Girlfriends in God

[Judy Harder]

September 27, 2012
But I'm Afraid to Be Real
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV) "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."

Friend to Friend
Okay. It's Sunday morning and you are frantically trying to get ready for church. You somehow managed to set your alarm for PM instead of AM and you are running late. No time for breakfast – which is just as well since you did not have time to go to the grocery store and the only thing in your refrigerator is an almost empty jar of Mayonnaise and a block of molded cheese. Your daughter throws a tantrum because she is not about to wear any of the "dorky" clothes hanging in her closet. Your son is actually wearing his dorky clothes, but he got bored waiting on everyone else to get ready and headed outside to play in the puddles created from last night's storm. It was the perfect opportunity to see if his new shoes really were waterproof like the salesman said. His clothes are now caked in mud, the shoes are definitely not waterproof and he is yelling for help. "Check the dirty clothes basket" you yell back. Desperate times call for desperate measures.

Your husband, oblivious to the chaos around him, is sitting at the kitchen table, reading the newspaper and drinking his coffee. When he announces that it is time for everyone to get in the car or you will be late for church, your last and completely frazzled nerve snaps. "Why do I have to do everything on Sunday morning – and every other morning for that matter?" you demand. "I have one morning a week that I can relax and have a few minutes to myself," he snaps back. Great!  One more thing for your ever growing list of "things we need to work on in our marriage." Whatever! You don't have time to process that information because everyone is finally in the car and ready to go.

Your husband decides to drive the speed limit for once in his life which means you are going to be late – and you hate being late. You could cut the tension in the car with a knife, but when you reach the holy asphalt of the church parking lot, you smile and nod as people greet you with, "Good morning! How are you?" But they don't really want to know, and you don't really want them to know. "Great! Everything is just great!" you answer to no one in particular.

Here's my question. Where is the transparency? Why do we feel like we cannot be honest with each other? What is so frightening about saying, "If you really want to know, it has been a lousy morning and I'm ready to explode?"

I think there are several reasons we are afraid to be transparent, but pride is at the root of most of them. We are not willing for others to see us as we really are – a frail human being. I'm not saying that we should launch into a liturgy of complaints every time someone asks how we are, but I am saying that we need to be more transparent. Jesus was.

Jesus wept when His friend, Lazarus, died. When money-changers defiled the temple, Jesus was furious and drove them out with a whip. On the cross, Jesus cried out to God, "Why have You forsaken me?" Jesus was a frequent guest at wedding celebrations and had a sense of humor. He was authentic and real and wants us to live our life with that same emotional integrity and transparency.

In order to understand what transparency is, we need to understand what it is not. Transparency is not a spiritual license to rip someone apart or tell them off. I know what it is like to take an emotional risk only to be blasted under the guise of "just being honest." Transparency is not revenge in disguise nor does it give us permission to unload every problem we have on everyone we meet.

Transparency is being willing to let others see who we really are and what is really going on in our heart and life. In 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, the Apostle Paul writes, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." In other words, comfort and encouragement are cyclical.

When I continually choose to be transparent about my struggle with clinical depression, I am positioning myself to receive and give comfort and encouragement to others fighting that same battle. It sounds so simple, doesn't it? It is – if we choose to be transparent.

Let's Pray
Father, please help me to take off the masks I hide behind. I want to be real and authentic in a way that pleases You and encourages others. I am sometimes afraid to be honest about who I am and what I am going through. Give me the strength to walk through that fear and be the transparent woman of God You created me to be.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:14 "And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone." Now think about the people in your life and answer the following questions:

Who needs motivation (idle)?
Who needs courage (timid)?
Who needs strength (weak)?
Who needs understanding (patient)?

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:11 "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up." How can you apply this verse to the people in your life?

More from the Girlfriends
Encouragement is God's love in action. It is the idea of a "spiritual cheerleader" and we all need a cheerleader. One of the main reasons Girlfriends in God exists is to encourage women. I want to challenge you today to share that encouragement with someone in your life.

Need help? Check out Mary's E-Book Bible Study, I Need a Friend, and learn how important transparency and encouragement are to building healthy relationships in your life.   

Looking for a Bible Study? Check out Mary's weekly online Bible Study, Light for the Journey and learn how to discover and live out God's plan and purpose for your life. (Join now and have access to all topics covered in 2012.) Be sure to connect with Mary on Facebookor through email.

[Judy Harder]

September 28, 2012
Practice Makes Progress
Gwen Smith

Today's Truth
In the night, LORD, I remember your name, that I may keep your law. This has been my practice: I obey your precepts. You are my portion, LORD; I have promised to obey your words. - (Psalm 119:55-57)

Friend to Friend
I'm a sporty girl – always have been. I love to power walk and keep fit. I grew up playing lots of different athletic games – from basketball to softball – but volleyball has always been my sport of choice. I just love the game. I love the quick pace, the strength and agility demands, and the team component of the matches.

In college, I had the opportunity to play volleyball, and now that I'm a mom I coach my daughter's team. I've been around this game for more than twenty-five years and I've spent more time on the court, on the sand, and on the grass playing and practicing than most people ever will. You'd think that after all the hours invested I'd have the game perfected by now, right? Not hardly.   

There are still times when I shank a pass – when it flies off my arms wildly in the wrong direction. I still have spike attempts that send the ballinto the net instead of over the net. There are still times when I miss a serve. Each mistake frustrates me. Seriously. I'm competitive and I hate to lose. I hate to make mistakes and I almost always think I should've played better than I actually did. No matter how much I've grown as a player since I first picked up a volleyball, I've come to realize that when I step on the court there will always be frustrating shanked passes that fly off my arms and there will always be opportunities for me to grow and progress in my skills. Simple as that.

And you know what? I've found the same to be true in my prayer life.

Do you remember that old saying "practice makes perfect?" Well, I think it's a bunch of beans! I recently heard a phrase that better represents the reality of growth and development: practice makes progress. Whether we're talking about our development as athletes, as students, as a wives, as employees, or simply as women of faith – specifically, as women of prayer – we are all purposed for growth until we die.

