Melissa Mashburn

Real Women. Real Life. Real Faith.

Godly Gals ~ Real Women, Real Life, Real Faith, Unfailing Love by Rita Schulte

By:

Unfailing Love
A Deeper Look into the Story of Hosea
by: Rita Schulte

Marry a whore. Keep her as your wife. She will betray you continuously, but you must love her and never leave her.You will be rejected continuously. You will be seen as a fool. Your life will be painful. Your reputation challenged. You will need to trust me. You will need to depend on me. You will always need to forgive, always show unconditional love, and always remain faithful in spite of your feelings of betrayal.

Who would ask such a thing? —God did—of the prophet Hosea. Why? He likes using the dramatic to drive home a point. God uses real-life people like you and me to demonstrate the commonality of our struggle. But the purpose of this story illustrates something profoundly deeper. God is telling us the story of his heart here. By using the sanctity of the marriage bed, and its defilement– something he knew we could understand–he shows us something of his pain regarding the betrayal of the children of Israel.

Did you catch the part about Hosea loving his wife and never leaving her? Close your eyes for a moment and freeze-frame that scene. You’ve discovered your spouse has been unfaithful. Not once but dozens of times. This is a person you thought you knew. This is a person you trusted. The truth has seared your soul like a hot iron. Every part of your being cries for justice. Hurt outweighs reason. What should you do?

Now, think about the worst betrayal you have experienced.

Close your eyes for a moment and recall the pain. Now imagine you have to experience that pain every day for the rest of your life. And you have to do it with love. By now, most of you are probably thinking, “No way!I wouldn’t do it. I couldn’t do it.” But that’s what God does.You may be thinking, Ok, but he’s God he’s supposed to love unconditionally. You’re right. And he does.

Over and over he demonstrates his faithfulness to us in spite of our rebellion, just as he did with Israel. He does it to paint a picture of his heart toward you and me. Don’t get me wrong—he was angry at Israel’s betrayal and continual idolatry. But consider this: here in this story, as always, mercy is remembered in the midst of wrath. Rejection of his children is not an option. God never leaves for a better offer. His love is unfailing and his mercies are new every morning.

The story of Hosea provides a powerful window into the heart of God and how his heart breaks over our constant infidelity and wandering. While this story is symbolic of God’s relationship to Israel, it is nonetheless applicable to each and every child God has loved and desired intimacy with.

I believe God’s heart is saddened under the weight of our lack of faith and trust in his goodness. I believe he is disappointed that we often choose not to see the love of his heart toward us. And just as he lamented over Jerusalem in Luke 13:34, I think his heart is broken at how quickly we forget him to chase after another.

So consider this; God wants to show us that even though we whore after other things, even though we don’t trust him, even though we rage at him and blame him for our plight—just as the children of Israel did—he waits patiently for us, constantly showing us the mercy and compassion of his heart. That’s the best Valentines Day gift I can think of.

So, the next time you’re tempted to believe no one understands your pain– remember the story of Hosea– and how God demonstrates his faithfulness to us in spite of our wandering hearts.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Rita A. Schulte is a licensed professional Christian counselor in the northern Virginia area. She has written a book entitled Sifted As Wheat: finding hope and healing through the losses of life which is currently represented by Hartline Literary Agency. Rita also hosts a weekly podcast show called Heartline. You can find her at www.siftedaswheat.com.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wow, wow, wow Rita…powerful stuff here today! I love the complexity of Hosea’s story and adding in your education and experience in Christian counseling and it really sets the stage for a great impact. Thank you so much for sharing a little piece of your heart here today. I’m so thankful for the chance to get to know you and find out more about what God’s doing in your world.

In the course of the two and a half years that we have had this series in Mel’s World we have been blessed by women…REAL women, from all walks of life. They share their stories. Their worlds. Their hearts…and we are blessed by them, but what about you?

Have you ever thought about sending something in for the
Godly Gals ~ Real Women, Real Life, Real Faith series?

Send me an email at melsworldministry {at} gmail {dot} com and I’ll send you a copy of the submission guidelines and answer any questions you have about sending something in. It’s not a yes I’m in, it’s simply I want to find out more.

What are you waiting for?

You have a story to share…I can’t wait to hear it!
~ Melissa

post signature

Godly Gals ~ Real Women, Real Life, Real Faith, Unfailing Love by Rita Schulte

By:

Unfailing Love
A Deeper Look into the Story of Hosea
by: Rita Schulte

Marry a whore. Keep her as your wife. She will betray you continuously, but you must love her and never leave her.You will be rejected continuously. You will be seen as a fool. Your life will be painful. Your reputation challenged. You will need to trust me. You will need to depend on me. You will always need to forgive, always show unconditional love, and always remain faithful in spite of your feelings of betrayal.

