Keeping It Real - Day Six - My Miracle of Physical Healing and More!

This is my last blog in “keeping it Real”. Hopefully you feel like you know me a bit more than when I began. The outlook through my eyes is hopeful, peaceful and joy filled. It’s my desire that is what you saw in these last few blogs.

My eyes are set on God as I continue on from my recent illness.
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:28-31

Keeping it Real Day - A Miracle of Comfort

While creating this video many "lessons" and passages came to my mind. How about for you - Did it "say" anything to you? Do you see God's word in it? Please share your thoughts-
Blessings,
Alane D. Brown

Keeping it Real Day Four - My Miracle of Self Esteem

Self Esteem is something I have struggled with my whole life mostly because of early childhood abuse. I always felt like someone had stolen away a huge part of who I was meant to be. It’s taken me a very, very long time to come to terms with who I am and to know that I am whole and that I am lovable. It’s been a journey of deep self discovery – one I am grateful to have walked. One I will continue to walk because it’s my journey. It’s the road I am on and it makes me who I am…and I am very OKAY! Hope you enjoy this short video!

Keeping it Real Day Three

Can we face extreme challenges and remain the same?“Whatever doesn’t destroy you makes you stronger!” How many times have we heard that old cliché? But it’s so true, isn’t it? While struggling through a recent illness I found I learned so much about myself like the amount of strength there is inside of me and the amount wisdom acquired through the years. That not only could I endure terrific physical pain, that I could handle enormous amounts of emotional pain simultaneously and glean wonderful spiritual lessons from it. Isn’t it amazing, that it’s possible to learn lessons in the most extreme places and then carry those lessons with you - with gratitude and grace? Certainly I have more love, more empathy more inner peace and calmness than prior to my resent struggles. God is so good!
Have you experienced anything like this? Tell us about it. I know there are lots of us who have learned lessons along the way that can inspire others. Talk with you soon!
Alane D. Brown

Keeping It Real - Staircases and Revolving Doors

Letting everyone know me a bit better.
Blessings-
Alane

Keeping it Real - You Have the Faith it Takes!

Blessings-
Alane Brown

The Uninvited

The hymn "It Is Well With My Soul" states a profound truth . . . "our sins were nailed to the cross not in part but in whole and we bear them no more, praise the Lord."

Are there certain confessed sins that seem to find there way back to you? These uninvited visitors bring Aunt Condemnation and Uncle Guilt with them to try and convince you that you’re still guilty. They’ll rattle your confidence and plant a seed of doubt of whether God has really forgiven you after all. "Okay, maybe He’s forgiven you for some sins" they’ll say "but I doubt He’s forgiven you for these really offensive ones." It reminds me of the serpent asking Eve "did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?" (Genesis 3:1) But as the song says our sins, not in part, but in whole were nailed to the cross that Jesus died on and with His death we were forgiven of ALL of them. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1John1:9) This is amazing news for those who have a true relationship with the God of the Universe through Jesus Christ his son!

Did you know that He forgets them to? "And I will forgive their wrong doings, and I will never again remember their sins." (Hebrews 8:12) So the next time those unwanted guests try to visit be assured they were not sent by God to remind you of their existence so don’t let them in. It’s the enemy trying to trip you up and get you to take your focus off of God. Instead keep moving forward as Paul told the Philippians, "But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3: 13-14)

Be blessed,
Jeanine Black

Expect Your Expectations 3

Sunday Morning!
Welcome- I am a bit nervous doing this but I am willing to try.
Let me know what you think
Blessings-
Alane D. Brown

Expect Your Expectations 2

Inspiration + Action = Success
Go you want to know what God is asking you to do... try this, When you feel inspired, take action and see what comes about.
Blessings-
Alane D. Brown

