hcfwomen

God With Us

December 1, 2014July 6, 2015by hcfwomen1 Comment

Christmas. What comes to mind when you think of…Christmas? I seem to go through some sort of emotional metamorphosis every year during this season. It starts on November 1^st, when I run into Walmart to grab a few things (including the leftover Halloween candy that I’m hoping is on sale, because my kids have already put a restraining order on me to stay away from theirs), and THERE. IT. IS………….an explosion of red and green, tinsel, garland, lights, and trees. In a panic, I run home, plop myself on the couch, turn on the television, and eat my discounted Halloween candy. But it’s even on the television. It’s ESPECIALLY on the television; endless commercials with jingle bell-type songs with all kinds of Christmas gift ideas we all need but don’t really need. It is overwhelming, and frankly, it puts me in a bad mood. This is frustrating. Because I love Christmas. I really, really love Christmas.

At the very basic level, Christmas is about God’s love. We all know this: “For God so LOVED the world that He sent His one and only Son…” He sent Him—to US. You and me. God saw us from the very beginning and said, “THEM….I will send my Son for THEM!” And eventually, even in the midst of the chaos and hysteria our culture creates during this season (even as early as November 1^st), I am reminded of the Christ Child, the fulfillment of the promise made by our loving God.

I have a very vivid memory of Christmas when I was about 4. We had just come home from our church’s Christmas Eve service. I was in our living room. All the lights were off, except the Christmas lights. I remember Christmas music playing in the background. I was looking at the nativity scene my mom had placed around the mantel of the fireplace. I had this feeling, or maybe just the realization, that I wasn’t alone…that I was very loved…that I was safe and secure. There was a great anticipation inside of me. It was more than just believing in a large, old man bringing me gifts through our chimney. As an adult and believer, I know exactly why I felt the way I felt in that moment. I truly believe God introduced His Spirit to me that evening. He pursued my heart, even at 4 years old, and made Himself known to me.

There is a great mystery that surrounds the Christmas story. I have always been fascinated with the thought of the Christ Child…fully God, fully man…coming to earth as a baby from His throne in heaven. The angels understood the significance of this event. This was the coming of Immanuel…“God with us.” All of creation had been waiting for this moment since the beginning of time: God reconciling Himself to His beloved. You can hear the anticipation in Gabriel’s words to Mary: “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

Friend, can I just encourage you today? You are highly favored, and the Lord is with YOU! This is the true gift of Christmas: the gift of God’s presence. There’s nothing we have to do or say to invoke the presence of God. He is here, just as He promised to His disciples. “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” The question is: do we live our lives as if we are standing in His presence in every moment, or do we convince ourselves that we are alone? Or even worse: “I can do this on my own.” Isn’t this what our culture tries to tell us to do during this season? And for that matter…EVERY season? No wonder we are so stressed out!!

The Scriptures paint a picture of Mary of being humble, trusting, and pretty much NOT STRESSED OUT. Although there’s a good chance she had a well-deserved freak out session at some point between Gabriel’s appearance and the birth of the Savior, her response speaks volumes: “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Isn’t that what Christmas is all about?! Remembering, pondering, treasuring up all the things God has done for us?

My goal this Christmas is 3-fold: Anticipate the promise, accept the gift of His Presence, and ponder these things in my heart.

“O come all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant.
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem.
Come and behold Him, born the King of angels.
O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him,
O come let us adore Him…Christ the Lord.”

This post was written by Allison House. To read more about her, click here.

Fruitfulness, Holidays

Decorating for the Holidays

November 25, 2014by hcfwomenLeave a Comment

During the next several weeks, we will be enjoying a beautiful series of very special holiday posts! Some of them are from familiar writers, and some are guest posts…All are from remarkable women whose words will be sure to give a breath of fresh air to your spirit during this holiday season! Keep reading for inspiration, encouragement, and of course, yummy recipes!

I have to admit that I chuckled a bit when Julie asked me to write about decorating for the holidays. About two months ago, I decided in my heart that I wouldn’t decorate this year for the holidays. This decision all came about when I was cleaning out a room in our house that we kept all of our decorations in. I found myself actually getting depressed as I sorted through all the boxes, and was truly worried about what was coming out of my heart. Decorating has been a constant source of joy for me and has been my favorite avenue of expressing creativity. As far back as I can remember, I have always gotten a thrill out of decorating, and Christmas is no exception! When I was little I practically begged my parents to get the tree down from the attic. So for me, getting depressed about Christmas decorations was a huge shock.

