Something to Chew On

I am up at 5:30 this morning and posting a blog. Some may call that an addiction, while others call that stupid. I, however, want to call it divinely inspired. While the words I am about to share with you are not my own, they do challenge and pierce the heart. I pray that today these words will meet you right where you on. Maybe you need to pass them on to be an encouragement to someone else. However you choose to receive them, please do just that... RECEIVE them! I believe that within its lines, there is something to be learned for all of us.
As you know, Beth Moore is a huge influence to me. I love her Bible studies. Not just because they are so well-written, but because they challenge me. They make me super uncomfortable. Why, you ask? Well, it's in that challenge that I feel propelled out of my comfort zone and realize that there is a whole lot of learning to be done for the rest of my life. I just want to be teachable. I don't always do things right. I will always screw up, but thanks be to our Father He won't leave me the way I am. Through the words of Beth Moore I am challenged today...not because they are her own words, but because she cites the only Word that really matters - our very own love letter from our Father, God's word! Read this today and know that you are own my mind, ladies. I am cheering you on in your pursuit to be more like our Daddy, Abba Father. Go today and run this race for Him and to Him! I love you!
http://livingproofministries.blogspot.com/

Difference Maker

God has really been challenging me lately, and the road has been a little bumpy, you could say. My soul desire is to make a difference, but that doesn't always come easy. It really requires a lot of endurance, patience, focus and attitude. I'll be honest...I don't really know how to do it just right. One thing I know about myself is I don't like to fail, but many times I feel as though I do. Sometimes you don't know all of the lives you may impact, but you just have to be faithful to continue to do what God has called you to do. Other times, God allows us glimpses of lives we have impacted, and I thank Him that He does that from time to time because it spurs me on to keep going. The truth of the matter is that God doesn't need us at all, but yet He entrusts to us different ministries, lives to influence and seeds to sow. It really overwhelms me that He would use us. You know...just USE us for His glory. We certainly don't deserve it.
Lately, I have been feeling like giving up. Probably those closest to me don't even know that I feel this way because I have gotten pretty good at masking it, or I can just move on and push it to the side in order to make it through. The truth of the matter, however, is that I feel my heart hurts alot. It hurts to see people saved. It hurts due to a lack of trust I have in people. It hurts when I feel like someone intentionally sets out to hurt me. It hurts to just follow God in obedience to all He's called me to do. Really, in a nutshell, life just hurts sometimes. I know that Satan is the chief author of lies, and lately, he's done a number on me. Ever heard things like, "You are good for nothing" or "You will never amount to anything" or "They will never accept you"? I hear this stuff and fall short when I believe it. God does not intend for a life with Him to harm us beyond what we can endure. What a promise that is! Maybe you needed to hear it today.
Back in the day when I was a Senior in High School we had to choose our Senior quote for the yearbook. I really struggled over what I wanted to leave as my "mark" for those following behind me. Apparently, at the time, this same thinking of feeling like a failure was surrounding me, and God led me to Psalm 73:26, which says, "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." (NIV)
Wow! Even today, those words ring out such promise and hope for me. I believe they are words that meet me in any season I may face. In this season I feel like I am in now, it really feels like it's lasted a while. I have tried too hard to mask the pain I feel over those that have hurt me in my life, and all the while I am hurting. I just don't feel good. "Why, God, does the pain continue to pierce?" I really don't understand it, but I do know this...when you try to be what people want you to be, it will never be enough. I know today, I can no longer try to be that people pleaser, but when you try to be what God want you to be, it will always be enough because, Ladies, He is enough! He is the "strength of my heart and my portion forever"!
Yesterday, in the depths of my despair, God sent an angel to encourage me. I want to thank Connie C. for her kind and encouraging words. You didn't know you were probably even encouraging me, but you did. Connie said that reading this blog was the highlight of her day! You may not think that means much, but to this heart that felt like anything my heart and flesh was a part of was failing, it meant everything to me. Thank you for your teachable heart, Connie - a heart that just wanted to soak up something for yourself, and yet you gave back in your encouragement to me. I hope as you read this that it is, once again, the highlight of your day, because today YOU can be encouraged to know God used you in my life!
For the rest of you reading this, be encouraged and lift one another up. One thing I know to be true...we just don't have a clue what is really going on in the lives of people closest to us, so lift up your Sisters in Christ today. Your prayer may be the Difference Maker in their day!

24:7 Moms Event

Hop on over!
Join us as we celebrate Leap Day!
Moms, bring your little ones for this very special playdate!
Friday, February 29th 10am
LifeSong Gym
**For more info contact Jennifer Greene.
24:7 Moms

Great job, Barbie!

A very big Thank You to Barbie George for doing an awesome job coordinating our Ladies' Coffee Connection yesterday! Although I was unable to be there due to a sick baby at home, all I have spoken with have been singing Barbie's praises. I am so very proud of Barbie and how she has taken her role of coordinator of this time very seriously. She truly cares about the lives of women and desires that we all foster relationships with one another. Some would like to argue that we do not have a need for a women's ministry, but I beg to differ. The responses of the women that attended yesterday are proof positive that women need relationships with other women. Titus 2 speaks very specifically to our need of having older women mentoring younger women. Have you ever taken a good look around? All of us are older than somebody! :) There is a whole world of women out there that is waiting for even one friend that will show them the love of Christ. I have loved sharing my heart this past week on my love and respect for my husband. He is my very best friend in this world, but I am also thankful for the female friendships that God has given me. Friends spur us on to be a better us, and it's times like Ladies' Coffee Connection that helps further build this atmosphere of love and trust for the sisters in Christ God has given us. If you are reading this today and you need to know that you are loved, let us show you that at LifeSong Church and in Aroma Women's Ministry. We simply want to show you the love of Christ and serve you in any way we can. We have another opportunity very soon for all of you moms of young children to get together and foster some relationships with each other, as well as for our children. Look for that information to come soon. Once again, Thank You Barbie for being obedient to all God is showing you. I look forward in the coming weeks, Ladies, of introducing you even further to the ladies I have the privilege to serve alongside in Aroma. I am going to give you a glimpse into who they really are, and you can see for yourself why I am so very proud of each of them!

Ladies' Coffee Connection

Ladies' Coffee Connection

Join us for a time to chat and hang out with your girlfriends...all while enjoying some hot coffee!

When: Monday, February 18th - 9:00am

Where: LifeSong Church
Toddler nursery area
Can I bring my kids?: Yes! Bring them...they'll play while we chat
Contact Barbie George for more information

Check it out!

We have a family blog. We'd love for you to check it out.
http://www.hickmanhappenings.blogspot.com/
Amy

Got Music?

One of the things I would like to do with our blog is to pass on some useful info, so write us and let us know the answer to this question...

"What is currently on your iPod?"

We would love to know what you work out to, worship to, or just chill out to, so post some comments ladies. I will compile a list of all of your recommendations. It's always good to hear some new ideas.