30-Day TRUE WOMAN Make-Over Day 30

WEHOO!!! Welcome to DAY 30... it's the end, yet it's just the beginning!!

Today's topic is - A LASTING KINDNESS
Today's Bible verse is Proverbs 31:30 (& I guess 31, because there is no day #31) - "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."

We've made it to the end... and that is what we want, being a woman of virtue with a lasting kindness. Each characteristic we have been through in the last 29 days (and today), we want to be lasting in our lives. We don't just show it once, and then move on... it is to be a part of our lives forever. This 'Make-over' doesn't just stop today. We need to keep living out what we have learned.

"LASTING" by definition is:

–adjective

1.continuing or enduring a long time; permanent; durable: a lasting friendship.

–noun

2.a strong, durable, closely woven fabric for shoe uppers, coverings on buttons, etc.

3.Archaic. the quality of surviving or continuing and maintaining strength, effectiveness, etc.

"KINDNESS" by definition is:

–noun

1.the state or quality of being kind: kindness to animals.

2.a kind act; favor: his many kindnesses to me.

3.kind behavior: I will never forget your kindness.

4.friendly feeling; liking.

Kindness is one of the 'fruit of the Spirit'. We want a kindness and love to endure a long time, and to continue permanently. A kindness and love that survives through it all, and maintains strength and effectiveness. WOW!

I love how the dictionary defines some words with the actual word... that is just silly. "The state or quality of being...____". What indeed does 'quality' mean? A quality is a 'distinctive characteristic' (dictionary.com). Therefore this kindness is something we have to portray or show in our character. It helps people to distinguish you from others of the world. The Bible does say that Jesus told His disciples "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." ~John 13:34-35 NIV 

Most women of the world think that outer beauty will distinguish them from others, yet it's the 'inner beauty' that makes us set apart. The Spirit living inside of us, makes us more delightful. This leads us into our verses for today, "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." (Proverbs 31:30 & 31) An outer charm and beauty can be deceiving, for on the inside the beautiful person can be anything but beautiful. Outer beauty can fade and be 'fleeting' as the Scripture says, as we all get older and wrinkly, etc... but inner beauty can never fade away as long as we stick with God and His Holy Spirit. A woman who fears the Lord (not in the scared aspect of the word, but more of a reverance) is to be praised. The gate of a city, is where the prominent people are revered and praised. The praise of others, encouraging her to continue in her walk will be uplifting to her, and also to others who can follow her example. She however, does not need the praise of man, her reward in Heaven is much greater. This is what she is living for... why she has become and lived out the life of a 'virtuous woman'.

Each of these characteristics, each on their own are marvelous, but together give the 'whole package' that God desires each of us to walk in. We are His daughters, and we need to walk in ALL that He has given us. The power from the Spirit, the Blood from the Son, and the authority from the Father. When we are obedient in walking these out, and delighting ourselves in the Lord, He indeed will grant the desires of our hearts.

NOW... go walk in it! BE DIFFERENT! BE DISTINCTIVE! But above all, BE YOU (the You God desires you to be)!

Be 'THAT KINDA GIRL' - Check out 'old school' fun... with DC TALK...


Be blessed and be a blessing!!
(This may be the end as I said, but it's just the beginning... MORE FUN TO COME! Don't leave me now... continue with me on your own journey!)

30-Day TRUE WOMAN Make-Over Day 29

WOW... so much catching up to do... but praise the Lord for an eventful week...

Today's topic is - THE BEAUTY OF HOLINESS
Today's verse is Proverbs 31:29 - "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."

"The goal of being pure of heart is not to make us look good. That's self-righteousness. The goal is to make God look good." ~Nancy Leigh DeMoss in today's devotional.

How 'beautiful' are you? I am not talking physically, I am talking spiritually. Holiness is something that is developed on the inside. Is holiness what you long for and need? Remember that holiness is what God wants from us.

Are you a 'good girl gone bad' or a 'bad girl gone good' ? This world is full of wild women, who are living by their fleshy desires. We however, as our friend the 'virtuous woman', need to live by our spiritual desires. Our spirit desires should link up with the desires that God has for us as well.

Holiness by definition is:
Wait, let me guess... 'the state or quality of being holy'... LOL!
–noun

1.the quality or state of being holy; sanctity.
2.(initial capital letter) a title of the pope, formerly used also of other high ecclesiastics (usually prec. by His or Your).

