Knowing what He desires in the spiritual will help us move in the natural EL

Monday’s Mantra 

~Love Letter~

Come closer, My beloved…

Those who are motivated by the flesh only pursue what benefits themselves. But those who live by the prompting of the Holy Spirit are motivated to pursue spiritual realities. And this must be sought after by pursuing Me, by desiring the deep things of the Spirit.

Come, My love, come and spend time with Me. Make it a daily habit that We can spend time together so you learn My voice, My leading and where I'm taking you.

Before you go anywhere in the natural, I desire you to come and know what I desire in the spiritual. I have much to share with you as you make that place of giving to Me. Never let your life become so busy that there's no time for Me, for you lose your sensitivity to Me and then you are doing things in yourself. And then before you know it, My beloved, you are wore down and out. Build yourself up in your most holy faith by singing songs and hymns and spiritual songs. Dance before Me just as I sing and take delight in you. Let your love for Me spill out even as My love for you fills your heart and life.

From God thru…

Debra

Waves of life can leave us lost but truth will lead us home EL

 Faith Filled Friday 

John 8:32-33 And Jesus said to those Jews who believed, if you abide in My Word, you are My disciples indeed; and you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.

Have you ever gotten lost on your way home? I realize that in today’s era, with all of our technology available, any sort of directions at our fingertips just by asking Google or Navigation or our factory-installed GPS equipment in our cars, it’s a little more difficult to get lost. And yet, I have found myself lost a time or two as I don’t always remember to rely on technology! I’ve even been known to go to the wrong law office for a deposition before, having put in the wrong number or even worse, getting the wrong information! Wow, is that ever embarrassing! J

Welcome to Coffee Hour with Chicklit Power and faith-filled Friday with Trench Classes United.

Getting lost is a horrible feeling, and I don’t just mean physically lost. I run into so many hurting people who are not lost, per say, overwhelmed with suffering of some sort. The waves of life have tossed them to and fro, and they have lost their way, their hope.

Talk to the wife who has just discovered her husband’s having an affair…either with another woman or with an addiction of some sort, and then there’s the parent(s) hurting over the choices their child is making, choices that surely are going to cause so many unfavorable consequences. It’s like being lost in a sea of hopelessness for there is nothing to do but watch the unfortunate consequences come and do whatever they’re going to do. And what about the one just given a life sentence via a medical diagnosis with a prognosis revealing the end is around the corner?

Friends, life is happening all around us and if it’s not happening to us, it’s happening to those close to us. What are we doing for them? What kind of directions are we giving when they reach out for help? Where do we send them or do we even stop to notice they’re a bit lost in their sea of life and the circumstances swimming around them threatening to overwhelm them, toss them to and fro that they may lose their way?

See, no matter the circumstance, there is a place to abide where we will never get lost, a place that will shed new light, a fresh perspective, a location that is filled with peace and hope, a foundation built with grace, a place that if we would only turn to, land in, abide in, we would find freedom from all that has us overwhelmed: His Love Letters to you and me!

It’s time to stop being one of those who don’t ask for directions and abide in that place that we will be found, never to get lost again because when we abide in His Word, and invite others to join us there, it is there we are found, and freed!

Abiding in His promises and principles,

Kim-Evinda

Thursday’s Trench Truth

Thursday’s Trench Truth

Have you ever been pretty annoyed or irritated by an issue and you’re pretty sure that no one around you is comfortable either, but you all suppress the urge to address it? The more you suppress it the more it bugs you and consumes your thoughts, especially if you’re anywhere near it and the people involved… almost like there’s an elephant in the room.

There’s still time to join us in a location near you!
Love,

Kim-Evinda

Fri-enemies: you can’t be an enemy unless you’ve been a friend first! EL

Wednesday’s Word

Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art.... It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things which give value to survival.”
― C.S. Lewis, The Four Love

Welcome to Wednesday’s Word. Grab whatever you are having for your break and come on in and join me for what I pray will be a knot-tying time for us! Don’t forget that strand of faith, because friendship has a lot to do with our faith!

The last several weeks, there are two struggles that keep running into me, or should I say I keep running into them in my journey: Conflict and forgiveness! Ugh, sometimes I just want to blow right by them like I would an unseen stop sign. However, when I take the time to stop, HE never fails to grant me a new lesson, a new revelation. Granted, there are times I think, why do I always have to be the one to change? Well, because God has granted me the courage to know that the only one I can change is me! The illustrations He gives, the lengths He goes to in order to bring me through this lesson victoriously are…well, simply astounding!

