Christmas Cheerfulness

Girls Really Living had a very special Christmas party this week! From listening to a Christmas story, to playing Pictionary with Christmas carols, to enjoying cookies and an ornament exchange- the evening was filled with sweetness and laughter.

the ornament exchange

so many beautiful ornaments!

playing "guess the Christmas carol" - like Pictionary

We enjoyed being with you all! Have a very blessed and Merry Christmas!

Remember... it's not the things you do at Christmastime, it's the Christmas things you do all through the year.

Giving Thanks for You!

Dearest Girlfriends,

We are so grateful for the gift of knowing each of you! You have been a huge source of encouragement and sunshine to us! Praying you and your families are blessed with a very special Thanksgiving!

with love,

~Jennifer and Jaimee

Psalm 107:9 "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever."

It has seemed to me fit and proper that [the gifts of God] should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged with one heart and one voice by the whole American people. I do, therefore, invite my fellow citizens . . . to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens. ~Abraham Lincoln

Are You a Good Person?

Take a minute to watch this video!

November notes!

What to do when discouragement hits! Psalm 42:5, Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence.

When do you sense discouragement in your life? Sometimes it comes after you’ve just had a great spiritual experience... a victory in a certain area... when you are being criticized or corrected.... when you’re sick... when a good friend moves... or during a stressful/trying time of life. God addresses discouragement in the Bible, so we know that it’s something people do struggle with. Let’s see what He says about it, and what to do when you sense it in your life!

1 Kings 18-19, the story of Elijah (he had just experienced God’s incredible power in his life: raising the widow’s son, confronting King Ahab, seeing God defeat the prophets of Baal, and then seeing God answer his prayer for rain after years of drought). But he got scared due to the threats of Queen Jezebel and ran for his life! He then asked God to take away his life! He was so afraid and so depressed that he wanted to die! He lost sight of all the other prophets (7,000!) God had in the land and thought he was the only one left (listened to Satan’s lies). He gave up on God’s call for his life. What was he focused on? -SELF. ME. Focusing on self can often lead to depression. (note that depression is when you actually want to die; whereas discouragement is when you are emotionally spent) What did God do? He let him sleep - let Elijah rest (Come to Me, says Jesus, and I will give you rest!). He sent an angel to feed him... then He let him rest again.... and then he appeared to Elijah with a still, small voice, telling him what to do next (He was preparing to bless him with the assistance of Elisha).

Proverbs 15:13, A glad heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken. Think about Pollyanna and “the glad game” that she played. :) It’s true that sadness leaves when you force yourself to have a grateful spirit! 1 Thessalonians 5:18a, In everything give thanks.... Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus. So gratefulness is important when dealing with discouragement... it takes your eyes off of self, and points you to Jesus. Consider making a list of all the blessings relating to what you might be facing... start by thanking God that His grace is sufficient! This even is a part of “renewing your mind” - changing your way of thinking by meditating on Scripture, praying to God, and expressing thanks to Him (index card idea).

The Psalms are full of David’s heart cries to God. He was often facing death, ran countless times for his life, was attacked and betrayed by his closest friends, etc. If anyone had good reason for being depressed, David did. What did he do? Psalm 42 is a picture of David telling his soul to trust God... to keep on hoping... he knew he would praise Him yet again. Psalm 73:26 reminds us that, My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever! ”Remember it is the very time for faith to work when sight ceases” - George Muller. Don’t use up all of your emotional energy rehearsing to yourself how terrible your life is! Importance of “preaching” to oneself, to remind yourself of how God has delivered in the past; praise Him that He will bring you out of this darkness again! Hebrews 12:3-4, Just think of Him Who endured from sinners such grievous opposition and bitter hostility against Himself [reckon up and consider it all in comparison with your trials], so that you may not grow weary or exhausted, losing heart and relaxing and fainting in your minds. You have not yet struggled and fought agonizingly against sin, nor have you yet resisted and withstood to the point of pouring out your [own] blood.

