Being a Godly Woman, Life Balance
Confession time: I usually strive for excellence or for things to be perfect in many areas of my life.
Who can relate? ( We’ve probably all been there at one time or another.)
We can be so driven that we set the bar too high. We often hold ourselves to higher standards than we even hold for others. It might not even be realistic but we still strive for that high expectation anyway. It doesn’t have to be that way though. Sometimes we learn that lesson, or get reminded of it, the hard way. Ouch!
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Being a Godly Woman, Life Balance, Relationships
It really is true. Some people inspire us, while others completely drain us. Have you ever noticed that?
Our happiness, success and failure in life are greatly influenced by the people whom we spend our time with. We’re typically happier and more successful when we’re around other happy and successful people. (more…)
Being a Godly Woman, Goals, Transformation
What could you accomplish if you focused on your personal or spiritual growth or on transforming some area of your life for 2 months? What if you spent 3 months focusing on yourself?
How would life be different? - What would it look like?
- Who would you be because of the change?
- Would you wake up each day ready to enjoy each moment with confidence, peace of mind, and joy in your heart?
What would it mean to you if you gained: life balance; clarity in your purpose and mission in life; a sense of calm and peace; less hurry and busyness; time management; or priorities for your life and values?
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Being a Godly Woman
Are you a home – maker? Don’t confuse that with homemaker. I am talking about any woman who builds her home.
Proverbs 14:1 says, “The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down”.
To be a woman who builds her home, you don’t have to be a homemaker– as we define that term in our culture. You may have a career, work outside of your home part-time or full-time, or be a homemaker.
What I am talking about is a woman who knows the importance of the home to her family and takes responsibility for the quality of life and atmosphere in the home, no matter what her career or non-career responsibilities may be.
A home – maker builds a home that is a little piece of heaven on earth to those who live there. It is their sanctuary, safe-haven, place of comfort, and refuge.
Being a Godly Woman, Transformation
While reading my Bible the other morning, I was reminded of a principle that applies to us today as we make changes in our lives.
In chapter 4 of the book of Nehemiah, it tells how they faced opposition when the walls were repaired and the gaps were filled:
So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart. But when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites and the men of Ashdod heard that the reparis to Jerusalem’s walls had gone ahead and that the gaps were being closed, they were very angry. They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble against it. But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat. Nehemiah 4:6-9 (NIV)
Doesn’t it seem like that’s the way it often goes for us? We rebuild walls or fill gaps by making changes in our lives that God has led us to make. We live as God would have us to live. It’s hard work. It can be discouraging or make us feel like we want to give up. But we persevere and little by little those repairs are made and the gaps no longer exist. We’re on cloud nine. It feels so good! We may even still be in a little shock that we actually did it! Maybe you thought it would never happen. Maybe it was a “one day” dream you had for years or a deep longing to live a certain way and to be completely aligned with God’s purpose for you.
Then what happens?
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Being a Godly Woman, Marriage, Relationships
Wouldn’t we all love to wear the title: Wife of the Year.
Be honest with yourself. If your husband were to describe you, would he use those words?
Does your husband know that he is your number one priority? Your number one human relationship? —–over your children, parents, best friend, or even a brother or sister. Ouch. Reflecting on that can really step on your toes. (more…)
Being a Godly Woman, Life Balance, Life Purpose
One of my favorite concepts taught by Elizabeth George is having 5 fat files.(from her book A Woman After God’s Own Heart)
You’re probably wondering what that means.
We can’t do everything, even though we often try or think we can. Sometimes we spread ourselves pretty thin, say yes to everything, do things that are outside of our gifting or calling, volunteer to help with everything, don’t say no, feel like if there’s a need we will be the only one who will fill it……you get the picture.
We totally ignore the Good, Better, Best principle. You know, where some things are good for you to do, others are better, and then finally, there are things in the best category. That’s where we would really like to invest our time and energy– God’s best for us. (more…)
Being a Godly Woman, Transformation
Have you ever said something and later wished that you hadn’t? Or maybe just talked too much?
In coaching we’re taught that we should not be talking more than about 20% of the time. It’s not about giving advice and our opinions. It’s about helping people to discern what God would have them to do and drawing it out of them.
There’s a nice little acronym to help us remember that: W.A.I.T. — Why Am I Talking?
I thought about how that is actually an acronym that we could all use in every situation.
We should WAIT before we speak and ask ourselves why we are talking. (more…)
Being a Godly Woman, Goals, Transformation
Can you describe the man or woman you desire to be spiritually in one year? What about in ten years?
Have you ever taken time to think about who you want to be in the future? I mean to really envision what the future “you” will be like?
I’ve thought about that for the past few weeks. One of the Bible studies I’m working through asked me to write out who I would like to be spiritually both one year and ten years from now.
What are my goals? Are there any people I look up to and would like to be like? How would I want others to describe me? How would I want God to describe me? Those are great questions and really got me thinking. (more…)
Being a Godly Woman, Family, Goals, Parenting
A week ago was the 2nd anniversary of my mom’s death. She had inflammatory breast cancer. I’ve thought about her quite a bit the past few weeks. I surely do miss her and over the past 2 years I have caught myself thinking that I would call her and tell her something a few times.
She loved life and was a lot of fun. My friends always liked her and enjoyed being around her.
Mom was always active in our schooling and activities when we were younger. She was my Pixie and Brownie leader, helped in Cub Scouts for my brother, and always volunteered as a room-mother. One time I came home from school and told her that I had invited friends over for a party that afternoon. I was only in 1st or 2nd grade and these “big plans” were made on the bus ride home. After explaining the situation and talking with the other moms, my mom actually did plan and host a big Valentine’s Party for us a few weeks later. It was a big hit and she went all out.
Those are just a few of the memories I thought about over the past few weeks. As I think back on all the memories with my own mom, there are some really funny stories as well as many other things that made a huge impact in my life. They made me stop and reflect on my own life as a parent. (more…)
We can be so driven that we set the bar too high. We often hold ourselves to higher standards than we even hold for others. It might not even be realistic but we still strive for that high expectation anyway. It doesn’t have to be that way though. Sometimes we learn that lesson, or get reminded of it, the hard way. Ouch!