Have you ever watched children in conflict? There is actually something to be learned by observing their struggle with innocence and their juggling of their little cups of pride that spill out onto the one they are conflicted with or by. There is this sort of bittersweet thing about them as they wiggle through their own frustration.

My grandchildren amaze me…fill my heart with so much love I never thought I had and at their young age, they teach me more than I thought I needed to know. When I watch them struggle in their childish conflicts, I realize that they still have a blanket of innocence around them that comes out after a few minutes of struggle and helps them to get over conflict so much quicker than you or I!

To watch children wiggle and wrestle with conflict is to witness the ingredients to what it takes to live out Colossians 3:12-13 which tells us “to put on tender mercies, kindness humility, meekness, long suffering, bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a complaint against the other, even as Christ forgave you, so you must do.”

Let me try and paint this picture verbally: At one of our grandson’s birthday party, there was a little girl whom he was in conflict with and as the party progressed, this girl, who by the way little B says “She’s a girl and she’s a friend, but she’s not my girlfriend” J – rather aggressively demanded her way continually. 

 At first he ignored her; that didn’t work. Then he tried appeasing her; that worked for a New York minute. And then as these things didn’t accomplish her desired goal, the conflict escalated and they began to sort of toss their point of view across to the other in hopes that the other would catch it.

But then, a burst of innocence would happen and one of them would stop it with a hug, or a simple “I’m sorry,” and the conflict was over. All was forgiven…until the next time she, or he, didn’t get their way, or the other felt slighted or ignored and not special and then the tug of war began all over again.

 His other grandma, whom my heart loves, and I were talking about it and she called them “frien-emies” and that stuck with me; you can’t be an enemy unless you’ve been a friend first!

Think about it; we aren’t nearly as hurt or offended by a stranger’s behavior as we are by the behavior of one whom we love or care deeply for. Why can’t we be more like children, and get through the conflict with a simple “I’m sorry”? Why does it seem to require so much more as we get older? 

Maybe it’s time to consider the value that that frien-emy brings to our life…and if there’s more conflict than caring, maybe it’s time to evaluate the amount of space they take up in our hearts without paying rent…

True transformation can only happen with another and that’s the value that a friend brings!

Love,

Evinda

P.S. I’d like to wish one of my very best friends Janine Andriese Peace a beautiful and happy birthday. Love you so much, you amazing lady of God!

Tuesday’s Trench Truth

Tuesday’s Trench Truth

When I say “elephant in the room,” what’s your first thought?

This phrase originated in the early ‘50s and is a metaphor for an obvious truth that is either being ignored or going unaddressed. This expression also applies to an obvious problem or risk no one wants to discuss.

All kidding aside, life wasn’t meant to be walking around elephants in the room!

I hope you’ll join us in one of our locations

Love,

Kim-Evinda

The more we talk about a problem/conflict, the bigger it gets! EL

Monday’s Mantra

Proverbs26:20 Where there is no wood, the fire goes out;
And where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.

Have you ever said you’ve forgiven someone for an offense only to find that the next time that anything that even remotely reminds you of it, resentment, re-ignites the flame of un-forgiveness?

Thanks for joining me for Coffee Hour with Chicklit Power and Monday’s Mantra with Trench Classes United.

What about when you’re going through challenging circumstances? When something comes up that reminds you of your current challenging circumstance and frustration takes the reins of your thoughts and runs like a champion thoroughbred, do you ever realize that before you know it, everyone knows about it? And suddenly that little hill of a trial becomes a mountain!

The truth is that the more we talk about a problem or a conflict, the bigger it gets!

Looking at the first line of Proverbs 26:20 which says “Where there is no wood, the fire goes out…” think about it; can a fire burn without wood? Of course not! This part of this instruction is telling us to minimize what we tend to maximize, and the beauty of this word is that it can be applied to conflicts and circumstances!
Do we add wood to the conflict by having the last word? Or to the circumstance by telling everyone we see of our struggle?

Perhaps it’s time we practice minimizing what we’ve maximized that He may become larger than it all!

Thoughtfully,

Kim-Evinda

If you can’t be honest with self, you won’t be honest with others! EL

Wednesday’s Word

Have you ever told a lie? That is one of the questions on a sales assessment test. If you answer no, you are lying. If you answer yes, you are a liar. The best case scenario…you are an honest lair!

