Inner Beauty

Although outward beauty may be seen

all painted on with a brush so fair
its shallowness can be revealed
in our actions unaware,

But inner beauty is much more rare
and it comes from God above
It is shown in how we act
and how we show His love.

Like an oyster in the ocean
its outer shell so plain and dull
but when you look inside of it
there's a pearl so beautiful.

I hope to be like the oyster
when you look inside you'll see
a heart so warm and beautiful
and see God's love inside of me.

©copyright 2002 Ruth Johnson

Merry Christmas!!!

For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.Isaiah 9:6

Favorite Things

If you are looking for a way to bless someone and you just can't think of anything tangible to give, I'm sharing some of my FAVORITE things that has really blessed me.

1. Driven DVD/CD Combo by Pastors Myles and DeLana Rutherford I must say I feel as though this was made specifically for me. I received it at a time in my life where I was going through some things and this CD along with crying out to God helped me regain my strength.
   

Pastors Myles and DeLana Rutherford

Driven DVD/CD

2. Personal Home Diary~ This will be a great asset to your home. To purchase your very own PHD for $13.99 and receive an Instant Download click here. Thanks to DeLonda Adams for such a great tool to add to my Home Management Binder.





3. Lisa Shaw Book: You are Beautiful In God's Eyes to purchase your hard copy click here. It's also available Kindle e Book or Nook e Book.





I hope you checkout these items. They have really blessed me.

F.A.R Girlz

"Far Above Rubies"

I would like to introduce you to a new ministry geared for young ladies under the age of 30. F.A.R Girlz is dedicated to leading our young ladies into a genuine relationship with their Father in heaven.

FAR Girlz is here to set the captives free by giving our young ladies the reality of God’s word. This reality will allow the chains of bondage to break and they will grasp what their true worth is; which allows them to no longer mimic the customs of this world and also be able to freely live in Christ.

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:32

Our vision here at FAR Girlz is to be able to impact the life of every woman that God allows to cross our path; that she may discover her true identity apart from her past and worldly customs by "knowing" Christ.

Please sow into someone's life and bless them by sharing this ministries information with others.


Follow F.A.R Girlz:

http://www.facebook.com/fargirlz


http://www.fargirlz.blogspot.com/

Santa - Our Imaginary Friend

Santa - Our Imaginary Friend

One of the tough topics that all Christians have to face when we accept Christ is to embrace truth and reject lies. Many of those lies are society’s lies. They are the lies that brought us such much joy as children. With the season approaching, yes, I am talking about “Santa – Our Imaginary Friend”

As a child, I don’t remember believing in Santa, I just pretended to fit in. We were extremely poor so as other children bragged about their elaborate gifts and I didn’t have any to brag about, I told my own lie of getting gifts that I only wished that I had received. It was quite a reality check for a young child. The 2010 Census revealed that the rate of families living in poverty spiked showing that 1 in 5 children in America now live below the poverty line. That was 18 months ago, so I am sure it has increased. Even middle class families put off paying their utility bills to feed into the pressure. Imagine how many children have to face the facts when they wake up to an empty Christmas tree and then face other children who were showered in gifts. It's hard to keep up with societies lie when not all of society can afford it.

Later, as a single mom of three, I bought in to all of the hype. It was an opportunity to overcompensate for my childhood. I love creating traditions. I believed in God but found myself mixing Jesus with Santa. I was such a free-spirited mother that I didn’t even realize that I was mixing the truth with a lie. But I was one of those christians. You know, the ones that believed in Christ, but didn’t really follow Him. I admired Jesus without surrendering to Jesus. Now that I look back on it, I realize that not only did I tell many elaborate lies to my children, I went through extreme measures to convince them of them.

Here is just a small list:

Santa – We visited a man dressed as Santa, had pictures taken with him, left out cookies and milk for him, left out reindeer food, left stocking for Santa to feel them with candy and even had my brother-in-law call when my children were misbehaving to tell them that he knows that they are being “naughty.”

Easter Bunny - We visited a man dressed as The Easter Bunny, had pictures taken with The Easter Bunny, colored eggs so he could hide them and ate hollowed chocolate bunnies in honor of him.

