Identity – Page 2 – Women's Ministry

Books, Family, Honor, Identity, Marriage, Parenting

Wild Men

February 6, 2017February 7, 2017by hcfwomen1 Comment

wild-men-1 Even after being raised as the only girl among brothers, this little lady had some eye-opening learning curves to scale as a young wife to a real-live, flesh-and-blood man and a mother of two rough-and-tumble sons. Oh, I should have been used to the constant wrestling, the competing, the bleeding…the frequent stitches, athletic events, and sheetrock repairs. However, when I found myself yoked together with the love of my life and responsible for managing our active household of little lads whom I absolutely adored, I’m afraid my uber-responsible, controlling side rared up and rather ruled the day.

You probably know the feeling. That twitching, worried, hyper-protective maternal instinct kicks in, and we believe with all our hearts that Momma Knows Best in All Things! And what Momma wants is to keep all her babies close and safe and free from trouble, preferably surrounded by bubble wrap.

Now, I’m not going to tell you that I had an instantaneous transformation, laid down all my control issues at the altar, and have walked 100% free all the days thenceforth. What I can say is that my Father God gave me moments of insight and revelation into the masculine heart and soul—and that led me to come into agreement with Him and how He wired these guys we all love.

Reading the book Wild at Heart by John Eldredge was so impactful in that season of my life. I accepted how my husband and sons were designed by God to be aggressive warriors, adventurers, and leaders. For example, they desire to be respected and trusted as they do hard things, carry heavy responsibility, face danger, rise up to meet challenges, and overcome adversity without being rescued or micromanaged by me.

Truthfully, God used all of this revelation to start healing deep places in my own feminine soul as well, inviting me to get in touch with beauty, softness, nurture, comfort, and the freedom of submission in a way I had never experienced until then. I made crazy-wild choices to actually trust my husband’s decisions for our family instead of resisting, learning to lean into his leadership and trusting the Father’s voice in and through him, to me and to our children.

Over seasons of walking with the Lord as a wife and mother, I continue to relinquish my fears to Him when they arise. Basically, I have come to such a solid and peaceful place of faith in the fact that God’s will is for there to be order in our home. I invite you to join me in that place of faith for your home. That order and peace is totally worth fighting for!

What a generous gift that the masculine and feminine hearts are absolutely being restored and healed in our generation, as we continually surrender to the ways of our Father’s kingdom.

This post was written by Jill Brown. To read more about her, click here.

Fruitfulness, Hospitality, Identity, Recipes

How I Defeated Fear with Cherry Pie

November 7, 2016October 28, 2016by hcfwomenLeave a Comment

cherry-pie As a kid, one of my most favorite places to be was in the kitchen. Standing next to my mom and watching her maneuver her way through the kitchen was incredible to me! I wanted her to teach me everything she knew about cooking. I wanted to become a great cook, and not only feed my family, but anyone else who walked into my home. To this day, I get so much joy from being in my kitchen and cooking food for people.

My sister-in-law recently got married and she asked me if I could make a few pies for her wedding. I was honored to be able to help contribute to her special day and immediately said yes. I opened our family’s cookbook and browsed around, and finally decided I wanted to make a cherry pie! But I wondered if it would be “good enough” for the wedding? The thought crossed my mind to make a homemade pie crust, but I was a little unsure about that because I had never made one before.

That’s when the fear, negative thoughts, and doubt started rising up in me. I told myself that I just simply couldn’t do it, that it was going to be way too hard, and if I tried it and failed, then I would be letting my sister-in-law down. After believing all those lies, I made the decision to just go with the good ‘ole store-bought crust.

A few days passed and I started thinking about the decision I had made, and I didn’t like it. Why was I so fearful? I walked into the kitchen and noticed the verse written on our chalkboard: 2 Timothy 1:7 –

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

That was just what I needed to hear! God reminded me just then that He did not design my spirit to be fearful and timid. He designed my spirt to be full of power, love, and self-discipline!

Self-discipline is the ability to control one’s feelings and overcome one’s weaknesses; the ability to pursue what one thinks is right despite temptations to abandon it.

God gives all of us the ability to control our feelings and overcome our weaknesses. The power to do that lives in us and it cannot be taken away!

