Challenges and difficulties are a part of life and words of encouragement can often help you get out of your rut. It’s easy to tell someone to hang in there and to keep a positive outlook when they are going through tough times but when it happens to you, keeping your chin up isn’t always the easiest thing to do. Even so, it’s not impossible. There are a lot of things you can do to help you stand back up and move forward. Whether you’ve been dealt with a setback while working towards your goal, lost a loved one, or just feel down, inspirational words of encouragement can help.

 

Words can have a powerful impact on your mindset. Although we’ve all heard the saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me”, the fact is that words really do have an impact on how we feel. Often times, when things seem pointless, when you’ve just come face to face with yet another failure, it can seem as though it’s the end. It can seem as though no matter how hard you try, the life that you want will always be just out of reach.

 

During these times, some positive words of encouragement can help you shift your focus. When it comes down to it, how you feel is really just about what you focus on. What words of inspiration and encouragement will do for you is help you put things into perspective.

 

Who doesn’t go through failures, setbacks, and challenges? We all do. In fact, after you get through this challenging time, you will have more to come in the future. Although that sounds pessimistic, it’s also reality. Those who succeed in life and get what they want as well as those who are the most happiest aren’t people who never face difficulties. If anything, they probably deal with more challenges than most people. The thing that makes them different is how they respond and react to those obstacles.

 

Remember; With God all things are possible !!  Stay positive and Blessed !!!

One Child
By Barbara Cameron When David walked into the kitchen, Sarah was at the sink, washing the coffee mugs and humming one of the Christmas hymns they had sung earlier that night.
The kitchen was her favorite room. He often found her humming as she did chores or bent over her lesson plans spread out on the kitchen table.
“So, our guests are all settled for the night. Maybe now we can get some sleep.”
“I’ll be up in a minute.”
“Can’t you do that in the morning?” When she merely glanced at him, he laughed. “Of course you can’t.”
Smiling, she finished drying the last mug and put it in the cupboard. “You can’t walk away from your work area without putting away your tools either.”
“True.” He yawned. “I hope you can get some rest.”
“I should be tired, but I’m not.”
Moving to her side, he rubbed her shoulders as she wiped out the sink. “I know. I feel the same.”
The shoulder rub felt wonderful, but Sarah frowned. “I was a little worried there when Kate said she was feeling cramping. You and I are used to witnessing birth, but Jason and Kate are used to city life. Birth only happens in a hospital.” She paused. “What’ll we do if Kate does go into labor?”
“We’ll cope,” David told her with a confidence he didn’t feel inside. This was “woman stuff,” and what man knew what to do about it? “She’ll need our help, and we can’t let her down. I’m afraid Jason won’t be much help.”
They were silent for a long time, staring out the kitchen window at the snow pounding against the glass.
“What are you thinking?” he asked after a long moment.
“I’m not proud of what I’m thinking.” She tried to turn away, but he wouldn’t let her. “Oh, David, I envy Kate. She’s having a baby, and I want one. I want us to have a baby.”
He gathered her into his arms, comforting her. “Shh, it’s all right.”
“No, it’s not,” she insisted, once again getting tears all over his shoulder. “It’s a sin to envy.”
“We’re human, Sarah. We’re not perfect.”
She leaned back in his arms and reached into her apron pocket for her handkerchief. Shaking her head, she wiped her eyes. “I am most definitely not perfect.”
“You are to me.” When she started to pull away, he held on. “Except when you try to push me away. I grieve too, Sarah, and I need you.”
She went still. “You’ve never said that before.”
“It’s not always easy for me to talk about such things.” He took a deep breath. “But I do need you, Sarah. I need you, and I love you, and I want you to be happy again. We need to have faith,” he told her seriously. “I believe we will have another child because I believe God wants us to have that gift. He isn’t giving it to us this Christmas as he didn’t last Christmas. But one day.”

These bite-size quiches are loaded with sausage and cheese, plus their crescent roll bases make preparation a snap. Serve these cute "muffinettes" at any brunch or potluck gathering

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound Johnsonville® Hot Italian Sausage, casings removed
• 2 tablespoons dried minced onion
• 2 tablespoons minced chives
• 1 tube (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent rolls
• 4 eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Swiss cheese
• 1 cup (8 ounces) 4% cottage cheese
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Paprika

Directions

• In a large skillet, brown sausage and onion over medium heat for 4-5 minutes or until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in chives.
• On a lightly floured surface, unroll crescent dough into one long rectangle; seal seams and perforations. Cut into 48 pieces. Press onto the bottom and up the sides of greased miniature muffin cups.
• Fill each with about 2 teaspoons of sausage mixture. In a large bowl, combine the eggs and cheeses. Spoon 2 teaspoonfuls over sausage mixture. Sprinkle with paprika.
• Bake at 375° for 20-25 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks. Serve warm. Yield: 4 dozen.

