Courageous Living

November 8, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Helping you to stand up courageously!

I hesitated as I saw the book title sitting in my email.

Courageous Living: Dare To Take A Stand; A book that is a call for men to stand up, fight back for their faith and get involved with their families written by Michael Catt, Pastor of Sherwood Baptist in Albany Georgia.

I’m a lady that stands up for her faith and I am and will always be involved with my family in that my greatest desire is that my children serve the Lord faithfully while my husband and I follow the path set before us.

I admit that I half-heartedly downloaded the book from christianaudio.com.  I’m truly glad that I did!

Not only is this book a call for men to “man up” courageously, but ladies, much of it applies to us too.

This book reminds us that we need men to boldly lead the way, following Christ and husbands/dads to hold their family accountable in their actions, owning their mistakes.  We need men to courageously stand up for what is right, even if you are standing alone.

The book is filled with example after example of courageous men and women doing what God has called them to do with modern day applications that will encourage the timid, motivate the discouraged and inspire all who read to courageously do more.

Ladies, we are not off the hook here.  Much of what is in this book applies to us too.  We want men to lead the way, but we resist following them.  We use the fact that our husbands don’t go to church to simply stay home because “what’s the use anyway.”  We let our children do whatever they want to because it’s such a bother to keep up with them and we wonder why they don’t choose to serve the Lord when they move out. Enough of the excuses…..time to “man up” ladies.

Being a Christian isn’t easy, never has been, but when in your life time have you heard of a stoning in the USA? Sure it’s often not a life of convenience, but neither is anything that is worth having.

Courageous Living is a call to action for each and every one of us.

It’s our choice to boldly stand and choose right courageously.  It’s our choice to own up to our responsibilities and make a difference for the Lord.  It’s our choice to get involved and be faithful to our local church.

If you don’t like the study groups that are going on, suggest a new one – LEAD a new one, but don’t just be passive about it.  DO SOMETHING. Go, be faithful and get involved!

Be courageous….and watch how others around you will gather courage as well.

Will you answer the call? Will you dare to stand?

This book was filled with many lines that I could quote for days. 

Get the book and enJOY.

(Ladies, anytime you see the word man or husband – simply replace with woman/wife. WE need this too.)

  • We need a new generation of men that don’t look to the corporate as a measure of their success; rather they look into the lives of wives and children.
  • We desperately need men who find their significance in faith, family and hard work.
  • Greatness is determined by God not by man.
  • Life should not be about stuff, it should be about the Savior.
  • A life of courage will see what others can’t see and believe what others can’t believe.
  • Courage demands a decision.
  • The Church can’t resurrect what the family puts to death.
  • If fear is contagious then courage is also contagious. 
  • Fear focuses on obstacles, courage focuses on opportunity.  Fear sees with eyes of the flesh, Courage sees with eyes of faith.
  • Following Christ should not be multiple choice in your home.
  • The faith that once cost people their lives, doesn’t even motivate us to stay faithful to the local church.
  • You aren’t a man until you take responsibility and live in accountability. 

This audio book is read by Maurice England and is extremely easy to listen to  as he reads with passion.

I’ve not seen it as of yet, but I’m sure the movie will be just as good. Watch a trailer of Courageous the Movie here. 

Thank you to christianaudio for a complimentary copy of this book via the Reviewers program.  I am not required to give a positive review of this book. 

Christianaudio has a free audiobook for your downloading pleasure each and every month, as well as gift certificates for the audio book enthusiast in your world.

 

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Sticky Jesus

September 7, 2011 By 2 Comments

Does living your faith out loud and online seem like an impossible thing? Think again! Social media has given Christians a wonderful way to expand their ministry into places that I wouldn’t have even thought possible years ago.  Many people wonder if it’s worth the time, if it’s all its hyped up to be and should they bother.

I say YES!

You aren’t sure where to start? Then Sticky Jesus is the book for you. Authors, Tami Heim and Toni Birdsong met online and have burst onto the scene with helps, tricks and continued support for those looking to expand their ministry.  There are helps via uploads and downloads at the end of each chapter and then the true stories of how social media has made a huge impact in the lives of so many will be refreshing to your soul.

