Peace & Rest

Most mornings I wake up, rub my still sleepy eyes and look at the glow of my phone. Sometimes if my brain switches on too soon, I decide to put in my passcode to unlock my phone rather than just snooze my alarm. I’ll scroll through Facebook and Instagram, although I am not really sure why because no one really posts between 11pm and 7am. I wince and groan because I don’t really want to get out of bed. So, I scroll a little longer to procrastinate the inevitable. I am good at that, procrastinating the inevitable. The thought of a fresh steaming cup of coffee eventually gets me out of bed. That and the fact that I have now wasted too much time and have only half the time to get ready.

On these days, social media and culture have stolen my attention by 7:30 am and I can’t say it is always life giving or good for my soul. As I am off and running, there is work, then errands, dinner and chores, building Legos and fixing forts and by the end of the day I am spent. As I try to rest my head at night, I have so many thoughts swirling through my head... I just can’t even. I start out on my stomach with my head to left, then I switch it to the right. I turn to my right side with my knees pulled in tight then toss to my left side pushing my legs out straight. I might do this twice (it’s like a 20 minute process people!) before I finally drift off to sleep.

I would bet that many of you find this routine strangely familiar. (Maybe not the bed time tossing and turning, but the daily routine in general?) We have so many things competing for our attention, it is so easy to stay distracted, busy and at unrest. We hear about this story and skim through that article. Put out that fire and mop up this mess. When we finally settle in with our third cup of joe (or maybe that’s just me!) our phone dings 4 times in a row with something else that needs our attention.

Even though I love the small quiet moments, I’ll be honest I don’t always do rest well.

Jesus said, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” Mark 2:27 (NIV)

Observing the Sabbath was commanded to us, yes, but the command was given as a blessing.

“For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.” Exodus 20:11(NKJV)

God has set apart a day of rest to bless his children. I really love that phrase, set apart. It means this day is supposed to look different, feel different... BE different. No striving, no fussing, no distractions or things pulling us in all directions. Just you and Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath and rest.

I want to do rest, well. I want my Sabbath to look different from my other days. Because I believe that in His rest, we find peace. And God’s peace makes us walk differently.

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust you.” Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)

How can you begin to incorporate the Sabbath into your life? If you already set apart this day, how has it helped you throughout the rest of your week? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments…

Post by: Jimmie Lee DiIanni

If Luck Is All You Have...

A few weeks ago I wasn’t feeling too well.  And what do we do these days when we are sick? That’s right! We input our symptoms on WebMD! Then promptly receive the diagnosis that we’re dying, lol! I’m kidding. Usually it will tell you to seek the opinion of a doctor.  So after going back and forth about what I should do, I finally made the decision to go to the ER. 

Now this is not the exact recounting of my illness (Lyme’s Disease) and how awful I felt.  Because I felt pretty rough.  This is the story about something that struck me as fascinating during my hospital stay.  It’s about what people kept offering me… Luck.  Or shall I say, the bestowing of “good luck” sentiments upon me by just about every person I met while in the hospital.

I need to preface my story with this tidbit…  A few days before I started to not feel well, the Lord guided me to a verse during my quiet time that I held onto as that week progressed. At the time, I really didn’t know why God led me to this verse but I believed there was a specific reason for it. He gave me Jeremiah 30:17a (NKJV):

“For I will restore health to you

And heal you of your wounds,’ says the Lord.”

As the next few days unfolded, I held on to that verse dearly.  I had written it down on a simple notecard, keeping it in plain view all the time.  I recalled it as I lay in bed aching.  I thought of it as I began a collection of black and blue marks on my arms from the IV’s and blood draws. It reassured me as the hours, then days went by.

As I spent time in the hospital, the doctors were having a difficult time figuring out just what exactly was wrong with me.  Despite all the unknowns though, I was comforted and steadied by the love and fervent prayers of my family and dear friends.  I knew that whatever the doctors diagnosed me with, that God was with me.  I was confident that He would heal me just as He said in the verse He given me a few days earlier.