Who would ask such a thing? —God did—of the prophet Hosea. Why? He likes using the dramatic to drive home a point. God uses real-life people like you and me to demonstrate the commonality of our struggle. But the purpose of this story illustrates something profoundly deeper. God is telling us the story of his heart here. By using the sanctity of the marriage bed, and its defilement– something he knew we could understand–he shows us something of his pain regarding the betrayal of the children of Israel.

Did you catch the part about Hosea loving his wife and never leaving her? Close your eyes for a moment and freeze-frame that scene. You’ve discovered your spouse has been unfaithful. Not once but dozens of times. This is a person you thought you knew. This is a person you trusted. The truth has seared your soul like a hot iron. Every part of your being cries for justice. Hurt outweighs reason. What should you do?

Now, think about the worst betrayal you have experienced.

Close your eyes for a moment and recall the pain. Now imagine you have to experience that pain every day for the rest of your life. And you have to do it with love. By now, most of you are probably thinking, “No way!I wouldn’t do it. I couldn’t do it.” But that’s what God does.You may be thinking, Ok, but he’s God he’s supposed to love unconditionally. You’re right. And he does.

Over and over he demonstrates his faithfulness to us in spite of our rebellion, just as he did with Israel. He does it to paint a picture of his heart toward you and me. Don’t get me wrong—he was angry at Israel’s betrayal and continual idolatry. But consider this: here in this story, as always, mercy is remembered in the midst of wrath. Rejection of his children is not an option. God never leaves for a better offer. His love is unfailing and his mercies are new every morning.

The story of Hosea provides a powerful window into the heart of God and how his heart breaks over our constant infidelity and wandering. While this story is symbolic of God’s relationship to Israel, it is nonetheless applicable to each and every child God has loved and desired intimacy with.

I believe God’s heart is saddened under the weight of our lack of faith and trust in his goodness. I believe he is disappointed that we often choose not to see the love of his heart toward us. And just as he lamented over Jerusalem in Luke 13:34, I think his heart is broken at how quickly we forget him to chase after another.

So consider this; God wants to show us that even though we whore after other things, even though we don’t trust him, even though we rage at him and blame him for our plight—just as the children of Israel did—he waits patiently for us, constantly showing us the mercy and compassion of his heart. That’s the best Valentines Day gift I can think of.

So, the next time you’re tempted to believe no one understands your pain– remember the story of Hosea– and how God demonstrates his faithfulness to us in spite of our wandering hearts.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Rita A. Schulte is a licensed professional Christian counselor in the northern Virginia area. She has written a book entitled Sifted As Wheat: finding hope and healing through the losses of life which is currently represented by Hartline Literary Agency. Rita also hosts a weekly podcast show called Heartline. You can find her at www.siftedaswheat.com.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wow, wow, wow Rita…powerful stuff here today! I love the complexity of Hosea’s story and adding in your education and experience in Christian counseling and it really sets the stage for a great impact. Thank you so much for sharing a little piece of your heart here today. I’m so thankful for the chance to get to know you and find out more about what God’s doing in your world.

In the course of the two and a half years that we have had this series in Mel’s World we have been blessed by women…REAL women, from all walks of life. They share their stories. Their worlds. Their hearts…and we are blessed by them, but what about you?

Have you ever thought about sending something in for the
Godly Gals ~ Real Women, Real Life, Real Faith series?

Send me an email at melsworldministry {at} gmail {dot} com and I’ll send you a copy of the submission guidelines and answer any questions you have about sending something in. It’s not a yes I’m in, it’s simply I want to find out more.

What are you waiting for?

You have a story to share…I can’t wait to hear it!
~ Melissa

post signature

Godly Gals ~ Real Women, Real Life, Real Faith ~ Celebrity by Jenna Lang

By:

Celebrity
By: Jenna Lang

Between the Internet, the grocery store check-out lane and celebrity gossip on television, it’s possible to know how many children a celebrity has, what she eats to maintain her figure, whom she’s in a relationship with, who she likes to hang out with and even where she shops.

In fact, it’s easy to know so much about her life that if I bumped into her on the street I might ask about how her toddler is getting over wanting to sleep in her bed. An expert at understanding her appeal, she would probably laugh and answer.

But the fact is, while I may know all about her, I don’t know her.

To truly know her, I would have to spend time listening to her; finding out where her heart was on the issues of life. I would have to have discussions where she could more specifically share her innermost thoughts with me.

There was a time when I approached my relationship with God by seeking to know all about Him more than knowing Him. I was willing to know His Word (an essential for knowing Him) and I was willing to obey some of the nudges from the Holy Spirit (the ones I was comfortable with) but taking time to sit down and pour my heart out, then listen for that still small voice?

Ummmm… no. First of all, I didn’t have time. I had two children, a writing career, my husband’s ministry to run and a women’s Bible Study to study for and promote. Second of all, why should I? I was clearly operating in my gifts—people gave me great feedback on what I was teaching and speaking. AND, I wasn’t jumping through what I had identified as the worst legalistic hoops. So, obviously, I was in a close relationship with Him.

