Inspired Women Magazine Digital Edition January / February 2013 by INSPIRED WOMEN MAGAZINE

November / December 2012

Michelle MCKINNEY HAMMOND

LOVE in

2013

Regain Your Vision

Lessons from Bartemaeus

Why Me?

EXERCISE...

Blessings for Cursing

How to look your professional best

Move forward into Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Plan for You

inspired women magazine JAN / FEB 2013

Loving, blessing and forgiving your enemies

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s never too late to get started

january/february 2013

inspiredwomenmagazine.com Contributing Writers Karin Syren Laurette Willis Mia Green Denise Lilly Dawn Ferry Lanette Kissel Wendy Herrmann Smith Elizabeth Corcoran

inspired women magazine JAN / FEB 2013

17 | Through Hope’s Ray

Dania Hernandez Ad Sales 305-720-5841 contact@inspiredwomenmagazine.com

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

importance that God the Father is placing on everyone to learn how to love Him, love ourselves, and love one another. In the production Les Miserables (a must see), the characters Valjean, Fantine, Eponine sing a chorus in one of their final songs: Take my hand And lead me to salvation Take my love For love is everlasting And remember The truth that once was spoken To love another person Is to see the face of God. The words, “to love another person is to see the face of God” just struck me and I thought how great it would be if every day we each sought to see the face of God here on earth. Your gift and purpose may play a part in this truth. So I pray that this year we may live out our purpose, may we walk in the fruits of the Spirit and may we see the face of God in 2013.

Happy New Year!

inspired women magazine JAN / FEB 2013

A lot happened in 2012 and more than ever, I believe that this nation strongly needs to place their focus on God. If together we challenge ourselves to live out His purpose for us, we can each make a difference in doing that. Inspired Women is not just about encouraging or motivating women. It is about inspiring and challenging women to live out their purpose so that together we may rise up and do our part as the body of Christ. I know many will start the month of January with fasting and seeking direction and as we do, let’s ask the questions, “What does God want me to do in 2013? How do I live out my purpose in Him this year? What things in my life hinder my destiny and walk with the Lord. What areas in my life are not producing the fruits of the Spirit?” Strangely enough one of the traditions we celebrate the first part of the year relates to LoveValentine’s Day. This is one of the nine fruits of the Spirit. In fact, it is listed as the first fruit. One of the main messages in the bible is the extreme

CHRISTIAN LIVING

Why Me? by Karin Syren

inspired women magazine JAN / FEB 2013

As you reflect on the year past and look forward into the new, perhaps you are aware of God calling you into uncertain territory. And perhaps you are also finding reasons why you cannot possibly do what He asks, even disputing it with God as Moses did, attempting to convince Him you are the wrong one? If this strikes a familiar chord, here are a few principles to help you move forward into Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plan for you.

God had been positioning Moses for his such a time as this from birth. (See Esther 4:14) You can be certain He has no less a hand on your life and mission! 1. God knows us better than we know ourselves. We cannot hope to judge whether we are right for the task God has called us to. At best, we have limited vision. Godly perspective is called for in determining kingdom placement. Learn to see yourself

through His eyes, His perspective. When He looks at you, it is through the Blood; He sees Jesus. You are the righteousness of God in Christ! Renew your mind to that essential truth. 2. Whom God calls, He equips. How many NASA astronauts, upon entering the space program, run out to Astronauts â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;R Us to equip themselves for the mission? God no more expects us to equip ourselves for what He asks of us than NASA expects it of their astronauts. NASA requires the absolute best for their programs and only NASA can provide that. God requires the absolute best for His programs and only He can provide it. Rely on that! 3. Dependence is the key. From the time we are barely toddling, society teaches us that independence is the ultimate goal. Needing

11 “But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?’ 12 So He said, ‘I will certainly be with you. And this shall be a sign to you that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.’” Exodus 3:11-12 NKJV

4. Grace is the gift. According to Merriam Webster, grace is unmerited, divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification; approval; favor; privilege. It

cannot be earned, so there is no price we can hope to pay for it. It is a pure gift. Grace is the favor necessary to accomplish what God decrees. It is God’s Name going before us. (Philippians 2:9-11) Do not make the mistake of attempting anything ordained by God without it! 5. The Holy Spirit is the power. Your own paltry power can barely propel you out of bed in the morning, so how can you expect it to accomplish the divine? You would never pull out the wooden oars to row the Queen Mary across the Atlantic -- ridiculous! You would use the humungous engines provided for the job. His call requires His power in and on the flesh of man, to do His will in these critical last days.

inspired women magazine JAN / FEB 2013

no one, selfsufficient, self-directed, self-motivated, s e l f - c e nt e re d , society would call us successful. But when God calls us, He is not interested in what we can do; he is interested in what we cannot do. He is looking for those who are without resource -- and know it -- for those who will say yes and then expect instruction and power from the Holy Spirit. (2 Corinthians 12:10)

6. Your part is availability, surrender and submission. You mean all I have to do is say yes, show up, and surrender? Look again at Moses. The last place Moses would have desired to go was back to Egypt where he was wanted for murder. Having been a member of Pharaoh’s household, it is unlikely that his crime would have been forgotten. He clearly could not rely on the favor of man. His only hope was to surrender to God’s will, to go where He said go and to submit to God and His power to fulfill His plan.

Practical Steps: Start off 2013 by ensuring that you are in step with God’s plan for you and with His way of bringing it to pass. God is interested in what we cannot do. It is essential that we are aware of who we are without God so that we can truly understand

who we are with Him. We must be aware that our resources are inconsequential when it comes to what is required for kingdom work. Study the Book of Esther and see how God moved in the life of a young Hebrew maiden who, against all odds, fulfilled her calling and brought about the salvation of her people. Note any parallels between Esther’s situation and your own. Consider Ruth, who from loyalty remained with a mother-in-law who had nothing more for her. Ruth held her ground even when it appeared they would starve together. She submitted and stayed where God wanted her to be and became the grandmother of Kings! Finally, look at the teen-aged girl whose life seemed as though it would be torn apart if she submitted to God’s plan for her. At the very least, she risked total ridicule and ostracism,

inspired women magazine JAN / FEB 2013

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Make it your business to understand who you are, Whose you are, and where your power and authority lie. Once you are clear on these three, you will step out of the boat and follow Jesus anywhere, never again questioning “why me?”!

