February
Have we heard this phrase, "I didn't mean that! It's not what it looks like!"
We need to pay attention to what we say and what we do whenever possible, so that others will not think
evil of what we mean for good. Will people still perceive us wrongly? Yes, but we are to do our part when we can that it doesn't
happen. Perception can be reality for many people. Let us watch what we say and do.
January
Hey? Are we listening? Are we listening to God? Are we listening to the people God has placed
over us?
Listen and follow as God leads. Then we will have peace with God.
December
Have you been frustrated with some one lately? Why? Did they do what you didn't expect? Did they not do
what you expected? The problem occurs with expectations. We need to be reminded to look at all situations through the eyes
of God, giving grace and mercy when needed when our expectations are not met.
November
When we or our loved ones do something good, we like to share it. Are we sharing it to give honor to God
or are we boasting so that other people feel small and uncomfortable. We are all valuable to God in different ways.
Let us consider how God would think of our comments, and may all of our comments honor him.
October
Ten seconds, twenty seconds, thirty second delay.
Do we allow ourselves to to be led before we act? Some of us have heard about taking time to respond when
we're angry. We can take time to consult the LORD when we're not angry, so that we can pray for guidance in doing the right
thing.
September
Step out in faith!
This is a time when people work and move. This may be a harvest time for us, when we pick up what we have
worked hard to grow. Harvest only comes after our Lord has allowed us to receive the Son and rain. It's time to go forth,
to step out to receive what the Lord has for us. This is also a time for us to start working to pick up what the Lord has
for us to help us grow. It can be scary until we realize that the Lord has us to get what we need when we trust on Him to
provide. Just make the first step and the Lord will guide us the rest of the way, His way, for our good.
August
Fear not!
Easier said than done sometimes. Fear can make us cautious and prayerful. Fear should not hold us back if
we are working to do God honoring activities at the time God has designated for us. If we fear, let us pray to be sure it
is the right activity, the right time, the right place, and that we are the right people for the job.
July
Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
There is freedom when we separate from worldly things to focus on godly things. This does not mean that
we should be exclusive and not focus on worldly things, for how can we evangelize to the world and we don't know about the
world. We are to be in the world, but not of the world. When we take time to separate and spend time with our Lord, we show
that our Lord is first in our lives. The Lord wants us to live balanced lives in Him, and that is freedom.
June
Peace, be still.
Did we say, peace, be still? Is this something that we focus on? We focus on it when we feel we don't have
it. Peace. We can have peace when we focus on God first. It is so easy to be distracted on so many thoughts, many about situations
that may never happen. During this time, we need to focus on the moment, and trust God to guide us each day with what is important.
We will have peace when we keep our focus directed on our Father.
May
May what?
Words are important. We can harm or encourage with our words. We can guide or aggrevate with our words.
Women are known to be skillful with words. Are we using our words wisely and timely? Are our words to our parents honoring?
Are our words to our mates honoring? Are our words to our children encouraging? May we use our words as our Lord would have
us to use words: guiding in love while honoring and respecting each other.
April
For giving. Jesus is for giving. Jesus is forgiving. Are we forgiving? Are we for giving?
Jesus gave of Himself so that we may have our sins forgiven and that we may turn to a life that is guided
by Christ in giving God glory. Have we ever thought that we were each made for giving to God? Have we ever thought that we
are to be forgiving to others as God forgives us? Now is the time for giving. Now is the time to be forgiving so that we may
receive and experience the forgivenness that was given to us by Christ, resulting in peace.
March
Are you going forward in what God has called you to do?
If you are not going forward in what God has called you to do, why is this occuring? Are you waiting on
God or is God waiting on you? Some times we try to excuse our laziness or fears by making this statement. Let us check to
be sure that God is not waiting on us. Are we influenced by what others say instead of what God has said? We ought to obey
God rather than man, and we can verify it is God if it is supported in the word of God; the Bible. God honors obedience. Let
us be obedient so that we may see what God wants us to see, and receive the joy He has for us.
February
Are you telling a fib? Are you letting others believe a fib? Are you believing a fib?
