Long time, no post?

Where has the time gone?

Is it really already nearing the end of July already?

Lots has happened this summer at FBC, Booneville...isn't God so good?

From VBS, Terrific Tuesdays, mission trips and a lot in between, there have been amazing examples of God's work all summer long.

But, it's not over yet. God is still working. He is still moving. He is in control.

Let's not forget that...let's let God guide...and let's keep our prayer lives strong.

Have faith, for we can do all things through Christ.

The time...where does it go?

I glanced at my last publish date last night and was shocked to see that it was June 3rd. Where has the time gone? A lot has happened since then and yet so much is still the same. Please forgive me if you've been checking faithfully and I have been unfaithful to the posting. I will strive to get better because I need this blog as much as I know some of you out there do. Not that I'm saying that my writing is stellar...or that I have profound things to say...but I know that God is leading it and I want to follow.

As I look back on the month of June and what has transpired at FBC, Booneville, I am so very excited! VBS week rocked and 7 lives were dedicated to following Christ...7 young lives...doesn't that ROCK? God provided the entire week and He could be seen in everything that we did. Seeing the work of God just makes me want to do a happy dance, what about you?

The verse that we focused on all VBS week was 1 John 4:9...a verse that I am focusing on each and everyday. It says, "This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him."

WOW! Did that sink in...if not let it? I know we've all learned from the moment that we became Christians how much God loves us, but when you read it and it sinks in, it becomes so much more meaningful.

What have you done today to show your love to God? I challenge you to work on this today.

In the Midst of it All

In the midst of it all, we are all striving to reach a goal.

In the midst of it all, we are longing to be satisfied.

In the midst of it all, we are just trying to make it.

And in the midst of it all, I hope you have Christ.

And if you don't, in the midst of all that you have going, seek Him.

All Ears

Often times in our lives, we are so consumed in all that is going on around us that we fail to hear what is happening. We are so consumed with the "noise" of the world, that we fail to hear what God has to say to us.

I say this because I'm guilty of it...EXTREMELY guilty. I don't hear the words of my Father because I am too consumed with the other things that I hear.

In Genesis 46, it speaks of Jacob and how his ears worked around God. It says, "So Israel set out with all that was his, and when he reached Beersheba, he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. And God spoke to Israel in a vision at night and said, "Jacob! Jacob!" "Here I am," he replied."

Did you catch that? Jacob heard God. He replied to God. He listened to God. And in return God gave him great promises...promises that would not be broken, promises that would be fulfilled.

What is God trying to tell you? Would you stop and listen to Him today?

Those who aren't our favorites

Do you have those people in your life that you really don't want to associate with?

Are there those who have wronged you or mistreated you and for that reason alone you want nothing to do with them?

I'm sure we all have those types of people in our lives. We aren't proud to admit there is someone that we really don't like and we surely don't like to admit that we may be one of those people who has mistreated or wronged someone else.

But listen to what it says in Luke 6:27-28, "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you."

Ouch!

That hits me where it hurts...reminds me that despite the fact that it doesn't feel comfortable, God commands...not just advises...COMMANDS that we love our enemies, do good to them, pray for them.

I know I need to be taking these words to heart today, do you?

Importance of Blog

I've got a question for all of you out there...do you like the blog and want it to stay around, or in the whole scheme of things, is it not really that valuable to you? What things would you like to see? What things would you like to change.

You don't have to leave your name with your comment, but I really need feedback to know the direction this needs to go.

Thanks in advance!

Friday's Food for Thought

Micah 6:8 says, "He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

Is this verse speaking to you today? If so, what does it mean to you?

Tickles Me Tuesday

These sentences actually appeared in church bulletin or someone announced them during a church service.

To kick it off, we have this from a church bulletin that read, "Bertha Belch, a missionary from Africa will be speaking tonight at Calvary Memorial Church in Racine. Come tonight and hear Bertha Belch all the way from Africa."

This was an announcement in a church bulletin concerning a National PRAYER & FASTING conference: "The cost for attending the Fasting and Prayer conference includes meals."

This one cracks me up..."Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Don't forget your husbands."

The peacemaking meeting scheduled for today has been canceled due to a conflict. Hmmm...

Hope you got a little bit tickled today!

Mentors for Us

Have you ever thought about having a mentor or being a mentor?

Mentoring is an important part of a woman's life, one that is too often forgotten because of the hectic lives we all live.

Have you ever thought about the fact that God designed mentoring? We find many examples in the Bible where God had older relatives mentor the younger ones. Books such as Titus, Luke, 1 Samuel give examples of older, wiser women giving advice not only to others in the Bible, but us as well.

