Girlfriends in God

[Judy Harder]

May 17, 2012
Trusting God with My Family
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
Proverbs 14:1 (NCV) "A wise woman strengthens her family, but a foolish woman destroys hers by what she does."

Friend to Friend
Family means different things to different people. What is a family? Well, I can tell you that a family is no longer simple. Family is complex and has changed to include many different relationships. But the bottom line is that family is a group of persons with whom you are doing life. Family is where we learn about God then live out the very nature and character of God in relationships.  Family is important to God. He created it before He created the church and, as with each of His creations, He made a plan for it to succeed. At the heart of that plan is love. To trust God with our family demands that we first love and trust God in our own lives then allow that love to spill over into our family.

What a crazy day it had been! It was a day probably like many of yours. I was a young mom with two small children. My husband was the youth pastor at a large church in town. I taught a weekly Bible study for senior high girls and directed a youth choir that practiced one night a week and sang for the early worship service every Sunday. We hosted a youth Bible study in our home every Monday night ... and, well, you get the idea. My schedule was almost to the point of ridiculous, and I was exhausted most of the time. But this particular day had been crazier than most. Both kids had a cold and were grumpy. The house was a mess, the laundry was piled high, and I had a meeting at church that night. I was counting the minutes until my husband came walking through the front door. I needed rescuing. The phone rang. "Honey, I won't be able to make it home before church visitation tonight," Dan said. He sounded so tired that I could not muster up one ounce of anger. Instead, I shifted into overdrive. I snatched both kids off of the backyard swing, plopped them in the bathtub for a quick rinse and impatiently shoved little arms and legs into clean clothes while spooning food into little mouths before firmly depositing both kids in their car seats. Off we went to church for the third night in a row.

At a stop sign, I glanced in the rearview mirror and saw two miserably silent children, tears streaming down their sad little faces. I heard His voice, "Mary, what are you doing and who are you doing it for?" My heart broke. I suddenly realized that I was running the race of life for the wrong audience. Turning the car around, I headed home.

"Hey guys! Would you like to go home, put on your pajamas, make some cookies and watch a movie with me?" Cheers and clapping erupted from the back seat as tears gave way to smiling faces, and laughter and giggles filled the car and my heart. It has been over twenty years and I still remember that precious night of ministry.

Women are so busy. As believers, we delight in finding creative ways to touch hearts and are often passionate about introducing those hearts to God's love, forgiveness and transforming power – and rightly so. However, I wonder how many of us miss the hungry hearts that greet us each morning across the breakfast table or wait for us to come home each night. Do we overlook a child's silent longing for the kind of love that is spelled "t-i-m-e?" Do we miss the opportunity to encourage a weary husband who has, once again, returned home without a job? When was the last time you gave your parents a hug and thanked them for everything they have done for you over the years? Do your grandparents know how valuable their legacy of love and wisdom is to you? We make the erroneous assumption that the people in our lives know how we feel about them. Do they? And even if they do know, wouldn't it be great to tell them again? 

It is so easy to lose focus and scramble priorities. We get so busy doing good things and miss one of the highest things God created us to do – family. Our public life is only as valid as our private life. Family is the perfect framing for God's highest work, the litmus test for authentic service and our greatest opportunity to meet needs in His name.

When our daughter, Danna, was a little girl, one of her favorite activities was to color a page in what she called her "special" coloring book. The book had several "special" pages, one in particular being a dull, gray picture of a butterfly. Frankly, I couldn't understand her excitement. When I asked why she liked that picture so much, Danna grinned and said, "Watch, Mommy!" She rubbed her little hands together to create warmth; then laid them on the butterfly drawing. The touch of her hand caused the special inks in the printing to react, and the dull gray was transformed into a vivid rainbow of color.

Everyone is hungry for the warm touch of someone who cares – a kind word, an act of compassion, a hug of encouragement. I believe God created the family to be the first place where that hunger is best satisfied. Yet, I am amazed that we can stand in silence, watching homes, marriages and families disintegrate before our very eyes. Silence is agreement. It is time for us, as women of God, to boldly stand against anyone and anything that undermines our marriage or threatens the solidarity of our family. It is time for us to trust God for and with our families.

Let's Pray
Father, I want to please You by the way I love my family. Today, I choose to see each family member through your eyes of love and mercy. I will wage peace in my family. I will be quick to forgive and slow to condemn. I will encourage my family members with my words, my prayers, my love and my time. I want my home to be a safe place filled with kindness and compassion, a place that illustrates Your presence and power. Today, I choose to trust my family to God.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now it's Your Turn
Read the following verses of Scripture. Make a list of the action words in each verse. After completing the list, come up with steps you can take to illustrate the character of God in your family relationships.

