The package will include a Women of Faith study Bible (NIV/Hardcover); Lisa Whelchel’s Bible study tool for busy moms; a coffee mug from “Mugs of Truth“; the DVD “The Nativity Story“; the book “Love and Respect“; and a music CD by Becky Knight, who just released her first CD.
LWG Giveaway
Sunday, December 30, 2007
The package will include a Women of Faith study Bible (NIV/Hardcover); Lisa Whelchel’s Bible study tool for busy moms; a coffee mug from “Mugs of Truth“; the DVD “The Nativity Story“; the book “Love and Respect“; and a music CD by Becky Knight, who just released her first CD.
Don't Marry Him, Girl
I can't tell you how many Christian women I have met with and/or counselled over the years who are living lives of great regret, difficulty, and despair because they married a man who was not a believer, or was nominal in his faith at best. Almost to a person their stories are the same: they grew up in Christian homes; had a few wild years in their teens or early 20s; married a guy who was "dangerous" and "exciting".... who lived outside of the rules; ignored the advice of their parents/pastors/friends and married the guy; began to experience conflict; returned to their faith, especially when the kids arrived; and their husbands are still not living for Christ. Then they sit in their pastor's office, tears streaming down their faces, often mad at God (but really mad at themselves), frustrated beyond measure and thinking about "moving on". When it's with me I want so much to be compassionate and understanding, but there is still a part of me that wants to ask them "Why on earth did you ignore God's advice? Why didn't you respond to all the red flags He threw your way? Why didn't you listen to the heart of God about choosing your lifetime partner?"
2 Cor 6:14-16
"Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?"
1 Cor 7:39-40
"A wife is bound by law as long as her husband lives; but if her husband dies, she is at liberty to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord."
The NT makes it clear that God's heart is for you to marry a man who knows and worships the Lord! This makes the whole "one flesh" thing so much easier, since both of you will be more likely influenced and controlled by the Holy Spirit. But to be married to someone who doesn't share your love and passion for God is like trying to ride a bicycle with a mangled rim for a back wheel. It can work, but it's not very smooth or enjoyable.
So, if you're reading this today and you're considering marrying someone who is not a strong believer -- don't marry him, girl! The pain of leaving him now will be much briefer than the pain that lies ahead in your marriage.
And if you've already made this mistake, and you feel trapped in a difficult marriage -- don't leave him, girl! That, too, is the heart of God for you:
1 Cor 7:10-11
"Now to the married I command, yet not I but the Lord: A wife is not to depart from her husband. But even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband."
1 Cor 7:13-16
"And a woman who has a husband who does not believe, if he is willing to live with her, let her not divorce him. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband; otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy. But if the unbeliever departs, let him depart; a brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases. But God has called us to peace. For how do you know, O wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, O husband, whether you will save your wife?" (Did those of you who want to marry them and change them hear that?)
This is where the grace and strength of God come in. First, He can give you the power and wisdom not to marry an unbeliever in the first place, if you ask Him (James 1). But if you've already made the mistake, there is grace and strength for you in that as well.
God has often called people to live in difficult situations for Him. For some, like myself, it's the heartache of living with a chronically ill spouse or child. For others it's the loneliness of a painful marriage. But in each case God gives strength and grace to be His blessing there. We are not to leave just because it's been a hard ride. Would you abandon your child because they have MS or some other disability? Then why are you thinking of leaving your spouse? You are just as much "one with them" as you are with your child.
Three times the Apostle Paul pleaded with God to remove him from his hardship.
2 Cor 12:9-10
And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
If you married the wrong man (or woman), God invites you to stay strong in Him. His grace is sufficient. I've learned that for myself as I've lived with a very ill woman for many years. Have I been tempted to say "I've had enough"? You bet I have; there's been lots of times I've felt very cheated.
But it is what it is, and God can use me and bless me, and help me to be a blessing in the midst of it. And He can do that with you, too.
So, if you're ready to marry an unbeliever -- girl, don't do it. Just let him go. And if you're already married to an unbeliever -- girl, don't do it. You must let him stay.
And may God strengthen you to follow His heart with this all along the way.
Posted by Alan Harstone, an evangelical pastor
Recipe for a Happy New Year

