Two weeks ago the staff from Truth for Women went on a retreat to Delaware. Some of us drove down with Kim. She had a GPS named “CLETUS”. I will tell you why he is called CLETUS. CLETUS has a southern hick country boy accent. The minute we pulled out of the parking lot you hear “At the end of the street turn Right.” It really sounded like this. “AAAATTT THHHE EEEND OFF THE STREET TURN RAGHT." Why someone chooses that selection of voice I will never know. I would probably crash into a pole.
During this four hour trip to Delaware, we didn’t worry about taking a wrong turn or concentrating on which direction to take. CLETUS took care of everything. We just sat back relaxed, laughed and enjoyed the ride. It didn’t matter if we made a wrong turn; because CLETUS would let us know by saying “REEEE CAL Q LA TIN YOUR RAAA OUT.” We put so much trust into that little gadget that sits upon our dashboard it got me to think about how this road trip is so much like life.
Life does not have a GPS but it does have GOD. My Holy Spirit GPS stands for God’s Power and Strength. We don’t know what problems, heartaches or trials that will go through. We need to trust that God is calculating our route. We might take a wrong turn but he is always there to get us back on track. Do we really put total trust in Him when all our turns are not navigating our way? Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT) Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
Why carry all of the heavy burdens of day to day stuff that God has already taken care of? So many times we waste precious time worrying and trying to control every step we make. Why not ask God to take control over the situation? Release it onto Him and He will turn everything around for His glory. Isaiah 40:31 (NLT) But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
Driving home from the retreat and pulling into the Truth for Women parking lot, we heard CLETUS yell – “YE ALL REEECHED YOUR DES TIN NA TION YE HAW!!!!!” Let God be the author of reaching your destination!
All of us at Truth for Women want to wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving!
God Bless!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Monday, October 3, 2011
Crack Your Teeth by Shana Minervini
Have you ever been in a situation where you couldn’t bear to see someone go through something? My brother-in-law Ron was diagnosed with cancer in his palette and he was in Sloan Kettering Hospital in NYC recovering from mouth surgery. The surgery was about 10 hours long and they had to reconstruct his palette and remove three teeth. They had to take skin from his arm to rebuild the roof of his mouth and skin from his leg to replace it.
It was the third day after the surgery and we had just walked in to visit him. I sat down in the chair and he was sleeping due to heavy sedation for the pain. His wife Debbie went over to him and asked him how he was doing. Ron replied “Why do I have to suffer so much?” I immediately got up from my chair, grabbed my purse, my Bible and headed to the elevator. I went down to the lobby where the chapel was located. I immediately walked to the front, knelt on the floor and started to sob.
Let me give you a history of what happened before his surgery. Ron went into this surgery with a pair of boxing gloves on because he was determined to fight the good fight of faith. Our sayings would be “I’ll snap the neck of Satan” and “crack his teeth.”
A week before Ron’s surgery, he went into Home Depot and was in the checkout lane, he looked up and saw Larry Holmes (the famous professional boxer) standing in front of him. After a brief conversation, Ron felt like God was confirming to him that this was a fight and he was never to give up. Satan would not win. Put on your boxing gloves and get ready to crack the teeth of the enemy.
There I am in the chapel and I am a mess. I have said every prayer and petition possible. I cried out, “LORD HELP HIM FIGHT THIS BATTLE!” “GIVE HIM THE STRENGTH TO FIGHT!” My plea was that in Ron’s state he would fight. I sat in the chapel for almost two hours reading through Psalms. I was in total peace and felt connected to my Father. When I was ready to leave, I started to close my bible and Psalm 3:7-8 (NLT) was right in front of me. It read “Arise O Lord! Rescue me, my God! Slap all my enemies in the face! Shatter the teeth of the wicked! Victory comes from you, O Lord.” I started to laugh and thank the Lord. God was speaking my language. Shatter the teeth means I’ll crack your teeth. I knew He heard my plea. God is so merciful.
I composed myself and gathered my things. I went back to the Ron’s room and Debbie asked if I was in the chapel praying. I boldly exclaimed “yes”. She explained that while I was in the chapel, Ron out of nowhere started to proclaim to the world “I AM FIGHTING – I AM FIGHTING!” I stood in the doorway and began to cry. My prayers were answered! God is so amazing! I knew God was with Ron during this battle and that Ron was fighting.
After that experience, the words intercessory prayer came to my mind so I decided to look them up. During the search, I found this awesome description of intercession from the RCCM International Garden of Prayer:
What is Intercession?
Intercession is the act of going on behalf of someone else that needs help from Almighty God, to be merciful and gracious unto someone else and not self. In most cases it is prayer for those whose situations or circumstances need the mercy and grace of God’s immediate attention. Intercession touches the very heart of God, the Ministry of Jesus and the help of the Holy Spirit. Intercession requires a giving up and giving unto, as an act of God’s love, mercy and compassion. The intercessor must be ready and sensitive to God at all times, totally yielded to Him, and willing to be touched by the infirmities of someone else. Intercession requires you to become selfless, forgetting about your needs, desires and wants. Wow-I read this and thought that is incredible.
Jesus intercedes for us with God. He is our intercessor. Have you ever wanted to help someone and didn’t know how to? Intercessory prayer can be the biggest gift you can give someone. I had no I idea that’s what I did. All I knew is that my spirit could not sit there and do nothing. That got me thinking of ways going forward how I can bless and stand in the gap for someone else. I no longer have to feel powerless. I will not go down with out a fight in any situation. I don’t know about you but I have some teeth to shatter!
James 5: 16 (NLT) The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.
It was the third day after the surgery and we had just walked in to visit him. I sat down in the chair and he was sleeping due to heavy sedation for the pain. His wife Debbie went over to him and asked him how he was doing. Ron replied “Why do I have to suffer so much?” I immediately got up from my chair, grabbed my purse, my Bible and headed to the elevator. I went down to the lobby where the chapel was located. I immediately walked to the front, knelt on the floor and started to sob.
Let me give you a history of what happened before his surgery. Ron went into this surgery with a pair of boxing gloves on because he was determined to fight the good fight of faith. Our sayings would be “I’ll snap the neck of Satan” and “crack his teeth.”
A week before Ron’s surgery, he went into Home Depot and was in the checkout lane, he looked up and saw Larry Holmes (the famous professional boxer) standing in front of him. After a brief conversation, Ron felt like God was confirming to him that this was a fight and he was never to give up. Satan would not win. Put on your boxing gloves and get ready to crack the teeth of the enemy.
There I am in the chapel and I am a mess. I have said every prayer and petition possible. I cried out, “LORD HELP HIM FIGHT THIS BATTLE!” “GIVE HIM THE STRENGTH TO FIGHT!” My plea was that in Ron’s state he would fight. I sat in the chapel for almost two hours reading through Psalms. I was in total peace and felt connected to my Father. When I was ready to leave, I started to close my bible and Psalm 3:7-8 (NLT) was right in front of me. It read “Arise O Lord! Rescue me, my God! Slap all my enemies in the face! Shatter the teeth of the wicked! Victory comes from you, O Lord.” I started to laugh and thank the Lord. God was speaking my language. Shatter the teeth means I’ll crack your teeth. I knew He heard my plea. God is so merciful.
I composed myself and gathered my things. I went back to the Ron’s room and Debbie asked if I was in the chapel praying. I boldly exclaimed “yes”. She explained that while I was in the chapel, Ron out of nowhere started to proclaim to the world “I AM FIGHTING – I AM FIGHTING!” I stood in the doorway and began to cry. My prayers were answered! God is so amazing! I knew God was with Ron during this battle and that Ron was fighting.