·         Proverbs 31:26-28 (NCV) "She speaks wise words and teaches others to be kind. She watches over her family and never wastes her time. Her children speak well of her. Her husband also praises her."

·         1 Timothy 5:8 (NCV) "Whoever does not care for his own relatives, especially his own family members, has turned against the faith and is worse than someone who does not believe in God."

·         Galatians 6:10 (NIV) "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."

·         Ephesians 1:5 (NLT) "God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ."

More from the Girlfriends
For more information on learning how to trust God with your family, check out Mary's video download, How to Love Your Family. Need help learning how to live a life of power and purpose? Check out Mary's weekly online Bible Study, How to Dress for Successand learn how to live a life of victory. Connect with Mary on Facebook or through email.

[Judy Harder]

May 18, 2012
Stark Contrast
Gwen Smith

Today's Truth
"With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness.  Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing.  My brothers, this should not be" (James 3:9-10 NIV).

Friend To Friend
The summer heat can be unbearable. North Carolina is by no means a place of cool summers. To the contrary, we Tar Heel residents expect to have our air conditioning units running almost round the clock. But the heat we've experienced the past few years has been uncommonly sweltering. At times, it's been so balmy that my sweat drops have had sweat drops! Now, you can call it global warming, or you can call it chance, but I just call it plain old hot!

On one of those crazy-hot summer days, I spent time at our local library. I sat on the lower level, which is the coolest area in the building. The vigilante AC unit worked aggressively to protect us book-reading occupants from the external heat wave. I was on that chilly lower level for the better part of two hours, and gradually turned to a human icicle. My fingers were completely numb as I signed out a Hardy Boys book for my son and turned to exit the building.

As I opened the door to leave, a forceful wave of heat swept over me.  In that moment I thought, "Wow!  That sure is a stark contrast!  What a temperature change!" From one extreme to the other, the heat pendulum had swung. Hot to cold, and then hot again. As I considered the contrast, it occurred to me that the temperature of my life might sometimes look the same. It gave me reason to pray.

Have you ever gotten up early and had a sweet time with the LORD, only to turn into an unreasonable, raging screamer hours later? Have you ever had an argument with your spouse or children on the way to church, only to cross the threshold of the lobby with blessings and kindness on your tongue? Have you ever driven in traffic with worship music on the dash and praise on your lips when suddenly, someone cut you off and the praises on your tongue turned to cursing? If you've answered "yes" to any of these questions, welcome to the Sinner's Club. All humans have an automatic membership that activates at birth and is irrevocable until we accept forgiveness through Jesus Christ, and see His face on the other side of glory.

The Bible calls us to a higher, more consistent temperature of living. We must be careful not to praise and curse with the same tongue. "With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness.  Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be" (James 3:9-10 NIV).

Are you swinging the pendulum of your responses, or are they swinging you? We are accountable for our behavior. We are accountable for the way we respond to circumstances. Our responses reflect the core of who we are. They reflect our faith ... good or bad.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come" (2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV).

As we go through today, let's center the thermometer of our hearts on Christ so we are less likely to respond in stark contrast to His perfect example of love. Let's live out God's grace and heed the wisdom found in Proverbs 3:3: "Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart."

Let's Pray
Lord, please forgive me for the times when my responses are unkind.  Please forgive me for the times when I over-react and under-love.  I need the power of the Holy Spirit to moderate the temperature of my heart and my responses.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Will you live out deeper grace today? If you're ready to start fresh and declare, "By God's grace I am a new creation," then visit my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/GwenSmithMusicand say, "I am a new creation!"

More From The Girlfriends
Okay – this is hard!  Trust me, as I was stepping on your toes with this message, I was trampling all over mine, too.  Let's go in grace today, and pray that God will be strong in our weakness.  We are continually being transformed into a greater likeness of Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit ... one day at a time ... thank You, Jesus!

Every step of transformation begins with the heart of God. If you would like to learn more about how your brokenness can be reworked into a picture of God's beauty, order Gwen's book Broken Into Beautiful.This resource will help you experience the power of hope, healing and restoration!

[Judy Harder]

May 21, 2012
Gossip is Deadly
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down," (Proverbs 26:20 NIV).

Friend to Friend
A monster was sneaking into my yard in the dark of night and devouring my prize plants. I never saw his beady eyes or heard his pounding footsteps – just the aftermath of his destruction. He left a trail of slim as he moved from plant to plant, leaving large gaping holes in broad leaf Gerber Daisies, gnawing entire velvety trumpet-shaped blossoms on purple petunias and reducing bushy begonias to naked stalks.

I asked a neighbor about my flowerbed's demise and she determined, "You've got slugs."           

Slugs!" I exclaimed. "The yard monster is a tiny little slug?"

"You can put out slug bait to catch them and see for yourself," my confident neighbor continued.