Part 1 of 2 part Series - Well Equipped

and death by stoning at the worst. Say with Mary, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.. (Luke 1:38)

Copyright ©2010/2012 Karin Syren All rights reserved Adapted & Reprinted with permission from The Bible Minute: One Year of Concise Bible Studies for On the Go Christians Click to order your copy at Amazon.com

Any of these women might understandably have said “why me?” Instead each of them made themselves available, surrendered and submitted to God’s will. Only the power and equipping of God could bring their miracles, and countless others, to pass. We can no more *** step out into God’s plan without His equipping Karin is a Vision Coach helping individuals and groups than the men and women on the pages of our articulate and realize the manifestation of their dreams. Bibles. Increase your confidence by developing a clear picture of

Take It Personally:

inspired women magazine JAN / FEB 2013

Follow up your study with the Righteousness Exercise. Using the Epistles, which are specifically addressed to the church (that’s you and me) along with your online resources, find each instance of in Him, in Whom, and in Christ. Each will reveal to you who you are, what you have, and what you can do in Christ. Prayerfully study each Scripture and then make it a personal confession. Record each and declare them every day.

where you are going and how to get there. Discover what makes you unique and how to form your future around it. You may contact Karin for information about her Life With A Plan program and So-lu’shunz Leadership Services at ksyren@solushunz.net. For more information about Karin’s private and group coaching offerings, check the So-lu’shunz Leadership Services website at Solushunz.com. ‘ Karin can be reached at Ksyren@solushunz.net. For more information about Solu’shunz Leadership Services, go to www.Solushunz.com.

Let’s Continue to Pray for the Newtown Families: Charlotte Bacon, Feb. 22, 2006 Daniel Barden, Sept. 25, 2005 Rachel Davino, July 17, 1983 Olivia Engel, July 18, 2006 Josephine Gay, Dec. 11, 2005 Ana M. Marquez-Greene, April 4, 2006 Dylan Hockley, March 8, 2006 Dawn Hochsprung, June 28, 1965 Madeleine F. Hsu, July 10, 2006

Catherine V. Hubbard, June 8, 2006 Chase Kowalski, Oct. 31, 2005 Jesse Lewis, June 30, 2006 James Mattioli, March 22, 2006 Grace McDonnell, Nov. 4, 2005 Anne Marie Murphy, July 25, 1960 Emilie Parker, May 12, 2006 Jack Pinto, May 6, 2006

Noah Pozner, Nov. 20, 2006 Caroline Previdi, Sept. 7, 2006 Jessica Rekos, May 10, 2006 Avielle Richman, Oct. 17, 2006 Lauren Rousseau, June of 1982 Mary Sherlach, Feb. 11, 1956 Victoria Soto, Nov. 4, 1985 Benjamin Wheeler, Sept. 12, 2006 Allison N. Wyatt, July 3, 2006

Why Couldn’t Jesus Just Stay?

inspired women magazine JAN / FEB 2013

by Dawn Ferry

I moved to Rhode Island last year and I live less than an hour from Newtown Connecticut. I have a 7 year old and a 5 year old; one of my children is in kindergarten in our small close knit community and the other in first grade. There is little crime here, open doors, open schools and perhaps a false sense of security. The Newtown shooting has been one of those moments in life which simply proved to be too much. I could not listen, I could not watch, and I am quite sure I do not fully comprehend. There comes a moment where being a human is not enough. All you can do in a moment like that is sit in the silent presence of God. I tried to keep my sons semi-sheltered from the news because I did not want them to be exposed to something I could not yet process.

My oldest son Eamonn heard something on the radio about the children who were killed in a school shooting. He asked me what happened and I told him that there are bad things in this world and the best we can do is pray and ask Jesus to protect us. (I will admit at that moment in time, with the magnitude of sorrow I felt, I am not even sure I bought my own answer). Eamonn was silent and then from the back seat came a soft, profound question. The kind of question only a child would ask. Perhaps the kind of question one of those sweet babies in that kindergarten could have asked. He said, “Mommy, why did Jesus die, why couldn’t he have just stayed with us?” Then he continued, “This world would be a lot better if he was here with us.” Out of the mouth of babes! I was stunned, I thought about what I was suppose to say, I thought about what I should

say and then I said, “He never left us.” That answer I believed with all of my heart. Now, I will never understand why those innocent children and adults died. I will never understand genocide, the killing of children in the Sudan, the knife attacks in schools in China or the orphaning of small souls in Haiti. However, I know this….Jesus is here. Just days before Christmas, innocence was taken from us in evil darkness in Newtown. 2000 years earlier only days later, Innocence was born to us in the still darkness in Bethlehem. Perhaps these towns appear to share little in common, however, I would challenge that the hand of God moved in both. In the midst of unspeakable sorrow, on the stage of a small auditorium in Newtown Jews, Muslims, Atheists, Christians stood united in prayer for God to heal the town. Whether they called Him

ket of white snow covering the landscape, I know God will heal that community. Those parents have been given a gift. Something the rest of us will never have. They have now lost the fear of dying. They know this is not their home. Their home is with their loved one and with Jesus in Heaven. They can live life to the fullest, never worry if today is their last because if it is that is just as wonderful as if it is not. I believe that is a gift that God gives those who lose love ones. Those who lose see life in high definition, they seek to do good they understand, this is not their home. I will never understand the shooting at Columbine, the school shooting in Scotland or the recent shooting in Connecticut; however this I do know, Jesus did not leave us, the world left Him. Those sweet babies are now back in the arms of their Maker.

