New Foundation Chicks

NFC Launch

2009-07-02T10:05:00.000-07:00

NFC Official Launch Service set for September 13, 2009!

After several years of preparation and patience, we are finally set to have our church's grand opening to the public. Don't miss it!!

April NFC Chicks Meeting

2009-04-11T17:47:00.000-07:00

The next meeting will be held at Chow's Asian Bistro on Wednesday night, April 29th at 7:00. This restaraunt is located next to Macy's at the Cottonwood Mall. The food is excellent and the menu is reasonable. Again, feel free to bring your daughters along. Hope to see you there.

NFC Chicks Meeting Update

2009-03-26T21:39:00.001-07:00

The Chicks had a real blast stuffing their faces with chocolate tonight. There was chocolate fondue with pound cake, strawberries, and apples. There were Ferrer Roche candies, chocolate covered cherries, frozen fruit with chocolate topping, chocolate mousse tart, chocolate ice cream cake, and cream puffs.

I would like to thank all the ladies that attended. It was a great time of fellowship and fun. We had an informative Bible study, "Looking for Help in all the Wrong Places". Alot of the ladies shared their experiences concerning prayer and faith. It was really great.

For those that couldn't make it...we missed you!

Learning from the Little Ones

2009-03-23T19:32:00.000-07:00

"Don't take the name of the Lord your God in vain."

We are going through the Ten Commandments in NFC Kidz church on Sundays. I was teaching the lesson this week when I was reminded how often I break the third commandment! It's become such a common-place thing to say, "Oh my God!" It's become such a common expletive that we rarely notice it's use.

As I instructed the little children not to say this phrase, I was speaking to myself as well! This society that we live in has become so sarcastic and "in-your-face" that we've forgotten to protect the name of the Lord from misuse. Many times we even "swear to God" or use the name "Jesus" as an expletive of disgust or surprise.

So, I am passing this little reminder on to all the adults out there. God put this commandment third on the bad list...even above murder! So, I guess that he really doesn't want us to do it.

Baby Dedication

2009-03-14T15:19:00.000-07:00

Janice and Cliff dedicated their new addition last Sunday.

Welcome to the NFC family, Aliyah.

2009-03-12T19:20:00.001-07:00

NFC Chicks "S.O.S. I Need Chocolate Party"- March 26th- Thursday night- 6:00 p.m. The party will be held at Jennifer Landry's house.
For information: call (505) 818-9550.

This is going to be a time of fun and fellowship. We will have a short Bible study following our chocolate-binge. Hope to see you ladies there!

Bring anything that is made of, dipped in, or coated with chocolate! Cake, candy, pie; whatever floats your chocolate boat.

Open House Update

2009-03-12T19:10:00.000-07:00

Open House was Awesome!

The day was a great success with quite a few visitors and new additions to our NFC family. After a great sermon about the family, we all convened to the buffet line to eat lasagne, spaghetti, salad, bread, and brownies. To all those that pitched in to help, MUCHAS GRACIAS!!!

We hope to see everyone at the next one!

Open House Sunday

2009-02-22T07:43:00.001-08:00

Open House Sunday on March 1st @ 10:00 a.m.

Catered by Zio's Italian Kitchen.

Menu:

Lasagna

Salad

Bread sticks

Brownies

Everyone bring a friend!!!!

Fasting Update

2009-02-22T07:28:00.000-08:00

Today will make our third week of fasting. Many people ask me "What's the point?" or "Isn't it difficult?" These are valid questions, especially coming from my secular friends and co-workers. It seems a bit strange, maybe even odd to deprive yourself of food.

Why fast? Because the Bible says, "In our weakness, He is made strong." A fast deprives us of the physical things we crave and desire. As our physical body begins to weaken, our spiritual self begins to grow strong. It is during this time that prayers are made more powerful because we are more in-tune with the Spirit of God.

Two weeks ago, as we were praying at our Sunday night prayer meeting, I heard the voice of God speak to me very clearly. He said, "Ask for whatever you want and I will give it to you." I suddenly felt like Solomon. What should I ask for? The answer is this: "God send your sheep back into the fold." I believe God has heard that prayer and is already in the process of answering it.

We, as members of New Foundation Church, must be ready for the influx of these people seeking God. We must be ready and equipped to handle their problems and needs.

How can we get ready? Pray, read your Bible, and have faith that He will make us all into vessels worthy of His service.

God bless you guys. Keep us in your prayers as we finish up our last week of fasting. Pray for the church and the community. God will hear you!

February Fast

2009-02-02T16:59:00.000-08:00

Pastor LaVaughn is fasting the whole month of February. Several of our family members, including me, are fasting along with him. Keep us all in your prayers as we struggle to keep strong physically and spiritually.

I believe that this city is in bondage to Satan and only prayer and fasting can realease it from it's chains. Families need restoration. Children need protection from the perverse influences of the world. Parents need wisdom and courage. The battle is already raging. Let's all pray and believe God for the salvation of our city and nation.

NFC CHICKS NITE OUT!

2009-01-24T19:19:00.000-08:00

We had a great meeting at the Flying Star tonight. I was twenty minutes late because I thought it started at 5:30 instead of 5:00. The irony is that I'm the one that decided upon and announced the time!!! We all ate dinner and dessert then fellowshipped afterwards. It was lots of fun and we missed all of you ladies that couldn't make it. I am putting a prayer list on the right hand side of the blog. I will try to keep it updated as more requests come in.

We also discussed a trip to Santa Fe which will potentially take place in late April. We thought it would be fun to take the Railrunner to Santa Fe, shop, eat, and return that afternoon. Let me know what you think.

The Baby is Here!!!

2009-01-22T20:05:00.000-08:00

Janice gave birth to little Aliyah this morning at 5:30. We are all very grateful to the Lord for a healthy baby and mother. Can't wait to see her in the nursery!