The truth that the apostle Paul wrote about in Romans 7 still remains: we don't do what we should do and we do what we shouldn't. Whew! I can so relate. Prayer, I'm afraid, is one of the "don't dos" for many of us. We all seem to know how important it is to trust God with our burdens, but many of us neglect this important discipline.

Do you ever go the phone before you go to the throne? Yeah – me too. There are times when I fail to trust God with my prayers. And though I've been faith-walking with Him a long time, there are still a million ways that I need to grow. There will always be ways for us to grow and there will always be mistakes for us to work through.

Our relationship with God will grow as we continually turn to Him in prayer. Similarly, our trust in God grows as our relationship with Him grows. "I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you," (John 15:15). Jesus counts us as his "friends". How many of us would talk to our close friends as infrequently as we talk to Jesus, our Creator and Redeemer?     

Of course, it's not like we can ignore the world around us and pray 24/7. Right? We are still going to go to work, have playtime, time with friends and family, but in the midst of it all, Scripture instructs us to: "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you," (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Our practice of this continual praying life will increase our progress in faith and in trusting God. This can translate into prayers of thankfulness and petition during our power walks, our time in the carpool line, while we wash our laundry and our lunch breaks. We can redeem these times to thank God for and pray for our children, our careers, our futures, our marriages, our trials and our challenges. When we "do life" with God – when we exercise this spiritual discipline of continuous prayer – our faith grows. It helps us to trust Him more.

Jesus was the only perfect man and He turned to our Father continually. He gave thanks for food when He prayed over the loaves and fishes that became a miracle (Matthew 14:16-21), He took his sorrows to God in the garden before His massacre (Matthew 26:39), He prayed for His friends (John 17:6-19), for Himself (John 17:1-5) and for future believers (John 17:20-26). Jesus also modeled how we should pray (Luke 11:1-13), and taught about prayer (Matthew 6:5-15). If Jesus, the God of the Universe, saw prayer as such an important part of the Christian life, why do we sometimes overlook the importance of it? We need to make time to turn to Him and trust Him with our daily concerns, big and small.

A strong volleyball team is one that relies on each other in the game. As Christians, we have the advantage. We have God on our team. And with God on our team, we cannot fail. Seriously. If God is for us, who can stand against us? We just need to talk to Him and trust him, rather than trying to play the game of life on our own. We have to remember that practice makes progress! We will learn to trust as we practice trusting the Lord through prayer.

Let's Pray
Dear God, That You would choose to call me friend is simply amazing! Thank you that though I'm not perfect, your grace allows me to progress in faith! Please forgive me for the times when I go about my day and "do life" without You. Help me to continuously pray and to trust You with my burdens.
In Jesus' Name I pray,
Amen.

Now it's Your Turn
How would you rate your prayer life on a scale from 1-10?
Where would you like your prayer life to rank on that same scale?
Are you willing to do anything about it? If so, what? If not, why?

Add 10 GiG Challenge: For one week, I challenge you to add 10 minutes of prayer each day to your normal prayer routine? Will you do it? Yes? Make it public! Leave a comment/commitment on my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/GwenSmithMusic.

More from the Girlfriends
C.S. Lewis said this of prayer, "Prayer in the sense of petition, asking for things, is a small part of it; confession and penitence are its threshold, adoration its sanctuary, the presence and vision and enjoyment of God its bread and wine." As you embark to progress in this prayer discipline, I encourage you to move from confession, to adoration, to thanksgiving and end with your petitions (personal prayer needs).

NEED SOME SOUL REST? Download Gwen's most recent CD, Uncluttered. The songs of Uncluttered will remind your soul to breathe worship as they focus your heart on Jesus. You can download the songs from iTunes or Amazon– or order the CD on www.GwenSmith.net.

Into PINTEREST? Gwen is too! (Woot!) Find her here: www.pinterest.com/GwenSmithMusic

Today's GiG devotion is an excerpt from Trusting God, A Girlfriends in God Faith Adventure by Sharon Jaynes, Gwen Smith and Mary Southerland. For more information on the book, click here.

Seeking God?
Click here to find out more about
how to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.


Girlfriends in God
P.O. Box 725
Matthews, NC 28106
info@girlfriendsingod.com
www.girlfriendsingod.com

[Judy Harder]

October 1, 2012
De-compartmentalize Your Quiet Time
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
Oh, how I love your law!  I meditate on it all day long, - (Psalm 119:97 NIV).

Friend to Friend
I love, absolutely love, studying God's Word. From the time I first said "yes" to Jesus, I have devoured the Scriptures. And yet, I'll admit, extended times of prayer have been a struggle for me. Perhaps that is one reason it is called a discipline. I have to discipline myself to set the time apart—to "be still and know."

But then I began to realize just how compartmentalized my time with God had become. My spiritual life was more like an outlined lesson plan with sub-headings A, B, C, and 1, 2, 3 than a love relationship with Jesus. So I made a change. It was God's suggestion really. Why not pray and read at the same time?

When I read the Bible, I pray that the Holy Spirit will reveal what the words say, what they mean, and how I can apply them to my life. For example, one day while reading Ephesians 1:8, I felt compelled to pray this verse for several people. So I stopped reading and began communing with God in prayer.

Dear Lord, I pray for Steven today. I pray that You will open the eyes of his heart so that he may see the hope to which You have called him and the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints...  I prayed that Scripture for several people, until I felt the promptings from the Holy Spirit cease. Then God and I got back to reading again.

Another day, I was reading Matthew 6:9, what we've come to know as The Lord's Prayer. "Our Father," Jesus began. Stop right there and think about that, the Holy Spirit seemed to say. Our Father. As I ruminated and marinated in the words "our" and "father" God spoke to my heart about the sort of father I'd always longed for and the sort of Father I already had in Him. If I had stuck to a schedule for my Bible reading that week, I would have fallen terribly behind. But the continual conversation I had with God about that one little word, "father," was priceless.

