Archives for July 2015

July 28, 2015

Wisdom From Wise Women–She Speaks 2015

Hi Friends!

Since we just returned home from the amazing Proverbs 31 Ministries She Speaks 2015 conference, I thought of sharing just a few profound sticky statements from some of the most godly, wise leaders with whom I have ever had the blessing of serving. My hand couldn’t write down their wisdom fast enough. May you be as encouraged by these Bible-centered truths as I am.

  • “We must stay in alignment with His assignment.” –Lysa TerKeurst
  • “God calls us to 1) Be with Him and 2) Be sent out by Him. ” –Lysa TerKeurst
  • “The Gospel is a change agent. God loves you as you are, but He doesn’t want you to stay that way.” –Whitney Capps
  • “The Comforter will comfort. Sometimes our Bible teaching will make them feel uncomfortable.” –Whitney Capps
  • “There’s no such thing as fame in the eyes of the Famous One.” –Whitney Capps
  • “The only good in us is God in us.” –Liz Curtis Higgs
  • “We need God-confidence, not self-confidence.” –Liz Curtis Higgs
  • “God can redeem our mess with His best.” –Liz Curtis Higgs
  • “Serving God may mean holding a broom, not a microphone.” –Liz Curtis Higgs
  • “Pretending you’re fine when you’re really not fine never healed any kind of brokenness.” –Lysa TerKeurst
  • “We at Proverbs 31 Ministries take the Bible literally, not liberally.” –Lysa TerKeurst
July 21, 2015

Are You For Real?

It is so refreshing to be around authentic people. How real, how authentic would you say you are? Do you find that you act differently around different people? You may have answered yes to that question.  I’m embarrassed to say that my answer was yes.

A well-respected Christian leader said that she wanted to strive to be the same person 24 hours a day, seven days a week, no matter where she is or who she is around. Wow. That statement sets the bar pretty high. That is the standard I pray to reach one day… one day. The journey is long.

I feel blessed to surround myself intentionally with authentic friends and mentors. You know–those people who are unpretentious, humble, can laugh at themselves, have servant hearts. People who talk the same about you to your face as behind your back. When these people/friends give you feedback, it’s mostly positive and uplifting, and even when it’s needed constructive criticism, it is uttered to your face and not only behind your back.

Have you ever overheard someone speaking positively about you? What a sweet treat. Now, have you overheard someone speaking negatively about you?  How did it make you feel?

Today is a new day. Let’s get real. What does “getting real” mean, you might ask? I heard a mentor say that success is treating our friends like family and our family like friends.  To me, that is what being real, being authentic means.

Reflect:

–Who are some people in your life who are real/authentic? Please comment.

–Who are you when no one is around?

–Who is the REAL, authentic you?

Renew:

–“Therefore, encourage each other and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” –1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV

—“Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.” –Titus 2:6-9 NIV

–“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear gifts? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.“ –James 3:9-12 NIV

 Recharge:

–What will you do be more real? Please comment on some ways to be more real.

–Call an authentic friend/mentor with whom to spend some intentional time this week.

July 14, 2015

Be Strong and Courageous

Each one of us is facing something huge in our life. Today, may you be en-COURAGED to be strong and courageous. What are you facing today?

I have lived in beautiful, picturesque Charleston, South Carolina all my life. Born and bred. Last year the Lord called me out of my comfort zone to join Proverbs 31 Ministries as the Executive Director of Donor Development. It is a humbling, high calling. Proverbs 31 Ministries is internationally headquartered in Matthews, NC, near Charlotte. It was gracious that our dynamic leader and President Lysa TerKeurst allowed me to work from home in Charleston, travel to see donors, and drive the three hours to Matthews monthly.

For several months the Lord has been nudging me to relocate to Matthews.  To leave all the familiarity and loving environment of my family, friends, church, home, precious neighbors, and fabulous city is not easy. God is faithful. His timing is perfect.

Recently I read the Bible story about Joshua and have thought about it ever since. In Joshua 1, the tremendous leader Moses had just passed away. Joshua, one of his chosen leaders, had been called to cross the Jordan River with the Israelites into the Promised Land. Joshua was nervous, really more of a “chicken,” about his assignment. God gave him a wonderful pep talk.

“Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go…Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” –Joshua 1:6-7, 9 NIV

Don’t you just want to lift your chin up, pull your shoulders back, and stand up straighter when you read that passage? I do!  Today, just keep repeating, “Be strong and courageous” as a breath prayer. “Be strong and courageous.” “Be strong and courageous.” “Be strong and courageous.”

God is with me as I transition to Matthews to be with my Proverbs 31 Ministries family. This is His assignment for me. He is opening the doors to make the transition easier. I am excited to be on this God-adventure. To God be the glory!

Whatever you are facing today, remember you are invincible when you are in God’s will. God is with you every moment. He will never leave you nor forsake you. There’s no way we can mess up God’s plan. Be strong and VERY courageous.

Reflect:

–What is the last experience where you felt nervous to face something or someone?  Please comment.

–How do you/did you feel after repeating “Be strong and courageous” as a breath prayer? Please comment.

Renew:

–“Rise up; this matter is in your hands. We will support you, so take courage and do it.” –Ezra 10:4 NIV

–“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.” –1 Corinthians 16:13-14 NIV84

Recharge:

–How will you respond differently this week when facing a battle or something huge? Please comment.

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