WE HAVE MOVED!!

Hello Everyone!
Our ChristianWomenNow Blog has moved.
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience.
Please find us at: http://blog.christianwomennow.com/

Unfortunately the different platforms would not allow as to move your comments.
SO we are asking this favor - if you have posted a comment here in the past please go to our new URL and re post it, if you have the time. We would deeply appreciate it!
Once again our new URL is: http://blog.christianwomennow.com/

And remember to check out our website at http://www.christianwomennow.com/
you can connect to our blog from the "contact us" section of the site.
See you there!
Any questions - please email Alane Brown
Alane@ChristianWomenNow.com

The Reality of Dreams

Three months ago I wrote my first blog. To most people, its no big deal but to me it was. You see, I’ve had a desire to write for a long time but never could seem to begin. Believing that God planted that desire in my heart, I now understand that God’s timing is not the same as ours. A desire or dream may be given long before it actually begins. In God’s planning there is training and equipping that needs to happen before His child is ready. He is the one who orchestrates the steps needed to get to the starting line. I’m so glad that God held off on my beginning as a writer until I knew Him well. Now I can use my writing to glorify Him and not myself.

I have always loved books, particularly childrens books. As a child I spent many hours in the town library. Reading gave my mind a place to go to and it sparked my imagination. This is where my interest in writing first took root. As I matured, the small flame in my heart was reduced to embers when I realized that I was not a stellar English student. Ever since then I have felt unqualified to be a writer. Yes, I had ideas but if I was unable to convey them properly then it didn’t matter. Not until my daughter was born did my love of books and writing rekindle. My daughter is now 18. It took God’s behind the scenes planning and His perfect timing to get me to the point of hitting the "publish post" button for the first time.

Feeling unqualified to do something for God has only brought me closer to Him. This writing experience has caused me to trust Him with every bit of it. Each time I sit to write I have to believe that He will give me the topic that someone needs to ‘hear.’ I also have to trust that despite my writing ability, the reader will understand what God is trying to tell them. Do I now think I am a polished writer? No way. Am I confident that what I say will make sense to others? No. But what I am confident in, is God! He is the One who gives me the ideas to write about and the heart to encourage others.

Here are a few things I’ve learned thus far.....

1. God is the author, I am only the conduit.
2. God can use what I earnestly put forth.
3. Good writing takes a lot of revision. Being a recovering perfectionist, I sometimes don’t want to do the work for fear it will never be good enough anyway. That is when I need to remember #2.
4. I should not compare my writing with another. This takes my focus off what I am called to do.

Waiting on God to get our dream started is also a matter of trust. Had my own dream started sooner then I would not have had the life experiences yet that God uses in my blogs today. In the Old Testament Joseph had a dream of his 11 brothers bowing down to him. The dream did became a reality, but not until many years later. If you recall Joseph’s story, his life was full of ups and downs that eventually led him to his role of second in command of Egypt. Looking at his circumstances, there were many times when Joseph may have thought the dream would never come true. In the same way, our dreams don’t often start right away either. God is always at work though, preparing for the dream to become a reality. If you are waiting on a God given dream, don’t despair in the waiting. God is at work and His timing is perfect. If you have begun living the dream, keep focused on God’s plan in it. In both cases, believe in God’s ability not your own!

Be blessed,
Jeanine Black
© 2009

Celebrity or Servant?

A recent airing of ‘Celebrity Apprentice’ really surprised me. Having watched the show before, I wasn’t surprised by the usual antics and inappropriate conduct of these superstar contestants. What caught me off guard was something I hadn’t expected to see....humility.

The project was to serve as maids, bellmen, room service, and concierge for guests in five rooms at a swanky New York City hotel. They were expected to replicate the high standards set by the hotel, while catering to the whims of their guests. Being short-staffed and unacquainted with this type of work, the teams were set up for potential disaster. What surprised me though, was how some of these celebrities rose, or should I say lowered, themselves to the challenge! While some of the stars complained about having to clean toilets, Herschel Walker, a Heisman Trophy winning football player, did so without complaint. He had a job to do and he did it willingly.

Joan Rivers, who functioned as concierge, never once used her notable status to gain favor. She truly enjoyed the challenge of meeting the needs of her guests. When a well-known actor checked in, she honored him with respect, and did everything possible to make his stay special. Of course, being only a game, the goal for the teams was to please the hotel management and Donald Trump. In doing so they would receive money for their favorite charity.

So I wondered, how do I handle unpleasant tasks? What is my motivation for doing them without complaining? Although the Bible states that crowns will be given in heaven to those who serve God well, that is not what motivates me. I JUST SIMPLY WANT TO PLEASE THE LORD.....and my husband, and my boss. But, I don’t always do so without complaining or a celebrity attitude.

