LGG ~ Made for Community - Week 7 - Friday

Happy Friday and Happy Birthday Mom~

Can't wait for a hug from my mom and some of my mom's cooking, too. Please pray for safe travels for my uncle, aunt and mom as they are about to head down the road this morning.

From today's LGG blog: (I love this)

Let’s be women who are not ashamed of the gospel but who are so in love with our Saviour that we cannot keep his beautiful message to ourselves.

Looking to Jesus,

Reading Matthew 28:16-20

S:  Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.  Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.  And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

O:  Go.  Teach.  Always with me.

A:  There are so many ways to share Jesus with others around us.  We don't need to use words.  We can serve in so many ways.  But we need to be in his Word and placing it on our hearts so that when we are in a situation to need to witness to others who have questions, we are able to answer intelligently and with HIS words.  It can be difficult and put us in uncomfortable places, but we only need to trust that He will be by our side.  He never leaves us.  He will direct our words in a way to bring honor and glory to Him.

P:  Father, as I do each and every morning, I come.  I ask.  Give me opportunities to serve in this dark world.  And when words are necessary, give me your words.  Words that will direct people to you.  My hope and prayer is that everyone I meet knows I am your child and that they would want to know you, too.  Forgive me when I fail.  Help me to learn and be better for you.  Place your word on my heart in mind in a way that I would be able to use them wisely in situations where words are needed to help someone on their way.  I ask these things in Jesus name.  ~Amen.

Have a wonderful weekend ladies.

~Darla

So excited for the next study. Please let me know if you plan to participate. I mean REALLY DIG into God's word with us. Remember this takes commitment. I look forward to studying this. One of my favorite books.

LGG ~ Made for Community - Week 7 - Thursday

Thankful Thursday~

What are you thankful for?  I am thankful for my Mom.  Tomorrow is her birthday.  She is coming for a visit and will be staying with us for a whole week!!

Reading Luke 10:30-37

S:  "Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?" Jesus asked.  The man replied, "The one who showed him mercy."  Then Jesus said, "Yes, now go and do the same.

O:  Mercy.

A/P:  Father you are full of mercy and show me mercy each day of my life.  Let me show even an ounce of your mercy to others, especially those closest to me.  Please forgive me for my impatience and for not loving with my whole heart.  Thank you for loving me right where I am.  ~Amen

Be safe sweet sisters.  We got nine inches of beautiful white fluffy wet snow here in NC.  It is beautiful from my window.  Work was closed today as is everything else here in our area even McDonald's is closed.  Unheard of in PA!!  Makes me giggle.  Thankful for not losing power and having a warm home.

Love,

LGG ~ Made for Community - Week 7 - Wednesday

Good morning Girls~

Reading Matthew 25:34-40

S:  For I was hungry, and you fed me.  I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink.  I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home.

O:  Invited.

A:  I am given many opportunities to serve and disregard these opportunities so many times.  Why?  Because I am tired, lazy, my house is messy, my dogs are in the way....the list goes on and on.  While I love to entertain, that is not what it is all about.  It is about doing what needs to be done right now, in the midst of the excuses.  Even when I am tired and don't want to be bothered.  It is when everything isn't perfectly in it's place.  It is in the store lines.  It is in the traffic.  It is in the office.  It is everywhere.  I need to pay attention.  I didn't deserve any of what God gave to me yet he gave it anyway.   Who am I to hold anything I have back from another?  It isn't mine anyway.

P:  Father, you gave.  Simply.  Gave.  Let me do the same.  ~Amen

LGG ~ Made for Community - Week 7 - Tuesday

Good morning~

Reading Matthew 5:13-16

S:  You are the light of the world - like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.  In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

O:  Light.  Shine.  Praise.

A:  Have you ever felt yourself drawn to someone?  Felt that something different in a person?  Saw that light in their life?  See the shine in them?  I have.  I love how God draws us to those who are His.  When we are following Jesus, he directs us to those other kids of his.  If I am not shining, how will others know I am his?  