Welcome to Coffee Hour at Chicklit Power and Wednesday’s Word with Trench Classes United.

When I was the age of five, my mother decided it was time to teach me about the consequences of dishonesty. One morning at breakfast she said, “Megan, do you know God knows every time you tell a lie?” “How does He know?” I asked. She answered, “because every time you tell a lie, there is a light that blinks on and off in Heaven.” I had to take a few moments to think about that … and then I asked, “Mom, do you ever lie?” “Of course not!” she proclaimed. “Mom,” I replied, “I think there is a light blinking on and off in Heaven!”

This is a comical childhood memory, yes, but not without thought-provoking implications. What is the difference between a half truth and a white lie? Are we able to speak the truth if we are not able to be truthful with ourselves? Can we be totally honest without sacrificing the feelings of others? Does saving someone’s feelings actually save them from the truth?

I am currently studying “Speaking the Truth in Love; How to Be an Assertive Christian” in my Stephen Ministry class. Speaking the truth in love means being genuinely honest, direct, and open when relating to others. Assertive behavior is built on the principles of respect, truth and honesty. We are called to be honest with God, ourselves, and those with whom we love, live, and work. When we express our thoughts, feelings and preferences, in an honest, direct, and respectful manner, we empower others to do so as well. The Christ-centered, assertive Christian is one of wholeness and integrity; a person whose words and behaviors are consistent with his or her beliefs and values – a person who accurately reflects on the outside what is on the inside… a person who lives his or her truth out of love and respect for God, themselves, and others.

I pray, Dear Lord, that we may grow and blossom into this kind of Christian, so that our behavior may bring honor to You and to the whole Body of Christ. 

“But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into Him who is the head – Christ” Ephesians 4:15 (HCSB)

Your comments are always most welcome.

Lovingly in Christ,

Megan

Tuesday’s Trench Truth

Do you need a comeback after a setback? Join us in  a trench near you to learn how to live life fueled by hope when circumstances try and deflate you.

Monday mornings: Yucaipa

Monday evenings: Beaumont; Yucaipa

Tuesday: Colton

Wednesday evenings: Redlands/Loma Linda

Wednesday evenings: Pomona

Thursday evenings: Redlands

Click on the picture below for more information

Looking forward to meeting you
Kim-Evinda

Words are like a Lego set; they should be constructed one at a time! EL

Faith-Filled Fridays

Question: Have you ever said something and then immediately wished you could take it back?

Answer: Absodarnlutely!

Welcome to Coffee Hour with Chicklit Power and Faith-filled Fridays with Trench Classes United. Come on in for a word picture built with a Lego set.

I love rewinding memories with my favorite little people. This particular memory is as powerful today as it was then. My granddaughter Tyler had some Lego sets for us to build, and one of them looked quite daunting. I suggested we start with the small one, especially since I’d never, ever played with Legos before, but this precious little giggle-maker wanted to start with the big one, so we did.

Oh, my goodness, I had no idea it would/could be so much fun. As we built the castle from the ground up, I was amazed at all the detail Lego thought of, from tables and chairs, to doorposts, to decorations for the outside. It was absolutely amazing. And the crazy thing for me was the time just flew! I sat still, being and building with my granddaughter for three+ hours!

Putting this Lego set together with Ty-Ty was unbelievably therapeutic for me. As we built it together, one Lego at a time – we literally took turns, each of us getting to place one Lego at a time -- it made me think of our words, how every last word that comes out of our mouth has some power, some significance, either to build up or to tear down. The longer we wait to choose our words/pieces carefully, the more accurate we can be, and maybe we’d even say less!

Each Lego piece had such significance, and had to be placed just right because if we tried to put the wrong Lego in, often we wouldn’t know it until we had laid many more so we would have to tear it apart and rebuild it.

I couldn’t help but think what if we were to carefully build one another up with our words, such that when we walked away, we had a sense of accomplishment knowing that what we had planted could/would help them with any other negative messaging they may be receiving from others? See, unlike Lego building, we don’t get to take our words back, and once they leave our mouths, well, there are consequences: building up or tearing down.

Ephesians 4:29 tells us not to let any corrupt word proceed out of our mouths but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearer.

