Pure Magazine

Hosea 14:4

“I will heal their waywardness and love them freely, for my anger has turned away from them"

Matthew 10:8

Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.

Romans 3:24

and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

I am sure you've heard of the cliché "Can't Buy Me Love?" It's one of my very favorite sayings. The reason I love it so much is because it is so profoundly true. Four simple words have summed up how God feels about His creation. As the scriptures above indicate, God does not require anything from us in order for Him to love us. He offers his undying, never-ending, unconditional love for free. But, how many of us live the life of a truly loved and accepted woman? How many of us have accepted the love that God so richly gave us?

So many times women feel they need to earn love; from their family, friends, children, husbands, and yes even God. They live their lives as "super moms", "trophy wives", and "ladder climbers" all with the hopes that someone would love them, accept them, and maybe look up to them.

This type of behavior is very common. One of the deepest longings that women possess is the need to be loved and accepted. For some women that don't have God, they have never experienced unconditional love. They are always trying to be thinner, prettier, smarter (in some cases dumber), funnier, etc. just to win the approval of someone (sometimes just anyone).

I wish I could get a loud speaker that traveled across the globe so I could shout one thing: "You cannot buy love! Christ has already paid the price on the cross!" There is nothing we can say, do or think that can ever separate us from the love of Christ.

Ephesians 2:8-10

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—  not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Romans 8:38-39

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Image borrowed from: http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.stevescottsite.com

You might have guessed why I have chosen to write this article now...in the month of February. Of course, Valentine's Day is coming up very quickly and obviously it can make a person think about love. I have been married almost two years now (on Feb. 20th), and anyone that is married will understand that no human is capable of unconditional love. We can strive for it, but we all have flaws. We are all judgmental to a certain degree whether we like to admit it or not. We all do our best to make compromises and strive to keep our marriages fresh. I love my husband so very much, but one thing I have learned is that he will never love me the way that God loves me...and I should never expect him to.He loves me the best that he can love me.

Whether you are single, married, divorced, widowed, or dating there is one thing I need to say: NO MAN will ever love you the way God does. NO MAN will ever fill the hole in your heart that is meant for God. We were designed to desire a deep never-ending love from our Savior. I am not saying that there isn't a place for your husband (or future husband), but I am saying that God must remain our first love.

It can be so easy to get distracted and to forget about our first love, especially when "Mr. Right" is sitting next to us. It can also be easy to get distracted while looking for "Mr. Right". I remember dreading Valentine's Day when I was single. I felt like everyone had someone but me. The truth is, I was too caught up in waiting for "Mr. Right" and I wasn't spending enough time thanking God for the wonderful gift of singleness. Yes, ladies; it is a gift.

Image borrowed from: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Tn1gkl4OJqU/SwYZMTfF9PI/AAAAAAAAAw8/IVKyvjkfPqQ/s1600/love11.jpg

We all go through different seasons in life. However, one thing that doesn't change, doesn't get blown away by the wind or disappear like leaves in autumn is the love of Christ. It can sound redundant, but it is important. It is the most important lesson you can learn in life.

So, for all you over-achieving work-aholic Christians out there, I am sorry to bust your bubble: You cannot earn it this time. It's already yours.

Accept his love and don't feel guilty for it. Let's all try to live lives that reflect the love of Christ that He has so graciously given us.

Because Someone Gave

Image borrowed from https://anitagrant.com/images/stories/Blog/GivingBackjpgTxt.jpg

As some of you know, I am a huge fan of "Youth With a Mission", an international volunteer movement of Christians from many backgrounds, cultures and Christian traditions, dedicated to serving Jesus throughout the world. Through YWAM, I was able to travel around Cape York in Australia ministering to the Indigenous of the country.

Since leaving Australia in 2007, I still keep in touch with some of the people I met there and we've become good friends. Recently, the base I attended (Reef to Outback) bought a ship and turned it into a "Medical Ship" bringing free health care to Papa New Guinea. They made a video summarizing their ministry this year. I applaud them for their work and praise God that He has been using them in such a powerful way. Please take a moment to watch it.

The reason I've entitled this article "Because Someone Gave" is because this video inspired me. Well, I guess it's God that inspired me. He is the ultimate inspiration.

In today's culture, we really don't talk about GIVING very much. We talk about "charities" in tax terms; we give money to a homeless person and feel our job is done for the whole month. But, are we really willing to give EVERYTHING for the sake of God's kingdom? If Jesus appeared before you today and asked you to leave all your possessions, your family, your home, your country....would you?