They were with Him before they were with us and they like Jesus are not gone but they are here in spirit and in our hearts. The best news of all Eamonn is that one day, we will all be together again and He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Rev. 21:4---that’s a divine promise. Dawn Ferry Dawn Ferry is a single mother of two young boys who resides in R.I. She has spent the last 12 years working in the Hospitality Industry in Training and Development. She is a part time contributor to IWM and a full time reader. Dawn has a strong faith which has carried her through all of her life’s trials and blessings. Dawn has a passion for graphics, film and theater. She has a B.A. in Communications. Dawn lives by the motto; there are no mistakes, only lessons.

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the power or God--they stood united. For hundreds of years, the super powers of the world have tried to unite these warring religions which have killed in the name of their god. Now in a small auditorium, much like a small stable in Bethlehem, the world stopped and stood united in the presence of God. There He was, Jesus in both towns, light in the darkness of the world. I imagine that Mary, much like many of the moms, dads and families of those lost in Newtown wanted to die with her child. How dare God give her a gift and then take her son to strengthen his kingdom…her baby, all his hopes and dreams, robbed from him at 33 years of age. Why God? Even Jesus cried out, “Why God?” I cried out, “Why God?” I am not sure we will ever know why but as I look out the window at the beautiful blan-

inspired women magazine JAN / FEB 2013

FEATURE

Michelle

McKinney Hammond Interview

by Adriana Zamot

Books are my passion. I spent many days in Christian bookstores, especially in the Single and Relationship aisle. One day, I remember running across a book titled, What to Do Until Love Finds You by Michelle McKinney Hammond. I fell in love with this book and talked it up to every single friend I could. A couple of years later I would own a bookstore and I carried as many of Michelle’s books as possible. Little did I know that a short time later, I would meet and become friends with Michelle. Michelle McKinney Hammond is the author of over 50 books on living, loving, and overcoming. She is the President and Founder of HeartWing Ministries. As a relationship and empowerment coach, internationally known speaker, singer and television co–host, it is Michelle’s mission and passion to help women and men to first be intimately connected to God and then empowered to

become their personal best in order to experience victory in every area of their lives. Michelle’s ministry began many years ago when she suffered a devastating leg injury from being hit by a car. The accident was a spiritual turning point, a wakeup call to embrace her purpose and fulfill her destiny. Those bedridden months gave her time to complete her first bestselling book, What to Do Until Love Finds You. Michelle eventually left behind her career as an advertising art director/writer/producer for clients such as Coca Cola USA, McDonald’s Corporation, Ford Motor Company, and others, to speak to audiences, encouraging people to fulfill their God–given purpose in life. Michelle is known for “keeping it real.” She is witty, loving, generous, and an Esther for the Singles. After much devotion and hard work, I think Michelle is finally ready for love----her earthly king!

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It’s 2013 Michelle! What is God saying about Dare to love without inhibition because perfect love casts out fear! Fear is a major hindrance to LOVE this year? getting anything we want in life. In the midst of Hmmm good question! It takes courage to love. It protecting ourselves, we can protect ourselves demands that you get over yourself and become right out of the very thing we desire. dangerously vulnerable. I don’t know how many I think you’ve written over 50 books on love and people are ready to do that. But I think this year being single. What inspires you to do so? people have to decide to commit themselves to doing whatever is necessary to live the life they The conversations and struggles of those around want and get the love they need. I think as you me. Helping people have healthy relationships is give as you never have before you will be surprised my passion. I get so much mail from single and to see what comes your way. So bottom line? married men and women who are desperately

trying to resolve issues of the heart. It is an endless You are not alone! Neither should you feel bad conversation between my readers and I that never about that longing. Now, it is important for you grows old. to have the desire but not allow the desire to have you in the sense that you can’t function because Which is your favorite? of it. But it is a natural God-given desire and we That’s hard to say. Books are like your children. should never give up on the hope of finding and You love each one equally but for different reasons. being found by love. In the meantime make sure There are a few that stick out in my mind because that you have an active life that also lends itself to of their impact on readers. The Power of Being a you circulating. Remember that Ruth happened Woman, Secrets of an Irresistible Woman, How upon a field and found favor in the eyes of Boaz. To Be found By the Man You’ve Been Looking So sisters, we need to be “happening” on some

inspired women magazine JAN / FEB 2013

For, What Women Don’t Know and Men Don’t Tell Them and Release the Pain, Embrace the Joy are among my favorites simply because they give such practical advice but from a scripturally sound point of view.

fields! Not because you are looking, but in the midst of you doing life you should be in place to find favor in the eyes of the right man for you. For those that say, “I want the right person in my life, but I can’t take another year alone.” What advice or prophetic word would you give them?

The name of your ministry is called HEARTWING. Why that name? Well we’ve all said that, me included, but the bottom line is God will not be rushed. He will Because I was dealing with affairs of the heart accomplish his purposes for our lives in season and peoples longing to soar in the area of love I and at the appointed time in the fullness of His thought of a heart taking flight thus, HeartWing! timing for our lives. We have no choice but to rest We should be able to allow God to use us as and trust. It is in the quiet and confidence we will channels of His love so that we are free to take find strength to wait. Quiet is important because the limitations off of our capacity to love as He I think we add to our pain when we stir up designed us to love. complaints, bad confessions and whining about I receive countless and countless prayer requests our situation instead of anticipating with firm through our website from women wanting to meet faith what God can and will do in our lives. We their mate? What would you say to these women? don’t have to make it happen---He does. That’s

where the resting comes in. His reputation is at stake and your life is all about Him glorifying Himself. So He will come through and things align with His perfect will and timing. This means that it will be a good and perfect gift when you receive it. Yes God is good and He is a provider, but it can get kind of lonely. I know you and how real you are, so for those women who will want me to ask you, how do you feel about still being single? Well, I’ve been out here a long time. It’s been an exciting season in my life filled with activity, travels and incredible people and I wondered where a man would fit. Therefore, getting married was not top of mind for me. It was a great idea for some time in the future. However, I think my season might be up. My life is very different now, quieter with more space for a relationship. I think God has been preparing my heart and even allowing a bit of divine discomfort. I’m definitely more open in this season to desiring and having a wonderful man in my life leading toward a true commitment.