The truth is important. It is the truth that sets us free. The truth can be very uncomfortable but very
necessary. It is not easy to tell the truth at times or live the truthful life. Let us take time to think if we are telling
a fib, living a fib, or believing a fib. Have we taken situations into our own hands and not allowed God to show His power
in our situation? Let us examine our selves in all we seek and do, to see if it is in line with God's truth and not our own
truth. Then we can be free in God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
January
Start. Start what? Start looking at all the opportunities that God is providing us where we are with what
we have. We may notice that we have more than we think, when we take time to look. Then we can begin to be involved in the
opportunities God has for us as He leads us in His timing.
We could start to look at people the way we believe God sees them and work as God's hands and feet to bring
them to a closer understanding of Him.
December
Childlike wonder.
Do you approach Jesus with childlike wonder?
Do you read the Bible with childlike wonder?
Consider reading a different version of the Bible, listening to the Bible, or watching Bible stories to
develop childlike wonder of the goodness of the Lord. We may find that our faith and joy increases. Let us let God's light
shine in us so that others may see Him in us and glorify Him.
November
Be still and know.
This is the time that many women begin preparing for the holiday season, vacations, and other activities.
Women may become busier than ever. During all these times, let us take time to stop and give thanks for whatever God has provided.
October
Let us be watchful and careful in all we say or do, lest we fall to the temptations that surround us. When
we see someone who is falling to temptation, we gently and carefully encourage them to come to God who can show all things
and provide what is needed to overcome temptation. Are we falling to temptation? Let us run to Jesus, through our Bible
reading and spending time with whom God uses to encourage and strengthen us.
September
Let us take time to remember what we say affects others. How many of us want to remember what we said
to others? For some of us, it is easier for us to remember what others said to us. Words are powerful, for they may show what
is behind the words. Let our words be words of encouragement and direction to lead others to God. Let us take the words given
to us and have God show us what we need to know, so that we can be more of what God wants us to be in glorifying Him.
August
What does God think of us?
She thinks she's all this or he thinks he's all that. Does he or she really think that or do we really think
that? Are we looking at people the way the Lord looks at us? He looks at us as individuals who sin. No one is better or worse
when it comes to sin. We need to keep this in mind when we think about others and give the love of the Lord to all, regardless
of their response. We can only do this when we ask the Lord to give us His strength and to see as He sees. What does God think? We
don't know, but we are willing to find out and to act like He would want us to act.
July
Women, is our house a house or a home?
A house is a place where we sleep and eat. A home is a place where we are nourished and refreshed, a place
where we can be rejuvenated and protected.
Are we providing a house or a home for the people who live with us?
Let us ask the Lord to guide us in preparing a home for ourselves and others.
June
June is the month that we can focus on our Heavenly Father, God, who we can only reach through Jesus Christ.
Many people today have their version of who God is. There are some people who don't believe in God. As we focus on fathers,
let us give honor to our Heavenly Father, and encourage men to be the fathers that God would have them be, regardless to how
the world may portray men. The best portrayal of a man is the man, Jesus Christ. Let all we do and all we say lead others
to the man, Jesus Christ.
May
May Day. Mother's Day. Memorial Day. Maritime Day. These are a few events that occur in May. What's a good thought
to keep in mind this month? My soul doth magnify the Lord. As we do all that we are asked to do, let us honor the Lord in
all we do, giving honor to those who the Lord leads us to.
April
Jesus lives inside of Christ followers. Can other people tell that Jesus is alive in you? Can people see
Jesus in what you say, what you do, and what you choose not to do. Choose a full life in Christ. Let your life so shine
before men so that people may see Jesus in you and give Him glory.
March
When we march, we are in continual motion.
Are we in continual motion for God's purpose? Are we marching because we are afraid to stop and
listen to God's purpose/direction for us? Marching forward is fine when it is part of God's purpose.
February
The color red is prominent this month. What have you read? What are you reading? Are we reading the Bible
daily? Are we reading books that lead us to read the Bible and spend time in prayer? Are we allowing the passion of the Lord
to be our passion? If so, keep it up and be on fire for the Lord. If you haven't, it's time to start now. Talk with the Lord
and listen for Him to guide us to have a heart like He does for what He has a heart for. Every time we see a heart,
think of our Lord, and watch how our passion for our Lord and what He wants grows deeper.