So I continued on. Teaching women God’s Word. Having fun. Getting very excited when I learned something else about Him and His Word.

That is, until my life turned upside down.

All of a sudden, the only way I could breathe was to be in His presence every few hours. No longer was He someone I mostly knew about, but He was my most intimate friend; my source of strength and song. In the midst of destruction, I could turn my face to Him and have joy. Joy that seemed to grow larger and larger within me—“fullness” of joy.

Today, I can honestly say that while I regret some of my choices that helped put me on that path to devastation, I don’t regret the devastation; because it led me to His embrace. When the scripture uses the word “know” it refers to intimate knowledge. Knowing Him intimately is an incredible source of joy to me—my greatest satisfaction.

My prayer for you, dear one, is that you will choose every day to go beyond knowing about Him to knowing Him—so that your joy will be full!

A Little Bit About Jenna:
Jenna lives in a small town just north of Dallas, Texas. She loves to laugh and works hard to maintain a tender heart; which actually doesn’t lead to much laughter, but is essential for intimacy with her Favorite. When she isn’t speaking to women’s groups or writing for them, she is supporting herself by writing fascinating things like training guides, magazine articles, curriculum and other “ghost” projects. Her book, Lord, I Need H.E.L.P.! Six Actions for Getting Through Tough Times, will be available at the end of 2012. (Lord willing and the creek don’t rise.)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jenna girl, you have no idea how happy it makes me to see you visiting here with us for the Godly Gals series! What a sweet blessing it was to meet you face to face this past January! Only God could know just how much we both needed to hear from Him on that trip, then to throw us into each other’s world…well…that was just a giant bonus! I can’t wait to continue to watch Him move through you!

That’s the heart of what this series is about…talking to, visiting with, listening to Real Women, Real Life, Real Faith in action! Sweet sister…that is YOU too!

Right now God’s been doing something amazing in your life and you just can’t wait to share it…why not share it here?

I’m taking submissions right now for the series and it starts with a simple email to me at melsworldministry {at} gmail {dot} com asking for a copy of the submission guidelines.

We’ll email, chat, visit and hopefully I can answer any of your questions. Then when you’re ready you can send something in for the series…it’s that simple!

I’d love to hear from you!
~ Melissa

post signature

Godly Gals ~ Real Women, Real Life, Real Faith ~ Celebrity by Jenna Lang

By:

Celebrity
By: Jenna Lang

Between the Internet, the grocery store check-out lane and celebrity gossip on television, it’s possible to know how many children a celebrity has, what she eats to maintain her figure, whom she’s in a relationship with, who she likes to hang out with and even where she shops.

In fact, it’s easy to know so much about her life that if I bumped into her on the street I might ask about how her toddler is getting over wanting to sleep in her bed. An expert at understanding her appeal, she would probably laugh and answer.

But the fact is, while I may know all about her, I don’t know her.

To truly know her, I would have to spend time listening to her; finding out where her heart was on the issues of life. I would have to have discussions where she could more specifically share her innermost thoughts with me.

There was a time when I approached my relationship with God by seeking to know all about Him more than knowing Him. I was willing to know His Word (an essential for knowing Him) and I was willing to obey some of the nudges from the Holy Spirit (the ones I was comfortable with) but taking time to sit down and pour my heart out, then listen for that still small voice?

Ummmm… no. First of all, I didn’t have time. I had two children, a writing career, my husband’s ministry to run and a women’s Bible Study to study for and promote. Second of all, why should I? I was clearly operating in my gifts—people gave me great feedback on what I was teaching and speaking. AND, I wasn’t jumping through what I had identified as the worst legalistic hoops. So, obviously, I was in a close relationship with Him.

So I continued on. Teaching women God’s Word. Having fun. Getting very excited when I learned something else about Him and His Word.

That is, until my life turned upside down.

All of a sudden, the only way I could breathe was to be in His presence every few hours. No longer was He someone I mostly knew about, but He was my most intimate friend; my source of strength and song. In the midst of destruction, I could turn my face to Him and have joy. Joy that seemed to grow larger and larger within me—“fullness” of joy.

Today, I can honestly say that while I regret some of my choices that helped put me on that path to devastation, I don’t regret the devastation; because it led me to His embrace. When the scripture uses the word “know” it refers to intimate knowledge. Knowing Him intimately is an incredible source of joy to me—my greatest satisfaction.

My prayer for you, dear one, is that you will choose every day to go beyond knowing about Him to knowing Him—so that your joy will be full!