Janice Norton has checked into the hospital!

2009-01-21T19:30:00.000-08:00

Janice is at Presbyterian and doing fine. They are inducing labor tonight and hope that the baby will be born sometime before tomorrow morning. Say a prayer for her tonight! We'll keep you posted. (In the picture: Cliff, Janice, and Bro. LaVaughn).

Baby Shower

2009-01-11T18:31:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone who attended Janice's baby shower. We all had lots of fun playing games and watching the mom-to-be open her gifts. Be praying for her as her due date draws near. I believe it is the third week in January. We'll keep you posted on her progress. Thanks again.

Upcoming Events

2008-12-23T10:20:00.001-08:00

1. Christmas Party is now officially a New Year's Party. Since I had strep throat and had to cancel the party at my house, I'd like to reschedule it for January 4th. That's a Sunday night. If this is a bad date for everyone, please write to me soon so that I can make the proper adjustments. (The party will proceed as planned, except it will be at Lori Kottenbrook's house. We will all bring finger foods and exchange our ornaments in a drawing.)

2. Janice is due to have her baby at the end of January. The shower is slated for 5:00 p.m. on January 10th @ my house. I would like everyone that can to bring a gift PLUS a bag of newborn diapers. She had just given away all of her "baby stuff" right before finding out she was pregnant again. We all know how that is, right? She's not sure about the gender, so keep the receipts and tags. Also, if you would like to help by bringing food for the party, please contact me via email.

Thanks.

Super Salad!!!

2008-12-23T10:14:00.000-08:00

My mom and I went shopping yesterday. After we finished with the main purchases, we decided to go to lunch at Zio's. It's a great Italian restaraunt near the mall.

After meeting our waiter, whose name was John, we began to peruse the menu. In the end, we decided on Baked Formaggio for an appetizer. When John returned, we ordered our food (Me= chicken canneloni; Mom= chicken marsala).

The waiter looked at mom and asked if she wanted "soup or salad". She said "WHAT kind of salad is that?" He clarified...soup or salad. She said, "Oh! I thought you asked if I wanted a Super Salad!"

That's my mom!

2008-10-22T21:17:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 22:3 "A prudent man foresees the evil, and hides himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished."

Life is full of warning signs. Our bodies give us signals when something is not right. Nature gives us warnings when a storm is on the way. People give us subtle hints when they are having problems or feeling upset.

Some people see the signs but they choose to ignore them. Who knows why? I've seen many people fall into dire straits because they didn't heed the warnings given to them. People tried to help them but they were determined to do things their own way instead of God's way. Inevitably, the outcome was not good.

As we end 2008 and head into 2009, I encourage everyone to be vigilant for the signs ahead. When you see the evil coming and prepare yourself according to God's Word, you and your family will remain safe and blessed.

Don't worry...Trust God!

2008-10-11T09:51:00.000-07:00

This cartoon seems to embody what every American is thinking right now...What if...?

Life is filled with invariables that come at us from nowhere. Financial disaster, unexpected death or injury, sickness, loss of employment, and on and on it goes.

As our country battles to stay afloat during this uncertain time, Christians need to be strong and confident that God is going to take care of them and meet all of their needs.

I'd like to share two segments of scripture with you to answer some very pressing questions that I know are on everyone's mind.

Question #1- What if our economy crashes? What will happen to me?
Answer: Psalm 37: 25 "I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging for bread."

Question #2- What if a the wrong man gets into the Presidency? What will happen to our nation...and me?
Answer: Psalm 37:34-39 "Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it. I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree. Yet he passed away, and lo, he was not; yea, I sought him, but he could not be found. Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright; for the end of that man is peace. But the transgressors shall be destroyed together; the end of the wicked shall be cut off. But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord; he is their strength in the time of trouble."

NFC Chicks Calendar

2008-09-22T19:24:00.000-07:00

This is our schedule of events through the end of January:

October 15th- NFC Chicks's Mexican Pot Luck @ Victoria Giorvis' house.

October 31st- Kids and Youth Fall Party @ Jennifer Landry's house. (Donations of candy, cookies, cokes, and other delectable party goodies will be appreciated. The kids from the nursery to the high school will be invited. After the party, the older kids will escort the younger kids around the neighborhood in their costumes to collect candy. Parents are invited.

November 2nd- Church as usual, but TIME FALLS BACK FOLKS!!

November 12th- NFC Chicks meeting- location still undecided. CHeck the NFC Chicks blog and vote for the best idea.

November 23rd- Church-wide Thanksgiving Pot Luck @ RRMH Cafeteria.

November 27th- Thanksgiving- enjoy your friends and family.

December 13th- NFC Nursing Home Project: This date is tentative until we have a go-ahead from the nursing home. We will be collecting items to make gift bags. (Some gift ideas: lotion, powder, socks, sugar-free candies, brushes, combs, mittens, slippers, etc...) If you are interested in helping organize this project, give me a call at 891-7807 after 4 p.m. We will also try to organize some sort of entertainment for them as well.

December 17th- NFC Chicks Christmas Party- location undecided. Everyone will bring party snacks and a gift to exchange worth no more than $7.00. It will be lots of fun. Don't skip it just because you don't have a gift. There will be extras, just in case.

December 20th- Kids and Youth Christmas Party @ Jennifer Landry's house. Fun and games for everyone! Parents invited.

December 25th- Christmas!!! Have lots of fun with family and friends.

January 10th- Janice's baby shower @ 5:00 p.m. (location undecided) As far as we know, it's a girl. But, it wasn't difinitive. She really needs our assistance, so let's pitch in to welcome our first 2009 NFC baby!!

Wisdom hears!

2008-09-22T18:57:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 1:3- "A wise person will hear, and will increase learning; and a person of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels."