The Tooth Fairy – I would put their tooth under their pillows, wait until they were asleep, replace it with money and then sprinkle glitter from their bed to the window and when they showed me, I acted like I couldn’t see it. I even had my daughter in on the lying as she whispered to my son “Only kids can see the glitter.”

The Boogey Man – While other parents convinced their kids that there was no boogey man, I used it to my advantage. When my daughter was a toddler, she would always try to play in the toilet. When I saw her go in the bathroom and I wanted her out, I would tell her that she better come out or “The Boogey Man” would get her. Terrible, I know.

Where do babies come from? – When my oldest daughter sprung this on me, I was 21 and unprepared so I quickly replied, “From swallowing watermelon seeds.” A year later, she runs in the house telling that she is pregnant because she swallowed a watermelon seed. Learning the lesson from my first incident, when it came up with my second daughter, I still was unprepared and told her that I plant a seed in a garden and the father waters it. My kids still laugh over my elaborate lies.

I remember when my kids were attending an in-home daycare and the provider was of Pentecostal faith. She wore long skirts, long hair, no make-up and no jewelry. One day, on the way home from picking up my kids, my daughter told me that she had told them that I lied to them about Santa. That it was a way to take the focus off of Jesus’s birthday. I was irate. I contacted her and told her to mind her business and it was my job.

Of course now as a christian woman who every day tries to imitate Christ, I understand that you can’t imitate Christ by embracing lies. I think back on how much I lied yet at the same time, I expected nothing but truth from my children. Would I handle a situation like my daycare provider? No. As the teaching of Jesus will tell you, our job in ministry is to put information out and it is up to the recipient to receive it or reject it. I would never force Christ on anyone. That's the beauty of free will.

Before I faced the truth, of course I looked for every excuse to embrace Santa. He was like family. I felt like I was about to kill an important character in my favorite story. It was heartbreaking. He was one of the reasons that my children had such creativity and wild imaginations. I compared him to fairytales and quickly found that it wasn’t credible because the kids know that they are just stories. We go through extreme measures to make Santa “real.” A lie was a lie and Santa had to go so I had to kill him off.

I finally told my kids the truth by confessing to them that I had been lying. I told them about the story of the toymaker St. Nicholas and how he made toys for the children and left candy in their stocking as they hung by the fireplace to dry. I told them after he died, the tradition just went on. Then I told them the real reason for the season. That I just bought into the lie and the shallow definition of Christmas.

Even if Christmas not the real date of the birth of Christ as many christians often debate around this time, praise God, He was born. We still celebrate the season for significance of the day and give each other presents in the spirit of giving. We also try our best to help the less fortunate and homeless and in today’s economic climate, the need is even greater. We spend time as a family and take time to appreciate the gift of life, but we no longer embrace the lie.

We embrace the story of the baby born in a manger and the priceless gift that his birth represented. The gift of Grace.

“Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.” Ephesians 4:25

Have a Merry Christmas,

Katrina Smith

Like it? Love it? Share it!

Join the Movement!
www.butterflymovement.org

Review: You Are Beautiful In God's Eyes by Lisa Shaw

For those of you, who are familiar with Lisa Shaw, are aware of her love for God and His people. She is an Awesome Woman of God with a caring heart and brings along inspiration where ever she goes. When she announced she was writing a book, I knew I definitely had to get my hands on it and boy, I'm glad I did!

This is a great easy to read book which consist of 10 Short Chapters and only 79 pages but packed with some powerful life changing information. You Are Beautiful In God's Eyes is geared for women ages 14 years and older.

Here are a few titles of some of the chapters you will find in the book.

1. What Does God Say About You?
2. The World's View
3. Past Pain
4. Hurting Words
5. I Need A Man to complete Me

Mrs. Shaw has included scripture references throughout which allows the reader to additionally reflect on God's word. You will also find at the end of each chapter some questions for you to meditate on. She really challenges you to think and dig deep within yourself. You are indeed Beautiful!