But there was something that really stuck out to me while I was in the hospital.  It seemed like every person I came in to contact with be it a nurse, a doctor, the food service worker delivering my meal – they all would wish me good luck as they left me.  In fact, I was bid “Good luck!” so much, I was starting to wonder if I had somehow in my feverish state, wandered into a casino instead of a hospital!

If a tech would finish drawing my blood, he’d depart and say, “Well, good luck to you.  Hope you feel better!” Or as my nurse would finish her shift and leave, she would walk out of my room saying, “Good luck!  I hope you get well soon!”

Now, I know in our society, it can be frowned upon to share your faith in the work place.  I mean, I certainly wasn’t expecting any of the hospital staff to offer to pray for me or mention God really at all.  (Which can I just pause and let the heaviness of that statement kick in. I don’t know about you but that kinda makes my heart a bit sad.) But the mention of luck happened so often, I began to wonder, if I wasn’t a Christian, and so called “luck” was all I had, how in the world would I make it?

I mean, there I was, so sick it warranted a few days in the hospital.  I had full confidence God would heal me because He told me in His Word He would!  I had the love of the Father comforting me and strengthening me.  I knew that whatever the future would hold, no matter what my diagnosis would be, God held my future.  And that was enough for me.

But you guys, there are so many who don’t have that.  They are desperately holding on to luck.

My hospital room was semi-private and half way through my stay, I had a roommate.  We shared our stories with each other of how each of us ended up in the hospital.  She was as eager to leave the hospital as I was.  Her doctors would inform her that with luck, she’d get to go home the next day.  She was clinging to that.  She wanted to get out of there in the worst way.  From my bed across the room, I silently petitioned God to heal her and restore her.

When the next day arrived, I had a diagnosis and discharge papers.  I packed up and left our room, heading home.  While my roommate sadly, lay in her bed.  She was still hooked up to monitors and going home was not going to happen for her that day.   We said goodbye and she (of course) wished me “Good luck!”

Ladies, what do you think I said?? 

I looked her in the eyes and warmly told her, “I hope you get to go home soon!  I’ll be praying for you!”

Sweet friend, if luck is all you are holding on to today, may I suggest another way?  Because, when it all comes down to it, if luck is all you have – then really, you have nothing.  There is no such thing as luck but there is a Savior!  A Savior who is so much better than so-called luck.  Jesus - mightier than anything we face! He is with us, He is for us, and He will never leave us! He is our hope, our healer and with Him all things are possible!

Ladies, if you need prayer or if you have questions, the Bloom Ministry is always here for you, please email women@westridge.cc. We love you!

Post by: Marcy Gates

The Comparison Trap

Comparison. It can be hard not to compare ourselves with those around us. Particularly in our current culture. We have our little circle that encompasses where we live and that affects us. But there is also… The internet.

We have 24 hour access to what everyone else is doing, pinning, liking, and tweeting. Life can look beyond perfect in social media land. I probably don’t have to tell you about all of the ways ‘internet life’ can make us feel like we are failing at our own lives. Don’t get me wrong, there are very, very good things on the internet! After all, THIS blog from the Bloom Ministry is here on the internet, lol!

Social media can be a great platform for encouraging people and spurring them on toward Christ. You can also keep in touch with friends and family who don’t live close. But even with all of the good things, it is really easy to begin comparing our lives with our 1,000 plus Facebook friends, before we even realize what we are doing. I think it happens little by little. A thought here, a thought there. Then, by the end of the week or even the end of the day, we are feeling like we are less then. We get those pesky feelings of not being enough and just filled with “icky”.

Do you feel it sometimes too? Can you identify with this comparison trap we fall into? It doesn’t just happen in internet life. It can happen at the grocery store, sitting at dance classes, having coffee with a friend, or entering a church building. The comparison trap is one so many of us get tangled up in.  It is easy to think you should be doing things like everyone else. But you know what? That is a recipe for stress, shame and guilt. Things that are not of God.

