Purpose

Recently, I was in a thrift store browsing the used book section. I found a copy of Rick Warren's The Purpose Driven Life. Since I may be the only person who has not read the book, I picked it up to glance through and read the introduction.

What caught my eye though was the notes written on the last page.

The previous owner had written...

 

          the address for QVC

          the beginning of a Coconut Pie recipe

and...

           Stand for the Lord. The devil raises up his head but stand in God's word. Jesus said I won't leave you or forsake you. God is good. I thank God for you knowing you. I pray for you always, that as you lead that they (the church) will become as one.

At first...I laughed! 

 

Here is a woman writing in the back of a book that is supposed to guide you to a deeper relationship with God, the address for a shopping network and a pie recipe!

But then.....

The blessed Holy Spirit spoke so gently to me and said...my child...you are no different.

You busy yourself with things that are just as meaningless when I desire a close communion with you.

I desire what is first and most important in your life..not the leftovers.

I want your first thoughts of the day to be about ME and MY plans for today...not your own.

Wow.....

I looked again at the notes...this time...I saw what I hoped was a progression in the life of this woman.

First shopping and household duties...but then the real purpose of her life.

A deeper walk with the Savior who will never leave nor forsake.

A prayer life that includes others spiritual needs, and unity of the believers.

Father...begin that work in me.

The Power of One

The Boy and the Starfish                

A man was walking along a deserted beach at sunset. As he walked he could see a young boy in the distance, as he drew nearer he noticed that the boy kept bending down, picking something up and throwing it into the water.

 

Time and again he kept hurling things into the ocean. As the man approached even closer, he was able to see that the boy was picking up starfish that had been washed up on the beach and, one at a time he was throwing them back into the water. The man asked the boy what he was doing, the boy replied,"I am throwing these washed up starfish back into the ocean, or else they will die through lack of oxygen. "But", said the man, "You can't possibly save them all, there are thousands on this beach, and this must be happening on hundreds of beaches along the coast. You can't possibly make a difference."

 

The boy looked down, frowning for a moment; then bent down to pick up another starfish, smiling as he threw it back into the sea. He replied, 

 

"I made a huge difference to that one!"

 

  ~Author Unknown~

A friend and I had a discussion today and it left me with a troubled heart.

 

It centered around the trouble that is all around us and no one seems to be doing anything to help. She shared pictures from the Holocaust and brought to remembrance of how for years, nothing was done to help.

 

We...as a country...sat idle by and let people perish.

 

She asked the question that echos in all of our hearts, “What can we do when no one will listen?”

 

What can we do?

 

I am a single, senior aged woman.

 

What can I do?

 

Well, Lynette....ALOT!

 

History is full of examples of people who made a difference, just because they were willing to be used.

 

Corrie tenBoom was about my age when she joined the Harlem Underground. She, her sister, and aged father helped to save hundreds of Jews during the dark days of the Holocaust. She later traveled the world sharing a message of love, peace, and forgiveness through Christ.

 

Eric Liddell refused to run a race. The world’s eyes were placed on the man who chose obedience to God over the praise of man.

 

Countless people credit their salvation to the prayers of their mother.

 

Amy Carmichael cut the fingernails of thousands of little Chinese children.

 

A bus driver picked me up for church each Sunday morning.

 

This is just a very few examples.

 

What can I do? 

 

What have I done TODAY?

 

 

And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward. Matthew 10:42

Be Still

"But I have stilled and quieted my soul." Psalm 131:2a (NIV 1984)

I'm a talker; always have been.

When report cards were sent home, my parents never expected anything better than a C beside the word "conduct." One of my elementary teachers politely called me "very social," while most were much more blunt. 

"She talks too much. 

She could learn more if she would talk less."

Unfortunately, old habits die hard.

I brought this trait of talking too much into my quiet time with God, filling the silence with words ...

lots and lots of words.