If you are looking for self encouragement, a gift for someone, or maybe you want an Inspirational book, please purchase a copy of Lisa Shaw's Book You are Beautiful In God's Eyes.

The shipping is great, packaged well and the price is GREAT. You can purchase a Hard Copy, Kindle eBook Version or Nook eBook Version.

As a person who has struggled with my past and self esteem, I highly recommend You Are Beautiful In God's Eyes. This is truly a MUST Read!!! When you finish this book, you will find you have much more confidence in yourself and see yourself as God sees you. The world, your past or present will no longer define your beauty.

Special Thanks goes to Peter Shaw her husband for such a lovely Foreword.

Thank you to Lisa Shaw for such an amazing book.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

In that wonderful day you will sing:
“Thank the Lord! Praise his name!
Tell the nations what he has done.
Let them know how mighty he is!

Isaiah 12:4

Blessings Unlimited Sale Starts Today!!!

I would like to introduce you to my Home Business Blessings Unlimited.

Blessings Unlimited® offers a unique blend of business and ministry with exclusive home décor items and gifts created to encourage hearts, build relationships, and bring beauty to the place where you live. We provide a unique shopping experience and a business opportunity which provides the freedom and flexibility to spend time on what is most important to you.

Be inspired. Be connected. Be blessed.

If you would like to find out more information regarding products or joining my team, please feel free to contact me directly. aretha@angelichomes.com

Mixing Business and Ministry. Who said you can't do both? I can show you how.

Visit the website for more products!!!

If you would like to take advantage of the sale, please get your order in  as soon as possible. This is a great sale and you don't want to miss out on the bargains.

www.angelichomes.com

Aretha Turner
Blessings Unlimited Consultant
(706) 871-4634
www.angelichomes.com

Worship Joyfully

We we go to God in worship we are to go joyfully. This means we should be enthusiastic when we worship Him. God is the Creator and we belong to Him. Because God’s goodness is everlasting, we all are to rejoice in His presence.

Be happy with who God is and with everything He does. Don't be afraid to let everyone know about how good God is and Him and His word is constant and NEVER changing.

Psalm 100

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

  Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

  For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

 

Inspiration with Lisa Shaw

Enjoy this Inspirational word from our November Sister in the Spotlight (S.I.S) Lisa Shaw

God has a Dream for You

Forever Thankful

Forever Thankful

Being forever thankful
Is what God wants from us
Never forgetting from where we came
Or His boundless saving love

All of heavens blessings
Poured down from heavens gates
Everything we have in life
He's given with extra grace

We need to always thank Him
For this and so much more
Not only for tangible things
But because He is our Lord

Thanksgiving is the key
For His blessings to increase
If we've not got thankful hearts
His blessings soon will cease

Don't ever start complaining
At what you may not have
Look around at what you see
Then be thankful and glad

© By M.S.Lowndes

You are Not Alone

I was watching a movie and I just began to cry. I was so emotional when the little boy in the movie was being picked on.  I immediately felt horrible because he did not have anyone to stick up for him. He was new in town and had no relatives or friends. As a result of  him being in an unfamiliar territory,  he was feeling as though he was all alone. I could relate because I to,  had moments where I thought I was isolated and had no one to communicate with or help solve my dilemmas. I noticed sometimes when we are going through trials we either want to go to someone for help or we want to handle it ourselves.

God quickly reminded me He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). I'm sure you have heard this before, but he really is there to take care of us and has our back regardless of what we are going through. He will be with us and guide us even when we think we are at the end of the road with no options. He can top any friend we could ever have. In reality, our friends will only go so far for us. It is exciting to know even when our friends and love ones turn their backs on us, we still have a Father who is watching over us? Glory to God! I don't know about you but it is exciting to me. You are NEVER alone.


When you enter into a crisis, let the first person you talk to be our Heavenly Father. He wants you to depend on Him. He is a jealous God and want to come FIRST in your life and that includes all decision- making.

All you have to do is accept Him into your life and allow Him to lead. 

