FOCUS

Biblical Womanhood

What is the Legacy of Biblical womanhood? What is Biblical Womanhood? It is not surprising that the secular world is confused about the identity and calling of woman. But what can be distressing is the extent to which this has happened within the evangelical world. To understand this heritage ourselves enables us to pass it on to the next generation (a Titus 2 approach to relationships) During the 2010 year we would like to present a series of 5 Themes concerning the topic of Biblical Womanhood. (these are possibly not all inclusive concerning the subject BUT they do give “food for thought”) We may also conclude our series with thoughts on seeing Biblical womanhood “lived out “ in our churches. God Bless you in your pursuit of holding to a Biblical Womanhood perspective in a secular world. LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE!

WORDS TO INSPIRE

Older Women mentoring Younger Women
a covenantal approach

The past articles in this year’s series have dealt with what Biblical womanhood is and how it relates to us personally. Yes, how we grow in our relationship with the Lord is personal but it is not individualistic. This means that when we come into His family-the family of God- we are also related to his other children we are accepted by Him by His grace. He accepts us and forgives us and then that grace we receive is to be given to others. This is NOT a way of isolation and independence. We are our brothers and sister’s keepers. Women nurturing/mentoring women is simply one way we live this out It is NOT an option. The easiest way this is done is when it is crafted by the church and will teach God’s truth about womanhood. However, the Titus 2 mandate can’t just be a program in our church . It is to be the lifestyle that we live out daily. We , as women, are created to be a helper, life-givers, and supporting pillars. These are concepts that have practical implications for the women’s ministry in a local church. And it probably will take some programming in the church to start this. Ask yourself these tough questions: How is your women’s ministry enabling your church to obey Titus 2;3-5? What opportunities are women provided to develop nurturing relationships with one another? In what settings are girls and teens being taught the principles of biblical womanhood? May God give us grace and wisdom to develop women’s ministries in our local churches that teach His daughters the TRUTH about biblical womanhood and equip them to be life-giving. supporting, pillars for the glory or God and the advancement of His kingdom.

NEEDS OF THE REAL WORLD

A Spiritual-Mothering Ministry

A Spiritual-Mothering Ministry. What is that you ask? First, when we think of a mother we think of someone who is nurturing her children spiritually, emotionally and physically. Even as the children grow the nurturing process never seems to stop. A Spiritual-Mothering Ministry is one of that same kind. If you are in a mentoring program in your church or if you are mentoring on your own that nurturing goes on for however long the two women are together. Sometimes one may move away but sometimes that spiritual-mothering stays even when there is distance in miles. It may be over the phone, e-mail or letters. A Spiritual mother takes her mothering very serious with the Lord. She will follow what the Bible teaches. She prays over the needs of her children and tries to meet those needs whenever she can. A Spiritual Mothering Mentor will follow the same also for the woman/women she is mentoring. First of all she knows and loves Jesus and believes that He died for all of her sins. Secondly she lives the life of a spiritual woman following what the Bible teaches and teaches it to the woman she is mentoring. Will she fail, yes, but she knows that she must always be in a right relationship with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Thirdly she will pray that the Holy Spirit will give her insight into the woman’s life that she is mentoring. The Holy Spirit can be her guide for the woman’s emotional and physical needs also. She takes the growth very serious in the life of the woman she is mentoring. She watches and prays for that woman. She encourages. She loves, helps and holds her whenever the need arises. She is lead by the Spirit to help be a deliverer of that need even though the woman has not expressed her need. When you think of a mother and all that she does for her children spiritually, emotionally and physically you can put all of those three together to be a Spiritual Mother and mentor.

CHECK IT OUT

The Table Experience by Devi Titus

Has the pace of life got you and your loved ones running in too many directions? Are you looking for deeper, more meaningful relationships even with the ones you love the most?

The Table Experience will help you transform home to a place of peace, a place where love lives, and where relationships thrive and flourish. The author of this book has effectively merged academic research with historical biblical research to reveal why eating at the table makes such a difference in relationships. Her insights and practical applications will inspire your creativity. Enjoy reading and learning from this helpful book . Let the legacy of your table be something worth passing on to future generations!

HELPFUL HINTS FOR HOME

Sensing The Season

The five senses - remember learning about them in grade school? Did you do the blindfold taste test experiments? Put your hand in a bag and guess the object enclosed by just using your sense of touch? Somewhere along the way, we perhaps lose some of the wonder of the gifts God has given us through touch, sight, sound, taste, and scent. This season of all seasons, let's rediscover the use of all fives senses, as we prepare our homes for celebrating Christ's Birth!

Years ago I read a book, now out of print, that beautifully presented ideas of how to make one's home an all-around sense-filled picture of beauty. The author's main message was to make all of our holiday decorating efforts point to Christ. and to show the hope and light He is in our lives. I'd like to share some of the inspiration that book ignited in me so long ago by sharing the following ideas:

Sight - this usually impacts us first, doesn't it? Lights brightening up both the exterior and interior of our earthly homes, reminiscent of the star that lit the night sky the eve of our Savior's birth. Trees laden with precious ornaments, table linens used year after year, Christmas mugs given to us by special people - all bring back cherished Christmas memories just by their sight. Photos displayed of past Christmases can also be wonderful visual reminders of previous celebrations.