I want to encourage you to do whatever it is that has been holding you back lately. Whether it is an art project on Pinterest; trying a new recipe for supper; implementing new changes at work; standing up for someone or something you believe in; trusting your children to make the right choices; submitting to your husband, or letting unhealthy relationships go.

Everyone has fears; that’s part of life. But at what point are we going to stop letting fear control us? You have to stand up to that fear, look it in the eye, and tell it, “You have no stronghold over me!” If you don’t, then the enemy has won, because fear is not from God.

I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.

Psalms 16:8

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Incredible Pie Crust

2 1/2 C. Flour
1 tsp. salt
2 T. sugar
1 1/2 Sticks cold butter, cut into 1/4in pieces
1/2 C. Cold shortening, cut into pieces
1/2 C. Cold water

Combine 1 1/2 Cups flour, salt, and sugar then mix together. Cut in butter and shortening with a pasty cutter until its all mixed together and resembles cottage cheese. Add remaining flour and mix. Sprinkle water on top of dough and with a rubber spatula, mix dough and liquid with a folding motion, pressing on dough. It will be very tacky. Divide dough into 2 balls. Place each ball onto a large square plastic wrap and flatten into a 4 inch disk. Wrap plastic around dough. Refrigerate 1 hour. May keep in refrigerator for up to 2 days. If not using right away you can put dough into the freezer. When ready to use let it defrost in refrigerator and then roll out for your incredible pie crust. Makes 2 pie crusts.

This recipe was given to me by my cousin Chana Miller Van Houten.

This post was written by Rae Leach. To read more about her, click here.

Family, Grief, Hospitality, Identity

Making a Home: Words for a Care-Giver

October 17, 2016by hcfwomen4 Comments

My perceived golden years were supposed to be the time when ingathering was finished and I could enjoy the fruits of my many years of labor. The time when most of my bucket list could start happening and I could do the things I had put on the back-burner and told myself I’d do when I got old and gray. Then life got in the way and things didn’t go as I dreamed. My Little Mama’s golden years became tarnished by the patina of Alzheimer’s and she needed a care-giver. My golden years had changed into something totally different than I expected.

In seeking God‘s perspective for this season in my life He reminded me of this promise in 2 John 1,3:

To the elect lady and her children (family)… Grace, mercy and peace WILL be with you from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ…

He reminded me that these words were much more than a salutation. They were HIS words of LIFE to me and that if I received each one and laid claim to them for my own as a daily blessing from Him then I could be who He wanted me to be for my family in this season.

GRACE. MERCY. PEACE. These words have nothing to do with what I do to make my home comfortable for my family….they have everything to do with who I am in my home with my family.

It is God’s grace that helps me when I have to parent my parent to make sure she remains safe and healthy. It is His grace that helps me in the times buttons from childhood get pushed and I want to respond in a defensive, emotional, or hateful way. It is His grace that helps me to be able to walk away from the physical clutter and chaos that this disease brings into a home.

It is His mercy flowing through me that gives me compassion for the times Little Mama comes to me scared because she doesn’t know where her parents or her husband or her puppy is. Mercy for when she doesn’t know where she is or why she is living with me so that I can comfort her and make her feel safe. It is His mercy that lets me know it is okay to be messed up emotionally at times when I get frustrated or when I see the confusion and pain in Little Mama’s eyes.

Most of all I find I can have inner peace because I know I’m doing exactly what I’m supposed to be doing in this season. Honoring my Little Mama and knowing this pleases my DAD. And if I continue to press in to receive and live in these blessings from Him, my home will flow in abundance of what He wants it to be….maybe not Better Homes and Gardens perfect, but God-Perfect….a life-giving, loving, warm, comfortable and safe haven for my family’s spirits.

This post was written by Kitty Shipman. To read more about her, click here.

Identity, Worship

The Truth About Worship

July 6, 2015July 6, 2015by hcfwomen1 Comment

When I was asked to write this post on worship, my first thoughts were, “I’m not a worship leader! I can think of many women more qualified to write this post than me.” Then came the gentle voice of Truth—a voice that told me that I did have something to say on worship. This patient Holy Spirit voice reminded me of my identity in Christ.