Now, what we really need to consider is, are we sabotaging our opportunities for love? By the people we choose, the way we interact or don’t interact? It’s not usually about the other person. It’s usually about us! Our attitudes, words and actions that fuel or diffuse love in our lives.

You are fabulously 50, how do you keep going?

I am learning that the older you get the more conscious you have to be to take care of yourself. So I have finally bitten the bullet and have an exercise regime as well as taking time to rest, breathe, smell the roses and realize that everything doesn’t have to happen in one day. It’s all about It’s been a difficult couple of years for you and pacing. I’m feeling better than ever and hopefully now you are living in Ghana in a beautiful home.

inspired women magazine JAN / FEB 2013

For those women who feel that they are unworthy of love or being chosen for love or that something How did you end up there? must be wrong with them, what do you say? As everything bottomed out for me in the midst of I don’t even know what that means! No one is the economic crisis in America my father passed worthy of the love they receive that is a part of away and left me with property and businesses the precious gift of grace that God extends to all to run. After trying to juggle a transcontinental of us. My mother used to say there is an owner for life on a monthly basis I finally responded to God every cloth in the store. I believe that one man’s leading me to move. I absolutely love it and so trash is another man’s treasure! Therefore there is glad I followed where He pointed. It has been an exciting journey with never a dull moment. someone for everyone.

looking that way too!

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wide open into the eternal kingdom of our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ. Because the stakes are so I’d love to be involved in a play that speaks of high, even though you’re up-to-date on all this all of the hardships women face!!! Hint. Hint. truth and practice it inside and out, I’m not going What’s next for you? to let up for a minute in calling you to attention Hahaha, lots of good stuff. Always another book. before it. I will also be doing a DVD teaching series on Living, Loving and Overcoming based on the This will preach for a long time. It pretty much life of Joseph. I presently co-host a show called sums up the essence of living out your love affair 3D Woman that airs on TCT in the states. But with God on a daily basis. Another translation I’m pretty excited about starting a new talk show says that if we study to make our election sure in Ghana called “That’s Life”. It will address we will never fall! There is something beyond relationships of course! And last but not least, I am our personal desire that keeps us on the steadfast working on a music project with Charles Udeh, a path towards God no matter how we feel because very talented Nigerian producer and member of we have a hope that is higher than marriage or even personal gain. It is the ultimate reward of the group Threadstone. experiencing the love affair we were all created What’s your favorite bible verse? for, being united with our Heavenly Bridegroom. 2 Peter 1:2-10 , The Message Version. What encouragement can you close out with?

Grace and peace to you many times over as you deepen in your experience with God and Jesus, our Master. Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One who invited us to God. The best invitation we ever received! We were also given absolutely terrific promises to pass on to you—your tickets to participation in the life of God after you turned your back on a world corrupted by lust. So don’t lose a minute in building on what you’ve been given, complementing your basic faith with good character, spiritual understanding, alert discipline, passionate patience, reverent wonder, warm friendliness, and generous love, each dimension fitting into and developing the others. With these qualities active and growing in your lives, no grass will grow under your feet, no day will pass without its reward as you mature in your experience of our Master Jesus. Without these qualities you can’t see what’s right before you, oblivious that your old sinful life has been wiped off the books. So, friends, confirm God’s invitation to you, his choice of you. Don’t put it off; do it now. Do this, and you’ll have your life on a firm footing, the streets paved and the way

No matter what, keep the faith. God knows the desires of your heart, but only prepares gifts that He knows will bless you and not add sorrow to your life. So in the meantime, learn to walk with open hands so that He can give and take as He deems best. God is still surprising his women with amazing love stories. It’s not over yet; the best is yet to come. To find out more about Michelle log on to www. michellehammond.com.

Adriana Zamot is editor and publisher of Inspired Women Magazine. IWM began as a two page newsletter when she wanted to share with a few friends some of the highlights of Christian conferences that she had attended. She enjoys writing and sharing of the Lordâ€™s goodness and mercy. Her hope is that IWM will inspire, motivate, and encourage other women towards their divine excellence. Most people refer to her as “AZ.” She has a Master Degree in Human Resources Administration and Development. She attends Majestic Life Church in Apopka, FL. You may contact her publisher@ inspiredwomenmagazine.com

in·spire (n-spr) v. in·spired, in·spir·ing, in·spires ~ To affect, guide, or arouse by divine influence. ~To fill with enlivening or exalting emotion: ~ To stimulate to action; motivate ~ To affect or touch ~ To breathe on. ~ To breathe life into

BEAUTY

Enhance Your Professional by Mia Green

Psalms 90:17, NKJV “And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us.”

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When looking to climb the corporate ladder, it’s imperative that you remember that your sense of style is just as important as your ability to do the job.

Fashion

Accessories

Beauty

Look for simple pieces. Drive in the lane of caution and stay away from too many prints or pattern. Always look for pieces that can be mixed and matched. It will stretch your wardrobe and give you lots of creative freedom.

This is where you can have a little bit of fun. Add pops of color and texture, but don’t overdo it. When it comes to layering your jewelry and wearing stilettos consider your workplace and the image it will portray. They may be acceptable in certain corporate environments, but frowned upon in others.

Keep your makeup light and clean for the professional workplace. Use matte, earth toned shadows across the lids, sweep soft shades of color across your cheeks, and wear your lips nude or with a little punch of color.

Mia Green is a professional makeup artist, and the owner of Les Fleur Cosmetics a makeup studio that specializes in ethnic skin and custom blended cosmetics. For more info you can visit www. lesfleurcosmetics.com

So go ahead and sell yourself, look the part, and bag that promotion… you deserve it!

(starting over after losing a spouse) by Lanette Kissel I can say that I speak from experience. It can be hard when you lose a spouse. What was once a home filled with laughter soon becomes an empty and lonely house.