Have you been beating yourself up because your kiddo's birthday is right around the corner and elaborately themed parties just aren’t your thing?  People are expecting a party and it just has to measure up to little Janie’s party that you went to last month. But you’ve been scouring Pinterest and are beginning to feel inadequate, like you are a terrible mom? Or perhaps you love cutting kiwi and bananas into palm trees for a fun snack for your littles, but your friends don’t seem to bother with all that fuss for their families. (Side note: My birthday is in August and you can invite me over for lunch anytime!)  Or what if your friend of a friend of a Facebook friend just posted awesome beach vacation pictures and you are sitting on your porch scrolling through them while on your “staycation”? Are you suddenly comparing her life, talents, etc. with yours? When the comparison trap is bringing you down, what can you do? Do what God has called only you to do!

I give these things as an example because God laid this verse on my heart and I just keep coming back to it. Galatians 6:4-5 says this in The Message version, “Make careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.” Isn’t that good news?! Read it again!

God has given us all individual talents and gifts. I must say, if we are always concerned about what everyone else is doing, we can’t throw ourselves into what God has given us. Comparison can keep gaze shifting from the right and to the left instead of being fixed ahead, straight upon Jesus.

Ephesians 4:11-12, says it nicely, “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ...”

When we throw ourselves into the work God Himself has called us to then we can actually help each other better! Galatians 6 (NKJV) starts out with Paul telling the church to carry one another’s burdens. He makes a distinction between the word “burden” in verse two and the word “load” in verse five. The word load indicates a job that one would be expected to have the ability to handle. It’s “doable”! The word burden indicates a job that is too heavy to carry. If we are carrying our own load, throwing ourselves into the work God has given us, then when our brother or sister finds themselves with a burden too heavy to bear on their own, we are able to come alongside them and love them through it. If we are trying to be like everyone else, carrying a load that is not our own, carrying a load on top of our own, or carrying someone else’s load all together, things start to crumble. The need to perform or meet a standard that has not been set by God, becomes burdensome and we can falter.

It is important also to “make careful exploration of who you are”. The way we do this is by seeking God and asking Him who He made us to be. This is the first step into walking out your identity in Christ Jesus! We can ask Him what He has called us to. And sometimes, our work can change too, depending on the season we are in.  We must ask  this question of Him often! When we know who we are, and what God has called us to, then we can walk that out in confidence. We don’t have to compare ourselves with the woman next to us, because we know the work we have been called to. But, if the woman next to us needs us to help her carry a burden, then we can do that! “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.” Galatians 6:1 (NIV)

Paul also gives the church important instructions in the chapter preceding this, Galatians 5:16-26, shows us how to walk in the Spirit. By following this lifestyle, we are equipped to bear and share one another’s burden without comparison and without a negatively critical eye. When we get caught up in the comparison trap, we can bring everybody down. But, when we walk in the Spirit we are able to encourage everyone!

What are some things God has called you to? If you are called into leadership, God has placed you where you are for a reason. If you are a teacher, God gave you a passionate heart to help people grow. Whatever God has called you to, He has already equipped you with what you need.  Maybe God is calling you into a new season? Have you asked Him where it is He wants you to be? Listen to His voice and walk in that calling. We are all encouraged when one walks out their true identity in Christ! The Lord will guide and direct you where He wants you to go. You don’t have to look to the left or the right, because we are all uniquely designed by the God of the universe!

I love this quote and I see it often, “A flower doesn’t think of competing with the flower next to it. It just blooms” -Zen Shin

I like a bouquet of red roses. But, I stop in my tracks for a bouquet with all different types of flowers tied together. There is something about the unique differences of each one creatively put together to bring more beauty and radiance. God does the same with us. He creatively brings us together with all our unique gifts, talents, personalities and passions to bring about more beauty and radiance.