Are you mentoring today or do you need to be mentored? Are you praying for other women out there? Are you listening? Are you non-judgemental?

Find someone today that you can mentor and pray for or seek someone out to mentor you.

Apology

Please let me apologize for being so scarce the last week or so. I'm finally beginning to feel better after making it past the first trimester of my 2nd pregnancy, so hopefully I'll get back to a normal schedule.

I want to leave you with this question and I ask for your thoughts in the comments...

What does true faith mean to you? Is their a verse in the Bible that describes the level of your faith?

There are still some left!

Just wanted to let everyone know that we still have some t-shirts available from our FBC, Booneville Women's Retreat. The cost is $15.

To get one, please see Amy D, Linda B or Ruth Ann D and they can get you one. You may also e-mail the blog at fbcboonevillewoman2woman@gmail.com and place an order!

Friday's Food for Thought

Micah 6:8 says, "He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

Is this verse speaking to you today? I know it is speaking to me.

Camping Out

Several women in our church attended the Women of Joy conference in Branson last weekend. We heard many great speakers including Priscilla Shirer. She touched on many key points during her study, but one in particular really stuck out and has hung back with me. I feel that it is really important that I share it with you in hopes that it will speak to you as well.

The "ah-ha" moment revolves around Exodus 19, especially verses 9-11 where it says, "And the Lord said to Moses, 'Behold, I come to you in the thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with you, and believe you forever.' So Moses told the words of the people to the Lord. Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their clothes. And let them be ready for the third day. For on the third day the Lord will come down upon Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people.'"

God gives us two basic principles in this passage that He wants us to focus on...seeing and hearing. He commands us to "camp" or be still and wait for Him...wait to hear and see Him. Camp in the season...the season that we are in. Be still in the season...the season we are in.

Sometimes God wants us to go through the season that we are in completely without fast-forwarding to the next one. There are lessons to be learned, voices to be heard, things to be seen and often times the only way these things will occur is if we be still.

What do you think about this? Please leave your thoughts in the comments section below. If you do not have a blog, you may leave your comment as an "Anonymous" profile.

Tickles Me Tuesday

Happy Tuesday!

Friday's Food for Thought

Romans 12:2 says, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."

How is this verse speaking to you today?

Tickles Me Tuesday

Here's another great one for you! Hope it brightens your day!

No damper here

Yesterday we celebrated Easter complete with thunder, lightning and rain (lots and lots of rain). Easter egg hunts were brought inside, families outside activities were put on hold and temperatures brought out cooler-weather clothing.

But, guess what? It didn't change the glory that yesterday beheld.

Jesus is not in the grave!

Jesus arose!

Jesus is alive!

Isn't that amazing? Isn't it glorious? Isn't it wonderful?

Not just anyone could accomplish such feats...it took a Saviour to make it all happen. It took a God who loved us, a Son who sacrificed for us and a love that outlasts any other.

Psalm 111:9 says, "He provided redemption for his people; he ordained his covenant forever—holy and awesome is his name."

He redeemed us and made a covenant with us that never ends...I have not the words to describe how that makes me feel.

Holy and awesome is His name!

Direction

Where are you in life?

What direction does God have you heading?

Is it comfortable?

Is it the direction you thought you would be going?

Was it hard to trust?

If we all are honest with ourselves and each other, we can easily say that following God's direction and having faith and trust in going the way He would have us go is not always easy. It can hurt...can be uncomfortable...can cause us to change.

Do we like change? Do we like to hurt? Do we like to be uncomfortable?

But we must trust Him...we must change if His direction warrants...we must move on even if it isn't comfortable. Why?

His way is the only way. His way is the right way.

If you don't believe me, read Deuteronomy 13:4 where it is written, "It is the LORD your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him."

I don't see any other way. I will follow Him. Will you?

Tickles Me Tuesday

Hope this makes you smile today!

God loves you.

Friday's Food for Thought

Hebrews 10:36 says, "You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised."

How is this verse speaking to you today?

What's Up Wednesday

A new series is starting today here at Woman 2 Woman. It's called "What's Up Wednesday" and will detail the happenings of the Women's ministry at FBC, Booneville.

This series will be one that will take involvement from everyone. If there's something going on in the church that you want everyone to know about, let me know and it will be featured here.

Today's "What's Up Wednesday" post features the Women of Joy conference that is coming up in a few weeks. If you have signed up to go, but have not paid all of your money, please, please, please do so as soon as possible. It is imperative that the money be paid.

I also ask that you begin praying for all that will be attending the conference. I know that it is going to be a wonderful weekend and one that is completely God-filled.