INSPIRED POETRY

Through Hope’s Ray

He was the man who shared your life. He was the collaborator in your schemes. You were supposed to grow old together. But the two of you won’t realize those dreams. It can become a challenge to face each new day. Though friends and family try as they may… There really isn’t that much they could say to help you view the future through hope’s ray. But the Heavenly Father has His eye upon you. And He could not possibly love you more. He does not make mistakes. He has a plan. And your heart and happiness He will restore. A window in your past has come to a close. But the Lord will soon open a promising new door. In time, the painful memories will begin to fade. You can finally come to terms with the past. You’ll put the puzzle pieces of life together again, and feel you’re ready to move forward at last. inspired women magazine JAN / FEB 2013

Then one day when He knows you are ready… the Father may introduce you to a new friend, someone who will share your schemes and dreams. And your broken heart will begin to mend.

Regain Your Vision by Adriana Zamot Those who led the way were sternly telling him to be quiet; but he kept crying out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped and commanded that he be brought to Him; and when he came near, He questioned him, “What do you want Me to do for you?” And he said, “Lord, I want to regain my sight!” And Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and began following Him, glorifying God; and when all the people saw it, they gave praise to God. Luke 18:39-43

inspired women magazine JAN / FEB 2013

he last few months, we have been challenging you to ‘Dream’ again. To revive those dormant dreams, desires, and longings for more. God does have more for us. He wants to heal and restore our sight or vision for His purpose, honor and glory. As we read the story of the blind man in Luke 18 whom Mark identifies as Bartimaeus, we understand that he is struggling with a physical blindness or loss of vision. Some of us may be struggling not with physical sight, but with a loss of spiritual vision and direction. The storms of life happen and when they do, that drive or purpose begins to slowly fade or die within us. We lose our sight and take our eyes off the prize. The last

few years and the continuous economic challenges we’ve faced, have taken a physical and spiritual toll on many. But as we begin 2013, let’s continue our journey and “Dare to Dream” again. Bartimaeus teaches us some very relevant lessons on how to regain our spiritual sight. Here are four important points in our walk with God:

Don’t be silenced Bartemaeus was told to be quiet, but he refused. The bible says he kept crying all the more. Don’t be silenced by anything or anyone that would hinder your miracle. Don’t allow fear, intimidation, doubt, lack of finances, or people who don’t have your best interest etc., dictate to you that you can’t fulfill your dream. Talk back

to these dream killers. Tell them, “I can and will fulfill my destiny, my dream.” You may have to do this every day, but that’s okay. The more you instill within your heart that you can do it, the more strength you will gain to hold on to your dream.

Draw near It is easy to retract or pull away during difficult moments because the enemy wants us to shrivel up in defeat. Bartemaeus came near the Lord allowing him to tell Him what he needed. It’s in His presence that we can truly achieve His purpose for us.

Be specific We’ve often heard this one. The Lord asked Bartemaeus what he wanted Him to do for him. Bartemaus was very clear and said, “Lord, I want to regain my sight!” We have often cited the verse in Habakkuk 2:2 which instructs us to write the vision. But not only write it, tell the Lord clearly and specifically, what you need and desire from Him. As Bartemaeus tells the Lord what he wants, you can almost feel and sense the manner in which he requested this from the Lord, knowing that the Lord was able. This brings me to my last point…..

Have faith

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You gotta’ have faith—not the George Michaels kind of faith, but the Abraham, Moses and countless others like them kind of faith. At times, I have certainly waivered in mine. I’ve wondered if the Lord would truly bring His promises to pass in my life. But often, I have been reminded of Luke 1:45 which says, “Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!” And when those trying times really come and I share my disappointments with my mother, her “old-time religion” admonishing reminds me that without faith it is impossible to please God. She has often quoted James 1:67 which says, “But when you ask, you must be-

lieve and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Bartemaeus received sight his sight because his “faith made him well.” We gotta’ have faith. Have you experienced shattered dreams over the years and feel numb and lifeless? Have you felt that there are pieces of your life that you’ve thought could never be restored or revived again? Have you lost your vision? Draw near to God, tell Him what you need, ask Him to restore your sight so you can see again, and have faith that you will receive from Him---let your faith make you well. God has a good and powerful plan for your life.

FITNESS

Too Late to Start Exercising Now? “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage” (Galatians 5:1).

inspired women magazine JAN / FEB 2013

by Laurette Willis, Director of PraiseMoves, LLC PraiseMoves.com

Perhaps you haven’t exercised in a l-o-n-g time. Maybe your schedule at work or home demands too much of your time or you simply fell out of the routine. I have good news for you! If you haven’t exercised in months, a year or ever— it’s never too late to begin making fitness a part of your life. I know. For most of my life I hated exercise and did not follow a sane food plan. I fought ex-

cess weight and overeating since I was a child. As a teenager, I tried lots of kooky diets. I even went on a water fast for 10 days (and believe me, there was nothing spiritual about it; I just wanted to be “skinny.”). I became skinny all right. I also developed pneumonia and looked horrible. The weight piled back on shortly thereafter, with an extra 10 pounds on top of it! After I came to Christ in my late 20s, the Lord delivered me from alcoholism, helped me quit smoking, redeemed my life from the deception of the New Age movement (metaphysics, mysticism and yoga), and brought a loving husband into my

life. But overeating and lack of discipline continued to plague me. “Father,” I prayed, “You have removed so many negative things from my life. Please help me overcome this, too.” Victory in this area did not come as quickly for me as it did for the other addictions which had held me captive. In fact, the fruit of self-discipline is something I must be conscious of walking in every single day in order to experience the freedom the Lord promises us. “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage (Galatians 5:1).” For me, freedom from “couch potato-ism” and overeating is a choice I have to determine to “stand fast” in daily. Thankfully, the more I “exercise” self-discipline, asking for God to help me, the more I find myself actually wanting to be more active, eat more healthful food and saner portions.

ginning some regular exercise now can help in a number of ways: • reduce the risk of heart disease and osteoporosis • relieve stress, anxiety and depression • achieve and maintain a healthy weight and fitness level • strengthen bones and joints • strengthen the immune system • increase energy levels • decrease risks for various diseases (including diabetes, colon cancer, plus high blood pressure, stroke and degenerative diseases associated with age)