Sweet sisters, I pray that we continue to make careful exploration of who we are called to be in Christ!  I pray that we would not be puffed up or think more highly of ourselves, that we would no longer compare ourselves to the one on the left or the right, and that we would sink ourselves deep into the work God has called each of us to. I pray that we will continue to do our creative best with the life He has given us! That we would continue to walk in the Spirit, coming along side our brothers and sisters gently restoring them to Christ Jesus! I pray that we would know our Creator deeper every moment. Amen!

Post by: Jimmie Lee DiIanni

Bloom Spotlight - Felicia Bruck

Today our Bloom/West Ridge Women’s Spotlight is on a very familiar face!  You probably know her at West Ridge from her beautiful voice, singing on the stage with the Worship Team…  I’m talking about the lovely Felicia Bruck! Worship is not Felicia’s only passion at West Ridge though.  The Bloom Ministry is overjoyed to announce that Felicia will be taking over leadership of the Encourage Ministry!  So take a minute or two and read on as we get to know Felicia and her heart for this amazing ministry that is all about encouraging and supporting moms-to-be!

Felicia lives in Hopewell with her husband, Tristan.  They are parents to an adorable daughter, Savannah, who recently celebrated her first birthday.  They also share their home with their labradoodle, Polar Bear.  In addition to being a wife and mother, Felicia works full-time outside the home as a pharmacist. 

While pregnant with Savannah, Felicia signed up for the Encourage Ministry.  During her pregnancy, she received support and encouragement from her coach.  Following Savannah’s birth, meals were coordinated by the ministry and delivered to her as well as a gift of diapers and wipes.  I think most moms can remember what a wonderful blessing it was to have a friend or loved one show up at your door with a hot meal when you were sleep deprived, emotional (hormones!), and in the first days home with a new baby ; )  And if you haven’t had that blessing, let me just say… It’s amazing!

After her baby arrived, Felicia realized her heart had taken a turn.  Not only did she desire to serve on the worship team but she was developing a heart for the women who were in the very same shoes she was in only months earlier. She was drawn to new moms and wanted to connect with them, sharing all she had learned from her pregnancy and from the ladies who had poured into her God’s truth and love during that precious time.  Led by the Lord, Felicia signed up to serve within the Encourage ministry as a coach.

It has been said that every pregnancy and baby are different. And that is so true…  Felicia discovered that the reality of motherhood was very different than what she had expected and what she saw other new moms around her experiencing.  In the stressful and challenging times, she reached out to her family and friends.  She was blown away by the outpouring of love.  She understood the value of the support she received, not only as a new mom but during her pregnancy too. Felicia knew how blessed she was by it.  But she also recognized there were some moms who were on their own in that area.  It was there that she realized she wanted to pass that support and love on to other women and her heart for the Encourage ministry grew.  Felicia shared, “As a leader and as a volunteer in the group, just to see the appreciation from the mom’s heart is so rewarding.  You know that you are helping, but to just feel that is so great!  Plus it is a chance to be a part of a birth story! To be a part of that child’s life before they are even born. To be praying over that child before they are born.  And to be speaking life over that mom before she becomes a “mom”!  It is just one of the greatest privileges that can ever be given.”

As leadership of the Encourage ministry transitions from Shannon Harsh, to Felicia, there is excitement about what God has in store and a sense of gratitude for the foundation that Shannon helped to set in place.  Felicia says, “This ministry is really more than just bringing meals to new moms.  It’s really about having people come alongside a pregnant mom and lead them, guide them, letting God speak through you to that mom.  Our big goal right now is just to encourage people to get involved and to know that there is a role for them in this ministry.”  From coaches to meal takers to prayer warriors to post-partem support, there is a place for everyone to get involved.  Felicia adds, “There are so many ways to be a part of this ministry.  We just love moms and babies!  If you love moms and babies too, we’d love to have you join us!”  Commitment for this ministry can range from just one day to a year, it really is up to you and how the Lord is leading you.