P:  Father, thank you for the light you bring into my life.  Thank you for putting your other kids in my path.  I love the bond we share in you.  Let my light shine bright for you in this dark world.  Let me bring honor and praise to you in all I do.  In Jesus name I pray.  ~Amen

It's snowing here in NC.  Kaylee is half way to school and they called a delay.  I see PA is on a delay today, too.  Be careful out there.  Enjoy it if you love it.  I don't mind the snow, it's the bitter cold I don't like.  Stay warm.

In His arms.

LGG ~ Made for Community - Week 7 - Monday

Good morning~

Please lift Kim's family in prayer this week as they say good bye to her uncle.  Please also remember Amy and her family as they deal with damages and repairs to their house several states away from where they live.  And the many other prayer requests our group has.

This week's challenge:

Week 7 Challenge

This week, join us in reaching the nations with God’s Word! You can do that a number of ways:

1. Forward our studies on to your mission directors at your churches or colleges.
2. Email them to friends in other countries or who are involved in ministries who serve our sisters in Christ in other countries.
3. Share our images on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter and tag your friends or family who might know of women who could benefit from our studies. We each have a part to play in spreading the good news of God’s love to the ends of the earth!

Reading John 3:14-19

S:  For this is how God loved the world:  He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.  God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.

O:  Love.  Gave.  Eternal life.

A:  I need to always remember that even though I am a sinner God loves me anyway and sent his Son to die for me.  I need to share what he has given to me with others so that they may know his love.  If I stand in judgment of them and not love, how will they ever know Him.

P:  Father, be with me each step of my day.  Let me be a sister to walk with in faith not a judge and critic.  Forgive me when I fail you.  Pick me up when I fall.  Allow me to find others in my path who know you to help support me when I need picked up.  Be with our group, Father.  You know our struggles.  You know our requests.  You know our hearts.  I thank you for each of them.  Thank you for bringing them into my life.  Thank you for bonding our group.  Thank you for being our core.  ~Amen

Be blessed and a blessing.

LGG ~ Made for Community - Week 6 - Friday

Happy Friday!

Today I want to share with you an email I received yesterday from some dear friends of mine.  They asked that we share this with anyone we felt led to share with.  I wanted to share with you gals.  God sent it right at the right time with our study.  I love how He does that.

Community,

First of all, I want to apologize for getting this out later than planned.  Time has been of the essence lately. 

In recent days, God has been planting a word in my head over and over again to have a challenge to all my brothers and sisters for the Lenten season and beyond.  It is often commonplace during Lent that people might give something up or decide to do without.  The word I have been getting is, let’s reverse that this year and add something Christ like to our daily routine.  I am not saying to ignore the idea of removing something, if that is God’s desire for you, just consider adding something this year.  This can be done on a personal basis or collectively as a group.  Maybe it needs to be one thing, maybe a combination of several things.  Examples would be: daily communion, extra time for prayer, intercession, taking extra time studying the Word, random acts of kindness, etc.  I believe it can be easy to remove something from our lives because it really requires little effort physically.  But I believe if we add something to remind us of Jesus daily, hopefully after a while it will become a habit since it encourages us into action for Him and then we can continue this challenge long after Lent is over.  By the way, if you miss a day, don't worry, just pick it back up the next day, God will give you grace.

That being said, Amy and I would like to challenge everyone to Step Up For Jesus this Lenten season and beyond and step out of your comfort zone and into His comfort zone and begin or increase the work we can and will do for Him.  After all, I believe this is what He would want and be proud of. 

Thank you and God Bless,

Jeff and Amy Pyle

Reading:

1Peter 4:7-11

S.O.A.P.

S:  God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts.  Use them well to serve one another.

O:  Variety of gifts. God given.  Use them well.  Serve.

A:  I know I don't need to dig deep to know what my gifts are.  Quite honestly I can name a few off pretty quickly.  Now using them, I may not be as quick.  Many of my gifts/talents lay dormant for one reason or another. Fear.  Laziness.  Impatience.  Selfishness.  I think you get the picture.  All of those EXCUSES are from directed by satan.  So it all comes back to love of my neighbor, friend, stranger, family.  I need to pull these gifts off the shelf, dust them off and use them.  Time is wasting.  Life is short.  God has blessed me in many ways.  What a shame and sin to waste these God given gifts.  I need to use them well and serve as many as I am able.