2 Corinthians 13:14 says, "May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all." This is what I intend to be a part of at Women of Joy.

Tickles Me Tuesday

Oh my goodness gracious...if this doesn't make you laugh...please don't tell me.

Amazing Love

Wounded.

Beaten.

Bruised.

Killed.

Are these things that you would endure for someone else?

Most likely, our answers to this question would involve some hesitation, some second guessing, some anxiety.

Amazingly, though, when Jesus was asked to endure these things for us, He just did them...no questions asked...obeying His Father's commands.

What an amazing love...all for sinners...totally undeserving.

Have you thanked Him lately for that love? For those sacrifices?

Reflect on this today...

Friday's Food for Thought

Micah 7:7 says, "But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me."

What is this verse saying to you today?

For me, it is proclaiming my declaration...my hope is built on nothing less than JESUS!

Praise the Lord!

Tickles Me Tuesday

I think it's fun to laugh.

As Christian women, I think it's great to laugh together. We're starting a new segment here at Woman 2 Woman called "Tickles Me Tuesdays." I hope that it makes you smile, makes you laugh, takes your thoughts away from the worries that you have for a moment or two.

If you've never heard of Anita Renfroe, she is a Christian comedian who has done many stand-up acts that will have you laughing and laughing and laughing. Here's just a quick example to tickle you today!

Where would we be?

This past weekend, FBC Booneville hosted a Women's Retreat...complete with food, fun, laughter and tears. I include the tears part because as I grow and age in Christ, I see that it's OK to have tears for Jesus. And oh what tears I had for Jesus this past weekend.

One of the biggest things that hit me during the retreat was the scripture that one of our speakers reminded us of from 2 Timothy.

2 Timothy 2:13 (from the NIV) says, "If we are faithless, He will remain faithful, for He cannot disown himself."

Even if we don't have faith, God is still faithful?

Even if we've lost all hope, God is still faithful?

Even if we don't care anymore, God is still faithful?

YES! YES! YES!

Praise God!

Through my years on this earth, I have experienced great hardships, great triumphs, great peaks and great valleys. My faith has soared to the highest highs and fallen to the lowest lows.

What I learned this weekend, though (or maybe I already knew it and was just reminded of it this weekend), God never changed. God never changes.

Let that soak in...let it sink in. Do you get what I'm saying?

GOD NEVER CHANGES! He is still there, even if we don't call upon Him. He still loves us, even if we don't give Him the love back. He is still faithful, even when we are not.

Praise God! I'm so glad that God is my constant.

If you attended the retreat this past weekend, what are some things that spoke to you?

Friday's Food for Thought

Proverbs 31:26 says, "She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue."

What is this verse saying to you today?

You still have a chance

Hey Ladies...

FBC, Booneville is hosting a Women's Retreat this weekend entitled "It's Tough Being a Woman, When You Think You Are All Alone." It starts Saturday, March 21 at noon and runs until 5 pm.

There is still time to purchase your tickets (through Thursday morning). Cost is $7.50 per person and includes a catered lunch (with yummy, yummy food), snacks and lots of worship and girl time designed especially for all of us women. There will be 2 speakers, worship times, breakout sessions and fellowship.

You can e-mail me at fbcboonevillewoman2woman@gmail.com (Amy D) or see Linda B or Ruth Ann D about tickets. You may also call the church office if you need to (479-675-3292).

There will also be t-shirts for sale at the retreat...the cost is $15.

Make plans to attend...you won't want to miss it!

Recipe for Smiles

Ok...you are obviously learning by now that I love to eat. And since I like to eat, I like to try new recipes. And lucky for you, I will pass on those recipes that knock my socks off.

Today I've got a recipe that will keep your socks off for a long time. It came from my sister-in-law and I had it the first time after my son was born. Let's just say that one pan did not last very long around this postpartum, milk-producing, first time momma.

So without further adieu, I give you the ultimate banana pudding recipe.

1 8 oz pkg of cream cheese (I use fat free)
1 small can sweetened condensed milk (I use fat free)

Combine these ingredients. Next, add 1 large box of vanilla INSTANT pudding prepared according to package directions (I use skim milk). Then, fold in 2 small tubs of cool whip (I use fat free).

In the bottom of a 9x13 pan, place a layer of some type of butter cookie (the recipe calls for Pepperidge Farm Chessman cookies, but I normally use whatever off-brand butter cookies I can find at the grocery store). Then place 4-5 bananas sliced into small pieces on top of the cookies followed by the wet mixture you made above. Refrigerate.

Just before serving, top with another layer of the cookies. Your guests will thank you. I will thank you if you have me over to enjoy it with you.