If you turn on the news, people are in a panic over the state of the world. Gas prices are rocketing, taxes are soaring, wages are decreasing, jobs are scarce, and so on and so forth. It's not a pretty picture.

Now more than ever, a person needs to be wise. The decisions made during the hard times can effect your future for years to come. Our basic instinct tells us that we need to do something NOW! But, wisdom tells us to listen to wise counsel and learn. We should always seek counsel before taking action. If you are being pressured to do something right away, the chances are that you will make a mistake.

The wise person will take the time to seek God, then seek wise counsel from someone they trust. Whether that person is your pastor, your spouse, your best friend, your parent, or your banker, seek wisdom before you take action.

NFC Chicks Nite Out Update

2008-09-22T18:48:00.000-07:00

The NFC Chicks Nite Out was a blast!

I ate mac and cheese with coconut cream pie for dessert. Lordy, that was some really decadent stuff! If you were unable to come, we hope that you will be able to make it to our next meeting, which will be a Mexican Pot Luck held on October 15th at Victoria Giorvis' house. The meeting will begin at 6:30. Hope to see you there!

NFC CHICKS NITE OUT!

2008-09-08T15:18:00.000-07:00

Our next NFC CHICKS meeting is coming up. The information is on the sidebar of this blog. To get directions, click the map to the right.

I have several points on the agenda that I will be discussing with all you ladies. The first point is adding people to our Hospitality Team. This would entail bringing food to the hospitality table on Sunday mornings on a voluntary basis. The second point is our women's holiday project. I would like to make gift baskets for a local nursing home and have our youth perform musically for their entertainment around Christmas.

Any other ideas that you might have for our group, please feel free to bring them up at the meeting.

I look forward to seeing everyone there!!

Pheobe

2008-08-26T05:27:00.000-07:00

Romans 16:1

"I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant (deaconess) of the church in Cenchrea"

Paul certainly knew the value of what women could do in serving the church. Apparently Phoebe was on her way to Rome and Paul sends an advance recommendation of this sister in Christ so the Romans will receive her and support her during her stay in Rome. Phoebe seems to be a female deacon in the church, either through formal recognition or through her general service. Paul says, "She has been a helper of many and of myself also." This sort of practical help is essential in doing the business of the gospel. Paul gives Phoebe one of the best compliments anyone can give. Phoebe, this name is the feminine form of a title given to the pagan god Apollo, the title meaning "the bright one." Christians, on their conversion, seemed to feel no need to change their names even if there was some pagan significance to their name. Even our names are sanctified. The name certainly fit her; she was a bright light in a dark world

Final Post: The Virtuous Woman

2008-08-24T08:38:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 31: 10-31

I want to quote a paragraph from a book called "Proverbs" from the Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries.

This is how it summed up this scripture:

The subject of this portrait is a lady of some position, who has servants to manage and money to invest. As her husband's trusted partner, she has sole responsibility in her domain, which extends beyond the house to the managemaent of her lands and to dealings in the market, where she is a shrewd seller and buyer. She treats her advantages not as a means to self-indulgence but as a awidening of her responsibilities, for she is a tireless worker: there are the poor to help and the vicissitudes of life to meet forearmed. Yet with all her thrift, she is not austere and with her business sense she is not hard, but a friend in need and the delight of her children and her husband. Her charm and her success owe nothing to chance, because her outlook and her influence have the solid foundation of the fear and wisdom of the Lord.

This scripture shows the fullest flowering of domesticity, which is revealed as no petty and restricted sphere, and its mistress as no cipher. Here is scope for formidable powers and great achievements.

I love the way that this book sums it all up! I hope that you have enjoyed this study as much as I have.

Over the next few months, I will be alternating between Proverbs and the biographies of Biblical women.

NFC Chicks Spa Party

2008-08-17T20:27:00.001-07:00

Our Spa Party was a big success. We all would like to thank Victoria Giorvas for her willingness to speak so candidly with us about our health.

Thanks, Victoria!

For those of you who have ideas for our next meeting, please feel free to post them on the comment section of this blog.

Thanks to everyone who participated. See you next time.

Women Who Did Right

2008-08-17T13:46:00.000-07:00

Exodus 1:17

"But because the midwives feared God, they refused to obey the king’s orders. They allowed the boys to live, too."

The Pharaoh, King of Egypt, had become very paranoid about the number of Jews who lived in Egypt, and wanted to get rid of them. When slavery and persecution failed, he devised a wicked plan of genocide be get rid of the threat of the Jews. He called for Shiphrah and Puah, two Hebrew midwives, and ordered them to kill all the baby boys born to the Jews. Shiphrah and Puah refused to obey the King. They spared the Hebrew boys (V:18).

Shiphrah and Puah were ordinary women who possessed a courage that was remarkable. Without concern for themselves they defied the king and sought to preserve life rather than take life. In their action they mirrored the very nature of God – God gives life and sustains life. These unknown women emerged as genuine heroines and rightly so. These women, who safeguard the lives of infants, were blessed with families of their own. (V:18)

When evil presents itself, are we ready to stand up, these women were. Shiphrah and Puah leave an example for us to emulate. Their stand had succeeded in outdoing the power of a tyrant. The reality is a godly person has might and power beyond themselves. They stood against all odds, are we ready to take our stand against the wickedness of our day.

O Lord, give me the strength and courage to stand for what is right today.

Ladies Love a Luau!!

2008-07-28T12:50:00.000-07:00

We all had a grat time at the NFC Chicks Luau at Lori and Jenny Kottenbrook's house. For those that missed it, we truly hope that you can make it to our next one. It will be a Spa Party. Victoria will give us a great speech on health, diet, and exercize. We will eat healthy, but good foods. Everyone will also receive a 3 free session pass to Plant Beach Spa. Look forward to seeing everone there.

Be Prepared!