A Little Bit About Jenna:
Jenna lives in a small town just north of Dallas, Texas. She loves to laugh and works hard to maintain a tender heart; which actually doesn’t lead to much laughter, but is essential for intimacy with her Favorite. When she isn’t speaking to women’s groups or writing for them, she is supporting herself by writing fascinating things like training guides, magazine articles, curriculum and other “ghost” projects. Her book, Lord, I Need H.E.L.P.! Six Actions for Getting Through Tough Times, will be available at the end of 2012. (Lord willing and the creek don’t rise.)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jenna girl, you have no idea how happy it makes me to see you visiting here with us for the Godly Gals series! What a sweet blessing it was to meet you face to face this past January! Only God could know just how much we both needed to hear from Him on that trip, then to throw us into each other’s world…well…that was just a giant bonus! I can’t wait to continue to watch Him move through you!

That’s the heart of what this series is about…talking to, visiting with, listening to Real Women, Real Life, Real Faith in action! Sweet sister…that is YOU too!

Right now God’s been doing something amazing in your life and you just can’t wait to share it…why not share it here?

I’m taking submissions right now for the series and it starts with a simple email to me at melsworldministry {at} gmail {dot} com asking for a copy of the submission guidelines.

We’ll email, chat, visit and hopefully I can answer any of your questions. Then when you’re ready you can send something in for the series…it’s that simple!

I’d love to hear from you!
~ Melissa

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Godly Gals ~ Real Women, Real Life, Real Faith, Marriage Boundaries by Ava Pennington

By:

Marriage Boundaries
By: Ava Pennington

A television station recently aired episodes from a 1960s program called “The Dick Van Dyke Show.” The airings are in honor of the 50th anniversary of the series.

It’s fun to watch old programs that chronicle a simpler time. Valuing faith and family was the norm, and right and wrong were clearly defined – or at least more clearly identified than they are today. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t look at that time as the “good old days.” There was a lot wrong about those days, too.

Still, we laugh now at the crises dealt with on some of the programs from the 50s and early 60s. “Father Knows Best,”“The Dick Van Dyke Show,”“Leave it to Beaver” – simple shows that are the video equivalent of comfort food. Nothing controversial. Bud had a crush on a girl at school. Laura dyed her hair blond. Beaver feared a visit to the dentist. Not exactly earth shattering topics.

Yet decades after I first saw the program, the best analogy about marriage I ever heard came from an episode of “The Dick Van Dyke Show.” In this particular episode, Rob Petrie has a conversation with a friend who boasts about his playboy lifestyle. The friend insisted that marriage is nothing more than a relational prison. Rob thinks about it for a moment, and then responds. I don’t have the precise quote, but the following is a paraphrase:

“To some people, the boundaries of marriage are like the fence around a prison. The fence keeps everything that is good and pleasurable outside – out of reach. But to me, the boundaries of marriage are like the fence surrounding Disneyland. That fence holds in everything that is good, fun, enjoyable, and pleasurable.”

This doesn’t mean every marriage or every spouse is perfect.Far from it.At times I share Ruth Bell Graham’s view of marriage and divorce. When asked by a reporter if she had ever considered divorcing Billy Graham, her answer was, “Divorce? No. Murder? Yes.” I can appreciate Ruth’s response, and I’m sure my husband has felt the same way on occasion!

But marriage isn’t just a good idea. It’s a picture of the relationship between Christ and His church. We are promised to Him (II Corinthians 11:2). The church is referred to as the “bride of Christ” (Revelation 19:7; 21:9; 22:17). Finally, this relationship is eternal –we will be with Him forever (I Thessalonians 4:17).

Rob Petrie may be a fictional character, but perhaps if more of us took Rob’s view of marriage, we’d be less likely to fall for “the grass is always greener” syndrome. And maybe, until we get to heaven, we’d find ourselves spending less time in prison and more time in Disneyland.

What do you think?