Expect Your Expectations

It’s Up To You!
Do you know what your passion is? It's up to you to discover it. No one can discover it for you. You were created with it inside of your soul from the very beginning. Just think for a minute, what makes you truly happy?
Quiet your mind and realize your thoughts. What makes you smile on the inside. There is something that lights up your heart. There is something that you desire to accomplish and when you think about it, it stirs your very soul. You know it's for you to do and if you allow your mind to go deep enough, you even have a plan. You know the course of action you need to take. You have a passion, a purpose.
Doesn't it make sense to you that your passion, and your desire to accomplish it, would make you happy? There's something that will fulfill you, that will make you feel whole, and it's inside your heart. You are the only one who really knows what that is. So forget what everyone else is telling you. What are YOU telling you?
Some of us have been told that our dreams are unrealistic. Some have gone so far as to say that we are day dreamers. Some of the people that love us the most have crushed our spirits unknowingly. We have let their opinions about life and about us control our destiny. Well it's time we control our own destiny. Time we control our own lives. Today, decide that life will no longer control you but rather, you will control your own life.
It's time to stop thinking I can't, and know that you can. No one's going to do it for you. Seek your passion seek your dreams -- pray. Ask God for direction after all, he created you with a purpose in mind.
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. (James 1:5)

I Saw What I saw by Sara Groves

Heard this song today and it touched my soul. It is called I Saw What I saw and it's by Sara Graves Here is a link to see the video and hear the song. http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=b6f2cb00fa352ebc74b9
It's SO inspirational. (I have emailed her and invited her to join our BraveHeart Women Community! Here are the Lyrics:
I saw what I saw and I can’t forget it –
I heard what I heard and I can’t go back –
I know what I know and I can’t deny it-

Something along the road- Cut me to the soul-
Your pain has changed me… Your dreams inspire.
Your face a memory – Your hope a fire-
Your courage asks me –
What I am afraid of- And what I know of love.

We’ve done what we’ve done and we can’t erase it-
We are what we are and it’s more than enough.
We have what we have but it’s no substitution-
Something along the road- Cut me to the soul-
Your pain has changed me… Your dreams inspire.
Your face a memory – Your hope a fire-
Your courage asks me –
What I am afraid of- And what I know of love.

I say what I say with no hesitation-
I have what I have but I’m giving it up-
I do what I do with a deep conviction-

Something along the road- Cut me to the soul-
Your pain has changed me Your dreams inspire.
Your face a memory – Your hope a fire-
Your pain has changed me Your dreams inspire.
Your face a memory – Your hope a fire-
Your courage asks me – what I am afraid of-
Your courage asks me -What I am made of
Your courage asks me -What I am afraid of
And what I know of love
And what I know of God

Leave your thoughts after the video....
Blessings-
Alaned. bROWN

Hope and Faith -

It was last year, during January of 2008, that my illness crept back in and attempted to control my life! God has always been so good to me, always, however during this particular time in my life He just poured His love out and over me again and again. My husband and I had no idea what we were in for when we entered the hospital that day in early January,

I was to have a medical test. Well, it’s a little more than a test because it involved being there for a day and having a little mini camera go through my arteries looking for blockages. It’s not a big deal because I’ve had the procedure more times than I can remember. So I have become a bit of a pro at it – of all things! (Obviously by now you have figured I hadn’t been in the best health for some time prior to this event)

The Doctors and I understood before the test, that most likely we would find the reason for this new reoccurring pain, was a blockage of some kind, either in my arterial graft or near to it. The hope was they could clear it reasonably easy. However, that was not going to be the case. I would need a major surgery to clear away the scar tissue found inside the graft.

So, it wasn’t what we expected. That was alright with me because I totally believed and understood that it was not a surprise to God! He knew exactly what was going on with my health. As we discussed what next steps had to be taken – I knew exactly where to place my hope and faith… “And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” (Romans 5:5)

Knowing I was in the Lord’s hands the surgery was scheduled for the very next day.

A "Charmed" Life

Looking at my daughter’s charm bracelet, admiring each little charm, I pondered their significance. There were the typical ones representing vacations, activities and pastimes but also ones that marked the spiritual milestones in her life like the Noah’s Ark, Icthus (symbol for a Christian), and "believe". Looking at the charms reminded me how God has been directing her path since birth. When my daughter gave her testimony and was baptized at age 11 (Icthus) she told of the process God used to bring her to the point of asking Him into her life. When I remember her five years of volunteering at Vacation Bible School (Noah’s Ark) I see how God used it to help her find her passion to be an elementary school teacher. Remembering those things gives me renewed confidence to trust Him with every aspect of my life!