While plastic surgery is only skin deep, exercise benefits us inside and out. Some encouraging news for those of us over 30 years old is that more mature women appear to gain the most benefits from exercise. After the age of 30, the body reDo we have to exercise? sponds quite well to the overall “tune-up” exercisWell, that’s up to you. If you want to be what I ing brings. call a “fit witness” for Christ, have a healthy body (“the temple of the Holy Spirit,” according to 1 So, why don’t we “Just Do It”? Corinthians 6:19), full of energy and strength to I could tell you all the things the world tells do all the Lord is calling you to do, it is certainly us to do to motivate ourselves—all of which boil advisable. down to a Nike-inspired, “Just Do It!” You may already know some of the problems It’s not that easy though, is it? That’s probably associated with not exercising: why research from Johns Hopkins is predicting

inspired women magazine JAN / FEB 2013

that there could be a 75% obesity rate in America by the year 2015. But we don’t have to be part of that statistic. As Christians, we can lead the charge to change. We can be “fit witnesses” for the Lord, leading others to health in spirit, soul and body through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Does the Bible have answers to help us with weight and exercise? Yes!!! Hey! You told me there was good news... Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruit of the Spirit: There is! love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, Even if you’ve not been consistent in years, be- faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. • weight gain • decrease in flexibility, strength and balance • increased blood pressure and cholesterol levels • aches, pains and other medical issues

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Patience, faithfulness and self-control are the three fruit of the Spirit I’ve found most helpful in going from being a “couch potato on a slug-fest marathon” to someone who actually enjoys walking and getting some exercise in every day. You already know how to yield to the Holy Spirit and the fruit He is developing in your life in some areas. For example: When someone on line at the grocery store is taking a long time paying for their purchase, you don’t throw a wall-eyed fit anymore, do you? You don’t stomp your feet, jump up and down and bang your shopping cart into the register, do you? Of course not!

You’ve learned to yield to the Lord and the fruit of patience. “Okay, I’m letting patience have its perfect work in me. The Word says it’s by faith and patience that I inherit the promises of God. All right! I’m up for that!” You may not do that spiffy a job of it, but at least you’re trying. Why not plant some seeds toward developing the fruit of patience, faithfulness and selfcontrol in the area of exercise, too?

Here’s an idea: 1. PLAN: Tomorrow—or today—plan to take a brisk walk for 20 minutes. Or do a quick workout (there are several quick exercises and workouts with accompanying scriptures on-

line which you can do at home or the office at my website www.PraiseMoves.com ). 2. TIME: Choose a time you will get some activity in. 3. ASK: Speak to the Lord and ask Him to help you keep your commitment to honor Him by taking good care of your body (the “temple of the Holy Spirit”) by doing some physical activity for 20 minutes. 4. DECIDE: Make the decision now that when the time comes to fit the activity in, you will NOT yield to any excuses, but yield to the Lord. 5. YIELD: When the time comes, dedicate the time to the Lord, and go for that walk, Christian Fitness workout, or whatever you’ve purposed to do. 6. PRAISE: Praise the Lord for His faithfulness to you as you have just begun a new habit. Go through the steps again for the next day, and the day after that. With time and practice, the fruit of faithfulness, patience and self-control will become more fully developed and you’ll find yourself actually looking forward to moving your body and praising the Lord! By giving your time and yourself to the Lord in this way, you’ll find His grace sustains, maintains, contains and retrains us to be all He’s call us to be! Christian Fitness Expert Laurette Willis is the Director of PraiseMoves Fitness Ministry (http://PraiseMoves. com and on Facebook http://facebook. com/PraiseMovesFan). Get your free fitness kit at http://ChristianFitnessKit. com and something brand new: www.MIRAdance.com – MIRA! is Christian Fitness with a Latin Beat! Hallelujah!!! ©2012

Love

LABOR OF

by Wendy Herrmann Smith

to have sex again, no matter how my husband begged. The needle in my back came at noon. I climbed out of the hospital bed, got down on my knees and kissed the anesthesiologist’s feet. I would have worshipped the ground he walked on, but God frowns on that. Five hours later I was dilated enough to push. I did so for an hour, but the baby didn’t move. Finally my doctor made a deod’s like a new mom cision. “ W e n - whispering to the splotchy, tiny, helpless baby in her dy,” she said, “you’re pusharms, “You were worth it.” ing great, and I hate to say this after all these hours of labor, but I’ll have to do a C-section.”

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y water broke at one o’clock a.m. I spent the wee hours of that Tuesday morning at the hospital with my husband, my mother, and my mom’s wristwatch. “Three minutes apart,” she said as she timed my contractions. But at six a.m. they weren’t regular enough to suit my obstetrician, Dr. Moore. She gave me a drug called Pitosin to make things more predictable. Pitosin also has a reputation for making contractions harder. When the medicine began to take effect, my nurse was probably thinking, “You think it’s been a long night? You ain’t seen nothin’ yet.” I don’t know how frequent my contractions became. Between not sleeping for twenty-four hours and the pain, I lost count. But I reached the stage they call transition. It’s called that because it’s a transition from excruciating pain to agony. I had requested an epidural, but the anesthesiologist was delayed. For four hours I vowed never

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I had delivered David normally – if the nurse had placed him in my arms instead of hooking him up to a respirator and a heart monitor – then I would understand why women endure labor again and again. Is there some magic in that moment when a mother holds her baby for the first time that makes the pain worth it? Some things are worth the agony. But I will never understand why God thought I was worth the pain of that Maundy Thursday two thousand years ago. Saving us was so important that the Father and the Son endured Gethsemane. We know about the drops of blood that mingled with Jesus’ sweat. But imagine the misery in the heart of God the Father as His Son begged, “Don’t make me die like this.” To save us, the Father let His Son die in agony. It must be the hardest thing God has ever done. In the Lord’s heart, we are worth it. On this side of the grave we won’t understand why. In heaven we’ll be with Him in a way we cannot be here, and then perhaps we’ll comprehend that kind of love. The Lord will hold us close like a mother holds her newborn child. God’s like a new mom whispering to the splotchy, tiny, helpless baby in her arms, “You were worth it. And now the pain is no more.” Pain will indeed be no more, for God will wipe away every tear from our eyes. In a contraction of time and space, our new life will begin, for the old things will pass away. We’ll be with the Lord forever. And to God, that will be worth the labor of love.

