Day 14: Be Courageous
As Christian women we should strive to be courageous through our faith. When I first starting using YouVersion, I was a bit uneasy about sharing Bible verses on my Facebook page. Even more so, I was not sure about sharing this devotional through my personal blog. It took courage to do that.
I can look back over the last fourteen days and say I am glad I built up the courage to share these online. I hope someone reading them was encouraged or even gained a renewed sense of confidence.
To those who followed this with me, thank you!
March 19, 2013
The Confident Woman: Quiet Inner Confidence 3-17-13
Day 13: Quiet Inner Confidence
Isaiah 32:17
I believe quiet inner confidence is much like our conscience. If we let our inner confidence shine through, the obstacles do not seem so trying to overcome. When we listen to our conscience we make better decisions.
I personally believe both are ways God lets us know He is with us. I know throughout my life I've known He was with me through times of uncertainty. What a great feeling to have that quiet confidence!
How have you been able to recognize it in your life?
Isaiah 32:17
I believe quiet inner confidence is much like our conscience. If we let our inner confidence shine through, the obstacles do not seem so trying to overcome. When we listen to our conscience we make better decisions.
I personally believe both are ways God lets us know He is with us. I know throughout my life I've known He was with me through times of uncertainty. What a great feeling to have that quiet confidence!
How have you been able to recognize it in your life?
Cerebral Palsy Family Network
Along with keeping this blog, I also write for Cerebral Palsy Family Network. There I have written about what life has been like living with Cerebral Palsy. I have written about challenges I have faced and triumphs along the way. Each time my blogs are published there I post the link here as well. In case you have not had time to read them all, I wanted to post the link to all I have written for them.
I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I have writing them. Also, please feel free to leave me feedback. I like knowing what others think or even if it helped you in some way!
March 16, 2013
The Confident Woman: Prayer of Consecration
Day 12: Prayer of Consecration
Isaiah 6:8
In my walk with God and as a Christian, this is one of my biggest struggles. I have been saved since I was 11 years old. I believe. I have faith. I pray. However, I am still not sure I've given all of me to Him. I have friends who are able to stand up and say they have done this, and that all they do is for Him. I admire them for this.
I have tried to be like this over the years in my walk with God. When I do this, however, I do not feel like me and I'm left with an uneasy feeling.
Is it just me?
March 15, 2013
The Confident Woman: Boldness or Pride
Day 11: Boldness or Pride
Proverbs 8:12-13
I know many people who are bold and not afraid to tell you what they think about things. I personally have never thought of this as someone being prideful, but I guess sometimes it can be taken that way.
I'm in between. To certain people I am not afraid to say what I think or feel. But, a lot of times I my thoughts and feelings to myself when I should voice them.
Proverbs 8:12-13
I know many people who are bold and not afraid to tell you what they think about things. I personally have never thought of this as someone being prideful, but I guess sometimes it can be taken that way.
I'm in between. To certain people I am not afraid to say what I think or feel. But, a lot of times I my thoughts and feelings to myself when I should voice them.
The Confident Woman: In Due Season 3-14-13
Day 10: In Due Season
Galations 6:9
We are human. We tend to live fast paced lifestyles. Often when we pray we expect an answer right then most of the time. God doesn't work that way. He works in His time and always has the best answer for whatever the situation may be, even though it may not be what we wanted.
By waiting on His time we learn patience, which sometimes is not easy. Hence the saying "Patience is a virtue." When we are patient life tends to flow a bit more smoothly. Things begin to fall into place as He would have them to.
Galations 6:9
We are human. We tend to live fast paced lifestyles. Often when we pray we expect an answer right then most of the time. God doesn't work that way. He works in His time and always has the best answer for whatever the situation may be, even though it may not be what we wanted.
By waiting on His time we learn patience, which sometimes is not easy. Hence the saying "Patience is a virtue." When we are patient life tends to flow a bit more smoothly. Things begin to fall into place as He would have them to.
The Confident Woman: Your Heart Desires 3-13-13
Day 9: Your Heart Desires
Psalm 37:4-6
While I have never had a problem reaching goals I have set, I have had a problem with thinking I needed the approval of someone else before doing something. When you live like this it can hinder you from doing a lot you want to do because you are always worried about what someone else is going to say or think.
I am slowly learning to overcome this and take charge of my life. I am also much happier and certainly less stressed!
Psalm 37:4-6
While I have never had a problem reaching goals I have set, I have had a problem with thinking I needed the approval of someone else before doing something. When you live like this it can hinder you from doing a lot you want to do because you are always worried about what someone else is going to say or think.
I am slowly learning to overcome this and take charge of my life. I am also much happier and certainly less stressed!
March 13, 2013
The Confident Woman: Our Vindicator 3-12-13
Day 8: Our Vindicator
Job 19: 25-27
Over the last several years I have learned I try to seek vindication for my actions through others. I allow their opinion on what has been done or is about to be done sway me on way or the other. I am very much a people pleaser. However, I am quickly learning this usually gets me no where. Instead, I need to learn that God is my vindicator in all things. He redeemed me from my sin the day he hung on the cross and rose three days later!
