'Loving it here in the country, busy with needle and thread... Catherine...x'
Sunday 15 July 2012
How to be a Leader...
Some have lamented, “Where are the leaders who seek God?” Their complaint reminds me of a time in the '80s when none of the city pastors showed up for morning prayer. Alone in a cold, dark, empty church, I too lamented for nearly an hour. Suddenly the atmosphere changed. Everything – the hum of the furnace, the clatter of the grates, even my thoughts – all things were subdued. The presence of the Lord was in the room. Looking directly at me He said, “You be the man you want the others to be.” At that moment I stopped criticizing church leaders and started to become one.
Taken from: Ministries of Francis Frangipane
Taken from: Ministries of Francis Frangipane
Friday 13 July 2012
Complaining... Joyce...
Open Mouth, Insert…
by Joyce Meyer
There are certain topics I feel we need to hear about at least a couple times a year. And one of the biggest is the mouth.
The gift that God has given me is in my mouth, but it’s also been my biggest problem. I was a complainer, critical, and a faultfinder. I had no idea the impact it had on my life.
Every word that comes out of our mouths has power in it—creative or destructive, positive or negative. So whether we murmur and complain or give thanks and keep a positive attitude, we are feeding our body, mind and spirit.
So, have you complained or have you been thankful today?
In Ephesians 4:29 the apostle Paul instructs us not to use any foul or polluting language. At one time I didn’t know this included complaining, but now I have learned that murmuring and complaining pollute our lives.
The best way to start each day is with gratitude and thanksgiving. Truly thankful people do not complain. They are too busy being grateful for the good things they do have that they have no time to notice the things they could complain about.
Also, based on this passage, we see that we are “sealed” in the Holy Spirit. Sometimes I envision this concept like being in a zip-lock bag. Nothing can get to us that will destroy us as long as we respect our seal.
If we place a piece of bread in a zip-lock bag, it will stay fresh as long as we are careful not to get any air into the bag. But if we allow the seal to be broken, the bread will become stale and hard within a few hours.
I think our lives are much the same way. If we respect the Holy Spirit and do not grieve or sadden Him with the careless use of our words, we are protecting our seal.
Try going to bed at night pondering everything you have to be thankful for. Let it be the first thing you do in the morning. Thank God for “little” things or things we take for granted: a parking place that He helps you find, waking up on time for work, the fact that you can walk or see or hear, your children…
Don’t be discouraged with yourself when you fail, but don’t throw in the towel and quit either. Keep at it until you have developed new habits and you are living with an attitude of gratitude.
And remember to thank God when the answer to prayer arrives. We enjoy getting our children what they need and ask for, but we feel taken advantage of if they just “grab the goods and run” without stopping to say thank you. And if they say it more than once and are really sincere, it actually motivates us to want to do more for them.
God is the same way with us, so be generous in your gratitude. It will sweeten your relationship with the Lord.
The gift that God has given me is in my mouth, but it’s also been my biggest problem. I was a complainer, critical, and a faultfinder. I had no idea the impact it had on my life.Every word that comes out of our mouths has power in it—creative or destructive, positive or negative. So whether we murmur and complain or give thanks and keep a positive attitude, we are feeding our body, mind and spirit.
So, have you complained or have you been thankful today?
Complain or Give Thanks
Plain and simple, complaining is a sin! It causes many people a great deal of problems in their lives and destroys the joy of anyone listening.In Ephesians 4:29 the apostle Paul instructs us not to use any foul or polluting language. At one time I didn’t know this included complaining, but now I have learned that murmuring and complaining pollute our lives.
“Truly thankful people…have no time to notice the things they could complain about.”
We need to ask ourselves, how quick are we to become impatient and begin to complain when stuck in traffic or while waiting in checkout lines? How quick are we to spot and point out the faults of our friends or family members? Do we complain about our job when we should be thanking God that we have one?The best way to start each day is with gratitude and thanksgiving. Truly thankful people do not complain. They are too busy being grateful for the good things they do have that they have no time to notice the things they could complain about.
Sealed Tight
If you read Ephesians 4:29-31, you’ll discover that based on this passage, when we mistreat others or talk to them in an abusive way, it grieves the Holy Spirit.Also, based on this passage, we see that we are “sealed” in the Holy Spirit. Sometimes I envision this concept like being in a zip-lock bag. Nothing can get to us that will destroy us as long as we respect our seal.