Repeatedly in the Old Testament the Israelites were reminded of the ways God had protected, provided for and blessed them. They were no different from you and me; when the going got tough, they wanted to do things their way. Remembering what God had done, renewed their faith in Him despite what their circumstances were telling them. "How amazing are the deeds of the Lord! All who delight in Him should ponder them." (Psalm 111:2- Read the whole chapter)

I urge you to reflect back on the things God has done in your life, how He has protected, provided for and blessed you? If your memory is anything like mine try one of these memory keepers: Keep scrap paper next to a container in your kitchen and every time God moves in your life write it down and put it in the jar OR get a small notebook and write it in there. Then when you need some assurance go back and take a look!

Okay, here’s a question for you . . . if you had a spiritual charm bracelet what would be on it? Write and tell me!

Be blessed,

Jeanine Black

Are You Going To Finish Strong?

There’s always been a feeling in my gut that said, Alane; you are here for a reason. Just keep going. Just keep seeking what it is that God has given you to do. Do the next thing and if you fail – do it again or make some adjustments and try again. Just don’t quit.

Have you ever had that feeling? Do you know you are here for a reason? That God has plans for you. The Bible says: “I Know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

I have to be honest, I have felt like quitting. I have been knocked down and not hurried back to my feet. I have sat in self pity and have even fallen into depression. And do you know what that makes me? It makes me human. Sure, looking back it’s easy to say that on several occasions I could have shown more hope, more strength, and more faith in the Lord but I didn’t and it’s done, in the past. What did happen was I gained. Yes, I gained hope, trust and faith in God. I gleaned the Wisdom God wished for me to understand.

My relationship with God grew deeper and that’s the most important thing and after that, the fact remains that I didn’t quit! No, I have always stood back up and that’s why when I saw this video http://www.maniacworld.com/are-you-going-to-finish-strong.html I knew it needed to be shared. It’s a reminder to all of us. We have everything we need to stand back up and finish strong! Go watch it. It’s two minutes long and worth every second!
Here is the link again: http://www.maniacworld.com/are-you-going-to-finish-strong.html
Blessings-
Alane D. Brown

Finding a Father

Growing up in my home with my family wasn't always easy. Certainly I'm not writing to complain all these years later. In fact, I am who I am today because of my past and that includes both the good and the bad and I happen to think that I’m pretty cool and very "Okay". Anyways, tons of people have grown up in difficult situations, I just happen to be one of them.

One of the things that made growing up in my home complicated was my father's abusive behavior. I was the only girl of four children and desperately wanted a sweet, kind, loving dad like all my friends had. In fact it was something that I cried about more than often.

There were many nights that I cried because of some type of physical pain I had endured but the deepest of that pain came simply because it had been my dad who had inflicted the hurts upon me to begin with. There were many nights he hadn't physically touched me at all, but still I cried because there was no hug, no bed-time story and no love. As awful as things became (speaking of the physical abuse) I STILL wanted him to love me and I desperately just wanted to hear – “I love you Alane” but it never happened.

So I grew up for the most part without the love of a father - so imagine what it felt like to someone like me when I read in the Bible one day…” And I will be a father to you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” ( 2 Corinthians 6:18) My eyes lit up and my heart jumped inside my chest! I had found my true Father and He did want me and most importantly He did love me.

It took some time to understand all that this meant but for me it was some of the best news I had ever heard. I needed a dad. Someone to talk to, someone who would listen, someone who would love me no matter what and that is exactly the type of relationship I share with my Daddy in Heaven today.

Just sharing the happiness I have in my heart this morning…

and wondering - Do you need the love of God in your life today?
Blessings
Alane D. Brown

Who’s in your family tree?

Okay, I’ll admit it I’m addicted to genealogy! I just love researching old census records, photographs, family lore and the like to find out who my ancestors were. Yes, I have found some "nuts" clinging to my family tree but I bet most trees have them. Most of my relatives were regular, hard-working people with nothing that made them stand out except for two who were "rebels with a cause." One is famous and the other is virtually unknown. Does my relation to them make me special somehow? No. But there is someone I’m related to that does make me, and you, special!