 I wonder if sometimes the Father looks to the Son and says, "I can't get a word in edge-wise with this girl! She could learn more if she would talk less."

To be honest, silence wasn't easy for this girl who likes to gab. I wanted to tell God what I thought would be good solutions to my problems. To-do lists ran through my head, instead of peace and quiet.

 Dusty shelves and piles of toys distracted my attention.

It felt unnatural not to be talking, so I resisted it.

I shared my uneasiness with God but knew silence and stillness were things I needed to practice. During these times I heard God's gentle encouragement, "Shhh. Be still. It's okay to be silent. You don't have to say a word."

Gradually I felt something I couldn't name until I read this verse: rest.

My spirit felt renewed and at peace. In silence and stillness, God united His heart with mine, allowing me to experience the rest I needed.

As we fill the reservoir of our soul with the true refreshment from God we learn to relax in the rhythms of His grace. We experience real peace and rest that only come from the silence and stillness of being with Him. We carry this refreshment with us as we face the challenges of our day.

Do you have the gift of gab like me?

Do you find it challenging to sit quietly with God?

Ask Him to help you practice and enjoy silence and stillness. Your soul will find refreshing peace. God's rest is exactly what our restless soul needs.


Dear Lord, my soul is having a hard time being still. I lay down my resistance to silence and commit to five minutes of silence with You for the next month. I praise You in advance for what You are going to say to me in the silence. I thank You for the rest only You can give. In Jesus' Name, Amen

Forgiving and Excusing

I find that when I think I am asking God to forgive me I am often in reality…asking Him not to forgive me but to excuse me. 

 

But there is all the difference in the world between forgiving and excusing. 

 

Forgiveness says 'Yes, you have done this thing, but I accept your apology...' 

 

But excusing says 'I see that you couldn't help it or don't mean it; you weren't really to blame.' 

 

If we forget this, we shall go away imagining that we have repented and been forgiven when all that has really happened is that we have satisfied ourselves with our own excuses. 

 

They may be very bad excuses; we are all too easily satisfied with ourselves.

 

 

 

Jessica Little Castleberry

Beautiful Warrior

I have been under spiritual attack of late. 

 

Several things have happened that have quite frankly...knocked me for a loop and questioning God and my ability to trust Him and His goodness? 

 

Why is it that MY insecurities in myself...lead me to question God and His infinite love for me? 

 

Why is it that when MY plans are thwarted....my first response is that God has forgotten me? 

 

I tend to forget my PURPOSE. 

 

My objective in living this life to the fullest as a woman of God. 

 

I was reading a study, authored by a Rabbi, about the Proverbs 31 woman. He said that in the original language, she is referred to as a soldier and a pearl. 

 

As a soldier, I should be on the offensive about the welfare of my family. I don’t know that much about war and battles...but I do know this...you do not just sit around passively waiting for the enemy to attack. 

 

You formulate battle plans. 

 

You research your enemy. 

 

You discover his weakness. 

 

You prepare your weapons. 

 

You strengthen yourself. 

 

You educate yourself on the where the battle will take place. 

 

As Christian women, we are warriors. We are warriors for our families, our churches, our communities, our country, and our own hearts. 

 

As school resumes session, let us determine to be warriors for our children and grandchildren. Let us educate ourselves on the ways they are attacked by Satan. Let us not be more concerned about them doing their homework, or being liked, than we are about their spiritual battlefront. 

 

Let us vow to cover our husbands in prayer before he leaves the house, aggressively claiming the protection of God over his heart, mind, and marriage. 

 

Let us faithfully, put on our armor and gird ourselves as the warriors we are. Let us turn off the TV and get in the Word. Let’s stop comparing ourselves to the “published version” of other lives and live the lives we have been given for God. 

 

Now….for the Beautiful… 

 

May I say this is a struggle for me? 

 

Honestly….I do better as a warrior. 

 

I struggle to see my beauty. 

