Women's Ministry

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.

Fruitfulness, Prayer

Hearing God – Part 1

May 1, 2014by hcfwomen2 Comments

What do you do when a face or a name pops in your head? Do you dismiss it, or do you ask God how you can pray for this person? It may sound silly, but I believe God is constantly speaking to us and pulling us outside of ourselves into relationships with others. One way is through our thoughts: God places different people in our thoughts that he wants us to connect with.

Sometimes all the connection we will make is in the spiritual, by praying for them.

It’s early Monday morning, and I awaken with a friend on my heart. As I begin to pray, I feel a deep burden for them and hear a specific scripture in my heart. I begin to pray that scripture over my friend and the peace begins to come in my heart. God prompts me to share this scripture with them so I write a quick text: “Thinking of you this morning, this scripture is on my heart for you…praying God’s abundant grace and peace over you today.” I think sometimes we complicate God. He speaks; we just need to learn to discern.

I love the way God speaks! It comes in different forms, but I find that God speaks primarily in 3 ways: through His written Word (the Bible), through others, and directly to us. All are important and all come through relationship. Our God is a relational God. The Bible says the Word became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). Jesus Christ is the Word of God in the flesh, and by his coming to the earth, he created a way for us to have a relationship with the living, breathing Word of God, and hear him speak directly to us—because now we can have an intimate relationship with him.

Hearing God is a matter of the heart, a positioning of one’s self. A hard heart can’t hear God clearly. Unless there are holes or cracks, nothing can get in or out. God wants to speak to us. He is looking for people who have a desire to hear him, to receive what he has to say, and to act on it. Hear me, this is not about more work you can do to hear God better. It is about a relationship. God wants to be pursued, and he speaks to those who eagerly pursue him. He is constantly pursuing us and drawing us to Him. When we turn and do the same, our hearts become open to hear Him. He says you will find him when you seek him with all of your heart (Jeremiah 29:13).

This post was written by Tissie Beasley. To read more about her, click here. Stay tuned for Part 2 later this month!

Hospitality

True Hospitality

April 1, 2014by hcfwomen1 Comment

In her book Lifegiving, Tammy Maltby wrote, “The world wants us to believe that life is all about appearances. While the outer expressions of beauty and hospitality and friendship can and should have a wonderful appearance, true beauty is more than what the physical eye can perceive. It is not a façade covering over hurt, pain, and anger. Lifegiving is not done with an expectation for accolades. The motivations of the lifegiving woman are fueled by the inner life she is cultivating in the secret place with Christ Himself, the ultimate Lifegiver.”

I’ve been blessed in my married life to be around some of the most amazing women gifted in hospitality—true lifegivers! Out of their love for serving others they have shown me creativity, sense of style, magnificent recipes, and most of all, their joy of the Lord! It’s because of them that I work at discovering how to use a little ingenuity and creativity to share my love of colors, textures, and taste sensations with others. For me, the best part of hospitality is creating a moment to remember for those on the receiving end—a “life-giving moment,” if you will, that puts a spark of sunshine in someone’s day. My desire, first and foremost, is to be a blessing to others!

It is my belief that true hospitality begins in the heart. When I am asked to serve in some form of hospitality, I begin by asking myself: what is my motivation for taking on this task? If I am driven by my need for approval, then I will refuse until my heart is set right with Him. If, after a time of reflection, I am led to view it as an opportunity to serve others with joy and gladness in my heart, then I will accept. My desire is that, through my service, others will feel loved and richly blessed!

Be it known, I really do enjoy hospitality! Serving others brings my heart joy. 🙂

There are three “F” words I think about when I begin planning for an event or a home dinner party–Flowers, Fabric & Food! Many times I get inspiration simply from the fabric department! Colors, patterns, and textures will send my mind reeling with images of what food would carry out a particular theme, or what serving platters would most compliment the colors within the fabric. Also, I think about the season, and plan the menu accordingly, when possible. The next step is visualizing the dishes. How can I plate/serve these dishes in the most beautiful way possible to bring a smile to someone’s face? Sometimes I even lay in bed at night imagining how the table can be set up, platters laid out, and food arranged.

Designing a table setting, for me, is a playful time! Not a time of dressing a table to impress, but rather dress to bless! For a table design I start looking for interesting items that may be lurking around the home or barn. From colorful collections such as toys (Hot Wheels, buttons, and marbles), to beautiful antiques, glassware, or the use of natural elements…I love it all! New and antique, simple or busy—It’s all beautiful in different ways.

For me, this verse describes true hospitality:
Romans 12:9a-11 “Don’t just pretend that you love others. Really love them. ..Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically.”

**Hospitality is about welcoming others, and showing them that they are valuable. What are some of the ways that you show honor and bring value to those in your life? What are some ways that you extend to them a welcome, and show that they are loved?

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

P.S. For more amazing book recommendations on being a life-giving woman, check out our Bookshelf tab (or click here).