Think of Jesus. Consider Him. Greater is HE who IS IN YOU! Psalm 112:4, Even in darkness light dawns for the upright! Satan is called the “accuser” in Revelation 12:10. That’s what he delights in doing: accusing us, condemning us. Remember that when you sense conviction about something, Jesus offers restoration with that conviction. Satan only presents you with defeat and despair. Micah 7:8, Rejoice not over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD will be a light to me. Sometimes you just need to speak the Word of God aloud... telling the discouragement to flee! (believe and speak... power in the spoken Word which is our sword, our offensive weapon... 2 Cor. 4:13). Ephesians 6:12, For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Galatians 6:7-10 to become weary doing good means to give in to trouble, to become exasperated by difficulty, be defeated in spirit, discouraged or faint-hearted, to despair, lose heart (Lexical Aids). The Complete Word Study Dictionary says... to turn out to be a coward, to lose one’s courage. So don’t become defeated! don’t lose heart! God’s promise to you is a harvest of good! Cure for depression - Isaiah 58:6-11, go out and minister! Self-absorption + boredom = a TOXIC BLEND.

Life is worth living because *Jesus lives*! (song ~ Because He lives I can face tomorrow; Because He lives all fear is gone; Because I know He holds the future, And life is worth the living just because He lives.)

Good things to remember: get good rest/sleep, spend time with Jesus and in the Word, memorize specific Scriptures (claim the promises), pray - cry out to the Lord for help and mercy, ask for your parent (s) to verbally bless you, rebuke the enemy, replace toxic thoughts and enemy-lies with truths from God’s Word, make a list of gratefulness and write notes of gratefulness, keep going! Serve, be occupied with something for the Lord (don’t cut yourself off from others - from encouragement). Don't forget to EXERCISE! A little bit of exercise every day will do wonders in lifting your spirits.

Jesus is always with you. He remains the same - yesterday, today, forever.

read “Jesus Calling” - November 8 & 9

Jesus is all the world to me, my life, my joy, my all;
He is my strength from day to day, without Him I would fall.
When I am sad, to Him I go, no other one can cheer me so;
When I am sad, He makes me glad, He’s my Friend.

Jesus is all the world to me, my Friend in trials sore;
I go to Him for blessings, and He gives them over and o’er.
He sends the sunshine and the rain, He sends the harvest’s golden grain;
Sunshine and rain, harvest of grain, He’s my Friend.

Jesus is all the world to me, and true to Him I’ll be;
O how could I this Friend deny, when He’s so true to me?
Following Him I know I’m right, He watches o’er me day and night;
Following Him by day and night, He’s my Friend.

Jesus is all the world to me, I want no better Friend;
I trust Him now, I’ll trust Him when life’s fleeting days shall end.
Beautiful life with such a Friend, beautiful life that has no end;
Eternal life, eternal joy, He’s my Friend.

~Will L. Thompson, 1904

Nehemiah 8:10, Philippians 4:8, Romans 8:28, Psalm 3:3, Lamentations 3:22-24, Romans 15:13, Isaiah 40:31, Romans 8:31

Prioritize your day!

Remember to put JESUS first in your life!

As you form a schedule for the day, keep the following in mind:

1.) Write down the things you absolutely must do

2.) Write down the things that are important for the day

3.) Write down what is not necessarily important, but what you would like to do

For more help in discovering what God wants you to do, we encourage you to check out this excellent resource!

Girls Really Living notes from October!

As they continued their travel, Jesus entered a village. A woman by the name of Martha welcomed him and made him feel quite at home. She had a sister, Mary, who sat before the Master, hanging on every word he said. But Martha was pulled away by all she had to do in the kitchen. Later, she stepped in, interrupting them. "Master, don't you care that my sister has abandoned the kitchen to me? Tell her to lend me a hand." The Master said, "Martha, dear Martha, you're fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it—it's the main course, and won't be taken from her." Luke 10:38-42, The Message

Pop Quiz!

Mary indicated her value of:

a. getting preparations for the meal

b. owning material possessions

c. having a good time of entertainment

d. spending time with Christ

We all have the same amount of time in a given day... it’s how we learn to manage ourselves that makes all the difference.

Time. It’s a witness to the world. God says to live wisely. Time is gone quickly! Lost, yesterday, somewhere between sunrise and sunset, two golden hours, each set with sixty diamond minutes. No reward is offered for they are gone forever. ~Horace Mann “Make what you do today important because you’re exchanging a day of your life for it”

First key: humility! Only God can complete His to-do list! We are not God. We can not do it all. Humble yourself and cry out to God for His grace and strength. Make it your goal to do all that you can, when you can (Mark 14:8), ultimately leaving all in God’s hands and trusting Him for the things we can’t get done. Remember that the Lord never requires of you what He does not give you the resources and stamina to accomplish. Remember the promise of Romans 8:28 (there are benefits to everything that happens!). So pray about your life and what fills your day- Phil. 4:6.