Take twelve fine, full-grown months; see that these are thoroughly free from old memories of bitterness, rancor and hate, cleanse them completely from every clinging spite; pick off all specks of pettiness and littleness; in short, see that these months are freed from all the past-have them fresh and clean as when they first came from the great storehouse of Time.
Cut these months into thirty or thirty-one equal parts. Do not attempt to make up the whole batch at one time (so many persons spoil the entire lot this way) but prepare one day at a time.
Into each day put equal parts of faith, patience, courage, work (some people omit this ingredient and so spoil the flavor of the rest), hope, fidelity, liberality, kindness, prayer, meditation, rest (leaving this out is like leaving the oil out of the salad dressing-don' t do it), and one well-selected resolution.
Put in about one teaspoonful of good spirits, a dash of fun, a pinch of folly, a sprinkling of play, and a heaping cupful of good humor.
Special thanks toTimothy Satryan,
Friday, December 28, 2007

~ Jackina Stark
Transformation is a cultural phenomenon. I know this because I have television.
HGTV is practically devoted to it. But I think every network has hopped on the transformation bandwagon.
Aren’t you amazed at Extreme Make-over? Of course, most of us are amazed that people would stand before cameras in their underwear and have someone draw lines to show what kind of work is going to be done. What a nightmare! But I must admit the unveiling is exciting, as each brave and transformed soul steps out of the limousine that transports them to their reveal party. I have gasped right along with their family and friends when they walk in, extend their arms, and spin around—they look so different, so unimaginably lovely.
SPIRITUAL TRANSFORMATION
It’s strange we love transformation so much, but don’t seem too concerned with the transformations needed in our spiritual lives. Our spirits need transformation much more than our bodies, wardrobes, or homes. But transformation isn’t likely if we don’t offer “our bodies as living sacrifices,” which happens when we let the Word of God renew our minds (Romans 12). When we claim God’s promises and follow his guidelines, incredible things will happen.
Paul’s wonderful prayer in his letter to the Ephesians closes with some of the most encouraging words in Scripture: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen” (3:20, 21).
What God can do in and for you will take your breath away. Scripture is full of people God has transformed. I think the transformations were recorded so we can know what God will do in our lives.
Read the entire article here.
Thursday, December 27, 2007

Wednesday, December 26, 2007
The GoBible is a preloaded audio Bible
Available in 3 different versions
* SEARCHABLE - by book, by chapter, and by over 31,000 individual verses
* PORTABLE - small enough to fit into the palm of your hand
* VERSATILE - easy to schedule the Word of God into the busiest of days
The GoBible makes God’s Word ACCESSIBLE.
I love this! What an amazing way to hide God's Word in your heart!
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Here are the lyrics for Christmas Makes Me Cry ~ Mandisa and Matthew West
I think of loved ones who've passed away
And I pray they're resting in a better place.
I think of memories of years gone by
And sometimes Christmas makes me cry.
I think of soldiers across the sea
And sometimes I wonder why it's them instead of me
That for my freedom they give their lives
And sometimes Christmas makes me cry.
Tears of thankfulness, tears of hope
I cry tears of joy at Christmas because I know
There is peace on earth for every heart to find
And sometimes Christmas makes me cry.
I think of family; I think of home
And say a prayer for those who spend this time alone
Cause love can reach out into a silent night
And that's why Christmas makes me cry.
Tears of thankfulness, tears of hope
I cry tears of joy at Christmas because I know
There is peace on earth for every heart to find
And sometimes Christmas makes me cry.
I think of Mary and a virgin birth
And I'm amazed by how much God thinks we are worth
That He would send His only son to die
And sometimes Christmas makes me cry.
Monday, December 24, 2007