Ha! Ha! The quality or state of being holy. What then is 'holy'?
–adjective

1.specially recognized as or declared sacred by religious use or authority; consecrated: holy ground.
2.dedicated or devoted to the service of God, the church, or religion: a holy man.
3.saintly; godly; pious; devout: a holy life.
4.having a spiritually pure quality: a holy love.
5.entitled to worship or veneration as or as if sacred: a holy relic.
6.religious: holy rites.
7.inspiring fear, awe, or grave distress: The director, when angry, is a holy terror.

Are YOU specially recognized or declared sacred? Are YOU dedicated or devoted to service of God, the church or religion? Are YOU saintly, godly, & devout? Are YOU living a life that is spiritually pure? WOW... this is alot to undertake as a 'Christian'. Some people only think God is holy, and that we as humans can never be holy. But as we have said, GOD DESIRES THAT WE BE HOLY, just as He is holy. "But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." 1 Peter 1:15-16 NIV

When we live a life of holiness, we become an heir... and when we become an heir we gain nobility. This leads us to our verse, "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." We can DO all kinds of noble and good things in this world, but LIVING a LIFE of HOLINESS will allow you to surpass all others. God is pleased with us when we choose to do His will instead of our own. Religion and Christianity is not about DOING... it's about BEING! Christianity itself is a religion, however being a Christian doesn't make you religious. A Christian walk is based on relationship rather than religion. We walk out a relationship with God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit/Ghost. All three of these are n



HOLINESS by SONIC FLOOD...

30-Day TRUE WOMAN Make-Over Day 28

Today's topic is - SOUND THINKING
Today's verse is Proverbs 31:28 - "Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:"

30-Day TRUE WOMAN Make-Over Day 27

Today's topic is - DELIGHTING IN YOUR CHILDREN

Today's verse is Proverbs 31:27 - "She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness."

30-Day TRUE WOMAN Make-Over Day 26

TODAY is the day... I am wishing my sweetheart, bestest friend, love of my life, 'worship warrior', and man of my dreams a wonderful, blessed and awesome Birthday... I LOVE YOU BABE! Happy Birthday Mark! -- "This is your little birthday song, and it isn't very long..." xoxoxox


Today's topic (coincidentally is...) - LETTING GOD SHAPE YOUR HUSBAND!
(how fitting for his birthday!)
Today's verse is PROVERBS 31:26 - "She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue."

Some start-off quotes from the devotional are:
• The best marriage is nothing more than two sinners continually humbling themselves and knowing how to get to the cross to find the grace of God.



• Your husband’s strengths and weaknesses are exactly what God knew you needed for you to become the woman God wanted you to be.


• It's your job to love your husband; it's God’s job to change him.
 
As a married woman of only 7 years (this August 30th will be 7), I cannot give alot of marital advice. There are NO perfect marriages, same as there are NO perfect people or Christians, however through LOVE and the GRACE and MERCY of God you can have an 'almost-perfect' one! I find that to be true with my marriage. My husband and I have similar characteristics, likes and dislikes. We DO NOT argue or fight as many others do. Now don't get me wrong, we do have the odd 'disagreement', but that's hardly a 'fight'. This is all through the GRACE of God I know. We both 'waited patiently' for the 'RIGHT' one to come along, and I am soooooooooo glad that I did. I am so glad that I didn't GIVE UP, GIVE IN or SETTLE. (see my devotion here on 'Hope vs. Settle') The two of us are different, yes, he is much more introverted, and I am much more extroverted. However, the two of us can pull out a more 'opposite' side when needed. We both love the Lord obviously, and we are spiritually on the same level and journey (which is important), as the man is definitely to be the 'spiritual head' of the home.
 
It is sad to me when I hear other women talking down about, or degrading their husband (or boyfriend/fiance/future spouse or even their 'ex'). Just this past week, I heard women talking, and the one said 'I wish I could kill him'... 'every woman wishes she could kill her husband'. WOW, I was quick to speak up, and she was also quick to respond that we've only been married a few years, come back and see her when we are 25+ years married. Just crazy!!!
 
I am so blessed to know that God gave me this gift, and I have to overlook annoying habits, etc, same as he has to overlook mine. LOL! I believe I have much more annoying things about me, than he has about himself. When I hear other women 'complaining' about their husband or ALL men in general, I am quick to add in NOT ALL MEN/HUSBANDS. It is also sad to me to see a fellow Christian sister/woman 'settle' for 2nd best... being stuck in an 'up-hill battle' that they are trying to make work for their good. Sometimes, yes God will annoint and bless and surprise us all with the outcome... yet sometimes the woman 'tries to change him' herself. We need to remember that we aren't the ones who can 'change' him, (as the quote above states) "It's your job to love your husband; it's God’s job to change him." We also need to seek out and LISTEN to Spiritual advice. But that's another story... As you can tell there are people in my life who are doing just this... I am tired of/saddened/heartbroken when I hear women say that they are 'too old', 'too old and past child-bearing years', 'too much money spent', 'but his kids are so attached to me already...' --- NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD! If you are struggling with your self-worth... remember YOU ARE WORTH IT! You are WORTH the BEST that God has for you... don't settle if you don't have to! Sometimes YES, He can turn around and become the GREATEST Evangelist in your neighbourhood, but sometimes if he is spiritually underneath you, he will either drag you down, or just not be involved at all.
 