Jesus is not so much condemning Martha's activity as commending Mary's. He is saying that her priorities are in order. To disciples Jesus says, "Sit at my feet and devour my teaching. There is no more important meal."

Priorities: 1.)God! -delight in the Lord. Seek Him first (Matt. 6:33). what are your goals, spiritually? how can you be more effective? what do you want to happen in your life before age____? what are the time wasters in your life? Questions: will this benefit God’s kingdom? will it make me more Godly? will I grow closer to God? will I still have time for God? will my involvement in this make any difference 10 years from now or in eternity? Our destinies are determined by our choices! 2.) Authority, education, ministry, vocation -keep under your parents authority (Eph. 6:1)...

Pop Quiz!

Finding God’s will for your life will in large measure be determined by:

a. how much you read the Bible

b. the unusual providential circumstances that come into your life

c. how skillful you are at establishing goals and objectives

d. your wisdom in making daily decisions with Christ as your guide

Ephesians 5:15-16 Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people), Making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil.

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 Make it your ambition and definitely endeavor to live quietly and peacefully, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we charged you, So that you may bear yourselves becomingly and be correct and honorable and command the respect of the outside world, being dependent on nobody [self-supporting] and having need of nothing.

Psalm 90:12 So teach us to number our days, that we may get a heart of wisdom.

think about this: be like Jesus, depart. “Now when it was day, He departed” (Luke 4:42). get away. think. ponder. He determined the time, selected a place. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). Follow the example of Jesus, who “often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed” (Luke 5:16). “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while” (Mark 6:31)

He who runs from God in the morning will scarcely find Him the rest of the day - John Bunyan.

notes from September gathering!

Whereas she who lives in pleasure and self-gratification [giving herself up to luxury and self-indulgence] is dead even while she [still] lives. ~1 Timothy 5:6~

Why would we choose to live in pleasure and self-gratification rather than in God’s ways?

One reason might be that we haven’t truly encountered God in our own lives... have a personal relationship with Him... made the decision to follow Christ! This would be walking in death even while we live (example: Like a plant that has lost all its leaves and has no bloom- living in cold existence and in need of nourishment and sun).

We’d like to share one of the most important truths of the Bible with you. It is this: that God loves you.

has this truth gone deep into your heart? Are you convinced that God loves you?

Romans 5:8, But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. John 3:16, For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. Romans 8:32, He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?

He is for you and not against you. He wants good for you. You can know of all these things, but unless you go a step further and respond to these truths, it will not make any difference in your life. Your knowledge of Him should lead to your love for Him (salvation - trusting in Jesus for eternal life, repentance -turning from my way to God’s way, and entering into true fellowship with God by having a personal relationship with Him). Give testimony.

Fellowship is God’s idea. Sin is what breaks our fellowship with Jesus. When we repent, our fellowship is restored.

~~~Until you break up with the world - you won’t be able to “go steady” with Jesus! (Pastor Don)

Do you have a personal relationship with God? have you said “yes” to His knock?

Revelation 3:20, Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.

Our response is to love Him back! He begins to fill your thought-life more and more, you live to please Him, you are thrilled with His Word -- basically, you love Him with all your heart! We need to fuel our growth!

Mark 12:29-31, Jesus answered, "The most important is, 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these." Ephesians 3:17, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith... you, being rooted and grounded in love... John 10:10, The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. Psalm 31:19, Oh, how abundant is Your goodness, which You have stored up for those who fear You and worked for those who take refuge in You, in the sight of the children of mankind! I Corinthians 2:9, But as it is written: “ Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”

What are some of the themes in these verses? all your heart, soul, mind and strength (that covers everything!). rooted and grounded in His love. Experiencing God’s true life. Abundant goodness. things unimaginable!

He wants you to feel His love, to sense it every day. Fullness of joy. The abundant life.

My job in life is to love Jesus!

Your love for Jesus will drive you to obey Him (to honor your mom and dad, to serve Him, to stay in fellowship with Him, to pursue Him). You have nothing to lose when you give your all to Him!

As you obey Him, it will lead to you experiencing Him in your life!

Spend unhurried time with God and His Word. Pray, asking Him to speak to you, Psalm 119:18 Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in Your law. Listen to Him. Take the words that you read in the Bible and pray them back to Him.

Going back to the verse from 1 Timothy... think about the words pleasure, self-gratification, luxury, self-indulgence. what do these words mean to you? do they describe someone who has a personal relationship with God? someone who fears God? someone who knows that God holds them responsible for their choices? someone who has a fear of sin? (they describe someone who does what is right in her eyes... who’s walking in disobedience)

~~~ So how do we say no to self and yes to Jesus Christ?