After that experience, the words intercessory prayer came to my mind so I decided to look them up. During the search, I found this awesome description of intercession from the RCCM International Garden of Prayer:
What is Intercession?
Intercession is the act of going on behalf of someone else that needs help from Almighty God, to be merciful and gracious unto someone else and not self. In most cases it is prayer for those whose situations or circumstances need the mercy and grace of God’s immediate attention. Intercession touches the very heart of God, the Ministry of Jesus and the help of the Holy Spirit. Intercession requires a giving up and giving unto, as an act of God’s love, mercy and compassion. The intercessor must be ready and sensitive to God at all times, totally yielded to Him, and willing to be touched by the infirmities of someone else. Intercession requires you to become selfless, forgetting about your needs, desires and wants. Wow-I read this and thought that is incredible.
Jesus intercedes for us with God. He is our intercessor. Have you ever wanted to help someone and didn’t know how to? Intercessory prayer can be the biggest gift you can give someone. I had no I idea that’s what I did. All I knew is that my spirit could not sit there and do nothing. That got me thinking of ways going forward how I can bless and stand in the gap for someone else. I no longer have to feel powerless. I will not go down with out a fight in any situation. I don’t know about you but I have some teeth to shatter!
James 5: 16 (NLT) The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
God's Protective Power by Kelly Liberto
Have you ever heard from other people that they could not accept a loving God when there is so much evil in this world? They have a certain perspective on God, all evil is His fault, yet, how do they explain the good, even great things that happen in our lives?
You cannot predetermine a belief based merely on one aspect of the evil in our world today.
Let me take this thinking one step further, and suggest that God DOES bring good out of evil. I know having experienced sexual molestation at age nine, as well as battling choriocarcinoma some thirty years later.
I will suggest to you that God does allow suffering in this world, however, much good can come out of the suffering that we experience.
Case in point, at the very naïve age of nine, I entered my brother’s bedroom when a childhood friend called me in. It was not uncommon for me to play with my brother and his friends as we are twins and I was a bit of a tomboy.
What happened next was so traumatic to me, that I could not even think about it for the next thirty years. I “blocked” the incident from my memory.
The years after this experience were marred by a constant sense that I was dirty, that I was unworthy. My grades suffered, as well as my sense of security in other people. After all, this was a boy who I thought was my brother. He took my trust and smashed it, along with my innocence in one thoughtless act of selfishness.
Though my mom and dad are Christians, I had no concept of a protecting, loving God. Unbeknownst to them, I learned in church that God was a miserable, demanding tyrant. So, at the time of the molesting, I felt completely alone. My abuser threatened me if I told anyone what had happened.
Fast forward to my forties~ I have a family, a wonderful husband and had accepted the Lord as my savior. Many would look at my life and see a very blessed, happy homemaker with a full life.
I have three beautiful daughters, and managed to bury my fears, raising them was the joy of my life. Once in awhile, feelings of unworthiness, fear, self doubt would kick in, but, I just assumed that everyone struggled with these things.
At forty years old, my “normal” world came crashing to the ground at the sound of my doctor’s voice telling me that I had cancer.
Thankfully, and miraculously after three months of heavy duty chemotherapy, I was declared “cancer free”.
While God had delivered me from cancer, I could still not shake the sense of doom and gloom or
the sense of being unprotected.
I had nightmares at night where a shadowy figure was pursuing me. At forty years old, there was still a sense of urgency in dark places, like parking lots and other public places. I had a morbid fear that someday I would be attacked and raped.
As these fears and panic attacks intensified, I attempted to resume some normalcy in my life. My doctors put the anxiety down to the chemically induced premature menopause that I was thrown into from the chemotherapy. All the while, experts were amazed by my quick healing and lack of side effects from the drugs.
A friend of mine approached me in 2005, four years after my battle with cancer. She asked me if I would like to study biblical counseling with her. I accepted.
As a result of studying the word of God and applying it to my fears, the molestation surfaced and the process of healing began.
I felt that I needed to deal with the irrational fears that I struggled with on a daily basis, as well as needing to understand the word better while speaking at different places on how God had healed me from cancer.
I wanted to be ready with an answer for those who had questions about why God allows such tragedies to exist.
Today, I am free from the anxieties that plagued me through my youth, and I’ve been set free from any residual trauma of having been molested. I rarely feel afraid for no reason at all.
And, I know a peace and a joy that I have not ever known before. It is a peace and joy grounded in the knowledge that God is my protector.
The biblical counseling has helped me to encourage others through similar traumas. The world needs overcomers to show others that though we walk through the valley of death , we can fear no evil.
It is possible because our great and mighty God is there to sustain us. He simply wants us to know him through the trials and tribulations that we go through.
God is a God of impossibilities. He has taken a broken little girl and brought her back to wholeness as a grown woman.
Would I want to go through the trials and suffering all over again? No, probably not. But, I can’t help but be grateful that God used these trials to help me experience him on a deeper level.
It’s a mystery for sure. And, I sure do love mysteries.
Psalm 121
1 I will lift up my eyes to the mountains;
from where shall my help come?
2 My help comes from the LORD,
Who made heaven and earth.
3 He will not allow your foot to slip;
He who keeps you will not slumber.
4 Behold, He who keeps Israel
Will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD is your keeper;
The LORD is your shade on your right hand.
6 The sun will not smite you by day,
Nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will protect you from all evil;
He will keep your soul.
8 The LORD will guard your going out and your coming in
From this time forth and forever.
You cannot predetermine a belief based merely on one aspect of the evil in our world today.
Let me take this thinking one step further, and suggest that God DOES bring good out of evil. I know having experienced sexual molestation at age nine, as well as battling choriocarcinoma some thirty years later.
I will suggest to you that God does allow suffering in this world, however, much good can come out of the suffering that we experience.
Case in point, at the very naïve age of nine, I entered my brother’s bedroom when a childhood friend called me in. It was not uncommon for me to play with my brother and his friends as we are twins and I was a bit of a tomboy.
What happened next was so traumatic to me, that I could not even think about it for the next thirty years. I “blocked” the incident from my memory.
The years after this experience were marred by a constant sense that I was dirty, that I was unworthy. My grades suffered, as well as my sense of security in other people. After all, this was a boy who I thought was my brother. He took my trust and smashed it, along with my innocence in one thoughtless act of selfishness.
Though my mom and dad are Christians, I had no concept of a protecting, loving God. Unbeknownst to them, I learned in church that God was a miserable, demanding tyrant. So, at the time of the molesting, I felt completely alone. My abuser threatened me if I told anyone what had happened.
Fast forward to my forties~ I have a family, a wonderful husband and had accepted the Lord as my savior. Many would look at my life and see a very blessed, happy homemaker with a full life.
I have three beautiful daughters, and managed to bury my fears, raising them was the joy of my life. Once in awhile, feelings of unworthiness, fear, self doubt would kick in, but, I just assumed that everyone struggled with these things.
At forty years old, my “normal” world came crashing to the ground at the sound of my doctor’s voice telling me that I had cancer.
Thankfully, and miraculously after three months of heavy duty chemotherapy, I was declared “cancer free”.
While God had delivered me from cancer, I could still not shake the sense of doom and gloom or
the sense of being unprotected.
I had nightmares at night where a shadowy figure was pursuing me. At forty years old, there was still a sense of urgency in dark places, like parking lots and other public places. I had a morbid fear that someday I would be attacked and raped.
As these fears and panic attacks intensified, I attempted to resume some normalcy in my life. My doctors put the anxiety down to the chemically induced premature menopause that I was thrown into from the chemotherapy. All the while, experts were amazed by my quick healing and lack of side effects from the drugs.