2008-07-28T09:06:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 31:21- "She is not afraid of the snow for her household, for all her household are clothed with scarlet."

We can easily take this scripture at face value. A wife and mother should provide proper clothing for the seasons; the heat, the cold, the rain, the wind, and everything in between. Hats, coats, scarves, umbrellas, mittens; these are all external protection from the elements. We all take care of this naturally.

What we don't do naturally is protect our kids from the spiritual elements. So, I would like for us to look at this scripture in a spiritual light.

A virtuous woman prepares her family for the "seasons of life" that are sure to come.

The Bible says, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it." This is spiritual preparation.

The Word of God is a lamp to our feet and a light to our paths. It must also become that to our kids. It is our duty to train them to read and trust in the Word of God as their ultimate guidline. Without the Word of God, our kids will make the wrong decisions and go down the wrong path.

Ephesians 6:11 says, "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."

While we snuggle those little ones up in their coats and their mittens, let's not forget that we must fortify them spiritually as well. Their hearts are just as vulnerable as their external body.

What is the armor of God? Truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation and the Word of God.

Ephesians 6:18 finalizes our instructions by saying, "Praying always with prayer and supplication in the Spirit and watching with all preserverence and supplication for all saints."

Teach your children to read the Word of God and pray. If they learn these two simple things, they will be prepared to fight off any attack of the wicked one.

Charity is a Virtue

2008-07-16T09:26:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 31:20 "She stretches out her hand to the poor; yes, she reaches forth her hands to the needy."

A virtuous woman is not consumed with selfishness. She works hard to provide a good life for her family, but also remembers those less fortunate. The elderly who are abandoned in an assisted living home. The foster child bumped from home to home. The single mother struggling to feed her children. The sick and the handicapped attempting to survive. There is no end of people around us that are starving for help. Some need money, but others merely need attention and love.

James 1:27 says, "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction..."

A sign of a mature Christian is the overwhelming desire to help others. The love of God has truly found a place in that person's heart and God's love compels her/him to reach out to the needy. A virtuous or strong woman will move beyond the "receiving" phase of her growth into a "giving" phase. We come to the point where we are looking for what we can do to help others instead of focusing on what they can do for us.

As we walk through each day, let's keep our eyes open and our hearts aware of the needs of those around us. A smile, a pat on the back, and an encouraging word can make all the difference sometimes. God simply wants us to be willing to give of our emotions, time, and money to help those poor and unfortunate souls around us.

A virtuous woman gives of herself without restraint.

The Infernal Internet

2008-07-16T09:24:00.000-07:00

Sorry! Every computer in our house has been down since the middle of last week. I hope to update everything soon. Thanks for your patience.

Not Tonight, Dear!

2008-07-05T09:10:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 31:18- "She percives that her merchandise is good. Her candle doesn't go out at night."

This scripture speaks of "Perception". I believe that one of the number one problems with women is they develop a warped perception of themselves and the world around them. They see themselves, as well as others, in an extremely negative light. Our husbands or boyfriends look at us and we immediately think, "He thinks I'm fat. He doesn't think I'm as pretty as so-and-so. I don't measure up."

The Proverb says, "She perceives that her 'merchandise' is good." A strong, virtuous woman knows that there is more to life and love than the thin layer of flesh that covers our bones. Beauty is like a fleeting shadow. It's there one day; then it's gone the next. Love, on the other hand, can be a life-long experience, but it must be nurtured. To properly nurture your love affair with your husband, you must perceive that he wants you and loves you.

The Proverbs continues, "Her candle doesn't go out at night." You must come to terms with the fact that there are other women more beautiful or shapely than you, but your husband doesn't love or want them. He loves and wants YOU! This should build a tremendous amount of conficence in your ability to reciprocate that love and longing.

ROMANCE! Whether you're eighteen or eighty, you can't let your romantic candle go out. Keep that love and passion alive. Make romantic plans, flirt without shame, whisper sweet nothings, make tantalizing promises. Keep your romantic flame burning!

I got this off the internet: "The Sex-Starved Marriage" It's estimated that one of three marriages struggles with intimacy issues. I think it will help though to define what I mean by a sex-starved marriage. It is when one spouse desperately longs for more touch, more sex, more physical closeness and the other is too busy, preoccupied or disinterested, and thinks "what's the big deal? It's just sex."

To the more sexual spouse, it's a really big deal because it's about feeling wanted, loved, appreciated, important, and close to one's spouse. And when this disconnect happens intimacy on all levels begins to drop out. They stop having meaningful conversations. They stop sitting next to each other on the couch, laughing at each other's jokes, spending time together. In short, they stop being friends. And this puts the marriage at risk of infidelity and even divorce.

So ladies, get out those high heels and light your candles! Romance is calling!

Work it Out!

2008-06-30T09:44:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 31:17- "She girds her loins with strength, and strengthens her arms."

The Bible calls our body the Temple of the Holy Spirit. Why? Because once we've entered into a spiritual relationship with God, the Holy Spirit takes up residence in our body. He is there with us to guide us through the tough decisions in our lives. He protects us and encourages us. He is our everpresent help in a time of trouble.

Take that into consideration, then ask yourself this question: "What sort of temple have I provided for the Spirit of the Living God?"

I cringe! In the past twenty years, I've let myself slip! I've gained weight by stuffing myself with ice cream, chips, and Big Macs!! I've lost nearly all my muscle mass by sitting around watching tv and reading books. Now, I look in the mirror and say, "Girl, you look like SEVERAL temples!"

Recently, due to a blessing from some church members, Vaughn and I have been able to join a gym. I have taken a good look at my life and decided that I need to take control. Obeisity is a dangerous problem amongst American women. High blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and many other serious health risks can be linked to high body-fat. I don't know about you, but I want to live to see my great grandchildren!