There is a reason that this scripture exists:

Matthew 19:24

"Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."

God didn't say this to judge those that have more money than others. He said this because He knew that human nature is to value physical possessions, family, time, freedom, etc. And the moment that you love something more than God, it becomes an idol.

 "Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth."

I don't know about you, but I want to be ready when Jesus asks me to do something. I don't want to walk away sad because he asked me to move to China and sell all my possessions. Believe it or not, there are missionaries all around the world right now that have answered God's call to do that very thing. They gave up their freedom in some cases; they gave up time with their family, left their homes, left their lives....just to GIVE to someone else.

Image borrowed from http://maryjaneryan.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/givingredclothheart.jpeg

This is something that I want you to really think about. Really consider what you are willing to give for the sake of Christ.

I will tell you that my time in Australia was life changing....my other mission trips to Mexico and Slovakia were life changing as well. The reason? I gave.

There is nothing that feels better than to give unselfishly to someone else knowing you will not receive something back in return. And I am not just talking about money...nor am I just talking about global missions. 

What are you doing right now where you are?

Are you a shoulder to cry on, a listening ear, a smile for a stranger, a warm meal for the sick, a carpool for a co-worker? Think about the people around you. Do you know someone that is in need? How about someone that is hurting?

Luke 21 The Widow's Offering  1 "As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. 2He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins.[a] 3"I tell you the truth," he said, "this poor widow has put in more than all the others. 4All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on."

Life is too short to think about ourselves. Life is too short to be looking more closely at our bank accounts than the condition of our hearts.

Are you ready? Will you be someone that gave? Will you change someone else's life because you were available for God?

What gets in the way?

One thing to note is that Satan doesn't want us to help each other. He doesn't want us to be kind, loving, generous, or anything that resembles Jesus. So, he will try his best to distract you and whisper lies that prevent you from following in Jesus' footsteps.

He will tell you that you can't afford to help a widow buy food for her children. He will say that you don't have the time to help someone fix their car. He will say you can't get involved in someone's problems so you aren't there when they need a friend.

Chances are, you have already faced some of these lies. Satan is the master of lies.

But praise God that He gave us the power to demolish ALL strongholds. He gave us the power to stomp Satan under our feet and tell him he has no power in our lives.

God gave us the ability to give. So, I challenge you to kick satan in the face and give to those around you. I promise you won't regret it.

Femininity:

An archaic concept or a lost treasure?

In today's society, it is very hard to be a lady. It's even harder to be a Christian lady. Dr. James Dobson said in his book Bringing Up Girls that the Media considers girls to be "Far too passive, frilly, compliant, and'motherly'." The Media says, "They [girls] needed to be taught to be aggressive, tough, tomboyish, unemotional, and yes, much more masculine."

As a parent, how does this sound to you? Do you want your daughter raised thinking that she needs to be more masculine to fit the world's standards? Of course,not! But, when confronted with the idea that femininity is considered "frilly" or that "motherly" is a bad thing, how will your daughter respond? How will you respond? Most importantly, what does the Bible say about women and femininity?

Dr. Dobson suggests “parents have become far too distracted, overworked, and stressed out to care much about teaching morals and manners to children.” He goes on to say, “mothers, it is your job to acculturate your daughters and to help them become ladies. Does that sound chauvinistic in our high-tech world? I suppose it does, but even so, it makes sense.”

Now, before someone jumps on me and says, “How can you say these things when women have come so far? Are you trying to make us go back to the stone ages here?” Let me make one thing clear. I do not claim that women should give up their rights. However, I do have a theory. When women become ladies, they use the strengths that God gave them. They use their mind, their emotions, and their sympathetic ear. There is nothing weak about being a woman. There is nothing weak about femininity. When we begin to see ourselves as God does, our whole essence changes and people notice that too. As Dobson says, “It is their sensitivity and tenderness that are so charming. They feel everything intensely and make a habit of hugging those they love.”

Titus 2:3-5 “Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine.They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.”

It is not an easy thing to go up against the Media & worldly viewpoints. As a Christian woman, you are on a battlefield, not only fighting for yourself, but for your daughters as well.The battlefield has gotten bloodier and bloodier with the Media’s fangs ripping into women’s hearts. Dr. Dobson makes this point very clear by quoting columnist Michelle Malkin’s powerful excerpt:

“When conservative women say,‘Have some self respect,’ Liberals in the Media call us self-righteous. When conservative women say promiscuity is degrading and self-destructive, women in the Media call us prudes. When Liberal women raise their voices, they are praised as ‘passionate.’ When conservative women raise their voices, we are condemned as ‘shrill.’