If we place a piece of bread in a zip-lock bag, it will stay fresh as long as we are careful not to get any air into the bag. But if we allow the seal to be broken, the bread will become stale and hard within a few hours.
I think our lives are much the same way. If we respect the Holy Spirit and do not grieve or sadden Him with the careless use of our words, we are protecting our seal.
A Daily Challenge
Philippians 2:14 says that we are to do everything without complaining or arguing. You and I need to make it a daily challenge not to complain or find fault with anything. This does not mean that we don’t correct situations that need to be corrected, or that we live with our heads in the clouds, pretending that nothing negative exists. It simply means that we make it our goal in life to be as positive and thankful as possible.Try going to bed at night pondering everything you have to be thankful for. Let it be the first thing you do in the morning. Thank God for “little” things or things we take for granted: a parking place that He helps you find, waking up on time for work, the fact that you can walk or see or hear, your children…
Don’t be discouraged with yourself when you fail, but don’t throw in the towel and quit either. Keep at it until you have developed new habits and you are living with an attitude of gratitude.
And remember to thank God when the answer to prayer arrives. We enjoy getting our children what they need and ask for, but we feel taken advantage of if they just “grab the goods and run” without stopping to say thank you. And if they say it more than once and are really sincere, it actually motivates us to want to do more for them.
God is the same way with us, so be generous in your gratitude. It will sweeten your relationship with the Lord.
Perks need works...
If You Want to Have the Perks, You Have to Put in the Work!
by Joyce Meyer
How many times have you heard someone say, “I wish I had what he/she has”? It’s easy to feel this way, not having taken into account the hard work and self-sacrifice it took for them to get what they have…a successful business, a slim figure, early retirement…
Too often we want to skip the hard work and go directly to the results. People are always looking for the easy way to get what they want – some magic formula. They want to lose weight without having to cut calories or exercise. They want to have nice things without having to save up the money to buy them. Nobody wants to suffer or sacrifice.
But the fact is you and I will never have the things we want to have in life if we aren’t willing to practice the discipline and self-control it takes to have them. To put it bluntly, if you want to have the perks, you have to put in the work!
Proverbs 25:28 compares a person without self-control to a city with broken-down walls – full of rubble and chaos. Building discipline and self-control into your personal habits will not only help you achieve your goals, it will also help you gain real peace of mind because you feel better when you start putting things in order.
If you can’t get a handle on the small things, how will you ever get it together to focus on the big things?
Job, though tested beyond normal human endurance, finished strong with a steadfast faith. In Job 19:25 (NIV), he declared, “I know that my Redeemer lives.” Likewise Paul, who suffered tremendous persecution for his faith, was able to write, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful” (2 Timothy 4:7 NLT).
You can get victory over out-of-control areas of your life if you deliberately and consistently lean on Him. Say “God, I am nothing without You. I can’t do anything without You.” Cast down wrong thoughts when they come into your mind. Start thinking and speaking God’s Truth to your situation and little by little, He will help you reach your goal.
Whatever your goal is, whether it’s to get in good physical shape or change a negative attitude, start drawing on God’s power to help you achieve it. Philippians 4:6 says, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.
Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done” (NLT). Thank Him in advance for His help in cleaning up the messes in your life. In the meantime, hold fast to the words of Psalm 18:29 (NLT), “In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall.” Even the walls of a messy house!
This article is taken from Joyce's four-CD series, Discipline and Self-Control.
The Easy-Way-Out Myth
Too often we want to skip the hard work and go directly to the results. People are always looking for the easy way to get what they want – some magic formula. They want to lose weight without having to cut calories or exercise. They want to have nice things without having to save up the money to buy them. Nobody wants to suffer or sacrifice.But the fact is you and I will never have the things we want to have in life if we aren’t willing to practice the discipline and self-control it takes to have them. To put it bluntly, if you want to have the perks, you have to put in the work!
Proverbs 25:28 compares a person without self-control to a city with broken-down walls – full of rubble and chaos. Building discipline and self-control into your personal habits will not only help you achieve your goals, it will also help you gain real peace of mind because you feel better when you start putting things in order.