Ava Pennington is the author of One Year Alone with God: 366 Devotions on the Names of God (Revell, 2010) and co-author of Faith Basics for Kids (Standard Publishing, January 2011). She is also a passionate speaker and teacher. She is married to the love of her life for 32 years and she is “mom” to two rescue boxers who have trained her well! Check out her blog found on her website www.AvaWrites.com
~~~~~~~~~~~
Ava, it is so good to have you back. Back in December 2010 you stopped by and shared with my friends “Is God Ever Not Good?” and I remember reading your post and nodding my head in agreement with you…much like today. You have great insight on the simple things in life, and that sweet Ava, is a gift. Thank you for sharing your gift with us!

My friends…each of you has a story to tell.

Something God is doing in your life that you know that you know that you know is special and others need to hear about. This is a perfect place to show God in your everyday, ordinary life in action. That’s the heart of Godly Gals ~ Real Women, Real Life, Real Faith.

I would love for you to consider sending something in to share. You can take the first step just by emailing me at melsworldministry {at} gmail {dot} com and I’ll send you a set of the submission guidelines and we’ll get to talking about what comes next. It’s that easy!

I look forward to hearing from you soon!
~ Melissa

post signature

Godly Gals ~ Real Women, Real Life, Real Faith, Marriage Boundaries by Ava Pennington

By:

Marriage Boundaries
By: Ava Pennington

A television station recently aired episodes from a 1960s program called “The Dick Van Dyke Show.” The airings are in honor of the 50th anniversary of the series.

It’s fun to watch old programs that chronicle a simpler time. Valuing faith and family was the norm, and right and wrong were clearly defined – or at least more clearly identified than they are today. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t look at that time as the “good old days.” There was a lot wrong about those days, too.

Still, we laugh now at the crises dealt with on some of the programs from the 50s and early 60s. “Father Knows Best,”“The Dick Van Dyke Show,”“Leave it to Beaver” – simple shows that are the video equivalent of comfort food. Nothing controversial. Bud had a crush on a girl at school. Laura dyed her hair blond. Beaver feared a visit to the dentist. Not exactly earth shattering topics.

Yet decades after I first saw the program, the best analogy about marriage I ever heard came from an episode of “The Dick Van Dyke Show.” In this particular episode, Rob Petrie has a conversation with a friend who boasts about his playboy lifestyle. The friend insisted that marriage is nothing more than a relational prison. Rob thinks about it for a moment, and then responds. I don’t have the precise quote, but the following is a paraphrase:

“To some people, the boundaries of marriage are like the fence around a prison. The fence keeps everything that is good and pleasurable outside – out of reach. But to me, the boundaries of marriage are like the fence surrounding Disneyland. That fence holds in everything that is good, fun, enjoyable, and pleasurable.”

This doesn’t mean every marriage or every spouse is perfect.Far from it.At times I share Ruth Bell Graham’s view of marriage and divorce. When asked by a reporter if she had ever considered divorcing Billy Graham, her answer was, “Divorce? No. Murder? Yes.” I can appreciate Ruth’s response, and I’m sure my husband has felt the same way on occasion!

But marriage isn’t just a good idea. It’s a picture of the relationship between Christ and His church. We are promised to Him (II Corinthians 11:2). The church is referred to as the “bride of Christ” (Revelation 19:7; 21:9; 22:17). Finally, this relationship is eternal –we will be with Him forever (I Thessalonians 4:17).

Rob Petrie may be a fictional character, but perhaps if more of us took Rob’s view of marriage, we’d be less likely to fall for “the grass is always greener” syndrome. And maybe, until we get to heaven, we’d find ourselves spending less time in prison and more time in Disneyland.

What do you think?

Ava Pennington is the author of One Year Alone with God: 366 Devotions on the Names of God (Revell, 2010) and co-author of Faith Basics for Kids (Standard Publishing, January 2011). She is also a passionate speaker and teacher. She is married to the love of her life for 32 years and she is “mom” to two rescue boxers who have trained her well! Check out her blog found on her website www.AvaWrites.com
~~~~~~~~~~~
Ava, it is so good to have you back. Back in December 2010 you stopped by and shared with my friends “Is God Ever Not Good?” and I remember reading your post and nodding my head in agreement with you…much like today. You have great insight on the simple things in life, and that sweet Ava, is a gift. Thank you for sharing your gift with us!

My friends…each of you has a story to tell.

Something God is doing in your life that you know that you know that you know is special and others need to hear about. This is a perfect place to show God in your everyday, ordinary life in action. That’s the heart of Godly Gals ~ Real Women, Real Life, Real Faith.

I would love for you to consider sending something in to share. You can take the first step just by emailing me at melsworldministry {at} gmail {dot} com and I’ll send you a set of the submission guidelines and we’ll get to talking about what comes next. It’s that easy!

I look forward to hearing from you soon!
~ Melissa

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Godly Gals ~ Real Women, Real Life, Real Faith: Janet Harllee ~ Be An Encourager

By:

Be An Encourager
By: Janet Harllee

As women we wear so many different hats. Sometimes life can be more discouraging than encouraging. We need some words of encouragement!

Someone in the Bible who is known for being an encourager is Barnabas, Son of Encouragement.

Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.

And Joses (Joseph), who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet. Acts 4:34-37

Barnabas sold his land and gave the money to meet the needs of others. He was an encourager to believers at a time when they needed one after Jesus’ death and resurrection. Barnabas kept reminding them of their relationship with God, how great He is, and all that He has done.

He risked his life for believers by befriending Saul, a hater of believers. Barnabas did it to bring believers together.

Barnabas was someone who could be trusted.

He recognized and encouraged the potential in others – he saw Paul’s gifts on their missionary journey’s together and steps back for Paul to take on the leadership.

For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith. Acts 11:24

Barnabas lived and walked with God every day. He leaned on Him. He was full of faith. Wow! A great example for us today!

To Be An Encourager:

1. Be a gracious giver – time, talent, money

2. Give the gift of friendship and an encouraging word – there is someone who needs a friend today

3. Share God’s love and grace with others

4. Lift up, build up the spirit of others – recognize their gifts
Whatever hat you are wearing, keep steadfast in your faith! Be encouraged by the Word of God! Know that He is with you always guiding your path!