I sprinkled slug bait all around the yard and then waited. The next morning I viewed the "monsters" remains. The beasts were about ¼ inch long – about the size of my little toe nail.

How could something so small cause so much damage in such a short amount of time? I mused. Then my mind thought of something else that is very small that can cause enormous damage in a short amount of time... gossip. King Solomon wrote, "The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man's inmost parts." Just as one tiny slug can destroy an entire flower bed, so can one tiny morsel of gossip destroy a person's reputation, mar one's character, and devour a friendship.

In the South we have this knack for making gossips sound...almost nice. All you have to do is add "bless her heart" to the end of the sentence. It goes like this: "Susie gained fifty pounds with that last pregnancy, bless her heart." "Marcy's husband ran off with his secretary, bless her heart." "I heard Clair yelling at the postman yesterday, bless her heart." But all the "bless her hearts" don't make mask what it really is...gossip.

Solomon wrote, "Whoever repeats the matter separates close friends," (Proverbs 17:9 TNIV).  Charles Allen, the author of God' Psychiatry observed: "Those of great minds discuss ideas, people of mediocre minds discuss events, and those of small minds discuss other people."  Maybe if we are spending our time talking about people, we need to fill our minds with better material such as good books and other reading material (and I don't mean People Magazine or the National Enquirer).

What exactly is gossip? Webster defines gossip as "easy, fluent, trivial talk, talk about people behind their backs." It is repeating information about another person's private affairs. If you have to look around to make sure that no one can hear what you are saying, you are probably gossiping. If you would not say something in front of the person you are talking about, then you're probably gossiping.

We have often heard the phrase, "knowledge is power." Perhaps that is why gossip is so appealing. It suggests a certain amount of power because, "I have the inside scoop." But gossip is not power. On the contrary it shows a lack of power...lack of self-control.

Today, let's make our lives a NO GOSSIP ZONE.

Let's Pray
Lord, please keep a guard over my mouth today. If I even consider gossiping about someone, convict me before a word leaves my mouth. May the words of my mouth be pleasing in Your sight today. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Go back to Webster's definition of gossip.  Can you think of anything you have said in the last week that would fit that description?

Let's "say no" to gossip. If you are willing to eliminate gossip from your life, click over to www.facebook.com/sharonjaynesand type in the following words: I'm living in a NO GOSSIP ZONE.

More from the Girlfriends
Today's devotion was taken from Sharon's book, The Power of a Woman's Words.If you would like to learn about how to control your words and use them to speak life into those in your sphere of influence, then this is the book for you. Visit www.sharonjaynes.com to download a free chapter, watch a video or place an order.

[Judy Harder]

May 22, 2012
Let's Get it Together Part 1
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
1 Corinthians 6:19 (NIV) "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your body."

Friend to Friend
It is much easier to give in to sin or yield to temptation when we are physically depleted. Discipline begins in the mind and then travels to the body. I can hear you groaning already, but stay with me. Sin and temptation often find their greatest opportunity to work in the body. I have struggled with diet and exercise from childhood. Part of my struggle is rooted in "fluffy" genes lovingly passed down to me through several generations of "fluffy" relatives. The remainder of my struggle is firmly rooted in the fact that I enjoy eating, hate exercise and sometimes use food as an emotional outlet. Consequently, over the years, my weight has fluctuated like a championship yo-yo. Satan rejoiced as I deemed myself "worthy" when I lost the weight and "unworthy" when I gained it back. Guilt and shame attached themselves to every bite of food, while the Battle of the Bulge became the War of Worthiness.

Marriage, motherhood and ministry brought new weapons into the fray. Ridiculously crowded schedules and chronic fatigue seemed to be regarded as holy Medals of Honor, so I signed up and quickly learned the unspoken rules of successful Christian living - rest is for the wicked, exhaustion is for the holy, fast food is for the fully devoted and burnout the ultimate goal.  At times, I can almost hear Satan, standing in the wings, laughing at my skewed priorities and lack of discipline, knowing that his opening is just around the corner. 

There is simply no way around the truth that discipline is part of trusting God with our health. We cannot give our hearts to God but keep our bodies for ourselves. To do so is sin. It's time for a new plan and a new way of thinking when it comes to disciplining the body.

·         Eliminate diets.  Replace all "diets" with a "healthy eating plan." Fad diets are quick-fixes and rarely work long-term. A healthy eating plan requires a lifestyle change and is not only a matter of how much we weigh but a matter of what we eat, as well. Many thin people follow diets that are just as unhealthy as the diets of overweight people. Ask yourself, "Is this good for me?" instead of "Is this fattening?" A healthy eating plan honors God.