Read excerpt from Ruth Bell Graham’s book, Coffee and Conversation (pages 28-30)

thoughts: One of our greatest enemies to loving Jesus and following Him is our unpredictable emotions! Did you notice what Ruth did? took her feelings to Jesus in prayer. she was honest before God.

~~~ Pray - speak to God directly, tell Him all that is in your heart. Be honest, tell Him what you want - and what you don’t like that’s in your life (struggles). Speak OUT LOUD.

If the enemy's hitting us, we've got to show ourselves steadfast and strong.

~~~ How? Confess - this is like cleaning your heart - sweeping the house clean. Confess the sin, your need for help. Speak His Name (there is Power in the Name of Jesus!) Take inventory of anything that could be pulling you down and get rid of it. (friends, a facebook friend, movies/books that fuel bad thoughts). Once the house is clean, don’t leave it empty - fill it up with good, With God - His Word. Psalm 119:11 I have stored up Your word in my heart, that I might not sin against You.

do not back down. do not back off. stay in the Word.

~~~ What about when we fall? Sometimes we do fall (Luke 22:31-34 Peter with Christ, and Luke 22:54-62). First, any of us can fall, any can deny Christ. We’re all capable. Peter was certain that he could not be “had.” But from falling, Peter learned how to stand. He fell, but his faith did not fail. Micah 7:8 Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. I Peter 5:6-11 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. Christ is merciful!

We may fall, but then we grab back onto Christ and get up! Don’t stay down. Don’t lose heart. God created us with the freedom to choose. Choose life! Hold onto Christ! We are far more likely to trip and fall from tiptoeing behind Christ than we are by stomping loudly and deliberately in a set of steel-toed boots. B.Moore Be determined. Be obvious. You follow Christ. Let there be no room for doubt.

Forget Self. We can “forget” about ourselves because Christ never forgets us. We can afford to be less important to ourselves because we are vastly important to God. We can willingly be crucified with Christ because we are raised to walk in resurrection life.

Commit your heart to Christ. Isaiah 29:13 The Lord says: "These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men.

This is what Judas did with Jesus - he was one of the 12 disciples, and yet he betrayed Jesus with a kiss; he came near to Christ with his mouth that night, but his heart remained far from Him. What about you? Where is your heart?

Bruce Milne, “the level of our prayer ministry will be the level of our dependence on the Lord.” We can do nothing without Christ. Fully rely on Him!

Adrian Rogers, "the greatest tragedy is not unanswered prayer, but unoffered prayer."

The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with his love, He will rejoice over you with singing. ~Zephaniah 3:17 read encouragement from these verses here

The Difference

Our grandfather, who we affectionately call Poppie, quoted the following poem at our brother's wedding last summer. While waiting in his chiropractor doctor's office, he came across the poem and quickly decided it would be worthwhile to memorize. For years he has taken to heart meaningful poems, and shares them with us from time to time. Read it, and remember to make your day different by talking to Jesus!

~The Difference~

I got up early one morning

and rushed right into the day;

I had so much to accomplish,

I didn't have time to pray.

Problems just tumbled about me,

and heavier came each task.

Why doesn't God help me? I wondered,

He answered, "You didn't ask."

I wanted to see joy and beauty,

but the day toiled on, gray and bleak.

I wondered why God didn't show me,

He said, "But you didn't seek."

I tried to come into God's presence,

I used all my keys at the lock.

God gently and lovingly chided,

"My child, you didn't knock."

I woke up early this morning,

and paused before entering the day.

I had so much to accomplish

That I had to take time to pray.

Can you recite your ABC's?

take your pick on the verses... what a great idea, to have a Bible verse for each letter of the alphabet!

A - As for me and my house we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15
A - As for God, his way is perfect. Psalm 18:30
B - Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved - you and your household. Acts 16:31
B - Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. James 1:22
C - Commit your way to the Lord. Psalm 37:5
C - Children, obey your parents. Ephesians 6:1
D - Depart from evil and do good. Psalm 34:14
D - Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4
E - Early will I seek thee. Psalm 63:1
E - Even a child is known by his doings. Proverbs 20:11
E - Every good and perfect gift is from above James 1:17
F - Fear not: for I am with thee. Isaiah 43:5
F - Forgive and you shall be forgiven. Luke 6:37
F - For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
F - For with God nothing shall be impossible. Luke 1:37
G - Glory to God in the highest. Luke 1:14
G - God gives us richly all things to enjoy. I Timothy 6:17
G - God is love. 1 John 4:8b
H - Honor thy father and mother. Exodus 20:12.
