Celebrating Kaleb's 1st Year!

Ladies, I made a video to celebrate Kaleb's 1st year and I wanted you all to have first viewing before uploading to FB.  Hope you enjoy!

Prayer for Today...........

Father, today I give You every frustration, every aggravation, every difficulty. I release total control into Your loving and able hands. Speak to my heart and give me Your peace. Show me Your love as I place my hope in You in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Couch to 5K Running

Wake Up Ladies

Size is Right

Answers to Viewer Guide Questions................(Week 6)

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6 Things That Should Be Keeping Your Mouth Busy

6 Things That Should Be Keeping Your Mouth Busy

(You should be SO busy doing RIGHT, that there is NO room for wrong)

1.     Blessing EVERYTHING you can bless.  You have the power to speak LIFE or DEATH.  (Numbers 6: 23-27)

2.     Be THANKFUL and SAY so.  (Psalm 100:4).  David praised Him at midnight (Psalm 119: 62).  “I say you are BLESSED” Colossians 1:3.

3.     Encourage, Build up, and Edify.  People will be DISCOURAGED if we don’t ENCOURAGE.  Keep it up until you wear the devil out.  ENCOURAGE PEOPLE ON PURPOSE (Proverbs 15:4).

4.     TELL THE TRUTH (Ephesians 4:15-speak the truth in LOVE-it makes you FREE).  6 things that God HATES Proverbs 6:16-19.  BE COMMITTED TO TRUTH=SACRIFICE (God is seeking those who worship in SPIRIT and in TRUTH, John 4:24).

5.     Speak the Word of God-Jeremiah 23: 28-29.  Like a hammer, keep hitting your problems.  Ezekiel 37:1-14 “Dry Bones” God can do ANYTHING.  Prophesy to those dry bones-TAKE AUTHORITY. 

6.     Don’t talk TOO much.  Proverbs 10:19; 17: 27-28.  QUICK to hear & SLOW to speak, James 1:19. 

Chamel's Creations on Etsy

Hey Ladies....

Wanted to let you all know that I now have a shop on Etsy...please check out and pass along....love you all!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ChamelsCreations

Be Blessed,
Chamel

Let's Go.........

Lean and Depend on God

It's time to stop expecting somebody or something to keep you functioning
and fulfilled on a non-stop basis.

Only God can do that as you learn to depend on Him, but He does it in His WAY!

1 Mile on the Treadmill

WOF Physical Challenge: Weigh-in #2

Ladies it's the 20th and weigh-ins are due!  Please comment to this post with the following:

Weight:
Measurements: (same from original post)
How I'm feeling:
Goals for the next 10 days:

Happy First Day of Class Jash!!

Doing what she does BEST!!!! (Please don't do this in class....lol)

PLEASE WATCH........Jumpin' Jacks 4 Jesus

Now Whip Dat Thang

Please Click on Link Above
(Forward to 3:15 if you don't have time to watch entire clip)

Let's Go Ladies................

Motivation

What do you look like after your workout?????? ;)

After oxygen, I can take pictures!!!! ;)

Answers to Viewer Guide Questions................(Week 5)

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Happy First Day of School Glenna

Reminders..........

Ladies this is what I have on my phone.

Letters..............

Letters are due by 15 August 2012.  Please send them to that person God has laid on your heart. 

On your mark, get set, WRITE...................

Have a great day!

No Study This Week, BUT...........................

Ladies,

Please be sure to stay on top of studying.  We will NOT meet this week but you will be responsible for coming up with ideas for our ministry (minimum 2).  Please list ideas under this post.  And give a little details so everyone will understand. 

Thanks!

Numbers 22: 1-35

Please read and post your thoughts under this post............

WOF Physical Challenge: Weigh-in #1

Tomorrow is the 10th and weigh-ins are due!  Please comment to this post with the following:

Weight:
Measurements: (same from original post)
How you are feeling:
Goals for the next 10 days:

**Even if you haven't started...please provide your initial info...let's get it!

Study........

(Song: "Yes" by: Shekinah Glory) This was my answer when I answered the call on my life.  As the lyrics says "I won't be afraid, I'll step out on Your word and declare Your glory!!!!!"  (this wasn't easy for me)

Did you know that you were created to have a loving relationship with God?