When you began a relationship with God through admitting you had done wrong against Him, had a true desire to change and realized that you needed Him to do so then accepted that Jesus took your punishment for sinning against God you became a
"child of God." So you are officially in the lineage of God! Wow, now that changes the look of your family tree doesn’t it? There’s God and directly below Him is YOU! There are no "nuts" or famous people between you and God, just God then you! Now that's a relationship that does make us something special.

So the next time the world tries to tell you you’re unlovable, worthless or too scarred from your past to be of any use, just remember whose child you are. God has forgiven and forgotten your past and wants to help you become all that He knows you are. Focus on who’s at the top of your spiritual family tree and keep on growing!

If you don't have this kind of relationship with God yet, We're here to tell you that you can and you can have it TODAY! (Please feel free to write us if you want to know more at: info@ChristianWomenNow.com .)

"For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God." (1 John 5:4-5 NIV)

Beyond The Burger

While thumbing through an “Everyday with Rachael Ray” magazine I saw a picture of one of the yummiest looking cheeseburgers that I have ever seen. So, I stopped to read the caption. It said, “MOUNTAIN HIGH – This smoky cheeseburger’s a star that hasn’t forgotten where it came from” and I thought as I chuckled - “WOW - that must be some burger!” …It’s smoky, it’s a star and it even remembers things! That’s pretty impressive for a burger, don’t you think? Maybe you are not as impressed as I seem to be but, I am someone who struggled with poor self esteem for most of my life so, this struck a cord with me. Just imagine if we complimented one another using words like that! What would that do, not only for our own self esteem, but the self esteem of others whom we love? Certainly everyone deserves such praise – Don’t you think? So what would such powerful words do for those we don’t even know? Or for people some may look at and judge for where they are in life? Wouldn’t such powerful words be able to uplift even the most broken-spirited woman’s soul? Couldn’t our words heal a multitude of past hurts and emotional scars? Wouldn’t God be so pleased if we used our words to build each other up? If we remembered to speak positive healing words in every aspect of our lives? In fact, I am thinking of a couple of specific women, who could certainly use hearing some healing, positive words spoken over them today. I am going to give them a call and share what God has placed on my heart for them - You might wish to do the same for other women in your life. I believe that together, we can assist broken-spirited, wounded women to heal and become EVERYTHING God created them to be! “Love means doing what God has commanded us, and He has commanded us to love one another, just as you heard from the beginning.” (2 John 1:6, NLT)

Are You Up For a Challenge?

Are You Up For A Challenge?

Sometimes we don’t spend the time we need to or intend to spend with God. There are various reasons for this but my guess would be the root cause is inconsistency. Whenever we do things each day and make it a point to not let anything get in the way, then we form habits. Some habits are wonderful, like spending quality time with God everyday.
(If you are someone who is currently in a wonderful relationship with the Lord, this challenge will not apply to you. We will find a different challenge for you sometime at a later date.)

Here is the challenge.
Spend just one minute in prayer with God everyday. Tell Him you want to know Him better and that you need His assistance in remembering to come and be with Him each day. Tell Him you love Him. Just give Him one minute and see how it might change your life.

It doesn’t matter what is happening in our lives. We need both to speak and listen to God.
“Rejoice and exult in hope; be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation; be constant in prayer.” Romans 12:12 (Amplified Bible)

If you are reading this post and are going to pledge yourself to this challenge and would like someone in your life for accountability – I would love to be that person. There’s no judging here – We will be accountable to one another. We are sisters and are here for each other. You can leave a message for me here or send me an email: Alane@ChristianWomenNow.com
I look forward to hearing from you.
Blessings-
Alane D. Brown

What’s under the hood?

Looking at the falling snow today reminded me of the time a man got his truck stuck in our driveway with his wheels spinning in the snow. My husband tried to push him out with his own truck but his wheels spun too. Next he tried our Jeep Wrangler which was an odd scene I thought, a little Jeep, half the size of a truck, trying to do what his big truck could not. As my husband positioned the nose of the Jeep against the bumper of the pick-up truck, I watched with a little bit of skepticism. When he started to push against the truck’s bumper its wheels spun briefly then it edged slightly forwards caught some traction and was soon out of the snow! What gave this little vehicle the power to do a task that seemed impossible? It was what was under the hood! You see, the Jeep had something different that the other two trucks did not. It had 4-wheel drive.