On the first day of Christmas, Jesus gave to me
Salvation full and free.
On the second day of Christmas, Jesus gave to me
Everlasting life, and Salvation full and free.
On the third day of Christmas, Jesus gave to me
Peace in my Heart, Everlasting Life,
and Salvation full and free.
On the fourth day of Christmas, Jesus gave to me
Love for all men; Peace in my heart,
Everlasting Life, and Salvation full and free.
On the fifth day of Christmas, Jesus gave to me
Joy for my soul,
Love for all men; Peace in my heart,
Everlasting Life, and Salvation full and free.
On the sixth day of Christmas, Jesus gave to me
Power from on high,
Joy for my soul,
Love for all men, Peace in my heart,
Everlasting Life, and Salvation full and free.
On the seventh day of Christmas,Jesus gave to me
A Body Glorified, Power from on high,
Joy for my soul,
Love for all men, Peace in my heart,
Everlasting life, and Salvation full and free.
On the eighth day of Christmas, Jesus gave to me
A Robe and a Crown, A Body Glorified,
Power from on high,
Joy for my soul,
Love for all men, Peace in my heart,
Everlasting Life, and Salvation full and free.
On the ninth day of Christmas, Jesus gave to me
Mansions up above, A Robe and a Crown,
A Body Glorified, Power from on high,
Joy for my soul,
Love for all men, Peace in my heart,
Everlasting Life, and Salvation full and free.
On the tenth day of Christmas, Jesus gave to me
Streets of pure gold, Mansions up above,
A Robe and a Crown, A Body Glorified,
Power from on high,
Joy for my soul,
Love for all men, Peace in my heart,
Everlasting Life, and Salvation full and free.
On the eleventh day of Christmas, Jesus gave to me
A Thousand songs to sing, Streets of pure gold,
Mansions up above, A Robe and a Crown,
A Body Glorified, Power from on high,
Joy for my soul,
Love for all men, Peace in my heart,
Everlasting Life, and Salvation full and free.
On the twelfth day of Christmas, Jesus gave to me
Eternity that's free
A Thousand songs to sing,
Streets of pure gold,
Mansions up above,
A Robe and a Crown,
A Body Glorified,
Power from on high,
Joy for my soul,
Love for all men,
Peace in my heart,
Everlasting life
and Salvation full and free!
Saturday, December 22, 2007

Friday, December 21, 2007

~ By John Fisher
Gift of Service:
Gift of encouragement:
Take flowers to a friend battling cancer. . Price: $50
Gift of leadership:
Lead a group into a terrain they have never traveled before.
Price of gas and lunch for 20: $300.
Gift of Christ to your next-door neighbor:
Priceless.
Christmas is all about gift giving – making lists of gifts, purchasing gifts, wrapping gifts, giving gifts, and opening gifts (and probably returning some). All of this is because of one priceless gift given to the human race 2,000 years ago – the gift of God’s Son. And this gift came about as the result of God’s unfathomable mercy and grace. He did not have to do this. Nothing in us required it. He decided to be merciful to his own creation made in his image – all of us having turned our backs on him and gone our own way.
Somehow we got fortunate. It’s definitely not because we're cute.There is no merit here – nothing we deserve. Grace is getting what you don't deserve; mercy is not getting what you do deserve. We have been given both. We don't deserve anything from God except punishment for our sins, and what did he do? His mercy up and cancelled the punishment so his grace could give us life. Two priceless gifts. One awesome God. What can we do except be filled with gratitude and mimic his gift giving to the extent of our creativity and our resources.
And while we're at it, let’s think of a spiritual gift we can give, too, based on what has been given to us. Regardless of our material resources, we all are rich in spiritual ones. Give this some thought. Think of your spiritual gift and how you might turn it into an intentional present for someone this Christmas season. Make it something you can plan and accomplish as a deliberate act. Put a bow around it if need be.
Christmas is spiritual, full of gifts and gift giving.
Let’s not forget to give the gift of Christ to someone this Christmas.
It’s priceless.
Reminding you to keep Christ in CHRISTmas,
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Multi-Media Blogging Course
I'm evaluating a multi-media course on blogging from the folks at Simpleology. For a while, they're letting you snag it for free if you post about it on your blog.
It covers:
- The best blogging techniques.
- How to get traffic to your blog.
- How to turn your blog into money.
I'll let you know what I think once I've had a chance to check it out. Meanwhile, go grab yours while it's still free.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007

But I say, Have they not heard?
and their words unto the ends of the world.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Saturday, December 15, 2007

Friday, December 14, 2007
~ David Crowder Band
I will dance,
I will sing,
To be mad for my King
Nothing Lord is hindering
this passion in my soul!
But I will become even more undignified than this!
It's all for You, My Lord.
Virtuous Women's Retreat
Are You Hungry?
Take a look at this guy's performance on "Hunger for the word of God.
Gift Suggestions
To your enemy, forgiveness.
To an opponent, tolerance.
To a friend, your heart.
To a customer, service.
To all, charity.
To every child, a good example.
To yourself, respect.
THE GREATEST GIFT
" . . . the free gift of God is eternal life
in Christ Jesus our Lord."(Romans 6:23b)
You are Invited...