My husband and I are at the 'worldly peak of child-bearing years' and we both have GREAT FAITH in God that He will provide us with the family that we desire, and that He has promised the two of us years ago. Now I don't have any vision stories to tell you, with sex, names, etc... like others may have (or you may have), but I do know I HAVE A GOD THAT IS GREATER than any worldly scientific facts. The 'worldly' child-bearing years are NOTHING for GOD! (If you also walk in FAITH, believe with us in prayer! If you are struggling in this situation, please don't hesitate to contact me to chat or pray!)
 
We have to 'ALLOW GOD to SHAPE our HUSBANDS'... as He wants him to become the man He created Him to be. If you are truly in the RIGHT relationship with your husband, YOU are part of that original plan! How cool to know that GOD did indeed create YOU for your MATE!!! If we keep trying to change our man, and make him into who we want him to be, we are stopping the work of the Spirit in his life, and that is a BIG responsibilty and BIG shoes to fill. If this is you, LET GO and LET GOD!
 
I am totally in love with my husband, he is the 'Spiritual Head' of our home, but I am also there to be his HELPMATE and to SUPPORT and REMIND him. If his prayer life/devotional life is slacking, I need to remind him (and I expect him to do the same for me). When we were married that beautiful August day in 2003, we made vows to each other... and they were not just made to sound good for that day, they are to last a lifetime. We based our vows on 1Corinthians 13. This is the 2nd most important COVENANT relationship... the first of course is our COVENANT relationship with God... the 3rd is with our CHURCH. Too many people today, just 'walk away' from covenants, and cannot be trusted at their 'word'. But remember, ONE WORD FROM GOD CAN CHANGE EVERYTHING!!
 
Love you Mark ... to Pluto (& back)! <3
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING!

30-Day TRUE WOMAN Make-Over Day 25

Well... so funny thing... REVIVE OUR HEARTS never emailed me the link to DAY #25, so I forgot to do it... not blaming them of course as I was out shopping for school stuff after work, and then made it home in time to watch the BIGGEST LOSER FINALE! (YAY.... humph, did everyone watch it yet? I won't ruin it yet...) So I didn't make time either... oops! Anyway, I am doing Day #25 and #26 together... well in separate blog entries, but on the same day.

Today's (well yesterday's) topic is (was) - MAKE YOUR HUSBAND A PRIORITY!
Today's (well yesterday's) verse is (was) Proverbs 31:25 - "She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come."

Somehow, I am a little sleepy, so I will finish this one tomorrow... and also #26, and I guess #27...

BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING!!

30-Day TRUE WOMAN Make-Over Day 24

Wehoo... today is a HOLIDAY... and what a beautiful and HOT day it was... (still is technically) The first official LONG WEEKEND of the year...

Today's topic is - INTENTIONAL TRAINING
Today's verse is Proverbs 31:24 - "She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes."

Intentional by definition is;
–adjective

1.done with intention or on purpose; intended: an intentional insult.
2.of or pertaining to intention or purpose.

We have to make it a PURPOSE to train those around us... If we are 'younger', we need to seek out an 'older woman' to mentor us, someone with similar circumstances, etc. If we are 'older' we need to live our lives as an example for the 'younger' generation. We need to search them out as well, and try to train them in the life principles found in God's Word. It sounds so difficult, and it sounds like it takes a lot of time, energy and work. Really, according to Nancy in TODAY'S DEVO, "It’s really just giving friendship, counsel, encouragement, exhortation by your example, by your words, one on one in the context of everyday life."

Getting together with someone, younger or older (or even a threesome where there is one young, one middle & one older) can be beneficial to both/all parties. It has been said that we should have "Paul's", "Timothy's" & "Barnabas'" in our lives... A 'Paul' is one who mentors and trains you. A 'Timothy' is one that you mentor or train, and a 'Barnabas' is one who is your peer, one who is WITH you on the journey.