Clean Up Your Messes
Look around your house at the chores you’ve started but never finished – simple household repairs, stacks of unpaid bills, unmade beds and dishes in the sink that never get washed. Getting organized in the normal routines of life and finishing little projects you’ve started is an important first step toward realizing larger goals.If you can’t get a handle on the small things, how will you ever get it together to focus on the big things?
“If you can't get a handle on the small things, how will you ever get it together to focus on the big things?”
Starting today, decide to be a “finisher.” Start cleaning up the physical and personal messes in your life. Take your inspiration from the great finishers of the Bible. Moses led the Israelites around the desert for 40 years before they finally reached the Promised Land.Job, though tested beyond normal human endurance, finished strong with a steadfast faith. In Job 19:25 (NIV), he declared, “I know that my Redeemer lives.” Likewise Paul, who suffered tremendous persecution for his faith, was able to write, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful” (2 Timothy 4:7 NLT).
Water Your Seed
We can be finishers too, if we will cooperate with God and put in the work He’s calling us to do. Stop being wishy-washy and start being decisive. Make up your mind to clean up the messes big and small that are dragging you down. Sure it’s hard, but God has equipped you for “hard.” He has already planted the seeds of discipline and self-control inside you. You just have to water those seeds with His Word to make them grow.You can get victory over out-of-control areas of your life if you deliberately and consistently lean on Him. Say “God, I am nothing without You. I can’t do anything without You.” Cast down wrong thoughts when they come into your mind. Start thinking and speaking God’s Truth to your situation and little by little, He will help you reach your goal.
Whatever your goal is, whether it’s to get in good physical shape or change a negative attitude, start drawing on God’s power to help you achieve it. Philippians 4:6 says, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.
Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done” (NLT). Thank Him in advance for His help in cleaning up the messes in your life. In the meantime, hold fast to the words of Psalm 18:29 (NLT), “In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall.” Even the walls of a messy house!
This article is taken from Joyce's four-CD series, Discipline and Self-Control.
Saturday 7 July 2012
Something I read and wanted to share...
REMEMBER ME?
(Author Unknown)
My name is Gossip. I have no respect for Justice. I maim without killing. I break hearts and ruin lives.
I am cunning and malicious and gather strength with age.
The more I am quoted the more I am believed.
I flourish at every level of society.
My victims are helpless. They cannot protect themselves against me because I have no name and no face.
To track me down is impossible. The harder you try, the more elusive I become.
I am nobody’s friend.
Once I tarnish a reputation, it is never quite the same.
I topple governments and wreck marriages.
I ruin careers, cause sleepless nights, heartache and indigestion.
I spawn suspicion and generate grief.
I make innocent people cry in their pillows.
Even my name hisses. I am called Gossip. Office gossip. Shop gossip. Party gossip. I make headlines and headaches.
Before you repeat a story ask yourself: Is it true? Is it fair? Is it necessary?
If not – do not repeat it,
KEEP QUIET!
Friday 6 July 2012
Get it!
I am learning a new lesson - perhaps it's an old lesson which I have not yet managed to learn - but I think I finally get it!
The choices I make, is what counts. How I choose to live my life; what I do with my time - choosing to spend it wisely, how I treat others, how I respond to circumstances around me, how I respond to the behaviour of others - good and especially bad, is entirely my choice. What I do is entirely up to me. If I choose the good way, particularly when it seems difficult or unfair, it frees me from the bad.
If I choose to have a good attitude and others choose to have a bad attitude - that is their choice. All I can do is do the right thing and thereby free myself from the bad. If another person chooses the bad, they make that choice for themselves and the only impact I will ever be able to make on them is by continuing to choose the good. Perhaps they will change, perhaps they won’t - it's their choice and not my responsibility. My responsibility lies in making the good choice and trying to do God's will, trying to align myself with Him and when I fail at it, just get back up and try again.
When I choose to do what is right - no one else can hold me responsible for their bad choice. But of course there are times when I need to say: 'I will not allow you to do that to me again.' and set a boundary which actually acts to protect both parties. By drawing a line, everyone knows the limit and if the line is purposefully crossed, the person who purposely crosses the line is solely responsible for their action and likewise, their choice to take action toward reconciliation is entirely theirs to make.