We can’t end our time getting to know Felicia without having her answer the Super Six questions!!!  Here we go…

1. Are you a morning person or a night owl? Night owl!

2. What was the last book you read? “Beauty By the Book: Seeing Yourself as God Sees You” by Nancy Stafford

3. What is your favorite way to relax? Taking a bath by candlelight or maybe rocking in my rocking chair on my porch.

4. What would you have for the perfect meal? My husband’s chicken parmesan, spaghetti, salad, lots of garlic toast and chocolate anything for dessert!

5. What is your favorite Scripture to meditate on in times of stress? “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Proverbs 31:30

6. What is your favorite thing about West Ridge? It’s home and a family!

If you would like to become a part of the Encourage Ministry Team, contact Felicia today at felicia.bruck@westridge.cc

When Love Moves Slow

Music is something that is always in the backdrop of my life. Even as a teenager I would use song lyrics to help me get through different seasons or situations. Today, I will often listen to a song on repeat if the lyrics speak to my heart in some way. Often times another person’s art will spark my own creativity and allow me to put words to something that I couldn’t before. This post is one of those moments…

My faith is not a fire

As much as it’s a glow

A little burning ember

In my weary soul

And it’s not too much

It’s just enough to give me hope

Because your love moves slow

Yeah, your love moves slow

So I move slow

Because you move slow

Love moves slow

Let’s move slow

- Audrey Assad, "Slow"

We live in what some might call a microwave culture. We are accustomed to instant gratification and we want nothing less. I grew up with a similar attitude. I took piano lessons when I was younger. I liked piano. I wanted it to sound beautiful when I played. But, I didn’t want to put in the long hard hours of practice. I wanted the end result, without the discipline.

Recently I have come to the realization that I tend to approach life the same way. When watching a movie or reading a book, if the story line is too slow, I get distracted or busy doing something else. One corner of my bathroom is painted while the rest is left undone. I start an exercise plan only to throw it out the window in a week when I don’t see results on the scale. I want the end result, without the discipline.

If I am honest, I tend to approach my relationship with God much the same way. I want the end result, without the discipline. Can you relate?

Sometimes, the Father’s love moves slow. And if I am rushing to the end, trying to get all the answers, spinning and twirling to come out on top, I’m going to miss it. Kind of like the DJ changed the tune to Etta James’ At Last (my favorite) and I am still doing the Electric Slide!

When He moves slow, I want to move slow too. I don’t want to give into my microwave instincts of instant gratification, impatiently thinking that nothing is going on. God is in all of the details. It may seem slow to us, but God IS moving. The details matter to Him.

Our love story with God lasts forever and forever is a long time.

I am not who I was, I didn’t come this far on my own and it didn’t happen overnight. He is working it all out for the good of those who love Him, for the faithful and steadfast.

Recently, I have been feeling a shift from God. I have been feeling His whisper to slow down, to let the Holy Spirit lead this dance. I get frustrated and weary when I try to do it all on my own. But, when I purposely slow down, I can hear His voice more clearly. Then I am able to see Him in the details, right where He has been all along. 

Slowing down might look different for all of us. It could look like cutting back on the amount of hours you work, or saying “No” to a full weekend. It could look like incorporating a purposeful Sabbath or cutting out social media. Maybe there is one area God is asking you to focus on like family, serving, or ministry. Sometimes it could just be getting quiet before the Lord and allowing Him to minister to you.  

So if you are in a season of waiting, of slowness, or quiet, look for those embers of hope. Look for God in the details. He is waiting there with you. We don’t have to live our lives trying so hard all the time. We can rest in Him.

"You’re my place of quiet retreat; I wait for your Word to renew me." (Psalm 119:114 MSG)

Does this resonate with you? Do you feel as if you are rushing to the finish line like this race is a sprint rather than a marathon? Have you felt the whisper to move slow, letting God take lead? Let His Word wash over you with mercy and grace. Amen!