‘Celebrity Apprentice’ reminded me what it looks like to serve. It showed me that I need to humble myself as I serve others. I shouldn’t whip out a ‘get out of jail free’ card or believe I am too good for a particular job, no matter how mundane or inconvenient it may be. I will admit, though, its not always easy for me. As I reflect on the events of the ‘Last Supper,’ I realize that one reason its not easy is because I have the wrong perspective. I focus on the immediate job and getting it done, but not on anything beyond that.

Do you remember how Jesus washed the disciples feet? He did it willingly and lovingly. If anyone had the right to be honorably discharged from a duty, it was Jesus! He was God! Jesus did not complain about performing this menial service, in fact, He volunteered to do it! Why? Because He had God’s perspective in view. Seeing an act of service from God’s perspective, is to see beyond the moment and into eternity.

Taking on a servant role, while being a king, was the example of how all of us should serve God. Jesus was preparing His disciples for the future work He had for them. Without the right perspective of who they were, relative to who God was, they would not make an eternal impact in the lives of others. God’s perspective in Jesus’ life also led Him to be crucified. Jesus prayed that He not have to go to the cross, all the while humbling Himself to the Father’s will. God knew that Jesus had to die and be risen in order for mankind to be restored to a right relationship with Him. That particular act was much bigger than the temporary pain of His present; a resonating impact for eternity! For us, our status as being children of a king affords us no celebrity status or release from serving others. What is does afford us, though, is this...lots of great opportunities to impact lives for eternity!

Be blessed

Jeanine Black

©Jeanine Black 2009

Don't Worry

(Click on image for larger view)

Don't worry! God is good. Where are your thoughts focused today? I am only asking because many times I need to be reminded that God is in control. That He is taking care of my every need. I need to be reminded that He is right here, right now and always. This verse is one of my very favorites because of what it says. God is taking care of the birds and every creature in this world. He cares that much! He loves us that much! So we can relax and allow God to be the God of our lives. Now this isn't an excuse to not accomplish anything today. However it is a wonderful reason to do whatever God has placed before us to do today, for His Glory. If We keep our eyes on Him, we can't go wrong!

Blessings-
Alane Brown
info@ChristianWomenNow.com
http://www.christianwomennow.com/

The Feather

Looking onto the lake, that summer morning, I noticed a small downy feather floating on the water. Having a supple spine, allowed it to form a cup-like shape. Its whiteness was unmarred and its tiny veins were perfectly aligned, preventing water from seeping in. Wispy pieces at the quill end, looked to be the softest fibers on earth as they fluttered in the gentle breeze. Floating so peacefully, with no apparent destination, the feather was gently rocked by the ripples on the water. I imagined myself lying within it’s silken body, protected from the breeze and the cool water. The sun warmed my skin, and the gentle undulations from the ripples soothed me like a mothers rhythmic rocking. I watched a butterfly flutter silently by and listed to the call of a whippoorwill, wondering if its mate would answer. The sky overhead was a cloudless deep aqua. It seemed so vast, as it stretched from one side of the lake to the other. As I laid in the feather cocoon, the sereneness of nature seeped into my senses. It was as if nothing else existed. I closed my eyes, completely satisfied, and drifted off to sleep.

When I awoke, I realized that I was in my lounge chair curled in a fetal position. Remembering the tiny feather, I sat up in anticipation of seeing it still adrift. But I was met with disappointment. Resting back against my chair I looked at the lake again. Water bugs skipped across the top of the water and the rich scent of pine filled my nostrils. The flowers growing in a nearby bed, seemed more brilliantly colored than before. Even the grass seemed greener. A smile spread across my face, and a warmth filled me, as I thanked the Lord for the beauty of His creation. How often do we overlook God’s handiwork in our everyday comings and goings? Do we take the time to be quiet... to really see and really hear?

As I began to gather my belongings and head for the house, I caught something out of the corner of my eye. I turned and saw the beautiful feather lingering at the edge of the lake. I stood there surprised for a moment, before scooping it out of the water. I cupped it my hand and lightly ran my finger along its edge. I realized that God holds us in His cupped hands too. He protects us from the waters and winds that come our way. He also comforts us like a loving mother and gives us a peace to lie down and rest.

The feather now lays inside a clear glass bottle on my kitchen windowsill. In the mornings, the sun shines in and catches it in its rays. Seeing it, reminds me of my heavenly Father. His strong hands, his embracing arms and His desire for me to "be still, and know that He is God."

Be blessed-

Jeanine Black

Who We Are

This was in a Bible Study by Beth Moore. It's something that I actually printed out and keep in my office above my desk so it can be read each day. Often I hang a verse or two around the house to help me stay close to God for that day and to assist in memorization but this has been left right where it was first placed, for more than a year now, because it still speaks loudly to me.

A Declaration of who I am before God

I (insert your name here) belong to God.
I am a Holy Vessel because I house the
Holy Spirit of the living God.

The Lord of heaven and earth has said over me -
“I declare you holy”.