In my moment of overwhelming pain, I made the only sensible decision, which was to just avoid what was causing me pain. So therefore I stubbornly said no to decorating ever again. Great decision, right? Well, my sweet and loving husband thought otherwise. As he saw me sitting there on the floor in the middle of trash piles and boxes, he uttered the most profound words ever uttered: ”What’s going on?” It’s then that I began to actually let myself feel the pain in my heart and really figure out what was going on.

Going through all the boxes reminded me of all that I had “accomplished” last year in decorating, and I knew in my heart of hearts that I couldn’t do it again this year. I was comparing myself with…well…myself. The thought of decorating left me feeling tired and overwhelmed, because I thought I had to live up to what I had done in the past—when really, last Christmas, I was in a completely different season of life. So why should I expect the same standards of decorating to hold true to me in this season? I have decided that one of the greatest gifts I can give to others (or even myself for that matter) is the gift of letting others run in their lane how it best suits them. I’m not any less of a person because I can’t run in my lane of last year, or the lane of those who are in a different season than I am. I literally can’t do what I did last year, and that’s ok. I had to find out what best suits my family this year and give myself the freedom to enjoy what that looks like.

When discovering what best suits your family this year, you might find that going bigger than usual is your route; or, like me, it might mean keeping it simple. I have chosen this year to decorate in ways that best suit this season of life I’m in, and I encourage you to do the same.

Blessings!

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It’s a family tradition to make cream cheese and corn for the holidays. You just add a block of cream cheese to a few cans of regular corn; it was my favorite food during the holidays growing up =)

This post was written by Abbie Kellum. To read more about her, click here.

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Here are some simple, practical ideas for decorating your home this Christmas—without adding to the stress!

Use candles. Even plain, white candles are a fairly inexpensive way to bring a warm, cheerful glow to any environment. Or (especially if you have little ones) try battery-operated flicker candles.
Take advantage of nature. Use pinecones, evergreen sprigs that have fallen down, or even fresh apples (green and red) to brighten up your dinner table, mantle, or even the bathroom counter!
Layer fabrics. You are sure to find many types of fabrics around your home that you can use to enhance your decorating: a light scarf, a cloth napkin, or even a spare sheet…Whether used as a table runner, or gracefully gathered under a lamp, fabrics add an element of warmth and comfort to your home.

Family, Holidays, Love

Love God, Love People, Live Simple

November 20, 2014by hcfwomenLeave a Comment

I love the holiday season. There’s just something about how fall ushers in cooler weather, the cotton strippers and combines start to pull out of the barns— signaling the beginning of harvest—and of course, pumpkin-flavored EVERYTHING! There’s just so much to love about this time of year! I get so excited about reaching towards the back of my Scentsy drawer and pulling out my fall and Christmas scents. And I am sure my husband just loves having to drag our Christmas décor out of the basement earlier and earlier each year…because seriously, one month is just not enough time to enjoy a beautifully decorated Christmas tree! Can I get an Amen??

And the food, oh the food! Hot chocolate with marshmallows, chai tea lattes, soups in the crock pot and warm pumpkin cookies…why does it all taste so much better this time of year? Oh well, I will start my diet next year.

This will be my twin boys’ first holiday season, and I am so excited about sharing it with them. I can’t wait for Bryan and I to create new traditions with them, and I am especially excited about seeing their faces light up when they see our Christmas tree for the first time. But most of all, I am looking forward to watching them experience their first holiday season with our incredible family. Out of everything I love about this time of year, I look forward to spending time with our family the most.

I recently heard something that resonated with my heart. It was a call, an urging to embrace the following:

Love God. Love people. Live simple.

These three statements showed up in my life just in time for what usually turns into a crazy season for me. As much as I adore this time of year, by the middle of December I am so ready for Christmas to be over and the New Year to begin. Can anyone relate? I get so caught up in the hustle and bustle that I completely miss out on the beauty this season has to offer.