If the person to whom the wrong was done is willing to reconcile the relationship/situation but the person who has done wrong can see the wrong they have done but refuses to be sorry for (repent of) their actions and does not try to reconcile the relationship/situation, then that is their choice and their choice should not affect the person actively seeking to reconcile the situation.
What we are called to do is pray for the offending party, leaving them in the hands of God, whilst we continue to walk in Peace with God. It is not our job to change the offender - but God's work, alone. And we must not allow the offender to put us on a guilt trip which is not ours to own - if we have done what is right and they have chosen to do what is wrong, that is their choice. If we speak in truth and peace with the offender and they will not listen, again that is their choice. We must say a prayer for them, guard the door to our heart and move on, with our eyes fixed on the 'Goal' who is God our Father, Jesus Christ His Son and the Holy Spirit - three in one.
'Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.' (Philippians 4:8 ESV)
The choices I make, is what counts. How I choose to live my life; what I do with my time - choosing to spend it wisely, how I treat others, how I respond to circumstances around me, how I respond to the behaviour of others - good and especially bad, is entirely my choice. What I do is entirely up to me. If I choose the good way, particularly when it seems difficult or unfair, it frees me from the bad.
If I choose to have a good attitude and others choose to have a bad attitude - that is their choice. All I can do is do the right thing and thereby free myself from the bad. If another person chooses the bad, they make that choice for themselves and the only impact I will ever be able to make on them is by continuing to choose the good. Perhaps they will change, perhaps they won’t - it's their choice and not my responsibility. My responsibility lies in making the good choice and trying to do God's will, trying to align myself with Him and when I fail at it, just get back up and try again.
When I choose to do what is right - no one else can hold me responsible for their bad choice. But of course there are times when I need to say: 'I will not allow you to do that to me again.' and set a boundary which actually acts to protect both parties. By drawing a line, everyone knows the limit and if the line is purposefully crossed, the person who purposely crosses the line is solely responsible for their action and likewise, their choice to take action toward reconciliation is entirely theirs to make.
If the person to whom the wrong was done is willing to reconcile the relationship/situation but the person who has done wrong can see the wrong they have done but refuses to be sorry for (repent of) their actions and does not try to reconcile the relationship/situation, then that is their choice and their choice should not affect the person actively seeking to reconcile the situation.
What we are called to do is pray for the offending party, leaving them in the hands of God, whilst we continue to walk in Peace with God. It is not our job to change the offender - but God's work, alone. And we must not allow the offender to put us on a guilt trip which is not ours to own - if we have done what is right and they have chosen to do what is wrong, that is their choice. If we speak in truth and peace with the offender and they will not listen, again that is their choice. We must say a prayer for them, guard the door to our heart and move on, with our eyes fixed on the 'Goal' who is God our Father, Jesus Christ His Son and the Holy Spirit - three in one.
'Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.' (Philippians 4:8 ESV)
A confident heart....
Click on this link to see 'A confident heart' book trailer by Renee Swope...
http://vimeo.com/soundpostproductions/confidentheart1dot7
http://vimeo.com/soundpostproductions/confidentheart1dot7
Thursday 5 July 2012
If I want to be a woman of integrity, I've got to be the same person in my kitchen as in my church.
Saw this on Proverbs 31 Ministries (Facebook) - So much like a kick in the butt! Love it!
Wednesday 4 July 2012
Tuesday 3 July 2012
Love... Love... Love...
We love watching these DVD's...
The Little House on the Prairie...
The Waltons...
House of Love...
Amy Grant and Vince Gill are a married couple in the music biz - both feartured in this music video...
Their message... from what I gather...
...when a marriage or relationship is built on
a strong foundation of true love, it lasts - no matter what...
but I would say, too... you've both got to work at it!
Going Green...
To Be Strong to the Finish, You Must Eat Your Spinach!
by Joyce Meyer
In my teachings, I try to be an encourager, reminding people that God loves them and has a plan for their lives. But it wouldn’t be very loving of me if all I ever served up were messages about how much God loves you. That would be like expecting to be healthy eating nothing but a steady diet of dessert. To grow strong in the Lord, you need a balanced diet that includes not just comfort and encouragement, but also clear instruction on what you must do to grow in your faith.