The advice from Malkin?

“Be ‘prudes.’ Be ‘rude.’ Be‘shrill.’” And never ever feel ashamed for asking out loud, ‘Have you no shame?’”

1 Timothy 2:9 “Likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire,”

Proverbs 11:22 “Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman without discretion.”

What to do?

To be frank, manners start at home. If you aren’t taking the time at home to teach manners to your children, you are doing them an injustice. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Good manners are made up of small sacrifices.” May I suggest that some of these small sacrifices may mean giving up your favorite show to teach your daughter to cook a meal or to sit at the table with the family for dinner.Often parents don’t see that their children emulate what they see. If you are rude, crude, loud, and abrasive, your daughter will most likely act the same. If you say a prayer before each meal, most likely your children will follow.

Rick Santorum said on a “Focus on the Family” radio broadcast, “America today is a me-centered culture. It is about doing whatever a person wants to do,regardless of how it affects other people. Manners convey just the opposite.They show respect for others, especially looking out for their interests,whether it’s opening the door or waiting in line or just saying a kind word.These social graces reflect an entirely different worldview. But unless parentsare consciously working to instill those values and behaviors in their children, the culture will stamp its own perspectives on them.”

Santorum is absolutely right. If you don’t talk to your daughter about waiting until marriage to have sex, she will hear from her friends that it’s fine…it’s liberating. If you don’t talk to her about drugs, she may experiment with them. Most importantly, if you don’t talk to her about God and his love for her, she may never fully know her worth and value. For, there is no feeling of worth like that when you know an all-powerful God uniquely created you for a divine purpose.

Mothers, let’s pick up the pace and make sure we are teaching our daughters how to be ladies. Let’s equip them to go out into the world and show them the woman God has created. Let’s equip them to fight with the feminine strengths that God has

given them.

I end this article with a "love story from God" taken from Sheri Rose Shepherd's book His Princess: Girl Talk With God.

"My Beautiful Girl,

I know that your true identity is under great attack every day. Voices all around you tell you to become like the world and surrender who you really are. Don't let anyone define you but Me, your Daddy in heaven. You are a daughter of the King, and you don't have to become someone you don't want to be. You will never find your true identity looking at idols of this world. Don't allow these lies to control your confidence anymore. I created you in My image. My daughter does not have to bow down to man-made images in magazines. How you feel about yourself does not change the truth that you are My treasured daughter. .You are called to be a light in the dark and to help your friends find their worth in Me.
Love, your Daddy in heaven"

At His Feet

Image Borrowed from:

http://mommylife.net/archives/2010/04/02/woman%20at%20jesus%20feet.jpg

Before you begin reading, I'd like you to take a few minutes inspecting the image above. What words come to mind? What do you think of this woman? Is she a lowly peasant? Is she a fool for lying at this man's feet? Or is she desperate?

Lastly, do you see a slight reflection of yourself in this woman's desperation?

The image above is an artist's portrayal of the woman from Luke 8:37-38.

"When a woman who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, and as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them."

Now look at the image again. Do you see how desperately she needs Jesus to heal her? Have you ever been this desperate? Maybe you are right now.

The basic truth is that God wants us to be broken sometimes so that we will be reminded of how much we need him. He wants to be powerful when we are powerless.

There have been times in my life where I was so broken and depressed that the only prayer I could utter was, "Lord, help me."

And guess what? He did.

In small ways, God began to reveal himself to me again. And then, in big ways He made himself ever known in my life.

Real-Life

This is the cliché thing to say in a Christian article, but it's true: God doesn't promise that life will be easy. He does promise that we will not go alone.

John 16:33

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

What we don't want to hear is that in this world, we will get hurt. War, famine, divorce, cancer, and harmful words still exist even if you are a Christian. You will be forced into desperate moments, where all you can lean on is God.

Now, if you're anything like me, you don't want to admit it when you need help, when you've failed, or when you are desperate.

The hard part is admitting it...the easy part is watching God take your life and mold it into something beautiful. But first, you must learn to sit at His feet.

At His Feet

During extremely trying times, my God has come through. It may have been difficult, but the changes He made in my heart and life have stuck with me. I would have never grown without those hard changes and moments of desperation.

Another example of depending on God comes from the book of Luke.

Image borrowed from:

http://www.freewebs.com/ladiesofvirtue/jesus_woman.jpg

Luke 8:47

"Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed,came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. Then he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace."