I spoke recently to a physical trainer and she said that there are two things which every person should do to remain healthy. Eat properly and exercize. This is very sound advice that I'm passing on to you.

In july, I plan to have this same personal trainer do a talk about health at our women's meeting. Meanwhile, I encourage everyone to take charge of their health.

Defragment My Brain, Please!

2008-06-20T07:37:00.000-07:00

I'm very glad to see that you've found my blog today.

You see, I don't really like to be left alone with my brain. It's a bit dangerous.

Somebody once said, "Write down your thoughts and free your mind from self-inflicted captivity." Well, not really. I just made that up. Nevertheless, it sounds like it could be true.

I told someone once (really!) that I wish my brain had a defragment button like my computer. I'd push that little bugger and get rid of all the random bits of useless information rattling around my little gray cells. Then, maybe I could remember where I put my reading glasses.

The first thing I'd defragment are all those pointless scenes from movies that seem to congeal in my dreams. For example (this is true), the other night I was walking through the forest of Endor when the Iraqis attacked in their tie-fighters. I escaped into a very nice neighborhood which was subsequently empty because everyone was incubating in giant alien pods!

Yes...those are the thoughts that need to be defragmented immediately!

The next thing I'd defragment are the random things that I did that caused serious embarrassment. For example: Slapping a man on the bottom in front of a room full of men only to realize that it wasn't my husband. I still blush! That fragment needs to go!

Also, and most importantly, are the bad things that people have done and said to me. I was in the seventh grade and riding the Hades Express (the school bus). Some older girl named, Patty, got on with a t-shirt that had some jargon written across her chest-area. I tried to read it. Big mistake! Patty said I was looking at her boobs. I became "the lesbian" for three months until I threatened to tell on her. She begged me not to and pretty much became my guardian angel (even if she was one of Hell's angels).

Bad memories! There is no such thing as a brain-defragmentation, but fortunately God has given us the power through his spirit to overcome the thoughts and memories that plague us.

2 Corinthians 10:5 says, "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ."

So, when bad thoughts ooze through my little gray cells, I just stop and ask God to take them. I ask for my peace of mind and heart. And, usually, I get it.

*Now, if I could just stop dreaming about tornadoes ripping up my house and carrying me off to Waterworld where I land on a rickety boat with a toothless Tom Hanks and his annoying friend, Wilson.

Instant Prayer

2008-06-10T09:13:00.001-07:00

Proverbs 31:15 "She rises also while it is yet night, and gives meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens."

This scripture speaks of a mother preparing her family for the day that lies ahead.

Why do we eat breakfast? It is the first nourishment that we consume after a night of fasting. It is the nutrition that sustains us until our afternoon meal. Many say it is the most important meal of the day. I believe that the morning is the most important time of the day!

Romans 14:17-18 says, "For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men."

I would like to look at this verse in Proverbs in a Spiritual sense. As a wife and mother, it is our duty not only to oversee the physical needs of our family, but the spiritual needs as well. Food and drink can't save our children from bad decisions. A hearty breakfast can't protect our kids from outside influences. Toast and jelly can't produce Godly characteristics. This can only be done through prayer and diligent training.

What should we do to prepare our kids for a day in the world?

Pray, Pray, Pray! Each morning, if it's the only thing you do, grab your child's hand and pray for them. This not only puts a protective shield around them, but it teaches them to turn to God in times of trouble. If a child is not being taught to pray for divine help, he won't do it on his own. It doesn't come naturally. Parents need to take that extra few minutes in the morning to teach their kids to give the outcome of their day to the Lord.Besides praying with our kids, we should also spend time in spiritual warfare for them in private. No time to pray at home? Do it while you're driving to work. I have broken through many spiritual barriers while maneuvering down Southern on my way to Wal-mart.

Have you heard that song Don't worry; Be happy?" Well, my advice is 'Don't worry: Pray!' Don't ignore those sudden "worry impulses". Many times, what we consider to be worry is actually the prompting of the Holy Spirit to pray. I can't tell you all the times that I felt compelled to pray because of worry and it turned out that something bad was actually happening.

Romans 12:12 "Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer."

As a child learns to pray, he/she will begin to turn to God more and more often. Before long, they will instantly call out to God when things feel wrong. This is our goal as parents. Our children immediately turning to God for help. (Remember, kids imitate mom and dad. Make sure you are turning instantly to God in prayer.)

To sum it all up, the spiritual health of our children should be tended to daily through prayerful training.

Working to Live

2008-06-04T11:03:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 31:13 "She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands."

Um....right! What's that all about? Wool...flax...? That seems a bit outdated and old-fashioned, doesn't it?

We know about wool, so what is flax? Flax fibers are amongst the oldest fiber crops in the world. The use of flax for the production of linen goes back 5000 years.

Most of the clothing in the ancient world was made of linen; a few items were made from wool. (Hint: flax produced the light-weight, every-day clothing, while wool produced the long-term items like coats, shoes, and outdoor clothing). Linen is spun from the stem of the flax plant. Different grades were produced depending on the desired end product. The finest thread was produced from the youngest plant (damask, lace, etc). Spinning, weaving, and the sewing of clothes was an important activity at all levels of society. Royalty were involved in it as a commercial enterprise, and peasant and workers' wives produced clothing for their families and bartered the surplus.

So now that the agricultural history lesson is over, let's figure out what it means to the modern Christian woman.

Since the emancipation of women, American society has made a permanent shift. Women are working in the public arena so that they might augment the overall income of their family. More money means a higher quality of life for parents and kids. More money means greater opportunity for future generations (better education, better jobs, etc).

There has been an overwhelming battle over the centuries about a woman's right to work. Remember the old saying, "A woman's place is in the home." Well, apparently, whoever said that had never read Proverbs 31. In verses 13-16, the mother of King Lemuel states pretty clearly that a virtuous woman should be able to assist in providing the family finances.