A friend of mine approached me in 2005, four years after my battle with cancer. She asked me if I would like to study biblical counseling with her. I accepted.
As a result of studying the word of God and applying it to my fears, the molestation surfaced and the process of healing began.
I felt that I needed to deal with the irrational fears that I struggled with on a daily basis, as well as needing to understand the word better while speaking at different places on how God had healed me from cancer.
I wanted to be ready with an answer for those who had questions about why God allows such tragedies to exist.
Today, I am free from the anxieties that plagued me through my youth, and I’ve been set free from any residual trauma of having been molested. I rarely feel afraid for no reason at all.
And, I know a peace and a joy that I have not ever known before. It is a peace and joy grounded in the knowledge that God is my protector.
The biblical counseling has helped me to encourage others through similar traumas. The world needs overcomers to show others that though we walk through the valley of death , we can fear no evil.
It is possible because our great and mighty God is there to sustain us. He simply wants us to know him through the trials and tribulations that we go through.
God is a God of impossibilities. He has taken a broken little girl and brought her back to wholeness as a grown woman.
Would I want to go through the trials and suffering all over again? No, probably not. But, I can’t help but be grateful that God used these trials to help me experience him on a deeper level.
It’s a mystery for sure. And, I sure do love mysteries.
Psalm 121
1 I will lift up my eyes to the mountains;
from where shall my help come?
2 My help comes from the LORD,
Who made heaven and earth.
3 He will not allow your foot to slip;
He who keeps you will not slumber.
4 Behold, He who keeps Israel
Will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD is your keeper;
The LORD is your shade on your right hand.
6 The sun will not smite you by day,
Nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will protect you from all evil;
He will keep your soul.
8 The LORD will guard your going out and your coming in
From this time forth and forever.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Faith to Fight by Shana Minervini
Faith – In the dictionary the word faith means a couple of things. The first one is confidence or trust in a person or thing. The second is belief that is not based on proof. And the last definition is belief in God or in the doctrines or teachings of religion. My question to you is this... what does faith mean to you? All throughout the Bible we hear so many scriptures regarding faith. We read that Jesus heals many because of the faith. People approached Jesus having faith that just his words alone can bring healing to their child.
In Matthew 17:20 (NLT) “You don’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible. A mustard seed is one of the smallest seeds and a mountain is one of the biggest things on earth.
One of my favorite stories from the Bible is Jesus walking on the water. Peter and the disciples were in the boat together and they were in trouble. Strong winds were blowing and they were battling gigantic waves. In the early hours of the morning Jesus approached them walking on the water. When the disciples saw this they were afraid. In their fear they screamed “It’s a ghost!" Jesus said to them “Don't be afraid, take courage I am here!” Peter said to Jesus “Lord, if it’s really you ask me to come toward you on the water.” Jesus said “Come." Peter went to the edge of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. The winds picked up again and the waves were crashing against the boat, Peter was scared and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Jesus reached his hand out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith," Jesus said “Why did you doubt me?"
Have you ever been through a trial or rough time in your life and feel like you are on that very same boat? I have been there myself. Through my trials or hardship I like to imagine myself walking toward Jesus. Peter sank because he was to occupied with what was going on around him. In our lives when Jesus allows the trial, we are called to step out of that boat. It strengthens our faith and walk with Him. During some of my trials I will admit I have jumped out of the boat with a tube around my waist shaped like a duck with swimmies on my arms! When we step out of the boat, we should step out with our God given authority. Hold your head up high and fix your eyes directly on Jesus. Don’t listen to the lies that try to creep in. Just step out of the boat and reach your hand out and Jesus will be there to grab it. Let your faith kick in and remain in his arms and He will give you the peace and comfort you need to get through trial. He’s waiting...
Psalm 68:19 (NLT) For each day he carries us in His arms.
In Matthew 17:20 (NLT) “You don’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible. A mustard seed is one of the smallest seeds and a mountain is one of the biggest things on earth.
One of my favorite stories from the Bible is Jesus walking on the water. Peter and the disciples were in the boat together and they were in trouble. Strong winds were blowing and they were battling gigantic waves. In the early hours of the morning Jesus approached them walking on the water. When the disciples saw this they were afraid. In their fear they screamed “It’s a ghost!" Jesus said to them “Don't be afraid, take courage I am here!” Peter said to Jesus “Lord, if it’s really you ask me to come toward you on the water.” Jesus said “Come." Peter went to the edge of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. The winds picked up again and the waves were crashing against the boat, Peter was scared and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Jesus reached his hand out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith," Jesus said “Why did you doubt me?"
Have you ever been through a trial or rough time in your life and feel like you are on that very same boat? I have been there myself. Through my trials or hardship I like to imagine myself walking toward Jesus. Peter sank because he was to occupied with what was going on around him. In our lives when Jesus allows the trial, we are called to step out of that boat. It strengthens our faith and walk with Him. During some of my trials I will admit I have jumped out of the boat with a tube around my waist shaped like a duck with swimmies on my arms! When we step out of the boat, we should step out with our God given authority. Hold your head up high and fix your eyes directly on Jesus. Don’t listen to the lies that try to creep in. Just step out of the boat and reach your hand out and Jesus will be there to grab it. Let your faith kick in and remain in his arms and He will give you the peace and comfort you need to get through trial. He’s waiting...
Psalm 68:19 (NLT) For each day he carries us in His arms.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Restorations by Eileen Alpaugh
Restoration is a concept we are all familiar with. We restore old furniture, antique cars, and houses. It is a process by which something broken, misused, neglected or worn out is carefully and skillfully worked on to bring back the original beauty and usefulness. Flaws are hidden, broken pieces are fixed, and whatever cosmetic processes are available are employed to make it appear to be as good as new. Appear to be.
Too often we take familiar words and apply their common meaning to spiritual matters. When we consider restoration as it applies to a life devastated by the effects of sin, we think of that life retuning to its former status, as if nothing bad happened. A do over if you will.
Scripture renews and transforms our common thinking to Kingdom mentality. When God is involved in restoration it is unlike any process we can imagine. Rather than a restoration of appearance it is one of divine purpose. Only God can restore a life to a state that is of higher value and usefulness than its former condition. Those of us who have experienced the transforming power of the Living God can testify to this truth.
In the book of Ruth we learn of lives are devastated by famine, disease and death. Our earthly thinking would have spared Naomi and Ruth that suffering to allow them to live out their lives with their husbands and sons…. happily ever after. Naomi’s initial reaction to her suffering brought her to a place of sorrow and bitterness. How often we respond like Naomi, underestimating the possibility of divine restoration when a powerful loving God intervenes. By the divine intervention of God, restoration was not only brought to these women in their earthly situations, but it also allowed them to be part of the eternal plan of redemption as they were elevated to positions placing them in the genealogy of the Savior of all mankind.
This same God has a divine plan of restoration for each life yielded to His loving touch regardless of the degree of destruction. This process of restoration is ongoing and far reaching. Lives are not given a clean up or fix up but rather the transformation of becoming a New Creation in Christ bearing the image of God Himself.
Can you imagine a life more in need of this kind of restoration than those caught up in sex trafficking? Can you imagine a soul more satisfied than one who has been rescued from horror and repositioned in a role of divine purpose?
Can we, who have experienced this amazing process not do everything in our power to make this Truth known to others?
Our mission is to bring the Truth of Divine Restoration to as many lives as possible. Our privilege is to be part of the plan that has eternal value. Our Hope is that you will join us.
One changed life can affect countless others. Imagine the possibilities.
“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be; but we know that when He shall appear we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And every man that hath this hope in him, purifleth himself even as He is pure.” (I John III: v. 2, 3).