My worship comes from knowing the truth of who I am in Christ, and who God is in me. I am chosen by God (as are you) to declare the praises of him who called me out of darkness (1 Peter 2:9). Although I’ll probably never lead worship from behind a microphone and guitar, I have been called to worship in my everyday life, just by walking in who He create me to be.

I can clearly remember the season of my life where this revelation became cemented in my spirit. Very soon after Kirby and I married, he was diagnosed with stage 3B cancer. In that season, I ran headlong into this tension between the facts in our life and the truth of the Word of God in our life. Let me explain: the fact was that my husband had life-threatening cancer, but the Truth of the Word says that by his stripes, Kirby is healed. The fact was that I was a scared young bride who had no idea how to care for a husband with cancer. The Truth says that I have been given everything I need for life and godliness. I found that as I chose to embrace the facts—but believe the truth in my life—I began to position myself to follow the Holy Spirit guiding me through my everyday. And out of that place, worship began to flow naturally.

When worship flows out of the truth of who we are in Christ, it goes way beyond Sunday morning. True worship evolves into serving our life groups, loving our husbands, discipling our kids, being excellent in our careers, and so much more. When we choose to say yes to our identity in Christ, we can begin to truly engage in worship in our everyday.

I love the way the Message Bible puts it:
“Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That’s the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration.” John 4:24

Here’s what is at stake: If I allow my circumstance (facts) to determine whether or not I worship, then I won’t worship. My decisions will sway in whatever direction the wind blows. So let’s allow the Truth to win the day in our hearts, sister. Let’s choose to worship in Spirit and Truth – the truth of who God is and who we are through Christ. Let’s choose to engage.

This post was written by Catherine Dunn. To read more about her, click here.

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.

Budgeting, Fruitfulness, Giving, Identity, Love, Trust

The Heart of Giving

January 22, 2014July 6, 2015by hcfwomenLeave a Comment

Over a year ago, God placed some specific financial goals on the hearts of both Derek and I, so that we could ultimately give to others. Since the very get-go of this journey, I hunkered down and decided to give my very best.

Recently, God revealed to me the true motivation of my heart in deciding to give my best. It came about when Derek decided that we needed to wait on purchasing something I’ve wanted for a while. We had the ability to walk out of the store with my “toy” in hand, but all I walked out with was a crummy attitude.

I knew the reaction in my heart wasn’t due to just being told “No.” There was a deeper reason for why I truly believed I needed that item. Not even just needed, but deserved it. God showed me that deep down the true reason of why I worked so hard in meeting our goals wasn’t the freedom to give to others, but the freedom to consume things on myself. Instantly my heart turned to repentance and an honest prayer came out: “God, I want to have the heart of a true giver.”

The next morning, God took me to 2 Corinthians 9:6-9, 11:
“Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work…He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way.”

God showed me that the theme of this passage isn’t finances, but it’s the heart of giving. Realizing this, I read it again. This time, the words grace, sufficiency and righteousness stood out. Understanding that my righteousness in Christ means I’m complete, whole and lacking nothing, and that grace (God’s ability or power) reigns through righteousness, the passage came alive. God says that when we give from a heart that believes in its true state of righteousness, he will make all grace abound so we can ultimately give to others.

If I give from a heart of lack, then I will be reluctant to give. I will want to keep my resources for myself so as to meet my own needs. If in that attitude I choose to not give at all, I’m saying no to more than just the giving of my resources. I’m saying no to grace abounding in my life and an increase to the harvest of my righteousness.

Whether it’s giving time to a friend in need, genuine love to those in our family, or full surrender to God in our moments of pain, we all have something to give.

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

Family, Fruitfulness, Identity

Agelessness in the Kingdom

September 14, 2013by hcfwomen1 Comment

God is not confined to time or space, nor are those who dwell in His kingdom here on earth. Mary, the mother of Jesus, was between twelve and fourteen when the angel Gabriel appeared to her. John, the beloved disciple, was only fourteen or fifteen when called to follow Jesus. Abraham was ninety-nine when he was told he would become the father of nations. Moses, Joshua and Caleb were in their eighties when called to serve our God. John the Baptist leaped in his mother’s womb when Mary entered the room, expectant with Jesus. King David was still in his teens when God chose him as a future king of Israel. Billy Graham is ninety-four. Beth Moore is fifty-six. I turned seventy last Sunday (September 8, 2013).