·         Get moving.  A friend once told me her favorite exercise was opening and closing the refrigerator door. Hmm ... not good! Set realistic goals in the area of exercise. Start with 15 minutes a day, three times a week. Gradually increase that time. Choose an activity with a dual purpose. For example, while you are walking, you can pray. Walking can be a healthy way of dealing with anger, venting frustration to God instead of others. A walk can also serve as a "mini-retreat" during a chaotic day. Ask God to change your perspective on exercise – then take the first step. He will meet you there.

·         Learn to rest.  Rest is not an option if we are to function at our best. We sometimes try to feed emotional needs by refusing to rest. We stay busy because we are afraid to face our past or even the future. Guilt keeps us moving, trying to prove our worth.

For most of my adult life, I have wrongly equated being busy with being productive. I am guilty as charged when it comes to living each day in overdrive. My Day Timer has, at times, been my Bible.  The result has always been exhaustion, burnout and watered down living. When I fell into the pit of clinical depression, everything looked great on the outside, but God and I both knew that the facade I had so carefully erected was nothing more than a meaningless monument to self. The house built upon the sand seemed like very familiar digs and I was not alone.

We are masters of rationalizing our way to man's approval. I am convinced that when we are willing to surrender our lives to the tyranny of the urgent, the enemy will keep 'em coming – people who need us immediately, those who clamor for our attention above our family and our personal relationship with God or the person who can talk to no one but us. The list of ego strokes is long.

Let's Pray
Father, I recognize my body as Your temple. Forgive me for the times when I do not care for it in a way that honors and pleases You. Give me the strength to eat right, exercise and learn to rest. I have given You my heart. I now give You my body. Glorify Yourself in and through me, Lord.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Memorize today's key verse of Scripture in 1 Corinthians 6:19 (NIV).

"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your body."

Which one of the following steps do you need to take first in order to honor God with your body?

_____ Eliminate diets

_____ Get moving

_____ Learn to rest


More from the Girlfriends
I know it is hard to deal with temptation when it comes to treating our bodies in a godly way. Need help? Check out my E-Bible Study, Winning the War with Temptation. Need help learning how to live a life of power and purpose? Check out Mary's weekly online Bible Study, How to Dress for Successand learn how to live a life of victory. Connect with Mary on Facebook or through email.

[Judy Harder]

May 23, 2012
Let's Get it Together Part 2
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
1 Corinthians 6:19 (NIV) "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your body."

Friend to Friend
Through the years, God has grabbed my attention with an illness that drove me to bed or a crisis that drove me to my knees. He is a persistent Father who understands the value of rest. Jesus even modeled the truth that it is in Sabbath moments where we will find Him most precious and hear His voice more clearly. After all, He was in charge of the creation process that included the need for rest. Did God need to rest? Obviously not, but by creating a day of rest, He drove home the fact that our bodies were created in such a way that rest is not an option. Make no mistake – we will rest – one way or another.  The psalmist writes, "He makes me rest in green pastures." (Psalm 23:2 ICB) I know from my own experience, that the word "make" holds worlds of possibilities from God's hand. Learning to rest demands an understanding of several basic truths.

Rest is sacred. Sometimes the most spiritual thing we can do is sleep. The human body isprogrammed for a certain amount of rest. We can cheat it short term but not long term. Rest affects the efficiency rating of this frail body in which we dwell.

Rest is replenishing. While we rest, the Father repairs and restores. We run on "batteries" that must be re-charged daily. When I am tired, it is much harder for me to handle stress, and I know you will agree with me when I say that life can be stressful.

Rest reduces stress. Doctors say stress can be good or bad but either way, stress takes its toll. Elijah is a great example of good stress gone bad. One day he was the conquering hero, the next day we find him sitting under a juniper tree begging God to let him die! The poor man was exhausted. It was stress produced by victory, but stress nonetheless.

Rest eliminates fatigue. Fatigue is not a spiritual gift, but we proudly wear dark-circled eyes as badges of honor and sacrificial service. The enemy loves it! If he can keep us exhausted, we are no threat to him.  We must learn to rest and when we need to rest. I have discovered an irritating truth with no escape clause – we need to rest most when we have the least amount of time to rest. I don't like it when God calls me from my vicious circle of daily life into His presence. After all, I spent a lot of time getting all of those irons into the fire I built with my own ideas and plans. However, every time I obey His call to "come apart," He transforms ineffective activity into powerful living. We need to stop, be still and rest.

Our bodies house the Holy Spirit. In what condition is your dwelling place for God? Is He pleased with His temple? A lack of physical discipline is a foothold for the enemy, an unlocked door through which disobedience and failure ride on the wings of Satan's best schemes. It is time for us to embrace and apply physical discipline as a gift and commandment from God. We must trust God with our health.