Here is another example (from the same chapter of Luke) of a woman in desperation. She knew she needed healing. She had no other choice. Facing ridicule from the other people around, she reached out in desperation and came "trembling at his feet".

It's easy to read something like this. It's another to live it. It's another to actually be in her shoes and be the one facing ridicule.

If you look at these two images and feel as if you are there, you may be in a moment of desperation. You may be in a moment that God wants to show himself powerful, mighty, and compassionate.

Image Borrowed from:

http://jfcbookstore.org/images/DesperateImage.jpg

Where the Power Comes From

During the times where I struggle, I find Satan telling me lies. He says, "If you admit that this is an issue for you, you will be seen as weak. You will be discredited as a Christian and as a leader." He tries to play tricks on my mind (he is good at that) to keep me from falling at Jesus' feet.

The power from your powerlessness comes when you push Satan out of the way and fall at the throne of Christ. When you can push all fear and pride away and realize that there is someone bigger and greater than your desperation, you've already won half of the battle. And this is a battle you cannot fight alone.

Job 26:2

"How you have helped the powerless! How you have saved the arm that is feeble!"

He Knows Already

Another thing you must know is that God already knows what you are going through. Also, He is already interceding (praying) for you with groans that words cannot express.

Romans 8:26

"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express."

This scripture has helped me a lot throughout the years. At moments where all I can pray is "Help me, God", I read this and know that my God is bigger than the pain I feel.

"Lay your sorrows on the Ground. It's time to come back home"

JJ Heller "Back Home"

Conclusion

Whether you are enjoying life and cruising along paths of wildflowers, or you are struggling to pray a simple prayer, God knows and He cares.The step you must take is to push everything aside and trust in Him. Trust that He will take you to paths of Righteousness for His namesake. Trust the He is able and willing to lead you down the path He has set before you.

“If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him.”  

C T Studd

Let's all stand before Christ as humble servants and recognize him as Lord of our lives and healer of all wounds.

The Camel

Can you fit?

Mark 10:25

"It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."

In the world today, we face many temptations. We are tempted to commit all kinds of sins. Though most Christians would like to say they've resisted those temptations, many may fall blind to one in particular: The love of money.

It's pretty easy for anyone to fall into the trap of money. Every day, we are faced with ads and promotions basically telling us that money can buy you happiness. If you own these clothes, own this house, own this car, buy this food, you will be happy. And even if you are watching closely, Satan has his way of sneaking in under disguise. This article is meant to bring to light which disguises Satan commonly uses, and to help you understand how to fight against the lies of the enemy.

The Root of All Evil

First of all, we need to clear up one common misconception. Money is not the root of all evil. The LOVE of money is the root of all evil.

1 Timothy 6:10

"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."

Anytime you are placing someone or something ahead of God in your life, you have an idol. Many people have made money their idol without even knowing it. They dream about their future home and forget about the one they already have. They worry about having enough money to retire. They spend more money than they have to live a lifestyle they think they "deserve". The list goes on an on.

It can even happen when you are poor. It's not just the rich man that needs to watch out. Sometimes people can spend their whole life wishing they had more. They can fear what will happen if they don't have a certain amount of money. But, when you fear something, it becomes your God. It becomes greater than the God that promised to take care of those that love Him.

Security

One of the common lies Satan throws at women is that we need money to become secure. Especially in this day and age where women are expected to become financially independent, that can become a major strain...even a major fear. Thus, women are forced to think that without money, they will be left alone. This is an entirely different article, but this is one of the many ways Satan is breaking up families all over the world. There is nothing wrong with a working mother, but often times that fear of needing to get ahead can lead to work-aholic mothers and fathers and ultimately divorce.

Generosity

Another one of the easiest ways Satan can get to you is to convince you that you cannot "afford" to tithe or to give generously. He makes you think that bills come first and tithing comes last if there is something left over. For someone that is "barely getting by" that's all they need to hear. The way that God wants us to think is that He comes first in every situation. He should be the heartbeat of your life, starting with finances. Your financial priorities show all of your priorities.

Luke 12:34

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

First, pay your tithes. Give back to the God that gave you everything. Then, trust in Him that He will provide all of your needs. Don't just give God your leftovers. He deserves so much more.