Oh, Abba, help me, one word at a time, to build others up, and not tear them down. Help me to be mindful of the things that I say so that whatever I say, when I walk away, I know that You will use each word to build them up, to remind them that they are precious in your sight. Help me to remember when I want to tear down and inflict pain with my words that the real enemy is not them, but the Enemy of this world just using them to get to me!

Love,

Kim-Evinda

Are you focused on your mountain…or your Mountain Mover? EL

Monday’s Mantra 

I was prayed up and emotionally ready for the biopsy, and I just wanted to get it done so I could move forward without this shadow following me.  Welcome to Coffee Hour with Chicklit Power and Monday’s Mantra with Trench Classes United. If you’re new to the blog, you may want to go back a week to get parts 1 and 2 to this so you don’t feel lost reading what I’m sharing, from my heart to yours.

After an hour and a half of twisting, turning and torturing, these words are not what I wanted to hear: “We can’t do the biopsy.” The tears that had been sitting in my throat and threatening to spill out did…like a faucet forcefully turned on.

In an effort to practice not focusing on the negative, but grasping for something positive in the midst of chaos, I can honestly say that though I walked out of there without the biopsy completed, I now had knowledge that I didn’t have when I walked in.

I had an opportunity to talk with the doctor who will be performing the rescheduled biopsy and she showed me the two clusters they are concerned about. The problem lies in where they’re laying! They are close to the chest wall, which is why the nurse had such a difficult time getting a clear enough image, because the image is what will guide the needle to the correct location for the actual biopsy. If they were to have just gone ahead with it, they could have punctured my lung!

You see what I mean about finding something positive in the midst of chaos and confusion? So as you’re reading this today, I will be undergoing another attempt to accomplish this procedure but in the meantime, I have had more time to prepare emotionally and spiritually, to become more confident in my mountain mover and less focused on the mountain – or in this case the little clusters inside my itty-bitty! J J J To look toward healing, and not speak the C word over myself, to be a walking testimony for and about My Healer!

Stay with me in this journey, please,

Kim-Evinda

Life is a race which includes helping others finish! EL

Faith Filled Friday

I just love the simplicity of Jenn’s blogs and I know you will too! Come on in and thanks for joining us for Coffee Hour with Chicklit Power and Faith Filled Friday with Trench Classes United.

I saw this bumper sticker: “If you see me on the ground, please drag me across the finish line.”

I am assuming this person was a marathoner. At first, I chuckled because that would be me if I attempted to run a marathon. :) There's a bigger thought here however.

As some of you know, I am big on sharing my journey, the ups and downs, even my struggles with faith. I believe in being real, authentic. I am incredibly grateful for the prayers others send up, for the inspiration I find everywhere, and the family/friends who talk me off the proverbial ledge. I like to think I return that favor when needed.

The Bible says in Thessalonians 5:11 "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."

This is what we are here for. This is what we go through struggles for. So that in turn we can be of help and encouragement to a fellow runner.

Life is like a race; sometimes one of us lags behind, maybe even lays on the ground until another comes along and “pulls us towards or over the finish line.”

I’ll do it for you; will you do it for others?

Thoughtfully,

Jenn

Thursday’s Trench Truth

It’s okay to not always be okay, but wouldn’t it be great to feel great even when life is hard?

Learning how to live fueled by hope even when life is trying to knock us down, coming to a trench near you…

Hope to see you there

God talks to you in your language EL

Wednesday’s Word

Have you ever received a message that you know that you know it was from God? Did you know He talks to you in your own language?

Thanks for joining me for Coffee Hour with Chicklit Power and Wednesday’s Word with Trench Classes United.

Last week I shared some unexpected news I received after a 3D mammogram and another very specific mammogram to reveal the need for a biopsy but what I didn’t share with you is a very specific message I received in the most unexpected place and time.

We were making our way back to the boating dock after a great day on the lake. For the most part, I had left my news at home, but every now and then, it would weigh in on my thoughts like an anchor holding a boat in one place while bouncing up and down, side to side in response to the passing boaters. 

I was up front with one of my friends, and I remember sharing my fears about the biopsy, still in disbelief that I have to have it done but then again, I didn’t linger there long.

I relaxed in the bow of the boat, listening to the steady sound of the engine on the water, the music of the waves splashing as we crashed over them, and Pandora blaring Country music which had been playing the entire time…until all of a sudden, I’m singing the words to a Christian song, and at the same time, sort of puzzled by the change in genre but nevertheless I kept singing.