OUR NUMBERED DAYS
I was surprised to learn that it was Robert Louis Stevenson in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde who first coined the phrase “my days are numbered,” and not God. I searched for that phrase in four different translations and could not find it. What I did find was that God knows the number of hairs on my head. Also, I discovered where the psalmist prayed, “Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12, NIV).

KINGDOM FAMILIES
I am fortunate to be part of a church that teaches God’s kingdom on earth is multi-generational, and trains its members that not just men, or women, but families are being called to rise up and become Kingdom Families to reach the lost and dying in our community. I am blessed that I am, at present, being taught that age is no excuse to “retire” in the kingdom of God.

MUCH TO BE DONE YET
One of my dearest and closest friends recently remarked, “There is much to be done, but little time left for us who are beginning the eighth decade of our life.” I knew how she was feeling and shared a similar battle in my mind. “Sweet friend, only God knows when that day will be for us. In the meantime, let us be on with it.” She unreservedly agreed.

This post was written by Linda Hutcherson. To read more about her, click here.

**In this post, Linda mentions HCF’s Kingdom Families, which teaches parents how to raise kids and teenagers who follow after God with all their hearts. We will be having two Kingdom Families conferences soon, one at the Plainview campus for those raising children, and one at the Amarillo campus for those raising teens. Click on these links for more information and to register.**

Boundaries, Identity

Balance

August 1, 2013September 5, 2016by hcfwomenLeave a Comment

I am a stay-at-home mom with three part-time jobs: Zumba Jammer for Zumba Fitness, Zumba instructor for Bodyworks of Lubbock, and Zumba Program Coordinator for Bodyworks. I, as every other woman I know, am the master of multi-tasking—taking great pride in production and efficiency. Watch a movie? Sure! As long as I can get caught up on my ironing pile while we watch. Cook Supper? Of course! But let’s sort through the pantry while we’re at it. Have a tea party? Of course…while I fold laundry on the side. So you can only imagine how freaked out I was when the Lord challenged me to become a “single-tasker.” Is there such a thing? YES THERE IS! After all, we can only be in one place at one time anyway, right? Or can we? Sometimes I’m physically playing with my children, spiritually thirsty because of my lack of self-discipline that week, mentally going over choreography in my head for my next class, and emotionally drained trying to keep up with it all! How exhausting! So I decided to try this single-tasking thing out, and have discovered its incredible power to maintaining a peaceful, joyful, and balanced home!

When my boys are in school and Emma is napping, I get my Zumba jobs accomplished for the day: emailing, getting things ready for the next event, choreographing new routines, etc. I complete my work-related tasks with excellence, since I devote all of me to them. I can now switch over to another “category” of life when I pick up my kids—not worried about other things…just being completely present. This category includes all that mommyhood involves: training, cooking, disciplining, teaching, playing, comforting and loving on my kiddos. Zumba time: Time for another “switch.” I don’t feel guilty that I’m not at home picking up the house or spending time with my husband. I don’t get upset that I’m not on a girl’s night out or watching my favorite show. Nope, those aren’t in this category of life. What is, though, are women looking to be inspired and to stay motivated to live healthy lifestyles.

Then it’s time to run home. We have supper and hang out as a family making memories, and soon get ready for bed with laughter, stories, prayer, and cuddles. And yet again, another “switch.” A switch to husband time comes where I’m fully present and ready to be with him emotionally, physically, and mentally. What a blessing it is to our husbands when we are fully theirs!

Now, not every minute of our day can be compartmentalized with no “overlapping.” But I’ve learned to engage where the Lord has me, and pursue peace, not chaos. You know what else I’ve learned? It’s okay. When I follow His peace in every area and circumstance, while fully engaging in that moment, it’s all okay. I do things with excellence, passion and purpose because it’s WHO I AM, not because it’s what needs to be done. I rest in His peace and my identity in Him.

This post was written by Brandi Wilson.

Faith, Identity

Beauty, not the Beast!