While the Bible tells us explicitly that our husbands are the head of the home, I can't think of a single place where it prohibits women from working and fulfilling their personal destinies. Remember, God gave each of us a gifting. He made us in his image. He wants us to be happy and successful. (I'll get into balancing motherhood and working in a later verse of our study).

So, go to work, bring home your paycheck, and take care of your family (guilt-free). It's in the Bible and it's okay!

SPOILED!!

2008-06-02T18:37:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 31:11- "...so that he shall have no need of spoil.

Song of Solomon 2:15- "Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines; for our vines have tender grapes."

It's just a fuzzy, cute little animal with a beautiful tail! What harm can it possibly do? It wasn't just Solomon who attested to the destructive habits of foxes pillaging the grapevines.

Theocritus 5.112-13 (tr. A.S.F. Gow):
I hate the foxes with their busy tails that come ever at evening and plunder Micon's vineyard.

Alciphron, 3.22 (Polyalsus to Eustaphylus, tr. anon.):
I set a trap for those confounded foxes, and hung some pieces of meat on the trap. They ravaged my vines, and, not content with picking a few grapes, carried off whole bunches and pulled up the plants.

As little foxes can ruin the vineyards by gnawing at the tender shoots, so the little problems that inevitably show up in a marriage can ruin that relationship. These "little foxes" must be caught and stopped before they do further damage.

Hebrews 12:1- "...let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us."

It's the little things that sometimes ruin a marriage. What are some of those little sins that so easily beset women? Here's a list from the top of my head (scary, huh?)

1. Nagging- Do we really have to remind hubby to take out the trash 10 times in 10 minutes? And, here's another thing, who decided that taking out the trash was a man's job anyway? Do we like people telling us that washing dishes or dusting is a woman's job?

2. Public corrections/The need to be right!- Does it really matter if the person in your mutual memory was wearing pink or blue? Is it going to change the course of history if your husband says that something happened on Monday instead of Tuesday? NO! Just let it go...take a deep breath...it'll be okay.

There is a comedian who once joked, "Men, you have to make a decision at the very beginning of your marriage, do you want to be right or do ya want to be happy? Cause ya can't have it both ways!"

It shouldn't be that way.

3. False expectations- Women are great fantasizers! Their birthday is coming up and they "imagine" what it will be like... a gift of roses or jewelry, a beautiful cake, romantic candles and music...prefection! What really happens? Hubby comes home with a card and a potted daisy, kisses you on the cheek, and watches football. The let-down from dreamland to reality is like falling from a plane. Don't allow yourself to get sucked into this trap. Ladies, I'm going to give you a hint that can save your sanity. MEN NEED INSTRUCTIONS!! Beleive me, they just don't get it. If you want to go to Zio's for dinner, tell him for heaven's sake! You'll both be happier. (Oh yeah, one other thing. Men get disappointed in us all the time, they just don't tell us!)

4. Holding a grudge- A husband and a wife get into a heated discussion about where to go on vacation. Hubby wants to go camping; you want to go to the beach. Before you know it, you start telling him how selfish he is for wanting to do it his way. Then, you start dredging up past grievances that you worked out years ago...as an "example" of his selfishness. This is bad. This is very, very bad. Don't do it! That pendulum swings both ways and you might be informed by your imperfect husband that you are NOT perfect either! Never point the finger unless you are willing to answer for your own faults. It's only fair!

This list could go on but I think you get the drift. Those little sins that we succomb to can spoil our marriage and eventually destroy it. Paul told the Hebrews to run the race with patience. Remember the fruit (virtues) of the spirit? Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, meekness, temperance, faith; against such there is no law! Follow those rules and the "little foxes" will have to find another place to eat!

Can your husband trust you?

2008-05-31T22:07:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 31:11- "The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil."

Trust is like a building. You build it up one brick at a time. So, in marriage, trust is built up one experience at a time. In the beginning, it is a slow and sometimes frustrating process but, if you can endure, a strong structure is formed. A trusting marriage is able to withstand the outside influences just as a building withstands the wind and the rain.

Do you know that it is virtuallly impossible to trust someone if you know they don't trust you? How do we as women expect our husbands to trust us when we live in constant doubt of their decisions-making abilities?

One of the biggest problems with marital trust is that women never give their husbands a chance to make a decision and see it through to the end. By stifling their decision-making processes, we discourage them from branching out and improving the family circumstances. What man wants to share a new idea with his wife if she only beats him down and makes him feel like a fool? Because many women never allow their husbands to make important decisions without a good old-fashioned brow beating, the marriage ends up lacking in those experiences that build up trust in a relationship.

How do most men react to their wife's distrust?

Some men completely cower under the pressure of his wife's scrutiny. He will cringe and shy away from the decision-making process because he doesn't want to invoke the wrath of his distrusting wife. Some men go so far as to concede all decision-making to their wives instead of fighting over it. They completey "wimp" out!

Other men become complete control freaks. They may go into a "shell" and completely exclude his wife from the information-sharing process, side-stepping her altogether. These husbands refuse to ask advice or release pertinent information. He doesn't share any of his hopes and dreams with his wife for fear of her dashing them to the ground.

Why do women feel this overwhelming sense of distrust?

Because from the moment we are born, we are under a man's authority. Our father sits us on his knee and says, "I know that you don't understand, but you'll just have to trust me." Later, we get married and come under another man's authority. It's rather unnerving.

If you are experiencing trouble trusting your husband, you may need to examine your own heart. Many women don't realize that the deep distrust they feel is rooted in the fact that they don't trust God to protect and guide their lives. Many times, it is simply a lack of faith in God. The more that you begin to pray and commit your life to the Lord, the easier it will be to trust your husband.

If God has ordained the man as the head of the family, then he will make sure that a trusting wife and family is taken care of.

What about a husband that doesn't seem to make good decisions or an unbeliever?

