Chapter 5- My Best

Have you realized your "life plate" is so full of responsibilities that you can't put your all into every space? Isn't that just daunting to think about?
Of course it has taken me many years to figure out how full I want my "plate", and how to keep it organized in my life. Then life changes and you have to reprioritize again. It's a constant battle!
When I start a project I want to be 100% in. When I'm in a friendship I'm 100% in. When doing anything I want to be 100% in. But when I'm fighting life. I cant be in 100%, mentally, physically, or spiritually. I'm not focused. That drives me crazy!

"Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for God's glory." (I Corinthians 10:31)

Once in a while a friends talent stands out. And I think, why aren't I doing that? Or... I could teach myself to do that! Then I think how the heck would I be able to add that to my day, or my life. Everyone has a talent that is God given them! Whether it's meal making, being a full time mother, a people person, a sewer, teaching, cake maker, ect....and there are days I want all those talents :) but that is the perfectionist coming out of me...No matter what I would like to do or be, I can't do everything and spread myself to thin. That includes what I want to be involved in with church, family, and friends. I want to give my all and then say "Good Job!" to myself. So saying all that. I want to add. Don't save your best for later. Bring your best. All your gifts, skills, talents, and abilities for his glory. Not for anyone to notice. But for you to notice and enjoy that feeling. How I feel......God blesses those who bless others!!

Chapter 4- Faithfully His

Do you take responsibility for your actions? Do you march to a higher standard, a different beat? Pushing your way to Gods standards, and less of worldly standards? How will you handle staying committed to what heaven is calling you to do, FAITHFUL?

I have been called to be a stay at home mom. I want my family to be number one. I can handle many things at once. But coming home after a long day with people that complain and aren't grateful. And being of good spirit for my family, would not happen. It didn't happen when I didn't have a family. So why would it change after 5 children and exhaustion from all that! I realize that that isn't the norm these days. But I find happiness and pleasure at the end of the day when my children have smiles on their faces and contentment in their voices.
I have also been called to be a faithful wife. And what do I mean by that? A wife that still, after so many years of a relationship and marriage, has a racing heart to see my husband come home everyday. I love my husbands days off and wish he had more days to spend with us. I'm not the kind of person who kicks my husband to the couch, for a simple disagreement. Or to disrespect my husband with hurtful words, that hurt his ego.
This is definitely not everyone's calling. But do you know your calling for your relationships? Husband/family? Have you just shushed for a moment to have silence and hear what He might be calling of you?

James 1:3 esv
For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

Faithfully His. Are you allowing everything you believe about God and His Word to consistently guide your feet, your hands, your mind, your heart? Don't you think He deserves that? Don't you think you deserve that? Don't you like being that "odd" person who stands out of a crowd because you have a path that is outside the box of this world? I love it!! Call me weird, odd, not "in". I love it and soak it in. Way far from perfect. Way far from normal.
His Word is our tool, to give you inspiration and guidance. To live a life that is faithful. A reminder of who you really are, why you're really here, and who you really belong to. No matter your past, and the mistakes you make in the future. You have a guide. His Word! Commit to it today!!

It's In The Valleys I Grow

It's In The Valleys I Grow

Sometimes life seems hard to bear, Full of sorrow, trouble and woe It's then I have to remember That it's in the valleys I grow.

If I always stayed on the mountain top And never experienced pain, I would never appreciate God's love And would be living in vain.

I have so much to learn And my growth is very slow, Sometimes I need the mountain tops, But it's in the valleys I grow.

I do not always understand Why things happen as they do, But I am very sure of one thing. My Lord will see me through.

My little valleys are nothing When I picture Christ on the cross He went through the valley of death; His victory was Satan's loss.

Forgive me Lord, for complaining When I'm feeling so very low. Just give me a gentle reminder That it's in the valleys I grow.

Continue to strengthen me, Lord And use my life each day To share your love with others And help them find their way.