You will find that the closer you grow to God, the more generous you will seem. I just watched a sermon called, "I Believe in God but I trust in money". You can watch it when you get the time. It's a little long (but worth watching).

 http://vimeo.com/7022714

In the video, they say, "We trust is money to bring us happiness and security. Money can even be the number one competitor for our hearts. When we go deep with Jesus we become strangely content with what we have and we become irrationally generous."

1 Timothy 6:17-19

 "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life."

I don't know about you, but that is the life I want to live. I want to be content in any circumstance. I want to be generous and willing to share, laying up a treasure for myself in heaven. I want to take hold of the life that is truly life.

But what if the Church misuses the money?

I have heard this many times from people. What happens if the Pastor is hoarding all the money for himself? My answer is that I, too, have thought the same thing from time to time. However, after much soul searching, I've realized that it's not my job to Lord over the church's finances. The people that are there, are there because God allows it. If He wanted me there counting the money and dispersing it to where it should go, then that's where I would be.

1 Peter 2:13

"Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority"

Your job is to follow God's commandments to tithe. It is not the dollar amount or the law that matter. It is the condition of your heart. If you are a cheerful giver and know that you are giving out of your heart because you love God, then that's all that matters.

Conclusion

All of us have our weakness. Whether it be eating out, shopping, hobbies, excessive saving, etc., God knows your heart. He desires to be close to you and to have an intimate relationship with you. Do you really want your finances to get in the way of a deep, intimate relationship with God? I know that after some soul-searching I need to make some changes in my life. Being a Christian means that you need to be open to change. God is constantly trying to help us improve our lives for the sake of us. Change hurts sometimes and priorities can be an imposition, but in the long run, you will be much happier knowing that you are in God's will.

Let's all take a look at our checkbooks and make sure that God's check is the first to be written.

God's

In almost every magazine found in America, you will be able to locate one common theme: weight loss. Headlines commonly read: "Lose 30 pounds in 30 days!","Lose the baby fat!","You'd never guess she has children!","The thighs of a goddess" and so forth. For those that are actually medically overweight, these articles may be of some use. However, what about the women that aren't overweight? Do these magazines contain articles discussing positive self-esteem and building character? And why is a person's physical appearance more important than their character? Most importantly, where does God play a role in all of this?

Image borrowed from:

http://www.saidaonline.com/en/newsgfx/woman%20self%20esteem.png

Psalm 139:14

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

The Mistake

I am in no way suggesting that a person that is medically obese should stop their weight loss program. However, I am suggesting that the Media begin to post responsible and positive marketing campaigns.

God never intended physical appearance to be our source of Self Esteem.

The mistake that most people make is believing the lie that is in the world: the lie that how you look defines who you are.

1 Peter 3:3-5 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. 4Instead,it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. 5For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful.

If we could all just follow the guidelines that God set before us, we wouldn't have the problems we have today

Image borrowed from:

http://jross119.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/anorexia_hr_preview.jpg

The Results Are In

What happens when the Media post images and articles that portray an unrealistic image of what a woman should be?

The following statistics were borrowed from

http://www.state.sc.us/dmh/anorexia/statistics.htm

It is estimated that 8 million Americans have an eating disorder – seven million women and one million men.

One in 200 American women suffers from anorexia.

Two to three in 100 American women suffers from bulimia

Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness

The mortality rate associated with anorexia nervosa is 12 times higher than the death rate of ALL causes of death for females 15 – 24 years old.

What are we to do? We are all brainwashed to think that we are not okay unless we meet some standard set before us. What are we to do?

I don't know about you, but I struggle with the concept of matching someone's ideal image. I mean, how many of us look forward to trying on swimsuits? Let's get real here; the last thing most women want is to squeeze into something that shows every curve. And why do we feel like that? We feel we will be judged if we don't look "RIGHT" in that swimsuit.

But, what's most important?

Image borrowed from:

http://newyork.timeout.com/newyork/resizeImage/htdocs/export_images/624/624.x600.Seek2.MindBody.2.jpg

How about what God thinks?

1 Corinthians 6:19

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;

How we treat our bodies is a form of worship to God. He created us, he gave us our bodies, and he wants us to take care of our bodies. He wants us to stay away from things that hurt our bodies. This can include over-eating, and under-eating. One common theme in the Bible is balance. He wants us to form our lifestyles in such a way that we balance everything: spiritual growth, finances, relationships, work, recreation, and of course, food.

What are you feeding yourself?

Are you in the habit of reading your Bible daily? If not, I recommend doing so. How about praying?  No matter what you are going through, God has been through it and has overcome it. There is nothing too great or small for God: that includes your pants size.