Love God. Love people. Live simple. This is now my to-do list every day, and let me just say how freeing it is. If I have done just one of these three things in a day, I’ve done enough. When did these things become not enough? I’m not sure, but I am so ready for that to change in my life. I want Thanksgiving and Christmas to simply be a time to be grateful because of what we’ve been given, and a time to give out of the overwhelming gratefulness we have for the One who gave everything for us. It is so easy for us to miss the opportunity this season offers us.

If we allow Him, I believe God is extending an invitation to us all to embrace a new perspective this year. Instead of spending money we don’t have on gifts that have no meaning, what if we gave our time and energy to those we love? Isn’t that all we really want from those we love? What if instead of dreading the time spent with extended family, we chose to love them the way God does? What if we chose to expect the best instead of the worst when it came to relating to that difficult family member? What if we practiced these simple truths this holiday season? Love God. Love people. Live simple.

I am compelled by this scripture we’ve been studying at church the past couple of weeks.

1 Timothy 6:18-19 ^“18Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. ¹⁹ In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”

“…the life that is truly life.” Friends, let’s choose to do something different this holiday season. Let’s choose to embrace a simpler, more fulfilling way of life. Aren’t you curious about the kind of life this scripture is offering to us? I know I am.

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I want to leave you with my most favorite holiday recipe given to me by a very dear friend. I look forward to making it every year and I KNOW you will love it too.

Soft Pumpkin Cookies

Cream together the following until smooth:
½ cup butter, softened
1 ½ cups sugar

Add to butter mixture and mix until smooth.
1 cup pumpkin
1 egg
1 Tbsp. vanilla

Sift the following together:
2 ½ cups flour (I use King Arthur…the BEST!)
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
½ tsp. nutmeg

Add to butter mixture and stir until smooth…will be sticky.

Drop in heaping tablespoons onto greased baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for about 12-15 minutes. (Mine are cooked perfectly at 12 min)

Icing: 2 cups powdered sugar, 1 Tbsp. melted butter, 1tsp. vanilla and milk to consistency. Drizzle over baked cookies.

Eat. Enjoy. 🙂

(I usually double this recipe and use a whole can of pumpkin)

This post was written by Amber Curry. To read more about her, click here.

Family, Holidays, Love, Recipes

Love, Thanksgiving, and Cherry Pie

November 13, 2014November 6, 2017by hcfwomenLeave a Comment

Last Thanksgiving began with the unmistakable sound of shattering glass. We had just arrived at my in-laws and when I opened the rear passenger door to our car, I watched helplessly as the coconut cream pie I had made slid out and crashed onto the pavement. Thus began a holiday that turned out opposite of what I had expected.

My husband and I are both from Plainview and have most of our family still there. We have a big lunch with his side and then turn around and have a big dinner with mine. We really have to pace ourselves so as not to end up in a food coma by the end of the day! The in-law lunch went by rather smoothly except for my pie debacle, but my family dinner was not the usual. We headed to my aunt’s house where—come to find out—the stomach bug had started to make the rounds. My parents only joined us for dinner for a very short time because they took food to Momo (my Dad’s mom) who was very ill. Then to cap off the night, while driving back to Lubbock, my kids whined about how they were hungry because they wouldn’t stop playing long enough to eat.

Expectations can be a slippery slope. If rigid and unrealistic, they can prevent you from experiencing all God has to offer. I often find myself building up in my head how special occasions, especially holidays, should look. Then as I go to bed that night and reflect on the day, I battle the disappointment of things not meeting my lofty expectations. If I’m not careful, I will find myself blinded to the love happening in precious moments that aren’t found within “the plan.”

We live in a time where social media, if we let it, can add to our unrealistic expectations. Rather that being inspired by Pinterest or celebrating one another’s accomplishments seen on Facebook, we feel inadequate in our own experience and start adding things to our check list to make it “better.” Great is the temptation to compare our journey with others.

My husband and I teach our boys that we have two main rules in our house: love God and love people. Everything else is simply a subcategory of these commandments that Jesus gave to us. As I am instilling these into my children, I am attempting to embrace them for myself. These are the only expectations I want to have for the upcoming holidays. My hope is that I am able to roll with the punches that life can throw at me, but still graciously honor my Father and those around me by laying down my life and plans.