This is a great picture of the life of a Christian. So often we try to push our way through things using our own effort and strength only to end up spinning our wheels and going nowhere. While all along we’ve had something special "under our hoods’ that would make the impossible task possible but we’ve chosen not to use it.

So what are you facing today that seems overwhelming or impossible? Maybe it’s struggling to make ends meet or figuring out how to work with an unapproachable teacher, or even trying to keep house, provide meals and be a good Mom while you have two little ones underfoot. Whatever the task is, big or small, if it’s important to you it’s important to God! However, just as my husband chose to utilized the 4-wheel drive option, we must choose to seek God’s help.

Okay, what are you waiting for? Take your hands off the steering wheel, step away from the vehicle, find a quiet place and take time to thank God for who He is and ask Him to provide what He knows is needed to complete the task at hand and He will.

"Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand." (Philippians 4:6-7a NLT)

©Jeanine Black 2009

"Ya - But Land"

“Ya – But Land"

Have you ever been to Ya- But Land? If not, then stay clear! It is NOT the place you want to be! It's not a safe place to stand, it's worse than quick sand. If you have ever visited than you know it’s not a place you wish to revisit.

If you haven’t a clue what I am talking about then – Good for you! “Ya-But Land" is a fictitious place created in a persons mind. It is created by following every good idea that comes to you with two little words, “Ya and But”.

Let me give you a few personal examples:
Friend - “Alane, I like your poetry, maybe you should write a book!”
Alane – “Ya but what if no one else likes them?”

Friend – Alane, That speech you gave was very inspiring, may be you should speak more often.
Alane – Ya but what if I get all nervous and everyone can tell?”

Or even as simple as … Let’s go to a movie tonight! "Ya – but, What if it snows."

“Ya buts” talk you right out of everything and leave you stuck in the same place day after day, year after year. You can easily see that “Ya-buts” are created through fear. So let’s remember: “God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”

(2 Timothy 1:7)

For years “Ya-buts” kept me from following my heart and from seeking my dreams. I am grateful I am no longer stuck in “Ya but Land”. I learned the quickest way out was to quiet my mind and practice just saying a simple yes to myself and to others. Positive action, practice and constancy created the necessary changes in my mind and life.

Seek Your Dream

Do you have enough courage to dream, to search your heart and seek what God has placed in there for you to accomplish?

Most likely it’s been inside of you for years and years and just won’t leave. It’s probably something you have thought about doing time and time again but have never moved forward with it. The reason it is still there, is because you are destined to do it. Once you have accomplished the beginning of the dream, God will open up the door even wider and allow you to see even more of the blessings and vision He has in store for you!

Sometimes the dream is clear and sometimes a bit foggy but whatever condition you see it in right now, doesn’t matter. God has placed it there for you. It is a gift and He wants you to begin to follow it and then, continue to seek His plan for you. I can guarantee you, that when you are living your purpose and serving God, you will be happier than you have ever been, because you will be a path the Lord has formed for you!

Some of us may have lost sight of our dreams for a period of time. That’s okay. It’s a new year. Instead of making New Year resolutions and promises to yourself try this: Sit down or kneel down and pray. Seek Gods plan for your life. Remember, what God said in Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Trust in the Lord the creator of your dreams.

WELCOME

WELCOME!
Have you ever felt wounded or like your spirit
was broken? Maybe you have felt worthless or just plain unlovable. If so, then
you have come to the right place!

I once felt wounded and broken myself
and searched for love in all the wrong places. Eventually I discovered that I
was searching for the wrong kind of love altogether. It was only when I came to
know Jesus as the Way, the Truth, and the Life that I found true love.

My desire is to help women find, in Christ, the true love and acceptance
they are seeking. I pray for them to know that they are lovable and precious to
Him. I found that when I understood and accepted His love for me, I was able to
support other women along their way. We are all at a different stage in our
journeys and yet united in Christ. We are all sisters in God’s family.

Do you want to know what true love is? Do you need the love of God in
your life today? Let me assure you that it is very real and that He is waiting
and eager to show you exactly where that true love can be found!

Alane
Brown

www.ChristianWomenNow.com