H - He that keepth the Law, happy is he. Proverbs 29:18
H - He is not here; He has risen! Luke 24:6a
I - If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins. I John 1:9
I - If ye shall ask anything in My name, I will do it. John 14:14
I - In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis1:1
J - Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever. Hebrews 13:8
J - Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6
J - Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me.' Matthew 19:14
K - Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us. Psalm 100:3
K - Keep thy tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. Psalm 34:13
L - Lo, I'm with you always. Matthew 28:20
L - Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 1 Corinthians 13:4
M - Make a joyful noise unto the lord, all ye lands. Psalm 100:1
M - My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:2
N - No man can serve two masters. Matthew 6:24
N - Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. Hebrews 13:5
O - Obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Ephesians 6:1
O - Obey them that have rule over you. Hebrews 13:17
O - O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. Psalms 118:1
P - Praise ye the Lord: for it is good to sing praises unto our God. Psalm 147:1
P - Praise be to the Lord...who made heaven and earth. 2 Chronicles 2:12
P - Pray without ceasing. I Thess. 5:17
Q - Quench not the Spirit. I Thess. 5:19
Q - Quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools. Ecclesiastes 9:17
R - Rejoice in the Lord always. Psalm 33:1
R - Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Exodus 20:8)
S - Sing to the Lord a new song. Psalm 96:1
S - Seek ye first the kingdom of God. Matthew 6:33
T - Thou shall not steal. Exodus 20:15
T - Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5
T - The heavens declare the glory of God. Psalm 19:1
U - Understanding is a fountain of life to those who have it. Proverbs 16:22
U - Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks. Psalm 75:1
U - Unto you is born a Saviour. Luke 2:10)
V - Verily, verily I say unto you, He that believeth on me has everlasting life. John 6:47
V - Victory rests with the Lord. Proverbs 21:31b
W - Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye to them. Matthew 7:12b
W - When I am afraid, I will trust in You. Psalm 56:3
X - eXcept a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. John 3:3
X - eXceeding great and precious promises are given unto us. 2 Peter 1:4)
Y - You shall not bear false witness. Exodus 20:16
Y - You shall have no other gods before Me. Exodus 20:3
Z - Zion heard, and was glad. Psalm 97:8
Z - (Be) Zealous for the fear of the Lord. Proverbs 23:17

May Girls Group

Ephesians 4:29 is The Standard! Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. -Amplified, Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God's favor) to those who hear it.

9th Commandment - do not bear false witness against your neighbor (Exodus 20:16). What we say about and to others is very important in God’s eyes.

What comes out of your mouth proceeds from the heart - Matthew 15:18. We must make it our aim to keep our heart with all diligence, because the heart is KEY! focus on thinking and dwelling on what pleases the Lord - Psalm 19:14. Our minds are like a tape player - we tend to hit rewind and play things over and over. What do you allow your mind to dwell on?

~Scriptures on The Tongue~

Even before a word is on my tongue, You know it - Psalm 139:4

Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips! - Psalm 141:3

Death and life are in the power of the tongue - Proverbs 18:21

Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding - Proverbs 17:27

Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble - Proverbs 21:23

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger. James 1:19

Kind words are like honey— sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. Proverbs 16:24

She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness. Proverbs 31:26 (When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly. -the Message)

A gentle tongue [with its healing power] is a tree of life, but willful contrariness in it breaks down the spirit. Proverbs 15:4

The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things- Proverbs 15:28

Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing - Proverbs 12:18 (don't wound others with your words!)

Just as damaging as a madman shooting a deadly weapon is someone who lies to a friend and then says, “I was only joking.” - Proverbs 26:18-19 (even those words said in jest, come from the heart)

A gentle response defuses anger, but a sharp tongue kindles a temper-fire (the Message)- Proverbs 15:1

James 3:1-12, the tongue, like a raging fire. it cannot be tamed.

prayer - Psalm 17:3, I have purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.

Do you tear down or build up when you communicate? to others? blessings. curses. To God? pray Scripture. meditate on His Word. To yourself? speak the truth in your heart (Psalm 15). don't "curse" yourself by saying things like, I'm worthless. or, I don't like myself. or, I'll never succeed. Speak words of LIFE to yourself!