Job 19: 25-27
Over the last several years I have learned I try to seek vindication for my actions through others. I allow their opinion on what has been done or is about to be done sway me on way or the other. I am very much a people pleaser. However, I am quickly learning this usually gets me no where. Instead, I need to learn that God is my vindicator in all things. He redeemed me from my sin the day he hung on the cross and rose three days later!
The Confident Woman: Get a Life 3-11-13
Day 7: Get a Life
Numbers 14:8-9
In order to learn in life and experience different things we must be willing to take chances. If we are not willing to take chances even if we make a mistake we will never learn. Also, how are we living life if we never do anything? If we spend our time wishing we were doing this or that or wondering what such and such may be like then we are never going to move forward. Life is about chances, that is how we gain experience. Don't sit on the sidelines pretending to happily cheer everyone else along when in reality you wish do be doing the same thing. Embrace opportunities to do things, doing so will help boost your confidence. :)
Numbers 14:8-9
In order to learn in life and experience different things we must be willing to take chances. If we are not willing to take chances even if we make a mistake we will never learn. Also, how are we living life if we never do anything? If we spend our time wishing we were doing this or that or wondering what such and such may be like then we are never going to move forward. Life is about chances, that is how we gain experience. Don't sit on the sidelines pretending to happily cheer everyone else along when in reality you wish do be doing the same thing. Embrace opportunities to do things, doing so will help boost your confidence. :)
The Confident Woman: Venture off the Path 3-10-13
Day 6: Venture off the Path
1 Corinthians 12:27
I'm sure there have been many times in life where you wanted to do things differently than everyone else. You wanted to take the road less traveled so-to-speak. I know many people who are like this. Do not be afraid to "venture off the path". It is okay to live outside the norm. How else do you expect to develop your individuality? ;)
I believe this can also be done in the way you choose to practice your faith, whatever that may be. Some people go to church every time to doors are open. Some listen to only Christian genre's of music, or only watch related TV programming. While all of these things are fine, that is not how I chose to personally practice my faith. I read devotional's and write out my thoughts and feelings about them just as I am doing here. I also write prayers in a notebook several times a week.
Do you venture off the path, or follow the norm?
1 Corinthians 12:27
I'm sure there have been many times in life where you wanted to do things differently than everyone else. You wanted to take the road less traveled so-to-speak. I know many people who are like this. Do not be afraid to "venture off the path". It is okay to live outside the norm. How else do you expect to develop your individuality? ;)
I believe this can also be done in the way you choose to practice your faith, whatever that may be. Some people go to church every time to doors are open. Some listen to only Christian genre's of music, or only watch related TV programming. While all of these things are fine, that is not how I chose to personally practice my faith. I read devotional's and write out my thoughts and feelings about them just as I am doing here. I also write prayers in a notebook several times a week.
Do you venture off the path, or follow the norm?
March 9, 2013
The Confident Woman: What's the Difference?
Day 5: What's the Difference?
Proverbs 4:7
We all know men are from Mars women are from Venus. I've heard the saying as long as I can remember. We simply operate differently. It's difficult for us to understand sometimes. While we may never solve this age old puzzle; we can pray God will help us to have wisdom and understanding of one another.
Proverbs 4:7
We all know men are from Mars women are from Venus. I've heard the saying as long as I can remember. We simply operate differently. It's difficult for us to understand sometimes. While we may never solve this age old puzzle; we can pray God will help us to have wisdom and understanding of one another.
The Confident Woman: It's Not About Age
Day 4: It's Not About Age
1 Timothy 4:12
"Confident people don't think about how old they are; they think about what they can accomplish with the time they have left." - Joyce Meyer
"Age is just a number." We've all heard this many times in our lives, but it really is true. If God could use Moses at 80, he can use you or I just as well whether we are 10 or 100! Age does not matter to God, why does it matter so much to us? Because that is how society works and because the older we get, the more we enter the "I'm too old." mindset. We are never too old to do what God wants us to do. We should keep this in mind instead of "I'm too old." When we are in that state of mind we lose confidence.
This reminds me of a story I saw on Facebook a while ago about and an elderly woman who returned to college to get the degree she had always dreamed of. Very shortly after receiving her degree she passed away. So you see, we are never to old to achieve our dreams no matter what they may be. As long as you believe, anything is possible!
1 Timothy 4:12
"Confident people don't think about how old they are; they think about what they can accomplish with the time they have left." - Joyce Meyer
"Age is just a number." We've all heard this many times in our lives, but it really is true. If God could use Moses at 80, he can use you or I just as well whether we are 10 or 100! Age does not matter to God, why does it matter so much to us? Because that is how society works and because the older we get, the more we enter the "I'm too old." mindset. We are never too old to do what God wants us to do. We should keep this in mind instead of "I'm too old." When we are in that state of mind we lose confidence.
This reminds me of a story I saw on Facebook a while ago about and an elderly woman who returned to college to get the degree she had always dreamed of. Very shortly after receiving her degree she passed away. So you see, we are never to old to achieve our dreams no matter what they may be. As long as you believe, anything is possible!