“Need encouragement? With so much unrest in the world today, Jesus is the greatest friend and encourager you’ll ever know.” – Janet Harllee


Accomplished storyteller, Christian speaker, writer combining humor, story, and faith in this changing world today. God wants us to encourage & uplift each other. I combine humor, story, & song through a character, Mitsy Lou Puppernickel from Frog Holler. She uses humor, song, and stories of her zany family to inspire & uplift your spirit! Performs at conferences, women’s events, churches, businesses/organizations.

You can find out more about Janet here;
http://www.janetharllee.net
http://www.youtube.com/user/7MITSYLOU http://www.justacloserstumble.blogspot.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Janet, thank you so much for reminding us just how important it is to be an encourager. We can all take some time to encourage those we love and those around us. Plus…when we do it with love and sprinkle a little fun in with it there’s sure to be JOY all around!

Each of us women has an opportunity…every day…to make a difference in the lives of those around us. We are Real Women, Real Life, Real Faith in action and I would (and so would my friends) love to hear all about what God is showing you in your everyday, ordinary life.

Consider sending in something for the Godly Gals series.

It all starts with one step.

Just send me an email to melsworldministry {at} gmail {dot} com and I’ll send you a copy of the submission guidelines and answer any questions you might have.

I can’t wait to see what comes next!

Have a great day! ~ Melissa

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Godly Gals ~ Real Women, Real Life, Real Faith: Janet Harllee ~ Be An Encourager

By:

Be An Encourager
By: Janet Harllee

As women we wear so many different hats. Sometimes life can be more discouraging than encouraging. We need some words of encouragement!

Someone in the Bible who is known for being an encourager is Barnabas, Son of Encouragement.

Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.

And Joses (Joseph), who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet. Acts 4:34-37

Barnabas sold his land and gave the money to meet the needs of others. He was an encourager to believers at a time when they needed one after Jesus’ death and resurrection. Barnabas kept reminding them of their relationship with God, how great He is, and all that He has done.

He risked his life for believers by befriending Saul, a hater of believers. Barnabas did it to bring believers together.

Barnabas was someone who could be trusted.

He recognized and encouraged the potential in others – he saw Paul’s gifts on their missionary journey’s together and steps back for Paul to take on the leadership.

For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith. Acts 11:24

Barnabas lived and walked with God every day. He leaned on Him. He was full of faith. Wow! A great example for us today!

To Be An Encourager:

1. Be a gracious giver – time, talent, money

2. Give the gift of friendship and an encouraging word – there is someone who needs a friend today

3. Share God’s love and grace with others

4. Lift up, build up the spirit of others – recognize their gifts
Whatever hat you are wearing, keep steadfast in your faith! Be encouraged by the Word of God! Know that He is with you always guiding your path!

“Need encouragement? With so much unrest in the world today, Jesus is the greatest friend and encourager you’ll ever know.” – Janet Harllee


Accomplished storyteller, Christian speaker, writer combining humor, story, and faith in this changing world today. God wants us to encourage & uplift each other. I combine humor, story, & song through a character, Mitsy Lou Puppernickel from Frog Holler. She uses humor, song, and stories of her zany family to inspire & uplift your spirit! Performs at conferences, women’s events, churches, businesses/organizations.

You can find out more about Janet here;
http://www.janetharllee.net
http://www.youtube.com/user/7MITSYLOU http://www.justacloserstumble.blogspot.com

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Janet, thank you so much for reminding us just how important it is to be an encourager. We can all take some time to encourage those we love and those around us. Plus…when we do it with love and sprinkle a little fun in with it there’s sure to be JOY all around!

Each of us women has an opportunity…every day…to make a difference in the lives of those around us. We are Real Women, Real Life, Real Faith in action and I would (and so would my friends) love to hear all about what God is showing you in your everyday, ordinary life.

Consider sending in something for the Godly Gals series.

It all starts with one step.

Just send me an email to melsworldministry {at} gmail {dot} com and I’ll send you a copy of the submission guidelines and answer any questions you might have.

I can’t wait to see what comes next!

Have a great day! ~ Melissa

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Godly Gals ~ In the Travel Van by: Diane Bailey

By:

In the Travel Van
By: Diane Bailey
Back when my daughter, Catherine, was eight we had a travel van. It was state of the art, with an overhead TV and VCR player, a CB radio, leather interior and wall-to-wall carpet. It was nice and roomy and top of the line in those days.

On this day I pick Catherine up from school. Catherine is the third of four children in our family with a strong opinion that she is not afraid to express. Though I call Catherine my daughter, she is really my stepdaughter. From the beginning this child challenged me with every word I said, direction I drove, clothes I wore and food I cooked, and today she challenged the “put on your safety belt” rule.

Today she had made up her mind that she would not be told what to do. As she took her seat in the very back of the van, I reminded her to fasten her seat belt.

She nodded, yes, and then wrapped her arms around her waist so that no one could see the belt, or lack of belt.

