The Monday Rewind: Does it matter if he's FINE???

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

Yesterday's message was certainly fun!  It was Movement Sunday, a day that we take time to minister specifically to our teens and youth.  My husband spoke about the various decisions that we face in our lives and the need to be focused on how today’s decisions impact tomorrow’s outcome. 

He began to minister to the young girls about the need to maintain a standard of purity even in the face of temptation….FINE temptation.  And then one of the teens said, “Wait how fine??”  And that’s when the fun began! I thought my husband would die of shock because the teen who asked was none other than OUR daughter!  It was hilarious! And so we launched into the discussion of whether or not “fine” matters to women and teenage girls. 

Ladies, what do you think??? Does “fine” matter? Did it matter to you when you were a teenager? If you’re single, does it matter if a “fine” gentleman approaches you? Is it more difficult to stay focused? And, if you’re married, did it matter when you met your Husband whether or not he was fine?

I can’t wait to see some of these answers! J 

After some very lively and fun discussion, we ultimately concluded that as a young girl or even young adult Christian lacking in spiritual wisdom, the idea of “fine” is certainly relative to the ability to resist the temptation and stand firm on a standard of Godliness.  It requires a greater level of strength and determination to maintain the standard.  But it can be done! As women of God, our standard can and should be maintained, by the power of the Holy Spirit, even and especially in the face of “fine” temptation.  That does not mean that we won’t ever be tempted. It simply means that because we know who we are in God, we do not compromise our standards and we do not settle for less than God’s best, even if it looks good, even if it seems great.  And that is precisely what we must teach our daughters.  Good and even great is still not God!  Be determined to wait for God!

Overall, I thought the message was very timely, substantive and matter of fact:  You and I have some decisions to make.  And just like our past decisions have led us to where we are today, the current decisions we are facing will take us into our next place. 

Decisions such as:  How will I manage my money? With whom am I going to be in relationship? Where will I attend church? Where will I work? How long will I continue with this attitude & response? How long am I going to blame someone else for this behavior?

Where will you end up? How are you going to make these decisions? Will you be led by God and walk in His ordered steps for you? Or will you be led by your flesh and chase empty pleasures that are temporary and fleeting.  Always remember that where you are now is the sum total of the decisions you have made, and where you’re going will be a result of the decisions you will make.   So if it's your desire to walk out your ordered steps and receive the promises of God, then you must first commit to the most important decision of all.  Obedience. 

Have a blessed day!
All my love,
Nicole

Making every bite count

Did she say delectable molten chocolate cake?  Yum!  Okay, I got stuck there for a minute (maybe longer) and got all out the spirit. :-)  But I'm back!

So I've decided to engage the reading of The Resolution for Women very slowly and purposefully. I hope you will make the same commitment not to browse, skim or rush through the book, but thoroughly engage your mind, heart and spirit. I, for one, fully intend to get everything God wants me to have out of this book.  I must admit that as she describes the content of the book in the introduction, I had to take a moment and stop. It was time for a self-check and some honest evaluation. Am I ready to do this for real?  Am I really open to hearing from God?  Am I going to give the book permission to challenge my paradigms, and am I going to commit to any changes once it is exposed?  You see, I thoroughly enjoy reading, learning new things, growing and getting better, but if I'll be honest, I dislike the process of changing.  It hurts!  So when I opened my heart to this book, I resolved to embrace the process that comes with it.  I hope you will too! Are you ready?  Can we give each other the freedom to be transparent so that we can grow for real? Can we encourage, support and hold each other accountable as God operates on us?  That is my commitment to you.

With all that being said, I've only gotten through Every Bite Counts and wanted to share my thoughts. I'd love to hear your thoughts as well.

What have I been hurrying through?  I don't know about your process but in my process there is absolutely no way to actually hurry through it because there is nothing that I can do about it AND stay in the will of God.  Don't you hate that?? So I have resolved to take it one day at a time, one step of faith at a time.  When I accepted and started to live in the principle of God's perfect timing, I found my greatest peace.

What am I hurrying to get to?  I can admit that while I wasn't hurrying by taking shortcuts, in my heart I had been begging God to "move" as soon as possible, and the longer it went on, while I was still at peace, I started to fight a bit of discouragement.  I'm convinced that being content is a learned behavior and since God is always reminding me that there is divine purpose in the delay, I'm learning to be content in process by focusing more on the purpose - my growth.

What are some good parts of my experience that I've missed in an attempt to rush through the more difficult ones?  Sometimes I have missed the "small victories" because I've been so focused on the battle.  I've not taken the time to celebrate the incremental growth that I've experienced in the process.  In some cases, I've not taken the time to honor God in what He has been doing on-going in my process instead of just continuosly begging for the battle to be over.  Sometimes I've looked for "big victories" rather than just looking for God, even in what may appear to be a small victory.