When the solid ground is falling out from underneath my feet
Between the black skies, and my red eyes, I can barely see
When I realize I've been sold out by my friends and my family
I can feel the rain reminding me
In the eye of the storm, You remain in control
In the middle of the war, You guard my soul
You alone are the anchor, when my sails are torn
Your love surrounds me
In the eye of the storm

As the words came out of my mouth, their meaning warmed my soul and tears ran down my face, the wind drying them almost as fast as they fell.

I continued to sing along to this song I hadn’t heard in a very long time

When my hopes and dreams are far from me

And I'm runnin' out of faith
I see the future I picture slowly fade away
And when the tears of pain and heartache
Are pouring…

In the eye of the storm, You remain in control
In the middle of the war, You guard my soul
You alone are the anchor, when my sails are torn
Your love surrounds me
In the eye of the storm

As soon as the song finished, Pandora returned to the Country genre and my girlfriend looked at me, I looked at her, and I’ll never, ever forget her affirmation: If that wasn’t God talking to you, girl, I don’t know what was!

My hope is that I’ll have only one more blog to write about this storm, sharing how I get thru the biopsy and thereafter receive positive results…but only He knows when my next storm will come and He promises to be there with me.

I pray that you take time to listen to God speaking to you, for you and about you

Love,

Kim-Evinda

Tuesday’s Trench Truth

Tuesday’s Trench Truth

Why is it not okay to not always be okay? If you are experiencing a low because of a setback, join us for a comeback and learn how to live your life fueled with hope, loving healthier and laughing more.

Coming to a trench near you

Is God missing you? EL

 Monday’s Mantra

I’m so excited to feature one of my favorite bloggers this week, Jenn Woosley, and I know you will enjoy her blogs today and Friday as well. Thanks for joining us for Coffee Hour with Chicklit Power and Monday’s Mantra with Trench Classes United.

The other morning I was sitting on my couch, as I do nearly every morning. In the quiet, I read inspirational things, talk to God,  and think. My thoughts are all over the place…and often there are tears. Today was no different... I was thinking about the people I love most, and the loneliness that comes from their absence. 

Then, I read something, the gist of which is that God is thinking of ME every single moment, and that I am in His thoughts constantly. Now, supposedly I know this; it's in the Bible, how God cares for me, but for some reason, it stood out to me today in a different way. 

Suddenly, I pictured Him wishing to be with me the way I was wishing to be with my loved ones. Does He wish to be next to me, give me a hug, hear about my day, my thoughts? Is He lonely without me? What if He is? 

In church, the sermon was on Romans 8:16-17. In The Message Bible it says: "God's Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who He is and we know who we are: Father and children."

The tears came but this time because it hit me how beautiful this is. God gives us relationship with others to help us understand Him. It's true that He longs to be with those He loves, me and you. And the warmth of this truth, knowing we're never really alone washed over me and filled me to overflowing!

May you always know you are never alone!
Jenn

When fear comes knocking, let your faith answer! EL

 Faith Filled Friday

I got the phone call while I was at a filming conference with my co-author/friend. I looked down to see who it was, at the same time frustrated I hadn’t remembered to put it on vibrate. Dr. Mheta’s name filled my screen. What in the world…

Thanks for joining me for Coffee Hour with Chicklit Power and Faith-filled Friday with Trench Classes United. Come on in as I share for the first time on social media one of the biggest scares of my adult life.

“My doctor never calls me so let me see who this is, Steve.”
“Sure, sure,” he smiled.

“Kim, this is Heather from Dr. Mheta’s”

Silence

“How are you?” she asked

“I’m good; how are you?”

She got right to the point, sounding as positive as one can when they have not-so-good news to share with a patient. “We received your mammogram back and they want you to go in for further testing.” She hurriedly reassured me it was probably nothing and told me she’d be sending the order in and the imaging facility should call me sometime that day.

I hung up in a bit of a dazed shock, but I do remember seeing faces of others whom I’ve known went thru breast cancer fights and/or just scares, and I felt this sort of compassion for them that I had never known before.

I shared the news with Steve. Both of us shook our heads in disbelief and reminded each other of Who is in control. I had just been recounting the story of almost getting hit by a train the day before, and knowing that God had completely intervened in that scenario served as a fresh reminder that He’d get me through whatever this was going to be.

We talked for a few minutes and then I left, purposely switching my thoughts to my next task, though fear knocked on the door of my mind and heart, at times sounding like it was going to bang the door down.