My parents were my greatest example of this last Thanksgiving. As I said before, they were only at dinner for a very short time. They made a plate for my grandmother, even though she had to be coaxed to eat even a few bites. She was at home, where in the last month she had stayed, because of some unsteadiness and a severe fall. Momo’s health was suddenly going downhill fast. I watched as my parents selflessly jumped in to help her. That night my parents physically cared for her when she couldn’t care for herself. In the days and weeks to follow, my parents relentlessly served Momo with grace and love—allowing her to spend her final days with dignity, honor, and compassion.

This, for me, was truly a picture of loving God and loving people. As I look at last Thanksgiving, I am able to laugh off the splattered pie and late-night hungry kids in light of witnessing the beauty of my Mom and Dad walking out God’s commands.

Maybe you are dreading the family drama that seems to inevitably happen when your family gets together. Maybe you find yourself having to work and be separated from those you love most, or maybe you have a sick little one this year. Whatever our holidays look like, I pray that the things that can bring us down would pale in comparison to loving and serving our Creator and those around us.

At the end of the day, my Thanksgiving will look different than yours, because it is uniquely mine. But what is the same—what we all have in common—is a God who loves us and gives us the ability and choice to love those around us. So I embrace my Thanksgiving in all its distinctive qualities (and celebrate you in yours), and I rejoice in the beauty of what we all have in common through our God.

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My passion for baking and creating desserts began with my grandmother. The following recipe is a favorite of my family’s that she would make for the holidays. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Momo’s Cherry Pie

Ingredients
3/4c sugar
1/4c flour
16oz. can red, tart cherries packed in water
Pinch of salt
2 TBS Cold butter
9 inch double pie crust
Ground cinnamon

Separate the juice from the cherries and place in a saucepan. Add sugar, flour and salt and stir to combine. Cook over low heat until juice turns clear and sugar is dissolved.

Place cherries in uncooked, prepared pie crust. Cut butter into small chunks and dot cherries with them. Pour cherry juice mixture over cherries. Cover with top crust and sprinkle with cinnamon.

Bake at 450 degrees for 15 minutes then lower temperature to 350 degrees and cook an additional 30 minutes or just until browned.

*For added texture you can swap out the top crust for a streusel topping.
1/3c sugar
1/4c brown sugar
1/2c + 2TBS flour
1tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2c COLD butter cut into pieces

Combine all ingredients except for butter in a bowl. Add butter and using a pastry cutter or your hands, mash until the butter is the size of small peas. Sprinkle over the top of the pie and bake as directed.

This post was written by Meredith Riddle.

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Fruitfulness

Honoring Your Season

September 17, 2014September 5, 2016by hcfwomen2 Comments

Two years ago, I woke up in the middle of the night with a strong impression that the Lord had something to speak to my heart. As I lay in bed, I let my walls down and quietly allowed God to speak to an area of insecurity I had been carrying from season to season. In my heart, I saw a woman in a dark corner with her knees hugging her chest, grasping something tightly in her hands. As I came closer to see what she was hiding, she opened her hands and let a little light come streaming out, but quickly covered it—as if afraid to brighten the dark room with the light’s beauty. I quickly realized the woman in the corner was me.

How many times has God given me the opportunity to let my talents, gifts, and character shine, but the weight of all my insecurities cover them up—refusing to let others and myself experience all God has given me to offer? Too many times to count. I was then burdened with the thought that I was not alone in this war within. How many other women find themselves in the same internal struggle?

A few years ago, I heard a great message from Crystal Quebe about honor. She spoke on how dishonoring something means to treat as common. I soon realized that allowing my insecurities to hinder what God was wanting me to bring out in others was nothing less than dishonoring the season God had given me to cultivate.

You see, each and every one of us is in a season created just for us. You may be the young girl struggling with the transition into college, or the twenty-something newlywed trying desperately to find your role as a wife. You could be a woman like me, scared of what is to come with motherhood approaching, or the empty nester not knowing what to do with your spare time. We have a choice to make. We can choose to dishonor this season and become the woman in the corner, refusing to let others see this beautiful light, or we can decide to uncover the stream of light. This not only affects you, but it can pour in the lives of other women.