…until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. Acts 3:21
Too often we take familiar words and apply their common meaning to spiritual matters. When we consider restoration as it applies to a life devastated by the effects of sin, we think of that life retuning to its former status, as if nothing bad happened. A do over if you will.
Scripture renews and transforms our common thinking to Kingdom mentality. When God is involved in restoration it is unlike any process we can imagine. Rather than a restoration of appearance it is one of divine purpose. Only God can restore a life to a state that is of higher value and usefulness than its former condition. Those of us who have experienced the transforming power of the Living God can testify to this truth.
In the book of Ruth we learn of lives are devastated by famine, disease and death. Our earthly thinking would have spared Naomi and Ruth that suffering to allow them to live out their lives with their husbands and sons…. happily ever after. Naomi’s initial reaction to her suffering brought her to a place of sorrow and bitterness. How often we respond like Naomi, underestimating the possibility of divine restoration when a powerful loving God intervenes. By the divine intervention of God, restoration was not only brought to these women in their earthly situations, but it also allowed them to be part of the eternal plan of redemption as they were elevated to positions placing them in the genealogy of the Savior of all mankind.
This same God has a divine plan of restoration for each life yielded to His loving touch regardless of the degree of destruction. This process of restoration is ongoing and far reaching. Lives are not given a clean up or fix up but rather the transformation of becoming a New Creation in Christ bearing the image of God Himself.
Can you imagine a life more in need of this kind of restoration than those caught up in sex trafficking? Can you imagine a soul more satisfied than one who has been rescued from horror and repositioned in a role of divine purpose?
Can we, who have experienced this amazing process not do everything in our power to make this Truth known to others?
Our mission is to bring the Truth of Divine Restoration to as many lives as possible. Our privilege is to be part of the plan that has eternal value. Our Hope is that you will join us.
One changed life can affect countless others. Imagine the possibilities.
“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be; but we know that when He shall appear we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And every man that hath this hope in him, purifleth himself even as He is pure.” (I John III: v. 2, 3).
…until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. Acts 3:21
Friday, June 3, 2011
What Breaks Your Heart by Kim Checkeye
Over the past few months, I have been wondering what God must feel when He looks down at His creation. Does His heart ache? Is He angry at the evil He sees? As I pondered these questions, my eyes started to open to a kind of evil in this world that I was very naïve too. It was as if God began to take off a layer of skin that covered my eyes to something so horrific that if I truly understood it, I would not be able to close my eyes at night.
Did you know that?
• 1.2 million children a year are forced into sex trafficking in addition to the millions that are already held captive
• The average age of American girls who become victims of sex trafficking are between the age of 12-14
• Worldwide girls as young as 5 years of age are forced into sex trafficking
• 161 Countries identified as affected by human trafficking
• 32 billion a year is profited by the human trafficking industry
Our administrative assistant, Shana, shared this with me the other day:
“I always heard about sex trafficking and could figure out what it was about but never understood until I started to research it. I was reading about two teenage girls who are survivors of sex trafficking. One was abducted right in her driveway waiting for a friend. She was gang raped and put in a dog crate for 40 days. The other girl was working at the mall and was approached and promised a modeling career. She was flown to another state where she was held hostage against her will. These girls were beaten and sold for money. If they tried to escape, their abductors threatened to kill them and their family. By God’s grace, they were rescued.”
My heart breaks for these women and children. I try to imagine the pain, the suffering, the emotional devastation that they must encounter every day of their lives. But my mind can’t comprehend it.
One thing I know is that what I have learned has changed my life forever. I can’t pretend this isn’t happening. I can’t turn my back on it and go on with life as usual.
Some amazing things began to happen. We started to receive communication on real estate opportunities. People were looking for a non-profit to use their properties to help others. To use the properties to impact and change the lives of others. Coincidence? I don't think so! I believe God began to make connections with like minded people so that a safe house could be opened for women who are being removed from sex trafficking.
Truth for Women immediately began to make connections with other churches and women who God is pursing to stand up and make a difference in this area. We are currently working on creating a task force of women from all over the Lehigh Valley who are willing to put their time, energy and talents to see this safe house come to fruition.
My question to you is What Breaks Your Heart? What makes you Cry Out in Righteous Anger? If human sex trafficking is it, please consider joining our task force to see this safe house open and running.
For more information, please contact Kim Checkeye at 610.866.5755
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Let's Get Ready to Rumble by Shana Minervini
Do you know what authority you have in Jesus Christ? I never knew how much I had until I reached my breaking point of “Enough is Enough.” No matter what you might be facing, today is the day to take back what the enemy has stolen from you. Are you suffering from depression, rejection, or anxiety? Today is the day to take authority over what has been keeping you from living life to the fullest.
I remember when I use to suffer from panic attacks. God healed me. My authority in Jesus Christ is how I overcame it. I moved here from New Jersey and was away from all my friends and most of my family. One day I felt like I couldn’t breathe and I felt like I was having a heart attack. I went to the ER and found out I was having a panic attack. These panic attacks started happening more and more. I was riddled with fear over so many things.
A year later, I was speaking with my friend Pastor Steve and telling him about the attacks. He told me to turn in the bible to Luke 10:19 it says “I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them and nothing will injure you.” An alarm went off in my head and the red sirens were flashing. It was a light bulb moment. Through this scripture, the truth spoke to me. I have the authority to take control over this situation. It’s time for the enemy to pack his bags because I am not going to take this anymore. I was allowing the devil to have a field day with my mind and emotions.
I realized I needed to put on the full armor of God and become his “Warrior Princess”. In Ephesians 6:10-18 it told me what to do each morning to fight this battle against the enemy.
10" Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his great power.11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can fight against the devil's evil tricks.12 Our fight is not against people on earth but against the rulers and authorities and the powers of this world's darkness, against the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly world.13 That is why you need to put on God's full armor. Then on the day of evil you will be able to stand strong. And when you have finished the whole fight, you will still be standing.14 So stand strong, with the belt of truth tied around your waist and the protection of right living on your chest.15 On your feet wear the Good News of peace to help you stand strong.16 And also use the shield of faith with which you can stop all the burning arrows of the Evil One.17 Accept God's salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.18 Pray in the Spirit at all times with all kinds of prayers, asking for everything you need. To do this you must always be ready and never give up. Always pray for all God's people."(NCV translation)
After reading these scriptures, I was ready to go into the ring. I heard that voice in my head “LET’S GET READY TO RUMBLE”. I got a vision of myself in a boxing ring. Jesus is on my side holding my towel and my water bottle. Satan is across with all the demons on his. The bell rings I am in the center of the ring and I am face to face with Satan. I am not going to use my hands, I am going to use my mouth with God’s truth. Satan starts it off with a lie “You are nothing."
I calmly recite Psalm 139: 13&14 “For He created my inmost being; He knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise Him because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; His works are wonderful.”
Satan gets a little wobbly but not knocked out yet. Satan fires back “God doesn’t love you!”
I said with a confident voice Romans 8:38-39 “ I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither my fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate me from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Satan looks like he can’t stand. He is angry and he shouts –“You will always be alone.”
I yell back Deuteronomy 31:6 "I will be strong and courageous! I will not be afraid and will not panic before them. For the LORD My God will personally go ahead of me. He will neither fail me nor abandon me.”
Down Satan goes!! A complete knock out!! Jesus runs in the ring and carries me on his shoulders. He says “I’m so proud of you my Warrior Princess!”
Come on and join me in fighting the good fight. Picture the song from Rocky Getting Stronger …. When that bell goes off in the ring with whatever tears you down, go into that ring with your authority and take the enemy down with the best weapon God has given us the Power of Truth!!!