January
New year, new tears, new fears, new cheers. We can decide to view all that we see, hear, and do through
the eyes of our Lord. Look to the Lord in the new year who can give us all that we need to survive, thrive, and be wise.
December
Worship the Lord.
Worship can be singing, dancing, painting, and other godly activities. We can feel the joy of the Lord when
we worship/ acknowledge the power and love of God with reverence. Let us take time daily to worship the Lord.
November
Do you know how blessed you are with what God has given you? Are you grateful? Do you count your blessings?
If you do, can you help someone count their blessings? God has blessed all of us. Let us take time to share our blessings.
October
Grace, mercy, and holiness. Nice qualities to have that only the Lord can give to us as we place our trust
in Him. Let us give and receive grace. Let us give and accept mercy, all while we acknowledge the holiness of our Lord. How
do we acknowledge the holiness of our Lord? By not taking the Lord for granted, not treating the Lord casually, by treating
the Lord as special.
September
Who's first in our lives? Is it ourselves, our family, or our Lord?
Let us pay attention ot our actions and emotions seeing who we give honor to in all we do. Every action
shows where we have our focus and who's first in our lives. May we focus on having the Lord as first in our lives and in all
we do.
August
Do this. Do that. Women are involved in doing many things. Are we willing to do what the Lord has asked
us to do, no more or no less? Some of us are doing more and wearing ourselves out. Some of us are doing less, while complaining
about not being satisfied. The Lord looks for willing vessels. Let us see if we are the willing vessels He is looking for
to do His will, and not our own will.
_______________________________________
July
Fire! Heat!
Are you on fire for God? Is something burning in you to do a work for God? Is there joy and excitement when
you think about the Lord? If there isn't joy or excitement in your life, you need to take time in prayer asking the Lord what
is expected of you. Surround yourself with godly things so that you may feel God's presence as excitement in your life.
June
Women, this is a time to acknowledge the men in our lives. God has let us know from the beginning that
men and women are to work as a team under God. You don't think you have any godly male team mates? Ask the Lord
to show you who is an available godly team mate. Is this not appropriate for your situation? Remember that the Lord will always
provide you with His support, if you are willing to surrender to Him.
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May
Do you ever think of the words,"pay attention"? When we take time to be still and focus, it costs. It's
one way to deny self. Another way to say this is "watch and wait". Easier to say than to do. Whenever you can, pay attention.
Make yourself pay attention, then you will see more of what God sees and how God wants you to respond.
April
Do you need a little more light? More light in your life? Does it seem that it's harder to see? Are you
looking for light in the wrong places?
Look to Jesus to give you light. Be willing to let Jesus shine in you and be willing to give up the dark
areas of concern and worry to Jesus. Light outshines dark, if you are willing to let light in. Let light shine on you, so
that light can shine through you to others. Open your heart fully to Jesus, giving Him all the painful areas you've been holding
on to. Let the light shine in, then share you light with others. They need to see, too!
March
Our emotions. Sometimes they can rule us. We are meant to rule our emotions as we place all of our thoughts
under the subjection of God. Our emotions are to lead us to God honoring behavior. God allows us to have emotions. Let us
work to use our emotions to give God glory.
February
Love. Love the Lord with all your heart, mind, and soul.
Not easy to do.
Let's start with loving the Lord by spending time in prayer sharing and listening for the impressions of
the Lord. Check your impressions with the Bible and other Christ followers . Act on the impressions that are verified as being
of the Lord. You will feel the love of the Lord in a new way.
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January
Are you thinking about new possibilities and new directions? Pay attention to what the Lord has placed in
your life.Ask for His direction and guidance with what the Lord has provided. Trust the Lord as you go forth in Jesus name
doing His will.
December
Patience can be hard sometimes. We try to rush ourselves and other people try to rush us. Let us be reminded
to let patience have her perfect work, so that we will receive a full life.