If you try it, let me know what you think in the comments section! Happy Tuesday!

What He Sees

My son happily burst in the door the other night with these flowers in his hands.

If you look closely, you'll be able to see that the flowers had seen better days, their leaves already wilting and turning brown. But in my eyes, they were the most beautiful thing I had ever seen.

This is how I feel like I look to God sometimes. Really, really wilted and brown on the outside, but on the inside, God sees my heart and knows who I really am.

I'm sure from time to time, we have all felt weary and heavy laden...like we can't bear even one more burden. We feel as if we have wilted and turned brown and really don't want anyone to see us from the outside.

Good news, my friends, good news. God loves us regardless. The wilted leaves, the browning color mean nothing to Him when eve through out tough times we still rely solely on Him. He is the one who wants to bear those burdens. He doesn't care how we look on the outside, as long as our heart and soul are His alone.

Psalm 68:19 says, "Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens." Let Him bear your burdens today. Let Him show you His unending love. Don't worry about the outside, for God sees how beautiful we are on the inside.

We have a winner...

And the winner of the devotional book is...

Amanda F (comment #4)

Congratulations Amanda!

And here's the random generator that I used. For those who are wondering, I kicked out the first comment because it was my own that I was testing the system with. Therefore, I did a random generator for 6 numbers.

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:4
Timestamp: 2009-03-13 23:31:06 UTC

Happy Weekend!

You still have a chance

We've got a giveaway going on until Friday here at Woman 2 Woman. Click here to enter.


The comment craziness has been fixed and everyone who wants to enter should be able to now.


I'm looking to share someone's testimony on Thursday...do I have any takers? If you are interested, e-mail me at fbcboonevillewoman2woman@gmail.com and let me know!

Our first giveaway **Updated**

***Updated to Add...the comments part was not working due to an update. The problem has been corrected and you can now leave comments under the profile "Anonymous." Sorry for the confusion.***


Hello! I hope you all had a fantastic weekend!

We're having our first giveaway here on the Woman 2 Woman blog and I'm so excited.

The giveaway is for this book...

It is called Rain on Me: Devotions of Hope & Encouragement for Difficult Times. It was written by a girl a went to college with, Holley Gerth.

Click on the link for the book and read the details of the book and then come back and tell me what you think. You don't have to have a blog to win, just enter a comment in the comments section and be sure to leave me an e-mail address so I can contact you if you win. The contest will close on Friday, March 13th at 5 pm CST. Only one entry per person.

And just because I want each of you to have one of these, if you happen not to win, you can still click on the link, order the book and add the code "RAINON20" at checkout for a 20% off discount.

Good luck!

Friday's Food for Thought

Deuteronomy 6:6-7

“These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."

How is this verse speaking to you today?

Leaving Comments

Several people have asked me about leaving comments for the posts and so I thought I would give you a little tutorial.

Below each post is a link that you can click on that says "Comments." Once you click on it, you are directed to a page that gives you the option to type a message in a box and submit it so that it appears below the post.

If you choose to leave a comment, type it in the box, but before you go to submit it, mark the box for leaving an "Anonymous" comment. If you want to leave your name in the actual message, do so, but leaving an "Anonymous" comment is the easiest and fastest way to have your voice heard.

If you still are having trouble leaving comments, you may e-mail me at fbcboonevillewoman2woman@gmail.com.

Have a blessed Thursday!

If anything, then God

As we are going through the Beth Moore study on Esther, I have had many "aha" moments.

None more profound, though, than the one I had today.

Beth was talking about this statement:

If ____________________, then ____________________.

And described a fear in her life that God had been dealing with. She talked candidly about how God kept asking her if this fear really happened what she would do. Then she would answer Him. Then He would ask, "Then what?" And she would reply. Then He would again ask, "Then what?" And she would answer.

Back and forth, back and forth this conversation continued until she realized that after it all, God would still be there...helping pick up the pieces...proving He is the one, the only real constant in our lives.

And then our statement looked like this:

If ________________________, then GOD!

We all know this, we've been told this, but to hear again today was an "aha" to me. An "aha" in the sense that I needed that reminder and this hit me in such a way that it impacted me more.

How does this make you feel...leave a comment in the comments section and tell us your thoughts.

God is working

I feel really strongly that God is working in the lives of the women at FBC, Booneville. That's why today, I am encouraging each of you in your daily quiet time with God to pray for the women of our church.

Pray for their guidance, their wisdom, their strength, their peace. Pray for direction in their lives. Pray ultimately for God's will to be done in all things.

Prayer is a powerful thing and I earnestly ask for your prayer today!