The key to personal change - is time with God. It can happen no other way. You become like the people you hang out with. -Doug Small

toothpaste demonstration.

they had to squeeze out every last drop!

the first one to get all the toothpaste back into the tube wins $20!!

after a bit of effort, they came to the conclusion that it was nearly impossible.

You just can't get the toothpaste back in!

And this is like our tongue. Once our words have been spoken, we cannot take them back. How careful we must be to guard our words, and pray to the Lord for His help!!

12 Tongue Tamers

April girls group!

Psalm 144:12 “that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace” corner stones should be translated Corner Pillars Amplified, our daughters as sculptured corner pillars hewn like those of a palace NIV, our daughters will be like pillars carved to adorn a palace

a pillar carved to adorn a palace is beautiful! it attracts attention!

We affect the atmosphere of our home by our character, our attitude, our actions - we influence!

the result of this Psalm is happiness. Happy- for these peoples’ God is the Lord.

How can we be like a beautiful, ornate, carved pillar, cut for a palace?

Heart purity- God looks at the heart: "The King's daughter is all glorious within" Psalm 45:13. Beautiful for Christ dwells in your heart. have you given yourself, all of yourself, to Him? Trusted in Him completely for salvation? 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20 - the heart, the spirit, the body. honor God with your body. Romans 12:1-2, Have you given your body to Him? Who owns you? Who are you sold out to? If Christ doesn’t have your body, He doesn’t have you!

if you are closed/shut off to God, then you are open to the world. 3 hearts in the Bible: 1.)Burning heart, Luke 24:32, the Holy Spirit at work, listening with your heart to the Word. 2.)Cold heart, Matthew 24:12. 3.)Lukewarm heart, Revelation 3:15-16, neither cold nor hot, but lukewarm - nauseating to God! ~so, are you only respectable in how you live... no passion? or, does Christ have your whole heart, so that you live with a burning passion for Him? zeal. energy. joy. Heb. 12:29, our God is a consuming fire. He is holy! He needs your permission to consume, burn to ash, all that is not pleasing to Him. Eyes on Jesus, the world grows dim - and the opposite is true too! Rev. 3:20 - stay open.

So, we have to be connected to The Source - to Jesus Christ (light bulb analogy). God fills only what we offer to Him.

You have a royal status - you’re a King’s daughter! you’re part of the Bride of Christ! live like it! Live so as to please Him! For the sake of the Gospel, reflect Christ! think about being dressed in royal apparel - what is fitting for one who belongs to Jesus? are you set apart? bright! Life is not about me.

You cannot separate what is on the inside from what is on the outside. How is your body language? your tone of voice... your eyes? What do your clothes communicate about you? what attention are you trying to get? and from whom? man looks on the outward - it’s seen! it is important! your clothes are giving a message to the world. are you giving the message that your friends and their approval of you is more important than that of your parents? Lust begins with the eyes - your dress affects others (especially guys) and their heart. It is possible to be fashionable and modest!

STAND! you may have to stand alone. Like a pillar, standing strong against the pressures, temptation, and storms of life. Holding up as a light to those around you (others are looking to you... they may want to even imitate you). Pointing others to Jesus. Phil 2:15.

1 Peter 3:4, adorn yourself inwardly! there’s beauty in a gentle and quiet and peaceful spirit (not anxious or wrought up) - the hidden person of the heart is very precious in God’s sight. the hidden person. God looks on the heart.

“carved” “cut for a palace” -How do we let God work in our lives, and how can we let Him shape us?

what does God use to shape you into the person He wants you to be? (parents, authorities, circumstances, siblings, hardships, other people, disappointments, friends, church, activities, books, etc!)

Principle of Design - you are a diamond in the rough (show picture)! think of a rock- rough, jagged, very common... but some are lined with crystals on the underneath side (called geodes - show rock)! God has placed beauty within us. He’s patient with us... letting the Holy Spirit work on us, digging out the sin in our lives, and uncovering the treasure He’s put within us. Seek the grace of God. We need His help. Let Him “polish” what is naturally rough - carve, shape, chisel, cut... shaping you into what is beautiful and bright and ornate. You are of great value to Him!

Job 23:10, when He has tried me, I shall come out as gold

Isaiah 54:11-17, Afflicted city, storm-battered, unpitied: I'm about to rebuild you with stones of turquoise, Lay your foundations with sapphires, construct your towers with rubies, Your gates with jewels, and all your walls with precious stones. All your children will have God for their teacher— what a mentor for your children! You'll be built solid, grounded in righteousness, far from any trouble—nothing to fear! far from terror—it won't even come close! ...no weapon that can hurt you has ever been forged... This is what God's servants can expect. I'll see to it that everything works out for the best.