Thank you for valleys, Lord For this one thing I know The mountain tops are glorious But it's in the valleys I grow!

by Jane Eggleston

Chapter 3- Authentically Me

I'm going to blend all 4 sections together in this chapter. This chapter is all about Me, and You.
We are perfectly picked from His hands. Do you realize how valuable you are? I don't all the time. My self image has always been low. But being overweight affects the brain and how the world views you affects my self image. My self worth goes up and down as well. I think thats with every women!?
I have never gotten many kind words from my dad. Not that he was mean. He just wasnt into giving out compliments. Not until this last year, did my dad actually give me many compliments. Did you know that when he gave me a compliment my self worth jumped a mile up into the air!? Why? Because I have made my own self worth through the years. Not waiting around for him to "bless" me with his words. I knew I wouldn't get anything from my dad. So I made sure to push through and work hard to show everyone else my worth. I didn't want that one distraction to lessen my self worth. I knew my potential was great!
(Jeremiah 1:5 I chose you before I formed you in the womb; I set you apart before you were born. I appointed you a prophet to the nations.)
Reading/listening to His words......... Like a daughter to her Father. He chose, set apart , and annointed me!  On purpose! For, A purpose! For some reason I feel a glow around me when I think about God choosing me! I feel like I can embrace my special role/roles. But do you know your role? Or do u feel like ur still floating around not sure where to plant your feet. If you think about it and accept it. He has selected the "soil" where you're presently growing. He knows what is going to happen next. How you will reach your potential and use your gifts. To grow. To yield. To produce. Do you know your value in God's eyes? Like the author said....."Resolve to love being you, the way He loved creating you."
What makes you unique? Ask yourself. Ask others. Write them down! Your strengths and weaknesses. Accept and treasure your value! We never need to depend on others approval or compliments but yet as women we feel vindicated when we do get those from other women.
This chapter is about accepting yourself. Your unique self. Not everyone is going to like it. But it was made with a hand of your Father. Grow, Yield, Produce!

Chapter 2- Purposefully Feminine

Pretty in Print?
After reading this chapter I am so grateful I am a women. A purposefully feminine Christian women....
My husband calls me the heart of the household. My opinion is asked for in every decision, I know what is going on in a daily bases and yes, I usually know more that him. But that's the hearts structure. Doesn't mean I'm the boss, or I'm the one with the "pants on" in the family, just means to keep everything and everyone running smoothly you need one central location to go to.
Now knowing this, and realizing now that I have read the first part of the chapter. That is a big role!! I'm in the spotlight! Forget having to be on stage and thousands watching and hearing you. This involves your children and how they perceive you. Yikes! Will I cause my daughters either to desire biblical femininity or fight against it. Will I encourage or sons either to appreciate it or take advantage of it.  Whoa! I never saw it as that. Did you? Are you ready for that role or do you feel repressive?

It's Good to Be a Girl
Do you understand your role? The importance of your role? Your touch, experience, wisdom and feminine heart.
On page 40, the second full paragraph...after reading the story about the Samaritan woman and Jesus...I now understand my biblical role of womanhood in this day and age. God's Word says we're "Good. Necessary. Important. Worthy. Trustworthy." Being a women is a gift!
I just want to say Ahhhhh....feels great that God trust me as a women in such a special position in this world. Its such a big deal, if I think to deep, eeek! Such a big deal.

Role Reversal
Ok, I really want to take a minute and talk about a lot in this section. Such a little section but such a big impact to me.
Do you realize what she is saying about Jesus? He was the most powerful Man to ever walk the earth and even He could display humility in order to achieve a much, much greater result!!! What women don't understand these days is 'order matters'!! You might not like it, understand it or even agree to it But it matters! Less chaos arises. Life is simpler! Don't you agree?
Submission is a word no modern women wants to hear these days. Most think we are inferior then. But it is so far from being correct.

(Ok, here is my opinion. Take it how you want to. You might not like it.And I'm ok with that.......I love my husband having the head role in my house!! Do I agree to every decision, nope. But I know my role. I will not ridicule him, be little him, or humiliate him. I am responsible for my part in our relationship. We are not yellers. I voice my opinion when I think its needed. In a respectful way! Husbands love and grow when you give them respect. I feel that is showing my submission to him.)
And like the last paragraph in the chapter says...."A place if freedom and PEACE awaits every woman who aligned herself with God's design." I so agree with this!!!
Ok, ok :) I'm done. Please comment away!!