November
Give thanks to our Lord for everything. Develop a grateful heart, knowing that God has allowed situations
in your life. Look to the Lord for guidance in all situations, then give thanks for everything.
October
Women have entrusted with many things and many responsibilities. Let us be reminded that all belongs to
God. There are some things only God can do. May we be prayerful as we let God be God and do only what God has directed us
to do, and no more.
September
This is a time when people focus on school and taking care of business. Are you about the Lord's business?
Are you doing what you believe is God's will? Seek the Lord and do what He tells you to do. If you are not sure what that
means, spend time reading the Bible and talking to God in prayer. He will reveal His will to you if you ask.
August
When I fight others, am I defending myself? Am I sure?
Am I taking over instead of letting God handle the situation?
Examine yourself to see if you are doing what God wants you to do or if you are trying to be God.
You be you and let God be God. You'll be amazed at the results.
July
July is the month where we celebrate freedom. Have you celebrated your freedom in Christ? Our Lord has forgiven
you for your wrongs. Take time to give forgiveness to someone, so they can experience freedom, and possible be open to hearing
of the freedom in Christ.
June
June is known as a month of celebrations. Have you celebrated you? Have you celebrated God's gifts in you?
Take time to celebrate you, whether it is with family, friends, or you and God alone. Praise God for who He made you to be,
and ask Him how you can share you.
May
May is a month we focus on women, especially mothers. May is also a month we think about what is no more.
Consider asking the Lord what you can give up that will bring you closer to being the woman God has called you to be. When
Memorial day comes, you can look at what God has removed from you with joy.
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April
Situations can be opportunities to be humble toward God or prideful about ourselves. Let us take a look
at the situations in our lives. Are we surrendering our lives and our situations to God in a state of humility? The Lord wants
to help us if we are willing to accept His help.
March
God is in control. When we work with whatever is in our path, let us be reminded that God is in control.
Let us be responsible only for that we feel God wants us to do, and leave the rest for God.
February
Women are known to share with others.
Are you sharing your love for the Lord with the younger generation? Sharing means working with, teaching,
learning, and giving. As it is possible, remember to share with younger generations. It is one way that the Lord has for us
to be young at heart when it is a heart for the Lord.
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January
All women who are Christ followers are married women, for they are married to the Lord Jesus Christ. Are
you responding like you are married to the Lord? If you are not, now is the time to start. give time to the Lord daily. Stand
up for the Lord in your life. For those women who are married to a man, make sure you give your husband some time and that
you stand up and support your husband.
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December
Some people will tell you that the Christmas season is the season to give. Let us be reminded that the Christmas
seaon is a time to be grateful to our Lord Jesus Christ. Let us thank the Lord and celebrate His goodness.
November
As you prepare for Thanksgiving, have you taken time to thank the Lord for your weaknesses and your trials?
Take time to ask the Lord to strengthen you and thank Him for what He is doing through your life and the lives of others.
Share your thankfulness to the Lord with others who need to know the source of your strength.
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October.
Women, here's a way to think of t-r-eat.
What are you eating lateley? This refers to food physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Are you eating
physical food that is good for you?
Are you being fed spiritually so that God is being shown through you?
Take time to feed yourself ( and others if you are led to do so) with that which is good for you and honors
God.
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September can be the month you make a step toward something the Lord is
leading you to do. It could be stepping; such as exercise or dancing. It could be a step toward mending relationships.
It could be a step toward using your gifts. Step to it!
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August can be known as a month that school resumes and that learning becomes
a priority. Have you stopped learning?
Are you trying to grow in godly responses?
Take time this month to learn something new that honors the Lord and share it with someone.
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Cleaning of the mind, body, and soul. Cleaning of the mind from imaginations...
2Corinthians 10:5,"Casting down imaginations, and
every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowldege of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience
of Christ." Cleaning the body...
2Samuel22:21,"The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness;
according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me." Cleaning the soul...
Psalm51:10,"Create in me a new heart, O God; and renew
a right spirit within me.
As you focus on these verses, look at what you have, clean it,
and put it to good use for the glory of God.
Display it, share it, or give it away as God leads.