 

I minimize my worth. 

 

And….whew…and this is really hard…. 

 

I don’t allow others to see the “pearl” that I am because of the suffering and issues of the past. 

 

I was chatting with a friend this week, I mentioned that I had felt that God had deserted me during the time of my divorce. She was shocked….she thought that I was a widow. 

 

This is a woman that I have known many years. 

 

God pricked my heart. 

 

During my divorce, God took that pain and used it to create a pearl…a pearl that I was willing to portray as a counterfeit because I did not share what God had done for me. 

 

Isn’t that one of the reasons of the Bible? 

 

We see the failings of Moses, David, Solomon, Peter and then how God worked in the lives of ordinary men and women. This gives us courage and encouragement. 

 

We should be sharing those things that God has done…those pearls He has created in us. 

 

Beautiful Warriors…let us begin again as the women God has ordained.

Helping Homeless Families

http://nationswell.com/watch-much-couple-can-stuff-backpack-homeless-20/

This family has found a way to bless homeless families for $20.

What does your family do?

The Overwhelmed Mother

The overwhelmed mother. 

 

We have all seen her, and as much as we hate to admit it, if you are a mother, there are moments you have been the overwhelmed mother. As wonderful and fulfilling it is…it is also exhausting at times. 

 

I am not sure how or where it started, but it seems to be acceptable now for women to bash each other. 

 

The working mom bashes the stay at home mom. 

 

The stay at home mom bashes the working mom. 

 

Public school vs Private school vs Homeschooled 

 

The list goes on and on. Why? Let us vow as followers of Christ to stop this nonsense. Instead, let us look at why a mother is overwhelmed and find solutions to ease her burdens.

 

· Offer to help with household chores 

 

· Tutor her children in difficult subjects 

 

· Give her a few hours to herself 

 

· Cook a meal 

 

· Do her mending 

 

There are other situations that are outside of the normal that overwhelm mothers, so let us please not forget the homeless mother or the mother of a terminally ill child. 

 

The average age of a homeless person is 8. We tend to think of the homeless as the old man who wasted his life drinking. The reality is that the homeless population is primarily mothers with children. 

 

Do you keep Blessing Bags in your car? Does your church have a homeless ministry? Does your community have a safe place for families to rest at night in safety? Do you pray for that mother that has the same hopes and desires for her children that you have? 

 

The mother of a terminally ill child (no matter the age) ….oh how my heart breaks for her. 

 

How can we bless her? 

 

First, by covering her and her family in prayer. That is always the most important thing we can do. 

 

Then, what are her practical needs? Are they able to be near their home? Do they need meals? Are there other children in the home that need attention? Are they struggling financially? What is she doing those long hours at a bedside? Can you teach her to knit or crochet? Many people find that such activities not only help with the emotional toil, but it offers them a way to give back by making items for other patients. 

 

Lastly…let her talk. Don’t judge the feelings that she is having. Let her unburden her heart about her fears, her frustration, and her lost dreams. Be there for her. There may be times that you want to cover your ears and run from the room, but be there. Love her lavishly. Remind her that God is in control and loves her more that imaginable. 

 

What are your thoughts? 

 

How have you been a blessing to the overwhelmed mother?

Happy Mother's Day

When I was three years old, my mother taught me this verse.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotton son, that whosoever, believeth in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

If you know me...really know me...you know that verse was a mixed bag for me. My biological father was a cruel man. It did not seem strange at all to me that a father would sacrifice his son.

Mine would have in a heartbeat.

But, my mother did not stop with that favorite of all verses in John. She turned to Romans and taught me that I had sinned. She taught me what the consequences were of those sins. She explained that even though my father was hateful, mean, and wicked...this Father in heaven was loving, kind, and perfect. That He loved me with an everlasting love. And that love for ME provided a way that I could be with Him forever.

Because of this teaching...

