She states...she stands

She states: "I am a woman."
She stands tall being no-one else but a real woman


She states: "I'm a valuable part of any team I am in or lead."

She stands not trying to blend in and focuses on standing out

She states: "I am here to make a difference."

She stands and makes a difference by being the change

She states: "I am here for a purpose."

She stands and pursues her purpose with passion

The world states: "March 8th is International Women's Day."

She stands and celebrates herself and others every day

Today and everyday, I am celebrating myself and all you wonderful women...

everyday is a great day to celebrate ourselves and those around us.

How strong is your advice?

I felt like reading Proverbs 31 through but only got to verse 1 and stopped. The version I read said:

"The words of King Lemuel, the strong advice his mother gave him"*

As I pondered on this verse, I decided to look up the word "advice." The result of my random internet search was:

"guidance or recommendations concerning prudent future action,

typically given by someone regarded as knowledgeable or authoritative."**

Hear what a teenager said about advice:

How true Daddy's words were when he said: all children must look after their own upbringing. Parents can only give good advice or put them on the right paths, but the final forming of a person's character lies in their own hands. ~ Anne Frank***

Notice that she quoted her Daddy - this points to the realization that she regarded her Daddy as knowledgeable or authoritative. So knowing what advice means and hearing from a teenager, "How strong is our advice to our children?" - and this is a question for Fathers and Mothers. Note that I didn't ask "how strict/stern is your advice?"

When you think about it Erma Bombeck's words apply to Fathers and Mothers. She said "When your mother asks, 'Do you want a piece of advice?' it is a mere formality. It doesn't matter if you answer yes or no. You're going to get it anyway."

Very true and well put. So back to my question: How strong is the advice we do give?

"Strong" means: "able to withstand great force or pressure." **

And Proverbs 24: 10 says "If you fail under pressure, your strength is too small. (NLT)

References:

*emphasis mine, MSG
** Google search result
*** She lived for only 15 years: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anne_Frank

Think like who you are...

Think on this...

People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.

~ Elisabeth Kübler-Ross*

 
I like this quote and find it to be so true especially as I recently found out that this lady made some significant contributions in the study of death; in fact she was a pioneer in near death studies - yes, I also reject untimely death in Jesus name. However, it is a fact of life - we will all leave this earth one day - by death or rapture. She even put life in perspective in relation to death:
 
“It is the denial of death that is partially responsible for [people] living empty, purposeless lives; for when you live as if you’ll live forever, it becomes too easy to postpone the things that you know that you must do. In contrast, when you fully understand that each day you awaken could be the last you have, you take the time that day to grow, to become more of whom you really are, to reach out to other human beings.”
 
So purpose to live fully and leave empty...have a great life ahead...remain a bright light.
 
 
 
Source:
*http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Elisabeth_Kubler-Ross

Letter to "Jackie"

Dear Jackie,

As your "name sake", I can imagine some of your challenges so I'd like to share some resources that have blessed and benefited me enormously. I mean, if we share the same "name" we might as well share a few other things - especially as there is joy in sharing.

You would have heard (or at least, read) me say/type that: Readers are Leaders and the converse is true...Leaders are Readers (I'm not even sure who authored either or both of those sayings - maybe someone who owned a bookstore).

Well, the point is that how busy I find myself, I do try to actually "find myself" despite all that busy-ness. You must never feel "bad" about being busy - it's only the dead that aren't busy so we must do our best to make the busy-ness work for us. It's got to be profitable busy-ness - in life, unprofitable businesses go bankrupt - likewise, unprofitable busy-ness can make you bankrupt - physically, psychologically, socially and spiritually.

So we don't go bankrupt, I'd like to share some investment tips that yield high returns. There are a few of the books I hold dear to my heart/recommend when it comes to "finding myself" in the midst of my busyness - it's a 3-2-1 pattern...

I read these 3 books at different times in my life and their contents have stayed with me. I read "More hours in my Day" before I got married; "The Proverbs 31 woman" a few months or so after I got married and "Life Management for Busy Women" earlier this year - I told you about that one didn't I?

Two that I haven't read but will start looking out for them...so I can read them.

I learn a lot from Elizabeth George...so can you

and 1 that gives me every reason to say:

It is a delightful, down-to-earth book - it's an easy and breezy read.

You know, you could even use any or all of them to start a small study or book club with other ladies - you'd be amazed at how much spiritual, social, psychological and physical energy that will generate.

Let's know how you're doing...drop us a line.

Yours truly

Jackie 

I don’t want to raise successful children by Lysa TerKeurst

Proverbs 22:6 {NIV}Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

I don't want to raise successful children. That's a shocking thing to read, and a shocking thing for a mother to type. So, let me clarify.