I remember when I use to suffer from panic attacks. God healed me. My authority in Jesus Christ is how I overcame it. I moved here from New Jersey and was away from all my friends and most of my family. One day I felt like I couldn’t breathe and I felt like I was having a heart attack. I went to the ER and found out I was having a panic attack. These panic attacks started happening more and more. I was riddled with fear over so many things.
A year later, I was speaking with my friend Pastor Steve and telling him about the attacks. He told me to turn in the bible to Luke 10:19 it says “I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them and nothing will injure you.” An alarm went off in my head and the red sirens were flashing. It was a light bulb moment. Through this scripture, the truth spoke to me. I have the authority to take control over this situation. It’s time for the enemy to pack his bags because I am not going to take this anymore. I was allowing the devil to have a field day with my mind and emotions.
I realized I needed to put on the full armor of God and become his “Warrior Princess”. In Ephesians 6:10-18 it told me what to do each morning to fight this battle against the enemy.
10" Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his great power.11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can fight against the devil's evil tricks.12 Our fight is not against people on earth but against the rulers and authorities and the powers of this world's darkness, against the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly world.13 That is why you need to put on God's full armor. Then on the day of evil you will be able to stand strong. And when you have finished the whole fight, you will still be standing.14 So stand strong, with the belt of truth tied around your waist and the protection of right living on your chest.15 On your feet wear the Good News of peace to help you stand strong.16 And also use the shield of faith with which you can stop all the burning arrows of the Evil One.17 Accept God's salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.18 Pray in the Spirit at all times with all kinds of prayers, asking for everything you need. To do this you must always be ready and never give up. Always pray for all God's people."(NCV translation)
After reading these scriptures, I was ready to go into the ring. I heard that voice in my head “LET’S GET READY TO RUMBLE”. I got a vision of myself in a boxing ring. Jesus is on my side holding my towel and my water bottle. Satan is across with all the demons on his. The bell rings I am in the center of the ring and I am face to face with Satan. I am not going to use my hands, I am going to use my mouth with God’s truth. Satan starts it off with a lie “You are nothing."
I calmly recite Psalm 139: 13&14 “For He created my inmost being; He knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise Him because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; His works are wonderful.”
Satan gets a little wobbly but not knocked out yet. Satan fires back “God doesn’t love you!”
I said with a confident voice Romans 8:38-39 “ I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither my fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate me from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Satan looks like he can’t stand. He is angry and he shouts –“You will always be alone.”
I yell back Deuteronomy 31:6 "I will be strong and courageous! I will not be afraid and will not panic before them. For the LORD My God will personally go ahead of me. He will neither fail me nor abandon me.”
Down Satan goes!! A complete knock out!! Jesus runs in the ring and carries me on his shoulders. He says “I’m so proud of you my Warrior Princess!”
Come on and join me in fighting the good fight. Picture the song from Rocky Getting Stronger …. When that bell goes off in the ring with whatever tears you down, go into that ring with your authority and take the enemy down with the best weapon God has given us the Power of Truth!!!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
When Geese Attack and God Protects by Shana Minervini
It was Monday morning and like most of us, our weekend had been a crazy one. I was rushing around trying to get the kids off to school. I dropped them at the bus stop and then headed to work. I pulled into the parking spot and opened the side door of my minivan to get the extra bags I had. I realized that two of the bags were all the way in the back buried on the floor. I had to climb in the back to reach them under the seat. When I gathered them, I closed the door and turned to my right and found this huge Canadian Goose 3 feet away from me as tall as my chest. I was startled and jumped back. All of a sudden, the goose started hissing and walking toward me. I got a little nervous and I said “GET BEHIND ME SATAN.” That’s a little ridiculous to say to a goose who is hissing at you but in my dramatic world it suited me just fine. I walked quickly into work and was glad it didn’t chase me in.
Sitting at my desk I was thinking to myself just how hard Satan works to get us. He brings fear upon us and attacks at our weak areas. He waits patiently to pounce on our emotions. In John 10:10 the bible says “A thief comes to steal and kill and destroy, but I came to give life—life in all its fullness.” What a blessing to know that Jesus is filled with such hope.
During the day, we had a meeting going on in one of our conference rooms which faces the parking lot where the two deadly geese have now made their home. All of a sudden, I hear my co-worker say “Oh my goodness that goose is attacking that man." This was going to be a problem. How was I going to take out the garbage at the end of the day? I told Kim, my co-worker that we would just have to become hoarders because my life is just too precious to be attacked by a goose. Kim said “this is how much I love you”! She got up and grabbed the garbage and ran outside. Three of us ran to the window to watch Kim take on this horrendous task. Her goal was to go around the geese so they wouldn’t see her. She made a run for it. They must have been distracted by something else because they didn’t really notice her. Oh, how easy she made it look. When we are fearful we can always hold on to the scripture Psalm 23:4 "Even if I walk through a very dark valley, I will not be afraid, because you are with me. Your rod and your shepherd's staff comfort me."
Later that day, as Kim was leaving, she called me from her car and said, "I don’t know how you are going to get to your car because the two geese are laying right behind your car." I realized at that point not only did I have to get to my car to get home; I noticed that there was another garbage bag to go out. DUN DUN DUN! If this is my biggest worry for the day, life is good.
Eileen, my other co-worker, was now running out for something. She parked right next to me so of course I watched from the window to see if I needed to call an ambulance for her. She walked briskly to her car and the geese both started walking toward her hissing. She said, "eh eh" and she got in her car. Eileen called me from the car and told me to “leave now and I will drive you to your car”! It was time to go home anyway. I headed outside and Eileen was waiting for me by the steps with her car. I had to walk along side of Eileen’s car with her passenger window down me leaning on the window and the bag of garbage in the other hand. She actually drove me to the garbage dumpster. I felt like a Macy’s day float or in a parade walking along side of the car. Imagine what the people in the offices above us thought looking at the scene in the parking lot. As I dropped the garbage in the bin the geese were trying to come around the front of the car hissing. I then ran from there to my car. I gave Eileen a wave to thank her for saving my life!
The next day we found out that the geese were actually protecting the little babies that weren’t born yet. Amazing to see how an animal can protect something they love. God does the same for us. Day or night no matter what, the geese watched for anyone who would get next to their babies. Such amazing love our Father has for us. I know when we are helpless like the chicks God is our PROTECTOR.
Eileen had come along side of me in that moment just like Jesus comes along side of us everyday. 2 Samuel 22:3 “My God is my rock. I can run to him for safety. He is my shield and my saving strength, my defender and my place of safety. The Lord saves me from those who want to harm me.” Such an awesome scripture when we are going through the bumpy times in our lives.
Next time you see a Canadian Goose, be reminded how much our Father in Heaven protects us. Exodus 23:20 "I am sending an angel ahead of you, who will protect you as you travel. He will lead you to the place I have prepared.”
Friday, March 11, 2011
Which Leader are You? by Kim Checkeye
One of my favorite authors on Leadership is John Maxwell. One of my closest and dearest friends brought him to my attention many years ago. I love to read his books on how to grow as a leader but one of my favorite things he has is his “A minute with Maxwell.” Due to my hectic schedule, I do not have large amounts of time to sit and read a book so being able to fill myself with these nuggets, encourages me to grow as a leader.
This morning I listened to his one minute segment on PRIDE. Here are a few things he said:
"There are two types of pride. One pride helps and the other pride hurts. The pride that hurts is when I put myself before others. The pride that helps is when I am doing my work well, being a person who is affective, and a person of excellence, a person setting the bar high for the standard that I have to perform and lead in.
One pride will make you and the other pride will break you."