Roman 8:19-22 talks about the idea that creation is waiting in eager expectation for the sons and daughters to be revealed. I would bet there are a few women in your circle who are eagerly waiting for you to step up to the plate and reveal the uniqueness of your season that God has given you to let shine. Choose today to not let your insecurity trample this season; choose to see God has created you for such a time as this.

I am reminded of all the women in my life who have bravely accepted this challenge to honor their season. Thank you, Kristen Wright, for showing me that with four kids, you can still have fun and not take yourself so seriously, so you can join in the laughter. Angie Dickson, for opening your home to me and Cameron when you didn’t have to. Meredith Riddle, for teaching me that you can cook for fifteen plus people and still be a humble wife and mom. Or Crystal Quebe, who chose to let a young girl come into her home to simply fold laundry: you taught me at a young age how to keep a home. Most of these tasks for these women were nothing big or out of the ordinary in their everyday life, but their choosing to honor their season not only impacted their life, but gave me the opportunity to change mine. When we let our light shine, it allows others to do the same.

This post was written by Madi Mikael.

Fruitfulness, Identity

Creativity

August 30, 2014July 6, 2015by hcfwomenLeave a Comment

Immediately after being asked to share on creativity, I started thinking on what to write. Weeks later I found myself still thinking…and thinking…and thinking, but nothing was coming to mind. Just as I started to panic, a memory bubbled up in my heart. Growing up, my mother and I loved sitting together snuggled up on the couch watching our favorite decorating shows. I distinctly remember an episode where the host explained how decorating isn’t done through thinking out the design; it’s through seeing the design in your heart and letting it come to life. I then realized why I couldn’t think of anything to write. Creativity isn’t done through thinking; it’s done through living from one’s heart.

A recent sermon series at our church explained this concept incredibly well. We are to live from our hearts—ultimately letting the dreams God has placed in us come to life. God is the supreme example of creativity; after all, he did create you and all that encompasses this life and the next. If we truly believe that God is in us, then we have an endless reservoir of creativity waiting to be tapped into. We only need to live from our heart and let creativity have room to grow and breath.

It saddens me to hear people express that they don’t have a single creative bone in their body. Or even worse, compare their creative abilities to others around them, saying they aren’t as creative as Mrs. Crafty Glue Gun. To say that creativity can only look one way is actually the complete opposite of creativity. All of us are handmade with unique ways to creatively express God’s love and bring his kingdom to those we encounter. Take the tools God has equipped you with and see how many different ways you can use that to bring his kingdom of righteousness, peace and joy to your piece of earth. Simply put: How can I take what I have, and transform it into something meaningful?

Some of my favorite memories are when someone chose to dare greatly, live from their heart, and express a message that I was wanted, thought of, and cared for deeply. Hopefully by sharing some of these moments with you, you will begin recognizing all the different ways God can use you to love on his people:

– Handwritten notes my mom would tuck away in my sack lunch.
– My husband pulling to the side of the road so we could dance to a song playing on the radio.
– Sitting on our pillows to watch Kung Fu Panda while eating Chinese noodles.
– Having a date in the dining room section of JC Penny’s.

These moments have reminded me of my righteousness, brought peace to my heart and have filled me with joy. Henri Matisse said, “Creativity takes courage.” I am so thankful for all the creative ways God shares his love with me, and for those courageous enough to be used by him.

This post was written by Abbie Kellum. To read more about her, click here.

Friendship, Fruitfulness, Life Groups, Prayer

Community Within a Life Group

August 16, 2014December 28, 2016by hcfwomenLeave a Comment

When I think of a thriving life group, I equate it with the word community. Life groups are really special to me because the leaders and people who attend those groups are fun to be with. In the life group that I attend, I’ve noticed that we are all a conglomeration of mixed personalities and occupations. But within our life group, we find the common ground of praying for each other and encouraging each others’ walk with the Lord.

The leaders of my group have a good grasp on what it means to live a life fully serving the Lord. While we are discussing the questions of the week based on Sunday’s sermon, they are always eager to listen to our stories and share their own experiences, too. Even they will admit that they do not have all the answers, and that they certainly don’t live a perfect life. But what makes my life group so personal to me is that they are trying to follow the Lord and are willing to share joys and hardships that they have experienced. This type of vulnerability makes it easier for everyone in the group to open up and share any questions or related situations we’ve faced.

