Review: Pursuit of Proverbs 31 by Amy Bayliss

I remember several years ago when I used to pass over reading Proverbs 31 because of my feelings of being inferior to the woman I could never live up to. Does that sound familiar? If you have ever felt intimated by living up to the expectations of being a Proverbs 31 woman, you don’t have to any longer. Once you read Pursuit of Proverbs 31, you will gain much more confidence in yourself.

When I came across the title of this book, I knew I wanted to read it. I have heard several different studies on this particular topic and I thought I should give this one a try to see if anything fresh would come to mind. Then it happened! I was extremely excited when I was chosen to give review a on this book. It is absolutely like no other.

Amy captures your attention from the beginning by speaking to the readers as if she is sitting right in your living room.  To be honest when I read over her subtitles, I was looking forward to begin reading the book even more. She definitely has a sense of humor and approach makes it more relatable for all women. I like the way she kept things simple and straight to the point.  Throughout the book Amy shares her own thoughts and perceptions along with some of her personal stories as examples.

Pursuit of Proverbs 31 is not your typical Proverbs 31 Study. Amy literally takes you through the bible by having you read and study the scriptures for yourselves. Her goal is for you to know His word so you are capable to teach His word with confidence. She also provides a list of tools to help aid you in studying the bible. At the end of every chapter you will find five sections broken down into key thoughts, memory scriptures, fundamental objectives, useful tips to ponder, and bonus exercises to help everyone grow a much closer relationship to Christ.

This study teaches you it is okay if you don’t get things right the first time. Don't get discouraged because God will never leave you. Remember you are not in competition with a “Proverbs 31 Woman” or yourself. You have to seek God for His will for your life and to do that you must have a relationship through prayer and reading His word. You must also be willing to obey what He will have you to do. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. Isaiah 55:8

I highly recommend adding this to your reading list. This book is not preachy and is very meticulous. I would suggest taking your time and really work your way through the book thoroughly. You may want to read through it first and then go back and journal your way though. It’s only 145 pages so it’s certainly not a long read.

Thanks Amy for sharing your battles and achievements of trying to maintain the perception of being the Proverbs 31 Woman so we don’t have to feel alone.

To purchase the book on Kindle, visit Amazon.  For those of you, who would like a downloadable and printable PDF version, click here .

Checkout Amy's Website: http://www.cajunjoiedevivre.com/

Join Amy on Twitter:  https://twitter.com/amygbayliss

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.

 

Our Deepest Fear

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” 

----from A Return to Love, by Marianne Williamson. 

 

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

July SIS (Sister in the Spotlight) : Kennisha Hill

Kennisha Hill

 Welcome Kennisha. Please tell us a little about you.

I am an author of fiction and non-fiction books, a motivational speaker, journalist and the Founder and Chief Operator of NyreePress Literary Coaching Group. My novel series, The Tamara Files, consist of the books Awakened and Uncovered and my latest book release is a memoir entitled “Once Upon A Child.” I am passionate about sharing words of hope, grace and empowerment in every area of my career. It is a delight to help other’s discover the grace of God in their lives and operate in their gifts.

Information regarding your ministry (when and why did you begin.)

I have always been writing with a heart to help people. It all started when I was a little girl journaling and creating stories for my mom. Fast forward 25 years later, God revisited my desire to write and gripped my heart to serve him in that way. I started blogging, writing freelance articles and penned my first book-- a devotional entitled “Simply Wisdom.” God has given me messages of grace and truth for ordinary life. That’s my aim and my mission and by God’s grace I hope to continue walking this path as long as I can.

What is the Vision of your ministry?

My vision is to simply share grace and truth for women in books and blogs and to inspire and motivate people to do what they are called to do. That’s my vision. I equip people to walk in grace, truth and purpose in their everyday lives.

Share some information regarding your latest book. What or who inspired you to write your book? At this point, do you see any more books in your future? Was it a difficult process sharing your thoughts or translating your thoughts to paper when you wrote your first book?

My latest book is a memoir entitled “Once Upon A Child: Finding Grace After a Pregnancy Loss.” This book chronicles my journey after experiencing three pregnancy losses after marriage. God has shown me a lot about his love and tenderness for us during our times of suffering. This book shares that message of hope for many women who deal with such a tragedy. I recently experienced another miscarriage at 15 weeks-- and it happened just weeks after the book released. It was equally devastating, but God continues to show me why I needed to write this book. I needed it too.