Sticky Jesus will: 

  • Explore how Christ honored and built relationships and how you can do the same online.
  • Give you a practical understanding of the marketing-driven culture online.
  • Point to the Holy Spirit as your Power Source.
  • Provide personal stories that show God moving and transforming lives through social networking channels.
  • Summarize each file with a download and a prayer that are 100 percent retweetable.
  • Alert you to the danger zones.
  • Demystify the world of social networking with easy instruction on getting started on Facebook, Twitter, blogging, and content gathering (RSS).
  • Provide ongoing resources to help you grow beyond this book at http://www.stickyjesus.com/
  • Include a glossary in the back of the book to help you along the way

I love living my Faith out loud and am thankful for the heart of these ladies.  I encourage you to get a copy and see how your reach can be increased, how you can be a beacon for the Lord online and get to know some wonderful people along the way.

 

Here is a link to purchasing the book. Let me know if you get it and what your thoughts are.

 

A few of my favorite blog posts from their site: http://www.stickyjesus.com 

50 Promises God Gives you as you step into the digital world

100 Three Word Power Posts

Make sure you follow Tami & Toni and @stickyJesus on twitter for more insite, encouragement and ways to live your faith OUTLOUD.

Tami and Toni inspire me with each new post, they help so many and I’m honored to call them my friends.   Social media has made the world a little smaller and I’m thankful for the friends that I have made from all over the world that I would have never met without social media.

Tell me how you’d like to reach more people and the issues you may be facing.

What are your doubts, fears and concerns about Social Media and the online world.  

Do you find it all a bit overwhelming? 

I was given a free copy of Sticky Jesus by these generous hearts, but will be purchasing a copy to give away! I’m not required to give a positive review

 

Filed Under: Book Reviews, choices, Spreading Joy Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Moving from Fear to Freedom

August 10, 2011 By 3 Comments

Has fear kept you awake at night?  Has it hindered you from saying yes to a new opportunity? Has it caused you to make impulsive choices you later regretted? If so, you’re not alone! Fear is a big deal for many women. If left unchecked, it can prevent us from fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives. So, what’s the answer? How can we move beyond fear into freedom?

Author Grace Fox has partnered with Stonecroft Ministries to write a small group resource titled Moving from Fear to Freedom: A Woman-to-Woman Conversation. This resource addresses women’s common fears and gives biblical and practical strategies to move beyond them.

Fear seems to be an ever-present theme throughout the Bible. Describe the difference between healthy and unhealthy fear.

Healthy fear steers us toward wise decisions and actions. It promotes self-preservation. For example, we look both ways before crossing the street for fear of getting hit by a car. In contrast, unhealthy fear hinders our ability to fully embrace life because it consumes us with negative thinking and what-ifs. The effects can literally make us sick.

How does destructive fear stunt our emotional or spiritual growth?

Destructive fear—the fear of rejection, for instance—might keep us from admitting to someone that we’ve been physically or sexually abused. Without receiving the help we need to deal with those issues, we never experience freedom. Our struggles might seriously hamper our ability to truly love and receive love in a marital relationship. This is just one example among many of how our emotional growth is affected.

Spiritually, fear can cause us to say no to God-given dreams or assignments because we’re afraid of personal inadequacy or financial insecurity. If we never step out in faith, then we never experience God’s ability to equip and provide in amazing ways. Spiritual growth comes when we say yes to God and “do it afraid.”

You suggest we need to place our focus on God and not on fear. In practical terms, how do we do this?

Several strategies that I’ve found helpful…

 

  • Memorize Scripture promises and meditate on them throughout the day and as we fall asleep at night. We are transformed as our mind is renewed.
  • Fill our homes with praise and worship music.
  • Spend time in God’s word on a regular basis, not just when we’re in a panic. The more we do so, the more familiar we become with His promises and the better prepared we are to face frightening circumstances when they come.
  • Talk to the Lord throughout the day. Invite Him into the mundane. Practice His presence. The more we get to know Him, the more we’re able to trust Him in the face of fear.

 

Most of us feel inadequate at times. You suggest we cannot use our inadequacies as an excuse for not participating with God’s purposes. How do we get past this?

We get past our fear of inadequacy by admitting we have it. Then we need to retrain our thinking to focus on God’s adequacies rather than our inadequacies.

  • Tell God how we feel. “Help! I don’t think I can do such-and-such.”
  • Tell a trusted friend and ask her to pray for us.
  • Move forward. Do it afraid and expect God to equip us.