November (S.I.S) Sister in the Spotlight: Lisa Shaw

Lisa Shaw

Praise the Lord Ladies! I’m excited to share a bit of my love for God with you on this beautiful ministry Sisters of Honor with Deaconess Aretha Turner. Thank you for the honor. It’s very humbling to share with you today…

A bit about me:

Let me say that God’s love is the story of my life and it shows in His mercy, grace and patience that He pours out on me daily. I have been married for over 21 years to my best friend, spiritual covering, ministry partner and the man whom I call my greatest cheerleader, Peter Shaw. He is my Border Buster for sure! I have two daughters ages 25 and 18 who are my hearts. I have two precious grand-girls ages 4 and 3 who are my joys and I have one special son-in-law. I’m also Mamma to two Maltese fur-boys named Goodness and Merci.

While I come with business background, my calling is to minister the Word of God to all who are wounded and need to know God loves them. A call I have taken seriously for a very long time. By God’s grace I am an ordained pastor (along with my husband), bible teacher, speaker and first time author.

When I had the pleasure to be with my Grandparents which was regularly, they not only took me to church they involved me. I grew up serving God in church, gave my life to Christ at age 12 but had many struggles due to childhood pain that affected my life including decisions I made in my teens and into my mid-twenties. After a history of being hindered by past pain, people pleasing, approval addiction, secret-sin and the grip of fear, I came to realize that I was enough in God’s eyes. I was valuable to Him through Christ. Yes, you can be saved, serving in Church and still be carnal and hurting tremendously. I remember the day when 1 John 3:1 became life to me. I came to know Him not just as my God but as my Abba Father; someone in whom I could feel safe and who loved me not for how I looked or how I performed but just because I was His! That’s freeing ladies!

The Ministry:

Lisa Shaw Ministries (www.lisashawcares.com) is a prayer, bible teaching, speaking and ministering ministry which helps people to see themselves through God’s eyes. God’s given me a very tender heart toward the wounded woman especially. Hence, I have just published my first book: You Are Beautiful In God’s Eyes. For a description of the book and why I believe God has purposed this for EVERY woman of ALL ages, please see my website. (www.lisashawcares.com) I believe Aretha asked who inspired me to write my book. It was every woman I’ve ever ministered to and every woman that is wounded in her heart or mind. It also has some of my testimony and how God healed my heart. He led me to get this book done. He used a girlfriend of mine to kick it off at lunch in late May of this year. I was showing her a booklet written by another author when she asked, “Where is your booklet Lisa?” Two months later I had a draft book in my hands for my hubby and my friend to edit. I give God all the glory because it was not Lisa who did it but Him. It took me years of starts and stops in writing a book and finally, in His timing and by His Spirit, I got it done! Let me tell you ladies that there is such incredible healing, grace and restoration when we truly lay down the lies of the enemy and our past or present circumstances and even our own negative thoughts and dare to believe what God says about us! I pray you’ll get the book and if you do, I’d love to hear from you. (www.lisashawcares.com)

 On-line Ministry:

By His grace I have two blogs that are extensions of the ministry: Sharing Life with Lisa (www.lisashawshares.com) where I share my heart and life in Christ, and His Love Covers Our Sins (www.hislovecoversoursins.com) which is a Post Abortive Healing Ministry blog.

My Favorite Scripture and Quote: 

I love the Word of God in its entirety but I will share one with you that is very important to my personal life and that is Psalm 27:13-14. Grandma, who is the one who taught me to love God, pray and to hunger for His word; taught me this Scripture when I was very young. She told me that I would need it. She was right. It’s walked with me for over 45 years.

Psalm 27:13-14 (KJV) I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

I have a few favorite quotes. One that helped me during my healing process from my childhood is “You can be bitter or better” by Joyce Meyer. That’s life changing when you grasp it fully.

What I’d like to leave you with ladies is never stop reaching for what God has purposed you to do. Don’t seek His hand. Seek His heart. Don’t look for His presents. Seek His presence. When you do He will take care of the rest and remember, you are bright, brilliant and beautiful in God’s Eyes. Yes you are! I love you and I’m praying for you with compassion. Please come visit with me and let me know you dropped in and how I may pray for you.