This book did bring me great challenges. Writing a memoir can be challenging because in order to grip your readers with the truth of your story, you have to go back and sort of relive where you’ve been. I had to do that with Once Upon A Child. Many nights it brought me to tears. Mostly, the Lord just reminded me of the purpose of that book and that he’ll help me get through it to serve as a blessing to others.

You have written several books with small children. What would you say to those who may think 

they don’t have the time or that it cannot be done? 

It is very possible to be a full-time mommy and have a career / ministry at the same time. The key is prioritizing. My children--my home-- is my first ministry. The bulk of my day is filled with arts and crafts, coloring, dolls, toy dishes and superhero men. We dance and love each other all day. I always keep them in mind as first before any work is done. Pray and ask God to show you the best way to manage your home and he will. He’ll give you the strength to do it. By the way, having a great calendar on my Macbook and iPhone makes my life easy! (smile)

It seems as if your books are being written rather quickly. What would you say to someone who may find it challenging to finish their book and may be beginning to become discouraged?

Don’t give up! It takes time to pen a book together, but once you find your niche, you’ll be just fine. Writers write very differently. When people learn of new books of mine that release, they are always surprised. I believe the Lord gives me the ideas and the ability to type fast. I’d like to encourage aspiring writers to not give up. Consider how you can make room for writing in your life and when you find the space, start writing. Don’t give yourself extra stress over a deadline. Take your time!

Now you know I am a fan of Tamara. The character in Awakened and Uncovered. When can we expect Captured? 

Thanks, Aretha! Captured is almost finished and I hope to have it published in early 2013!

Great! I'm looking forward to it!

Will there be any more Sequels?

It’s possible. Tamara is really just getting comfortable with her career as a government agent. There’s definitely room for another book to follow Captured. If not a full length novel, it’ll release as a novella or a short story series!

Tell the readers something you would like for them to leave with.

God loves you tenderly, has a perfect plan for your life and has already equipped you with the ability to deliver. Your gifts were given to you so that Christ may get the glory out of your life. We glorify the Lord by being fully satisfied in him.. and when we are satisfied in Him alone, it’ll reflect in our work performance and success. Trust the Lord and allow him to guide your path!

Please share your favorite scripture or quote.

I have many favorite scripture verses. Lately, 2 Corinthians 12:9 has been encouraging me. It reads, “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. ”Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

I also love this quote!  “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.”-John Piper

To purchase

Amazon Kindle $.99 http://www.amazon.com/Once-Upon-A-Child-ebook/dp/B0085FLE52/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1340637162&sr=1-1&keywords=kennisha+hill

Hardcopy https://www.createspace.com/3836454 

Thank you so much for taking time to share with us. It is always a pleasure. You are such a sweetheart. I am always here to support you and your ministry. God Bless You!  

If you have  never purchased one of Kennisha Hill's books, you are definitely in for a treat. You will not be disappointed!!!

Fashion Friday

 COLLEGIATE EDITION

Every Friday our goal is to share different attire from various age ranges to show you that you can still dress cute without having to display your goods. There are some things the world SHOULD NOT see.

The sad thing is... you see online and also on television how women YES grown women are dressing with less and less clothing on. We have to set an example  NOT ONLY for the younger generation but for ALL WOMEN!!! 

 

Thanks Likyla for being our model for today.

We love comments so, tell us what you think. If you have an outfit you would like to share, send us an email.

My Reflection

Sleepless nights, tear stained pillows, depression, and loneliness once surrounded me. I was losing myself and I did not know how to repair me. As I looked into the mirror, I did not see a lady full of love, ambition, and strength. Instead, I saw a little girl full of strife, sorrow, and agony. “Who are you” is what I once asked myself.

As I looked at my reflection, I could not see who I ultimately was, but who the devil told me I ought to be. I heard his vicious words day in and day out telling me who I would never be. As I looked into the mirror, what did I see? I saw a frightened girl tired of her misery. He told me my life was worthless and as I looked at my reflection I began to believe him. Who am I to say I am powerful, wonderful, and amazing? 