Consider the word meditate. This word often conjures up images of Eastern religious practices. But it is a wonderful word that we should not be afraid to use. Meditation simply means to think deeply and continuously about something. For a Christian, meditation and constant communication go hand in hand. As we think deeply and continuously about God's Word, He opens our eyes to see, our ears to hear, and our minds to understand.  When you meditate on Scripture, you mull over God's words in your mind until they move from your head to your heart.

So here's my suggestion...pray and read...at the same time. I've decided that when I read God's Word, I'm going to keep the lines of communication open. After all, this is the only book you will ever read where the Author is right there with you every time you open the pages!

Let's Pray
Good morning Lord! I can't wait to experience this day with You. I'm so glad that Jesus is in me and I am in Him. We're in this thing called life together. Help me practice Acts 17:28 today...In him we live and move and have our being – in him we exist.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Read Ephesians Chapter 1 and pray various Scriptures over the people God brings to mind. Don't stop until God's promptings stop.

If you accepted this challenge, let's celebrate together. Simply leave a comment on my blog post, www.sharonjaynes.com, that says," I did it. It was fun." And if you have time, tell me a little bit about what you experienced as you prayed.

More from the Girlfriends
This whole idea of de-compartmentalizing our lives is found in A Sudden Glory: God's Lavish Response to Your Ache for Something More.Learn how to erase the line between your secular daily life and your spiritual live so that you can experience the Divine smack dab in the middle of the Daily busy blur. Check it out! And for all you pinners on Pinterest, I've got a great pin graphic on today's blog post as well.

[Judy Harder]

October 2, 2012
Is God Really Enough? Part 1
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided" (Genesis 22:14, NIV).

Friend to Friend
As I worked through the seemingly endless number of emails, my heart grew heavy and my soul cried out to God - so many women in so much pain. I could feel their fear and confusion in every word. Their circumstances were all very different, but they were all really asking the same question, "Where are you, God?"

I was already tired and overwhelmed, having just returned from speaking at a women's conference in an area of the country where the economy had taken a nosedive. So many of the prayer requests were centered around one deep need – the provision of God. And honestly, I was struggling with the same question in my own life.

I hurt. The doctors said it was fibromyalgia and that the medical world doesn't really understand the disease, so my treatment options were "iffy" at best. I had a lot of questions but no one seemed to have any answers.

I was worried. We didn't have enough money to pay the rent, and we had just learned that both of my husband's parents had cancer. A boatload of unknowns stretched before us.

I was lonely – an emotion that really made no sense – but l felt it just the same. I have great friends and a support group most women would envy, but at that moment, I felt like no one really understood where I was and what I was going through.

Like the women emailing me for comfort and advice, I cried out, "Where are you, God?"

He gently whispered, "I am right here, child. I am your Jehovah Jireh. Remember Abraham?" I did, but I obviously needed a refresher course in faith. I grabbed my Bible and, with a sense of desperation, turned to Genesis 22 to read the familiar faith story. But this time, I saw Abraham through very different eyes.

God asked Abraham to make the unspeakable sacrifice of Isaac, his one and only son, the son of the promise. I am certain Abraham hurt in a way I will never understand. I know he probably felt lonely and afraid. His soul must have wanted to scream the question, "Why, God?" But in total obedience, Abraham walked through his fear, set aside his doubt and pain and prepared to do the very unthinkable thing God asked him to do. He, his servants, and his precious innocent son, Isaac, began the journey to Mount Moriah where the sacrifice was to be made.

I can only imagine the turmoil in Abraham's heart when Isaac asked where the sacrificial lamb was. In faith, Abraham promised Isaac that God would provide. When they reached the place where the servants were to wait, Abraham verbalizes his faith in God when he tells the servants, "Stay here with the donkey. The boy and I will travel a little farther. We will worship there, and then we will come right back." It hit me like a ton of bricks! Abraham said "we" will be back. I don't believe for a moment that Abraham was in denial. Nor do I believe God had already told Abraham what the ultimate plan was. Abraham was simply counting on Jehovah Jireh to provide in a way that would honor God and strengthen Abraham's faith – no matter what the cost might be.

Abraham and Isaac proceeded to the appointed place where Abraham gently laid his son on the altar. Abraham's heart must have shattered at the confusion in Isaac's eyes as he looked up at his father holding the knife. But Isaac had faith, too. He trusted his daddy – even when he had no clue what was about to happen. Isaac was sure of his father's love and care. And that was enough for both Abraham and Isaac. It was also enough for God.

Don't miss Thursday's devotion for the rest of this exciting faith story!

Let's Pray
Father, I want to be a woman of faith. I am tired of allowing my fears and doubts to hinder my walk with You. I want to be like Abraham, Lord. Please give me the strength to step out in faith, knowing You will always be there for me. Help me learn how to choose faith over fear and when the darkness comes, help me remember the promises You have given me in the light. In Jesus's name, amen.

Now It's Your Turn
When we think about the provision of God, we automatically think about the way God meets our physical needs. What physical needs has God met in your life today? Have you thanked Him?

If you could have today only the things you thanked God for yesterday, what would you have?

In what other areas of your life have you seen God's provision? How? Record your thoughts in your journal.

More from the Girlfriends
Need help? Check out Mary's E-Book Bible Study, Getting a Grip on Fear, and learn how to manage your fears, doubt your doubts and live a life of faith.   

Looking for a Bible Study? Check out Mary's weekly online Bible Study, Light for the Journeyand learn how to discover and live out God's plan and purpose for your life. (Join now and have access to all topics covered in 2012.) Be sure to connect with Mary on Facebook or through email.

Seeking God?
Click here to find out more about
how to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.