Lisa Shaw
Website: www.lisashawcares.com

Email: lisashawcares@cfl.rr.com

You Are Beautiful In God’s Eyes Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/YouAreBeautifulInGodsEyes

You Are Beautiful In God's Eyes


I would like to thank Mrs. Lisa Shaw for sharing with us on today. She is definitely an anointed blessing to the Body of Christ. I would recommend you purchase a copy of her book for yourself  and also be a blessing to someone else. You will be sowing into good ground.

Music Monday: Vickie Yohe I'm at Peace

Sunday Word: Pastor Sheryl Brady

Sisters

I received this in an email from one of my dear sister friends and wanted to share with my other sisters.

To our nature, spiritual, and friend sisters you are wonderful and we are thankful for your light in our lives!

God created us. He knows all about the special bond we share with other women - especially women in the Sisterhood by blood, by friendship, and by faith.

On our life's journey when your biological sister(s) are not close at hand and we needed more support than a phone call, we know we could always rely on an adopted sisters and what a blessing an loving caring adopted sister is. God provided us with special sisters for each and every path in our journey. So, thank you sisters appointed for the journey may God richly bless you.

Salutation Sisters - those who made you feel at home.
Serving Sisters - those who serve with you.
Faith-filled Sisters- those who share the love and Word of God with you.
Singing Sisters - those who join their voices with you in worship and praise.
Suffering Sisters - those who share in your sorrows, hurts, and comfort you as they walk with you.
Writing Sisters - those who help keep your creative juices flowing.
Fun Sisters - those who make every day an adventure.
Sanctifying Sisters - those who encourage and strengthen each other.

To you my sisters and to the sisters you are to others may the LORD GOD shower you in his love, light, and life.

Fall in Line Friday for "All The Single Ladies - Saved, Single and Waiting" Featuring Well Watered Woman

Today's word is for "All The Single Ladies - Saved, Single and Waiting". It's time to fall in line with the Word of God. This is a powerful call packed with some great information by our Sister in the Spotlight for this month and the Founder of Well Watered Woman Mrs. Tony Robinson. She is bringing you the word and it is surely going to get you on the right track if you take notes and follow along with what the Holy Spirit was speaking through her.

"It's time to be led by the Holy Ghost and not the holy guess." via Tony Robinson

Listen to internet radio with Well Watered Woman on Blog Talk Radio

Spread Your Wings and Arise

There are times in our lives
We feel much like
A flower struggling to bloom
We go through those times
Of change and growth
Like a caterpillar in a cocoon

Nobody can see
The Lord’s hidden work
Until the day we break through
Then we can begin
To spread out our wings
And arise as butterflies do

God has a much higher
Calling for us
And wants us to rise up in Him
We can make such a difference
If we’d only realize
The potential we have within

So allow the Lord
To work in your life
To make you all you can be
So you will one day
Be able to soar
And know what it means to be ‘FREE’

© By M.S.Lowndes

Music Monday

I wanted to give you some inspiration to begin your week. I pray this song blesses you as it does me every time I hear it. Have a Blessed Week.

October S.i.S: Sister in the Spotlight

We are pleased to announce this Dynamic Woman of God as our October Sister in the Spotlight!!! She brings a wealth of knowledge and joy to those who know her. If you are not familiar with this sister, you definitely need to come into contact with her. You will not be disappointed. Please meet one of my dear sister/friends Mrs. Tony Robinson.

Tony is wife of 20 years to the love of her life, Reggie. She is also mom to their four beautiful and gifted children each walking out God’s purpose for their lives. She is a minister, devotional writer and God-Mom to some pretty amazing kids. She’s is founder of Well Watered Woman; a global ministry dedicated to encouraging, enriching and empowering women in their walks with the Lord. Being radically changed, healed and delivered by Gods amazing grace and love; she is passionate about seeing women walk in all that God has destined for them.

As a speaker, Tony is a woman of vision and purpose who delivers the word of God with passion, transparency, humor and authority. Through her walk of transparency and availability she connects with people and draws them to the Father. Her mission is to leave an indelible mark for Christ everywhere she teaches and speaks.

Her passions include: her family, reading, traveling, Lay’s potato chips and an occasional ice cold Pepsi.