Describe this resource and how participants can receive the greatest benefit as they use it.

It’s a seven-week study filled with biblical teaching and personal anecdotes that can be used easily by either a small group of friends in a private home setting or a large women’s ministry. Each session begins by viewing a 25-30 minute teaching video. When the video ends, participants follow suggested Table Talk questions for about 15 minutes. Then they do the Bible study questions together. Each participant uses her own guide book so she can take notes and write answers. Facilitator’s notes are included. The study covers these topics:

  • an overview of fear
  • fear for our loved ones’ well-being
  • fear of personal inadequacy
  • fear of rejection
  • fear of facing the ghosts of our past
  • fear of the storms of life
  • fear of the unknown future

Where can I buy this study?

It’s available through your local Christian book store, on Amazon, www.barnesandnoble.com, www.christianbooks.com, www.stl-distribution.com, www.winepressbooks.com, and of course, on Grace’s website, where group discounts apply. www.gracefox.com.  Visit Grace’s website for more information about her other books and speaking ministry. www.gracefox.com.

For more opportunities for a FREE copy of this DVD & Study Guide set of MOVING FROM FEAR TO FREEDOM, please follow this CSS Virtual Book Tour on Twitter (@Christianspkrs) or Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/CSSVBT.GraceFox.MovingFromFeartoFreedom)

For an opportunity to WIN a free copy of this DVD & Study Guide -- simply leave a comment below to be entered into a random drawing!

Follow Grace on Twitter

 

 

 

 

I was given a complimentary copy of this DVD & Study Guide set from the author in exchange for posting the author’s interview on my blog. This blog tour is managed by Christian Speaker Services (www.ChristianSpeakerServices.com). follow on twitter at @christianspkrs

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Session 8 – Bible in 90 Days

July 21, 2010 By 1 Comment

We just finished up Proverbs!  Wise words to live by.  I hope you enjoyed it and applied it where applicable.  Some of them deal with our faith – “Trust in the LORD”, some of them deal with our actions. They all speak to the heart and make us wiser for it.  As you read, keep in mind there are 4 types of proverbs:

  1. Synonymous – the second line repeats the first line in a little different way
  2. Antithetical – the second line is contrary to the first line
  3. Synthertic – the second line adds to the idea of the first line
  4. Comparative – a truth is explained relative to some experience or something in nature

This Week’s Reading Schedule:

  • Day 50 – Isaiah 14:1 – Isaiah 28:29
  • Day 51 – Isaiah 29:1 – Isaiah 41:18
  • Day 52 – Isaiah 41:19 – Isaiah 52:12
  • Day 53 – Isaiah 52:13 – Isaiah 66:18
  • Day 54 – Isaiah 66:19 – Jeremiah 10:13
  • Day 55 – Jeremiah 10:14 – Jeremiah 23:8
  • Day 56 – Jeremiah 23:9 – Jeremiah 33:22

Did you memorize a Psalm? Share that if you did.  I love Ps. 46. Many know Ps 23.  They are all awesome to hide in our heart.

Are you caught up on reading?  If not, don’t sweat it.  I’m on target with listening, (I listen while I work) but this weekend….I have got to get some major catching up done on the reading. 

Click here to Listen to the Bible as you read it.

This Weeks Study Guide. There is good stuff here, don’t pass this by!

Here is the audio lesson . (You’ll need to log in!)

Please listen the lessons. I have the dvd’s but can’t post them here…copyright rules. We can discuss what you heard here as well. Listen while you cook, clean or are just taking time to enjoy this journey. I hope you’ll take advantage of this free resource. Listen towards the end of the 7 day time frame, as THIS would be what we would be watching/discussing if we were to be meeting weekly.

If you are seeing this for the first time, we started on June 1st, but you can start right now, just go to Session 1 and begin. Here is the main information page as well.

Filed Under: Bible In 90 Days, challenge, choices, encouraging, goals, happiness, passion, Spreading Joy Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Single Step

July 1, 2010 By 4 Comments

Lao Tzu said “A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.”  I have found that sometimes we take that first step naturally, other times it is quite by accident. Then there are the times that we are forced into taking that step with no control over what is happening, no look into what will be happening or no clue as to why it is happening.