(picture of geodes)

So what does it mean to you?

Proverbs 5:6, forbidden and strange woman - she does not ponder the path of life (who are you? where are you going? do you know when you’re wandering?) personal disciplines help to keep us from going astray. Proverbs 4:29, ponder the path of your feet!

Application: have you offered yourself to Christ? are you open to Him working in your life (including, accepting the hard things in your life)? have you talked to Him about this? Take time to pray!! each morning wake up giving yourself anew to the Lord. How important is holiness to you? Are you ready for The Wedding??! (Revelation 21 and Nancy Leigh DeMoss' book, Holiness- read the story in the last chapter). If not, what would you do to be ready?

Hymn to Ponder: Take My Life and Let It Be, Frances R. Havergal

You are His Princess!

We'd like to recommend a wonderful little book called- His Princess: Love Letters from Your King by Sheri Rose Shepherd. Sheri Shepherd was a former Mrs. United States, who battled with depression, drugs and an eating disorder as a young woman. She has such a gift for reminding us of how much we are loved and cherished by our Heavenly Father. We like to read a page from her book every night before going to bed. Buy her book! Be blessed! :)

March notes!

Honor, Submission, Respect, Harmony at Home...

What is the level of honor that you give to your parents? -high, medium, or low?

What the Bible says about honoring our parents:

Exodus 20:12, Regard (treat with honor, due obedience, and courtesy) your father and mother, that your days may be long in the land the Lord your God gives you.

Exodus 21:17, whoever was guilty of cursing his parents would be put to death! This word simply means to lightly esteem.

Ephesians 6:1-3, Children, obey your parents in the Lord [as His representatives], for this is just and right. Honor (esteem and value as precious) your father and your mother--this is the first commandment with a promise--That all may be well with you and that you may live long on the earth.

Romans 13:1b-2a, For there is no authority except from God [by His permission, His sanction], and those that exist do so by God's appointment. Therefore he who resists and sets himself up against the authorities resists what God has appointed and arranged [in divine order].

Colossians 3:20, Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord.

2 Timothy 3 gives a description of people in the last days, including- lovers of self, utterly self-centered, disobedient to parents and ungrateful.

Proverbs 30:17 gives a strong warning to those who despise their parents: you’ll lose all spiritual discernment! The eye that mocks a father and scorns to obey a mother, the ravens of the valley will pick it out, and the young vultures will devour it.

we should make it our aim to bring our parents joy! Proverbs 23:24-26, The father of the [uncompromisingly] righteous (the upright, in right standing with God) shall greatly rejoice, and he who becomes the father of a wise child shall have joy in him. Let your father and your mother be glad, and let her who bore you rejoice. My son, give me your heart and let your eyes observe and delight in my ways...

Real Life Family Situations

Issue: lack of manners

So, I’m sitting at the dinner table, enjoying my spaghetti, when I hear someone (we won’t mention names), who’s making all sorts of detestable noises as he’s eating! smacking, slurping -- ah! I’m disgusted!

Response: how do you respond to irritations? Instead of complaining, sighing, or poking fun at them, just let it go. God loves laughter, but not at the expense of others. Be grateful you even have that person in your life. Use it as a reminder for you to not offend in your manners. God wants to love others through you. Phil.2:3 1 Cor. 13:5, It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God's love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong].

Issue: a decision you don’t agree with

I won’t get into the details, but sometimes my parents do things that I just don’t think is right... like, maybe a Christian shouldn’t be doing that.

Response: sometimes you need to step back and remember that God sees the bigger picture. He is the Potter. He is in control. Take the situation to Him in prayer. If appropriate, make an appeal to your parents (Esther- wise and gracious in making appeals - she didn’t despise Mordecai and his plan for her to go before the king). Entrust yourself to God (1 Peter 2:23, 3:9, 4:19).

Issue: Wayward sibling that’s made poor choices in life

I have a friend whose brother ran away from home. He’s way over his head in sin. Things aren’t looking good. It’s causing so much stress on them. What do I tell my friend?

Response: Ask God to bless them with the qualities they are lacking. Pray!!! Leave the results in God’s hands and have HOPE that He can do the changing in someone else! Phil. 1:6, Matt. 5:44 (love them, pray for them). Romans 12:10, Love one another with brotherly affection [as members of one family], giving precedence and showing honor to one another. never quit reaching out to them, or loving them.