Scripture

Desiring Mercy and Not Sacrifice

March 15, 2014by hcfwomenLeave a Comment

“Go and learn what this means, for I desire mercy and not sacrifice.” Matthew 9:13
“But if only you had known what this means, I desire mercy and not sacrifice.” Matthew 12:9

The Pharisees couldn’t get what Jesus was saying—first to “go and learn” and later “if only you had known.” With all their knowledge of Scripture, with all their rules, with all their duty and obedience, and with—in their mind—their righteousness, they could not understand this truth. Jesus’ words did not compute with their tradition.

Sometimes, if we’re not careful, we can have the same tendency to desire sacrifice more than mercy. What does this mean? We are bent on works because it’s more natural. It’s more natural to do than to be.

As long as I’ve been saved, I’ve loved the Word of God. I’m highly analytical and can spend hours reading scripture and commentary and translations and the original Greek or Hebrew meanings. But, as Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 8:1, “knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.”

Knowledge without mercy is a dangerous state.

To know scripture is important, but before we can receive fully, before we can fall in love with God’s Word, we have to first fall in love with its author. When we are so filled by the love of God, His love and grace becomes a lens through which we can read and receive His Word.

Here Jesus is quoting Hosea 6:6. The full verse is this: “For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.”

The knowledge of God is not mutually exclusive to mercy. And while He desires mercy not sacrifice, He desires knowledge more than burnt offerings. Under the Old Testament covenant, God is not negating or replacing what must be done for atonement. We know from Romans 3 that in His forbearance, He passed over their sins, yes, but their account was not settled.

So why does Jesus not quote—in both places here—the full verse from Hosea? Is it because knowledge of God is no longer important? Of course not. The problem is the Pharisees had all the knowledge in the world.

But under the new covenant, we get to know God in a different way. Because of the finished work of the cross, we have a mediator, who is Jesus, and we have the Holy Spirit. And that revelation—when we believe in what the cross accomplished—that changes how we know God.

We, with unveiled faces, get to behold Him. And it transforms us.

How do we know God? We spend time with Him. What He desired then and now is a heart that loves Him and is loyal and faithful to Him…a heart that delights in Him and wants to be with Him—not a heart bent on doing or performing or actions or piousness. He desires that we know Him. That’s all. To know His character, to sit with Him and love Him, to be.

This post was written by Laura Brandenburg. To read more about her, click here.

Fruitfulness, Trust

New Year, New Thoughts

February 13, 2014July 6, 2015by hcfwomen2 Comments

New Year’s Resolutions. I don’t keep them very well. However, at the beginning of the year, I was spending time with the Lord, and he gave me a word of this being a year of new confidence and boldness. He confirmed this continuously over the next couple of weeks through people in my life group, his Word, and just daily occurrences that used to make me insecure or anxious; I was now confident and relaxed. So, I am choosing daily to trust him; and I have been continuously blessed by this. This new season is not a result of a new year’s resolution; it is the result of the Lord’s faithfulness and hand in my life. This fact helps me know that this time, it is not changing; this time, I am changed, and am now seeing true freedom.

I wish that I could take the past few years of my life and have a “re-do.” I wish I would have been able to walk with confidence in who I was, and find myself secure enough to let people get to know me—flaws and all. I wish I could have been able to say, “This is who I am,” and welcome people into my life, instead of walking in with guards up and walls up.

This reminds me of a conversation I had with a group recently where I work. We were talking about life: what we go through and the importance of community. In that conversation, the point was brought up that God is in fact the author of our lives and stories, but he wants us to take an active role in those stories. I wish things would have been different, but the truth is, I could not have gotten to where I am now if it weren’t for my story. I do not like where I have been, but I would not change it because it’s how I can now prove the Lord’s sovereign grace and faithfulness. I believe I have come a long way; and this journey I have with the Lord only gets better.

Does this mean that I have reached perfection? Absolutely not! In fact, more growth will happen. It does mean that I know what it feels like to be in a place of internal captivity, brought on by not trusting or believing the Lord, and I do not want to go back there. Will I have moments where my flesh fails? Yes. But I trust in those moments that the Lord is faithful to his Word.

All of this to say: I am grateful for the journey, and for the valuable people He uses to speak to our hearts. I am also grateful for those people who are kingdom-minded and want to see us reach our potential in the Holy Spirit, and create environments to thrive in the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives. I would not go back, but would not change my story, because it’s how the Lord works specifically in my life. It is good.

“I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” (Philippians 3:13-14, NLT)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Rachael Montgomery is from Slaton, Texas. She is currently at Lubbock Christian University getting her Masters in Counseling. She wants to get her LPC (License of Professional Counseling) and work with children and adolescents. Rachael has a twin sister, and she loves coffee.

What kind of ministry are you most passionate about?
I have a passion for worship. I have a heart for seeing kids experience the Lord at a young age, and getting to know him early in life. Also, I have a heart to help facilitate children in learning who they are and their role in the kingdom early in life.

What is one quirky fact about you?
My wreck count is up to 6 with only 2 of them being my fault. 😉

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.