P:  Father, thank you for a week of eye opening scriptures.  A few I have read many times over but have received new meaning and understanding.  Open my eyes to opportunities to use these gifts.  Use my feet and hands to accomplish the tasks you set before me.  Open my heart to loving and serving others.  I ask that you be with each of he women in this group.  We all carry burdens that only you are able to lighten.  You have given each of us gifts.  Help each of us recognize and use what you have given us so that we may further your kingdom and serve those who do not know you and those who are already yours.  Be with each of us this weekend.  The weather has been so cold in many areas.  Keep us all safe and warm and if there is need to care for those who are without shelter or food or just need a friend, let us be willing to open our hearts and homes to those in need.  In Jesus precious name I ask these things.  ~Amen

Stay warm Sisters.

LGG ~ Made for Community - Week 6 - Thursday

Good morning~

Thankful Thursday.  What are you thankful for?

I am thankful for making it home safely yesterday.  That was terrible.  I have a new appreciation for the PENNDOT road crews after having experienced just two blasts of winter here in NC.  PA girls you have not idea how blessed you are to have the crews you do.  The weather was worse than I have seen even in PA yesterday, but we just do not have the equipment here to handle it.  So all that to say, I am thankful for the PENNDOT crews having taken such good care of the roadways in PA.  Thank you CHRISTOPHER WILSON!!!!!  (Tammy's husband)

Reading:

Matthew 7:1-5;12

S.O.A.P.

S:  "Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you.  This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.

O/A:  I really need to respect myself more.  If I am to treat others better, I need to realize what a gift I am, too.  I down myself regularly.  I don't take compliments well.  I don't eat right or exercise regularly.  How am I to have a healthy attitude toward others.  Yes I am respectful of others and try to be kind but am I really doing the best I can?  Remember the eye rolling that I claim to be so good at?  Yeah, I have a lot of work today, starting with me.

P:  Father, thank you for allowing me to see this verse in a different light today.  I realize I need to start with me.  In turn, with your help and guidance, I will be a better child for your kingdom.  Forgive me for falling short, daily.  Thank you for your mercies new each morning.  ~Amen

LGG ~ Made for Community - Week 6 - Wednesday

Good morning~

Reading:

Zechariah 7:8-12

S.O.A.P.

S: This is what the Lord of Heaven's Armies says:  Judge fairly, and show mercy and kindness to one another.  Do not oppress widows, orphans, foreigners, and the poor.  And do not scheme against each other.

O:  Show mercy and kindness.  It is what the Lord says.

A:  I have been working hard on this scripture.  I feel like this is what our entire study has been pushing me to do.  It's about loving others right where they are and in spite of how I feel about them.  I need to love in all areas no matter what others look like, smell like, ANYTHING.  I am not the judge.  Praise God for that.  Just love and all the rest will fall into place.  I need to stop worrying about the crumbs and dust.  Just love and open up my arms.  Oh my. 

P:  Father, thank you for opening my eyes.  Thank you for Joy's words this morning.  I need to remember just sitting in the dust and coming together is all some people need.  I need that.  I need to get kicked out of my comfort zone and pushed in the dust and dirt amongst your people.  Guide me.  Thank you for loving me right where I am, dusty and dirty.  ~Amen

Be blessed and a blessing, Girls.  Also, I have an unspoken request.  Please lift it to the Lord.  He knows.

LGG ~ Made for Community - Week 6 - Tuesday

Good morning~

It is treacherous here in NC.  Duke is on a two hour delay.  There are accidents everywhere.  Please stay safe and warm wherever you are.

Reading:

Galatians 5:13-18

S.O.A.P.

S:  For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters.  But don't use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature.  Instead, use your freedom to serve on another in love.  For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: "Love your neighbor as yourself.

O:  Freedom.  Serve.  Love.

A:  I have been given freedom in Christ and need to use this freedom in a way that is pleasing to him and in a way that serves him and shows/shares his love with others.  Whether the others I come in contact with are believers or unbelievers, this freedom gives me opportunities to serve others that those who do know him will know I am Christ's own and those who do not, may see Him in me and want to know him.