You may be asking yourself: "How can I know God?" Man is able to know the true and living God through His Word (that is, the Bible). The Bible reveals God's character and His plan for mankind. It is through STUDYING His Word that we come to a knowledge of the righteousness of God and that which He requires of us.

Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.  Joshua 1:8

Let’s look deeper into building a relationship with God/Maintaining it with Studying His Word:

I.               Introduction: 

a.     What is this definition of STUDY? (Webster’s)

·      (to read in detail especially with the intention of learning)

·      "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me" (John 5:39).

b.    Study is bringing the whole self or using ALL five senses.

Matthew 22:36-37 "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the law?  Jesus replied "Love the Lord your God with all of your heart and with all of your soul, and with all of your mind." 

II.              Why Study-sets our minds on things above (Colossians 3:2)

a.     To know God-for WHO He is

·  The Creator of ALL things, my friend, healer, comforter, provider (just to name a few). 

b.     To learn if we have misconceptions

·  Studying will assist you in knowing WHO God is, what He will do, and how to establish and maintain your relationship with Him.

·  Beware of Misconceptions.... 1 Peter 2:1-But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them--bringing swift destruction on themselves.

·  Be Prepare-1 Peter 3:15.... But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

c.     To know ourselves

·  Created by God to live a life of piety/walk in our anointing

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path" (Psalm 119: 105).

"The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple" (Psalm 119:130).

d.     To know God’s purpose for our lives

·  Enables us to “look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things that are seen are temporal[earthly]; but the things that are not seen are eternal” (2 Cor. 4:18)

·  We cannot hope to know Him and His ways apart from time spent in His revealed Word. 

e.     To know how to handle life’s problems (give you peace in the midst of a storm)

·  Your talk is different, your responses are different, etc.

III.            What does it take to study?

a.     Overcoming obstacles-laziness, busyness, and pride (MUST DO THIS FIRST)

b.     Developing good habits, including prayer(refer to “How to Study the Bible for Yourself”)

·  Desire-the word of God is unique.  To own a Bible is a tremendous responsibility-to whom much has been given, much is required (Luke 12:48).  Therefore, the word of God must not merely be owned, but known; not merely known, but believed; and not merely believed, but obeyed. 

1.     MOTIVATION-the more you DESIRE to study, it will come naturally to you (following living a life of PIETY).  For example:  military perspective after not being promoted the first time, he or she realizes they will need to learn more.

2.     Studying the Word of God should NOT be viewed as a difficult task, but as a REAL hunger to know more about God and His love for you and I. [[Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. Ps. 34:8]]

·  Discipline-

1.     With MANY distractions in the world (ie., internet, phone, television, etc.) we need to find a TIME and PLACE where God will have our undivided attention (ie., bathroom, after everyone is out of the house for the day-if you're a stay-at-home parent, early morning before work)

a.     NO BIBLE NO BREAKFAST

b.     There is NO shortcut to extracting the deeper spiritual truth

c.     consistency cannot be won without commitment

d.     Be able to discern His voice, observation of His work in us and those around us

2.     is central to the whole process of renewing the mind in such a way that we can respond in appropriate ways to the truth of God’s word.  Not only does it involve reading, but active involvement in observation, interpretation, and application of its contents. 

·  Determination -remain steadfast when it comes to studying the Word of God and what He wants to teach us.

1.     We must not only open God's Word-we must also be open to His Word (James 1:22 must prove ourselves as DOERS of the word and not just hearers).

c.     Resources (use study books, coloring method, precept study-marking in Bible)

·  Bible-the Bible was not merely written for OUR information, but for our TRANSFORMATION.  It's the PRIMARY resource of studying and learning how to live a righteous life.

1.     Treat it as a complete Book

2.     It is not JUST an object to be observed, but an oracle [prophesy] to be obeyed

3.     Let the Bible speak for itself

·  Different translations of the Bible (NIV, English Standard Version), study Bible (The Open Bible), Concordance (can be found in the back of your Bible), Bible Handbook, Bible Dictionary, Devotionals, Memory Verses **God's creation is visible all around us....look outside at what He created). 

IV.            What are the results of study?

a.     Faith is strengthen/PIETY is cultivated (just like a plant-study is the water/sunlight)

·  When we apply what we're learning, we're confirming our Christian beliefs and we begin to grow/more open to change

·  "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17).