Nutritional Facts 1 serving (1 each) equals 66 calories, 5 g fat (2 g saturated fat), 27 mg cholesterol, 116 mg sodium, 2 g carbohydrate, trace fiber, 4 g protein.

Prep: 25 mins.    Bake:  20 mins.    Yield:  48 servings

I believe the message of hope is extremely important at this time—for people throughout the US and around the world. Many individuals are feeling quite insecure and anxious because of economic problems, natural catastrophes, unstable governments in various parts of the world, plus nuclear and terrorist threats. There is a hopelessness creeping into people’s mindsets as they look at problems in their lives and all around them. There is also a sense of helplessness among people who have lost jobs, homes, health, or loved ones. But the hope we can find in the Bible is a sturdy reality—no matter what is happening in our lives or in the world.

For Christians, our hope is firmly anchored in the cross of Christ. Because He paid the penalty for all our sins, we know that we are fully forgiven and that ultimately our story finishes well—at the portals of heaven! Even now, as we live in the trenches of this world, we are assured that God is in control and He is good.

Yep, I love this season of bulky sweaters and fuzzy mittens . . . but not enough that I want it to stay all winter, all the time. Just enough to fill my holiday tank.

It’s easy to get caught up in the nostalgia of the holidays (if not the materialism) and neglect the heart of the matter. It’s not about gifts, but the Gift-giver. It’s not about the lights, but the inextinguishable brilliance of Christ. It’s not about the nostalgia, but our current access to the very throne of God because of Christ’s entry into our world.

Talk about “gift”—we’ll be unwrapping that one until glory.

HOLIDAY COOKIE EXCHANGE 

Information regarding 3^rd Annual Cookie Exchange:  Each participant must bring 6 dozen cookies to the Dec. 11^th L.I.F.T. meeting.

Rules for participation:

1. They must be home made.
2. Place ½ dozen cookies in sip-lock bag (You will have 12 bags total)
3. Please include your recipe with each bag
4. Bring your cookies to the Dec 11^th L.I.F.T meeting or before to:  Maria or Diana.
5. Enjoy.

 

 

L.I.F.T. - Ladies in Faith Together Fundraiser
April 4th, 2012
6-8pm
Los Contaritos Restaurant

What’s the Big Deal About Prayer? by Patsy Clairmont

What’s the big deal about prayer?

We know we should all do it more often, take it more seriously, and give it more time — but we don’t. Does this mean prayer is optional? After all, some of the other spiritual disciplines seem pretty outdated, like fasting and solitude. Who has time for that? That kind of stuff is for monks, nuns, and pastors. We’ve gotten along okay without it.

So, does prayer fit into the non-essentials of the Christian walk? Prayer must be an “in case of emergency” last resort kind of spiritual tool. Right?

No way!

Prayer isn’t some kind of requirement for believers. It is a privilege! You have the ear of the Divine. Prayer is our path to the adventure of building a relationship with our Savior.

God knows what’s going on in your life. The Creator of everything stops to hear the lisping of toddlers. The Sustainer of every living thing hears the groans and sighs of the aging. He is aware of every thought, every choice, every move you make—but He is waiting for you to turn to Him and tell Him about it.

God listens to you. He will answer you

Disaster? Or Just a Pimple-Level Problem? By Max Lucado

If God is our guardian, why do bad things happen to us?

Have they? Have bad things really happened to you? You and God may have different definitions for the word bad. Parents and children do. Look up the word bad in a middle-schooler’s dictionary, and you’ll read definitions such as “pimple on nose,” “Friday night all alone,” or “pop quiz in geometry.” “Dad, this is really bad!” the youngster says. Dad, having been around the block a time or two, thinks differently. Pimples pass. And it won’t be long before you’ll treasure a quiet evening at home. Inconvenience? Yes. Misfortune? Sure. But bad? Save that adjective for emergency rooms and cemeteries.

What’s bad to a child isn’t always bad to a dad.

What you and I might rate as an absolute disaster, God may rate as a pimple-level problem that will pass. He views your life the way you view a movie after you’ve read the book. When something bad happens, you feel the air sucked out of the theater. Everyone else gasps at the crisis on the screen. Not you. Why? You’ve read the book. You know how the good guy gets out of the tight spot. God views your life with the same confidence. He’s not only read your story . . . He wrote it. His perspective is different, and his purpose is clear.

God uses struggles to toughen our spiritual skin.

Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. (James 1:2-4 MSG)

Lemon Chicken with Broccoli

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Weight Watchers Recipe

Ratings (2027)

4PointsPlus Value

Prep time:  10 min

Cook time:  10 min

Serves: 4

An easy weeknight dinner. Great with a side of angel hair pasta, rice or couscous.