Apparently there was a bit of confusion combined with miscommunication between the original imaging center, my follow-up imaging center and the doctor’s office but finally a week later, I went in for the follow-up test. Oh, Mylanta, I had no idea that an itty-bitty thing could be tugged on, twisted, turned and tortured so much. The pain combined with the fear was just too much and I let the tears fall, all the what-ifs flooding my soul.

I did combat the continued threats of fear knocking me down and filling me up with scripture, prayer and sharing with a few my news. My husband comforted me with his adamant opinion that it was nothing; there was nothing to worry about.

Imagine his surprise when I called to tell him that there was something and the next step was a biopsy. He actually was angry, his first response, “Why, Lord, why are you doing this?”

I realized in that moment he was going to have his own experience thru this, whatever happens. I gently reminded him that if I’m going to walk thru this, whatever “this” is, like I believe, then I need to trust His promises of working all things together for His glory, my good (Romans 8:28), knowing that His plan is not to harm me, tear me down, but to lift me up (Jer.29:11)

Please join me Monday for more of this life-changing story that I am trusting will increase the territory He’s already given me to comfort others with the comfort I’ve been given.

Faith-ing thru

Kim-Evinda

Sometimes He calls us into deep waters to teach our faith to float! EL

Wednesday’s Word

Welcome to Coffee Hour with Chicklit Power and Wednesday’s Word with Trench Classes United! You’re in for a treat today with a heartfelt blog from Julie.

When “time hop” pops on your profile FB and reminds you all God has done  🙌 😭
Seriously, I had no idea I would be taking a photo six years later of our five children at the same spot!

Children did not come “automatically” for us as my Uncle told us. We walked the road of infertility and bringing our “wants” to the Lord and exchanging them for his beauty. Honestly, it has felt like God pouring children into our lap at one point.  😭

🙌 

Anyone out there praying and knocking and feeling hopeless like God is not answering?

Don’t lose hope; instead pray, seek, knock and keep knocking.

Remember the story in the Bible how the disciples had fished all night and caught nothing and then …“When he had finished speaking, He said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”

Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”

When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.” (Luke 5:4-6)

Notice Jesus spoke to go into the DEEP waters, put down your nets, not just one net, and Simon said “we worked hard all night…” it was beyond their “works”.
God was requiring FAITH in that moment in their lives. They were about to partake in a tremendous miracle of the His faithfulness, of His authority, and of His word.

Imagine they threw the net down and said “not today Lord, we are tired!” They would have missed a blessing, a gift, a miracle, and not just for themselves but for all the others too, and us as well.

So when you feel tired and you want to scream “forget this!” dig deeper in the Word of God and listen for His voice. He may be speaking in the still of the night.

When Nathan and I went back to foster/adopt, we had basically the bare essentials. Honestly it didn’t really seem “like the right time” in our eyes... but God showed up unexpectedly!”

Is God asking you to walk by faith and not by sight? Throw your net again?! Maybe He has a miracle ahead...remember our “works” will never be enough; we will always come back exhausted but when God speaks, He brings the Harvest AND you will glorify Him!

Thanks for joining me….

Casting my nets,

Julie

Oh, His principles and promises are as refreshing as cold water on a hot day! EL

Monday’s Mantra

                     

I’m so excited to feature Julie Held this week! You’re in for a treat today and Wednesday, too! Come on in and thanks for Joining us for Coffee Hour with Chicklit Power and Monday’s Mantra with Trench Classes United.

Do you remember being a kid and drinking out of the hose? There was such sheer delight and excitement!

This moment with my son drinking from the hose reminded me that we all thirst in life. And somewhere along the road of life we start to “grow-up” and the simple starts to fade out and we begin to thirst beyond the simple things. We become aware of all that the world offers us and it begins to entice us: egos, pride, admiration, money, status, good works, education, you name it. But God tells us in his Word to hunger and thirst for righteousness.

But what does righteousness mean? It means acting in accord with divine or moral law: Free from guilt or sin. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be filled.” {Matthew 5:6 NIV}

God wants us to hunger and thirst for a life free of guilt and sin and then we will be satisfied! Think on that: has your sin and guilt ever satisfied? Never!

We are only made righteous through Christ alone, not by any good works. If your heart feels empty maybe you need to take a step back, confess your sin and ask God to bring you a thirst for Him again. Drink of the living water and you will be satisfied.