What am I doing to scrape the plate? Lately I've been actively practicing being more thankful and grateful for what God has done in my life and what He's doing right now (that which I can see and cannot see). I've been practicing being humble and content with where I am and what He has blessed me with (it is certainly alot!).  I've been slowing down in my spirit and not rushing God in my anxiety (releasing Him from my time tables) by developing and cultivating a habit, heart and lifestyle of thanksgiving.

He Loves Me! He Loves Me!



He Loves Me....He Loves Me Not



Be honest…..did you ever play this game as a little girl? You know, the one where you pick a flower, preferably one with a lot of petals, and while thinking of the most popular boy in school, you pull the petals from the stem, and one by one declare “He loves me,” and then another, “He loves me not,” anxiously hoping that when you have picked the very last petal, you can boldly declare, “HE LOVES ME.” 

The irony in this childhood game is that as Christians, we often play this game with God.  We take the petals of our circumstances and use those to decide whether or not God loves us.  When the situation is good, we pull a petal and say “He loves me.”  When the situation is not so good, we pull a petal and say “He loves me not.”  Often allowing the fleeting emotions and feelings of the situation to dictate one or the other, we mistakenly judge God’s eternal love for us on the basis of temporary circumstances.  It’s actually a very clever trick of the enemy. If he can convince you that God doesn’t love you, and that you are not his precious daughter, then he can convince you to act like it. 

Can you think of a time in your life when you were persuaded that, on the basis of your situations, God must not care about you??

I certainly can. It was not a pretty sight.  And it's my prayer that you never forget how much God loves you; that you will know that He loves you as much today as ever; that despite your mistakes, He loves you; despite your unfaithfulness at times, He loves you; despite your most recent hardship, He loves you; despite YOU, He loves you.  How great is our God! 

My sister, I encourage you today, to remember that You are HIS...His daughter...HIS woman! And how DARE anyone, including YOU, treat you in any less way than is befitting of your true value and worth!  A woman who is so deeply loved, treasured, adored, significant, and virtuous to her Father.  That's you!  And the next time the enemy tries to convince you that you are unloved, unwanted, uncared for, undervalued, unheard or unremembered by God, remind yourself of these things:

God loves you enough to die for you. He didn’t have to die for you but He chose to of His own free will because He loves you so much.   

Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that He would lay down his life.

You are one of a kind! There will never be another person like you. You are an original, hand-crafted by the one who made all things; and sent, specifically and on purpose, to make a difference in this world. 

Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations

He thinks about you often.  Even now, as you’re reading, He’s thinking of how much He wants you to have the peace, purpose and promise He designed for you.   

Jeremiah 29:11For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Psalm 139:17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!

He’s knows and cares about even the most specific details of your life.

Luke 12:7 Even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

He has not forgotten you & He has a plan that you cannot even begin to imagine.

1 Corinthians 2:9 Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE!

All my love,
Nicole

Book Giveaway - Winners

And the winners of a free copy of The Resolution for Women are......

Keshia Melendez

Kasie Tanksley

Lisa MaysLori Simpson

Torie Perkins

For the ladies who have already purchased a book, please email me at nicoledawson125@gmail.com to let me know if you want me to order an additional copy for you or I can give you the money you paid already.  For the other winners, I'll have your book to you by the end of the week.  Can't wait to take this journey with you all.

Congrats again!

Love you all!

Nicole
p.s. I promise I did not select my sister in law on purpose!  I know she always wins something whenever I host a giveaway, but I promise it is not me, it is God! He must know she really needs 2 copies!!! LOL!  Just kidding Sissy! I love you!

 

Book Giveaway - The Resolution for Women

I'm so excited about the release of Priscilla Shirer's new book, The Resolution for Women, that I've decided to give away 5 copies of the book. I truly believe God inspired and divinely designed this book to be released for such a time as this, so I'm excited! I'm excited because I believe it can really change the lives of God's women, thereby changing society as we know it.  Imagine if the women of this world became resolved to live a life for God on purpose. Imagine if you and I became convinced of our true worth, value and impact on this world.  Do you know that you have the power to change this world!???  Yes! YOU! Imagine how our young girls lives would be changed. Imagine how many marriages could be healed.  Imagine how many relationships, among women in particular, could be built and used for the Kingdom of God.  Oh, the things we could accomplish for God!!  I'm so excited for you!  Can you tell??? This is a wonderful opportunity for you to change your life. Me too! 

So, since I am soooo excited and passionate about as many people as possible having the opportunity experience this book, I've decided to host a giveaway!  I would love to share a copy of the book with 5 resolved women.  Is that you?  All you have to do to enter the give away is leave a comment on this post telling us what you have become resolved to do.  That way we can all partner, pray and push you in your resolved life.  The giveaway will close Sunday evening, 9/18, and I will use a random number generator to pick the winners.  Winners will be posted on the blog no later than Monday Morning.