Today I commit to start believing what He says.
I am holy.
Empower me daily, Spirit of the living God,
to treat myself as holy.

Open my eyes to every scheme of the enemy -
to treat me as if I’m not.

You, God, are God.
Your word is truth.
This day, Father, I choose to believe you.
In Jesus name -
Amen and Amen.

Blessings-
Alane D Brown

Do You Like Blogging?

Lately I’ve taken to learning new things about the internet, more specifically; searching for ways to make money working from home using the internet. A recent discovery is http://www.blogsvertise.com/ it offers a way for bloggers to get paid for blogging about their favorite topics!

Understand that there are plenty of scams out there, so please, do your own due diligence on each opportunity you find! Also remember this about making money on the internet; what works for one person may or may not work for the next. So please, do NOT take what I have to say as anything more than a suggestion.

I have found that I LOVE to blog! Not everyone likes to blog but if you DO like blogging then you may wish to go ahead and check out http://www.blogsvertise.com/ Advertisers want bloggers to talk about their products and services and pay people to do so.

http://www.blogsvertise.com/ is just one of several Paid Blogging Websites. If you enjoy blogging - you may as well get paid for it!

I am very interested in hearing about what you find out there.
-Or-

If you have any questions - I will assist you the best I can.
Blessings-
Alane D Brown

Forgiveness

Forgiveness
Forgiveness is an essential part of my relationship to God. It sets me free and takes me closer to Him, which is where I not only wish to be but need to be.
In fact the Bible says in Mark 11:25 AMP “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him and let it drop (leave it, let it go), in order that your Father Who is in heaven may also forgive you…”
Sometimes we are wounded or hurt. Sometimes others mistreat us or betray us. Unfortunately, that is just part of the world we live in.
Let me just speak for myself – Yes, I have been wounded, hurt, mistreated and betrayed. Frankly, I have been on both sides, both perpetrator and victim of such behaviors. When I seek the Lord and ask Him to forgive me for my “bad” behavior – I also need to seek His forgiveness any bad feelings I have towards others and to allow His love to enter my heart.
When I allow that type of forgiveness to really enter my heart – my forgiveness is complete and there is peace in my soul.
This is not something that always comes easy for me. What are your thoughts on forgiveness?

God is our only answer

Personal Struggles-
We all have them. Sometimes I feel like I’m the only one who gets caught up in such things. I look around and assume my Christian friends have it all together. I compare my insides and what I am feeling with their outsides. What nonsense – what a waste of time. Most often when I get “caught up in life”, what I am actually stuck in is myself and my own self reliance.
A friend recently reminded me of this when she said, “I am always here if you want to talk. I don't have all the answers, but I am well connected with the One who does!!! Remember always you are deeply loved!”
It’s great to have friends to talk things over with because they can remind us of our true source for truth and guidance. - God.

Do you ever get caught up in things like I do and temporarily forget Who has all the answers you need?

Maybe you have never turned to God before for answers. That's okay too. You can begin today! If that's something you would like assistance with or you have a specific prayer request - send an email to info@ChristianWomenNow.com or leave a comment right here on the blog. There are many people who would love to be in prayer with you and for you.
Blessings-
Alane D Brown

Beyond the Infraction

I was running late. Not only did I have my hair to dry and my clothes to iron but my husband presented me with his shirt to iron too. Don’t get me wrong, my husband is a great guy, but that irritated me. As I ironed, I grumbled inside. Okay, so I had gotten in the shower later than I should have. Sure, I hadn’t expected to have to do a quick mend on my blazer, but I could have made it, I thought. Now there was no chance for me to be ready on time. Knowing that my husband hates being late, made me want to blame him for the fact that he would soon be annoyed with me. Then I remembered something... I was fortunate to have a husband’s shirt to iron at all.

My sister-in-law had suffered from allergies and was always sniffling or sneezing. Like snoring, these sounds can become very irritating. My brother admitted to me that he used to complain about it but after her death in a car accident, he would have given anything to hear those sounds again! I’m glad that his words stuck in my head, and that God pulls them out occasionally and drags them into my heart. None of us know how long we will have a spouse with us, or a child or a parent. God is the only One who knows.

It’s very easy to fall into the trap of complaining about inconveniences, or the inconsiderate behavior of others. In our world of "hurry" we have less patience. Our schedules do not allow for things to deviate from our plan and we complain when it does. That’s why it takes a conscience effort to look beyond the infraction to the blessing. This is not easy, but we have a God who is ready to help us when we ask. He can give us His perspective and His patience to do it.

The shirt incident was a reminder for me to appreciate that I have a husband. A reminder that God has blessed me with someone to share my ups and downs with. Someone with whom I have produced a beautiful child with. That same person can be aggravating. He can even be wrong. However, I have the choice of whether to embrace the blessing or pick at the infractions. .

Be blessed-

Jeanine Black

PS. This is not a call to ignore abusive behavior. Seek help if you are in that type of situation!