Sound - of course Christmas music brings us right to the heart of the season - the birthday of our King! Each year I try to add one new Christmas CD to my collection. It has become quite eclectic, but each selection helps me celebrate the Reason we have this Season! How about bells on your doorknob to herald the entrance of family and friends? And there is the blessed sound of silence as we make sure to spend quiet time with Jesus, contemplating His coming to earth for you and me.

Touch - a hug given and received - a wonderful Christmas feel. The comfort of your favorite cozy sweater, a soft throw on your sofa used just during this season, the warmth of a fire. Touch, it's a gift that's free! To people in your life who spend much time alone, or who are far from family, a Christmas hug can be a treasured gift.

Scents - we remember them more than we realize. The luscious smells of sugar cookies baking in the oven can quickly bring back memories of visits to Grandma's house. The scent of freshly cut pine trees brings us back to Christmases long since passed. Create new memories, and re-live old ones, through the gift of scent. Do you have a favorite candle you use this time of year? How about cutting up some orange slices, a stick of cinnamon, a few cloves, all set to simmer in some water on your stove?

Taste - so many to choose from! The enjoying of traditional foods and tasty treats bind us together as families. Our Christmas meals are a fusion of Norwegian, Brazilian, and Korean foods. Not everyone's idea of what Christmas menus consist of, but for us it holds a world of meaning. What are your family's favorite Christmas foods? Keep the traditional, and try adding a new taste or two through a new side dish, dessert, or even a new flavor of cocoa or tea.

Here are some websites/blogs I hope you find helpful as you prepare to celebrate the first coming of the King of Kings. Have a SENSATIONAL CHRISTMAS everyone!

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2329186/christmas_decoration_for_all_five_senses.html?cat=74

http://www.eduguide.org/library/viewarticle/1125/http://www.suite101.com/content/holiday-decorating-tips-a174687

IDEAS THAT WORK

HEALTH for BODY (Physical) SOUL (Mind, Will, Emotions) SPIRIT (Spiritual)

STOP STRESS BEFORE IT BEGINS

Since stress is the top reason for many diseases, we need to address it.

Philippians 4:6-9 provides a meditational list: true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, admirable, virtuous/praise worthy.

Before letting something into your mind, ask these questions?

True = Is this true?
Honorable = Does this honor God?
Just = Is this morally right or wrong?
Pure = Will this purify or contaminate my soul?
Lovely = Will this renew or refresh me?
Admirable = Will I be able to recommend this to someone who looks up to me?
Virtuous and/or Praise Worthy = Will I be more motivated or less motivated to follow after Christ after that DVD, video game, computer website, book, magazine, music, motivational speaker, etc.?

God blends His living, powerful Word with the Holy Spirit’s help so we can then apply it to our lives. He wants to protect us but we need to keep bad things out of our minds and put good things into our minds – especially His Word!

STOP! Being conformed to this world!
START! Pondering and dwelling on the things of God!

Things of This World = DEATH!
Things of God = LIFE AND PEACE!

WORD FOCUS

Our time with Jesus is vital to our spiritual life and physical health! There is a different between knowing God as our Savior and knowing Him as our Lord. Lord means He’s the boss.

Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal His will through the following verses: John 14:23; John 6:66; James 4:7,8; 2 Corinthians 3:14-18; James 4:17; John 8:31-32; James 1:22-25; Psalm 1:2-3; Deuteronomy 4:30-31; Deuteronomy 30:19-20; Psalm 94:12-15; Matthew 7:21-24; Joshua 1:7-9.

Consider journaling. Answer these questions regarding passages: What does it say? What does it mean? How can I apply it? The Holy Spirit will help us to understand so we can apply His knowledge.

Let’s MEDITATE! = Pondering by talking to oneself.

Resources: “Less Stress” CDs
www.store.livingontheedge.org/store/product/238

A Time Well Spent with Jesus Notes, loriwillard@gmail.com
Request a copy.

HERE'S WHAT'S COOKING

BBQ Meat Loaf by Pampered Chef

Ingredients:
1 ½ pounds lean (90%) ground beef
¾ cup quick or old fashioned oats
½ cup finally chopped green bell pepper
½ cup finely chopped onion
½ cup barbecue sauce, divided
1 egg
1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper


Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine ground beef, oats, bell pepper, onion, 1/4 cup barbecue sauce, egg, thyme, salt and black pepper in Bowl; mix lightly but thoroughly.
2. Shape meat mixture into loaf in Loaf Pan. Insert Digital Thermometer into center of meat loaf. Bake 50 minutes.
3. Spread remaining 1/4 cup barbecue sauce over meat loaf. Bake an additional 10 minutes or until meat is no longer pink in center of meat loaf and internal temperature reaches 160°F using Digital Thermometer. Remove from oven. Let stand 10 minutes before slicing.