I have two favorite parts of my life group! One is the food that is served! I’ve been to some life groups who ask each person to bring a dish and share a potluck dinner before the previous week’s sermon is discussed. In our group we have elected to pay five dollars each week to have a homemade meal. It is delicious! Another favorite of mine is the time that we take to pray for each other. Currently our life group leaders have decided to choose a person or couple to pray for throughout the week. Then the following week, the entire group is invited to share what they have heard from the Lord about that person. Our leaders also open up the floor to anyone who needs prayer, and our group prays for individual requests of the week. This prayer time helps everyone in our group to have a part in the fellowship and spiritual aspect of our life group, and I think it is vital in building a community.

What is your favorite part of life groups?

If you are not currently involved in a life group, now is a great time to join one! Life Groups kick off for the fall semester on August 20th! Click here to learn more about life groups, find a group that fits you and your family, and get plugged in to community! You can also pick up a copy of the Life Group Directory in the church foyer on Sunday mornings.

This post was written by Hannah Dillard.

Friendship, Fruitfulness

Choosing Life

August 1, 2014by hcfwomenLeave a Comment

“A heart at peace gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.” (Proverbs 14:30)

I’ve noticed something recently. It’s almost “under the radar,” but I feel myself going there again. It’s that place where I am comparing myself to others, and am hunting for their approval or confirmation of my value. The evidence comes in some of the most subtle ways: My constant checking of Facebook for the umpteenth time, as well as thoughts of jealousy or “sizing up.”

Sometimes it sounds like this: “She is so much better at [fill in the blank] than I am.”
“Why does she get [fill in the blank] and I don’t?”
It doesn’t matter how we fill in the own blanks in our hearts, it’s still there—A feeling of lack: that we don’t have enough, or that we are missing something (often something that we feel entitled to). This especially feels prevalent when it comes to other women. Instead of being inspired, or rejoicing with another woman’s strengths, we find ourselves falling into the deep pit of comparison.

How I react when I get in this place may differ. I may try to work harder or make myself busier. Or I may try to drown out my thoughts and feelings in hours of Netflix shows. But the root issue is the same, and I have to deal with it.

It is here that I have a choice to make. Only I have control over my heart, and what I choose can change where I end up.

Recently at church, Brad shared that what we do is not tied to who we are. Yes, God may convict us to change our thinking and actions in a certain area to agree with Him (repent), but He does not do this to shame us. This is to bless us. It’s getting us to walk a better path.

Right in the middle of the church service, I literally had to take a deep breath and hand some things over to God that I had been struggling with that very morning. God reminded me of the truth of who I am, and I was able to receive it right there in that moment. And you know what else I received? Peace. Almost immediately, because I chose to trust God’s heart and immediately say “yes” to what He says about me.

It’s not always easy, and sometimes I have to do this multiple times a day. But I am learning that as my heart stays open to God’s stirring, and I respond in the midst of the “everyday,” it makes life so much better. So instead of comparing myself to other women and being jealous, I want to choose life. I want to be a life-giving person. I can choose to come alongside other women and celebrate their successes. I can cheer them on and encourage them, and not give way to bitterness. In return, I am able to walk in peace and joy and thankfulness.

This post was written by Heather Dillard. To read more about her, click here.

Friendship

Friendship is the Tree of Life

July 14, 2014July 6, 2015by hcfwomenLeave a Comment

“You’re blessed when you meet Lady Wisdom, when you make friends with Madame Insight. She’s worth far more than money in the bank; her friendship is better than a big salary.” Proverbs 3:13-15 (The Message)

I love people! I feel like I have always been a good friend. I am not one that is “pushy,” but if I know someone is in need, I am there. I love to make people feel welcome, especially at church. Everyone I meet is my friend, in my heart, because I love people so much.

Am I really a good friend?