March 7, 2013
The Confident Woman: Consider Your Life
Day 3: Consider Your Life
Proverbs 31:16
"Think before you act." This is one of those phrases I have heard more times I can count. It is one of those things in life I have a difficult time with. I have found more often than not, when I do not do this it comes back to bite me; when if I would have thought things through, the outcome might have been better.
Even though I like to analyze most everything, I still do things on impulse at times without thinking about the outcome. This has improved some over the last several years I am glad to say!
If we keep Proverbs 31:16 in our minds more often we will continue to improve on the "Think before you act." phrase in our lives which will in turn give us abundant blessings!
Proverbs 31:16
"Think before you act." This is one of those phrases I have heard more times I can count. It is one of those things in life I have a difficult time with. I have found more often than not, when I do not do this it comes back to bite me; when if I would have thought things through, the outcome might have been better.
Even though I like to analyze most everything, I still do things on impulse at times without thinking about the outcome. This has improved some over the last several years I am glad to say!
If we keep Proverbs 31:16 in our minds more often we will continue to improve on the "Think before you act." phrase in our lives which will in turn give us abundant blessings!
March 6, 2013
The Confident Woman: When You Feel Afraid
"Fear does not mean you are a coward. It only means that you need to be willing to feel the fear and do what you need to do anyway." ~Joyce Meyer
Day 2: When You Feel Afraid
Ezra 3:3-4
There have been many times in my life. It is human nature to do so. One that has particularly always stood out to me is the fear I would have when it came time for me to have surgery. I can remember being afraid of the OR. I did not even like going past it during a regular visit. I was also afraid of waking up during surgery. But, I always stepped out on faith and trusted that everything would be okay. I was a brave little soldier. I can vividly remember facing my fear and pressing forward when I went in for my last hip surgery. I sat in the window seat before time to go back and I prayed that everything would be okay and I would not wake up during surgery. I called my Granny and told her I had prayed and I loved her. When it was time for me to go back for surgery my Dad carried me back to the OR as we were walking there I continued to pray. At 9 years old I stepped out on faith and believed with everything I had. Now 20 years later I am still kickin' and my hip is still in place.'
I think society plays a role in the way women let fear take over in life sometimes, because we are seen as the weaker sex. But, we need to stand strong in our faith and just face our fear, whatever it may be. When we face our fears head on it makes us stronger and more confident, and most of all builds our faith!
Day 2: When You Feel Afraid
Ezra 3:3-4
There have been many times in my life. It is human nature to do so. One that has particularly always stood out to me is the fear I would have when it came time for me to have surgery. I can remember being afraid of the OR. I did not even like going past it during a regular visit. I was also afraid of waking up during surgery. But, I always stepped out on faith and trusted that everything would be okay. I was a brave little soldier. I can vividly remember facing my fear and pressing forward when I went in for my last hip surgery. I sat in the window seat before time to go back and I prayed that everything would be okay and I would not wake up during surgery. I called my Granny and told her I had prayed and I loved her. When it was time for me to go back for surgery my Dad carried me back to the OR as we were walking there I continued to pray. At 9 years old I stepped out on faith and believed with everything I had. Now 20 years later I am still kickin' and my hip is still in place.'
I think society plays a role in the way women let fear take over in life sometimes, because we are seen as the weaker sex. But, we need to stand strong in our faith and just face our fear, whatever it may be. When we face our fears head on it makes us stronger and more confident, and most of all builds our faith!
March 5, 2013
The Confident Woman: Believe in Your Value
This morning, I opened YouVersion and started a 5 day devotional titled The Confident Woman by Joyce Meyer. I have always loved listening to her and would certainly enjoy reading her books. This was a great start and also gets me into the Word! I want to share with you over the next five days my personal thoughts and feelings about the devotional for that day. I hope you enjoy reading!
Day 1: Believe in Your Value
Isa. 43:4-5
Often as women we struggle with self worth and self esteem because we do not fit in as society says we should. We are not size zero, we cannot perform on the job well enough because we are female, etc. I know many who struggle with trying to lose weight or do not have a lot of self confidence in general. It is very painful to see people be like this day in and day out.
My friend, there is someone who has always believed in everyone of us, male or female; God! He loves us no matter what. We do not have to be a perfect model size, the CEO of a company, or Doctor so & so. He chose to accept and love us as imperfect as we are. To Him we have value and worth; and ALWAYS will!
So, next time you start feeling down on yourself, remember you are worth everything to Him!
Day 1: Believe in Your Value
Isa. 43:4-5
Often as women we struggle with self worth and self esteem because we do not fit in as society says we should. We are not size zero, we cannot perform on the job well enough because we are female, etc. I know many who struggle with trying to lose weight or do not have a lot of self confidence in general. It is very painful to see people be like this day in and day out.
My friend, there is someone who has always believed in everyone of us, male or female; God! He loves us no matter what. We do not have to be a perfect model size, the CEO of a company, or Doctor so & so. He chose to accept and love us as imperfect as we are. To Him we have value and worth; and ALWAYS will!
So, next time you start feeling down on yourself, remember you are worth everything to Him!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)