Guest of Honor: Jesus Christ.
CELEBRATE Jesus CELEBRATE!
Thursday, December 13, 2007

Sand Castle Lives
Sand Castle Lives
~ by Cathie Jo Floyd
Once a year our local beach holds a sand-sculpting contest. I stand in awe as I watch these people using just sand, a shovel and their hands, to make a work of art from only what nature supplies. In the evening as everyone begins leaving, I am always left with a melancholy feeling, knowing that as the tide comes in, all this beauty will be washed away. Many times it has caused me to ponder, "Is this what I do with my life? Are my hopes, dreams, fears and trust built on a foundation made of sand?"
~ Cathie Jo Floyd has been married to Tyrus Floyd for 27 years. They have two daughters and live in Nederland, Texas where they love taking their travel trailer to the lake and beach.
"For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work." ~ 1 Corinthians 3:11-13
Why I Celebrate Christmas

It isn't the tinsel,
The wrapping or things,
He gave us the best,
So when I see my tree
I look at the star,
The presents beneath it,
To many, these things
The gift that was wrapped
So that's why I celebrate ...
Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Take time to listen and enjoy this beautiful presentation of a wonderful new and thought-provoking song sung by Ronnie Kimball.
This song, written by Robert Christian Cole and A.J. Masters is sure to be a favorite for many years to come!
I love it!
I know you will love it too.
Be blessed!
Blessed Are...
Blessed are the poor of pocket,
Blessed are the artistic,
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall
Blessed are they who are heavily laden,
Blessed are they who weave paper garlands,
Blessed are they who hunger for turkey and
Blessed is the sweater knit in secret,
Blessed are we who, despite the chaos, hold
Don't Miss Jesus!

By Marybeth Whalen
“We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.” John 6:69 (NIV)
Devotion:
I remember reading an account of the Christmas story that focused on all the people who came in contact with that young couple searching for a place to stay—the busy townspeople dealing with the crowds, the innkeeper too busy counting his money and taking care of guests to be bothered for long, the other travelers worried about where they would sleep.
The author pointed out that so many of us still make the same mistake of rushing past the drama that unfolded in a forgotten corner of Bethlehem that night. Consumed with our own problems and issues, we glance away from the significance of Jesus’ arrival to focus on a myriad of tasks. And in all our rushing and stress, we miss an opportunity to connect with our Savior in a whole new way.
There are only a few people mentioned in the Christmas story, yet we know that the city was filled to bursting with travelers and citizens. There was no lack of folks there who could have welcomed the Christ child. They just didn’t stop long enough to look for Him. Though He was right under their noses, they scurried right past Him.
I often wonder if those who were there that night later told the story down through the ages, “I was in Bethlehem that night, you know. I stayed just a few houses away from that stable. I could have seen Him if I would have known.”
Those folks could have stood in adoration alongside Mary and Joseph, and the shepherds, marveling at what God was doing before their very eyes. And they missed the opportunity of a lifetime.
And yet, how many of us say the very same thing about Jesus, even now?
If only we had more time.
If only we had more money and didn’t have to work so hard.
If only we weren’t so busy.
“Then Jesus,” we say, “Then I would be able to really know You.
Instead, I race past You, unaware. And I lose out on the opportunity to see You in the process, to touch You. To know what it means to utter” Immanuel, God with us. God with me.”
Don’t miss Jesus this year in all your busyness.
Don’t be like the busy citizens of Bethlehem who could have had a part in God’s story, if only they would have stopped long enough to look for Him.
Make Jesus your focus this year and allow Him to show you how to slow down, to be less busy, less stressed.
Ask Him what you can let go of.
Ask Him to give you the courage to say no when you need to.
Ask Him to help you have an encounter with Him like never before.
What better time to do it than now, at Christmas, when our thoughts are focused on His coming. There has never been a better time to allow Him to come into your life, your heart. Look for Him around every corner, in every face, in every moment.
Dear Lord, Right now I am stopping to tell You that I do not want to miss You. I am committing to look for You everywhere instead of rushing right past You. I want to know You intimately. Thank You for coming to earth back then, and thank You for coming into my heart and life now. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
A Recipe for Christmas Joy, E-book by Marybeth Whalen
Celebrating a Christ-Centered Christmas by Sharon Jaynes
Marybeth’s Blog
Do You Know Him?
Application Steps:
Today, determine to find an instance that you clearly see Jesus. Write it down and remember to thank Him for being the God who is near.
Reflections:
Is there something you need to lay down this Christmas so that you can better focus on Christ? What will that look like in your life?
Do you need to spend time praying over this issue - asking Jesus to give you discernment, strength and wisdom?
Power Verses:
Philippians 3:8, “What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish that I may gain Christ.” (NIV)
John 10:14, “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.” (NIV)
2 Peter 3:18, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.” (NIV)
* For more devotionals, articles and other great stuff, visit: Proverbs 31 Ministries
Monday, December 10, 2007