January 11, 2013December 28, 2016by hcfwomen1 Comment

The point God has taught me lately has not been anything earth-shattering, nor has it even included a “wow” moment. But I know that if I struggle with this sometimes, coming out to share it might help someone else who needs to hear this truth. I have found myself looking in the mirror and questioning, “Am I beautiful?” Sometimes my mind ponders if I exercise more, work harder, or if I am a nicer person it will add to the beauty that God sees in me. While all of this, in part, adds to a beauty of a certain kind, none of these things can change the way the Lord sees me. Even if I have messy hair, no makeup, and haven’t worked out in a week, that doesn’t change the fact that God looks at me and says, “You are beautiful!” He looks at a different kind of beauty: MY HEART.

I am learning that what this world calls character (excellence, habit, frame of mind, emotions, reputation, personality) God calls beauty. These things are shaping who I am and who I will be. Let me throw in here that even if I have a really bad day, and I am snapping at everyone in sight and have a self-loathing attitude, God still tells me that I am beautiful. At the time I might not be listening, but if I can learn to stop and breathe during hectic moments in my life, I know that I will hear Him confidently say, “You are beautiful!” Sometimes that is all I need to hear to change my attitude completely. He doesn’t put any measure on what I have done that day to call me beautiful. These portions of character are not instantly attained. In fact, it sometimes takes years to begin to make some parts of character a habit! I constantly ask the Lord for strength and little reminders of the goals that I want to pursue. I want a pure heart with a good conscience. Every decision that I make is something that will affect me and others around me.

In the last few weeks I have been reading and re-reading Romans 8. It still boggles my mind to think that I have the Holy Spirit in me constantly, and I have a choice to listen to the lying voice of the devil or the unchanging voice of the Lord! I hope that I never lose that awe of what God has shown me in this passage. I am a new person. I am not who I once thought I was. I am filled with the Holy Spirit who shapes who I am with every action or thought that I have! Who are we portraying? Are we portraying a selfish attitude or a willing spirit? We are His children and because of that His beauty is constantly in us! Will we allow Him to show who He is in our lives?

This post was written by Hannah Dillard.

Identity, Marriage

Green Acres

October 23, 2012July 5, 2013by hcfwomen3 Comments

When my husband and I went on our first date to a Texas Tech Homecoming game 27 years ago, I was completely smitten. My best friend Nancy knew after my second date with him that one day we would be married. Something in the way I talked and how my eyes sparkled whenever his name was mentioned, she said. She was certain of this before I was!

That’s what’s so cool about God. He knows us better than we know ourselves. About four months prior to our first date, you could say I’d had a little “heart to heart” with God. As I lay in my bed, the tears rolled off my cheeks and dampened my pillow. I had had enough. I was tired of feeling trampled emotionally by those whom I loved, and by those from whom I desired acceptance. I was tired of being asked out by some of the strangest men on planet Earth. And what’s really pathetic is I went out with them!! I guess some people would call that desperate. Yep.

Feeling very unloved, unaccepted, and ugly to the core, I turned this all over to the Father. My love for Christ has been unwavering since I trusted in Him as a young child. But, I had finally reached a point where I said, “God, You are the only one I need. I will seek Your approval alone. It’s You I will devote all my love and attention to. I’m through with dating, through with men. If I EVER date again, it’ll be only if You push him in front of me!”

That fall semester a little country bumpkin named Michael and his college roommate visited my church. It wasn’t what you’d call instant attraction for me, but it didn’t take long before I noticed his endearing smile. Then, it was his great sense of humor. And oh, what an unselfish, caring, genuine heart he had! We became fast friends and then soon fell in love.

Over the years Michael has made me feel at ease as he taught me farming ways. He likes to say, “Sweetie, at least with you, life won’t be boring!” This usually comes after I’ve created my own little disasters such as sucking up a mouse with my Kirby vacuum or after I’ve chopped off another water faucet with a riding lawn mower! Just the other day, I shared with Michael that I have so much joy in my heart and that I know where it comes from! It comes from the peace God has granted me to face any situation, and from knowing what I was called by Him to do – be a helpmate and a mother.
~Psalm 84:11-12 “For the Lord God is our light and protector. He gives us grace and glory. No good thing will the Lord withhold from those who do what is right. O Lord Almighty, happy are those who trust in you!”

This post was written by Cristie Harrell. To read more about her, click here.