I used to define success according to my child's report card. Good grades and academic achievement would surely equal a good child with great potential in this world. But then several of my children wound up being average students with average grades. Though we carted them off to tutors and spent many a late night at the kitchen table helping them, they remained average. And I remained concerned and frustrated.

One report card day I found myself facedown in the fibers of my carpet crying and wondering, "Where have I gone wrong as a mom?"

Walk on water

I was listening to the radio yesterday and heard a bit of this song: Walk on Water by Britt Nicole. Britt Nicole was interviewed and she shared how she was inspired to write this song. She wrote it because her mother had a dream to set up a girls' home. After years of  waiting for the right time not sure if she could do it (sound familiar?), she (her mother) finally stepped out of her comfort zone and set it up. Britt went on to share the transformation that has occurred in the lives of different girls. She mentioned how one of the girls Heather is going into college soon and yet about a year ago, Heather was homeless and hopeless. She went on to encourage us all to "Step out. even when it’s storming" - once God has laid something in our heart.

Indeed, I know from personal experience that you never know which "Heather" is waiting for you to obey the Master's call to walk on water (which is one of the reasons behind this blog - because we never know who the word is for - we just share in faith what God lays in our hearts). You know, it was stormy when Peter walked on water...he cried out for help, he made history...so can you.

I searched and got the lyrics off the internet...be blessed & empowered to walk on water as you read on...

One thing I learned from my mother

Depending on which part of the world you’re in, Mothers’ day has already passed or is on its way. Isn’t it interesting that unlike Fathers’ day that comes up only once a year, we have 2 dates set aside for mothers?

In some places it was on March 14th 2010 and for others it will be on May 9th 2010. So I’ve decided to post this on a date in-between both special days…interesting this coincides with my mother’s birthday (and to think that was not the intention - it just happened).

Recently, I was discussing with a friend about something I learned from my mother and she made a statement that I felt I need to share within the context of what I learned from my mother.

Impression and Expression

Have you heard of (or seen) the knuckle shake?

With everyone now being caught up in the H1N1 matter, adults and children are now being encouraged to give the “Obama bump” (as I call it) rather than shake hands as a way of preventing/minimizing the spread of the virus. This obviously made an impression on the world and is now being recommended and a greeting expression.

This got me thinking…imagine how a show of affection, admiration and acknowledgement within a marriage can impact the world. I'm now wondering and pondering on how my husband and I show affection, admiration and acknowledgement to each other...what impact does it have on those in our sphere of influence starting with our children?

Secret #1: Self-confidence - (2)

Eleanor Reid-White in her book “The Proverbs 31 Woman” discusses self-confidence from a very different and yet interesting perspective - one that too many of us overlook once we get married.

On this subject, she based her discussion on Proverbs 31:22 which says:

“She makes for herself coverlets, cushions, and rugs of tapestry. Her clothing is of linen, pure and fine, and of purple [such as that of which the clothing of the priests and the hallowed cloths of the temple were made].” (Amplified Bible)

In Eleanor’s words: “this woman keeps herself at her best. She never looks unseemly but always puts her best foot forward.”

She goes on to talk about how the Proverbs 31 woman takes the time to make her home clean and comfortable especially for her husband. Ok – let’s hold up here. This can be a challenge you know, especially when it seems like everyone else is messing up what you’re tidying up. Much as I don’t like a mess, I’ve come to a point where I “appreciate” it as evidence of a home versus a house. This is also where what I learned from Emilie Barnes’ book “More hours in my day” kicks in. I’ve taught my children to clean up as they go on, in fact as they grow older, they seem to enjoy being involved in doing household chores except when I hear the “not again” moan. And on top of that, I’m so blessed to have a husband who insists and makes sure that our home is clean and organised even when I don’t feel up to it.

Eleanor also delves into what we wear and how we look. As women, we need to be clean and neat. Some of us are no longer as fit or attractive as we were when we were still hoping to be married…ever asked your husband how he feels about it? Warning: You may not like the answer.

The Proverbs 31 woman’s choice of clothing indicates both self-respect and royalty. She knows that as a child of the most High God, she needs to demonstrate her self-confidence in her clothing and her carriage.

A healthy body is a happy body, in addition to being nicely dressed, we need have good personal hygiene.

According to Eleanor, “our bodies are the vehicles we use to do those things which God has purposed for us. If we destroy our bodies or fail to take good care of them, we inhibit the Spirit from working through us to the fullest extent.”

It cannot be overemphasized - a healthy body is key in pursuing our purpose with passion and I daresay it also makes walking on water a bit easier.

to be continued...