That first step can often be scary, confusing and downright difficult.  When we are facing a new direction, a new journey of yet another thousand miles, sometimes it is so easy to over look the positive because we are afraid or focused on the unknown.  Instead of checking out the scenery along the way of our journey, we are focused on the “what ifs”.  We need to eliminate the “what if” game from our life and enjoy our journey, enjoy the beauty that is surrounding us and know that even with challenges that lay ahead, joy is swirling all around us, waiting to be noticed and appreciated. 

As my life takes a new direction, I’m not fearful, I’m not worried – I’m excited!  The last 4 years of my journey has been such a hodge podge of emotions, challenges and events.  When I embarked on that journey in April of 2006, I was fearful. It was the most difficult challenge I had ever faced and I literally stood, looking at my virtual mountain and thought “ok, swallow me up, get it over with….I’ll never be able to do this, NOT in a million years.”  The only thing that was consistent was change and I had never been presented with so much to learn all at once.  I was afraid of an epic fail. 

Not only was there NOT an Epic Fail – but it was the best four years ever. Challenges presented themselves. People came into my life, securing a permanent place in my heart, new things were learned, old ideas were tossed out the door.  New friendships were made, faith was increased. 

My new direction is in employment.  At my last assignment, there was lots of smiling, singing, problems and mercy – the food and gatherings were always such fun!  There were projects that seem to never end and then the easy ones that made you feel as though you accomplished something right away.  There was the infamous 3 day work week *ahem* and the immediate “NO” (with a big smile) as certain people came through the door looking for stuff.  There were those that brightened the day with their laughter, smiles and hugs, as well as the 2 that made my path smell wonderful as I journeyed down the halls.  There was the direct leadership, that was always appreciative, realistic and supportive and made the day enjoyable, regardless of the challenges and ocean of paperwork that continued to grow.

Has your direction changed recently? Are you standing at the bottom of the biggest mountain you’ve ever faced and are thinking, go ahead…swallow me up? Are you moving towards the unknown? 

What are you doing to appreciate the journey? Are you noticing the little things that make life Big while you fight your way down this road? I hope so, because the JOY is there, swirling all about you – begging for you to notice and appreciate it.

Go ahead! Take that first step….your next thousand miles awaits you!

{{{HUGS}}} Yall

Filed Under: challenge, choices, difficulties, encouraging, fun, goals, happiness, motivation, Spreading Joy Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Shack

March 16, 2010 By 10 Comments

When I started reading The Shack in September 2009, it was towards the end of a long battle.  Even though I was strong for my family & I trusted and relied on the strength of the Lord and prayers from friends and family, a great sadness enveloped me.  My family had literally been through one of the most grievous years I can remember.  We battled doctors on behalf of my daughter Meg who could no longer digest solid food, wondered & prayed about employment for my husband Steve and left my only son at college – 15 hours away.  I picked up The Shack and read the first chapter. My heart was pounding, the tears were forming as I felt Mack’s pain and the terror of his dreams.  I think to myself, there is no way I’ll ever be at a point where I can finish this book; I, too, was having nightmares so terrible that I desperately tried not to sleep. Just as the great sadness consumed Mack, it consumed me.  I closed the book, wondering if I’d ever finish it.

I’m happy to say that I did have the courage to pick it up and continue reading it.  This fictional book describes pain, anguish and fear in such detail that you can feel the pain gripping your heart, then, it does something wonderful.  It takes you through the healing process.

The author, William Paul Young, does a wonderful job with having the characters asking questions we would typically ask, expressing doubt, anger and fear.  He then reminds us that it’s of our own free will that develop our relationship with our heavenly Father.

For a fictional book, there were many passages that were full of amazing truth.

“Faith does not grow in the house of certainty”

“Don’t ever discount the wonder of your tears.  They can be healing waters and a stream of joy.  Sometimes they are the best words the heart can speak.”

This book has been a source of controversy over doctrinal issues.  I suggest you read it, pulling out the powerful truths that are throughout the book while simply enjoying it –  not judging it based on doctrine, not judging at all.  Let your heart feel the emotions that Mack is feeling as he is working his way through grief and pain, dealing with the issues of forgiveness and struggling to keep it all together for his family.  Sooner or later, you’ll have your own great sadness to deal with, and you’ll remember – God is there, through everything…even when you feel He isn’t.

Filed Under: Book Reviews, difficulties, motivation, passion, Spreading Joy Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,