·  "Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear" (Hebrews 11:3).

·   

b.     Actions are God-directed (cause you to REALLY think before acting-“is this glorifying God?”)

·  Must direct your whole life in all of its fullness-you can do so by.....Romans 12: 1 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

·  React differently to situations, gives you PEACE

·  A divine perspective that will enable us to respond in the right way to our circumstances and rise above them (James 1:5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking).

c.     It is a means to holiness and piety(helps you maintain)

·  it increases our sense of devotion while allowing the Holy Spirit to reorder our lives in relationship with Jesus Christ

d.     It assures us of God’s purpose for our life (know God, discern His voice, he will reveal to us our call/purpose)

·  The Holy Spirit gives us this assurance

·  reading and studying daily will  show us how God guides our lives and the plans HE has for us [[Jeremiah 29:11-For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

·  It must move from the head to the heart to accomplish the purpose for which it was given.

V.             Conclusion

a.     Piety is reinforced by study

·  As the desire burn inside of you to get to know God, remember it's important to study and know the word for yourself!

·  When studying, ensure God has your undivided attention.  Ensure you have the tools you need to develop a habitual method of studying for YOU!

b.     Study without piety may become merely an intellectual exercise

·  A desire to study grows out of PIETY; Piety is reinforced by STUDY

·  Together Study and Piety form the focus for a Christians' actions

The end result of all Bible study should be the application to life.  Remember, the Word of God is "seed" to be planted in your heart, to take root and bear fruit.

**Now will you open up your hearts and Bibles and tell the Lord "yes"??

Let It Marinate........

Let Us Pray for the Shunick Family

She has been missing since 19 May 2012. Let's keep this family lifted.

High Time..........

High Time TODAY’S SCRIPTURE “...It is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.” (Romans 13:11, NKJV) So many people today are living overwhelmed, exhausted and overburdened by the pressures of life. They’ve allowed themselves to live on autopilot, day in and day out, passive toward the things God has place in their hearts. If that’s you, now is the time to get your fire back! Let me encourage you to press past the things that would try to hold you back. God is saying, “It’s high time to wake up.” Notice that phrasing. Not just time but high time. That means it’s incredibly important because you are coming into a destiny moment! You are sitting on the launching pad. God is about to thrust you to a new level! Now is not the time to be passive, sloppy or undisciplined. Now more than ever, it’s time to get focused and start moving forward! Why is this so important? Just like the verse says, your salvation is nearer than it’s ever been. That means you are closer to seeing that dream come to pass than you’ve ever been. You are closer to meeting the right person, closer to that healing, closer to that breakthrough, promotion and provision. You may not be able to see it, but it can see you! Your victory is right around the corner. It’s high time to do what God is asking you to do so you can embrace the blessing He has for you!

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

 Your Body, His Temple

¹⁹ What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

²⁰ For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

• 
  

Please Comment to Physical Challenge!

Hey ladies...just a reminder! If you are going to be part of the physical challenge...please post(comment) your info to the first post so that we can having everyone's starting measurements, goals, and reward.  There will be a check in due on the 10th...so let's get it!  Love you ladies!

Answers to Viewer Guide Questions................(Week 4)

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1 August 2012 Bible Study Notes

Week 3:  The Voice of the Holy Spirit

o  Day 1: PERSISTENT

§  Darlene

There are several meanings to the word, persistent.  It means not to give up; to keep on trying or continuing firmly or obstinately in a course in spite of difficulty or opposition.

As I studied this lesson on Persistent, read scriptures, and ponder on what the word persistent means, and what kept coming to mind was the word-prayer. I thought about it and we know that prayer is a way of communicating with God.  But, I was still trying to connect the two. I went to God in prayer. We pray to God persistently when things are not going right for us, someone is sick, need a financial breakthrough, making promise to God, just to name a few.  As it stated in our lesson, God call us in an attempt to turn our ears and actions in His directions. Even when we   don’t respond to Him, God still continues to pursue us.

A persistent prayer will allow your faith to become stronger.  Some will say that it is a coincidence when you are pointed in the right directions, but Christians know that it is God that continues to speak to us and lead us to in His ways.  As Christians, we see this as a way God’s will been confirmed.  No matter how you look at it God message is confirmed persistently through Scriptures, circumstances, and the Holy Spirit.