Issue: What to do when your parents don’t have a peace about something

We went clothes shopping the other day. I saw the cutest outfit! It fit perfectly, and it was even on sale! But Mom said no. I’m so disappointed. Doesn’t she care?

Response: God’s placed your parents over you as a protection from unseen dangers (maybe it wasn’t modest -what you advertise for is what you will get-, maybe the material was such that it would shrink, etc.). He can provide something even better, if, in fact, you need it. Don’t put all your happiness on temporal things! Trust and obey. Matthew 6:32, your heavenly Father knows well that you need them all. Romans 12:18, If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Welcome their correction. Don’t feed the lies (that she doesn’t care).

Issue: Complying outwardly, but still struggling inside (don’t feel submissive)

I was asked to help outside with yard work. It was hot, I still had things that I had planned to do... but I went and helped anyway. I wanted to be obedient in helping out, but my heart sure wasn’t happy. What’s wrong with me?

Response: don’t let your feelings dictate your obedience. 1 Thessalonians 5:18, in everything give thanks. Do all as unto Jesus! -Col. 3:23. Ask God to help you obey, and trust Him to change your feelings. Romans 12:16, Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty (snobbish, high-minded, exclusive), but readily adjust yourself to [people, things] and give yourselves to humble tasks. Never overestimate yourself or be wise in your own conceits. Learn to honor your parents’ spoken and unspoken wishes.

Issue: being told something that I didn’t want to hear

So I’m sitting at the computer, deep in work and being productive, when Dad walks in the room. He seemed to pause, and I could tell he was looking at me. Then he said - “you need to watch your posture... you’re all humped over!” Why does he always have to tell me what to do?

Response: God doesn’t waste your parents on you. He chose just the right ones for you, and He has a bigger plan. Say no to self, and to self-pity! Your dad has the right to instruct! He wants the best for you. Accept it graciously and gratefully. 1 Peter 3:9, Never return evil for evil or insult for insult (scolding, tongue-lashing, berating), but on the contrary blessing [praying for their welfare, happiness, and protection, and truly pitying and loving them]. For know that to this you have been called, that you may yourselves inherit a blessing [from God--that you may obtain a blessing as heirs, bringing welfare and happiness and protection].

Issue: telling your story to those not involved

Mom woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning... if you know what I mean. Everything I did was wrong. Correction, correction, correction - all day! Yes, I know I have room for improvement, but it’s not like I was trying to do things wrong. I spilled it all out to my sister. Now I feel so much better. At least she’s on my side.

Response: Seek peace! Think the best of others (Philippians 2). Only go to those directly involved. Learn to guard your tongue! Murmuring: telling others about a situation that displeases you. It infects them with the same negative response. Numbers 14:27-28, Ps. 106: 24-27, 1 Cor. 10:10-12, Ex. 16:8b.

Matthew 25:45, in so far as you failed to do it for the least [in the estimation of men] of these, you failed to do it for Me.

Read the story from Stay in the Castle (by, Pastor Jerry Ross- we are not familiar with all his publications, but this little booklet is recommended!) discuss: right now is your time of preparation. You are not guaranteed tomorrow. Live TODAY to its fullest for Jesus. Your “dream life” is right now. Choices always have consequences. Satan wants us to make rash choices, and he blinds us to the consequences. Stop, ponder, pray! The decisions you make today will affect your future - for good, and for bad. Gal. 6 - the laws of sowing and reaping (you reap what you sow, in a different season than you sow, more than you sow, etc.). Wake up each morning, choosing to follow the Lord (Joshua 24:15). Let God be God. Leave the results of your obedience up to Him.

Also, simple ways of showing respect: saying "sir" and "ma'am" introduce your parents to your friends, desire to spend time with your parents, sit with your parents in church, value their counsel, show honor to God by showing honor to them, include them in your decisions. Honor: give them value and worth! The question is- do you TRUST GOD? in all areas of your life??

Evaluation Questions to Prayerfully Ponder from StoryTime with Gina:

Supporting Scripture: James 3; Isaiah 53:7

What hardships in your life are perhaps blessings in disguise?

What comes from your mouth in response to those around you?

What do your responses and words reveal about your heart?

Do your words reflect the image and likeness of your Heavenly Father?

Do you share words of life with those around you unconditionally, without

strings attached?

Is there anyone in your life that you should prayerfully pursue in an attempt

to make things right?

Are you hiding God’s word in your heart? (See Psalm 119:10-12)