Easy, breezy and tasty

I've got another recipe for you. This one is sure to be added to your monthly menu sometime in the next month...and I hope it also brings an invitation for me to come over and enjoy with you.

Chicken Parmesan (feeds 4 adults)

4 chicken breasts
Olive oil
Shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cans Italian style diced tomatoes
1 can tomato sauce
1/2 can tomato paste
minced garlic (refrigerated kind)
Italian seasoning

In a pan, pour enough olive oil for browning the chicken breast. Place chicken breasts in pan and cook until brown on the outside and cooked throughout. Add in remaining ingredients (except mozzarella cheese), stir together and simmer for about 5 minutes. Remove pain from heat, top the chicken breasts with mozzarella cheese and place in a 350 degree oven until cheese melts and is bubbly.

Serve over cooked pasta (I prefer whole wheat spaghetti). I also serve with a salad and some yummy bread...because what is pasta without some more carbs?

I hope you enjoy it. If you do, let me know about it in the comments section! Happy Monday!

Friday's Food for Thought

1 Peter 5:7-11 (NIV) says,"7)Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 8)Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9)Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.



10)And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11)To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen."



How is this verse speaking to you today?

Thursday's Testimonies

Today's Thursday's Testimonies comes from me...Amy D.

"Looking back over my life, many things stand out in my walk with Christ. My introduction to my Saviour came at a very early age as I attended church with my Granny. This started very early in life (probably around age 8 or 9) and continued on until I was in the 11th grade. My Granny attended (still attends) a different denomination than where I am now, but the basic message was still the same...God loves you.

During the summers of my growing up years, I attended VBS at FBC, Booneville. I looked forward to this week every year because it was such a fun experience. And when I was 10, the experience took on a whole new meaning. This was the summer that I was saved. It was there in the opening service that I recognized that tug at my heart and after some counseling with VBS workers realized this tugging was actually the Lord letting me know He was really there. And I accepted.

It wasn't until I was a Senior in high school, though, that I followed in baptism. Why the gap, you ask?

Well, after my saving summer, I continued attending church with my Granny. These years were great, but I didn't feel the "feeling" much anymore. You know the I-want-to-do-everything-for-Christ feeling? Then my life changed again. Not that my life was bad before, but it wasn't where it needed to be.

I started attending FBC, Booneville with my then boyfriend (now Husband) in the fall of 1994. I immediately became very active in the youth group and even began attending regularly on Sundays. I still from time to time attended with Granny, but I was beginning to see that FBC was where I was truly meant to be.

One week after I had been faithfully attending for some time, our then Music Minister asked me why I hadn't ever followed in baptism and I honestly couldn't give a good reason other than I just hadn't. It was then and there that we decided that the following Sunday would be my day.

And it was...and it was glorious...and I can't believe why I waited so long.

But God knows...He knows why I drug my feet...He knows what things He taught me along the way...He knows that I learned that He was the only person I could truly rely on. It was God's timing...not mine. He knew way back when I was 10 that I had accepted Him...and for some reason He granted me extra time to follow Him in baptism.

Not earth-shattering, not mind-blowing, not heart-stopping...but it is my testimony all the same.

I love the Lord...He loves me...I desire to serve Him and try to do that in many capacities...and I know someday we will meet in Heaven and we'll be there together FOREVER.

Before we even ask

This beautiful story was written by a doctor who worked in South Africa . It is a bit long, but I encourage you to read through it today. It will encourage and strengthen you in so many ways.

As written by the doctor, "One night I had worked hard to help a mother in the labor ward; but in spite of all we could do, she died, leaving us with a tiny, premature baby and a crying two-year-old daughter. We would have difficulty keeping the baby alive, as we had no incubator (we had no electricity to run an incubator). We also had no special feeding facilities. Although we lived on the equator, nights were often chilly with treacherous drafts. One student midwife went for the box we had for such babies and the cotton wool that the baby would be wrapped in. Another went to stoke up the fire and fill a hot water bottle. She came back shortly in distress to tell me that in filling the bottle, it had burst (rubber perishes easily in tropical climates). 'And it is our last hot water bottle!' she exclaimed.

As in the West, it is no good crying over spilled milk, so in Central Africa it might be considered no good crying over burst water bottles. They do not grow on trees, and there are no drugstores down forest pathways. 'All right,' I said, 'put the baby as near the fire as you safely can, and sleep between the baby and the door to keep it free from drafts Your job is to keep the baby warm.'

The following noon, as I did most days, I went to have prayers with any of the orphanage children who chose to gather with me. I gave the youngsters various suggestions of things to pray about and told them about the tiny baby. I explained our problem about keeping the baby warm enough,mentioning the hot water bottle, and that the baby could so easily die if it got chills. I also told them of the two-year-old sister, crying because her mother had died.