Over the years, I have seen this to be so true. I have seen many leaders care only about one thing – themselves. I have seen leaders’ use and abuse people only to get out of them what they need in order to make them succeed. I have seen people destroy precious ministries that were founded on a dream by God because they wanted to make it all about them. Everything they say and do has that underlining factor of ME.
On the other hand, I have seen amazing leaders who long to strive for excellence within themselves and with those around them. I have seen leaders push their people to grow in their gifts and abilities so they can become the leaders God is asking them to be. I have watched powerful leaders encourage and sometimes push their people to grow past their hurts, struggles, attitudes, heart issues etc. so they can grow more into the imagine of Christ. So they can grow into the leader that God is calling them to be for the call He has on their life.
One leader hurts. One leader helps.
But what has amazed me the most is how people will actually follow the one that hurts rather than the one that helps. Why is that? What makes us do that? All I could do was look at my own heart for the answers.
In my 38 (almost 39!!!) years of life, I have followed both types of leaders. I know for me, it was easier to follow the leaders that hurt because if you followed the ones that helped, it meant I had to change. It meant I had to raise the bar of the standard of who I wanted to be and take the steps toward change. Take the steps towards transformation. Take the steps to not be the same person I have always been. Sometimes it was easier to follow the one that hurts rather than the one that helps because it causes us to look deep within ourselves.
Make a list of all the leaders you follow in your life. Think about who they are and what they say and do.
Then make a list about yourself. An open and honest list about who you are. Are your conversations, emails, blogs, motives and thoughts always about you? If yes, then come to the Lord and ask Him to change and mold you. If you have a teachable and trainable heart, He will do this with you. Don’t beat yourself up. Focus on changing and allowing God to teach you His ways about leadership. Just think of the leader you will become!!!
If you are a leader whose thoughts, conversations, emails, blogs and motives are about striving for others, helping others to succeed and helping others to grow, then praise God. Go get yourself some chocolate and have a party. But beware! The enemy knows that you are a good leader. He will attempt to side track you and slowly bring in pride in a way, shape or form that you are not expecting. When that happens, deal with it immediately. Pull it out and burn it. Then shake the dust off and get back into the game.
Which leader are you and which leader are you going to follow?
This morning I listened to his one minute segment on PRIDE. Here are a few things he said:
"There are two types of pride. One pride helps and the other pride hurts. The pride that hurts is when I put myself before others. The pride that helps is when I am doing my work well, being a person who is affective, and a person of excellence, a person setting the bar high for the standard that I have to perform and lead in.
One pride will make you and the other pride will break you."
Over the years, I have seen this to be so true. I have seen many leaders care only about one thing – themselves. I have seen leaders’ use and abuse people only to get out of them what they need in order to make them succeed. I have seen people destroy precious ministries that were founded on a dream by God because they wanted to make it all about them. Everything they say and do has that underlining factor of ME.
On the other hand, I have seen amazing leaders who long to strive for excellence within themselves and with those around them. I have seen leaders push their people to grow in their gifts and abilities so they can become the leaders God is asking them to be. I have watched powerful leaders encourage and sometimes push their people to grow past their hurts, struggles, attitudes, heart issues etc. so they can grow more into the imagine of Christ. So they can grow into the leader that God is calling them to be for the call He has on their life.
One leader hurts. One leader helps.
But what has amazed me the most is how people will actually follow the one that hurts rather than the one that helps. Why is that? What makes us do that? All I could do was look at my own heart for the answers.
In my 38 (almost 39!!!) years of life, I have followed both types of leaders. I know for me, it was easier to follow the leaders that hurt because if you followed the ones that helped, it meant I had to change. It meant I had to raise the bar of the standard of who I wanted to be and take the steps toward change. Take the steps towards transformation. Take the steps to not be the same person I have always been. Sometimes it was easier to follow the one that hurts rather than the one that helps because it causes us to look deep within ourselves.
Make a list of all the leaders you follow in your life. Think about who they are and what they say and do.
Then make a list about yourself. An open and honest list about who you are. Are your conversations, emails, blogs, motives and thoughts always about you? If yes, then come to the Lord and ask Him to change and mold you. If you have a teachable and trainable heart, He will do this with you. Don’t beat yourself up. Focus on changing and allowing God to teach you His ways about leadership. Just think of the leader you will become!!!
If you are a leader whose thoughts, conversations, emails, blogs and motives are about striving for others, helping others to succeed and helping others to grow, then praise God. Go get yourself some chocolate and have a party. But beware! The enemy knows that you are a good leader. He will attempt to side track you and slowly bring in pride in a way, shape or form that you are not expecting. When that happens, deal with it immediately. Pull it out and burn it. Then shake the dust off and get back into the game.
Which leader are you and which leader are you going to follow?
Monday, March 7, 2011
Wonder Woman by Shana Minervini
The story that is on my heart this month is a My Sister’s Closet testimony. My Sister’s Closet is an upscale shop where women can donate clothes, purses, scarves, wraps, shoes, you name it. We buy all our jewelry new. I have spent a pretty penny snatching some gorgeous items before they even hit the floor. My Sister’s Closet sells these fine clothes at a low cost to you. As you look around the shop at the clothing, you will notice that there is a scripture attached to the price tag. All the money that is made from My Sister’s Closet goes straight to the ministries of Truth for Women. With this money, we are able to host bible studies, support groups, seminars workshops and help women in a crisis.
My cousin Melissa attended the Passionate for Truth women’s retreat in January. At the retreat, she bought some jewelry from My Sister’s Closet. I asked Debbie, who works for MSC, to let me know which bracelet Melissa had her eye on so I could buy it for her as a token from the retreat. I got busy with something, probably laughing and talking up a storm with someone and returned to my chair. I discovered that Melissa had bought me the bracelet I wanted to buy for her. Melissa also bought a few of these bracelets for herself.
The bracelets are silver with scriptures engraved on them. I was so touched by the gift because my scripture was Galatians 5:22-23 “But the Spirit produces the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” I immediately put the bracelet on and thought to myself every time I want to have patience, I will look down at the bracelet to remind myself to calm down. When I want to have self-control and not scream at the person who just cut me off or yell at my family for not having the house picked up the way it should be, I can look at my bracelet.
I started to think of Wonder Woman, she, too, wore bracelets~ the bullets would ricochet off any attacks. I can just picture myself in my car holding my wrist up in the air with the sound effects psh psh psh. Or stopping myself from an argument with my husband with my arm bent in the air and the silver bracelet guarding my mouth. The bracelet was a reminder to me that I am above any circumstance because I have the Holy Spirit. I have a choice on how to handle the situation. I am a Wonder Woman of God!!
Melissa was wearing her bracelet John 3:16, "God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son so that whoever believes in him may not be lost, but have eternal life." Melissa felt that the bracelet was meant for someone else. Immediately, her friend at work, Joan, came to mind. Her husband is dying of cancer and God showed Melissa that Joan feels so alone and she feels helpless at times. Melissa knew that God wanted her friend to have it. She got into work and looked for her friend but she wasn’t there. She called her and asked if she was going to come in. Joan’s plan was to come in briefly and pick up a few things. When Joan came in Melissa rushed to her and said “Joan, God wants you to have this bracelet. He wants you to know that you are not alone and that He is with you during this time.” The two of them wept together. Joan said “You don’t know how much I needed to hear this right now.” God used the bracelet to comfort her pain. Just the day before, Joan told Melissa, she had come across that very same scripture.
Last year there was a woman who came into My Sister’s Closet . Her physical appearance showed that she had been through so much in her life. She came in and tried on some clothes. Deb, our salesperson, told her how beautiful she looked and she wept. Deb asked her why she was crying and she said, "Because no one has ever told me I was beautiful before." The women sat next to the register in a chair for about an hour with complete joy.