Girlfriends in God
P.O. Box 725
Matthews, NC 28106
info@girlfriendsingod.com
www.girlfriendsingod.com

[Judy Harder]

October 3, 2012
What to Do with a Shattered Dream
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose," (Romans 8:28 NIV).

Friend to Friend
Have you ever had a shattered dream? If so, you're not alone.

If ever there was a group of people who lost their dream, it was Jesus' disciples and the women who ministered to and with them. They had such high expectations that Jesus would be the next political leader of Israel (Luke 24:21). They had witnessed his power in feeding 5,000 men plus women and children with two loaves and five fishes; they felt the waves beneath their tiny boat subside at his command; they had watched him breathe life into a lifeless child, open the eyes of a man blind from birth, create new skin from rotting flesh on the limbs of lepers, and command a lame man to take up his pallet and walk. They had seen him walk on water, outwit the Pharisees, and win the lost.

In their narrow scope of hopes for a political leader to save the Jews, they missed the bigger picture of God's plan for a Savior to free mankind from the bondage of sin. While Peter realized Jesus' identity ("You are the Christ."), he did not understand His destiny. Peter was shocked when Jesus explained that He had to go to Jerusalem, suffer, be killed, and on the third day rise from the dead. He even took Jesus aside and said, "Never, Lord. This shall never happen to you!" (Matthew 16:22). This was not part of Peter's dream. Suffering did not fit into his plan.

"Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."

Call me stupid, but don't call me Satan. Yet, that is how Jesus sees it when we try to block God's plans. He sees us as an instrument of darkness, an offense, a hindrance and a snare. It is amazing that one minute Peter could be a building block and the next a stumbling block.  But that's the trap we all fall into when we have our minds set on the world instead of on the things of God.

Jesus told His disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life, will lose it, but whoever lose his life for me will find it" (Matthew 16:24-25).

Even though Jesus forewarned the disciples of his death and resurrection, they fled when the soldiers came to arrest him, and they hid when he was hung on a cross to die. When Jesus was sealed in the tomb, their hopes and dreams were sealed in the darkness with him.

Every day I receive emails from women who have had their dreams shattered. A husband has an affair, becomes addicted to pornography, abuses the children, or deserts the family. A child gets caught with drugs, becomes pregnant, or dies in a car accident. Parents divorce, friends betray, careers come to an abrupt halt. The list is endless. So what do we do when our dreams are seemingly destroyed? The answer to that will shape the rest of our lives.

Does that mean we give up our dreams?  I can promise you this, whatever dreams you have for your life, God's dreams are greater. The power of the Holy Spirit the disciples received after Jesus' resurrection, and the impact they made on the world thereafter, was beyond their wildest dreams. That's what God does with a heart that is wholly yielded to Him. That's what He does when we give our shattered dreams to Him. I have learned to stop saying, "Why me?" but instead start saying "What now?"

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, there are things about my life that I don't understand, but I do know this. You are good and You are kind. I thank you that nothing happens in my life that is a surprise to You.  You have a greater plan than my small vision can imagine. I pray that You will reveal that larger plan for my life to me. Help me to pay attention to Your promptings and obey Your bidding.
In Jesus' name, Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Think back over your life and list two or threedreams that did not turn out like you thought they would.

Is there a prayer request or dream in your life that, in retrospect, you are glad God did respond to affirmatively?

Write down any areas of your life where you have been saying..."Why me?" and are now willing to say..."What now?"

Place yourself in the disciples' sandals for just a moment.  How do you think you would have felt the night Jesus died on the cross?

How do you think you would have felt the day you saw Him walk into the room...resurrected from the dead?

How would that have affected the way you viewed trials in your life from that time forward?

Now, how should that affect the way you see trials today?

If you're willing to trust God with your dreams, click over to my blog page and say, "I'm trusting God!"

More from the Girlfriends
Shattered dreams are a part of life. But God has big plans for each of us. Can you risk the hope that God still has dreams for your life? That He hasn't forgotten you? Place your hand firmly in His-take a deep breath and begin the exciting journey to a place you thought you'd never find:  the dream God planned for you all along. You'll find all this and more in my book, 5 Dreams of Every Woman and How God Longs to Fulfill Them. Click over to my web page to read a sample chapter and watch a short video. Let's learn to dream again! (This book includes a study guide which is great for women's Bible study groups.)

[Judy Harder]

October 4, 2012
Is God Really Enough? Part 2
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
So Abraham calledthat place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided" (Genesis 22:14, NIV).

Friend to Friend
We all have faith. We go to a doctor we hardly know. He hands us a prescription we cannot read. We take that prescription to a pharmacist we have never met. He gives us a medication we do not recognize or understand and we take it ... all in faith. Faith in God does not come all at once. Faith is a step-by-step process that begins with one small step and increases as we go, a truth that is powerfully illustrated in the life of Abraham.

God told Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac. Abraham walked through his fear, set aside his doubt and chose to walk in obedience to his God. Just as Abraham drew back the knife that would end the life of his son, the angel of the Lord called out to him and stilled his arm. Isaac would live! Why? Abraham had proven his obedience to God, even when he did not understand God's plan and even when he could not explain the seemingly appalling command of a loving God. Abraham continued to obey God even though his heart was surely breaking. Abraham must have been terrified and felt completely alone. God gently nudged my heart and I knew. I, too, needed to lay my "Isaac" on the altar of faith, knowing I could trust my Jehovah Jireh.

Abraham suddenly spotted a ram caught in the thicket by his horns and offered the ram as a sacrifice in place of Isaac. Abraham then worshipped God, praising Him for His perfect provision. Abraham's obedience led to God's provision – the provision of Jehovah Jireh.

Genesis 22:14 (NLT) "Abraham named the place Yahweh-Yireh (which means 'the Lord will provide'). To this day, people still use that name as a proverb: 'On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.'"

Wow! Talk about a faith story! Jehovah Jireh indeed!