Let's Pray
Lord, today, I recognize my physical body as the temple of God. I commit to taking better care of my body by getting more rest, eating healthier foods and getting more exercise. I will make better choices about how to spend my time in order to make health a higher priority in my daily life. I praise You for the gift of health and celebrate the gift of life each day holds. I trust You with my health as an act of obedience and worship.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Read the following two verses of Scripture carefully. Choose to memorize one of them. How do they apply to honoring God with your body?

Galatians 2:20 (NIV) "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

Romans 6:13 (NLT) "Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God."

More from the Girlfriends
I know it is hard to deal with temptation when it comes to treating our bodies in a godly way. Need help? Check out my E-Bible Study, Winning the War with Temptation. Need help learning how to live a life of power and purpose? Check out Mary's weekly online Bible Study, How to Dress for Successand learn how to live a life of victory. Connect with Mary on Facebook or through email.

[Judy Harder]

May 24, 2012
Revisiting The No Gossip Zone
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down: (Proverbs 26:20 NIV).

Friend to Friend
In my last devotion I talked about gossip. As a review, Webster defines gossip as "easy, fluent, trivial talk, talk about people behind their backs." It is repeating information about another person's private affairs. If you have to look around to make sure that no one can hear what you are saying, you are probably gossiping. If you would not say something in front of the person you are talking about, then you're probably gossiping.

But it takes two to tango the gossip dance. "Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down: (Proverbs 26:20). The Bible tells us to make every effort to avoid gossipers (Proverbs 21:19, 20:19). A good rule of thumb is if you are not part of the problem or part of the solution, then keep the information to yourself.

Paul warned, "Some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work and wasting time meddling in other people's business," (2 Thessalonians 3:11 NLT). Other translations call such people "busybodies," (NAS, NIV). And listen, putting the words, "we need to pray for so-and-so" before the gossip doesn't make the gossip any less gossip.

One day a woman felt overwhelmed with guilt over her years of malicious gossip. She went to the local priest and confessed her sin. The priest was all too aware of her wagging tongue and had experienced the sting of her words first hand....or rather second hand.

What can I do to rectify all the damage I have caused with my gossip?" she asked.

"Gather a bag of feathers," he began. "Then go around to each house and place a feather at their door."

That seemed like a simple enough request, so the woman did just as the priest had instructed.  After the task was complete, she returned. "I have done what you requested," she said. "Now what am I to do?"

"Now go back and retrieve each of the feathers," he replied.

"That is impossible," the woman argued. "The wind will have blown them all around town by now."

"Exactly," replied the wise priest. "Once you have spoken an ill word, it drifts through the air on wings of gossip, never to be retrieved. God has forgiven you, as you have asked. But I cannot remove the consequences of your hurtful words or gather them from the places they have landed."

Here's an idea. If a friend approaches you with some "news" or a "concern" about another person, stop and ask, "May I quote you on what you're about to tell me?" That will usually "put a lid" on the conversation before it even begins.

In my last devotion, I asked if you would be willing to make your life a NO GOSSIP ZONE. I just thought we might need to ask that question one more time. (I love you! Don't be made at me!)

If you are willing to take the challenge, click over to my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sharonjaynes  and type in the words: "I'm living in a NO GOSSIP ZONE.

Let's Pray
OK Lord, I'm coming to You with this request again. Please help me not to gossip. Help me not to repeat a matter that is none of my business. If I'm not part of the problem or part of the solution, help me to keep my lips zipped. May the words of my mouth be pleasing in Your sight!

In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Since my last devotion on gossip, have you been more aware of the words coming out of your mouth?

Have you begun a story, only to stop before it actually came out of your mouth? I have! Praise God!

Consider writing this verse on an index card and taping it to your bathroom mirror.

"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14

More from the Girlfriends
Today's devotion was taken from Sharon's book, The Power of a Woman's Words.If you would like to learn about how to control your words and use them to speak life into those in your sphere of influence, then this is the book for you. Visit www.sharonjaynes.com to download a free chapter, watch a video or place an order.

[Judy Harder]

May 25, 2012
Counting the Ways of Love
Gwen Smith

Today's Truth
"I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory.  Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you."  Psalm 63:2-3

Friend to Friend
Several years ago I experienced a memorable God-moment when a flight had been delayed. On that particular warm June morning, I had gotten to the Philadelphia airport crazy-early and was eager to get home to my young family after a beautiful weekend of ministry. No lie - when I saw that my flight was delayed, I was bummed. My initial disappointment, however, quickly dissolved into gratefulness, as the extra airport time became an opportunity for me to have extended personal worship.

As I sat facing the flat runway, a fiery orange ball began to rise over the horizon that was simply breathtaking. I couldn't help but to reflect on God's goodness as He bragged on Himself with the glorious sunrise. I remember sensing His presence and His pleasure deep inside as I considered a few of the reasons that I loved and was amazed by our LORD. In the chaos of the terminal, I felt a peace and serenity that was profound. Have you ever had one of those sweet, personal God-moments? 