So, instead of worrying about the next notch on your belt, how about putting on the belt of truth?

Ephesians 6:14

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist,

The Solution

I recently read some journal entries recalling experiences of a young woman while she was trying to lose weight. God took her on a journey involving spiritual and emotional healing. What this woman discovered is that God knew her better than she knew herself.

The Website is called, "Can God Really Help You?"  by Andrea Webster. It can be found at the following link: http://www.cangodreallyhelpyou.com/lose_weight_daily_plan/index.html

She outlines her 49-day journey of weight loss. The main themes are:

1) God loves you, 2) Stop worshiping food, 3) Fear, 4) Emotional Healing,

5) Reaching Out, 6) Helping Others, 7) Forgiveness, Motivation,

9) No Condemnation, 10) Fasting, and many more.

The main point I am trying to get at is that God cares for you more than you know. Whether you have good self-esteem or not, whether you are overweight, underweight, or normal weight, God has a plan and a calling for your life. I challenge you to allow God to work in your heart. Allow Him to feed you with the things of His Spirit, and not the things of this world. Let's all start working on God's diet. (It's Eternal!)

Into

Ansel Adams once said, "Sometimes I do get to places just when God's ready to have somebody click the shutter."

For those of you that aren't familiar with him, Ansel Adams is a famous photographer. I thought this quote was perfect for what I have to talk about in this article. Whether you are a photographer, a dancer/singer, a stay-at-home wife or mother, or maybe a web designer, God wants you to be able to use your skills for His glory. There is nothing more satisfying than knowing your hard work was seen by God Almighty and that he is pleased with what you've done.

"In Glacier National Park" By: Ansel Adams

One of the hardest parts about making yourself available to God to use your gifts and talents is that it also includes making yourself available to Change. Change can be a scary word to some people. It can mean doing things we are uncomfortable doing, or at least not what we're used to doing. It can mean moving to another city or even another country. It can mean quitting a job or starting a new one. Perhaps, it may mean you need to take a role of leadership when you don't feel equipped to do so. Most likely, it will involve you stepping out in faith, in one way or another.

Isaiah 42:9

"See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you."

In light of the Easter holiday coming up, with spring in the air...I thought I might introduce a "Change" of season. No, I don't mean finally going from winter to spring. What I am referring to involves your mind, body and spirit. Allowing God to walk you into a new season involves courage and dedication. It involves your faith and trust in God.

Image borrowed from:

http://www.starting-gate.com/media/images/site_library/6_series_ready.jpg

When I started this magazine, I got a lot of different reactions from people. Some were excited and cheered me on, while others were harsh and told me to get a "real" job. For those of you that have been listening to the will of God, you know what I am talking about. Sometimes, God calls us to a lonely road. Sometimes, He calls us to a tough road....especially to roads rarely walked. However, once you've heard the will of God, it is your duty to follow and obey. Eleneor Roosevelt said, "When you have decided what you believe, what you think must be done,have the courage to stand alone and be counted."

Being Ready

Luke12:35

[ Watchfulness ] "Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning,

There are times when I feel so unfit for the calling that God has given me. But, one thing I always remind myself of, is that He doesn't call the equipped. He equips the called. If I wasn't ready, I might have missed what God wanted to share with me.

It is our duty as His children to be equipped and ready when He comes.

2 Timothy 4:2

Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

Do you feel that you are ready to hear what God is directing you to do? Are you ready to allow Him to move you into the next season of your life?

How to Prepare

Ephesians 6:18

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

Image borrowed from beingwife.wordpress.com/2009/03/

If you read the rest of Ephesians 6, you will notice that the Bible speaks of the "Armor of God". I challenge you to take a look and study that portion greatly. It may help you greater understand the term "Spiritual Warfare". If you are alert, the Devil (who is preying around like a lion for someone to devour) will have no power.

You want to know how to prepare? The answer is simple, and maybe a little bit cliché: Read your Bible & Study it, Pray on ALL occasions, and OBEY the Lord your God.

Don't Be Fooled

The world will tell you that there are many ways to God. They will say that any religion can get you to heaven, because there are so many roads to get there. The answer is: That is just not true.

There is one narrow road that will take you to God...and that road is named Jesus.

I challenge you. If you have never accepted Jesus into your heart, today is the day. Don't allow Satan to have one more day holding the keys to your heart. If you allow Jesus to speak to you and make yourself available, He can use you in miraculous ways.

Let's all be ready for God to Spring us into Change.

What's Your Sign?