Chapter 1- Surprisingly Satisfied

Every Bite Counts
Do you ever start reading a book and in the first paragraph you get a 'slap' of HELLO! PAY ATTENTION! It's happen to me before and boy did it happen again.
First off, I just turned 36 and so did the author. Then on page 15, in the first paragraph...."That's been me." That is so me! Always looking for the next joyful moment and not pausing to enjoy the joyful moments every day.
Contentment- 1 Timothy 6:6 True godliness with contentment is itself wealth.
So have you been doing the same? Looking for that next great, better experience?

The Secret
A few years ago, we went through a trying time. I was just trying to make it through that trial. Forget about what was going on around me. Including my children. I missed so much because of that. Moments I won't get back.
I believe everyone goes through a phase or phases of discontentment. Whether if its your spouse, your marriage, your boss, your children, your life, your family and even your weight. Do you realize what word is in front of each of those problem areas? YOUR... It ends up all about YOU.
Philippians 4:13... I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.
2 Corinthians 9:8 God is able to make every grace overflow to you....
        **God is the secret.**
When we choose to realize and fully engage our life open to Him. Finally we can and will live our lives to the fullest! So was it really a secret or were we just hiding it for a rainy day?
On page 22, these are some great questions!! I'm going to do this. I hope you do as well.

Overflowing Blessing
"Give, and it will be given to you." Stop the complaining. Open your eyes and see the reward God gave you. Contentment! Like the author said "Live this moment. Pour yourself out. Drain the experience of each preciouse day. And be prepared for God's overflowing blessing."  All I have to say to that is AMEN!!  Give of yourself. How does your heart feel?

Don't forget to record your thoughts. So when you finish this book and see how your thoughts have grown from beginning to end of this book.

The Resolution Revolution

Welcome! I'm truly excited about this. Growing myself and seeing your comments!
Well, let's start from the very beginning. I've highlighted some areas that I thought were good and got me thinking.
Pg 1...3rd paragraph. When I read that I felt like such a failure. That is me!! Did I even give it a try? Probably not!
Pg 2...2nd full paragraph at the bottom, in the middle. "We need to make sure the banner that flies over our lives and announces to the world who we genuinely are.....one that changes things in us and around us for the better."......I'm thinking YES!!! That is what I want!! I've always wanted that!
I can't stand facing my faults, but really its nice that its coming from a book that won't talk back...lol. I'm sure I'm not the only one ;) so let's open our hearts, close our mouths and read on.
Let's continue reading. Let's consider every suggestion and biblical principle and actually take time to resolving them into our own lives. This is really going to be life changing for me and hopefully for you as well! So before we end this section before chapter 1 starts. Go over the 13 resolutions again, on page 6,. The biggest part of these 13 Resolutions are the first two words, I Will! Let's keep this in mind as we continue reading each chapter........

The Resolution for Women

Over a month ago, Eric and I went to see Courageous. It was an amazing movie. It stirred up many emotions with Eric and I.
During the movie we found out about this book, The Resolution for Women, and The Resolution for Men. Along with The Resolution print, which is for men. In signing and displaying it, it affirms their commitment to the Lord and their family.
We went to the local Christian bookstore right after watching the movie and they were sold out of everything. We finally found the books and print after Thanksgiving. We also pre ordered the movie.
Eric started reading The Resolution for Men right away. It had a true and deep affect on him!! Definitely see's things differently. At that time I had crochet orders up to my eyeballs. So I decided to make it a New Years resolution to read The Resolution for Women. Not only read it but blog my thoughts. Lord knows and I know I am not a perfect woman. I am always looking to grow, as a Christian, wife, mother, friend and just personally.
So saying this. I would love for you to join me. Add comments, agree or disagree with me. Whatever you like. I see this as being a women's bible study. Not meeting as a group at one time. But in your time.
God bless! May we grow as women together!!