Then, as I sipped fresh-brewed coffee, my mind wandered to that classic poem "How Do I Love Thee? Let Me Count The Ways," written by the talented poet of the Victorian era, Elizabeth Barrett Browning. Her poem seemed the perfect backdrop for my worship. Out of that sweet moment of personal worship was birthed the lyric for a song titled Because that I recorded later that year:

Because
by Gwen Smith and Randy Rothwell

Another flight delayed, sitting here I think of You
Sipping on a dark "Seattle's Best"
As the sun is rising, I pause to give You praise
A solitary moment in a blur of busy days
Where should I begin?
There's so much I could say
Why do I love you?
Let me count the ways...

Because You chased me
And then You caught me
Because You cherish me
Because You bought me
You change me deeply
You set my heart free
Because I'm never satisfied
Without Your presence right here by my side

People all around rushing by, just passing through
Carrying the baggage we all own
Desperate for true love, richer life and perfect peace
A chance for satisfaction with a prayer of belief
In Your presence there is serenity
Father of mercy, I love you endlessly...

Because You chased me
And then You caught me
Because You cherish me
Because You bought me
You change me deeply
You set my heart free
Because I'm never satisfied
Without Your presence right here by my side

Hear my heart in this noisy sanctuary as I sit here all alone
You are worthy of a song that's never ending
I will sing until I'm safely home, safely home
Lord I love You, Oh I love You

Have you really savored our Savior lately?  Have you paused to adore Him today?  What about yesterday?  This week?  In the midst of marriage, mothering and ministry, I constantly struggle with freeing up time to 'just sit' with God and worship... to behold Him in His sanctuary... yet this is what God desires most! Our affection. Our adoration. Our love.

So today, I praise Him for missed flights that lead to worship. I praise Him for sunrises that demand a prayerful response. I praise Him for the peace He brings to my frazzled. For the calm His presence brings to my chaos. What do you praise Him for today?  Think on that. Make a list. Give Him thanks. Worship!

Before we pray together and tell God some of the endless reasons we love Him, I'd love to lead you to His heart with music. Click here to hear the song "Because" that's featured on my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/GwenSmithMusic.

Let's Pray
Heavenly Father, There are so many reasons why I love you!  You chased me and caught me. You cherish me and bought me with the blood of your Son, Jesus. Please forgive me for the times when the busyness of life crowds out my time to adore You. Hear my heart today as it tenderly and sincerely whispers, "I love You!"

I praise you and pray this in the powerful, saving name of Jesus, Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

Write a love note to God. List at least 10 reasons why you love Him.
Read Psalm 63 and then pray for God's presence, provision and protection in your life.
Write a "love note" to someone special in your life whom you feel led to bless.  Pray that God would lead you in this.
More from the Girlfriends

Hey GiGs!  Just wanted to let each of you know that Sharon, Mary and I really love pouring into your lives from the Word of God. I am blessed and honored to be doing life with you! Thanks for inviting us into your inbox each day!! With sincere love, Gwen.

LOVE TO WORSHIP? The song that was featured in today's devotion is on Gwen's CD, Because. Order the CD from Gwen's website (www.GwenSmith.net/store) or download it from iTunes.

[Judy Harder]

May 28, 2012
Tragedy Into Triumph
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
Romans 8:28 (NIV) "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."

Friend to Friend
I will never forget the day I learned how God really can turn tragedy into triumph. I was sitting at my desk, working on an assignment from the counselor I had been seeing. For months, I had been wrestling with my past - slowly, methodically working through painful issues and buried memories that seemed to be feeding the clinical depression I was battling. As page after page filled with harsh realities, a memory slammed into my heart and mind.

The pain was overwhelming as a vile scene from my childhood slowly took shape. I could hardly breathe as I frantically tried to escape the certainty I had been molested. The perpetrator had been our family doctor and a trusted friend. He had even provided free medical treatment when we couldn't pay for it. I trusted him, counted on him. As a nurse, my mother worked beside this man every day and often babysat his children to earn extra money.

Anger unlike any I had ever known fueled violent thoughts of revenge and retaliation. I was angry with this man – and angry with God. How could He have let this happen? Where was the light in this dark place?

For months, I worked through painful memories and raging emotions until I saw the first glimmer of light. It was wrapped in chosen forgiveness. I began to see that had I never been wounded so badly, I would never have been able to forgive so freely – and in doing so, discover a depth of healing and freedom only the greatest pain can produce. Today, I can honestly thank God for all He has accomplished in me through the sin of that man.

There are no accidents with God, nor is He surprised by anything or anyone in the life of His child. God uses even the most horrendous circumstances for our good. Every circumstance comes to us for a purpose, bound by God's love and plan and faithfully delivered with His permission. While we cannot go back and change our past, we can change the way we respond to our past and determine how much power it has in our lives today.