“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, “{Acts 3:19}. “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” {Psalm 34:8}

Thanks for joining me,

Julie

Perseverance changes lives…yours and those whom you’re preserving for and with. EL

Wednesday’s Word

Do you ever feel uncomfortable sharing your faith with someone you fear won’t be as receptive as you’d like them to be? Do you feel reluctant to even approach the subject sometimes? I know I do. Thank the good Lord for those who don’t!

This is a reposting of a blog by Megan, one of our Coffee Hour writers. This blog though written last year is so relevant today and a truth that never gets old. I am confident you will agree.

Welcome to Coffee Hour at Chicklit Power and Wednesday’s Word with Trench Classes United.

Some time ago, I volunteered for the Women’s Bible Study sign-up table at church. As I assisted with registration, I could not help but overhear the conversation a woman was having with another volunteer at the table. She was lamenting how, once again, she had asked her friend to attend the bible study – and how, once again, her friend had declined.

I remember attending my first Bible Study. I did not know the first thing about the Word of God. Over the period of three years, a faithful Christian friend called me every time her Bible Study group started a new study, and every time I answered with a “No.” Even though I believed in God, I felt nothing I did was good enough for Him. I felt all of my failures were indicative of my unworthiness of Him. I definitely had a tumultuous relationship with God, and the point at which my life began to mirror my relationship with Him, I despairingly responded with a “Yes!”

When I told my husband I was going to attend a Bible Study, he asked, “What made you change your mind?” I told him I needed to find out why God did not love me.

I attended my first Bible Study because I believed God did not love me. Why was I convinced He did not love me? Because, I did not know the first thing about the Word of God! By the end of the first month, I knew how wrong I had been.

I momentarily stopped filling out a registration form and shared this story with the disheartened woman whose friend, once again, had turned down her invitation to Bible Study. I encouraged her to please...

DON’T STOP ASKING!

Perseverance like my friend’s, changes lives.

I know - it changed mine.

Your comments are always most welcome.

Lovingly in Christ,

Megan

God winks at us all the time!

 Monday’s Mantra

God –“The one Supreme Being, the omnipotent, omniscient creator and ruler of the universe.”

Wink – “To open and close one eye deliberately, as to convey a message, signal, or suggestion.”

God Wink – “A uniquely personal experience or event, often mistakenly identified as a coincidence” … L

This week we are so excited to feature Megan Pilarik for our Monday/Wednesday/Friday blogs. Plan on joining us for each of them!

Welcome to Coffee Hour at Chicklit Power and Megan’s Monday Mantra with Trench Classes United.

I am not a believer in coincidences. Oftentimes, when I am in need of direction, reassurance, or a solution, it unexpectedly comes through a radio broadcast, a stranger’s comment, or a turn of events. I get so excited when I “catch” one of these moments, because for me it means God really cares and He is hearing me! I was blessed with one such moment last week …

I’ve learned asking the Lord for help is the best way to tackle any dog-training challenge. Since He is the one who created the dog, I’m sure no one knows better than He how to train one. I am currently training my young, enthusiastic Boxer for competition obedience. Competition obedience demands an exorbitant amount of focus from the dog. Requiring my highly distractible Boxer to keep his undivided attention, solely upon me, is proving to be an arduous task.

After a particularly frustrating day of training, I came home and opened up Sarah Young’s daily devotional, “Jesus Calling”. It read: “I am intimately involved in all of your moments, and I am training you to be aware of me at all times. Your assignment is to collaborate with me in this training process.” I stared at the devotion in disbelief. “WOW”, I blurted out loud, “The Lord is teaching me the exact same thing I am teaching my dog!”

A mere coincidence – what are the odds of that?

I shared this experience with my friend and workout instructor, Cheryl. She told me her family calls these special moments “God-Winks.” I am not familiar with the expression, but the visual it represents is powerful. Whether through a thoughtful observation or a moment of recognition, we have access to God’s guidance. All He asks of us is to be aware of Him at all times.

Imagine the countless blessings - the gift of peace, once fear is dispelled, the clarity of mind, once doubt is negated, the certainty of love, once faith is restored … all in the wink of an eye – God’s eye!

Are you aware of God’s winks in your life?  Has God winked at you today?

Dear God, let us have the eyes to see…

Your comments are always most welcome.

Lovingly in Christ,

Megan