Post by: Jimmie Lee DiIanni

Inspired or Discouraged?

In the past when I read about the Proverbs 31 Woman, I would get discouraged.  After going down the list of all that she did, I became exhausted too!  I would read it and wonder how many cups of coffee she downed before her kids woke up.  This woman began her day preparing breakfast for her family before dawn! Let me repeat, before dawn.  The only thing I like doing before dawn is pulling the covers up to my chin and rolling over. Then as you read on in this passage, our Proverbs 31 Woman spends the rest of her day as a seamstress, farmer, real estate agent, property manager, adviser, not to mention wife and mother too. Phew!

I think so many of us ladies read about the Proverbs 31 Woman and feel the same way.  We get discouraged because we don’t live up to her.  We become envious because she is doing so many things that are big and exciting.  I don’t see any passage where it mentions how many times she asked her kids to make their beds or how many times she effortlessly refilled a sippy cup. No, this woman is out buying a field, planting a vineyard, even making her own bedspread!  A wonder woman doing BIG THINGS!

But really, when you dig down a bit deeper, we discover she’s loving, kind, hardworking, energetic, and resourceful. That doesn’t sound discouraging does it? When you take a closer look, past the actual activities and see the qualities that produced her actions, it is inspiring!  And then I realized, I do not need to be making my own bedspread (bless) or planting my own vineyard (I can barely keep up on weeding my garden boxes).  No, I needed to see the bigger picture of who the Proverbs 31 Woman really is…

First of all, she is a picture of the qualities that make up a faithful, compassionate, purposeful woman of God.  She is inspiring to married and single women alike.  Also, it should be noted that this section of Scripture is not just for the ladies, guys can learn from it too!  The Proverbs 31 Woman is a good model of what single, godly fellas should be looking for in a mate.  (“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.” Proverbs 31:10 NIV)  So let’s dig in and break down what makes this woman so special… 

The Proverbs 31 Woman is trustworthy, kind, and loving towards her family.  Her husband can trust her and she is always looking for ways to bless him (vs. 11-12). She makes sure her family is prepared for the day ahead (vs. 15).  This inspires me to make sure I send my family out the door each day with some fuel in their tanks and a travel mug of hot coffee for the husband. (Listen, I am not up when the rooster crows but I do get up a few minutes earlier than my gang.  It takes a couple minutes to toast up some bread! LOL!).  Also I don’t want to send my gang out grumpy, downtrodden, or crying but in good spirits, ready for the day.  And believe me, I have had a kid walk out the door with tears in her eyes more than once.  I don’t know anyone who wants to start their day that way! So I am working in this area, with the grace of God, to extend grace to my family at 7:49 in the morning when we are in crunch time. 

Next we see that the Proverbs 31 Woman is resourceful, hard-working, and strong.  This woman is out there, each day working hard, making wise decisions, and eager to complete the tasks at hand (vs. 13, 17, 18, 27).  Now for those of you who work full or part time jobs, this could mean doing your job to the best of your ability, remembering that the work you do is for the Lord and not for men (Colossians 3:23).  The Proverbs 31 Woman didn’t have the blues Sunday evening about having to go to work early on Monday morning.  Nope, she was out there, getting the job done (vs. 17)!

The same is true for those of us ladies who stay at home.  The Proverbs 31 Woman wasn’t lamenting the piles of laundry she may have faced that day, or wondering how many more toys she could cram into the closet without an avalanche taking her out.  (Oh wait, that is me!) I need to remember the energy and strength she modeled when I am feeling overwhelmed and flat out tired at the thought of folding up another basket of clothes.  I need to give myself the same advice I gave earlier, remembering that what I do around the house, I need to do it as if I were doing it for the Lord and not my family.  It seriously changes the way you look at everything you do! Would I put Jesus’s clothes away neatly in His dresser or just leave them in a heap on top for Him to put away?  See, it makes a difference ; )

Another quality of the Proverbs 31 Woman is compassion.  Not only does she help the poor and needy, but she loves them.  “She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.” Proverbs 31:20 (NIV) It’s a wonderful thing to give your time, efforts, and resources to the poor.  It is a beautiful act to show the love of Jesus to those in need.  And sometimes, it may not be a “financial” need but a need for love, encouragement, or a need to have someone to just listen and to pray with you. 