In other words, if you want to be strong like Popeye, you have to eat your spinach!
For many of you, two of the yuckiest vegetables on your plate are discipline and self-control. Yet, without discipline and self-control, you’ll never achieve the dreams and goals God has planted in your heart, let alone live a life that glorifies Him. If you’re going to persevere and be the person God wants you to be, you must learn to practice discipline and self-control.
Hebrews 12:11 says, “No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it's painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way” (NLT).
There is nothing more wonderful or comfortable than having grown in God to a place where you are at peace with Him in every area of your life. Learning to live with discipline and self-control brings a harvest of peace that far exceeds the short-term thrill of living without boundaries or accountability.
By the same token, there is nothing worse than waking up with a guilty conscience, knowing there’s something unsettled between you and God. The only way to settle things with Him is by learning to say “no” to the things that poison your life, and sticking with people and situations that contribute to your spiritual well being. Understand that God has put those people and situations in your life to polish you and mold you into the image of Christ.
Maybe you think learning self-control is too hard. You say, “I don’t have any willpower.” But discipline is much more than just having willpower. John 15:5 says we can’t do anything apart from God. It took me a lot of years of frustration and wasted effort to learn that I could not make happen what only God can do.
If God is dealing with you about your behavior and attitudes, instead of brooding because you can no longer get away with the things you once got away with, you should rejoice. That’s the Holy Spirit coming alive inside you.
You have everything you need, in Christ, to be what you need to be. Commit to bringing your life under God’s discipline and authority. Ask Him to help you live a life aligned with His will. It may be hard at first, but stick with it and I promise you will experience deeper peace than you ever knew when you were living only for yourself.
This article is taken from Joyce's four-CD series, Developing Discipline and Self-Control.
In other words, if you want to be strong like Popeye, you have to eat your spinach!
Yucky Vegetables That Make You Grow
For many of you, two of the yuckiest vegetables on your plate are discipline and self-control. Yet, without discipline and self-control, you’ll never achieve the dreams and goals God has planted in your heart, let alone live a life that glorifies Him. If you’re going to persevere and be the person God wants you to be, you must learn to practice discipline and self-control.Hebrews 12:11 says, “No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it's painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way” (NLT).
There is nothing more wonderful or comfortable than having grown in God to a place where you are at peace with Him in every area of your life. Learning to live with discipline and self-control brings a harvest of peace that far exceeds the short-term thrill of living without boundaries or accountability.
By the same token, there is nothing worse than waking up with a guilty conscience, knowing there’s something unsettled between you and God. The only way to settle things with Him is by learning to say “no” to the things that poison your life, and sticking with people and situations that contribute to your spiritual well being. Understand that God has put those people and situations in your life to polish you and mold you into the image of Christ.
Maybe you think learning self-control is too hard. You say, “I don’t have any willpower.” But discipline is much more than just having willpower. John 15:5 says we can’t do anything apart from God. It took me a lot of years of frustration and wasted effort to learn that I could not make happen what only God can do.
Three Ways You’ll Grow
“ Spending time with God is where everything comes together.”
If you want to build discipline and self-control into your life, study, pray and linger in the presence of God – and tell Him you know you can’t do anything if He doesn’t make it happen. Spend a little time every day in His Word. Spending time with God is where everything comes together.If God is dealing with you about your behavior and attitudes, instead of brooding because you can no longer get away with the things you once got away with, you should rejoice. That’s the Holy Spirit coming alive inside you.
Align with God’s Will
God has planted a seed in your heart and it’s growing. Believe that God is working in your heart to make you want more of what He has for your life than just getting your own way. You can water that seed by seeking Him with your whole heart. The more you pray, study and read the Word, the more you will see the positive results of doing the right thing, which will make you want to do even more right things.You have everything you need, in Christ, to be what you need to be. Commit to bringing your life under God’s discipline and authority. Ask Him to help you live a life aligned with His will. It may be hard at first, but stick with it and I promise you will experience deeper peace than you ever knew when you were living only for yourself.
This article is taken from Joyce's four-CD series, Developing Discipline and Self-Control.
Sunday 1 July 2012
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