God's secret weapon to destroy fear. "
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Tea Time - Something to make you smile
In preparation for our upcoming Celebrate You! Celebration Workshop's "A Cup of Encouragement - TEA", I found this email sent to me to be cute. An example of the quick wisdom of a Mom, and the innocence of love - a child's and a dad's.
Note: our tea will be authentic. ENJOY!
Tea Time
=========
Daddy was in the living room engrossed in the evening news and
my brother was playing nearby in the living room when I
brought Daddy a little cup of "tea," which was just water.
After several cups of tea and lots of praise for such yummy
tea, my mom came home. My dad made her wait in the living room
to watch me bring him a cup of tea, because it was "just the
cutest thing!"
My mom waited, and sure enough, here I came down the hall with
a cup of tea for Daddy and she watched him drink it up.
She then asked, "Did it ever occur to you that the only place
that baby can reach to get water is the toilet?"
Note: our tea will be authentic. ENJOY!
Tea Time
=========
One day my mother was out and my dad was in charge of me and
my brother, who is four years older than I am. I was maybe one
and a half years old and had just recovered from an accident
in which my arm had been broken, among other injuries. Someone
had given me a little tea set as a get-well gift, and it was
one of my favorite toys.
my brother, who is four years older than I am. I was maybe one
and a half years old and had just recovered from an accident
in which my arm had been broken, among other injuries. Someone
had given me a little tea set as a get-well gift, and it was
one of my favorite toys.
Daddy was in the living room engrossed in the evening news and
my brother was playing nearby in the living room when I
brought Daddy a little cup of "tea," which was just water.
After several cups of tea and lots of praise for such yummy
tea, my mom came home. My dad made her wait in the living room
to watch me bring him a cup of tea, because it was "just the
cutest thing!"
My mom waited, and sure enough, here I came down the hall with
a cup of tea for Daddy and she watched him drink it up.
She then asked, "Did it ever occur to you that the only place
that baby can reach to get water is the toilet?"
"A merry heart does good, like medicine..." Proverbs 17:22
Jesus Cares
This is a favorite poem of mine. Be encouraged as you read it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jesus Cares
When your heart is heavy and burdened
And you can't see your way through,
While you're going through trials and testings,
And you don't know what to do.
There's a friend above who watches
And He cares what happens to you;
This wonderful one is Jesus
And He will see you through.
He cares when your heart is troubled
And the tears come falling fast;
He will come and heal your broken heart
And make it a thing of the past.
When the battle seems too great to win
And hard the enemy's blast,
Remember the battle is not yours but the Lord's
And against Him Satan can't last.
So keep your eyes upon Jesus
And your troubles on Him roll;
He will fight your battles for you
And His love to you unfold.
He is a great and wonderful God
And His love as pure as gold;
Put your trust in Him today
And you will find rest for your soul.
(L. L. Lyle)
~~~~~~~~~~
Be IN Courage.
Rest
"For thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel:In returning and rest you shall be saved; In quietness and confidence shall be your strength."Isaiah 30:15
A few weeks ago I took part in a 4 hour Sabbath Rest Silent Retreat, sponsored by Atlanta Community Ministries and hosted by Becky. This was my second experience and it was again, life enhancing.We were led into to write on a rock that which we desired to get from God's presence during our time of silence. I was led to write "Resting on your promises." The rock was meant to be carried with us and used as a reminder, a point of reference to bring our mind back if it started to wander from that place of rest in God's presence.
My body was so very tired and I was so looking forward to this time of relaxing and just "being" in a beautiful, safe surrounding. I was determined to head to see the waterfall that I could not find during my first visit. When I got turned around in the directions, even with the map in my hands, I knew that I was tired and remembered that I was in God's presence; He knew what I desired and what I needed the most. I surrendered my will and headed in the direction in front of me.
I ended up at the edge of a gentle river, with an empty bench, right in front of the water. God knows how much I love water and I felt this was His gift to me for this afternoon. I let me sore body sink into the bench and I drank in the beauty of the moment. I was prompted to put my feet up and really relax. As I did, I put my backpack in one corner of the bench and my feet over the railing of the other side. I laid my head down on my backpack after a while and just totally and completed allowed my body to "relax."
After just a few minutes of just laying there, my mind did start to wander: "I had to leave the retreat, pick my husband up from work and then have him drop me off at the airport (because his car was in the shop) - it would be rush hour by the time I pick him up! I had fly to New York and work a trip to somewhere on the west coast -where was I going tomorrow anyway - San Fran or LA?"