By then I was too exhausted to care. Me and my epidural were best friends, and as far as I was concerned Dr. Moore could take the baby out through my nose. That’s when my baby boy decided to make a dramatic entrance. Just after the doctor decided on a C-section, the fetal monitor flat-lined. His heart had stopped. The heart rate had been dropping during contractions, but no one had expected this. There was no time to prep me for surgery. The doctor did a C-section in record time and handed the baby to a neonatologist who did CPR and saved his life. Little David spent ten days in ICU, but, thankfully, there were no permanent effects of the birth trauma. Eighteen months later we tried to get pregnant again. Dr. Moore told me I could have a planned C-section with my second baby. I fully intended to use my Get Out of Labor Free card, but I never had the opportunity. After four years of infertility treatments and two years of research and paper- Wendy Herrmann Smith blogs at adoptiongeometry. blogspot.com. She flew to China to adopt her daughter. A work, we adopted David’s little sister, Sarah. fourteen-hour flight with a baby is just as much fun as labor. If I had gotten pregnant again, I would not have considered a vaginal birth for a second. Maybe if

Blessings for Cursing by Denise Lilly

inspired women magazine JAN / FEB 2013

My soul is parched with bitterness. I need forgiveness to quench and cleanse, but my feelings block this possibility like an airtight dam. In an effort to release the tension, my brain revisits a social psychological theory I studied in college. The theory turns over and over in my brain, ramming against my feelings on forgiveness. In Social Psychology David Myers describes the theory this way: “Experiments confirm that positive behavior toward someone fosters liking for that person...It is a lesson worth remembering: If you wish to love someone more, act as if you do.” He continues, “If we want to change ourselves in some important way, it’s best not to wait for insight or inspiration. Sometimes we need to act...”

As a mom, I naturally do this with my son. I act as if I love him regardless of the situation, and I, of course, really do love him immensely. To be a parent is to persevere regardless of feelings. I don’t feel like sitting at the table for a half hour trying to convince my son to eat what’s good for him. I don’t feel like addressing a temper tantrum. I don’t feel like rising at 3 a.m. when he cries. But of course, I do all these things because being a mom is not about what I feel like doing, and I expect my son to obey regardless of feeling, too. I know he doesn’t feel like dressing when I ask him to or holding my hand in a parking lot or leaving his food on his plate (instead of throwing it on the floor), but I’m not concerned about his feelings on these matters. I want him to learn to do them in obedience. I set aside my feelings and

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so does he. We love with obedient action. But obediently loving others in my life is not always as easy or natural for me. Jesus describes a similar theory this way: “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you…” (Matthew 5:44 KJV). I sense Jesus is not too concerned about my feelings on these matters. But nothing seems more unnatural, more impossible to me. I wait for insight and inspira-

tion, and while in waiting, I dwell on what was said or done. I weave a web of ruminations, and I find myself trapped in bitterness. In some situations I’ve prayed for more than a handful of years for forgiveness - that I would be flooded with forgiveness for the people who have hurt me.

This has not happened. I’m still trapped in bitterness. I’ve woven more threads of anger and pain over the years. As time goes on, I find there’s more people who hurt me, and I’ve been exasperated by God’s inaction. But I think he’s more exasperated by mine. He doesn’t tell me to feel forgiveness. He tells me to act in forgiveness. To bless, to love, and as I’ve learned in psychology, this will actually change the way I feel. This is not easy to do. In Jesus’ words, he calls us to four actions: love, bless, do good and pray. Loving is choosing to use kind words both to the person and about the person I’m angry with. Blessing is sending a birthday card or gift, meeting a need or want even while my heart is still unhealed. Doing good is serving the person with a cheerful attitude, even if I don’t think they deserve it. And praying is more about praying for the well being of that person than my feelings about them. Praying for their success, for their relationships, for their needs – praying that God himself will bless them. When I’m angry and bitter, my feelings are not arbitrary or unjustified. People have been cruel. Things happened that should have never happened, but I can’t control other people or change the past. I can move forward, stepping in obedience into forgiveness, letting my actions untangle my feelings. I can bless. I can love. I can do good. I can pray. And I can let these actions change me in a very important way. Along the journey, I will be released from the burden of bitterness and cross the threshold to the blessing of forgiveness, to a land quenched by peace. Author Bio: Denise Lilly is a freelance writer and blogger. You can read more of her writings on her blog at www.lillyroadtrip.blogspot.com. She is currently writing her first book – a collection of essays on faith from her son’s first year.

IN A DIFFICULT MARRIAGE? Some Things You Can Do

by Elisabeth K. Corcoran

inspired women magazine JAN / FEB 2013

I realize this may seem ironic or even hypocritical that I, a newly-divorced woman, would dare to give advice on how to stay married, but I want to point out two things. One, I stayed married for quite a long time, and two, I believe 100% in marriage…I am pro-marriage and always will be. So, here are some things you can do if you find yourself in a marriage that feels more difficult than the norm because these are the things I tried over the years to hold on as long as I did.I will be writing this to the women I have met over the years who have told me that they are in a hard marriage and don’t know if they can keep going one more day. And trust me, I have met way too many women in that

situation who are followers of Jesus married to followers of Jesus. Being a Christian does not exempt you from marital problems; in fact, the downside is, we tend to keep it to ourselves and suffer in silence much longer than the rest of the world. Prayer. I have counted on prayer to get me through. I have begged God to work in my life and marriage more than I’ve prayed for anything else. I have sobbed my way through prayers on my bathroom floor. To be honest, though, I have also prayed more than I’d like to admit that God would release me. I wanted out of my marriage for as long as I can remember, and I was honest with God about it. But I also prayed for my spouse…on my knees...begging God to heal. I stayed through a steady stream of conversations and pleas and whispers to God.

