Hello Friends!

I’ll see you this week at PWC as we continue our study in Philippians.

Oct 27 – Prestonwood Country Club

Oct 28 – Cottonwood Creek Baptist

Oct 29 – First Baptist Dallas

Here’s a thought to give you a fresh start to your week.

Several weeks ago I met a wonderful woman named Avis Lafrance.   She is a professional image consultant and more importantly a godly woman who desires to serve God through her life, her words and her career.  She consulted with me several times to help give me a bit of an update look – new hairstyle and makeup.  She even helped me refresh my wardrobe.  When it comes to physical appearance, a positive change now and then is not a bad idea. 

There are many things we can change about ourselves.  We can change the way we look.  We can change the way we take care of our bodies. We can change the way we think.  We can change our attitude, actions and words.  We may not be able to change our circumstances, and we may not be able to change the people around us, but we can change the way we respond to situations and people.

We can choose to think about what is good in our lives and dwell on our blessings, or we can continue to rehash the same old things that make us angry and bitter.  We can choose to pray and seek God’s help through difficult circumstances or we can become overwhelmed with fear and anxiety. 

Changing the way we think has a monumental effect on what we say and how we act.  If I dwell on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable, then my grumbling tends to change to gratitude.  If I think about other people as beautiful creations of God, then it changes the way I treat them and talk to them (and talk about them). 

What changes do you need to make?  Perhaps you need to make a change in the way you are looking at your situation at work or at home.  Perhaps you need to make a change in the way you eat or the way you spend your money.  You may need to make a change in the area of forgiveness  and release the right to hold something over another person.    This week I want to encourage you  to prayerfully consider some of the changes you need to make.

Positive change usually begins in your thinking and pours out from there into our actions and words.   In the Autumn season we see many changes taking place in the foliage around us.  Why not allow the beauty of Fall to serve as a reminder that we can always make positive changes in our lives.

As we progress in our study of Philippians, Paul had one focus.  His eyes were on Jesus and his desire was to spread the gospel message. 

This past weekend my daughter and I ran in the Mary Kay 5K race.  We did it!   We showed up for the race, we ran and we finished.   Of course my daughter finished quite a bit earlier than I did, but we both experienced the joy of accomplishing the race and had a great time in the process. 

 Now I’m not saying the race was easy.  In fact I was really hurting on some of those hills.  Personally I wish the organizers of the race could have made the route only on flat terrain.  Why hills?  To tell you honestly I’d like for life to be on an even path as well.  No difficulties, no mountains to climb, no valleys to crawl through.  I wish life was one smooth sailing journey. 

Hebrews reminds u s to keep our eyes on Christ through the challenging journey of life.  Here’s what Hebrews 12:1 – 3 says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

Don’t lose heart.  Press on.  Whatever your race looks like, run with perseverance with your eyes on Christ.  Get rid of the sin that so easily gets you off course and remember you have a Savior who loves you and is with you through your struggles. 

This past week I had the privilege of hearing Dr. John Townsend (www.drjohntownsend.com) speak on the topic of leadership.  In his talk he mentioned some of the life lessons he taught his kids.  He said it was important for them to learn that things will get harder before they get easier and to take one day at a time.  Yes, life is tough, and we must persevere at times, even when the going gets tough.  One day at a time with our eyes on Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.

Be sure to mark your calendars for Oct 27 PWC in North Dallas at Prestonwood Country Club.

Or join us at the new PWC in Allen on Oct 28 at Cottonwood creek.

If you work in downtown Dallas, join us on Thursdays from 12 – 12:45 at First Baptist Dallas.

We had a great week last week at the Positive Woman Connection. We are especially thrilled to have started our new PWC at Cottonwood Creek Church in Allen. 

It was a wonderful start to our study on Philippians, “A Womans Passionate Pursuit of God.  Here’s an extra dose of encouragement:

Several weeks ago my daughter and I made a decision to train for a local 5K (3.1 mile)race together. It sounded good at the time we talked about it, but then when I put on my running shoes and started hitting the pavement, I realized how out of shape I was for running. I used to be a big runner – 20 something years ago. Well I’m not quite in the shape I was back in college! The first day I went for a run, I do believe every muscle in my legs ached all day long. But I was determined to get back in the swing of things, so I could join my daughter for the race and not embarrass myself in the process. Every day, bit by bit I got out there and went a little further each day, even when it was painful. The Bible reminds us of a few things we need to run toward and a few things we need to run away from in our lives. David said, “I have chosen to be faithful; I have determined to live by your laws. I cling to your decrees. Lord, don’t’ let me be put to shame! If you will help me, I will run to follow your commands. “(Psalm 119:30 – 32) What a beautiful picture of where we should run – to God’s commands! Isaiah described those who have turned away from God by saying, “Their feet run to do evil.” (Isaiah 59:7) What kind of runner are you? I’m not talking about physically, but I’m talking about spiritually. Do you run toward God’s loving arms and toward His commands? Or do your run away from Him, living as you want to live, running toward evil? We have a choice as to which direction we will go. I like how David said, “If you will help me, I will run and follow your commands.” So if you are feeling weak and unable to run toward Him, or if you feel like you don’t know how, ask for his help and then Just Do It! One step at a time you will begin to run with strength and confidence in His direction. Remember, run to God for help, strength, wisdom and comfort. Run to help others in need. Run away from sin, bitterness and self-centeredness.