The book discussion will start October 1st. That will give you enough time to read and meditate on the content and allow God to speak personally to you.  I can't wait for you to share how the principles of the book affect your life.  Okay, can I just say it one more time....I'm so excited!!!!!

Have a great day!

Nicole
To learn more about Priscilla Shirer's ministry, visit her website at www.goingbeyond.com.

Fully Persuaded

Who against hope believed in hope....[Abraham] staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; and being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. (Romans 4: 18-21)

The enemy is always seeking to rob you of God's promises by convincing you that they will never happen. Do not believe it! God's promises never fail.  It can often seem as if they do, but the truth is that if you don't ever receive God's promises, it's because you did not stick out the process to get it. God cannot lie and He cannot change. It's His desire that you should have everything He promised you.  However, you can only access it through your obedience, sacrifice and patience to stay on course and believe that after you have done His will, you shall receive the promise (Heb 10:36).  The question is are you doing what it takes to receive His promise or are you settling for a cheap substitute? 

Sometimes it helps to remind ourselves just what God has promised us.  He has promised us all eternal life, but more specifially, He has a promise & a purpose designed specifically and especially just for you. Whatever it is, it is for you and no one else. You are the only person who can receive it, and you are the only person who can reject it.  But it is His desire that you receive it! You must believe that.  You must be fully persuaded that what He has promised you, He is able to do for you.  And if you believe that, then you must stay focused & determined to keep going no matter what.  Don't sell your promise for the "low-low price" of comfort, pleasure or an easier path.  You are not cheap. Your price is far above rubies! You can make it to the promise without compromising, quitting or selling out.  All you have to do is choose to....

In your quiet time of meditation, take a moment to write down God's promises to you....and remember...blessed is she that believes for there shall be a performance of those things told her from the Lord (Luke 1:45).

The Refining Process

Malachi 3:3 says: 'He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.'

The interesting thing about a silversmith is that he not only has to sit holding the silver over the hottest flames of the refining process,  but he also has to keep his eyes focused attentively on the silver the entire time to ensure that the end result is perfectly suitable for his ultimate purpose.  If taken out a moment too soon, it is worthless.  If left a moment too long, it will be destroyed.   And the only way he knows the exact moment that it is ready to come out of the fire is when he can see his own image as a reflection in it. 

How amazing for God to compare Himself to a silversmith.  For His ultimate purpose, He places us in the midst of fiery trials and leaves us there just long enough to see His image in us.  But how comforting to know that He will not leave us too long because His ultimate purpose is never to destroy us.  Yet for a season, if need be, He allows us to be tried with manifold tribulation and temptation, that that trial of our faith, being much more precious than silver or gold that perishes though it also is tried by fire, might yield a praise, honor, and glory at the appearance of Jesus Christ in us.  God is a good God!

My sister, whatever your trial, know that the Lord is watching you at all times. He never takes His eyes off you.  He is purposely attentive to you during your refining process.  And He is waiting just long enough to see His image in you.  He will not take you out of the fire a moment too soon, lest you remain spiritually dull, unpolished and unfit for His use. Neither will He leave you a moment too long, lest you are destroyed in the process.  His ultimate desire and purpose for all of your trials is that you become refined and purified so that He can see Himself when He looks at your attitude and demeanor, the way you talk, the way you treat people, your habits & behavior, the decisions you make, etc. 

So ask yourself: whose reflection does God see when He looks at you?  Does He still see YOU or does He see Himself?

Quality Time

Have you ever been in love with someone who was too busy to spend time with you? 

Quality time is the most cherished and sought after aspect of being in any relationship. It can also be the most difficult to accomplish. Busy schedules, heavy workloads, and demanding responsibilities can rob any relationship of time and intimacy.  This can cause the relationship to become stale and mundane, usually resulting in a loss of the passion and excitement that existed in the beginning.  In this age of never-ending to-do lists, if we are not careful, we can easily become overwhelmed and solely focused on managing the tasks of our daily lives.  This can be exhausting and depleting without a continual source of replenishment to keep us balanced, fulfilled and strengthened to keep going.  That source is our time with God. Quality time. 

Often times, we attempt to rush through our time with Him so that we can get on with our day or move on to other things.  If we're not careful and purposeful about spending quality time with Him, He will become just another check on our to-do list.  This is not quality time.  What God desires is an intimate encounter with us. He not only desires to hear from us, but He desperately desires to be heard because when He speaks, and we choose to obey, we fulfill His perfect will for our lives.  This is quality time, and it is our responsibility to make sure that we don't allow this time to get shuffled to the back burner or completely crowded out by our cares.  In fact, without spending quality time with God, we will have no clue how to prioritize and allocate time for anything else. This is the point where we begin to think there are not enough hours in the day.  The truth is, if we are running out of time, then we are not managing our time according to God’s purpose and will.  So if you find yourself in a place where you feel that you do not have enough time to accomplish everything on your list, ask yourself two questions:

When was the last time you spent quality time with God and what did He have to say about how you are managing your time?