A few weeks ago I took part in a 4 hour Sabbath Rest Silent Retreat, sponsored by Atlanta Community Ministries and hosted by Becky. This was my second experience and it was again, life enhancing.We were led into to write on a rock that which we desired to get from God's presence during our time of silence. I was led to write "Resting on your promises." The rock was meant to be carried with us and used as a reminder, a point of reference to bring our mind back if it started to wander from that place of rest in God's presence.
My body was so very tired and I was so looking forward to this time of relaxing and just "being" in a beautiful, safe surrounding. I was determined to head to see the waterfall that I could not find during my first visit. When I got turned around in the directions, even with the map in my hands, I knew that I was tired and remembered that I was in God's presence; He knew what I desired and what I needed the most. I surrendered my will and headed in the direction in front of me.
I ended up at the edge of a gentle river, with an empty bench, right in front of the water. God knows how much I love water and I felt this was His gift to me for this afternoon. I let me sore body sink into the bench and I drank in the beauty of the moment. I was prompted to put my feet up and really relax. As I did, I put my backpack in one corner of the bench and my feet over the railing of the other side. I laid my head down on my backpack after a while and just totally and completed allowed my body to "relax."
After just a few minutes of just laying there, my mind did start to wander: "I had to leave the retreat, pick my husband up from work and then have him drop me off at the airport (because his car was in the shop) - it would be rush hour by the time I pick him up! I had fly to New York and work a trip to somewhere on the west coast -where was I going tomorrow anyway - San Fran or LA?"
SHUT THE NOISE, LINDA MICHELLE! is what I told myself!!
I held my rock tighter in my hand and began concentrating on what I desired from God during that time - "Resting on His Promises." As I corralled my thoughts back to a place of peace, I asked, "OK God, what does it mean to rest on your promises anyway? What are your promises?" The thought rose in my spirit, "OK, your promises are Your Word. Your Word is scriptures in the Bible."
And just as gently as the water was flowing in the sun on that river, the sense of the Holy Spirit rose in my spirit - "what are you doing right now, Linda Michelle? I said inside of myself, "I'm laying my head on my backpack, resting." And I then heard "What is inside of your backpack that you are resting your head on?"
Tears started flowing down my face as I suddenly realized that I was resting my head on my Bible - God's Promises - literally!! The stress and tiredness and joy and thanksgiving for the revelation mixed in with my tears. I was learning, yet again, how to "Rest On God's Promises" - literally and spiritually.
My body melted into a comforting nap, right there beside that gentle river. More revelation came to me when I woke - ".. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads my besides the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name sake...."
On my way back to the main building, God led me right past the waterfall I wanted to see!!! And I was even able to take another short nap on another bench overlooking it!! How awe-inspiring is that?? How much of God's love is that???
I encourage you to take time to rest on God's promises. Whatever you may be going through right now, He has a promise that will meet that need. I also encourage you to take part in the next Sabbath Rest Silent Retreat. Contact Becky of Sabbath Rest Silent Retreats, at http://sabbath-rest.com/default.aspx. "A time to rest, pray, and listen for God." You will experience for yourself this precious time of renewal and revelation.
Read something that Joyce Meyer wrote that fits here too:
"If you are troubled and upset, worried and worn out about all the changes that need to be made in you, why not enter the rest of God? Struggling won't change you - neither will frustration or worry. The more you rest in God, the faster you will see change. If the canvas struggled under the artist's paint brush, the painting would never get finished. The canvas is perfectly still, totally submitted to the artist's wisdom and creativity. That is exactly the way we must be with God. He knows what He is doing and how to do it. We should believe in Him and enter His rest."
(Joyce Meyer - New Day New You!)
Rest now.
Be In Courage.
A Word of Encouragement
Do more than exist - live.
Do more than touch - feel.
Do more than look - observe.
Do more than read - absorb.
Do more than hear - listen.
Do more than listen - understand.
John H. Rhoades
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From Linda Michelle:
Do more than pray - believe to receive.
Do more than trust - prepare to see.
Do more than love - allow yourself to be loved.
Do more than believe - position yourself with expectation, and step into the fullness of the blessing.
"For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you", says the Lord, "thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome."
Jeremiah 29:11 (amplified version)
Be In Courage.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)