Ministry:

Well Watered Woman began as a blog about one woman's journey with God and the lessons she's learning along the way. As Tony blogged about her life and walk with the Lord, she found other women relating to her posts and being strengthened in their journeys with the King. As more women stumbled upon the Well, it became an oasis. A refuge and resting place where women came to be encouraged, renewed, and refreshed in their walks with the lord. As a result, Well Watered Woman has grown into a dynamic international ministry touching and impacted the lives of women globally. With a vision to touch the lives of women for God at all levels, Well Watered Woman introduced Well Watered Woman Teen Ministry. WWWT is a ministry just for girls ages 13-18 who are committed to go growing in God’s grace. They are phenomenal young women of the Word striving to live their lives in such a way that they take their generation for Christ.

Business:

Tony is also a co-owner of The Popcorn Folks, their gourmet chocolate popcorn company created and founded by her four children. The Popcorn Folks has grown from 2 flavors to a menu that now includes over 10 varieties of flavored popcorn. We ship our popcorn nationwide and look forward to shipping an order to you!

Finding Balance:

Balance what exactly would that be? LOL Balance comes by realizing your priorities. (God, husband, children and everything else.) We have to always be mindful and diligent with our time and what we are investing it into. When we see an area getting out of balance, we have to make immediate changes. Otherwise, our lives become out of control.

Favorite Scripture:

I can't say I have a favorite scripture per say because I just love the word of God so much.

Favorite Quote:
It all works out in the end, if it hasn't worked our it's not the end.

You can also join Well Watered Woman on their 2012 Women of Destiny Conference Cruise on May 14-19 2012.

Tony Robinson

http://wellwateredwoman.com/

http://twitter.com/deeperwaters

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/well-watered-woman

Movie: Courageous Coming Soon...

Courageous

Honor Begins at Home

The creators of the Fireproof Movie are bringing another faith-filled movie to the big screen. Courageous is about four men who works as law enforcement officers and they are dedicated to their jobs and do their best to succeed at work. When it comes to being a dad, they realize they are not as focused.

I am excited to see this movie. I think this is going to be a great eye opener for fathers all around. I'm sure we all will be able to take something from this.

They also have Resources available.
http://www.courageousresources.com/

Coming September 30, 2011!!!!

Do you plan to go see this movie? If so, will you be going with your husband or a group of your friends?

Let us know what you think about the previews or stop back by after you have watched the movie and share your thoughts.

*"Protecting the streets is second nature to these men. Raising their children in a God-honoring way? That's courageous."

For more information regarding this movie, please visit the official website http://www.courageousthemovie.com/

*Taken from the Official Website.

Receiving a Blessing

I was a little hesitant about posting this blog today because I don't typically share a great deal of blessings I receive in a public forum because everyone cannot accept the things God does in your life. I never want to come across as boasting but I felt led to share this blessing with you.

Receiving a blessing is okay!

You see we have to get to a point where we share with others what God is doing in our lives without making it all about ourselves. We are to show how good God is and not how good we are.

Now to my surprise blessing.

Today I was blessed with a new printer! Yes, you read it right! I was very happy and a little speechless. I was turning around in circles trying to get my thoughts together. (Imagine that!)

Well. I'm good now. I am grateful for this gift and pray blessings upon the person who was not selfish and not only thinking of themselves and blessed someone else. Praise God for your obedience!

And God is able to make all grace (every favor and ^[a]earthly blessing) come to you in abundance, so that you may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need ^[b]be self-sufficient [possessing enough to require no aid or support and furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation]. 2 Corinthians 9:8

I really needed another printer and this came right on time. Praise God! We just began our 6th year of homeschooling on yesterday and what a GREAT gift to receive on today. Not to mention printing things for my household and ministries.

See, this may be just a printer to some but, for me it is truly a blessing. This was something I needed and God made a way for someone to bless me.

I am in awe right now! I am so thankful to God for all of the blessings he has given and for those I have yet to see.

Thank you so much for this blessing. It is truly appreciated.

We are Blessed to be a Blessing!