P:  Father the past few weeks of this study have been a real eye opener for me.  I hear you telling me that I am your example, I am your witness.  I need to be very careful of my actions because others are watching.  If I slip up even the slightest, it can cause great detriment to who you are.  Please forgive me.  Walk by my side and guide me.  Let me not cause someone to stumble.  Let me serve others for your glory and praise.  In Jesus' precious name I pray.  ~Amen

Have a great day ladies.

LGG ~ Made for Community - Week 6 - Monday

Good morning Dear Ones~

This is our weekly challenge:

Reading today is:

Matthew 22:34-40

S.O.A.P.

S:  Jesus replied, "'You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.'  This is the first and greatest commandment.  A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.

O:  LOVE. 

A:  I need to remember how much He loves me first.  With His love in the forefront of my mind at all times, I will be able to freely and more easily give of myself to others, without judgement or hesitation.

P:  Father forgive me for not loving to the point of being stretched, to the point of actually aching.  I need to love more freely.  Help me recognize where I am needed and place me in the midst of those people who need you.  Be with each of us this week as we go out into this world that is hungry and thirsting for you.  Let us give in ways we never imagine we could give.  I ask this in your son's precious and holy name.  ~Amen

Kim, praying for you and your family.  Please let me know if you need anything.

Be blessed and a blessing.

LGG ~ Made for Community - Week 5 - Friday

Happy Friday the 13th, Ladies~

Share a fun fact about yourself with the group.

My fun fact is that I love Mexican food.  I could eat it every single day and not get sick of it. :o)

Reading Hebrews 10:19-25

S.O.A.P.

S:  Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.  And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

O/A:  Always be about God's work, loving and doing for his glory.  And also be around like minded people to encourage each other because it is not always easy.

P:  Father, thank you for this week's devotions and showing me how important it is to gather with other Christians on a regular basis.  I know this to be true, so again thank you for the reminders and also for these lovely women who have encouraged me this week.  Be with each of us this weekend.  This is a weekend focused on LOVE.  Give us rest and recharge our batteries.  You are the ultimate Docking Station.  I love you Lord.  ~Amen

We are having a luncheon at work today.  We have had a secret cupid delivering sweet treats to each other for the later part of the week.  Today we will find out who each of our secret cupids were.  Should be fun fellowship.

Have a lovely weekend.  Enjoy your Valentine!! <3 br="" nbsp="">

LGG ~ Made for Community - Week 5 - Thursday

Good morning Girls~

Happy Thankful Thursday!

I feel like I could sleep all day.  I am thankful for my warm bed to recharge and renew for another day to serve.  Never really thought of this before, but my bed is like a docking station.  Made me think of an old sci-fi movie.  :)

Reading 1Thessalonians 5:12-15

S.O.A.P.

S:  Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord's work.  They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance.  Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work.  And live peacefully with each other.

O:  Honor and respect our leaders.

A:  I can't even imagine what a pastor must face on a daily basis.  They hear every trouble and heartache.  They hear of each loss, whether is be death, divorce, feud etc.  They are there for joys, too.  But WOW!!  they are faced with many situations from many people.  And some churches now are so very large.  What a burden and troublesome position to be in.  Even though they may love their position, it must be so very hard sometimes to hear all of what they hear.  I really need to be in fervent prayer for the church leaders more than I ever even considered before.

P:  Father, thank you for this reminder.  Thank you for our church leaders especially our pastors.  Be with each of them as they hear the burdens and joys of Your flock.  Help them.  Refresh and renew them with your power and strength as they minister.  I ask this in your Son's name.  ~Amen

Be blessed and a blessing,

LGG ~ Made for Community - Week 5 -Wednesday

Happy Halfway Day~

Pat it was so good to hear from you yesterday!  

Reading today Romans 12:3-8

S.O.A.P.

S:  In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well.  So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you.  If your gift is serving others, serve them well.  If you are a teacher, teach well.  If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging.  If it is giving give generously.  If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously.  And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

O:  Discover your gift(s) and use it(them) well.

A:  God has given each of us our own gifts and talents to use to serve others.  I need to recognize what it is I have to offer my 'church' and see where I can plug my gift in.  I need to reach out to see what areas need helpers and get involved.  I was very involved in my church at home for a long period of time and then got burned out and started saying no.  That was when my lack of regular participation started.  I do have gifts and talents that God has so graciously given to me.  I need not waste them.  Life is so very short.  It felt so good to be involved.  I (we) all need that in our lives.  We need to get plugged into our local churches.