Ladies, the bible tells us in Psalm 139:14 "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." God does not make mistakes.
My Sister’s closet is an outreach for women who are hurting and also for women who like beautiful clothes at an awesome price. Our goal is to help the hurting. Remember, one changed life can affect countless others.
If you have a testimony for My Sister’s Closet or Truth for Women we would love to hear from you at info@truthforwomen.org. If you have any spring or summer clothes you would like to donate, please stop in. We love hearing and sharing all the great things that God does.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Passionate for Truth Retreat by Shana Minervini
January was a big month for Truth for Women. We held our annual Passionate for Truth Women’s Retreat in Lancaster , PA at the Eden Resort.
The retreat was beautiful. Women coming together to share their love for Christ and being in a safe environment to discuss life challenges and issues.
Elieen Alpaugh spoke about “Great Expectations.” This message was about our expectations in life. What were some of your expectations? I know when I was little I wanted to be a teacher. I also wanted to marry a prince and live in a big house. I wanted to be married by 25 and have two kids, a girls and a boy. Sometimes in life our expectations do not match up with God’s plans. It’s great to have goals and dreams in our lives but sometimes we go through things in life that we just didn’t expect. But through our circumstances and blessings we realize that God is with us if we trust him it all works out for his Glory. The tough times in life only draw us closer to him and make our “tests” into “testimonies”. I like to think of the scripture Eileen quoted in Philippians 4:19 “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
Irene Gerontianos spoke on “Fear Not! Why Not?” First, let me tell you that I have never if my life met anyone with the courage and strength as Irene. She is truly an inspiration. Irene has terminal cancer and walks in faith everyday. She is truly used by God and praises God through all things. Irene taught about why not to fear. She said that fear is mentioned in the bible 920 times. Her amazing testimony will strengthen you through the Holy Spirit. Millions of people are faced with many types of fear. Fear of rejection, fear of dying, fear of failure or just plain panic attacks. The devil uses fear to paralyze us. He tries to stop us in our purpose so God’s work cannot be done. Irene said “the best protection is praise and worship.” “The battle belongs to the Lord”. Irene gave us five steps on how to face fear.
1. Remind yourself your source of help.
2. Deny the tendency to trust others.
3. Remember who God is and what he can do.
4. Take your position and stand on it.
5. Move out and face the enemy.
In my life, I have had many fearful moments. The one thing that got me through was scripture. I would look up fear in concordance and find a scripture. I would write it down in my bible or on an index card and anytime I would feel fear coming upon me, I would quote that scripture(s) and the feeling would leave. I would ask God to help me through prayer.
In our breakout groups we had to look up scriptures on fear and below are a few that I have used in my life.
Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Psalm 23:4 “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
Kim Checkeye spoke about two things “It’s Time to Have Passion for God and It’s time to be Stirred:
Three things to begin your journey to have a passionate life for God:
1. Read the Word of God
2. Apply the Word of God to your life
3. Begin to have a hunger and thirst for righteousness
Five things to be Stirred up in Life:
1. It is time to be stirred back to our fist love.
2. It is time to be stirred into power.
3. It is time to be stirred to tame our tongue.
4. It is time to be stirred to know who you are in Christ.
5. It is time to be stirred to walk in the call on your life.
These are eight life changing points from Kim!
We can all remember the feeling and the day when we first accepted Jesus as our personal savior. It’s a joy that cannot be explained and it’s a joy that only comes from the Holy Spirit. We felt like we can conquer the world. We could make the world a better place. Sometimes, that feeling fades away because our “life things” get in the way. We are working, driving the kids here and there, dinner, laundry, cleaning. Sometimes, we get into bed and fall asleep before our head hits the pillow. I decided to make that special time for God in the morning so I would have the strength to get through the UUGGHs that were going to happen during the day. Doing this in the morning makes my day start off powerful. Jesus waits patiently for us. He loves us more than we can possibly imagine. Spending that special time with him is where we can hear. It is when we can cast our fears and lay them at His feet. Where we can take our expectations and get stirred up by God. It is where we can take all of our burdens and desires. It’s an amazing place to be. I will make it a point to make sure I make time for HIM so I can have the peace and strength I need to get through the day.
The retreat was such a blessing. I know it touched not only me but so many by the inspirational testimonies the ladies shared. Women are designed to nurture and love. Putting 50 women in a room and sharing the gospel will bring tears, joy and most of all laughter. Some of us laughed till we cried. I thank everyone who attended. It was a pleasure to meet all of you and share this wonderful and empowering experience with you. I can’t wait till next year!!!
The retreat was beautiful. Women coming together to share their love for Christ and being in a safe environment to discuss life challenges and issues.
Elieen Alpaugh spoke about “Great Expectations.” This message was about our expectations in life. What were some of your expectations? I know when I was little I wanted to be a teacher. I also wanted to marry a prince and live in a big house. I wanted to be married by 25 and have two kids, a girls and a boy. Sometimes in life our expectations do not match up with God’s plans. It’s great to have goals and dreams in our lives but sometimes we go through things in life that we just didn’t expect. But through our circumstances and blessings we realize that God is with us if we trust him it all works out for his Glory. The tough times in life only draw us closer to him and make our “tests” into “testimonies”. I like to think of the scripture Eileen quoted in Philippians 4:19 “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
Irene Gerontianos spoke on “Fear Not! Why Not?” First, let me tell you that I have never if my life met anyone with the courage and strength as Irene. She is truly an inspiration. Irene has terminal cancer and walks in faith everyday. She is truly used by God and praises God through all things. Irene taught about why not to fear. She said that fear is mentioned in the bible 920 times. Her amazing testimony will strengthen you through the Holy Spirit. Millions of people are faced with many types of fear. Fear of rejection, fear of dying, fear of failure or just plain panic attacks. The devil uses fear to paralyze us. He tries to stop us in our purpose so God’s work cannot be done. Irene said “the best protection is praise and worship.” “The battle belongs to the Lord”. Irene gave us five steps on how to face fear.
1. Remind yourself your source of help.
2. Deny the tendency to trust others.
3. Remember who God is and what he can do.
4. Take your position and stand on it.
5. Move out and face the enemy.
In my life, I have had many fearful moments. The one thing that got me through was scripture. I would look up fear in concordance and find a scripture. I would write it down in my bible or on an index card and anytime I would feel fear coming upon me, I would quote that scripture(s) and the feeling would leave. I would ask God to help me through prayer.
In our breakout groups we had to look up scriptures on fear and below are a few that I have used in my life.
Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Psalm 23:4 “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
Kim Checkeye spoke about two things “It’s Time to Have Passion for God and It’s time to be Stirred:
Three things to begin your journey to have a passionate life for God:
1. Read the Word of God
2. Apply the Word of God to your life
3. Begin to have a hunger and thirst for righteousness
Five things to be Stirred up in Life:
1. It is time to be stirred back to our fist love.
2. It is time to be stirred into power.
3. It is time to be stirred to tame our tongue.
4. It is time to be stirred to know who you are in Christ.
5. It is time to be stirred to walk in the call on your life.
These are eight life changing points from Kim!