"But Lord, Abraham is the man when it comes to faith. I don't have the kind of faith Abraham had. What do I do?" I cried out to God. God is so sweet and so kind – and so very patient as His Spirit nudged my heart once again. "Mary think about the Israelites." Now we're talking because I can so relate to the Israelites. I turned to Joshua 3 and found myself in very familiar territory.

The Israelites are camped on the bank of the Jordan River. Forty years earlier, they had escaped from Egypt and have been wandering around in the wilderness ever since. All of their needs have been met by God. They have seen miracle after miracle and now they can see Canaan, the Promised Land. However, there is a problem.

A huge river stands between the Israelites and the Promised Land and there is no way around it. To make things worse, it is flood season and the usual places to cross are covered with deep, rushing water. The Israelites knew God could stop the river right before their eyes or He could throw a bridge across it, but He doesn't. Instead, He gives Joshua some very strange orders.

·         First order
            The people are to keep an eye on the Ark of the Covenant.

Second order
As soon as they see the priests carrying the Ark, the people are to fall in behind them.
Third order
Joshua tells the people to expect amazing things to happen.
Fourth order
Joshua commands the priests to pick up the Ark and stand in the river.
God told His people that He would make a dry path through the river, but the priests had never seen that happen. In fact, they hadn't even been born when the Red Sea was parted and there were no reruns of the Ten Commandments at the local Wilderness Theatre. The Israelites had spent their entire adult lives in the wilderness and finally, they could see a way out. Oh, and one more problem -- the priests couldn't swim. This was probably the first river they had even been close to in their lives. I can imagine their fear and questions. God was asking them to step out in faith as never before.

I don't imagine the Israelites had a great deal of faith in God at that moment, but they had just enough faith to take that first step. And that was enough.

Joshua 3:15-17 (NCV) During harvest the Jordan overflows its banks. When the priests carrying the Ark came to the edge of the river and stepped into the water, the water upstream stopped flowing. It stood up in a heap. So the people crossed over.

Notice God did nothing until those toes touched the water. That first step was all God needed to see. Many times, we won't take the first step because we're afraid we won't be able to make the whole journey.

Don't wait until you believe it all.
Don't wait until you can see it all.
Don't wait until you understand it all.

Step out in childlike faith and put your trust in God.
He is Jehovah Jireh.
He will provide.

Let's Pray
Father, I come to You today in faith. I want to know You. I want to follow You for the rest of my life. I am afraid because my faith is small, but I am placing the faith I do have in You, Lord. I trust You to strengthen and grow that faith and help me become a fully devoted follower that pleases and honors You. In Jesus's name, amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Scripture tells us that without faith, it is impossible to please God. Matthew 17:20 also tells us that even a tiny amount of faith pleases Him. (Jesus) replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

A mustard seed is tiny, but once planted, grows into a large tree. Jesus said a little faith can have incredible results. We don't need a lot of faith - just as much as a mustard seed to produce great results. Why? Because our God is an awesome God, and our faith depends on Him!

What is the greatest problem in your life today?
What step do you need to take to face that problem with faith instead of fear?
What is keeping you from trusting God and stepping out in faith?

[Judy Harder]

October 5, 2012
King of Kings
Gwen Smith

Today's Truth
God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen. (1 Timothy 6:15-16)

Friend to Friend
It was shockingly early when the alarm clock invaded my dreams, screaming at me to wake up that morning. Even the sun was still sleeping as I rose. With heavy eyelids and a groggy mind, I forced myself to crawl out from beneath the cuddly warmth of my bed and ventured downstairs.

The kids had set their alarm clocks as well. We trickled down, one sleepy Smith at a time, and met in our jammies for the big event. It was April 29, 2011. Prince William and Catherine Middleton were about to be married and we were giddy-excited to watch it live from the cozy comfort of our living room couch.

It was worth the early wake-up just to see the hats that the women were wearing. Major wow! They were so elaborate! Some were even a bit crazy. As the wedding guests filed into the church, the kids and I chatted non-stop about the dresses the women wore, the celestial music that sang throughout the cathedral and the ornate beauty of Westminster Abbey.

As Kate made her way down the aisle, my eyes leaked joy. There's just something undeniably special about a bride's walk down the aisle that messes with my makeup. The ceremony was magic. Brimming with Scripture and promise. Meaningful vows were exchanged and before we knew it, the bride and groom were married.

Regal smiles lit up our living room as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge emerged as man and wife and made their way to Buckingham Palace for the royal reception hosted by Her Majesty the Queen. They waved jubilantly to the thousands upon thousands of well wishers along the road as the world celebrated with them.

Decades before William and Kate's famed nuptials, the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer held global attention. Before that, the world was smitten with the storybook romance and marriage between American actress Grace Kelley and Rainer 111, Prince of Monaco.

We have such a fascination with royalty! We love the regal bells and whistles with all of the fairytale happenings. Yet, for all the fanfare that royal families bring to society, many reigning monarchs have very little political power. Most earthly kings and queens don't establish laws or truly rule the people as royalty once did. Even still, these families do influence the culture.

God is a not like our earthly kings. He's got game! He is a King with power. He is the King of kings! Supreme in authority, He rules from a heavenly throne that is illuminated by His glory. When we recognize Him as King of kings, God is positioned in our hearts as the supreme ruler... as the absolute authority... as the powerful leader that we are all desperate for. His reign is eternal and supreme – yet His reign is intimately personal.

Please don't think I'm going all church on you here. This isn't fluffy Christianese about a distant, non-feeling ruler who pats us on the head and graciously allows us to be His humble servants. It is a flesh and blood testimony about a loving God from a woman who knows what it's like to be tangled in the knots of sin and shame. From a woman knows the freedom of forgiveness – a woman who delights to revere her all-compassionate King of mercy. I'm not who I was because my Savior, the King of kings, wore a thorny crown and conquered death. Now that's power, friend! A powerful King who is large and in charge.