God called Eli and the Samaritan woman several times.  He was very persistent in getting their attention.  This is an example of no matter how young or old you are, what the situation maybe, when God get ready to speak to you, He will let the Holy Spirit work in you, others and the events in your life to point you in His directions. We must seek Him and acknowledge Him. He will direct our path, (Proverbs 3:5-6)

God encourages persistence in every area of our life including spiritual growth. You grow as you go through tough conditions. Jacob wrestled with the angel all night just to be blessed. (Gen. 32:22-32)

As believers, God will continue to stand at the door of our heart and knock (Matthew 7:7-8), even if you give up, but you must be persist in pursing God. It takes faith, prayers and staying focus to know God; so continues to ask God for knowledge, patience, wisdom, love and understanding. He will give it to you.

What it takes to be Persistent

·      Must be humble Luke 14:11-12

·      Pray with spirit and with understanding 1 Corn. 14:15

·      Believe God will hear your prayers

·      Obedience/Determine

Parables to read

·      Persistent Friend   Luke 11:5-13

·      Persistent Widow  Luke 18:1-18

o  Day 2: PERSONAL

§  Chamel

My Personal Key Verse::

::Romans 14:16 - Do not let what is for you a good thing be spoken of as evil.

Significant Points in the Study::

::When God requires certain things of us, it's easy for us to assume He must be requiring  it from everyone else as well.  

::The Holy Spirit knows your stage of spiritual development and will direct you accordingly.  His job is to instruct you in the way you should

go and give you specific details concerning the issues of your life.

::We should give others the freedom to enjoy the course they have prayerfully determined will be best for them.

My Personal Thoughts::

::Day 2 signifies that through the Holy Spirit we have a personal relationship with God and He uses the Holy Spirit to direct us individually.

::You are accountable to the Lord for what He personally requires of you.

::I love how God used Chantel's journey to Japan to help her have a closer walk with Him and return helped me to jump start my walk with Him.  I can remember our first bible study and how at that point in my life I was struggling with a lot and wanting to "throw in the towel" but through Chantel's growth I was able to keep moving forward.  However, this study has made me realize that she is on her personal walk with God and that my path may not be the same as hers.  I have to focus on what God has for me and accept that.  The study reveals that the Holy Spirit draws us individual maps to follow and my goal is to keep following.  We all have different past and have gone through our various circumstances, but at this point we are on a mission to be closer to God.  We have the same destination but may take a different direction.

I pray that each and everyone of my sisters and mother follow the direct path that God has for them and help keep one another motivated and accountable.

o  Day 3: PEACEFUL

§  Chantel

Let me start by saying when I came to Christ whole-heartedly the ONLY thing I pray for was PEACE in my life.  Guess what?  He gave me just that.  God knew what I needed and it was the peace that surpasses ALL understanding. 

Points from Day 3

·The Lord desire unity and edification within the body of Christ.  We are to keep ourselves united in the Holy Spirit (paraphrased) Ephesians 4:13

·How do we obtain this peace?  By God’s voice and His Word.  (You notice in Proverbs we learned that’s the ONLY we gain wisdom is through His Word). 

·KNOWING how to discern wisdom from God

o   ALL pure

o   Peace loving

o   Gentle at ALL times

o   Willing to yield to others

o   Full of mercy & good deeds

o   Shows NO partiality

o   ALWAYS sincere

*If you can’t put a check mark next to each item from James 3:17, you will definitely have to go back to the drawing board with the Holy Spirit.

GOD WILL GIVE YOU THE FREEDOM TO DO THINGS HE MAY NOT GIVE OTHERS FREEDOM TO DO (vice versa).

This above statement stood out to me more than anything.  And the Biblical examples she gave were right on point (page 54-Paul’s illustration concerning eating different types of foods in Romans 14). 

·Gentiles ate freely vs Jews observed the laws concerning foods

·Paul encouraged them to remain TRUE to his OWN conviction

·However Paul offered a warning to them and to us about being careful of our fellow brothers and sisters while enjoying our freedoms.  We DO NOT want to become a stumbling block in their lives. 

·As Christians we are responsible for those who are prone to stumble (we must be aware of our actions and how it will hinder/help others).

·We must also be careful because the enemy will use this very thing as an area of bondage for us (always worrying about how our freedoms will affect others).

