Proverbs 12:16

Proverbs 12:16 tells us "fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult." 

I recently transitioned from working in a home based office to working in an actual office, and let me tell you, there is definitely a touch of culture shock! Most offices that are predominately staffed with women experience quite a bit of what one expert referred to as "estrogen overflow." One major difference, which even I had a little trouble with at first was that some individuals, when confronted with change, resort to anger, irritation or hostility and usually, the root of these negative emotions is fear. The factor that has changed some aspect of their daily life is unwelcome and resisted because with change comes uncertainty. So, what do you do in this type of environment? Honestly, the same thing you are supposed to do in all situations, give it to God. Be respectful of other people - regardless of how they react towards you - share kind words and always remain courteous. You may not be able to control other peoples behaviors and attitudes, but you can definitely control your own; and ultimately, you will never really know what anyone else is going through, so pray for compassion and empathy, remember the words in Proverbs. 

Excerpted from The Blessed Woman by Debbie Morris

One of the greatest joys in my life is simply enjoying the fact that God made me a woman. I cannot claim every experience that accompanies being a female, but for those I can claim,  I am proud. There is nothing like the freedom of putting on a sundress, some pink lip gloss and rock star shades during the summer, to really take pride in the beauty and wonder of being female. =)

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

We’ve come of age in revolutionary times when women are making more decisions than ever before. Unlike our mothers and grandmothers, we’re buying houses on our own, heading up corporations, and working on cures for cancer. We’re fixing dinner, soothing a crying baby, and teleconferencing a board meeting all at the same time. We’re wearing hard hats and work gloves so often that hardware companies are designing tools specifically for women. In many ways, this is a fabulous time to be female. But it’s also a complicated time. In fact, without God’s guidance, it can get downright confusing. 
I was reminded of that a few years ago when I read the book Love Has a Price Tag by Elisabeth Elliot. In it, she shared how she once gave her college students the unusual assignment of defining femininity in as few words as possible. Her description of how both male and female students struggled with the challenge intrigued me so much I took it on myself.

After searching and searching my heart and mind for an appropriate definition, I finally came up with an answer. Are you ready? Drum roll, please: Because we as women are fashioned wonderfully and uniquely by God, femininity is living in all the splendor of who God created us to be! Which brings us back to Eve.

The original first lady and our first biblical mentor, Eve, showed us that as women we are, above all, divinely created to be springs of life: to conceive, carry, bring forth, and nurture that which will enliven the world. God has woven into our DNA the capacity to give birth and to mother—not just physically but also spiritually. And as I’ve discovered both from the Bible and from experience, it’s a capacity we never lose.

Excerpted from The Blessed Woman by Debbie Morris

Proverbs 3:11-12

I still find hope in reading these reminders that even in moments of great pain, sorrow or trial, God has a plan. He knows what He is preparing us for, we can’t always see it, and we definitely cannot control it, but we can rest in His arms during difficult time and know He is carrying us through the storm. Be blessed today!

Proverbs 3:11-12 – My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke,

Posted: 20 May 2013 09:15 PM PDT

My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.

– Proverbs 3:11-12 (NIV)

Today’s commentary
by Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, GraceNYC.org

God has a purpose for every trial that you and I go through. Because of the work of Jesus upon the cross, we are not set up for judgment but for growth, even if the struggles that we face are great. This may cut against the grain of our quest for comfort and convenience, but God is interested in more than having us feel good about ourselves—He is a faithful and loving father who delights in bringing us into what He has made us to be and do.