I am a woman who now confidently approaches the throne of grace because of the finished work done by Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 4:16) You bet it's personal and you better believe He's powerful. Scripture is filled with rich praise for our King of kings:

The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all. (Psalm 103:19)

No one is like you, O Lord; you are great, and your name is mighty in power. Who should not revere you, O King of the nations? This is your due.... But the Lord is the true God; he is the living God, the eternal King.(Jeremiah 10:6-7,10)

How awesome is the Lord Most High, the great King over all the earth!(Psalm 47:2)

But you, O Lord, sit enthroned forever; your renown endures through all generations.(Psalm 102:12)

Have you experienced the power of the King of kings in your life? Do you know the freedom of forgiveness? Though it can be fun to watch the royal families among us, they are powerless to save you. God loved you so much that he made a way for you to have a fresh start in life through Jesus. A fresh start, a clean heart and a royal inheritance. That, my friend, should make us all leak with joy.         

Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.(1 Timothy 1:17)

Let's Pray
Holy God, King of kings, You are more glorious and powerful than I can possibly imagine! Thank you for crowning me with grace through Jesus Christ. Thank you that grace is enough. All glory and honor be to you, Lord!

In Jesus's name, amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Read 1 Peter 2:9, ESV: But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

If you are a Christian, who does this verse say you are?

Do you live like that's who you are? Should you?

What does the verse say you are supposed to do because of who you are?

Swing by my facebook page right now to proclaim His excellencies with a comment of public adoration!

More From the Girlfriends
If you are a woman who is struggling to connect the promises of God to your broken life, know that you aren't alone. Many women struggle with this. I sure have! Listen, God delights to transform lives. The changes might not happen over night, but as you persist, God will work in and through you.

Ready to Go Deeper with God? Learn how He wants to bring you beyond your past mistakes and your present challenges to His wholeness, strength and beauty. Broken into Beautiful is a book filled with stories – real stories ... gritty and honest, not cleaned up and phony. It's also filled with Scripture that will inspire you toward the life-changing grace of Jesus. To order the book, go to Amazon or, for a signed copy, visit Gwen's website: www.gwensmith.net.

[Judy Harder]

October 8, 2012
Shattered Dreams (part 1)
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has born?  Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands," (Isaiah 49:15-16 NIV).

Friend to Friend
My husband and I were reveling in our time with our good friends from our college days, Larry and Cynthia Price. It had been almost a year since our last visit and I was hungry to hear of the latest family news about their children, Daniel, Julianna, and Laura Beth.  While the four adults feasted on grilled teriyaki chicken, steamy baked potatoes, tossed salad with home grown sliced tomatoes, the kids ran out the door to attend the Friday night high school football game. For over an hour conversation and sweet tea flowed like a mountain stream. We were just finishing the last bites of chocolate silk pie when our laughter was interrupted by the ringing phone.

"Hello," Cynthia answered.

I could only hear one side of the conversation, but I could tell something was terribly amiss.

"Daniel, calm down!  What's wrong? Talk slower," she urged. "Oh God, no," Cynthia gasped. "OK, Daniel. I'll meet you at the hospital."

An ashen Cynthia turned to her husband and could barely force the words out of her mouth. "Larry, Daniel said that Will took a bad hit at the football game. He went in for a tackle. They hit.  Will stood up. Fell on the ground. And he never got back up. They are taking him to the hospital in Clinton."

"Cynthia, you two go on to meet them. Don't even think twice about us," I assured her. "I'll clean up and take any calls that come in."

"Are you sure?" she asked. "I hate to leave you here."

"Absolutely, now scoot!"

Before they left, we held hands and prayed for Will, his mother Luanne, his dad, Bob, and his two brothers and little sister who were all at the game.

Larry and Cynthia drove down their mile long driveway and my mind rushed back to another time fourteen years earlier when I first met Luanne Johnson. She was Cynthia's best friend in the sleepy rural town of Rose Hill, NC, four hours from our home. She had just given birth to her third child, Bailey. Bailey was born with a hole in his heart. When he was seven months old, Luanne kissed his cheek as the doctors and nurses rolled him into the operating room to attempt to correct the defect. The physicians assured the Johnson's that the procedure had a 98% success rate and there was no cause for alarm. While Bailey came through the surgery just fine, he developed complications a few days later and had to go back in for a second procedure. This operation was not successful. Bailey died on the operating table. Bailey died on his brother Will's third birthday. Now this.

I pictured Luanne riding in the ambulance or perhaps following in a car close behind the blaring sirens. I recalled the words I had penned in another book, "There is an inexplicable bond that exists between a mother and her child. Even though the umbilical cord is severed in the delivery room, a cord of love connects them for the rest of their lives."  Luanne already had one deposit in heaven. The thought of a second was almost too painful to imagine.

Oh, he'll be OK, I thought. I'd grown up in a small North Carolina town where high school football was a part of life for the entire community. When I was elementary school age, I went to Friday night games and ran around under the bleachers paying very little attention to the pigskin on the field. When I was a teenager, I was a cheerleader and knew just enough to know which cheers to yell when.  My father-in-law had been a coach. Boys were constantly, "down on the play." But they always got up.  Didn't they?

I'm not sure how much time passed, but Cynthia's phone call startled me back to reality.

"Sharon, this is Cynthia.  Will didn't make it."

"What do you mean 'didn't make it?'" I asked.

"Will died before he even got to the hospital," she said.

Somehow the news spread through the quiet little town that Will Johnson had been hurt at the football game. All through the night I fielded calls that came to the Price's home. Cynthia was Luanne's best friend and Daniel had been Will's.

The next day, the news reported the story.  Will had gone in to make a tackle and when he hit the boy carrying the ball, his opponent's helmet crashed into Will's chest.  On impact, Will's heart had a concussion. He stood up and said, "Coach, I think I need to come out." Then he collapsed and his heart never beat again.

I was just a visitor from 200 miles away. I didn't know most of these people but one thing was clear.  What affected one, affected them all. A mother's dreams had been shattered and the entire town felt her pain.