Pray! Pray! Pray! Even in these cases, God can interevene on behalf of the trusting woman. Through her faith in God, she can see her life goals accomplished.

Is your husband doing something that you don't understand? Try as you may, you just don't see where he is going or what he is doing! If you just can't figure it out, then there is only one person that you can turn to... GOD!

James 1:5 says, "If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God that gives to all men liberally..."

If you put the matter into God's hands, one of two things will happen. He will give you understanding about your husbands plans or He will show you how to turn the situation to your good. If your husband has made up his mind, your pouting and bickering isn't going to do any good. You need to bind the devil from your husband's plans and ask that God bless everything that he sets his hands to do. Pray for his success, because if he fails; you fail!

What if his plan fails?

Failure at some point in life is inevitable. No person is perfect! If we trust our husbands in a matter and it fails, we must forgive and support them through the bad times. We must encourage them to pick up the pieces and start again. And, for heaven's sake, control the urge to say "I told you so!" Remember, you are a team.

My main point is this: Trust in God and everything else will fall into place.

Psalm 37:3-5 "Trust in the Lord and do good; so shall thou dwell in the land and verily thou shall be fed. Delight thyself in the Lord and he shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your ways unto the Lord; trust also in Him and he shall bring it to pass."

Acepting Yourself

2008-05-26T20:04:00.000-07:00

The world is a very unforgiving judge. Our American society has pre-set ideals regarding human worth. The female is the most vulnerable victim in this social judgement scheme. Beauty is the rule! There are rare to no exceptions.

Intelligence and ability have been deemed "maculine" traits. For most women, it is secondary to beauty. The majority of the women in our society would trade their brains to be beautiful. Why? Because men desire beauty and women desire men.

Over the centuries the standards have varied, but very little. Leonardo Davinci painted lovely, plump women with ivory skin and cherubic faces. Now, it's the thin, muscular models that walk the catwalk in Paris and Milan. Millions of dollars a year are spent by women on clothes and accessories. We have shelves full of make-up and hair products. Each promising to make us as beautiful as the woman on the package or tag.

Women constantly change their looks! They wear their hair long, then they bob it all off. They color their hair blond, then they change it to red. They raise their skirts and heels, then they lower them again. They wear colored contact lenses. They lie in tanning booths for hours on end. They wear fake lashes and nails. There is no end to the changes that a woman can make to herself.

What is beautiful? Is it really being thin? Is it being blond or brunette? Is it being curvaceous? What defines beauty? Sadly to say, our society does. And, much to our dismay, it is constantly changing. Therefore, none of us can ever keep up. Even the women of substantial looks has trouble accepting herself. She has been taught to see the flaws instead of the perfections.

This whole vicious cycle is a trick of the devil. He has devised a beauty standard that most of the women in the world will never be able to meet. He uses television and magazines to propagate his devious plan.

So, what are we to do? First of all, you must realize that this standard is nothing more than smoke and mirrors. It's not real. Just because there is a flaw, it does not make you ugly or imperfect. Guess what? Every human body on the planet has a flaw. Perfection is not possible! When Adam and Eve fell into sin, our bodies became subject to corruption. We all must come to grips with reality. We must stop torturing ourselves with some goal that is unattainable.

The key to true beauty is accepting yourself as God has made you. You can make improvements and attempt to be the best that you can be, but don't try to be something that you're not. Stop placing goals on yourself that are beyond your reach. It only discourages you. Be realistic! Enhance what God has given you and be proud of yourself.

There is something beautiful about a woman that is confidant. There is something attractive about a woman that is happy and at peace with herself. There is something desirable about a woman who believes herself to be worthy of other people's affections.

A woman can never really accept herself completely without the help of God. The devil is the accuser of the brethren. He will always be there to tell you that you are ugly or no one likes you. The devil is nothing more than a thief. He is constantly stealing your self-worth and replacing it with self-loathing. When the devil comes against us with these thoughts, we must know that the Lord loves us and thinks that we are beautiful. He made us!!

Not only must we change the way that we judge ourselves, but we must also change the way we perceive others. We inadvertently judge others by their appearance. A human being far exceeds the worth of his or her outward appearance. People gain weight, have accidents, or simply grow old. This doesn't diminish their worth!

Finally, Godly characteristics make a woman beautiful. As the 31st Proverb says, " Favor is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman that feareth the Lord, she is to be praised."

A Woman's Place is...where?

2008-05-23T13:21:00.000-07:00

Remeber Mrs. Cleaver? Beautiful, thin, dressed to nines in heels and pearls. She was always polite and never late. Turst me...that show was written by a group of men imgining a perfect wife in a fantasy world.

Even the best of us could never meet up to those standards. We have bad hair days, we gain weight around the midsection and hips, we wear our sweats to dinner without makeup, and we are late for nearly everything. Don't even get me started on PMS and mood swings.

Genesis 2:18-23 "It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a help meet for him...and the Lord caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept: and he took the rib, which the Lord had taken from the man and made he a woman, and he brought her unto the man. And Adam siad, 'This is bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh; She shall be called woman, becaus she was taken out of a man."

Most women hate this story. The thought that they were created in second place with a leftover rib gets alot of women mad. Don't get mad; get educated! Women weren't a "spur of the moment" creation. God always had Eve in his divine plan.

Of all God's creatures, the creation of woman was unique. All the other creautres, including Adam, were created directly from the dust of the Earth. The woman, however, was made from a portion of the man's body; already existing flesh and bone. She was created from a part of another creation. God took Adam's rib and formed a female body around it. Her body was still formed from the dust of the Earth and God still breathed life into her lungs, but inside her chest was the rib of a man.

Why a rib?

