Glorious Differences

October 12, 2009Leave a comment

This weekend my husband and I went to the State Fair of Texas. Yes, I talked him into going. He doesn’t necessarily like to go to the fair, but I love it! I’m not exactly sure why I love it so much. Maybe it’s the corny dogs and funnel cakes. It could be the exhibits and the animals, but I’m pretty sure what does it for me is watching all the people.

Honestly, the State Fair is truly a bouillabaisse of humanity. The people converge from all different walks of life, ethnic backgrounds, occupations and ages. It is a joy to me to be observe God’s creative handiwork in the variety he has designed within the human species. Variety is the spice of life, don’t you agree?

Because we are quite varied and different, it is sometimes difficult to appreciate the personalities or ideas of the people in our lives. One person’s way of doing things may look different than ours, and so we become annoyed. A person does something that we don’t like or we don’t think is fair, and we become angry. Another person’s viewpoint differs from our own, and we bicker and argue with them. Let’s face it, it’s difficult to get along with people who are not exactly like us. If only everyone else were exactly like me, then I would get along perfectly well with everyone. Right?

Thank the Lord for the differences He has created! We don’t need a world full of a billion people just like me (Heaven help us). We need variety to get things done, to make businesses run, to grow and mature, to bring in a new perspective. This week I want to challenge you to appreciate the differences in the people around you. Take time to thank the Lord for the way each of your family members is different from you because they bring a variety of strengths to your family. Do the same for the people in your workplace. Build on each other’s strengths, manage around the weaknesses, and appreciate the differences instead of allowing them to frustrate you.

My dear friend, author Jody Capehart says, “God makes us different from one another so that we can rightly fulfill our own distinctive function. God consistently demonstrates to us that He creates us to be the garden variety, not canned green beans.”

We are continually reminded in scripture to “bear with each other.” In I Thessalonians 5 we read, “And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

To be quite honest, it is not always easy to encourage the timid and help the weak and be patient with everyone. It takes perseverance and it certainly takes a God-sized love. Maybe that’s why Paul adds that we are to pray continually and give thanks in all circumstances! Look to the God of Love to give you what you need in loving those who are different from you.

I love you friends. Be sure to mark your calendars for the October PWC meetings. In North Dallas at Prestonwood Country club we will meet on Tuesday, October 27 and in Allen we will meet on Wecnesday, October 28. If you work in downtown Dallas, join us at First Baptist Church each Thursday at noon.

Press On

October 5, 2009Leave a comment

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.

race 003

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.

Run in the Right Direction

September 28, 2009Leave a comment

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.

Feeling Overwhelmed?

September 21, 2009Leave a comment

Positive Women Connections this week!

Prestonwood Country Club in North Dallas on Tuesday, Sept 22

Cottonwood Creek Baptist Church in Allen on Wednesday, Sept 23

Downtown Dallas Thursday Sept 24 at First Baptist

Here’s a Positive Encouragement for today.

Most of us have experienced those times when we feel as though we just don’t have the strength, energy or ability to go to accomplish the tasks ahead of us. It may be an overloaded schedule or responsibilities with an aging parent or chasing several preschoolers around the house. Perhaps a tragedy or trial in your life has gripped you with anxiety and fear. I want to reassure you and encourage you that you are not alone. Take one day at a time and begin to turn your eyes off of the overwhelming circumstances and onto the God who loves you.

God will not leave you in your darkest hour, although you may feel as though He is far away. As a believer in Christ we have the reassurance that His spirit dwells within us and will net leave. Jesus said to his followers, “I am with you always.” There is a peaceful reassurance in knowing that God is with us. Look to Him for strength and wisdom as you face your challenges. Day by day, give your anxieties to Him and thank Him for what He is doing in your life.

You are not alone, because others have walked similar paths. You are not the only one who has gone down this road. Find comfort in the fact that others have made it through and you can too. You can find strength and comfort in connecting with people who have journeyed down these similar roads through support groups and friends.

Take steps forward. Don’t stay in a rut, and don’t allow yourself to be gripped with fear. Move forward asking God to lead you, guide you and equip you. You may not be able to conquer everything, but you can do something. One step at a time. You remember how to eat an elephant don’t you? One bite at a time!

Day by day, one step at a time with eyes on the Lord (not on your circumstances) you will get through this. David said, “I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken.” Psalm 62

Listening More, Talking Less

September 14, 2009Leave a comment

Please join us for a Positive Woman Connection near you.

Thursday Sept 17 at First Baptist Dallas

Tuesday Sept 22 at Prestonwood Country club

Wed Sept 23 at Cottonwood Creek Church in Allen, TX

Here’s a Positive thought for this week:

In my line of work, my voice is quite important. For example this last week, I spoke to a moms group on Wednesday, a Bible study on Thursday and a MOPS group on Friday. Normally my voice is delightful and soothing, but by Wednesday evening my voice became terribly course and raspy. By the time I went to teach Bible study on Thursday, my voice was almost gone.

Several precious women (Sandie and Linda) prayed with me that my voice would hold up through the lesson, and it did! By God’s grace His message from Philippians was powerfully presented. I went to a board meeting for Women in Christian Media after Bible Study and the precious women there prayed over me for God’s healing touch. They put me on complete vocal rest until Friday when I was to speak again.

On Friday, my friend Christy sent a note to all the leaders at Friday’s group to pray for me and again, God allowed me to speak boldly during the meeting. But my voice was not healed. Crumb! I wanted to be all better because I was going down to Waco on Friday to hear Anne Graham Lotz speak at her “Just Give Me Jesus” conference. Of course I was going with some friends, and I wanted to be able to talk and laugh with them, but I couldn’t. I just had to listen.

Why wasn’t my voice completely healed, especially when my Godly friends prayed that it would be? Perhaps God wanted to teach me something through being silent. I heard His voice saying, “Just listen.” Sometimes the chatter of life, keeps me from listening to His still yet penetrating voice. I needed to listen to my wise friends as we spent the weekend in Waco. I needed to listen to what God was teaching me through the “Just Give Me Jesus” conference. I needed to be quiet even today as I write this and just listen to his voice.

Reflection. Taking time to Listen. Contemplating His Word, His love and His presence through being silent. I don’t do it often enough. Sometimes God just needs to grab me and stop me. I need to be still and know that He is God. How about you? When are you quiet?

My friend Jody Capehart says, “God does not take us through the deep waters to drown us, but to cleanse us.” What challenges are you facing right now in your life? Stop and listen to His still, quiet voice saying, “I love you. I am with you. I will be your strength.”