I know that this is something I see myself getting more involved with, as it is a desire of my heart as well. I love all the 'spiritual moms' in my life, some are intentionally training and being an example, yet others are just living their life as an example to view, and learn from. I love teaching and training the younger generations, but usually is has been in the Preschool-Primary areas. Now, I find myself involved in our 'YOUNG GOD CHASERS' class, which is made up of 'Tweens who are ages 8-12. They are 'hungry' and 'thirsty' for knowledge and wisdom. They are exciting to teach, and train because they are ready to tell their story too. I am teaching them, but I am also learning from them as well. I am also planning to start a 'girls group' with a few other 'older' women... we are also getting our 'older' women involved too... to have a multi-generational ministry and get-togethers/functions/workshops/
conferences and more. I am excited to be a part of our church, because we are a church of equippers... so our 'children' and 'youth' are being brought up to equip others as well.

We should try to have PURPOSE for everything we do as women. It doesn't all have to be spiritual, yet it will bring spiritual blessings as well. As in our verse today, our 'virtuous woman' "makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes." We already know this woman is amazing... she makes linens and clothing to provide for her family, yet here we see she also makes linen garments with a PURPOSE. She is making them to sell. She herself does not sell the garments, she gives them to the merchants who sell them for her. She is again making a profit, for which she used some as an income to again provide for her family and as verse 16 states, "She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard". Everything this woman does is out of PURPOSE. She is a WOMAN of PURPOSE!

Purpose by definition is;
–noun

1.the reason for which something exists or is done, made, used, etc.
2.an intended or desired result; end; aim; goal.
3.determination; resoluteness.
4.the subject in hand; the point at issue.
5.practical result, effect, or advantage: to act to good purpose.


–verb (used with object)
6.to set as an aim, intention, or goal for oneself.
7.to intend; design.
8.to resolve (to do something): He purposed to change his way of life radically.


Therefore, our 'virtuous woman' knows the reason for which she exists (definition #1). She is desiring to set goals for herself, and she tries to fulfill them to the best of her own ability. (definition #3 & #6) She resolves to be different, to do and be ALL that God has called her to be. (definition #8)


Again, this leads us to being the ME that God has called us to be... the ME that I want to be. My M.E. is my MAXIMUM EFFECTIVENESS. That by definition is;


Maximum:
–adjective

5.that is a maximum; greatest or highest possible or attained: maximum satisfaction; maximum temperature.
6.pertaining to a maximum or maximums.


Effectiveness:
–adjective


1.adequate to accomplish a purpose; producing the intended or expected result: effective teaching methods; effective steps toward peace.
2.actually in operation or in force; functioning: The law becomes effective at midnight.
3.producing a deep or vivid impression; striking: an effective photograph.


Therefore, in my life I want to accomplish the greatest or highest possible things that God has planned for me. I want to ACTIVELY attain the goals that we have set for me. I am adequate to accomplish the purposes that He has for me, with PURPOSE, which will produce the intended or expected result that HE has for me! I really love the 3rd definition of 'Effectiveness' ~ "producing a deep or vivid impression; striking" I want to leave a deep & vivid impression to those who follow behind me. As a creative person as well, this creates a vivid picture for me. The example given is an 'effective photograph'... as a hobby photographer, I have seen several different 'contests/photo games' around the net, where the creator gives a topic/theme for example, and you have to post pictures that you have taken into that category. For example, say "BRIDGES" was the theme, I could post this picture (photo credit: ME)...

For "JOY" I could post this pic from our wedding...

[Photo credit to SUDDEN EXPOSURE (Mark MacBain).]

Both of these pictures exhibit EFFECTIVE imagery showing the desired theme.

Now, using 'Effective' vs. 'Not so effective'... For "PAIN" I could post this pic of me when I had 'facial cellulitis'...(photo credit: Me)

Yet, here is another pic of me with the Facial cellulitis, but I have a smile on my face, so it kind of takes away from the desired effect of "PAIN"... it does still somehow look painful, because it is red and swollen, yet because of my smile, it doesn't 'seem' painful.

God's desired theme for us is to live a life that is pleasing to Him, and completely FOR Him. He doesn't want our 2nd best, nor does He want to be 2nd place! To be an EFFECTIVE witness and example, we need to live life with a PURPOSE! (God's purpose, not our own!)

When we do that, like our 'virtuous woman' friend, God will grant us favour and give us many blessings greater than we can imagine or think! So walk out your life with INTENTION and PURPOSE. (Not just living with 'good intentions'... but actually following through to reach the goal that God has for you in Christ Jesus!) "I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back." (Philippians 3:13-14 THE MESSAGE)

BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING!