The Ways Of A Godly Woman

I have changed homes...

2008-11-30T06:45:00.000-08:00

My new home is An ATC Addict. I hope you'll join me there.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2008-10-27T06:12:00.000-07:00

I've been meaning to post this picture for a few weeks now. I've been so busy with everything else in life that I'm just getting around to it now though.

This picture was taken 10/19 in Pittsburgh PA. They've turned the fountain at The Point pink in honor of breast cancer awareness month. I thought it was so neat I had to share. Sorry it took me so long.

2008-10-07T11:58:00.000-07:00

What Your Pizza Reveals

You have a hearty appetite. You are likely to complain if a restaurant has small portions.

You consider pizza to be bread... very good bread. You fit in best in the Midwest part of the US.

You like food that's traditional and well crafted. You aren't impressed with "gourmet" foods.

You are generous, outgoing, and considerate with your choices.

You are cultured and intellectual. You should consider traveling to Vienna.

The stereotype that best fits you is guy or girl next door. Hey, there's nothing wrong with being average.

What Does Your Pizza Say About You?

Autumn is here

2008-10-07T11:36:00.000-07:00

I love this time of the year. In fact, it has to be my favorite time of the year. Nature looks so beautiful and it's actually nice enough, temperature wise, to be outside to enjoy it. It's so nice to look around and view the new art work that God is designing. I think this is the reason why I'm so looking forward to going on a day cruise on a boat down the river here in a few weeks. It should be a very enjoyable day out, especially since we only do small trips like this instead of big vacations. For this reason, it makes such small trips all that much more enjoyable. It's also helping me to move beyond my hurt by MLUPC. I drive by that church almost daily and have actually started not to feel anything, one way or the other, for it. Praise God for using nature to help heal my heart!

Mean Churches

2008-09-27T19:30:00.000-07:00

A reader of my last post brought a post on another blog to my attention. It's entitled "Dear Tormentor" and while I'm not a pastor in the same sense as this lady's husband, I was ministering in my church and I can relate VERY well with this post. Everything from my daughter being hurt badly by someone who thinks of themselves as a Christian to me being ran over and treated like dirt. It's made us not have to move home but definitely have to leave a place that we were beginning to think of as home - our previous church. I still don't get why leadership let's such trash happen but I deeply empathize with this post and so I simply had to share it with you. I could go on to say so much more... about how this church has no right controlling my life, about how I so longed to simply share fellowship and a mutual love of Jesus, about... Yet, alas, all I can say is that my previous church doesn't care who they hurt as they seemingly believe that there are enough people out there who are willing to take it that they can use and abuse whomever they desire. Well, so be it. I for one will no longer allow a church to do this to me - EVER.

AMEN.

P.S. Yes, I'm still really hurting. Hopefully time will heal and I will be able to forgive but I will never forget what the church has done to me all in the name of service.

Why I will no longer be found doing anything for the church

2008-09-25T06:22:00.000-07:00

After being totally stabbed in the back by yet again another church, I have made the decision to take my membership completely out of the church and to never again do anything for the church. I have been terribly hurt by the church at least 3 times now and will never open myself up to being hurt by this institution again. There is no way that Christ would call these churches His brides today the way that their ministers act by allowing their congregation to be hurt so badly. While this is the choice that I am making for myself, I'm still taking my daughter to a UMC for Sunday school and bells because SHE wants to do it. While there I refuse to be active and usually can be found doing needlepoint. I have come to the conclusion that I have no need for the way the church acts and that's my final analysis of the situation.

Sorry for the rant this morning. This is something that I've been wanting to say since Sunday but wanted to find the right words for saying it.

God's sense of humor

2008-09-19T08:52:00.000-07:00

I've been praying for patience lately. Of course, I know that some say that this is something that you shouldn't pray for but I was desperate OK LOL Well, I guess I'm going to be learning the lesson the hard way, which is why you're not suppose to pray for patience in the first place. You see, I broke my ankle last Wednesday and have been hobbling around on crutches ever since. Waiting on others to help you meet your basic needs is one sure way to learn patience. As my title says: God really does have a sense of humor sometimes.

Woohoo!!!

2008-09-09T10:53:00.000-07:00

It's a blessing to know that this blog is helping to encourage so many people. In fact, within the past week, I've been blessed with the following 2 awards:

AND...

Thank you both!!!

One of those days...

2008-09-08T12:23:00.000-07:00

I sure can tell that it's Monday today. Nothing has seemingly gone right. Every little things is getting on my nerves and I swear I'm a basket case.

I'm sure that we all have days like this but what makes all the difference in the world is what we do with these days. As Christians we are called to surrender our lives to Christ - the good days and the bad. We are to allow Him to live through us so that the trials and tribulations that come with everyday living do not wear us down.

This can be easier said than done on some days though. Thankfully Christ is there, arms open wide, to tell us that He really does understand this. I'm thankful for this as He truly has carried me through this day.

Disclosure Policy

2008-06-02T11:49:00.000-07:00

This policy is valid from 02 September 2008

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This blog does not contain any content which might present a conflict of interest.

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Does going to church make you a better Christian?

2008-08-31T07:39:00.000-07:00

In my opinion, "no," it doesn't. I think that there really is a time and a season for everything (the Bible tells us this) and that has to do with EVERYTHING in life, even church. I think that every once in a while we all need a break from church. This is something that even the very devout Amish understand: They only go to church every other week. I'm really beginning to understand the reason for this as I've been burnt out lately. I don't mean to say that we don't need the fellowship of other Christians because I know that we do. I just can't sit in church and be ministered to right now. I'm wondering what you think of the importance of attending church every week?

Church burnout (part 2 )

2008-08-26T07:39:00.000-07:00

I honestly don't believe that my church is toxic. Instead, I think that I've just been doing way too much and not being ministered to myself. I think that my schedule for both my daughter and I is filled with church but while she is at activities, I'm usually the one that's there to help. However, I have a hard time saying no when there really isn't a lot of people there who are being active. For as big of a church as we have, there still is the 20% who do all the work while 80% simply stand by and watch. While I know how God wants to use me, there's still way too much to do. I have been able to say "no" to a lot of people but I feel bad whenever I do. For this reason, I plan on attending more services next door at the UMC so that when I do attend my own church I'm feeling refueled. I pray that this will work and that this too shall pass.

Church burnout

2008-08-25T18:43:00.000-07:00

I haven't been feeling well lately... unable to eat and feeling rather stressed out. I don't like to lay fingers or place blame but I really think that part of the issue is my church. I really hate to say that as I've made some really good friends there but I'm really feeling burnt out. The season is about to change and I'm about to take a step back. I honestly don't feel as though I can keep going to a place that is literally draining me instead of making me feel good about being there. I'm not sure whether it's time for me to find another place to worship or if it's time for me just to take it solo for a bit. I really am that confused and drained. So, what do you do whenever you feel as though your church is sucking the life right out of you?

Sunday Morning Link Love...

2008-08-24T06:38:00.001-07:00

I'm sure you'll find some great new blogs here that you'll love visiting:

I'm sure you'll find some great new blogs here that you'll love visiting:

World of Mom
Drizzly Blog
WICBlog
Green 'n' Pink
Reading Writing and Reloading
Feelings Just Are
Not Just In Your Head
Kateedyd What?!
Mommie’s Marbles
Confetti by: Kateedyd
Pure Jade Home
Luxury Lifestylez
The Fuzzbutt Files
Kimmi's Krazy World
My Weekly Beef
My First Steps With Jesus
Good News
I Love my 3 Boys
Secola‘s Space
Left Hand in Right Mind
Thrifty Mom Ramblings
Tupperware
My So Called Blog
Remotely Mommy
Vibrant Healthy U
Photos For The Fun of It
Nusring Home or Home?
The Art Of Criticism
World of Homemaking
Mix World
Have Your Health
Money Relations
A Christian Marriage
That‘s What I am Talking About
Spiritually Grounded Mind
A Break From Parenting
Florida Travel Spots
All in a blog
Blog About it
Different World
I feel like a woman
Easing Chronic Pain
Momas Life
Bahama Berry
Wah and Loving it
My Big Fat Battle
Liz’s So Called Blog
Secret Thoughts and More
Kathleens Brand Buzz
The 40 Life
Photos for the Fun of it
The Geeks Girl
NES Nintendo
The Mighty Scribbler
Domesticated Diva
A little bit About Nothin
The Cajun Blogger
Wahm Adventures
House of Bargains
Coodas Corner
My-Junk-Drawer
Fat Girl Goes Fit
Mommy Mias World
Vanilla Country Store
Thrifty Thoughts
Godly Woman
My Special Place
Work from Home Options
The work from home blog
Women Of Faith
Cypress TX Mom
Momas Life
Success Factors
Savvy Business Moms
Here On Columbia Avenue
Da Boss And Bryguy
4 Cats Make Me Crazy!

Christians Under Fire

2008-08-20T16:24:00.000-07:00

It's no wonder why sometimes others look at Christians and say, "The church really is no different than the outside world." I am finding there to be a lot of truth in this statement this week. There seem to be a lot of people who walk around touting their Christianity but they're really no better than anyone else. Of course, I know that we're all fallen sinners but Christ has called us to be different once we are born again. I also understand that we all fall once in a while but we shouldn't continue to fall or walk in our fallen ways whenever they're pointed out to us. Nevertheless, I'm finding a lot of people who are a lot of walk without any talk this week. I'm finding that when the going gets tough the tough get going, not helping. This is really sad in a church but that is what I am finding. I believe that this happens in a lot of churches but I'm once again becoming very disillusioned by it. It's enough to make me want to leave the church behind and be a solitary Christian. While there may be power in the masses, it's very hard to find the right masses anymore. Sad but true commentary on what I'm learning this week.

Window Shopping Instead Of Working (A Fun Hobbie LOL)

2008-08-18T11:17:00.000-07:00

I love window shopping for Junior plus size clothing online because it looks so much better on me than the woman's stuff they create. Take a look at this dress that I found today: I think it is so adorable. In fact, I think that a lot of the other clothes that they have for sale here are also adorable. This store is so affordable too, their prices start at just $9.99 and they even offer free shipping on all orders over $75. You will also find maternity clothes here too if that's what you need, so make sure to check out
maternity clothes

Called to grow a backbone...

2008-08-17T20:30:00.001-07:00

I have the tendency of being too nice sometimes and now happens to be one of those times. It is unfortunate that other Christians will take advantage of this in a person. You would think that this couldn't or wouldn't happen in the church but needless to say: It does! I won't go into circumstances but suffice it to say that I've befriended some friendless folks who have now decided to take advantage of my friendliness. This really is a shame but it has taught me something that I feel is very important to share with you here: You must stand your ground and guard yourself against those who will use you. Christ called us to be servants but not to let others walk all over us. This isn't something that He'd appreciate, so feel free to grow a backbone. I know that's what I'm working on in my life right now.

Friendship

2008-08-12T10:17:00.000-07:00

As people of faith we are called to look beyond other's disabilities and see what their abilities are instead. This is something that God has really been challenging me with lately. I will be the first to admit that this is a difficult lesson to learn but, at the same, it is such a blessing whenever you do learn this lesson. Obviously Christ was a great role model for us in this regard. He was friends with sinners and with lepers too. Both of whom should have been beneath Him, yet He still showed us how to do this and called us to do it too. I'm not going to go into a lot of details and ramblings here. Suffice it to say that I challenge you to be a friend to the friendless today. Let me know how this goes for you so that we can encourage one another in this regard.

Back to life... Back to reality...

2008-08-09T12:02:00.000-07:00

This has been an interesting week trying to recover from mission possible. I'm glad that we spent the week helping and serving others but boy were we tired this week. As you can see this is really the first post since last week, sorry. I've been exhausted. I'm feeling better now though. I'm also finding that reaching out and doing this type of service will change your attitude in many ways (ie being kind to people whom you otherwise wouldn't even give a second look at). So, it's been interesting but we're nonetheless re-adapting.

This was such a blessing to me today...

2008-08-02T07:36:00.000-07:00

Mission Possible: Day 3

2008-07-30T16:25:00.001-07:00

OK I am officially burnt out and feel as though I have nothing left to give, yet there are 2 days left :-( I actually came home early tonight leaving my daughter with a friend. You wouldn't believe how much paperwork needs to be done on a mission trip. You'd think that it was all about reaching out but yet there's so much reaching in that needs to be done as well. I spent today at backyard Bible in the morning, delivered ice cream in the afternoon for about an hour, then the whole rest of the time was spent on nothing but paperwork. I'm becoming cynical because I'm so drained, please pray for me to get through these next 2 days because if God doesn't carry me, I'm not going to make it. Nevertheless, so much ministry is going on, so many lives are being touched and God is blessing so many people. I'm really happy to see Him at work and with so few things going wrong that we're all agreeing that this week has been a great success thus far.

Mission Possible: Day 2

2008-07-30T04:11:00.000-07:00

Day 2 was a little hectic, leaving me tired at the end of the day but thankfully I wasn't hurting as bad as I was Monday. It seems that the more we do, the more that there is to be done. I'm sure that some of this work is going to have to carry on beyond just this week. Nevertheless, I am thankful for Christ using us in so many miraculous ways. The kids at our backyard Bible study are having a wonderful time and my daughter seems to be really enjoying herself throughout the day as well. Anyhow, I can't afford to make this too long as I need to be there in 30 minutes and still need to get dressed but I know that some of you have been praying for me and for us and for that I thank you.

Mission Possible: Off To An Interesting Start

2008-07-28T16:56:00.000-07:00

Today was interesting to say the least. Backyard Bible Club went well with a total of 8 kids - 2 per adult, which means that relationship building should go well. I then spent the rest of the afternoon running around like a turkey without a head. So much stuff needs done this week and it's opening our eyes to seeing what else needs to be done within our church itself. It's like we are undergoing some type of a re-awakening ourselves while reaching out. Unfortunately, there's also some spiritual warfare going on already as well. One of the leader's homes was broken into and her laptop was stolen today. It's unfortunate that at all levels Christians are tested but especially when we are trying to reach out to help those who are truly in need. Needless to say I'm exhausted and hurt like heck.... I'm off to bed, night.

Mission Possible Launch

2008-07-27T11:47:00.000-07:00

This morning's service was the launch of Mission Possible. We were taught about how Acts 1:8 is still relevant in our lives today. Pastor Tim said that there were 11 unlikely disciples and so you would have thought that it would have been impossible to spread Christianity around the world but yet they were able to do so. Even the great persecution failed because Christ made the spread of His Father's Word possible. So, within 300 years, mission impossible became mission possible because everyone served as a missionary. This week is our chance to serve as a missionary for Christ in our local neighborhood. I'm looking forward to what should be a long but very good week.

Mission Possible

2008-07-26T15:45:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the kickoff for our big mission week at my church. I'm part of the worship team tomorrow and throughout the week. I'll also be helping with backyard Bible club, administrative duties and setting up for meals. Please keep this event in your prayers. While we are a big church we usually go overseas for our mission trips but this year we feel called to stay home and do intensive ministry in our area. There are a lot of ways in which you can pray for us but as for me I do have one BIG prayer concern: My health. I have both congestive heart failure and BAD fibromyalgia to the point that I was told not to hold a normal job anymore, which is why I work from home now. However, I'm an intern at my church and expected to be there every morning at 8AM and I don't know what time we'll be home but all I'll be doing at home is sleeping. I'm going to try to update you each day but if not, at least keep an eye on the Twitter feed on this page so you can find out what's going on and how it's going (I'll refer to it as MP there - probably "MP Upd8:"). I must admit to being a bit nervous about certain things but I will let go and let God work here. Thank you!