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Here is a prayer that was printed in Reflections magazine issue
May/June 2002. It was in a house built in the 1800s.
Granmaws Prayer
Lord, thou knowest thet I'm agrowin older. Keep me frum gittin'
talkative 'n possessed wid de idea dat I have to express myself on ever subject.
Release me frum de cravin' to straight'n out everbodys affairs.
Keep mah mind free frum de tellin' of all them endless details
'n giv me wings to git to de point.
Shet mah mouth when I goes to tell of all mah aches 'n pains...
dey increases wid de years 'n mah luv to speak of dem gits sweeter az de time goes by.
Teech me de glorious lesson dat wunst in a while I may be wrong.
Make me thoughtful but not nosey 'n helpful but not bossy.
Wid mah vast store of wisdom 'n experience, hit duz seem a pity
not to use hit all, but thou knowest Lord, I do want a few friends at the end. Amen
Something to think about and enjoy!
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As we think of love, we bring to mind 2 commandments: Love the
Lord thy God with all thy heart, soul, and mind(Matthew 22:37); and Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself(Matthew
22:39) We have to love ourselves. Let's talk about loving ourselves during one of our most unloving moments: during PMS,
and during menopause. When you experience difficulty at these times, remember these verses:
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned in whatsoever
state I am, therewith to be content. Phillipians 4:11
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth
me. Phillipians 4:13
I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually
be in my mouth.
Psalm 34:1
There are many herbal remedies to help with the symptoms of menopause
and PMS. Talk with a health practitioner about herbal remedies.
Here is a list of common used herbs for women taken from Energy
Times magazine.
HERB
USED FOR
Agnus Castus Menopause,
Black Cohosh
Menopause, PMS
Black Haw Bark Menstrual
cycle problems, PMS
Cramp Bark Menstrual
cycle problems, PMS
Dandelion PMS
Dong Quai
Menopause, menstrual cycle problem
PMS
Ginger Menstrual
cycle problems, PMS
Motherwort Menstrual cycle
problems, PMS
Oatstraw Menopause,
PMS
Shephard's Purse
Menstrual cycle problems
Remember, Love God, Love your neighbor, and Love yourself!
If you have any questions or want to share the news of becoming
a Christian, please contact me.
Pastor Revita De Chalus and the Lord of Hope Ministry Staff
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Here is a prayer that was emailed to me.
Sister Prayer
Father, I ask you to bless my sister reading this right now!
LORD, show her a new revelation of YOUR love and power. HOLY SPIRIT, I ask YOU to minister to her spirit at this very moment.
When there is pain, give her YOUR peace & mercy. Where there
is self-doubting, release a renewed confidence in YOUR ability to work through her.
Where there is tiredness, or exhaustion, I ask YOU to give her
understanding, patience, & strength as she learns submission to YOUR leading.
Where there is Spiritual stagnation, I ask YOU to renew her by
revealing YOUR nearness, and by drawing her into greater intimacy with YOU.
Where there is fear, reveal YOUR love, and release to her YOUR
courage.
Where there is a sin blocking her, reveal it, and break its hold
over my sisters' life.
Bless her finances, give her greater vision, and raise her up
as a leader, and freind to support, and encourage her. Give her discernment to recognize the demonic forces around her, and
reveal to her the power YOU have in YOU to defeat it.
I ask YOU to do these things in the NAME OF THE FATHER, SON AND
HOLY GHOST!
In Christian Love,
Your sister in Christ
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This book excerpt is from Let Prayer Change Your Life
by Becky Tirabassi. It is a small book in easy to read form. She shares her struggles and how God helped her in her
prayer time. She gives practical tips. If you are a new Christian, what a way to start right! If you are a mature Christian,
you may find new tips to improve your prayer life. If you are a seeker, you may think of prayer differently after reading
the book.
" Yet, always, God's answers came through in His time, whisking
me even more confidently into another adventure with Him. Because He had proven His faithfulness through innumerable circumstances,
dreaming God's possibilities became my regular practice. A one-time daydreamer, I was now a dreamer determined to follow through
each day with God's plan-definitely a new fruit of my daily time in prayer."