POINTS TO REMEMBER:

·God LOVES unity and always encourages peace

·Two questions to ask yourself

1.     Is the message I am hearing going to hinder another believer’s spiritual growth?

2.     Is the message I am hearing going to cause unnecessary conflict between myself and another believer?

·God’s Word to you WILL NOT cause another believer to sin.  It’s up to YOU.

PERSONAL POINTS:

·I had to learn that everyone in church is NOT on the same worship level.  I would at times get discouraged when leading praise and worship because of the sad faces in the congregation.  At the time wasn’t being considerate of others.

(Page 56) I selected:

Psalm 34:14-Learn how to LOVE my enemies

Matthew 5:9-Peace=JOY in my life (even WITH problems)

Mark 16:15-my ministry is through SONG

o  Day 4: VERIFIABLE

§  Glenda

o   God’s voice can be verified through His word! 

o   Key Point: The primary channel through which the Lord will reveal His word to you is the Bible.

o   It’s important to know that whatever the Holy Spirit tells us, we can match it with what is written in the scripture.  It’s awesome to know that God will not contradict himself… God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are all one…and all scripture was given by the Holy Spirit… so all things must align and match one in the same.

o   Despite what we want…no matter how good it makes us feel…or how bad we want it for ourselves, if it doesn’t align with God’s words we should not participate in it.

o   Take a second to think about something you did that contradicted God’s word…

o   How did it turn out….Likely, not so good….Thank God for His grace and mercy!

o   Despite if our particular situation can be found directly in scripture, God can use His word to speak to us…. Why? Because it is the LIVING Word… the Holy Spirit allows scripture to catch our attention in a moment that guides and directs our paths…no matter if we think it ‘matches’ our situation perfectly or not.…The passage just seems to make since in that moment.

o   Remember: It’s ok to ask God to reveal Himself before/while reading…Request His help/guidance.

o   The More Scripture You Have Hidden in your Heart, the More Opportunity He will have to Bring It to Your Mind and Direct You…..

o   We have to study and know His word…So that it can be brought to our remembrance!

o   How much time do you spend studying reading the word?! The ranking exercise showed me that I absolutely need to make more time!

o   The more time we spend with God the clearer the separation between our desires and the Holy Spirit’s directions will be…..We will be able to better distinguish between His voice and our conscience…

o   Action: Make a personal challenge to yourself to read/mediate on two scriptures a week….

o   Right them down…Put them in your mirror…Tape one on the back of your phone! Whatever it takes!

o  Day 5: AUTHORITATIVE

§  Jasmine

God
111 Kings Hwy
Heaven, Gates 1114U

To Whom I Call My Child:

I would like to give you the gift that is of Me.  The gift that will comfort you, guide you, and support you until we meet face to face.  This gift is of TRUTH.  When you whole-heartily receive this gift, it will guide you into all truths.  This gift will not speak of His own, but it will speak of what I, The Lord, tell Him.
The gift that I present to you today is The gift of the Holy Spirit. I have ordained the Holy Spirit with the authority to rule over you.  As you accept the Spirit, know that you are also receiving power, which is your ability to rule.  So you have given the right to rule and now the ability to rule.  You are equipped to witness across the earth of My goodness.  
I ask that you allow the calm and steady force of my Word to impact your mind, body, and soul.  Instead of following your human conscience that you constantly debate with, just follow that spirit lead conscience that is leading you in the right direction because it of Me, The One that wants the best for you.  
All I ask that you seek Me first in all that you do and I will reveal my will unto you.  I will not place more on you than you can bare, my beloved child.  Don’t be afraid of what the enemy is trying to do to eliminate you.  Remember, he has the power (the ability) to try to harm you, but I, your loving Father, has the authority (the right to allow power) to grant the enemy the right to use his power.  So, if you know that all things work together for your good, I know you believe that I will keep you protected.  
I would like to close with an agreement between you and I that you will follow my gift of the Holy Spirit that I am giving unto you.  Keep it hidden away in your heart that you may not lose focus of my promises to you. Turn the eyes of your heart to me and your ears open and willingly accepting to what the Holy Spirit has for you.  
Prayfully sign below and allow your signature to stand as a great acceptance of the commit that you will make unto Me. My Son has sealed the deal already so why wouldn’t you agree.  I love you!

Sincerely,

God

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