Secret #1: Self-confidence - (1)

Secret #1: Self-confidence:
"Self-confidence generates passion about your purpose and expands your influence on others."* ~ Dianna Boocher

So what is self-confidence? Is it internally-generated or externally-generated?

Simply put, self-confidence is confidence in yourself.

It is knowing and valuing your abilities, attributes and aspirations. Malcolm Forbes said that "too many people overvalue what they are not and undervalue what they are." And that is sadly so true especially for women. Too often we seek validation of who we are and what we can do or be from our parents, husbands, children, friends and even from people we meet from time to time. We seem to always be looking for someone to recognise and celebrate us for who we are and what we can or actually do. I believe and have experienced that like Lieb Lazarow said, "who has confidence in himself will gain the confidence of others."

To excel in life, you must be able to truly (and honestly) assess what you are capable of doing, determine what you need to learn or gain to move to the next level and be prepared to take that next step. It's one thing to know what you know but a different ball game to know what you don't know and to know what you need to do to bridge the gap between what you know and what you need to/should know.

Now before we go further, let's make this clear: self-confidence is NOT pride or arrogance. I found an interesting quotation that helps put this in perspective: “self-confidence gives you the freedom to make mistakes and cope with failure without feeling that your world has come to an end or that you are a worthless person.”

Self-confidence is definitely internally-generated, no matter how much confidence others have in you, if you don't have confidence in yourself and/or your abilities you cannot go very far. One of my ILP colleagues has a very interesting signature in her email -
"Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent. ~Eleanor Roosevelt"
Take note that a fellow woman said this.

Conversely, I'd like to say, with all care and caution, that "you don't need anyone's consent to feel superior (i.e. self-confident)". This feeling of "superiority" (self-confidence) comes, not from pride, but from a knowledge that you are in a relationship with God Who holds your future and has only good plans in store for you (see Jeremiah 29:11).

With self-confidence, you have one key element to ignite your passion to pursue your purpose in God. As women, especially Christian women, believe in God and believe in ourselves as we strive to be the best we can be and then do the best we can.

Follow Samuel Johnson's advice: "knock the "t" off the "can't"." Step out in self-confidence and pursue your purpose with passion!

We must not forget what the Word says in Philippians 4:13:

"I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency.]" (Amplified Bible)

Bottom line: Self-confidence is vital in order to "walk on water".

Source:
*page 46 of The Esther Effect by Dianna Booher

The Esther Effect

I’m sure some of us are familiar with the proverb “the hand that rocks the cradle, is the hand that rules the world.” If you've never heard it, just think about it and you'll realise how true it is. The quote is attributed to William Ross Wallace (1819-1881) - he’s long gone and yet the proverb is still as true and relevant as it was centuries ago.

As women, especially Christian women, we have a very key role in the future… By His special grace, God has let us “hold the future” in our arms. A role we must never take lightly. However, to perform this role effectively and efficiently, we have to be appropriately equipped. I once read a book that has helped me in this role. Below are some highlights that I pray will help you too.

The Esther Effect by Dianna Boocher

This book focuses on the 7 secrets of self-confidence and influence every Christian woman should know, possess and use.

Dianna defines “The Esther Effect” as "the impact you have when God places you in a situation which you can encourage or influence others or change the course of events."

This sounds like the job description of wives and mothers won’t you say?

Secret #1: Self-confidence: Self-confidence generates passion about your purpose and expands your influence on others.

Secret #2: Self-control: Exercise self-control to plan your Esther Effect, then patiently wait on God’s perfect timing. No day or year of your life is trivial; it’s simply preparation for your next opportunity.

Secret #3: Courage: Courage means acting decisively, even while taking risk, in whatever way God directs you. Make decisions by design rather than by default.

Secret #4: Communication: When you listen first then speak your heart with clarity and courtesy, you can lead others to change attitudes, behaviours, and situations.

Secret #5: Character: Character dictates our attitudes and action under pressure. And strong character influences others more than clever words, wealth, or wisdom ever could.

Secret #6: Connection: Emotional connection – to those in need, our support group, non-believers, all those around us – helps us take courageous action for Christ.

Secret #7: Calm assurance: Calm assurance in the face of injustice comes from knowing that God is in control of the future.

Over the next couple of months, together we’ll dissect these secrets to get to the "meat" of them…to help with our digestion of these secrets. You know only food that is well-digested is of any use to our bodies – same principle applies here with words we hear and the impact on our spirits and lives.

As always, your comments are welcome - please sign in to http://www.sapphire-and-beryl.blogspot.com/ to add your comments to this.