• Recipe
• Read All Reviews (1840)

 

Hey LIFT ladies,
Hope all is well.  I woke up this morning knowing that I am blessed.  I am alive and breathing the air that God has supplied.  I know that some days are difficult.  But knowing that I serve a mighty God, gets me through the day. 

I challenge you today to keep your head up and love one another with mutual respect.  We sometimes forget that we need to respect all those around us.  Let us not loss focus on what is important and what matters most.  God is good and he loves you unconditionally.  At our last meeting I handed out " A Good Recipe ".  So my challenge for you today is to follow #1 on the list.  Have a great day and God bless.

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk today. And while you walk, smile !!!!

                    It is the ultimate anti-depressant. 

Serving the Lord with all humility of mind.
Whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

If a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man, ... not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. When ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.

Our rejoicing is this, ... that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world. We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

Acts 20:19. Matt. 20:26-28. Gal. 6:3. Rom. 12:3. Luke 17:10. 2 Cor. 1:12. 2 Cor. 4:7.

New Every Morning – by Sheila Walsh

One of the things that’s important to me as I study the Bible is to read verses in context of what was actually happening when they were written. It’s tempting to simply pull out a verse like a rabbit from a magician’s hat and apply it to our situation, but if we read in context I believe the message will run deeper.

In Isaiah 43:18-19 we read, “Remember not the former things, nor consider on the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” (ESV)

These words were written to God’s people held captive in Babylon. It was one of the lowest moments in their history. Isaiah prophesies about the coming captivity and exile and yet reminds the people that God is a God of love and he will bring them home. It is one more picture in the Old Testament foreshadowing the coming Christ who will deliver us from our sin and brokenness. In these two verses God is saying, Don’t look back to the time when I delivered your ancestors from Egypt, I am a God who delivers over and over again.

You may find yourself in a place of brokenness at the moment, and even though God has delivered you before, you can’t imagine how he will do it again as your situation is very different. Take your eyes off the past and fix them on Christ whose mercies are new every morning.

Just Imagine!
by Patsy Clairmont

Getting up in the wee hours to experience the first rays of light conquering darkness heartens me. I watch the ebony melt from the sky and drizzle behind the distant stand of trees, and my senses awaken. Those first morning moments when the sun seems to ignite a horizon of hope—a new dawn, a new day, a new beginning—who doesn’t need that?

“And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness” (Genesis 1:4).

Yesterday can’t be altered, tomorrow can’t be predicted, and today can’t be controlled any more than I can adjust the sun’s path. While that could make us feel helpless, I find a deep comfort in the knowledge that the one who placed the sun on its course has lit a distinct path for us. The path is filled with purpose and with the potential for interior prosperity: “You will show me the path of life” (Psalm 16:11).

While on earth, we will encounter both darkness and light, but that will not always be so. A day will come when Christ in all his glory and light will fill every shaded nook and every shadowed cranny, and darkness will be no more. Nothing will be as we now know it, and earth and God’s people will experience full redemption. Imagine that.

Just imagine!

On July 19, 1993 my life changed forever. My son Bradley (age 10), my husband Gary, and I were canoeing with Bradley’s baseball team. Bradley was grabbed by an alligator and disappeared. My husband and I had to fight with the alligator to get Bradley then canoe him to an area where we could get help. Bradley went to be with Jesus that day.

My husband, my son Brent (not at the attack), and I were devastated. Immediately following Bradley’s death, the love we had from family and friends was immense. We felt the Lord’s arms around us, carrying us through it all. Many, many people were touched by our loss and our faith during this time.

But once everyone got back to their own lives and schedules, life was not easy. How could we go on, don’t people understand I lost my son? Life never got back to normal. Not only was I dealing with the loss of a child, but also the terror of the event. I had prayed that morning that the Lord would look over us and take care of us. What happened? Where was God? Why did He allow this to happen?

For several years I went through the “motions” of being a good Christian, a good mom and husband, but I was dying inside. There were times when my husband or Brent was late that I knew they were dead. There was so much fear.

A few years ago, my friend’s mom had two extra Women of Faith tickets. I took them and invited a friend to go with me. Those two days at Women of Faith started the journey of changing me. I am learning trust the Lord to heal my hurts . . . to REALLY trust Him. I don’t understand everything, but I have the peace that no matter what happens to me at any time, HE IS THERE for me.

The Lord has used me in so many ways. He gave me the love to start a women’s group and this year I have 22 women at Women of Faith. I want all the women I know to experience Women of Faith and the healing that can take place. I can now be there for women who have experienced losses, to understand their hurts and give them guidance on what to expect and how to lean on the Lord no matter what. I know that I can be happy again! I found that sharing my story helps to heal and also touches & helps others.

Should there be anyone out there hurting or experiencing a loss, know that the Lord understands. He does care about your hurts, he hurts for you. He is able to help you when you totally give it to him to use you, and to heal you. You CAN have new joy.

―Donna W.