P:  Father, thank you for giving me the desire to serve.  Thank you for putting Aaron in my life to help.  Thank you for giving me a direction to go and see where I can be used.   Help me seek and find where you are sending me.  In Jesus' name.  ~Amen  

(this may not make sense to you all, but God knows)  

Have a blessed day Girls.

LGG ~ Made for Community - Week 5 - Tuesday

Good morning~

Happy birthday to our very own Tammy.  I hope your day is as special as you are!!

Reading Acts 4:32-35

S.O.A.P.

S:  All the believers were united in heart and mind.  And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had.

O: United.  Shared everything.

A:  Like I said yesterday, I am not a regular church attender.  Because of this group, I feel plugged in to a community of believers.   But, after reading yesterdays posts and now today's, I am realizing I do need to be involved in a local church.  One that has believers and teachers of God's word.  A place where I can learn and be with others in Christ and break bread and fellowship.  It is what I am called to do.

P:  Father, direct my path in the way you would have me go.  Cause me to be obedient even if it isn't at the church I have been attending (when I go).  Be with the others in our group searching for their home church.  In Jesus' precious name.  ~Amen

Have a good day.  It's a soggy one here today.

LGG ~ Made for Community - Week 5 - Monday

Good morning~

Are you ready for a good week?  I am.  I am staying positive this week.  I will not let anyone steal my joy.  

Our challenge this week:

Our reading today is:  Acts 2:42-47

And S.O.A.P. 

S:  All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord's Supper), and to prayer.

O:  Fellowship.

A:  I am not a regular attender of church on Sunday, I'll admit, however, I do feel it is good to come together with other believers.  I enjoy going to church when I do and love hearing the message of our pastor.  The NC girls of this study have been meeting together Saturday morning for a few hours and it is a wonderful time of study, sharing, crying and laughter.  I am hoping by the end of the week I will have a better understanding and desire to be a more regular Sunday church attender.

P:  Father, thank you for providing a wonderful church to attend with a pastor who speaks directly from your word and convicts me to spend more time in your word and being about your business.  Thank you for these sisters who are a wonderful group to fellowship with and pray with.  Be with each of us this week as we learn more about coming together as a body of believers.  In Jesus' precious name.  ~Amen

Have a happy Monday.

LGG ~ Made for Community - Week 4 - Friday

Happy Friday, Girls~

It's hard to believe we are now half way through this study.  I hope you are enjoying it as much as I am.  Thank you for sticking with this and for sharing your hearts.

Today is fun fact Friday.  

My fun fact is, I love animals.  Any kind of animal.  They just make me happy.   I always wonder what they think about and if they have a secret language between each other.  (I know I am silly)

Reading today is Galatians 6:1-10

S.O.A.P.  Galatians 6:10

S:  Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone - especially to those in the family of faith.

O:  Do good to everyone - especially other believers.

A:  All week we have talked about others.  Today those others are ESPECIALLY those we share faith with.  I sure hope you all read the blog post that LGG puts out Monday, Wednesday and Friday.  They are some of the most thought provocation and inspiring words that I read on those days.  Whitney touches my heart every time I read her thoughts.  Today she shares:  

But we love Jesus and we’re practicing how to keep the main thing the main thing:

No condemnation.

No competition.

No comparing.

Just compassion to do good when we can, and enough courage to take the focus off of ourselves and promptly put it back onto Jesus. Over and over again, with help from each other.

WOW!  Wouldn't it be wonderful to live this way every day, with everyone, especially those we love and share our faith with?

P:  Father, thank you for these beautiful women who choose to share in our group.  Thank you for allowing us to come together each morning from all over but feel so together.  Thank you for giving us opportunities to lift each other up and share our joys and sorrows.  Be with each of us this weekend as we go to our own churches, or trying to find new churches or wherever each of us are.  Help us to find and share with others who have a like faith as ours.  We need You as our center.  A cord with three strands is not easily broken.  ~Amen.

Have a wonderful weekend.