Yield: 6 servings Nutrients per serving: Calories 280, Fat 13 g, Sodium 660 mg, Fiber 2 g

Quick Fudgy Brownies by Pampered Chef

Ingredients:

½ cup (125 ml) pecan halves
¾ cup (175 ml) butter (1 ½ sticks)
4 oz. (125 g) unsweetened chocolate for baking
¾ cup (175 ml) all purpose flour
1 ½ tsp. (7ml) baking powder
¼ tsp. (1ml) salt
1 ½ cups (375 ml) sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp (5ml) vanilla
2 bars (2 oz/60 g each) cholocate-covered caramel peanut candy (3/4
cup/175 ml coarsely chopped)
Vanilla ice cream (optional)

Directions:
1. Place pecans into Square Baker. Microwave on HIGH 2-3 minutes or until fragrant, stirring every 30 seconds. Set pecans aside in (1-cup/250-mL) Bowl. Cut butter and chocolate into pieces using Knife; place into small Bowl. Microwave on HIGH 1-2 minutes or until melted and smooth, stirring every 30 seconds. Sift flour, baking powder and salt into (2-qt./2-L) Mixing Bowl using (7-in./18-cm) Strainer.
2. Combine sugar, eggs and vanilla in Bowl. Whisk using Whisk. Slowly add chocolate mixture to egg mixture, whisking constantly until smooth. Fold in flour mixture until incorporated using spatula.
3. Pour batter into baker. Microwave on HIGH 5-7 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean and edges are firm. Meanwhile, coarsely chop pecans using a Food Chopper. Cut candy bars into 1/4-in. (6-mm) pieces. Top brownies with pecans and candy pieces. Let stand 10 minutes. Serve with ice cream, if desired.

Yield: 9 servingsNutrients per serving: Calories 500, Total Fat 31 g, Saturated Fat 16 g, Cholesterol 115 mg, Carbohydrate 54 g, Protein 7 g, Sodium 310 mg, Fiber 3 gCook's

Tips: Any candy bar can be substituted for the chocolate-covered caramel-peanut candy bars, if desired.

For best results, use a microwave oven with a built-in turntable.

TOGETHER THROUGH PRAYER

Dear Father,

May we quiet our hearts this busy time of year to remember and celebrate only You. The lists, programs and plays, shopping, and cooking, often clutter our minds and hearts. We get so wrapped up in getting ready to celebrate Your birth, that we forget that it's not about what we do, but about what You did. You humbled yourself and came to earth in the form of a little babe. Thank you for the indescribable gift of Your Son, given to us freely so that we may be truly free. May we continually celebrate the gift of You in our lives and live out our gratitude that the world may know the hope and freedom You alone can give. Amen.

GETTING TO KNOW YOU

An Interview With
Faith Nelson

Faith Nelson is the wife of Pastor Eldon Nelson. She has four children and six grandchildren. As Faith looks back over the years that she was in churches and living in Minneapolis while her husband served as Home Mission director she recalls blessings, encouragements and the Lord’s leading in her life. When I asked Faith what she was involved in for ministry she promptly stated, “I mainly was caring for my family.” “Sometimes it is all you get done.” “I found this to be true especially with a handicapped child.” I allowed the Lord to use me wherever needed in ministry.” “I didn’t come with my own agenda into a church.” Later on Faith was involved in music, children and women’s ministries. Later God opened the doors to allow her to have a day care in her home. She was able to touch a lot of children’s lives and her life was an open book to the parents.

If Faith were to encourage us it would be to say to allow the Lord to work in your life and allow Him to focus on our spiritual growth. She said, “I experienced a tremendous amount of growth in my spiritual walk having a handicapped child.” “He still is working in my life but that time was a special time for my spiritual walk with the Lord.” I noted that we should use those times to let the Lord stretch us and allow the growth to come from Him. “Yes, she said, “Spend quality and quantity time in the Word of God.” Another encouragement would be to allow our husbands to lead in the ministry and God will speak through our husbands. “Support your husband at all times,” She said. “Be submissive to our husbands even in the difficult times too” she said. Another encouragement that she had for us is that “we would be transparent to the Lord and honest and then that will allow us to be transparent to our children, husband and the people we come in contact with.” “Let the light of the Lord shine in us to glorify God.” Another encouragement would be to make our family and home life important. “Orchestrate time that you can develop good and enduring relationships.”

Romans 15:13 is Faith’s favorite Bible verse. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace, as you trust in Him so that you overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. During a difficult time in her life she looked up all the verses on hope and this one became her favorite. “We can overflow with hope from the joy and peace that He give us.”

“Always be sensitive to the Lord’s working in your life and to the needs of others. “ I find that when I am focused on others then I am not so focused on myself.” “Today many are seeking for hope.” “We live in a hopeless secular world today.