I looked into that terrible mirror that I thought would be the last time. I wanted to give up on that dreadful life. That mirror I thought was once so terrible had a different reflection I did not usually see. The days I gaze at myself into that looking glass I have complete silence surrounding me but today was unusual I left my television on. I heard a voice booming through my small screen saying, “Joy comes in the morning”. “But how could my joy come in the morning when I have sleepless nights,” is what I uttered to myself. “No problem is too big or too small for God” is what I heard the mysterious man say. I looked back into the mirror in dismay because, who is God to rescue me from my problems when I have endured all of this pain for so long? Where was He when I cried and contemplated about taking my life?

I looked deep into the mirror for several seconds and I saw this little pocket size Bible I was given years ago. It was under my bed on top of one of my favorite sandals next to some old papers. I began to scan through it while listening to the speaker on the screen and he told me that when you’re walking with Jesus no unworthy condition will prevail.  As I listened to his angelic words, I decided to look at my reflection to see if I felt any different. I gazed at myself for almost a half an hour when I got the notion to pray. As I knelt down to pray, I felt a feeling of release taking over me. It was like a pressure was taken off of me. Prayer really changes things.

 I was once that girl that thought my life would never change, but God showed me otherwise. If it was not for His sweet comforting words, I possibly would not have been here today. Oh and that pocket size Bible I found under my bed the last scripture I read before closing it was Isaiah 41:10; It states, “fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Do not give up God is with you.

Image courtesy of Free Digital Photos

Heaven's Grocery Store

I was walking down life's highway a long time ago.
One day I saw a sign that read, "Heaven's Grocery Store".
As I got a little closer the door came open wide,
and when I came to myself I was standing inside.
I saw a host of Angels, they were standing everywhere.
One handed me a blanket and said, "My Child shop with care".
Everything a Christian needs is in that grocery store,
and all you can't carry, come back the next day for more.

First, I got some Patience, Love was in the same row.
Further down was Understanding, needed everywhere you go.
I got a box or two of Wisdom, a bag or two of Faith,
I just couldn't miss the Holy Ghost, it was all over the place.
I stopped to get some Strength and Courage to help me run this race,
but then my blanket was getting full, and I remembered I needed Grace.

I didn't forget Salvation, which like the others was free,
so I tried to get enough of that to save both you and me.
Then I started to the counter to pay my grocery bill,
for I thought I had everything to do my master's will.
As I went up the aisle, I saw Prayer and had to put it in,
for I knew when I stepped outside, I would run right into sin.
Peace and Joy were plentiful, they were on the last shelf.
Song and Praises were hanging near, so I just helped myself.

Then I said to the Angel, "How much do I owe"?
The Angel smiled and said, "Just take them everywhere you go."
Again, I politely asked "How much do I really owe?"
The Angel smiled again and said, "My Child, Jesus Paid Your Bill
A Long Time Ago."

Ron DeMarco
&
Friend
©Copyright 1990

Featured June 2012 Sister In The Spotlight: Robin Shockley

Co-founder, Facilitator, Minister, Speaker, Writer, of

Legacy Tree Ministries

Brief Background on Minister Robin Shockley:

Robin Shockley is a part time employee in the corporate world but a full time servant to her family and ministry. She is the Co-Founder of Legacy Tree Ministries where she is devoted to communicate the truth of God's word in a way that will draw women into a love relationship with Jesus. Robin is passionate about encouraging a woman to see her worth, her value and her importance as a power of Godly influence in today's world. She does this by speaking at conferences and retreats as well as the small intimate settings of bible study. She desires to trigger the mind to think and focus on all the possibilities that God has for His people. She enjoys teaching women the importance to be real with yourself before you can be real with anyone else. She feels it's time to forget the past and press forward with new beginnings. She and her husband Gene are Elders and Robin serves as a Mentor to women under the Mentor program at their church Redemption World Outreach Center in Greenville SC. She is active in the community with various programs and other ministries. Robin has received her ministry ordination through Redemption Ministerial Fellowship International and she in the process of having the Legacy Ladies mentoring documents copyrighted. She has spent the last five years with other women training them for mentoring and leadership. Robin enjoys writing, taking trips and spending time with family. She has been married for 22 years and she resides in Greenville SC with her family whom she has the privilege to serve with in ministry. She is a true example of a woman who was changed from a "boxed in" religion mindset to a God given personal relationship with our heavenly Father. Robin also coordinates outreach events in her community representing Girls gifted 4 God, which is a branch ministry connected to Legacy Tree Ministries. She and her daughter organize functions to help educate women about the inner beauty and that each one has a unique gift given by God for a purpose.