Only God can take the broken pieces of your life and make something beautiful out of each one. He is waiting for you to let go of your pain and trust Him. And you really can. No one loves you like He does. You may not always understand or even like His process, but you can always trust His heart of love for you!

Let's Pray
Father, I choose to believe You are faithful and will do what You promise to do in Your Word.  I believe when I lay the pain and hurt of my past at Your feet, You not only can but will transform it all into something beautiful. I choose to believe You will turn the broken places of my life into living illustrations of Your sufficiency and healing power. I trust You, Lord.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Isaiah 45:3 is one of my favorite life verses. Read it carefully:

Isaiah 45:3 (NLT) "And I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness—secret riches. I will do this so you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, the one who calls you by name."

What treasures have you discovered in the dark times of your life? What tragedy has God transformed into a triumph that has changed your life? Praise Him right now for doing so.

More from the Girlfriends
Storms are a reality of life. If you need help facing and dealing with the storms in your life, check out Mary's E-Bible Study and video download, Strength for the Storm.

Need help learning how to live a life of power and purpose? Check out Mary's weekly online Bible Study, How to Dress for Successand learn how to live a life of victory. Connect with Mary on Facebookor through email.

[Judy Harder]

May 29, 2012
It's Not About Me
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens" - Psalm 148:13

Friend to Friend
Some of my Girlfriends in God are not going to like this devotion. I'm not even sure I do. But I'm going to put it out there anyhow. During the month of February, I write devotions on marriage. It is the month of love, and marriages certainly are in shambles all around the world. Each February, I am flooded with e-mails:  some are appreciative for the reminders on how to love their husbands; some are filled with hurt because they are in their own struggling marriage, and some are broken-hearted because of shattered dreams. These women are so thankful for the balm of God's truth in a very tender area of their lives. But I also receive e-mails from women who are not married, who do not like the attention to marriage at all. They are flat out angry and frustrated because the devotions do not pertain to them. "Don't you know that all of your readers are not married!"

"Oh honey child," as my grandmother would say.

I've seen the same attitude in church. "I didn't like that sermon." "I didn't like the singing today." "I couldn't relate to that teaching." And on and on we go. You know what I've discovered...It's not about me. It is all about God. If the pastor is preaching on a topic that is not my struggle, I pray that God will open my eyes to new truths that I've never seen. If he is talking about losing a loved one, I pray for those who have lost a loved one recently...even though that not might be my struggle at that particular time. Is the teaching on raising young children? I have a grown son, so I pray for those who are raising the next generation.

One Sunday, I was singing in church. Barely singing, I might add. It was a dry old hymn and I just wasn't into it. Then I looked at an older woman a few seats down and she had tears trickling down her wrinkled cheeks. She was moved to tears by that old hymn and was taken to the throne room of grace.

"Oh Father," I prayed.  "Please forgive me. This is not about me. It's not about what I like or don't like. It is all about You. Truth is truth. Worship is worship. Help my focus be on You and You alone.  It's not about me.

Here's a truth I want you to underline, memorize and ponderize (I know that is not a real word, but it should be.) Say it out loud:As long as I think the world is all about me, the angrier  and tired-er I will be. The more I realize it is all about God, the happier and freer I will be. (I know tireder is not a word either. I'm just feeling feisty todayJ).

Listen to how David focused on God during worship:
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
Psalm 62:5-8

So let's commit to remember together...it's not about me.  It's all about God.

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, please forgive me when I make everything all about me. It's all about You! I praise You! I thank You! I worship You!
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Here is a fun exercise. Go back and pick out one of your favorite chapters in the Bible. Now, focus on the verses that you DID NOT underline.

Here is a wonderful Psalm to use for your extended prayer time today. Open your Bible to Psalm 136 and pray that prayer of praise with David. Don't skip over the repeated refrains...His love endures forever! He repeats it for a reason. David meant it. God wants you to get it!

More from the Girlfriends
Did you know that God went to great lengths to set women free! When Jesus came to earth, women were hidden in the shadows of society and treated as property rather than people. But Jesus came to change all that! I invite you to take a look at a video about my book, What God Really Thinks about Women, and discover some news truths you may not have ever considered before! And while you're on my webpage, stop by the homepage and leave a comment!

[Judy Harder]

May 30, 2012
The Treasure of Friendship
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NIV) "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."

Friend to Friend
Friendship is the springboard to every other love and the foundation for every healthy relationship. It is a proven fact that lonely people live shorter lives than those who have healthy friendships. Even Jesus needed friends when He walked this earth as a man. In fact, He placed great value on relationships. The Bible tells us Jesus spent much of His time deepening the relationships with a few – not the crowd.