Fifty years ago today,

on Mother's Day,

at Delany Street Baptist Church in Orlando, Florida...

this timid 10 year old girl...

sitting in the middle of the church with her Sunday school class....

Stood up...and ran to THE FATHER.

Happy Mother's Day Mom.

The Expectant Mother

Part two of our eight part series is the Expectant Mother.

 

Oh what a joyous time in a woman’s life. 

 

A new child is coming into her life. Someone who needs and wants her tender care and devotion for a lifetime.

 

The Expectant Mother can take on different forms and each has their own set of challenges and opportunity for ministry.

 

The first is the Single Expectant Mother. She is alone on this journey to parenthood. She may or may not have the support of family members. She may be afraid, and struggling financially. She may have people in her life encouraging her to end this precious life within her. 

 

As Christians, we are pro-life and support the birth mother to carry the child to term, but we should not end our efforts there. I recently heard of a ministry that does an amazing job supporting the mother through the whole pregnancy and birth experience. I would encourage you to explore Embrace Grace and make it a part of your church ministry.

 

The second Expectant Mother may be in a secure relationship...but she may have concerns about her health or the health of her child. She may have questions about the birth experience or be worried about those first few months of motherhood. Make yourself available. Answer questions, offer advice. Let her know that God will be her helper and that He has chosen her out of all the women in the world to mother this particular child.

 

The third mother is the Adoptive Expectant Mother. Her longing for a child is being satisfied. Her heart is full of grateful appreciation, but is also fearful that it will not happen. She has faced many disappointments and is cautious about being too excited for fear of her heart being broken. Let us wrap our arms around the mother and support her. Lift her up before the throne of grace in prayer. If within your means, contribute to the adoption expenses. Be openly joyful and encourage her to open her heart and rejoice during the period of waiting. 

 

How are you being an encouragement to the Expectant Mother? 

 

Does your church have a ministry?

 

Please share your thoughts and ideas so that we may all become more effective in our purpose.

Teacher Appreciation

Heavenly Father,

We thank you for the many teachers who love You and serve You in both the christian and public schools. Bless them with strength, courage, and wisdom. Show us how to support them in the work they do shaping and educating our children.

 Amen

The Longing Mother

Today begins an eight part look at mothers, who they are and how we can minister to them.

 

The first mother is the Longing Mother.

 

This is the woman for reasons beyond her control has not know the joy and fulfillment of being a mother.

 

Most women start planning and anticipating motherhood while they are still little girls. We have our baby dolls that we tenderly wash, dress, and carry with us. Sometimes we dress up kittens and puppies, pretending they are our babies. This nurturing is born in us and we long to lavish it on our own wee one.

 

For the longing mother....Sometimes....the longing never ceases. I, along with several members of my family, suffered with infertility. 

 

Mine was rectified, but often it is not. 

 

Some women never marry. 

 

Some suffer from miscarriage of that precious child.

 

How can we minister to these dear longing hearts?

 

First....understand and be sensitive to the longings of their hearts. 

 

I can not tell you how hard it was for me on Mothers Day when all the mothers would stand up to be honored in church. Mother’s Day, 1977, I was the ONLY woman not standing in my church choir.

 

Be sensitive about asking questions like...

 

Are you two EVER going to start a family?

 

You know your mother is just dying to be a grandmother!

 

When are you going to have a baby...you are not getting any younger!

 

I suffered a miscarriage between my first and second daughter. Please understand that the child I lost is just as real to me as the ones I held. I may have smiled and nodded in agreement when I was told that “God knew best...maybe something was wrong with the baby...God will give you another child” ...But let me tell you. Those words cut me like a knife. There was no balm or comfort even though I know the ones saying it to me wanted no more than my comfort.

 

Offer words of love and consolation. Let the parents know that you are aware of their loss and that their child was precious and real. It is okay to say you are sorry.

 

Allow them to talk about their loss. Love them and let the love of God be manifested through you to comfort them.

 

Lastly, pray for direction from the Holy Spirit. 

 

Don’t assume that because a woman does not have children that she will want to work in the nursery. That may be too painful. But...it may also be just the thing that she needs to soothe her longings.

 

Pray for....be attentive to....and most of all..love the Longing Mother.

The Perfectly Perfect

"When I constantly try to measure up I put myself in bondage to pretense" 

 

Can’t we just say “Goodbye” to that girl?! You know the one, right? The one who is always perfectly groomed. Perfectly trim. Perfectly poised. Perfectly calm. Perfectly in-control. Perfectly cheerful. Perfectly kind. Perfectly friendly. Oh, and let’s not forget that her children are also perfectly well-behaved. And perfectly neat. As well as perfectly polite. Her home is perfectly cozy. Perfectly clean. And perfectly decorated. In a way that’s perfectly specific to each season and holiday. Her cooking is perfectly delicious. Her photos are perfectly gorgeous. Her job is perfectly fulfilling. Her husband is perfectly romantic; she is perfectly submissive. And her ministry? Perfectly amazing.

I bet a face or two came to your mind as you read those descriptions. Am I right? It’s because we all know that girl. And we know how she makes us feel… Inadequate. Incompetent. Inept. Inferior. Like we should be doing this, ought to be doing that. Or perhaps we should be more like this, ought to be more like that. And let’s not forget that we could look like this, if only… And so we berate ourselves. We agree with that voice in our heads that tells us we’re not enough. That we’re less than. Or we might try to find fault with that girl to make ourselves feel better. We criticize her in our thoughts. And sometimes even in our words, indulging in gossip that tears her down…to make us feel bigger.

So why should we say “Goodbye” to that girl,once and for all? Though there are probably numerous reasons, here are four: 

 

1.) Comparison sets us up for discontentment. When we’re comparing ourselves with others, discontentment is the inevitable result. Discontentment with our job, with our possessions, with our own talents and abilities, with the areas of ministry God has given us, and even with the people in our life. Anything we tend to compare is fertile ground for seeds of discontentment. Because when we’re wrapped up in “should,” “could,” and “ought to,” we all too often follow it with “if only.” 

 

2.) Comparison harms our relationships. When I’m constantly trying to measure up, I put myself in bondage to pretense. I can’t let anyone see the “real me” because the “real me” is flawed. And so I painstakingly keep up the pretense of being as-perfect-as-possible. I keep my mask firmly in place. And I don’t let anyone get close enough to see what’s behind the mask. 

 

3.) Comparison breeds failure. Comparison is a habit. We often don’t just compare ourselves to a single person. Most of the time we are chronic comparers. We compare this weakness to this person, and that flaw to that person, this sin to the other person, and this blemish to that person over there. We compare ourselves to the best of so many people, there is no way on this side of heaven we could ever measure up. We are erecting an impossible standard for ourselves. And so we doom ourselves to feelings of failure. 

 

4.) Comparison looks a lot like Satan. I know that’s not fun to read; it certainly wasn’t fun to write. But who is the one who wasn’t satisfied with his role? Who was discontent with who he was? Who looked at Someone and felt less than (though rightfully, in his case)? Who wanted to be more than he was? Who looked at Someone else and said, “I want to be like Him”? 

 

It’s best for us all to just say “Goodbye” to that girl, and stop comparing ourselves with others. What are some other reasons to stop comparing ourselves come to your mind? 

 

I would love for us to expand on this by sharing your thoughts 

 

 

 Jessica Little Castleberry

Guest Blogger

 

I am Somebody

This is who I am 

 

But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me—and not without results. 

 

For I have worked harder than any of the other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace. 1 Corinthians 15:10 (NLT) 

 

You are not your past. 

 

You are not your failures. 

 

You are not your state. 

 

You are a child of the King. 

 

You already know who God is, now be reminded today of who you are in Him: 

 

I am smart. I am important. I am a world changer. I am brave and courageous. I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I am beautiful. I am called by God to do great things. I am strong. I melt in His presence, yet stand strong in the face of adversity. I can’t stop running because Jesus didn’t stop for me. I am a finisher. I am the right woman for the job. I am a winner. I am so loved. I am richly blessed. I am rooted and grounded. I am abundantly graced. I am my brother and sister’s keeper. I am empowered to lead. I am an overcomer. I am more than a conqueror. 

 

Greater is He that is in me than He that’s in the world. I am a daughter of the King no matter how I feel and no matter how it looks I will see His promises manifested in my life. 

 

I am patient and kind. I am truthful. I am hidden in Christ. I am an end time soldier in His army. I was born for such a time as this. I have what it takes. I am resourceful. I am wise. I wear God’s grace beautifully. I am who God says I am and I will do what He says I will do. 

 

Father, help me stay reminded of who I am in You. 

 

Help me not to let my problems define me. 

 

You define me. 

 

In Jesus name, Amen.

Jessica Little Castleberry

Guest Blogger

 

The Gift of Jam

The gift of food is always welcome.

 

An older person may not have the room or need for items that sit on a shelf.

 

A new neighbor whose kitchen is not in order yet for cooking.

 

A busy mom will be grateful for a special pantry item that she did not have to prepare.

 

A college student will appreciate a taste of home.

 

The list goes on and on....ask God to reveal to you who needs this blessing.

 

This recipe is sugar free so it should be suitable for almost anyone.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 http://oldworldgardenfarms.com/2013/02/22/strawberry-honey-jam-recipe-just-4-natural-ingredients-with-no-sugar-or-pectin/#

Service-Mail Ministry

In 1967, America was up to her neck in the Vietnam War. I was 12 years old. I did not know it then, but that was the beginning of my Mail Ministry. 

 

I began writing servicemen that were far from home. Encouraging them, reminding them of the people waiting for them, sharing the scriptures.

 

In a world of emails and tweets, sending notes is still part of my life. Receiving a card in the mail is so much more personal....and yes...precious the the receiver. I love to get mail.

 

Here are some ideas for you in starting a Mail Ministry. It doesn’t matter if you are 12 or 112, strong or weak, you can fulfill you purpose.

 

 

 

 

 

http://ourshelteringtree.blogspot.com/2015/08/5-ways-to-begin-mail-ministry.html

In His Service

I found this great site today.  I love how she gives ideas that everyone can claim and do as we live our lives with purpose.

I would love to hear what you do to minister to others.

http://www.satisfactionthroughchrist.com/2014/04/everyday-ministries-for-any-christian.html

Our Purpose

It boggles my mind that God Almighty would go to such great lengths to spend eternity with me. 

For me.

Why?

And not only did His love extend to me that He wants me with Him…His plan was to equip me to do His purpose in my life…

If God cares that much…if He has put that much thought into His plan for ME…why am I just passing my days without a second thought?

“I will be glad when it is 5 o’clock”

“Will the weekend ever get here?”

“I am too busy….maybe when the kids are grown.’

“My kids are grown…working in the nursery are for the younger women”

“I am too old to serve.”

Let me ask you the same question I asked myself recently.

If the jobs of ministry are only for young people…if now that I am over 60 I am too old to serve…Why has God not taken me home to Him?

There are three main things that God leaves us here to do after salvation.

First, we are to be transformed into the likeness of Christ. Romans 8:29

Second, we are to make disciples.  Matthew 28:19

Third, to do the works He created and equipped us to do according to our spiritual gifts.  Ephesians 2:10

Do any of these things have an age clause?

Nope.

Do you know your spiritual gifts?  What is your passion? That will give you a good indication. If you are still confused, you can do a web search for Free Spiritual Gifts Assessment. There are a lot of sites to choose from.

Now….let’s get busy.