During prayer time, one ten-year-old girl, Ruth, prayed with the usual blunt conciseness of our African children. 'Please, God' she prayed, 'Send us a hot water bottle today. It'll be no good tomorrow, God, as the baby will be dead, so please send it this afternoon.' While I gasped inwardly at the audacity of the prayer, she added, 'And while You are about it, would You please send a dolly for the little girl so she'll know You really love her?'

As often with children's prayers, I was put on the spot. Could I honestly say 'Amen?' I just did not believe that God could do this. Oh, yes, I know that He can do everything; the Bible says so. But there are limits, aren't there? The only way God could answer this particular prayer would be by sending me a parcel from the homeland. I had been in Africa for almost four years at that time, and I had never, ever, received a parcel from home. Anyway, if anyone did send me a parcel, who would put in a hot water bottle? I lived on the equator!

Halfway through the afternoon, while I was teaching in the nurses' training school, a message was sent that there was a car at my front door. By the time I reached home, the car had gone, but there on the veranda was a large 22-pound parcel. I felt tears pricking my eyes. I could not open the parcel alone, so I sent for the orphanage children.

Together we pulled off the string, carefully undoing each knot. We folded the paper, taking care not to tear it unduly. Excitement was mounting. Some thirty or forty pairs of eyes were focused on the large cardboard box. From the top, I lifted out brightly-colored, knitted jerseys. Eyes sparkled as I gave them out. Then there were the knitted bandages for the leprosy patients, and the children looked a little bored. Then came a box of mixed raisins and sultanas - that would make A batch of buns for the weekend. Then, as I put my hand in again, I felt the.....could it really be? I grasped it and pulled it out. Yes, a brand new, rubber hot water bottle. I cried. I had not asked God to send it; I had not truly believed that He could. Ruth was in the front row of the children. She rushed forward, crying out, 'If God has sent the bottle, He must have sent the dolly, too!' Rummaging down to the bottom of the box, she pulled out the small, beautifully-dressed dolly. Her eyes shone! She had never doubted!

Looking up at me, she asked, 'Can I go over with you and give this dolly to that little girl, so she'll know that Jesus really loves her?' 'Of course,' I replied! That parcel had been on the way for five whole months, packed up by my former Sunday school class, whose leader had heard and obeyed God's prompting to send a hot water bottle, even to the equator. And one of the girls had put in a dolly for an African child - five months before, in answer to the believing prayer of a ten-year-old to bring it 'that afternoon.' 'Before they call, I will answer' (Isaiah 65:24)."

This prayer was written by the doctor who wrote the story above and only takes a minute to pray. I encourage you to pray for one another today.

"Heavenly Father, I ask you to bless my friends reading this. I ask You to minister to their spirit. Where there is pain, give them Your peace and mercy. Where there is self doubting, release a renewed confidence to work through them. Where there is tiredness or exhaustion, I ask You to give them understanding, guidance, and strength. Where there is fear, reveal our love and release to them Your courage. Bless their finances, give them greater vision, and raise up leaders and friends to support and encourage them. Give each of them discernment to recognize the evil forces around them and reveal to them the power they have in You to defeat it. I ask You to do these things in Jesus' name.... Amen"

Being a Woman

Boy, it sure is hard being a woman, isn't it?

So many pressures, so many expectations, so many things to accomplish...how are we ever supposed to get it all completed?

Have you ever had these thoughts?

Well, ladies, I've got a wonderful thing to tell all of you....yes, it is tough being a woman, but you ARE NOT all alone in this roller coaster. God is with you always...He wants us to strive to do things that honor His kingdom. He knows it isn't easy and He knows we want to quit sometimes, but in the end, He wants us to trust in Him and His plan will play out.

Colossians 3:1-2 says, "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."

Don't worry and fret and be jealous about those earthly things, instead put your faith and trust and energy towards those things which glorify His kingdom.

Will it always be easy?

Ummm....NO!

Will it always come out the way we want it to?

Well...NO!

But, will God bless us for being faithful to Him?

ABSOLUTELY!

Worship

Ok, so I'm posing a question to all of you out there in hopes to get a little feedback.

It's about worship and how you prefer to worship. Everyone has their own idea of true worship and I think it will be interesting to take a poll. So, check the sidebar to the right for the poll and please answer as honestly and truthfully as you can. No one will know how you answered (not even me). Thanks and have a GREAT Monday!

Friday's Food for Thought

"And the God of grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." 1 Peter 5:10

How is this verse spekaing to you today?

Thursday's Testimonies...Almost

Next week will be our first edition of "Thursday's Testimonies." Please forgive me for not having it up and going this week.

Instead, I'm going to leave you with this song...a song that I listen to almost daily because it has such a powerful message for me. Listen to it, meditate on it, thank God for who He is. Have a GREAT Thursday!

There is Nothing Else

Have you ever thought about all the things that we use or come in contact with on a daily basis?

In the morning, you might use the hair dryer, curling iron, flattening iron, coffee maker, make-up, microwave, perfume, toilet, shower...

In the afternoon, you might use the microwave, cell phone, home phone, automobile, post office, mailbox, trash can...

In the evening, you might use the television, DVR, reading lamp, stove, oven, refrigerator, dishes...

Wow! That's a lot of stuff and it doesn't begin to scratch the surface of all the things that we really use on a daily basis.

The "stuff" that is used might change from time to time, day to day, month to month depending on where we are in life. But, there is one thing that is constant in our daily lives and really, with this constant, we need nothing else.

You know who I am talking about. Psalm 16:2 says, "I said to the Lord, 'You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.'" Apart from God, nothing is good, nothing is complete, nothing matters.

Reflect on this verse today and ask yourself, are you relying on God the way that you need to be or are you finding some other person or thing to fill that void? I hope you can say that God is all that you need. Thank Him today for being that constant in your life.

Praise His Name

I (Amy D) follow many blogs. Some I follow because of the humor they provide me when I need it most, others I follow for great recipes and others I follow because they pick me up when I need it most.

We need to praise God's name today for two very special people who the Lord healed during their first few days of life. To read their stories, go here and here and praise God's name today!

Thanks

As I helped with my son's Valentine's party on Friday, I paid close attention to all the kids around me. They came from many backgrounds and varied in age from 3 years all the way up to almost 6.

I assisted in handing out "treats" for the kiddos and noticed a consistent trend...there were little to no "thank you's" uttered. Now, I will have to admit that I did not like it. Not that I longed to have the praise that a "thank you" often times brings, but I longed to have the kids understand how important a simple "thank you" really is.

And so I pondered these questions in my head following this experience. Is Christ happy that we do not offer up thanks for all that He is and does for us in our lives? Does He not want us to be grateful and have gratitude for those things even unknown that He does in our lives?

In Ephesians 5:20 it says, "Always [give] thanks to God the Father for everything." In my mind this sums it up in just a few words.

Thank God for EVERYTHING...not SOMETHING...EVERYTHING. He wants us to be faithful to His will and all the things that He does in our lives for us.

Have you thanked Him today? Does He know how grateful you are?

Go to His throne today and let Him know how you feel.

Friday's Food For Thought

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9

What is this verse saying to you today?

Thursday's Testimonies

I would like to start something new next week called Thursday's Testimonies. I am looking for volunteers to submit to me their personal testimonies to be featured each Thursday here at Woman 2 Woman.

It will serve as a wonderful ministry tool to so many. So, if you would be willing to volunteer, e-mail me (Amy D) at fbcboonevillewoman2woman@gmail.com and we can get the ball rolling.

The One that Looks Good

As I was driving home after picking my son up from school, we were talking about what he was going to get on our twice weekly trip to Sonic.

He has been asking and asking the last few weeks if he could have a purple drink at Sonic. I could never figure out what he meant, so I always said no...pretty much because any colored liquid one drinks in the car by a toddler spells disaster for my carpet.

Yesterday, as we pulled in, he again told me that he wanted a purple drink. I said, like I had so many times before, "What is a purple drink?"

He replied, "The purple drink on the sign."

The purple drink on the sign. The purple drink on the sign.

He had chosen the drink not by what it consisted of or what it tasted like, but by how it looked.

And this made me think. It was an "a-ha" moment for me.

How often do we judge someone or something merely by how it appears on the outside? Are we guilty of just taking things at face value and not digging deeper to unveil the truth inside?

It is written in John 7:24, "Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment." God instructs us to go further than skin deep. Don't choose something based on how it looks or assume that you know a person based on how they look on the inside.

I know this is easier said than done because of the world we live in today. We are surrounded by many media outlets that try to entice and excite us based on appearance alone. Don't give into the world, though. Show Christ on the outside and the inside...show that He is your Father.

A recipe for all

Here is a recipe that I need each of you to make and then call and tell me you've made so that I can come and eat it.

No-bake Cookies

In a large saucepan, combine the following:

2 cups sugar
1/2 cup milk
3 TBSP cocoa
1 stick of butter

Heat until boiling. Once it begins to boil, count to 60, remove pan from the heat and add the following:

3 cups of instant oatmeal
1 cup peanut butter
1 TSP vanilla

Stir, drop by spoonfuls onto wax paper or aluminum foil. Allow to cool, call Amy.

Hurry, make quickly. Call Amy.

Bigger Than Ourselves

I'm learning as I am blessed with each new day in life how important it is to seek God's will and His alone.

Sure, there are things in life that I think I need or I think are best for me, but as I trust in His unfailing, perfect path for my life, I can step back and say with absolute faith that He has it worked out for me.

At this particular time in my life, remembering that His will is bigger than any will I can accomplish on my own, is so comforting. I marvel at His timing and His thinking and His doing rather than worry about what I can do.

And most of all, I find peace in watching my life unfold.

Is there still anger at times, anguish at times, fear at times...of course. But my hope and faith lies in nothing but God.

Where does your faith lie? Are you trying to achieve things that are much bigger than you? Remember who has your back, remember who's working your will, remember to rely on Him.

"16)Jesus answered, "My teaching is not my own. It comes from him who sent me. 17I)f anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. 18)He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself, but he who works for the honor of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him." John 7:16-18.

Friday's Food for Thought

"Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death." 2 Corinthians 7:10

What is this verse saying you today? Reflect and rejoice for our Saviour loves us.

Relying on Faith

Faith.

Wow! What a powerful word!

How do we describe?

Is it hard to live by?

Faith is not something to take lightly. It's not something that we can have unless we truly give ourselves over to God. Faith has to be prayed about not once, not twice, but all the time.

Faith takes patience...patience in a God who has our best interests at heart.

Faith takes understanding...understanding God's perfect timing.

Faith takes commitment...commitment to one God and He alone.

Having faith isn't always easy, it's not always the in thing, it's not always comfortable, but as long as it is God-centered faith, life will work out. It won't always work out how you want it, but it will work out according to His will.

"All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful for those who keep the demands of his covenant." Psalm 25:10.

Being a Woman in Today's World

Our ladies Bible study group has started the new Beth Moore Bible study series, Esther: It's Tough Being a Woman. It will be a 10 week, soul-searching, faith-building, God-centered series that will focus on the complexity of being a woman.

There is still time to join in. They will run on Tuesdays from 10-noon or Sundays from 4:30-6:00 at FBC, Booneville.

Running the Race

One mile.

Two miles.

Three miles.

Our life is like a race. There are times when the race seems to be flashing by before our eyes and there are other times when you feel like you are at the bottom of a hill and can't make it up.

But during every leg of the race, one must ask themselves who they are running the race for? What is the prize for finishing the race? What strength can I rely on to get me through even the toughest parts?

I hope that you can safely say that you are running that race for Christ and He alone and that you find peace, comfort and joy in knowing that the ultimate prize will be spending eternity in Heaven. I hope that each of you (myself included) is running the race using God's strength.

Does the race still get tough?

YES!

Will you fall along the way?

PROBABLY SO!

But, can you get back up and keep going?

I SURE HOPE SO!

Christ's strength is not a one time thing. It's not like a pit stop along the route that you can take and then you get no more. It is there for the duration. He wants to be there the whole way through.

" Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek His face always. Remember the wonders He has done, His miracles and the judgements He pronounced," 1 Chronicles 16:10-12.

Friday's Food for Thought

"I said to the Lord, 'You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.'" Psalm 16:2 (NIV)

What is this verse saying to you today?

Righting a wrong

Has there been a time in your life when someone has hurt you? Taken advantage of you? Made fun of you? How often in our lives do these things happen?


For most, being wronged happens more often than we care to admit. Too often, we wear our emotions on our sleeves and just the slightest of "negative" vibes from someone else bring us to a point of despair.


We all have a desire to be liked and because of this it is sometimes hard to forgive someone who truly hurts our feelings.


Luke 17:4 says, "Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive." Do you have someone in your life that you need to forgive to right your relationship with God and that person again?

Take time today to pray for a forgiving heart.

Today is just the beginning

Welcome!

Let's face it...it's just tough being a woman, especially without the support, encouragement and experience of others. We all have those days when we are on our highest highs and those days we are the lowest of the lows. For both, it's nice to have someone to share it with.

That's the focus of this blog...being that Christian support that all women need. It's a place to share devotions, testimonies, recipes and really whatever else we need to share to uplift each other in Christ.

If God lays something on your heart that you feel like sharing, let us know. This is a blog for each of you to find strength in through the words that Christ gives us to write.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, "Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing." God spoke to us through these words telling us to be there for one another and lift each other up. The hope is that this blog will do just that.