Not long into the trip we needed to make a fast stop. As I hit the break, I heard a “swoosh” sound. Turning around I see that Catherine has involuntarily slid out of the chair and is sitting in the middle of the floor. I guess I forgot to mention that I had put Armor-all on the seats that day.

“Are you all right? I thought you were wearing your safety belt.”

She is unharmed, but her big blue eyes were twice their normal size.

Desperately trying to contain the laughter at the surprise we were both feeling, I turned quickly to face the front, and suggested that she make sure her safety belt is pushed in all the way.

The challenge of caring for a difficult child or stepchild may seem at times more that we can survive. I lined up my scriptures, and prayed not just for her, but also for the family. The next few years until Catherine went to college were very difficult.

We all have seasons of doing more than we think is possible – think about a new mother without an older woman to encourage her, new mothers with twins, single mothers with teens, or working mothers with children to raise and elderly parents to care for. Then add in to the mix a woman who has all of this going on while struggling to keep a marriage together.

Can you identify with any of this?

There have been times in my life when I prayed until I was blue in the face, unable to breath and used up all the Kleenex in the box. Where was God? He said He would never leave or forsake me, but I am looking and I am not seeing Him!

I have heard it said that God would not give us more than we can handle. I cannot find this precept in scripture. What I have found, is God calling ordinary people to step out of their own ability and do extraordinary things – things that could only happen when the living God is working through someone who is open.

Opening ourselves allows Christ to stand in the spot of “I can’t do this any more” and “It is finished.” It is in this place between the sorrows of the problem and the answer from God that we see God’s glory in ways that could not be seen any other way.

Stepping into that for which we seem ill-equipped also strengthens our faith when we see God opening doors that we could not open for ourselves.

God has frequently placed me in situations where I had no choice but to cling to Him with all my might and trust Him. In return, He took me to places in Him, and in this world, where I could never venture on my own. It is in the area between our own limitations and God’s mighty answers that we see our ideas of Christ change and where we begin to grow in our faith and in our likeness to Christ.

There have been many times when I cried out to God and said, “Stop the planet, I have had enough and I’m getting off, now!” But, that is playing right into the enemy’s hand.

Our enemy, Satan, would love for us to quit praying and stop fighting for our families, friends, country, and churches. He would love for us to give up. That would make his job a lot easier.

He comes in and whispers things like, “Why do you believe?” “Did God really promise that to you?” “You are going to look like a fool in front of everyone when it never happens”, or “You need to do something else and quit looking for God to handle everything.”

The truth is that we should get up and try our best, leaning on God to work through our weak, frail state and let Him accomplish His miracles through us. When we are weak, we are less likely to try to “help” Him. Remember 2 Corinthians 12:9 “My strength is made perfect in weakness.”

Last week Catherine who is in her twenties now, called from school, finals were going on and things with a young man that she was seeing were not working out as she had hoped.

“Diane, I’m so stressed out! Would you please pray?”

Before hanging up, she says, “Bye, I love you.”

Staring at the phone, speechless by the gift of love, I hear the Lord whisper to my heart, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Diane Bailey is the mother of two adult children, the step-mother of two college children, and the Grand-mother of three children. She and her husband live in the Deep South with their black lab, Charlie and cat, Lil Girl. She is the author of String Of Pearls, a book that speaks to women about taking their sorrows to Christ, and allowing Him to change our tears into pearls of the testimony of Christ, and by the end of our lives, we have a String of Pearls. String of Pearls can be ordered from Amazon and you can follow Diane on her blog, Life Images at dianewbailey.com.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Oh Diane, I just love your sweet spirit…your words shine a heart that beats for Jesus and your beautiful gift of sharing your words is like drinking a perfectly chilled sweet iced tea on a hot summers day.

Thank you for sharing a little bit of you, your story and your world with us today! I am truly looking forward to getting to know you, reading your new book, String of Pearls, and hopefully…maybe, meeting you this year somewhere in the back woods of Alabama!

We’re off to an incredible year in the series and this is just the beginning. We’re going to be going back to visit some of the Godly Gals ~ Real Women, Real Life, Real Faith that have been here the last couple of years and catch up with them and see what’s been happening since we last heard from them…as well as getting to meet brand new friends through this series as well.

If you’d like to be a part of this series, then send me an email to melsworldministry {at} gmail {dot} com and I’ll send you a copy of the submission guidelines.

I’m looking for REAL women to share their REAL life stories of REAL faith in action…and chances are that’s YOU!

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Godly Gals ~ In the Travel Van by: Diane Bailey

By:

In the Travel Van
By: Diane Bailey
Back when my daughter, Catherine, was eight we had a travel van. It was state of the art, with an overhead TV and VCR player, a CB radio, leather interior and wall-to-wall carpet. It was nice and roomy and top of the line in those days.