I will help anyone that needs me, but I have a very hard time asking for help from others. I will listen to my friends talk about all things, pray with or for them, run errands, clean house or just about anything they need. When I am in need, I will try and handle it alone every time. So, am I really a good friend? I can be there for others; do I not think that others can be here for me? God has been dealing with me in this matter, especially while I have been studying Scripture about being a friend. Proverbs 27:9 says: “Just as lotions and fragrance give sensual delight, a sweet friendship refreshes the soul.” If a friendship is one sided (as in my case sometimes), how can I be refreshed just as I want my friends to be? And am I really refreshing to them?

God seems to be speaking to me at this very moment that I need to be a better friend and trust others with my heart. Just this week my life has been crazy. I have gone to funerals of two of my classmates from school. One of them I met in the first grade and we were good friends that drifted apart as life occurred. The other I met in high school, and we were sort of friends then, but in our adult lives we had become very dear friends.

As seasons change, friends change. I hold so many in my heart, but life happens and we may grow apart in body, always with promises to stay in touch.

I believe we have circles of friends. The large circle is far reaching, past, present and future. Then a closer circle is for people that you have some contact with. The small, intimate circle is for those that you do life with now. My circles have changed many times over my lifetime. I still think of them as my friends, and will always carry them in my heart, even if life changes our situations.

I believe that the foundation of friendship is love. In 1 John 4:7 it says “Dear friend, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God.” I would love to be known as a person of extraordinary love, therefore, extraordinary friendship. I want people to say that I am a friend, no matter who you are or what you look like or where you have been or what you have done. The only way that I can achieve this is to learn it from the best teacher, God. He is love!

“The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.” 2 Corinthians 13:14

This post was written by Debbie Crosby. To read more about her, click here.

Fruitfulness, Prayer

Hearing God – Part 2

May 15, 2014May 15, 2014by hcfwomenLeave a Comment

(This is the second half of a post from Tissie Beasley on learning to hear from God for ourselves and for others. To read Part 1, click here.)

Hearing from God and talking with him is like having a conversation with an intimate friend. When you spend time with them long enough, and sit and listen intently, you hear their heart. When we spend time with Jesus, we hear His heart for us and for others.

Relationships take time to build. Close intimate ones don’t happen overnight. Here are some practical ways to hear God for yourself and others:

1. Be a willing vessel. God wants to speak; we just need to be willing to listen and then respond. Listening is only half of it; we need to be willing to respond and act on what we hear. Be obedient.

2. Have a sincere heart and love for people. This comes from being in the presence of the Lord. The more we are full of him and his love the more natural it is to love people.

3. Position yourself in a place to hear his voice. To hear God clearly we have to make time to do so. Spending time in his Word and praying opens our heart to hear him. Just remember, this is not a “to do” list, but spiritual disciplines help draw us close to the heart of God, and allow us to commune with him. God shares his heart for us and others when we walk in close relationship with him.

4. Believe that God wants to and is speaking to you! His heart is for you. He has passionately pursued you, so trust that he wants to speak to you. Here is what Jeremiah 33:2-3 says: “This is what the Lord says, he who made the earth, the Lord who formed it and established it—the Lord is his name: ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’” Here is the same verse in the Message: “This is God’s Message, the God who made earth, made it livable and lasting, known everywhere as God: ‘Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.’” God wants to speak!

5. Have a trusted mentor, life group leader, or pastor who can help you discern the voice of God. Iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17), and surrounding yourself with people who are strong in the Lord and who can encourage you is so powerful. We are not in this alone, and God uses others to help us grow. If you hear a word for someone, run it by a leader or mentor, especially if it is correctional. My experience is that God uses us mostly to speak words of love and exhortation to others. Be careful when speaking correction to someone. God’s heart is not for us to go around correcting one another, but for us to build one another up. Ephesians 4:16 says, “From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”

6. Something that has forever changed my life is the empowering of the Holy Spirit. Being filled and empowered daily by God’s Spirit has opened my eyes, heart and ears to hear and see Him more clearly, and to act boldly and with confidence. It is one of my most precious relationships, and I am very intentional about making time and a way for God’s Spirit to work in and through me.

Be encouraged today that God wants to speak to you, and that he desires to use you to reach and minister to others. Be obedient even in the things you think might be small and unimportant. You never know what will minister to the heart of someone else and impact their life.

This post was written by Tissie Beasley. To read more about her, click here.