We can all remember the feeling and the day when we first accepted Jesus as our personal savior. It’s a joy that cannot be explained and it’s a joy that only comes from the Holy Spirit. We felt like we can conquer the world. We could make the world a better place. Sometimes, that feeling fades away because our “life things” get in the way. We are working, driving the kids here and there, dinner, laundry, cleaning. Sometimes, we get into bed and fall asleep before our head hits the pillow. I decided to make that special time for God in the morning so I would have the strength to get through the UUGGHs that were going to happen during the day. Doing this in the morning makes my day start off powerful. Jesus waits patiently for us. He loves us more than we can possibly imagine. Spending that special time with him is where we can hear. It is when we can cast our fears and lay them at His feet. Where we can take our expectations and get stirred up by God. It is where we can take all of our burdens and desires. It’s an amazing place to be. I will make it a point to make sure I make time for HIM so I can have the peace and strength I need to get through the day.
The retreat was such a blessing. I know it touched not only me but so many by the inspirational testimonies the ladies shared. Women are designed to nurture and love. Putting 50 women in a room and sharing the gospel will bring tears, joy and most of all laughter. Some of us laughed till we cried. I thank everyone who attended. It was a pleasure to meet all of you and share this wonderful and empowering experience with you. I can’t wait till next year!!!
Monday, January 10, 2011
New Year - New Me by Shana Minervini
As we are going into another new year, and the Christmas season has ended, I can’t help but reflect on my year. The feeling on New Year’s Eve is one of high anticipation, feelings of hopes of what your new year will bring.
As I start to reflect on the year that has passed, thoughts vividly pass through my mind. I start to think how many times God was there for me. Amazing prayers got answered recently and ones that were said years ago, all the times that God took care of my needs and worries and wiped away endless tears. The unexpected blessings he lavished me with, the angels that he used as friends.
At this time, I had situations that I could not fix or control. In these times, I met my “Heavenly Father”. My relationship with Him grew deeper and deeper. The trials I faced left me with one option – To Trust Him. I learned to take the heavy back pack of worry, fear and hopelessness and lay it down at His feet. In Matthew 11:28 it says “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest”.
Trust, Faith and Hope were words that I clung to. Proverbs 3:5 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." In 2009, my husband was laid off from his engineering job due to cutbacks in the firm. At the end of that year, through much prayer and direction we felt that God was leading him to become a financial planner. This is a business where you get paid when you get clients. He is working two jobs six days a week trying to make ends meet and for heath insurance. So 2010 became my walk of faith.
I had to go through a time this year with no health insurance. That was huge in my faith. To me, the thought of something seriously happening to me and not being covered would be an area of panic. The only solution I had was to trust and have faith that God would protect me. A humorous story happened a week after my 40th birthday. I was walking down the stairs with a laundry basket when somehow I saw the white basket leave my hands and fly through the air like a boomerang. My body was following but I was in the air also. The basket lands and here I come now in a tumbling position. " Houston I have landed." As I sat there, I felt like my legs were in another room and someone had to put me back together again. I felt this burning sensation. I laid and just cried (yes I am a little dramatic) but the cry was not only from the fall it was one of those cries where it comes up from your toes. The pain wasn't about just the fall. I started to think if something is broken I have no insurance. My husband helped me up and thankfully nothing was broken just bruised. God did take care of me and put me back together again.
I’m not telling you my year was easy. Yes, there were times where I was having my fits and felt like rolling around on the floor like a two- year- old. But I felt like I could tell Him my feelings of frustration. Instead of calling a girlfriend up and going on a rampage I started to turn to God first. It brought such a peace. It was like letting it go and giving it to Him. I let Jesus be my Hero.
If you ever saw the movie Elf there is a scene where Buddy the elf thinks the real Santa is coming to the department store. He is truly excited. And he screams real loud I KNOW HIM!!! That’s what I feel like my year was. I feel like screaming from the roof top "I KNOW HIM!!! I KNOW JESUS!!"
Going forward into 2011, I have decided to keep a journal filled with prayers, answered prayers and testimonies. So when each year turns into the next, I can reflect on how God’s hand has touched my life. I will see how many times God has carried me when I was too weak to fight the battle.
I am so grateful for 2010. I thank Jesus for all the hardships, pain and blessings because it made my faith grow. The seeds of faith were planted as far back as I can remember but this year is when they harvested. This Year’s resolution for me is New Year - New Me. I don’t want to have a list of all my resolutions because it would be right up there with the top two dieting and exercising. By February, we all know that the resolution wears off and we are in the drive through at McDonald’s ordering a Big Mac and shoveling it in our mouth. I want my resolution to be more of Jesus. At least I know with this choice there is no guilt, just unconditional love and forgiveness, a chance for him to show me his plans for my life. Jeremiah 29:11 states, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. I want this to be another year I can shout I KNOW HIM!!!!
As I start to reflect on the year that has passed, thoughts vividly pass through my mind. I start to think how many times God was there for me. Amazing prayers got answered recently and ones that were said years ago, all the times that God took care of my needs and worries and wiped away endless tears. The unexpected blessings he lavished me with, the angels that he used as friends.
At this time, I had situations that I could not fix or control. In these times, I met my “Heavenly Father”. My relationship with Him grew deeper and deeper. The trials I faced left me with one option – To Trust Him. I learned to take the heavy back pack of worry, fear and hopelessness and lay it down at His feet. In Matthew 11:28 it says “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest”.
Trust, Faith and Hope were words that I clung to. Proverbs 3:5 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." In 2009, my husband was laid off from his engineering job due to cutbacks in the firm. At the end of that year, through much prayer and direction we felt that God was leading him to become a financial planner. This is a business where you get paid when you get clients. He is working two jobs six days a week trying to make ends meet and for heath insurance. So 2010 became my walk of faith.
I had to go through a time this year with no health insurance. That was huge in my faith. To me, the thought of something seriously happening to me and not being covered would be an area of panic. The only solution I had was to trust and have faith that God would protect me. A humorous story happened a week after my 40th birthday. I was walking down the stairs with a laundry basket when somehow I saw the white basket leave my hands and fly through the air like a boomerang. My body was following but I was in the air also. The basket lands and here I come now in a tumbling position. " Houston I have landed." As I sat there, I felt like my legs were in another room and someone had to put me back together again. I felt this burning sensation. I laid and just cried (yes I am a little dramatic) but the cry was not only from the fall it was one of those cries where it comes up from your toes. The pain wasn't about just the fall. I started to think if something is broken I have no insurance. My husband helped me up and thankfully nothing was broken just bruised. God did take care of me and put me back together again.
I’m not telling you my year was easy. Yes, there were times where I was having my fits and felt like rolling around on the floor like a two- year- old. But I felt like I could tell Him my feelings of frustration. Instead of calling a girlfriend up and going on a rampage I started to turn to God first. It brought such a peace. It was like letting it go and giving it to Him. I let Jesus be my Hero.
If you ever saw the movie Elf there is a scene where Buddy the elf thinks the real Santa is coming to the department store. He is truly excited. And he screams real loud I KNOW HIM!!! That’s what I feel like my year was. I feel like screaming from the roof top "I KNOW HIM!!! I KNOW JESUS!!"
Going forward into 2011, I have decided to keep a journal filled with prayers, answered prayers and testimonies. So when each year turns into the next, I can reflect on how God’s hand has touched my life. I will see how many times God has carried me when I was too weak to fight the battle.
I am so grateful for 2010. I thank Jesus for all the hardships, pain and blessings because it made my faith grow. The seeds of faith were planted as far back as I can remember but this year is when they harvested. This Year’s resolution for me is New Year - New Me. I don’t want to have a list of all my resolutions because it would be right up there with the top two dieting and exercising. By February, we all know that the resolution wears off and we are in the drive through at McDonald’s ordering a Big Mac and shoveling it in our mouth. I want my resolution to be more of Jesus. At least I know with this choice there is no guilt, just unconditional love and forgiveness, a chance for him to show me his plans for my life. Jeremiah 29:11 states, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. I want this to be another year I can shout I KNOW HIM!!!!
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