Shattered dreams are a part of life. Children die, husbands leave, jobs are lost, cancer tests come back positive, proposals are rejected, teenagers rebel, houses burn, terrorists attack, and the list goes on. Part of the pain is the feeling that God has forgotten us, grown deaf to our cries, or lost our address. Zion cried, "The LORD has forsaken me, the Lord has forgotten me" (Isaiah 49:14). David lamented, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, and am not silent" (Psalm 22: 1, 2). Even Jesus called out from the cross, "My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46) I have cried, "Where are you, God.  How could you do this to me? Have you forgotten all about me?" Then He answers, "Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne?  Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands" (Isaiah 49:15).

Ah, the string around His finger, the brand on his palm, the scar on His heart. No, He doesn't forget. Join me next time as we continue looking at Shattered Dreams and the Restorer of Broken Dreams.

Let's Pray
Dear Father, sometimes I don't understand why things happen.  Why would a tsunami take hundreds of lives?  Why would a mother bury her child? But this one thing I do know.  You are always good and Your ways are always good.  Help me to trust Your heart when I don't see Your hand.  Help me to trust You in the dark.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Think of a time when you felt as though God had deserted you.  How did He assure you that He hadn't?

Perhaps you still feel like He has forgotten you?  That's OK to admit. I have felt that way at times myself. However, what does the truth of Isaiah 49:15 tell us?

The next time you are wondering where God is, recite His promise to you found in Hebrews 13:5. If you believe that truth today, click over to my blog page and leave a comment that says, "I know God will never leave me." I've also posted a picture of precious Will.

More From the Girlfriends
Today's devotion was taken from my book, 5 Dreams of Every Woman – and How God Longs to Fulfill Them. Friend, God wants to restore your broken dreams. Grab hold of His hand and go to a place you thought you'd never find...the dream God had planned all along.

[Judy Harder]

October 9, 2012
God's Circle of Encouragement Part 1
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is the Father who is full of mercy and all comfort. He comforts us every time we have trouble, so when others have trouble, we can comfort them with the same comfort God gives us (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, NIV).

Friend to Friend
Allan Emery, who served for many years with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, shared an experience that made a deep impression on him. His father received a call saying a well-known Christian had been found drunk on the sidewalk in front of a local bar. Emery's father immediately sent his chauffeured limousine to pick up the man while his mother prepared the best guest room. Emery watched wide-eyed, as the beautiful coverlets were turned down on the exquisite, old, four poster bed, revealing the monogrammed sheets.

"But, mother," Emery protested, "he's drunk. He might even get sick."

"I know," his mother replied kindly, "but this man has slipped and fallen. When he comes to, he will be so ashamed. He will need all the compassion and loving encouragement we can give him."

We all stumble and fall and, at one time or another, need someone who is willing to show us the love and compassion of God. The apostle Paul had certainly experienced the love and forgiveness of God and wrote a letter to the church at Corinth, encouraging them to share that same compassion with those in need. One of the key words in this letter is "comfort" or "encouragement." In the Greek, it means "called to one's side to help" and is used 29 times in this letter alone. When trouble comes, we tend to look in all the wrong places for comfort when what we should do is run straight into the arms of the source of all comfort – God. The world sees only a hopeless end, but the Christian rejoices in an endless hope. When a child of God is in the furnace, make no mistake, girlfriend. God keeps His hand on the thermostat and His eyes on His child. He monitors the heat and offers the comfort that is needed – just like He did in the life of Elijah.

Elijah is a great example of a man in need of comfort. One day he was the conquering hero, the next we find him sitting under a Juniper tree, wallowing in self-pity – and begging God to let him die. The poor man was exhausted. True, it was an exhaustion produced by victory, but it was still exhaustion.

Elijah called down fire from heaven, proving the existence of the only true God, destroying idols and idol worshippers. Big stuff! In fact, it is my personal opinion that he should have been celebrating. So why was he so discouraged? It was a woman, Jezebel, who was largely responsible for his discouragement.

Jezebel was the evil and influential wife of Ahab, King of Israel, and widely known as the real power behind her husband's throne. Jezebel did not worship the one true God of Israel. Instead, she was fanatical in her worship of the pagan god, Baal, and tried to impose her beliefs on the people of Israel. One man stood in her way – Elijah. When Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal to a showdown on Mount Carmel, God answered Elijah's prayer with a stream of fire from heaven. You would think that a miracle like that would have convinced Ahab and Jezebel to believe in God. It didn't. In fact, Jezebel was furious. When she learned what had happened on Mt. Carmel with the fire and idols, she put a contract out on Elijah. Now stop and think about that for a moment.

Elijah had been in the presence of God. God had heard and answered Elijah's prayer, putting on an impressive fiery display for all to see. Idols had fallen. The prophets of Baal had either fled or been destroyed. And Elijah is worried about one angry woman? Elijah was tired and needed to rest – big time. He desperately needed the comfort of God. He found that rest and comfort while sitting under a Juniper tree, waiting in silence for God to show up. I know. God had already shown up in big ways for Elijah, but this time, Elijah needed a personal, one-on-one encounter with his Father.

I've been there, haven't you? You may be there today – at the point of desperation, wondering if God will show up in your life. You may be exhausted and weary of life itself. Girlfriend, I have great news for you. God knows exactly how you feel, and He is with you. Cry out to Him and ask for His encouragement and peace to fill your heart.

Let's Pray
Father, I am so tired and really don't know if I can go on. I come to You with a heavy heart filled with fear and uncertainty. I am desperate for You, Lord. Right now, I surrender every burden to You and choose to believe that You are with me and will lift me out of this slimy pit I am in. I don't know how, but I choose Your plan over all others and will listen for Your voice above the rest. In Jesus's name, amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Read Hebrews 12:12 (The Message) "So take a new grip with your tired hands and stand firm on your shaky legs." What does it mean in your life to "take a new grip" and "stand firm" even on shaky legs?