The rib is a bone that protects the human heart. It will deflect a blow from striking the heart by taking the wound unto itself. Call me crazy, but this seems to have significance. I believe that God took that rib from Adam and put it next to Eve's heart to signify his role as the protector of Eve's life. A true man of God will take upon himself the wounds of the family to protect it. He is their guardian and will risk his own life to protect them.

Where is the heart?

The heart is located in the center of the body cavity. Call me crazy again, but this too seems to have significance. I believe that this signifies the postion of the woman in the family unit. She is neither above nor below her mate. They are of equal importance. The bible says that when a man leaves his parents and takes a wife, the two become one flesh. They are equal, yet different.

How can we be equal; yet different?

What would society be like without authority? Chaotic, dangerous, miserable. God knew that human beings needed authority. So, God made man and set him up as the head of the family. Eve's misunderstanding of Adam's role in her life was probably the reason that she eventually took a bite out of the apple of sin.

She probably thought, "Why should Adam be in charge?" She probalby thought that God was wicked for excluding her in this area. She took that bite because she wanted to avoid the authority in her life. She didn't want to be dependent. Poor Eve! She didn't grasp that God is is a God of balance. Everything that he creates is in perfect unity as long as everyone is doing their job.

Eve got her eyes off of her purpose in life and got her eyes on the things she didn't have or couldn't be. She allowed the devil to diminsh her worth and belittle her station. He turned her against the One who created her and delighted in her. God saw her as perfect and good, but Satan convinced her that it was all bad.

Today, the devil still uses the same tactics against us. For the most part, we all stil very much like Eve. When it comes down to it, we simply don't like anyone telling us what to do.

If a woman neglects her natural responsibilites, she shifts the balance. If she is prejudiced against her place in the world, she beomes inefffective. If she never embraces her God-given place in this world, she never fully enjoys life to its fullest. A woman needs to come to the realization of who she is in God.

The Bible says that mankind was made in his image!

Well, apparently God is a very diverse individual. He obviously possesses more than one single side. Whether male or female, he made us with his own qualities. Some of these qualities are shared but in varying quantities. For example, God gave each sex a dose of strength. To men he gave physical, brute strength. He did this because man was to be the provider. He wss the gardner; the worker. He knew that men would need that extra bit of physical oomph to accomplish his daily chores. Women, though physically weaker, have a solid strength of spirit. She is the emotional source of strength that nurtures the family. She is the rock of strength that enourages and sustains the morale of the family. She is usually the calm voice of reason when daddy wants to "kill" the kids (You all know what I mean!).

We should not despise our weaknesses, but rather, give thaks for our individual strengths. Women should be proud of their unique abilities. God gave us all of his soft and gentle qualities. He gave us the ability to give unconditional love. This in evident in our instinct to care for others. He gave us his nurturing qualities which are never more evident than when a woman gives birth to a child. No one has to tell her what to do; she just knows. God gave us his sensitive qualities. This is evident in her ability to show kindness and mercy. God made women like himself, not like a man! We should never diminish our God-given characteristics. He made us in his image. We should embrace our womanhood. If only we could see ourselves as God sees us! If we could only embrace the nature of our creation! If only we could acknowledge that God doesn't make mistakes.

Imagine for a moment that God is looking down upon the earth and admiring his handiwork. As he examines each of his womanly creations, imagine what he might be saying. "Look what I have made! She is beautiful and unique. She is my precious daughter. Do you see how she holds that child in her arms? How she protects it from harm? I do that! Do you see how she guides her children with compassion and showers them with affection? I do that! Do you see how she carries life in her womb so that she might experience what I felt at the dawn of creation? She is just like me and I am very proud of her!

Proverbs 31: Truth or Cliche'?

2008-05-16T12:58:00.000-07:00

It seems like Proverbs 31 has been the Christian woman's rulebook since the beginning of time. But, modern society has changed drastically. Many women have begun to question the validity of this Biblical passage. Over the next few months, I hope to shed some light on these scriptures so that the "modern woman" can find the true meaning of virtue.

Proverbs 31:10- "Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies."

A virtuous woman is defined as a woman of strength. Remember when the woman with the issue of blood touched the hem of Jesus' garment? The Bible says that Jesus felt virtue leave him. In other words, he felt power leave his body. So, essentially, a virtuous woman is a strong, powerful woman.

The Bible has given us a list of virtues. It is found in Galatians 5: 22-23- "But the fruit (or virtues) of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperence: against such there is no law."

Sometimes I look at that list and it overwhelms me. What do those fruits of the Spirit really mean? They are more than just words; they are the results of our decision to seek after the strength and power of God. Here is an overview:

1. Love: An unconditional affection or deep attatchment to another.

2. Joy: A state of happiness or delight. To experience keen pleasure or elation. (Look at it like this; happiness is a temporal experience while Joy is a state of being.)

3. Peace: The cessation of or freedom from any strife or dissention.

4. Long-suffering: The ability to supress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay. A quiet, steady perserverance.

5. Gentleness: Kind or amiable; Not severe, rough, or violent; Mild or moderate.

6. Goodness: Embracing a moral wholesomeness and achieving purity of body, mind, and spirit.

7. Meekness: Humble or docile; Modest; Respectful.

8. Temperence: Practicing self control, abstention, and moderation.

9. Faith: Confidence or trust; Belief that is not based on fact.

That list will give us something to work on for a while!

"Who can find a virtuous woman?" If diamonds and rubies were common, we'd all be wearing them. Likewise, a strong and powerful woman is very scarce. Strength of heart and mind is not a quality inherent in our nature. We must make the decision to allow God to mold our character. It won't be easy, but what rare and valuable thing comes to us without work?

II Timothy 1:7- "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Welcome to NFC Women

2008-05-15T14:50:00.000-07:00

This is the first official blog of the NFC (New Foundation Church) Women's Group. On this blog spot, we will post a weekly inspirational devotion and any current news and events happening at New Foundation Church.