I love the story of an ingenious teenager who was tired of reading bedtime stories to his little sister. He decided to record several of her favorite stories on tape. When he presented the tape player and tape to his sister, he explained, "Now you can hear your stories any time you want.  Isn't that great?" The little girl took one look at the machine, frowned and then replied, "No! It is not great! That thing does not have a lap!"

God created us to need each other. That truth is never more evident than when we are in pain or struggling with some crisis in life. One of the main factors leading to a two-year battle with clinical depression in my life was the absence of replenishing friendships.  As I think back to that time, I am sure many women would have counted themselves as my friend when, in reality, they were simply acquaintances because that was all I would allow them to be. My pride kept me from admitting I wasn't Superwoman and that I did need the help of others. My insecurity held me back from reaching out to new friends and cultivating old ones.

To admit my need of a friend seemed like a weakness instead of the precious gift God created it to be. I refused to take the risk of being hurt, rejected or misunderstood.  I did not have time to invest in building intimate friendships and was too busy doing the work of God to be a friend.  As a result, when the darkness hit, I felt isolated and alone. Friendship took on an entirely different meaning in my life from that point on. In fact, friends are a great source of strength and encouragement in my life today. Friends fast and pray for me, holding me accountable and confronting me when they see my priorities lining up in the wrong way. Friends make me stop and take time for fun. Friends have taught me to be transparent.

Have I been hurt along the way? Yes.
Have I been misunderstood? Yes.
Have the friendships been worth the price? Absolutely!

Roses are beautiful flowers. People who know me are aware of the fact that I can kill any plant known to mankind.  I once had a neighbor who grew roses in every shade of pink, yellow and red. I often watched Joan work in her garden and eventually realized she never handled the roses without wearing long sleeves and thick gloves. The roses were beautiful, but their thorns were not and could certainly inflict a lot of pain. In fact, my neighbor always seemed to have cuts and scrapes on her hands and arms even with the long sleeves and gloves she wore. I once asked Joan why she continued to grow roses and jokingly suggested she might want to consider raising a less dangerous kind of flower. I will never forget her answer and the profound truth it held, "The beauty of the rose is worth the occasional wound it gives. I have learned to handle the roses with respect and in such a way that my wounds are few." The same truth can be said of friendships.

The words of Jesus found in John 13:34-35, portray the perfect backdrop for God's love.  "And so I am giving a new commandment to you now--love each other just as much as I love you. Your strong love for each other will prove to the world that you are my disciples." Does the world know we are His disciples by the way we love and relate to each other?   

Chad was a shy, quiet little boy. One day he came home and told his mother he'd like to make a valentine for everyone in his class. Her heart sank. "I wish he wouldn't do that!" she thought. She had watched the children when they walked home from school. Her Chad was always behind them. They laughed and hung on to each other and talked to each other, but Chad was never included. Still, she decided to go along with her son's plan. She purchased the paper, glue and crayons, and for three whole weeks, night after night, Chad painstakingly made thirty-five valentines. Valentine's Day dawned, and Chad was frantic with excitement! He carefully placed the valentines in a bag, and bolted out the door.

His mom decided to bake his favorite cookies because she knew he would be disappointed when he came home from school. It hurt her to think he wouldn't get many valentines -- maybe none at all. That afternoon she had the cookies and milk on the table. Finally, when she heard their voices, she looked out the window to see the children laughing and having the best time. As usual, there was Chad in the rear but walking a little faster than usual.

She fully expected him to burst into tears as soon as he got inside. His arms were empty and when the door opened, she choked back tears as she said, "Honey, I have some warm cookies and milk for you" but he hardly heard her words. He just marched right on by, his face glowing, and all he could say was: "Not a one -- not a one." The mother's heart sank. Then he added, "I didn't forget a one, not a single one!" When God is in control of our friendships and when we trust Him with those friendships, we will be a better friend, and we will have more true friends.

Let's Pray
Lord, I praise You for the gift of friendship. Today I commit to investing more time in deepening the friendships You have given me. I want others to see You in the way I relate to my friends. I am willing to risk being hurt in order to be a better friend. I will look for needs that I can meet in the lives of my friends and be transparent in sharing my needs with them. Today, I choose to honor You in every friendship and trust You with each one.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now it's Your Turn
1 Peter 4:8 (NLT)"Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins."

"A friend is one who strengthens you with prayers, blesses you with love and encourages you with hope." Anonymous

More from the Girlfriends
Check out Mary's E-Bible Study: I Need a Friend for ways to be a better friend and learn how to develop healthy friendships.

Need help learning how to live a life of power and purpose? Check out Mary's weekly online Bible Study, How to Dress for Success and learn how to live a life of victory. Connect with Mary on Facebook or through email.