Do you really believe we can experience joy – even in the midst of the fiercest storm?  Explain.

Looking back at the storms in your life, how would you rate your response to those storms? What changes do you need to make in order to experience victory?

Memorize Proverbs 3:5-6 and record it in your journal. Share your decision to become a woman of faith with other women who have the same desire.

[Judy Harder]

October 10, 20l2
Shattered Dreams Part 2
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die," (John 11:25-26 NIV).

Friend to Friend
Have you ever had a shattered dream? In my last devotion I told the story of my friend Luanne and her shattered dream when her son died on a football field. I hope you'll go back and read it on my blog archives if you missed it (www.sharonjaynes.com).

In the New Testament, we find a story about two sisters whose dreams were also shattered by a death in the family. Jesus received word that one of His best friends, Lazarus, was sick. In reality, by the time the messenger had made the one day journey to inform Jesus about Lazarus' illness, he had already died. Jesus didn't leave right away, but tarried two days before making the journey to Bethany. When Jesus arrived, Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days. His death shook the entire village and many Jews from surrounding cities went to mourn their loss. For these two women, their dreams for the future were bleak – no husband, no children, no father, and now, no brother to take care of them.

When Martha heard Jesus was coming, her hopes soared and she ran to meet Him.

"Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died" (John 11:21). Can you relate to Martha? Have you ever felt, Lord, if you had been here, this would not have happened to me. Where were you?  Where are you now?

Then it is as if she thought better of the words that had escaped her lips and said, "But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask."

Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again."

Martha answered, "I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day."

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"

"Yes, Lord," she told him, "I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who has to come into the world."

Martha went back to her home and told Mary that Jesus was on the way. Like Martha, Mary ran to meet him and said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." Do you see a pattern? Once again – If you had been here this would not have happened to me. Where were you?

Do you think God hurts when we hurt? Oh yes, dear sisters, God hurts. Jesus wept when he saw the pain of those around him. He wept for the two sisters and I suspect He wept for a people who did not understand the power of God.

After four days, Lazarus' body would have already begun to decay. Make no mistake about it: God was about to do something so incredible, no one would refute His power.

Jesus ordered the stone rolled away from the mouth of the cave which served as Lazarus' tomb.  Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?"

So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me."

When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!"

And he did!

Jesus resurrected Mary and Martha's dream.

Those of us who have lost a loved one may be thinking....yeah, but God didn't bring my brother back. God didn't save my child.  God didn't resurrect my dead marriage. And if you read yesterday's devotion, God didn't bring Will back to life. (If you didn't see yesterday's devotion, I encourage you to go back and read part one of this series.)

Let's go back to Will for a moment. Did resurrection power take place after Will's death? His mother would say a resounding "yes."

Luanne shared with me that just days before Will's final football game he had said, "Mom, I'll be glad when this is all over. Now that I'm older, I see just how unimportant all this sports stuff is."

As Lou Ann knelt beside her boy on that football field, she begged him to keep breathing.  But then, as she felt him take his last breath, his words echoed in her heart..."I'll be glad when this is all over."

"It's all over, son," Luanne whispered. "Go on home."

At Will's funeral a few days after his death, Luanne stood and shared the gospel message about the Jesus Will loved so much. What was the result? Thirty people attending the service committed their lives to Christ or renewed their passion for serving Him.

"Mrs. Johnson, I gave my life to Christ today."

"Luanne I haven't been following Jesus like I should. I recommitted my life to Him today and I'm going to get serious about my relationship with Him."

"Luanne, our family was in a shambles and I was thinking about leaving my husband.  After today, I have decided to make our marriage work. I see how important family is."

"I have been putting my family on the back burner and letting everything and anything come before them. After today, I'm putting my family second only to God."

The Johnson family continues to minister all across the state about the power of Jesus Christ that sustains us when our dreams are shattered.  Because of Will's death, hundreds have come to Christ, many family relationships have been restored, and churches have torn down denominational walls as the Presbyterians, Methodists, Baptists and Pentecostals in the tiny little town have made a historical move to worship together. Being from a small North Carolina town myself, believe me, that is a miracle.

The Bible says that before we know Jesus Christ, we are dead in our transgressions.  We inherited a dead spirit from our father Adam. However, when we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, God gives us a new heart and a new spirit that is fully alive. This is resurrection power at its best.

Why did God allow Lazarus to die? He allowed it so His Son could be glorified through it (John 11:4). Why did God allow His own Son to die on the cross? To bring salvation to all who believe? I suspect that is the same for Luanne and Bob's son as well.

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, there are some aspects of my life that have not turned out like I thought they would.  There are shattered dreams and many things which I do not understand.  However, I do know this. You are a loving God and nothing happens to me that You cannot use for your glory.  Help me to be open to see the good in the circumstances that seem at times to be so hard.  I choose to believe that You can redeem every situation in my life and use it for good.
In Jesus' name,  Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Is there something that you have been praying about and perhaps you feel that God is "late?"

What can we learn about God's timetable from today's devotion?

In today's devotion I quoted Jesus as saying, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?" Could it be that Jesus is saying those same words to you today?

Would you be willing to pray that God would show you the dreams He has for you?

Would you be willing to give up your unfulfilled dreams and reach forward to what lies ahead.

Read the following verse and ponder what God wants you to leave behind and what He is calling you to reach toward. "But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, (Philippians 3:13b NASB).

If you are willing to reach forward and dream again, click over to my blog page and leave a comment on today's blog entry that says, "I'm ready to dream again."

More from the Girlfriends
Shattered dreams are a part of life, but God has big plans for each of us. Can you risk the hope that God still has dreams for your life? That He hasn't forgotten you? Place your hand firmly in His-take a deep breath and begin the exciting journey to a place you thought you'd never find:  the dream God planned for you all along. You'll find all this and more in my book, 5 Dreams of Every Woman and How God Wants to Fulfill Them. It also has a study guide in the back for further study.