Image borrowed from morningbounce.wordpress.com/2009/04/page/8/

Throughout the centuries, people around the world have asked so many questions. Who will I marry? Should I invest in this stock? What job is right for me? Should I move to another state?

Some people leave it to chance and hope it works out. Some go to God and pray that He will help them make the right decision. But, sadly, others will go to a Psychic or Medium to get their answers.

"Now, what is so wrong with that?" some of you may ask.

Deut. 4:19 And when you look up to the sky and see the sun, the moon and the stars—all the heavenly array—do not be enticed into bowing down to them and worshiping things the Lord your God has apportioned to all the nations under heaven.

Image borrowed from www.astrology-online.com/dailyhoroscopes.htm

 Deut. 18:10 Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in a the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft,  11 or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead.  12 Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord, and because of these detestable practices the Lord your God will drive out those nations before you.  13 You must be blameless before the Lord your God.

I don't know about you, but anytime I read that something is "detestable to the Lord", I don't want any part of it.

So many people, including some Christians, think that reading a daily horoscope does no harm. They might say, "it's only for fun. I don't think it really tells my future". However, when we entertain things that are of the Devil, we welcome him in to our minds and into our homes.

The scary part of this is that often horoscopes can seem to be accurate. Why do you think that people read them, after all?

A common theme in most of my blogs is to inform the reader of a war. No, not a physical war...a spiritual one. There is a battle going on in the spiritual realm for each and every one of us. Satan does his homework. Of course, he might give some accurate information to the demons involved in your daily horoscope.

God is the ONLY one that knows your future. His will is what you should be interested in.

Psalm 119:105

"Your word is a lamp to my feet

and a light for my path"

Psalm 139:2-6 

 2 You know when I sit and when I rise;

       you perceive my thoughts from afar.

 3 You discern my going out and my lying down;

       you are familiar with all my ways.

 4 Before a word is on my tongue

       you know it completely, O LORD.

 5 You hem me in—behind and before;

       you have laid your hand upon me.

 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,

       too lofty for me to attain.

A little article like this one cannot possibly explain the love that God has for you, but here is my attempt.

I urge you with strict conviction to stay away from astrology, horoscopes, and palm readers, tarot cards, and psychics. The God that created you gave you this same warning.

Reading your horoscope may seem to be harmless and give you your entertainment for the day, but remember you aren't the only one being entertained.

I end this topic with one scripture. It should give you clarity and hope.

Jeremiah 29:11

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Let's decide to ask God about our future, and trust him with it.

When Will My Prince Come?

Image borrowed from dollyisscrapalicious.com/Content/Scrungeon.html

In light of how quickly Valentine's day is approaching, I thought I might touch on the subject of love. That's right ladies; we are going to talk about the mushy stuff.

As women, we were created extremely unique. Most of us will admit that a good love story just makes us grin. There are exceptions to this rule, but in general, most women would be happy to sit down and become engrossed in a Romantic Comedy.

Images borrowed from:

http://suburbanmomnotes.blogspot.com/2008/12/study-romantic-movies-harm-your-love.html

http://media.photobucket.com/image/images%20of%20%252522Say%20Anything%252522/raggety/say_anything.jpg

www.impawards.com/1996/bed_of_roses.html

However, when most of us think of feeling wanted, needed, accepted, or loved, do we really think about God?

Isaiah 30:18

Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!

I remember in my single days (especially when I was a teenager), I couldn't wait for the day I met "Mr. Right". I thought about the age I wanted to be when I got married, planned my whole wedding, and named my future children. I know not every woman does this, but I am sure some of you can relate.

Now that I am married, I am so grateful to have my "Mr. Right". However, he can never replace that part of my heart that is meant for God.

Whether you are single or married, one thing to always remember is that God designed us to long for him. He is also a very jealous God. There is a part of your heart that is meant for your husband, but God should be your first love.

1 John 4:19

We love because he first loved us.

Image borrowed from http://i45.tinypic.com/120m4js.jpg

He Desires to Be Close to Us

It has always been easy for me to understand why we should desire to be with God. I mean, come on. He is GOD.

But, one thing that I had to learn is that God truly does desire to be close to me. As the verse above says, He longs to be gracious to me. He rises to show me compassion. Think about that for a moment. The God that created the Universe wants to be gracious to you and to show you compassion. That is an amazing thing.

No man on this earth can give you the kind of unconditional love that God offers you. Who better to love you the way you need to be loved, than the one that created your heart?

If you are single, married, divorced, or widowed, Christ can fill every longing you have. If you are lonely, He is always there (Joshua 1:5 No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life.As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you). If you are sad, He will bring you joy (Psalm 28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song). If you feel unloved, no one will ever love you like He does (John 3:16  "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).

Image borrowed from http://code-scythe.deviantart.com/art/World-in-God-s-hand-81075284

And most of all, if you feel unattractive, God thinks you are beautiful (Psalm 139:14

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well).

The singer and songwriter, Ginny Owens, wrote a song called  "Beautiful." The lyrics are so powerful, that I thought I should add them to this entry.

I've been waiting

For a hero who's brave and strong-

Someone to love me,

Someone to tell me I belong,

So I pretend I'm satisfied,

And I stand watching on the sidelines,

Till You pull me into the light

And say, "It's Your turn now,

Welcome to your life!"

(Chorus)

And You call me beautiful,

And say You've loved me all along,

And You've always held the keys to unlock my soul

Oh You call me beautiful

There's a smile on my face,

And a brand new light in my eyes,

It's a new day,

And I've never felt so alive-

I feel as if I could conquer anything,

Oh thats what Your love has done for me,

And now all I want to be,

Is everything You want me to be-

(Chorus)

And You call me beautiful,

And say You've loved me all along,

And You've always held the keys

To unlock my soul, But I didn't know-

Now I can finally start to live,

Take those chances I have missed,

Things will be much different,

Now that I know

You call me beautiful

(Bridge)

The story is better than I could dream after all,

Now this is reality

To know You and to hear You call me beautiful

Call me beautiful-

Now I can finally start to live,

Take those chances I have missed,

Things will be much different,

Now that I know-

Now that I know

You call me beautiful

You can listen to Ginny Owens' powerful testimony at the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6JF_Mijl3M

What kind of testimony do you have about God's unending love for you? Do you have an intimate, personal relationship with Christ?

If you have never asked him to enter your heart and walk beside you through life, I challenge you to allow him to. I have added a link to the website that explains how you can move forward in your life with Jesus.

This Valentine's day, I hope that no matter where you are in life, you will understand that God desires to be close to you. He wants to be your best friend and your first love.

Let's allow him to love us the way that He desires to and to love Him in return.

Psalm 51:10 (New International Version)

 10 Create in me a pure heart, O God,

       and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

What does it mean to be steadfast, you may ask?

According to Dictionary.com, Steadfast means

1. fixed in direction; steadily directed: a steadfast gaze.

2. firm in purpose, resolution, faith, attachment, etc., as a person: a steadfast friend.

3. unwavering, as resolution, faith, adherence, etc.

4. firmly established, as an institution or a state of affairs.

5. firmly fixed in place or position.

Does any of this sound familiar?

Romans 4:20 (New International Version) 20Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God."

It is a very common thing to experience moments of weakness or grief. We have all had someone or something disappoint us. We have all had a moment where we thought there was no light at the end of the tunnel. But, what God promises is that He will strengthen us in our weakness if we choose to remain steadfast in the dry seasons of our life.

Jean Meenen/Fremont said it best in her article "LETTER: We must remain steadfast"  posted in FremontTribune.com, "We have been proud of our country, of our freedom to decide what we want to do. Christianity is definitely a part of our country, but it is being attacked, ignored and abused by those who do not believe in God. What can we do? We must depend on God to protect us. We must ask for His support. Those who do not believe may see our steadfastness and join us in our service to Him.Let’s try to be steadfast. Our love for our children and country demands it."

The image above is borrowed from steadfastfanclub.com/default.aspx

Now some of you may not agree with the political part of this quote, but one thing I hope you agree with is the fact that if we are steadfast, Christ will be there to help us with whatever we are going through.

I know it is a simple message that we all think we understand, but there is so much more to it than just knowing it. It's practicing "being steadfast" and asking God to help us understand what it really means. I know that in this transitional part of my life, I am understanding day by day what it means to full rely on him and to not lose hope or the excitement for God's plan in my life

Simple Message, Difficult to swallow.

Just a word of encouragement if you are in a "dry season" today:

In David Wilkerson Today, the author says, "God is urging us through this verse [Isaiah 49]:

“Stop passing a verdict over your work for me. You have no business judging how effective you’ve been. And you have no right to call yourself a failure. You don’t yet know what kind of influence you’ve had. You simply don’t have the vision to know the blessings that are coming to you.” Indeed, we won’t know many such things until we stand before him in eternity."

Let's try to remain steadfast, no matter the season.