Overview of Robin’s Testimony:

I am the legacy of a teen pregnancy. My mother was 17 yrs old when she gave birth to me and for years I struggled with rejection from my biological father because he left when I was less than a year old. Though I grew up in a loving home with a wonderful family and was fully accepted by all whom I made contact with, the enemy trapped me into believing I had to strive to be “perfect” to be accepted by God since my birth father did not want me. Though outwardly I was smiling, inside I was dying. I had no identity. I remember in 3rd grade writing on a piece of paper " I hate myself" on every blank area of that paper during class while the teacher was speaking. I covered my emotions up so well by putting demands of control on my family. I carried this rejection into my marriage. After a few years into my marriage, I took some sleeping pills hoping to not wake up the next morning but God had a plan. I fought so hard to have a perfect life, it caused me to almost lose everything because of that. I did not understand "life happens" and you have to deal with it by leaning on and trusting God. This identity crisis finally broke in chaos when I swayed from my family and turned to the world's lifestyle. I was manipulated by the excitement of not having to be perfect and live free. What I did not understand was I really wasn't experiencing true freedom. A little over 7 years ago, I found out I was anemic. That was about the time God began speaking to my spirit about the woman with the issue of blood. She did all she could do to get to the hem of Jesus garment to receive her healing. I felt like this woman. I knew not only was I physically sick, I was spiritually and emotionally sick. I had been to church all my life, but I was so "boxed in" by religion I did not know what true freedom meant. Until, God spoke to me in church one day that he can restore my soul unto HIS salvation by repenting to receive a pure and clean heart. At that moment, I realized I could be fully healed. Later that week while driving the Lord showed me a vision that was so clear that he hated my sin, but he loved me, despite all my imperfections. That day was a stepping stone to real freedom. And I've never looked back since.

Today, my family is restored and we serve in ministry together because I made a choice to stand in the gap. I refused to let the enemy of my mind win. Legacy Tree Ministries started out as writings of visions, dreams and devotions that God gave me over the course of 20 something years to leave behind as a legacy for my family. But three years ago he spoke to me in the middle of the night that this legacy will spread and it will not be for just my generational line. We now have several branches of the ministry where different members of my family reach out to others through singing, speaking and writing. God's hand has been on me even before I was born and as Jeremiah 29:11 says, He knew the plans and it was to do good and to bring me a future - a future to share and testify that real freedom reigns in relationship with Christ and not in religion. Psalm 145:4 "one generation shall command your works to another and shall declare your mighty acts". Today I am a testimony and I am declaring His mighty acts with all who I come in contact with. Just recently God has called my husband and I to serve the community we grew up in. Our hearts desire is to do more for individuals through mentoring families such as providing a place for teaching and training for them to build their own legacy life.

Robin's Favorite Bible Verses and Quotes:

The task ahead of you is never as great as the power within you.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me Philippians 4:13

But if you look at me closely, you will see in my eyes, this girl will always
find her way.

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10

Restoration with God is multiplication. He not only restores you, but he multiplies you. ~ Apostle Ron Carpenter Jr.

He is like a tree planted by streams of water which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. Psalm 1:3


I like to leave you with the thought to close your eyes and imagine who you desired to be as a little girl. Maybe you dreamed of being a teacher, a singer, or a nurse. I encourage you to write these memories down and ask God steps you can take to bring this dream alive again in your heart. You dream is not dead, it is only sleeping. Arise o sleeper and take up your bed and walk it out! The best is yet to come and you have a destiny designed just for you to impact your world!

You can learn more about the ministry vision God has birthed in me by contacting me at robin@legacytreeministries or either on my family website www.legacytreeministries.com. Legacy Tree Ministries & Girls gifted 4 God are both on FACEBOOK.

Thank you so much Minister Robin Shockley for being transparent and giving us words of encouragement.Your heart for God really shines through. The seeds you have sown is sure to reap a harvest.  May God continue to pour blessings upon you and your ministries.