What else can we learn from the Proverbs 31 Woman? Well, she is thoughtful with her words (vs. 26).  When she speaks, it is with wisdom.  When she gives instruction, it is with kindness.  She’s not barking orders or yelling.  You guys, I’m still needing God’s help with this too.  I don’t know about you but if I have to repeat the same request to my kids more than twice, I get frustrated.  Or when I am trying to work through a teachable moment, trying to instill in them a Biblical lesson, and then someone burps (or worse, c’mon, you know what I mean!) I get discouraged. Then the kids chuckle and all seriousness is lost.  It kind of makes you lose the idea of kindness for a moment.  Am I right?  I’m thankful that God is not done working on me and showing me how to handle these moments better, with kindness, grace, and yes, humor too.

So what is the end result for our Proverbs 31 Woman?  What is the great reward for her life lived with faith and purpose? Well let’s see…  Her husband and children praise and bless her! “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Proverbs 31:29 (NIV) I’m not too sure about you but I would consider it a high honor for my family to say that about me.  Being considered a “noble woman” would be quite the compliment! But that’s not all, the accolades keep on coming for our Proverbs 31 Woman as this section of Scripture wraps up… “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” Proverbs 31:30-31 (NIV)

Sounds like pretty good stuff to me!  But how about you?  Are you still feeling like you are not enough when compared to the Proverbs 31 Woman?  Feel like you don’t even come close? Well, I have good news for you – that’s ok! The Proverbs 31 Woman is our inspiration.  We are focusing on her qualities and not the handmade bedspreads, business savvy, or pre-dawn meal prep.  We are zeroing in on her life that was lived purposefully and faithfully. 

Let’s not forget too, that God’s it is grace that covers us. With Jesus, we are enough!  It’s by God’s love and mercy and strength that we can go through our days, relying on Him when we miss the mark.  Because we will, at one time or another.  I’m so encouraged when I remember that when we mess up, when we have fallen short, Jesus is there.  He fills in the gaps and fills us with His love and power! Ladies, don’t be discouraged by that Proverbs 31 Woman, be inspired! 

"But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”  Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

Post by: Marcy Gates

All the Small Things

Noah and the ark, Moses and the burning bush, Abraham and Isaac, David and Goliath, Daniel and the lions, Shadrach Meshach and Abednego in the furnace... The Bible is full of these big, amazing stories, Old and New Testament alike!

I remember a story a missionary recounted when I was younger, sitting in church one evening. The missionary described a young girl from a foreign country who was demon possessed. He told us about these horrific inhuman screams that would come from the girl at all hours of the night and day. But, God used this missionary and his team to cast out the demon and heal the girl! A real modern day Bible story!

I have heard several more stories over the years, stories that excite me, stories that show just how powerful and glorious our God is! God is amazing and He uses us to do these BIG, amazing things! A privilege for sure.  Along the way though, I realized, I let myself believe the lie that if I wasn’t doing great big things for God then I must not be significant enough. Have you ever struggled with these feelings?

There are some amazing women of God who have set up these beautiful spaces online. I “follow” some of them because they have great big hearts for God and His kingdom and they so encourage me. They have grand influence and beautiful Instagram accounts. These ladies preach fantastic messages that speak right to your soul. Some own/run a business while raising children. These women are saving girls from sex trafficking, housing and teaching single moms and their babies in Kenya, holding 3 day conferences to pour into thousands of women or writing books. They are doing B I G things! I am thankful for their obedience and allowing God to use them. But if I am honest right now, I allow these things to make my life feel small. Have you ever allowed others to make you feel small?