She has an amazing collection for your enjoyment.
Christmas Lights

When I see the YELLOW lights, I remember the star which shown above the manger in Bethelem when Christ was born.
When I see the RED lights, they remind me of the blood that Jesus shed for my sins and yours.
When I see the BLUE lights, I am reminded of the bruises that Jesus bore for our iniquities.
When I see the GREEN lights, I think of the new green grass of spring which symbolizes the newness of life which Christ gives us.
When I see the brilliant WHITE lights, they remind me of the purity that we recieve through the cleansing of the blood of Christ.
All mixed together they are the most beautiful site in the world because they Glorify The Lord Jesus Christ andPraise His Holy Name.
No wonder Jesus is the reason for the season.
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Chris Tomlin - Amazing Grace
(My Chains are Gone)
Long to Be Set Free?

Many of God's people (the Church) are living as captives - deceived, oppressed and complacent - because they do not understand their true identity and the power and authority that are theirs in Christ. According to research reported by the George Barna Group in 2006, "only 23% of those attending church named their faith in God as their top priority in life".
The mission of Freedom in Christ is to provide a biblically-based process and resources by which church and ministry leaders and their people discover:
* Who they are in Christ
* Who Christ is in them
* How to live out the truth of those realities every day so that those ministries become healthy, healing places making a powerful impact for Christ on their communities
The vision of Freedom in Christ is to see church and ministry leaders and their people joyfully alive and free in Christ in communities all across the nation.
Taken from Freedom in Christ Ministries
Saturday, December 08, 2007

Suppose you could give a gift to Christ, what would it be? How could you possibly select a gift for the One who not only has everything, but who made everything?
Mary Had a Little Lamb (Christmas Version)
Mary had a little Lamb,
He was born on Christmas day.
She laid him in a manger bed
To sleep upon the hay.
Angels filled the night-time sky
And they began to sing.
Shepherds heard them all proclaim
The birthday of a King.
Wise men saw a blazing star
Up in the sky that night.
They followed it until they found
The King of love and light.
Mary had a little Lamb,
But He wasn't hers, you know,
He was the very Son of God,
The One who loves us so.
The Father of this little Lamb
Loved the world so much
That He sent his only Son to earth
So we could feel His touch.
He came to give us joy and peace
And take away our sin.
So when He knocks on your heart's door,
Be sure to let Him in.
Why do I love this precious Lamb?
What can the reason be?
The answer is quite plain to see,
It's because He first loved me!
Friday, December 07, 2007
I have a confession to make: I've made my computer an idol. Or at least the gateway to idolatry. Ouch! You see, for years I struggled with getting disciplined enough to read the Word on a regular basis. I always wanted to read it every day. I intended to. But try as I may, 2 or 3 days in a row would be all I could muster at a time. I always felt like a failure in that area.
Then God showed me I had to make it a habit. I read somewhere that habits take 30 days to form. So I picked a certain time of the day (for me it was early morning, before everybody else woke up) and set it aside for me and God, determined to stick it out for 30 days. Sure enough, after 30 days I had formed a good habit! And for years I've enjoyed this "quiet time" of reading my Bible, a devotional or some other good Christian book, and talking and listening to God.
But the other day the Holy Spirit tapped me on the shoulder and showed me that for too many days in a row although I had gotten up early, I had headed for my computer first, rather than to God. I knew I was putting the computer ahead of God. Yikes!
Since "There is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus," the Holy Spirit was gentle with me. But I knew I had to stop this behavior before it became a habit. I confessed, and got back on track.
God has so much love and encouragement to share with us, and so much He wants to show us through prayer and His Word. Why are we tempted to ignore Him? "You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourselves any carved image...I the Lord your God am a jealous God (jealous for your devotion.)"
What idol stands in the way
A Prayer For You Today
Dear God, please forgive me for putting _____________ ahead
of my time with You. I know You have a lot in store for me, and I
really desire to spend time with You. Please show me how I can set
aside some time just for us, and help me make it a regular habit.
Thank You, in Jesus' Name. Amen
- Sandra
Special thanks to Sandra Jensen & Kelly McCausey of Me Skills ~The Common Denominator in Your Life is You!
Please consider doing your own study on the 10 Commandments: