Paws for Coffee Hour

Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power...

Welcome to our final PAWS for Coffee Hour blog for 2015! We are delighted you took the time to join us! Grab your coffee for some interesting facts that just may help you know your four-legged babies better…and those people you love, too!

I often study the behavior of my animals and how it correlates to what the lesson I need to learn or simply to understand them better.  I also study people.  I am a certified Christian life coach and there are many tools that help us look and see inside of ourselves as we seek to understand what makes us tick (and become ticked off :-).

I stumbled up the below image and it made me laugh.  

Not only does it fit perfectly with what I have been blogging about the last few months, it also shows how uniquely we are all created (even our pets). 

In case you don’t know why this is amusing, let me give you a little background about the Myers-Briggs personality test or MBTI.  The MBTI helps you determine your personality type, which represents your preferences in four separate categories. Each category is composed of two opposite poles. Your score shows your preference between two types in the four areas. Based on your responses, the MBTI produces results to identify which of the sixteen different personality types best describes you. The four categories are:

• Where you focus your attention — Extraversion (E) or Introversion (I)
• The way you take in information — Sensing (S) or Intuition (N)
• The way you make decisions — Thinking (T) or Feeling (F)
• How you deal with the outer world — Judging (J) or Perceiving (P).

This test is pretty accurate in helping to understand how and why you are motivated.  For example, my husky Logan is an ENTP.  ENTPs are usually verbally as well as cerebrally quick, and generally love to argue--both for their own sake, and to show off their debating skills.  They are also innovative and ingenious at problem-solving. 

Knowing how unique we are humbles me. It makes me realize just how much God loves us. We understand that no two people have the same fingerprint. That blows my mind just to consider that there is no other one in the human population who has the identical pattern that I have or you have.

God wanted us to be uniquely different, and at the same time, have some of the same characteristics and traits of our parents through DNA. And as we grow older, we show some of the behavioral characteristics and mannerisms of our parents.

In Psalm 139, David wrote, "I will praise you; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are your works; and that my soul knows right well."

God did not make us on a mass production line. He took great care in making us who we were meant to be. He had a purpose in mind for us even before we came into being.

He knew we would sin and be helpless to live up to Old Testament Law, and the expectations of others. He knew we would fall. He knew we would fail, but He gave us a chance. Even though we have failed Him, He has provided us with hope and a way back to Him.

Psalm 100:3, "Know ye that the Lord is God; it is He that has made us, and not we ourselves. We are his people, and the sheep of his flock."

God has made us for His glory and to serve Him.

Paul reminds us in First Corinthians, "For you are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which belongs to God."

You may not feel like a masterpiece. There are times when we feel anything but! The Lord wants us to know how much He loves us and that He is with us even in times of despair. If you feel abandoned today or like you have no purpose, please know that God is there. He may be just waiting for you to call on Him.

Love,

Jennifer

It’s True…He Cares about Everything

Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power...

“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

Rephrased to fit the situation: Therefore do not worry saying, ‘What shall I buy?’ or Where shall I find it?’ or ‘How will I pay for it?’ For after all these things we seek during the Christmas season! But our God, our Heavenly Father, knows what concerns you and will look after you. He merely wants you to seek him first, and His righteousness, and He will take care of the rest!

Welcome to Wednesday’s Word and Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power…oh, and Trench Classes United, too! Yup, by the 1^st of the year, you should have a whole new experience at our website, so take some time to check it out in a couple of days! In the meantime, grab your coffee and come on in. I have a great story to share with you.

So it was the Saturday before Christmas and I still had some shopping to do…which is so unlike me as I’m usually done by Thanksgiving or nearly done anyways. But hey, life’s different this year and so was my shopping experience; in fact it was one I’ll never, ever forget.

I invited my eighty-seven-year old self-adopted mom to join me; I just love being in her company and knew she would be a great teammate to get the job done. Well, that morning in my very own War Room, I had prayed and asked God to help me find what I needed and to have a positive shopping experience. See, my husband likes a particular Levi jean – one that is hard to find unless you go to a Levi store -- a particular brand of socks and a particular type of chonie, aka, boxer-briefs! I know, TMI. There’s a reason I’m telling you this, trust me! :-) 

I picked Mom up after 11 and we went to my first stop and began to shop. I was focused on buying for my husband but we went in the wrong door and immediately I got distracted and started buying more for my stepdaughter and a little something, something for a couple of friends. Content with what I found, we headed over to the men’s section. Well, I wanted to get him some shirts and so I found this one that I just knew he would like…but it was a small. We searched and searched for the particular brand, with no luck. We couldn’t find anything that even looked close to it. Something told me to hang on to it as I continued my shopping. Mind you, there were soooo many others in the same predicament of last-minute shopping, but I was determined to enjoy myself.

I headed over to their Levi department and low and behold, there was a clerk! We hadn’t seen one since we’d walked into the store forty-five minutes earlier! Anyway, I asked her if they had any 527’s and she looked at me and said “if we do, there’s only a few” and she proceeded to take me to the section. I looked at the ONE display, a bit doubtful, and began looking for his size. And the clerk began to help me too! When I found the first one, I screamed like a little girl getting her first doll or something, and then she found another one…do I dare look for one more? We looked, and looked and looked. All of a sudden, she came up with the very last one, giving me one in each color: light blue, dark blue and medium blue too! I was so appreciative and thanked her profusely.

Then I held out my small shirt and said is there any way to see if there’s a medium here? I can’t even find this style of shirt. I’ve gone to the section that is that designer and can’t find it anywhere. She checked her scanner and said there is ONE medium somewhere in this store! Off she went, and fast, so I ran after her!

Now, I don’t know if you’ve ever been to a store so close to Christmas where nobody seems to have a filter or a need to put things back where they found them the way that they found them. I mean there were hangers on the floor, clothes askew everywhere on the wrong racks, in the wrong sections. It was crazy, but I kept a smile in my heart the entire time.  This finding the last one happened with his socks and a couple of other things as well! I felt like His favor was before me and behind me. It was such a cool experience.

I had no idea just how much He was watching out for me…until we came outside of our last store after having been in there for thirty minutes. It was one of those moments where fear and joy collide as you realize what could have happened but didn’t. See, when we got closer to my car – mom was just a few steps behind – I let out a scream, but nothing came out. I stopped dead in my tracks, afraid to go closer and confirm a fear that started in my head and was fast approaching my stomach. But I had to. I ran to my car that sat there with the driver’s door wide open, quickly looked in the back and EVERYTHING WAS STILL THERE. I moved in slow motion to open the trunk and low and behold, everything was still there!

I started a sort of laughing cry; laughing at the reality of a loving, protecting and very-much alive presence of God all over my car, before me, behind me, and crying tears of relief that nothing was stolen, despite being in the City of San Bernardino (one of the highest crime cities in the country) and it being this season where many get desperate and do desperate things. How could I deny that He cares about all that concerns me…that He has His angels watching over me…and you!

Oh, Coffee Hour friend, things go better with prayer, and I pray that you experience something that makes you know that you know that He loves you, is watching out for you, over you and all around you and that He cares about ALL that concerns you!

Love,

Evinda

Tuesday’s Trench Lesson

Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power...

Welcome to our final Tuesday’s Trench lesson in 2015 and Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power! Grab something hot and join me for a little word study that will astound you! Oh, and don’t forget your strand of faith!

So as the New Year peeks at us from just around the corner, I always like to look back, think about what I’d like to change, or have Him change in me, and then thank Him for the present and begin to look ahead.

I have a good feeling about 2016, like there’s going to a sort of shift that He’s been preparing me for, and many of you as well. With that in mind, I thought it would be great to give you a huge diamond I discovered in a little word.

So many of us have been known to make New Year’s resolutions…oh, how many times I made the same one over and over, resolving to quit smoking! Thank God that’s a done deal! Anyway, a couple of years ago, I learned something about the whole resolution thing so I thought I’d share it in hopes that it would inspire you and encourage you to do exactly what the word says.

So the root word for resolve, and resolution, is “reso” and guess what it means? “To partner with the Holy Spirit”!  Now partner means to take part in an undertaking with another! My Coffee Hour Friend, do you realize what this means? That we aren’t alone in our endeavors; we don’t have to climb those mountains and make those changes by ourselves!

What if we all were to partner with the Holy Spirit? Why, I dare say there would be little to no fear, little to no guilt/shame, and a whole lot more healthier relationships.

So what do you say? Do you want to learn how to partner with the Holy Spirit and be free from fear, guilt and shame, to accept the already-paid for forgiveness and forgive others, to live courageously without fear ripping you off?

Well, then, we have just the remedy for you! Join us in the trenches for “Living Fearlessly, Forgiven and Forgiving”…because a live lived forgiven is worth living!

Meet you in the trench!

Love, Evinda

Jenn’s Journey

Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power...

Hello, my friends. How I hope you had a blessed Christmas, and that God's love and favor rested on you. Enjoy just a little longer, before the rush into the new year! Thank you for joining me today.

As I shared in my blog last week, some of my best laid plans  were waylaid. Yet, this has been one of the most fabulous Christmas seasons I can recall. I believe it is because I was forced to be flexible, which is a good thing for me to practice. The slowing down caused me to notice things I might not usually notice as well as talk with people I might not otherwise.

I spent time in many lines over the past week: the post office, the bank, and several stores. Today, I was in line at BevMo. The line began at the back of the store, I stood in line while my friend finished perusing the aisles. I started chatting with the lady behind me who shared a really touching story..which I now share with you. Years ago, when her daughters were young, her husband was short on construction work. About 2 weeks before the holidays, she began stressing about how they were going to buy presents for the girls as well as a tree since they were behind on all bills. She told me she heard somewhere to expect miracles, so she kept that attitude. On a Saturday just before Christmas, Fed Ex showed up with a package. In her mind, she was sure it was a foreclosure notice on their house..but, in keeping with hope for miracles, she ripped it open. In it was an anonymous cashier check for $10,000! To this day, they have no idea who sent it. What they did next is amazing. Of course, they spent money on their kids and a tree, but, they had a huge open house party for neighbors, friends and coworkers. Every year since, they've had this party…it's a tradition now. She told me, "I just had to share my story with you." I was so glad she did!

I have been blessed often this season by people I've talked to while out and about. I've been amazed that even in the rush and seemingly self centered season, there are some very nice people who have neat stories. I feel honored that they felt they could share them with me.

I am extremely thankful for the less anxious season I've had.  I've worked hard to let go of expectations and should and should-not’s and just BE. I am thankful for the reminder to share…share our stories and our thoughts. How beautiful that is.

As the New Year gets ready to begin, I pray that peace continues. After all, it's what Jesus came to give us. "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."John 14:27

Until next week, be blessed,

Jenn

Croley’s Corner @ Chicklit Power

Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power...

…and he was named Jesus. Luke 2:21

Welcome and Merry Christmas to you and your families and thank you for stopping by for a moment or two for the conclusion of last week’s blog here at CPM: “What is in a name?” Get comfy and cozy grab your favorite Christmas morning beverage and enjoy the savoring presence of Jesus; there is no other name.

Oftentimes when we hear a name there’s always an association or picture we form in our minds. Especially a famous name; for instance when you see or hear the name Walt Disney, what do you picture? Disneyland, Of course, and all the wonderful moments you spent riding every theme ride in the park.  And how about Tom Cruise; of course I think of all the Mission Impossible movies. Now don’t get me wrong I’m not comparing these people to Jesus, but you see how quick your thoughts and images come to mind when you speak a name.

Last week we concluded with the first two names; Wonderful and Counselor and now for the remaining three. My prayer is that each time you speak each name out loud you will experience a sense of hope and empowerment and have a greater understanding of why His name is called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace. So here we go!

That name Mighty God means that Jesus has unlimited power for us. What does “Mighty” mean to you? As we encounter the demands of life it can seem overwhelming and we at times feel defeat and weakened by the day’s end, but when we know He resides within us and we can call upon His name as Mighty God, His power for us is just that; unlimited! I think it is impossible to be a Christian apart from the help of the Holy Spirit. I am so thankful that the name Mighty God is there for us to give us strength to do what He wants us to.

Next, He is called the Everlasting Father. Christ came to die on the cross and pay for our sins He rose again from the dead, and that, means we have an Everlasting Father, One who will be with us forever. He will never forget about us and He will always be there to guide and help us in every aspect of life. We then must allow Him to do so. Yes, we must give Him permission to do so because He’s not going to override or overrule our will.

Oh how I love this particular name. This name gives me such great comfort when I’m in need of harmony and the next name Isaiah called Him is the Prince of Peace. Certainly we live in frightening times and oh, how we all are in need of peace in our lives. If you look at the unsettledness of these times, our minds can lead us to fear, which is quite the opposite of peace. John 14:27 encourages us “My Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” God will bring peace to the mind of all those who call on His name. What a powerful name “Prince of Peace!”

What's in a name? That all depends on whose name it is. Jesus can be your Prince of Peace. He can be your Counselor. He can be your Mighty God. He can be your Everlasting Father. You can experience life to the fullest because His name is Wonderful.

If it had not been for the manger there certainly would not have been the need of the cross. This Jesus who was born in a manger, who walked this earth, who was crucified, and who rose again, is not some mere historical figure, although He was that. He is alive, and He is still changing lives today. That’s the reason He came: to put us in touch with God and to give our lives purpose and meaning.

God’s riches blessings to you on this sweet day and may He continue to bless and keep you in the coming New Year and remember you don’t have to wait till next year to speak His name for every day is the greatest opportunity to speak His name!!

This last year God has truly widened my eyes in the many weeks of praying and preparing a word for you and as God is directing me into another area of my life I want to express my gratefulness and your faithfulness to me and to CPM each week. I truly am thankful for the opportunity given to have shared my heart with each one of you.  God Bless you and until we meet again, remember, keep Him close to your heart.

Love Deb

Paws for Coffee Hour

Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power...

Thanks for joining us for PAWS for Coffee Hour. Can you believe it’s Christmas Eve? Oh, this season seems to come quicker and quicker each year! Grab your coffee and join me for Jennifer’s powerful reminders of the reason for this season!

This year my pastor has challenged us to really focus on “the reason for the season.”  Not in a flippant way but really celebrate our Savior’s humble entrance into the world and what it meant for us.  One of the traditions I have is to hang an actual size nail at the top of my tree as a reminder of why Jesus came to earth.

Another tradition is to read out loud on Christmas Eve a book called “The Crippled Lamb” by Max Lucado.  It’s about a little lamb that was left behind while the rest of the flock went out to a green pasture.  He couldn’t go because he wasn’t fast enough and was very sad he got left behind.  His best friend (a cow) told him that “God has a special place for him” and in the end it was him that lay close to the baby Jesus to keep him warm.  I love the story because each one of us, no matter how messed up or insignificant we may feel, has a special purpose divinely appointed by God.

Everything we do in our daily lives is a training ground for God’s assignment in our life:

“The Master, God, has given me a well-taught tongue, so I know how to encourage tired people. He wakes me up in the morning, wakes me up, and opens my ears to listen as one ready to take orders. The Master, God, opened my ears, and I didn’t go back to sleep, didn’t pull the covers back over my head. I followed orders, stood there and took it while they beat me, held steady while they pulled out my beard, didn’t dodge their insults, faced them as they spit in my face. And the Master, God, stays right there and helps me, so I’m not disgraced. Therefore I set my face like flint, confident that I’ll never regret this. My champion is right here. Let’s take our stand together! Who dares bring suit against me?  Let him try! Look! The Master, God, is right here. Who would dare call me guilty? Look! My accusers are a clothes bin of threadbare socks and shirts, fodder for moths!” Isaiah 50:7-9 in The Message Bible

I love how these verses prove that God will stand by us even when we feel opposition.  Allow God to give you an assignment whether you feel qualified or not.

God created us to worship Him but also to be useful in His kingdom.  “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire” Mathew 7:19.    “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do”  Ephesians 2:10.  “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart” Jeremiah 1:5. 

Be encouraged this Christmas Eve…. God uses those of us who feel the least to do the greatest things in His Kingdom.

Jennifer

The Meaning of Christmas

Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power...

The Meaning of Christmas

Thanks so much for making the time to take the time to stop by for a little word of encouragement today! Even though this season is just about over, it’s never too late to be reminded of “The Reason” for this season! Wouldn’t it be a better world if we could keep the spirit of giving that we all seem to catch this time of year going all year long…and I don’t mean material gifts! Come on in for a few words from my heart to yours!

It’s not about the presents under the Christmas tree,

But the presence of love we feel from friends and family

It’s not about the shopping that we feel we must do,

But about the gift that’s already been given freely to me and you

The gift is a gift that money can’t buy

The birth of Jesus was for you and I

It’s not about making alist and checking it twice

And buying gifts for the naughty or nice

The reason for this season isn’t about all the debt and stress

It’s a season to offer simple gifts, such as patience and forgiveness

Or maybe a fit of time for one whose time is running out

A meal for a family in need to encourage hope where there is doubt

Or maybe someone needs a helping hand to accomplish a tedious chore

And don’t forget your lonely neighbor down the street or right next door

Oh, if we would take the materialism out of the season

And in its place remember that The Christ in Christmas is the reason

We could try and keep the Christmas attitude all year through

By simply treating others as yo’d want them to treat you

So when we say Merry Christmas to you and your family

We’re wishing you Jesus; that’s real prosperity!

Merry Christmas, from my heart to yours

Evinda

Tuesday’s Trench Lesson

Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power...

Welcome to Tuesday’s Trench Lesson! Today we attempt to answer this very difficult question, a question that seems to still be lingering heavily in the air like an enormous cloud that has not gone away since the events of December 2^nd. Please, join me today for this poem which addresses why bad things happen to good people.

Just Before Christmas- Dedicated to the Victims of the San Bernardino Shooting

It was just weeks before Christmas in a fairly large town

Something happened to turn most every smile into a frown

Hundreds of first responders were told to go

To the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino

A horrific tragedy which took fourteen innocent lives

And twenty-one others almost met their demise

All throughout the county, many questions of motive spread

At the forefront, one of terrorism which sent a spirit of dread

Immediately investigations began so as to get to the truth

Eventually the FBI stepped in and they sent many a sleuth

Why would they do this; what could motivate such hate

The carnage was unspeakable, the emotional pain too great

No words can describe what those involved have gone through

The first responders, the victims and those who knew them too

No there’s never a good time for such a tragedy as this

But why at Christmastime, a season of joy, peace and bliss

The Governor was scheduled to light the Capitol’s Christmas tree

But this event was cancelled because of this senseless tragedy

Of course we have to wonder why bad things like this happened

Involving innocent lives, in a season of joy that is now dampened

How will we respond to such a senseless and horrific tragedy?

As a follower of Christ, what now is our responsibility?

I know You say we are not to live in fear

But Jesus, can you give us some answers here?