I read these great big Bible stories and look around at all these women writing books and selling beautiful things and tell myself, “Well, I am just a mom.” Or, “I am just a wife, I just lead Bible study, I just have this small home...” And it can make me feel like I’m not doing enough. Have you believed that lie too? That you are “just a”... mom, wife, teacher, barista, etc.

Friends, I’d just like to inspire you today! If you have felt these feelings and thought these thoughts, I want to encourage you with some truth! God sees you. He sees you and He calls you good. He sees all the “small” things, that others don’t always see and He calls them good!

I want to share this passage of scripture with you today. It is one you are likely very familiar with, so I would like to encourage you to read it differently this time. You have probably heard it referred to as “The Proverbs 31 Woman” and I think sometimes our culture can look at this as a “to-do list”. But, today I want you to read it the way it was meant to be read, as a beautiful poem that celebrates all the crazy-hard, beautiful things we do as women.

The Virtuous Wife

Who can find a virtuous wife?

For her worth is far above rubies.

The heart of her husband safely trusts her;

So he will have no lack of gain.

She does him good and not evil

All the days of her life.

She seeks wool and flax,

And willingly works with her hands. 

She is like the merchant ships,

She brings her food from afar. 

She also rises while it is yet night,

And provides food for her household,

And a portion for her maidservants.

She considers a field and buys it;

From her profits she plants a vineyard.

She girds herself with strength,

And strengthens her arms.

She perceives that her merchandise is good,

And her lamp does not go out by night. 

She stretches out her hands to the distaff,

And her hand holds the spindle.

She extends her hand to the poor,

Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.

She is not afraid of snow for her household,

For all her household is clothed with scarlet.

She makes tapestry for herself;

Her clothing is fine linen and purple.

Her husband is known in the gates,

When he sits among the elders of the land.

She makes linen garments and sells them,

And supplies sashes for the merchants.

Strength and honor are her clothing;

She shall rejoice in time to come.

She opens her mouth with wisdom,

And on her tongue is the law of kindness.

She watches over the ways of her household,

And does not eat the bread of idleness.

Her children rise up and call her blessed;

Her husband also, and he praises her:

“Many daughters have done well,

But you excel them all.”

Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,

But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.

Give her of the fruit of her hands,

And let her own works praise her in the gates.

Proverbs 31:10-31 (NKJV)

All of these crazy-hard, beautiful things point back to God, you see it near the end, “But a women who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.” The virtuous wife, she cares for her family and so do you! She cares for others and so do you! She is careful and diligent about her words, her work and her purpose and so are you!

You see, all these “small” things, they matter to God.

He sees you when you are scrubbing the dishes and folding the laundry.

He sees you rise early for a moment’s peace before the day begins.

He sees you and every meal you prepare and spread out for your family.

He sees you in the late nights, the sleepless nights, the prayerful nights.

He sees you put your needs aside to listen to a friend or co-worker.

He sees you when you serve in the kitchen, in children’s church or for the pregnant momma’s.

He sees all the “small” things and He calls them GOOD! Stop thinking that you aren’t doing enough because you are doing exactly what God is asking of you.

“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.” 1 Corinthians 12: 12-14 (NIV)

All the crazy-hard beautiful things, the waking up each day and pushing through to the end, it is all Kingdom work. It is all important. It is ministry and it is good!

Praise God for all things!

Praise God for the crazy, big, amazing things and encourage 

those parts of the body who have been sent out.

Praise God for the crazy, “small”, amazing things and encourage 

those who have been called to stay.

Praise God for the parts of the body who do both!

You see God cares about it all! If he didn’t care, then we toil in vain. But it is all to His glory! You are doing the good things God has called you to. Right now. Today. So, keep on keepin’ on, friends! God is so good! 

Post by: Jimmie Lee DiIanni