On this day I pick Catherine up from school. Catherine is the third of four children in our family with a strong opinion that she is not afraid to express. Though I call Catherine my daughter, she is really my stepdaughter. From the beginning this child challenged me with every word I said, direction I drove, clothes I wore and food I cooked, and today she challenged the “put on your safety belt” rule.

Today she had made up her mind that she would not be told what to do. As she took her seat in the very back of the van, I reminded her to fasten her seat belt.

She nodded, yes, and then wrapped her arms around her waist so that no one could see the belt, or lack of belt.

Not long into the trip we needed to make a fast stop. As I hit the break, I heard a “swoosh” sound. Turning around I see that Catherine has involuntarily slid out of the chair and is sitting in the middle of the floor. I guess I forgot to mention that I had put Armor-all on the seats that day.

“Are you all right? I thought you were wearing your safety belt.”

She is unharmed, but her big blue eyes were twice their normal size.

Desperately trying to contain the laughter at the surprise we were both feeling, I turned quickly to face the front, and suggested that she make sure her safety belt is pushed in all the way.

The challenge of caring for a difficult child or stepchild may seem at times more that we can survive. I lined up my scriptures, and prayed not just for her, but also for the family. The next few years until Catherine went to college were very difficult.

We all have seasons of doing more than we think is possible – think about a new mother without an older woman to encourage her, new mothers with twins, single mothers with teens, or working mothers with children to raise and elderly parents to care for. Then add in to the mix a woman who has all of this going on while struggling to keep a marriage together.

Can you identify with any of this?

There have been times in my life when I prayed until I was blue in the face, unable to breath and used up all the Kleenex in the box. Where was God? He said He would never leave or forsake me, but I am looking and I am not seeing Him!

I have heard it said that God would not give us more than we can handle. I cannot find this precept in scripture. What I have found, is God calling ordinary people to step out of their own ability and do extraordinary things – things that could only happen when the living God is working through someone who is open.

Opening ourselves allows Christ to stand in the spot of “I can’t do this any more” and “It is finished.” It is in this place between the sorrows of the problem and the answer from God that we see God’s glory in ways that could not be seen any other way.

Stepping into that for which we seem ill-equipped also strengthens our faith when we see God opening doors that we could not open for ourselves.

God has frequently placed me in situations where I had no choice but to cling to Him with all my might and trust Him. In return, He took me to places in Him, and in this world, where I could never venture on my own. It is in the area between our own limitations and God’s mighty answers that we see our ideas of Christ change and where we begin to grow in our faith and in our likeness to Christ.

There have been many times when I cried out to God and said, “Stop the planet, I have had enough and I’m getting off, now!” But, that is playing right into the enemy’s hand.

Our enemy, Satan, would love for us to quit praying and stop fighting for our families, friends, country, and churches. He would love for us to give up. That would make his job a lot easier.

He comes in and whispers things like, “Why do you believe?” “Did God really promise that to you?” “You are going to look like a fool in front of everyone when it never happens”, or “You need to do something else and quit looking for God to handle everything.”

The truth is that we should get up and try our best, leaning on God to work through our weak, frail state and let Him accomplish His miracles through us. When we are weak, we are less likely to try to “help” Him. Remember 2 Corinthians 12:9 “My strength is made perfect in weakness.”

Last week Catherine who is in her twenties now, called from school, finals were going on and things with a young man that she was seeing were not working out as she had hoped.

“Diane, I’m so stressed out! Would you please pray?”

Before hanging up, she says, “Bye, I love you.”

Staring at the phone, speechless by the gift of love, I hear the Lord whisper to my heart, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Diane Bailey is the mother of two adult children, the step-mother of two college children, and the Grand-mother of three children. She and her husband live in the Deep South with their black lab, Charlie and cat, Lil Girl. She is the author of String Of Pearls, a book that speaks to women about taking their sorrows to Christ, and allowing Him to change our tears into pearls of the testimony of Christ, and by the end of our lives, we have a String of Pearls. String of Pearls can be ordered from Amazon and you can follow Diane on her blog, Life Images at dianewbailey.com.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Oh Diane, I just love your sweet spirit…your words shine a heart that beats for Jesus and your beautiful gift of sharing your words is like drinking a perfectly chilled sweet iced tea on a hot summers day.

Thank you for sharing a little bit of you, your story and your world with us today! I am truly looking forward to getting to know you, reading your new book, String of Pearls, and hopefully…maybe, meeting you this year somewhere in the back woods of Alabama!

We’re off to an incredible year in the series and this is just the beginning. We’re going to be going back to visit some of the Godly Gals ~ Real Women, Real Life, Real Faith that have been here the last couple of years and catch up with them and see what’s been happening since we last heard from them…as well as getting to meet brand new friends through this series as well.

If you’d like to be a part of this series, then send me an email to melsworldministry {at} gmail {dot} com and I’ll send you a copy of the submission guidelines.

I’m looking for REAL women to share their REAL life stories of REAL faith in action…and chances are that’s YOU!

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