God the Father and the Son were watching all of this from up above

Tears of sadness streaming down their faces & their hearts full of love

Jesus looked down at all of His kids below

For those who were seeking Him, like all those years ago

For the families of the victims and first responders one and all

He beckoned more angels to answer His mighty call

To surround all of them with a powerful unending love

And hoped they would each know it was from them above

For everyone else, He wanted them to know

The time is drawing near for us all to go

To a place where there will be no more tears,

No tragedies like this, no pain, suffering, no fears

He looked to His Father wishing He could reveal that time

When all this evil would cease; there would be no more crime

He and the Father watched as the day of Christmas came close

Looking for those who believed despite the juxtapose

Yes, they scanned the billions of homes and every family

Their hearts pausing at the many in churches singing joyfully

Ah, this is what matters, Jesus exclaimed with tears in His eyes

Not all the spending, extending, pretending; those are just lies

He shook His head, turned to His Father and together they rejoiced

Over all the worshippers singing, sounding as one voice

Father, I’m thankful they have the meaning of Christmas still in their heart

That they are singing and they know our Spirit from them won’t depart

But there’s still too many who don’t seem to understand

That evil really doesn’t happen at my or your command

Father looked to Jesus, shook His head sadly a minute or two

No, that shooting in San Bernardino was definitely not me or you

I know they wonder why we couldn’t stop this senseless tragedy

But the shooters were both in their own cruel reality

A reality filled with radicalism, revenge and avenging too

But they just won’t understand until they are with me and you

In the meantime, we will prove our promise of Romans 8:28 to all

And sooner or later they will hear the trumpet’s mighty call

Bringing all the saints together for a joyous celebration

As is spoken about over and over in the book of Revelation

They both worked together to send down an outburst of love

From the Father and Son who still reign above

Yes, they will reign on and over this earth one day

 And their sovereignty will surely have the final say

In the meantime, we must all try as we might

To outshine this heavy darkness and strive to be His light

To make sure that our lives speak of the hope of eternity

Convincing others this pain and suffering is just temporary

So let’s fix our eyes on the One who helps us overcome

All challenges, trials and tragedies that will lead us home

And though there is good and evil here on this earth

Our sins have been covered by the Christ Child’s birth…

And nothing can change that!

Jenn’s Journey

Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power...

Good morning!! It's almost Christmas. Have you taken some time to enjoy the season and not just rush through it? I love all the sparkly lights this time of year, and the chill in the air (finally!). It's fun to pick out gifts and then take time to wrap them. Yes, many things to enjoy and think about this season. I pray you are experiencing a very blessed holiday.

This morning I read this verse: "Let all that I am wait quietly before God for my hope is in Him." Psalm 62:5 I wonder…how good am I at waiting quietly? Do I let ALL that I am hope in Him? I didn't have to think about it long. I am not the best at patience. I am more of a get it done kind of gal. Especially if I have a plan! If that 'plan' gets messed up…oh, my! That is one thing that being a mother has been teaching me; the best laid plans are likely to be messed up.

I've experienced this over the past two weeks a lot with a sick child. I had lists of things to do, as well as seeing patients at my job, and keeping up with home tasks. Bad colds and coughs have no respect for plans! Many days I had to adjust what I was hoping to get done to take care of my sick girl. In my mind I could hear my dad saying "You have to learn to roll with the punches." He used to tell me this all the time as a kid. I kind of wish I'd listened more and learned it better all along! But, God has a funny sense of humor. :) In my journey of allowing God to change me from the inside out, I've noticed there are many, many opportunities to practice waiting patiently.

This got me to thinking. How extremely patient is God?! He sent Jesus to this earth 2,000+ years ago to rescue humanity. We're still here, waiting for that second coming. I don't understand how God can look down here, see all the horror, the tragedy, the pain, tears, death, and yet continue in His patience. It's hard to understand.

It's hard to understand when we experience tragedy, loss, families torn apart, abuse, and sickness, in our own lives. We want the answer NOW. We want the rescue NOW. It's extremely hard to allow all that we are to wait patiently for Him. It's counter-culture to wait. It takes faith to roll with the punches.

Let me give you one more verse to reflect on: "Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes." Psalm 37:7!

As we reflect on His birth this week, and what that means for us, remember, He's here to walk the journey with us and He'll teach us His patience!

Merry Christmas!! Be blessed.

Jenn