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The Holy Spirit. Only the Holy Spirit could have done the work in me that he’s done so far. I have so, so far to go, but he burned raging out of me. I still yell sometimes, I’m sad to say. I still have anger issues. But the Holy Spirit worked in me to help me hold my tongue more than I have given myself credit for. I stayed through having the Spirit of God living in me keeping me there when I didn’t want to be there. Friends. My friendship circle has ebbed and flowed over the past fifteen years but one thing that every woman in my life who I trusted and confided in had in common was their fierce love for me and my family. I have never once had a friend tell me I should leave my husband. They have listened, they have prayed more than I’ll ever know, they have supported, they have written notes, they have stood by me, they have pointed me back to Jesus, and they have kept me doing everything I could do to stay put. I stayed by having women around me who loved God and honored marriage helping me to stay. Counseling. I am a fan of counseling. I must be to have tried nine of them. I love digging in and trying to figure out why I feel a certain way or why someone acts the way they do. Counseling has helped me both individually and helped our marriage in some seasons. There is something to be said about an objective third party looking at a situation and being able to tell both individuals what needs to be tweaked to move forward. I stayed by knowing when to get outside help and not letting my pride stop me from getting it. Couples’ groups. Getting plugged into small groups with other couples helped us over the years, though I must say, you only get out of it what you put in. We were in couples’ groups where the other couples had no idea how bad things were between us, which at times made

it all feel kind of pointless. But at least we showed up, and were hearing things that we could work on. I stayed by trying to get us involved in community. Books. I’m a reader and I think it’s safe to say that if a book has been written about marriage in the past fifteen years, I have not only read it, but taken notes on it. I once had a friend borrow a book, read it, and upon returning it say, “You are the only person I know who reads a book, highlights things, and then I can see you making the changes in your life that you read about.” It’s one thing to read a book. It’s another thing to try to put what you’re learning into practice. I stayed by reading as much as I could about Christian marriage and relationships, and then trying to do what I read. (Specific recommendations: Boundaries in Marriage, Foolproofing Your Life, Love Dare, Sacred Marriage and Power of a Praying Wife are just a few I love.) Journaling. I’ve been keeping journals since high school. I have over twenty years of journals in my hope chest that chronicle the rise and fall of my marriage. Sometimes I journaled prayers, sometimes to track what God was doing in my life. Sometimes I’d write out an argument with my husband to try to figure out what went wrong and what I could do to fix it. And sometimes all I wrote, over and over again, was, “Jesus, please help me…I can’t do this anymore…” And he would. And I’d have the strength to make it through another day. I stayed by getting my feelings out in written form which helped me stay somewhat sane through the years. Twelve-step recovery groups. I began attending a recovery group about three years ago that changed my way of relating in deep and practical ways. I learned to “live and let

other year had gone by. Reminding myself that marriage is not forever, just another fifty years, and I could do anything for fifty years. I told myself this all the time. I can do this for fifty more years. It’s only fifty more years. That was my standard pep talk on really bad marriage days. I stayed by reminding myself that life is short in compared to eternity. I stayed by reminding myself

learned how to live my life differently which in turn helped me be married differently. Just plain staying. I remember reading something Beth Moore wrote on her blog in honor of one of her wedding anniversaries. She made a list of reasons she and her husband had made it so long and one of the reasons that stood out to me was simply, “We kept going to bed and waking up and staying another day until we realized it had been howevermany years…” I stayed by not leaving. I stayed by staying one more day and then realizing an-

that the staying-married crown would be the most treasured crown I would have to lay at Christ’s feet. Mantras. After particularly painful arguments where hurtful things had been said, I would say to myself, over and over again, “You are precious and honored in his sight. Jesus loves you even though your husband doesn’t.” I spent a lot of time replacing lies with truth, most of which was straight out of Scripture. I stayed because I knew that I was loved even when I didn’t feel loved.

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live”. I learned to get off my spouse’s back. I learned to keep my mouth shut, at least more than I used to. I learned to focus on what I could change in my own life. I learned to detach and let natural consequences play out. I learned how to make amends to someone. I learned that it was okay to admit that my life or parts of it at least, were completely out of control and I needed help. I stayed because I

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It wasn’t time for me to go. I could have left, really, at any point. There was no gun to my head. And though I practically felt that leaving was not an option, I am a human being with free will. I could have walked away. But I never felt that I should. I had not, in years past, felt I had exhausted every avenue of potential healing or change. I did not feel released. I stayed by believing I was supposed to continue staying. Only God knows the rest. I stayed through means that I didn’t have on my own. This has been the largest, longest, most difficult part of my life ever. It has broken me down, torn me to pieces, left me wishing for death to escape the perpetual pain. That I stayed married for all those years is a mystery to me, really. I know I just listed manifold reasons and ways but I stayed not out of my own strength, but out of God’s. But bottom-line, I stayed as long as I stayed because of God. As I wrap up these thoughts, I cannot stress these things enough:

• I believe in God. • I believe God created marriage as a covenant to last for the lifetime of the couple. • I believe God created marriage as a breathtaking picture of how Christ loves his church. • I believe God allows marriages to end when certain sins are committed. • I believe the Church is in place to protect and guide individuals and families in dark, confusing situations. • I believe God would have wanted my marriage to be healthy and remain intact. • I believe all marriages can be saved. • I believe God gives us free will. • I believe God is bringing about a different kind of miracle in my family – one of

healing and resurrection and joy on the other side and reaching out to others with the comfort we have received. • I believe no one should walk away from their marriage without first getting as much help as they possibly can and trying their absolute hardest to keep it together. • But I believe, when it all comes down, only you and God can know what you need to do. May God bless you and keep you as you walk out your relationships in his light and with his love.

Elisabeth K. Corcoran, 2012 Elisabeth is mom to Sara (16) and Jack (14-1/2). She loves spending time with her kids, her friends, reading and writing. She is the author of At the Corner of Broken & Love: Where God Meets Us in the Everyday; One Girl, Third World: One Woman’s Journey into Social Justice; He Is Just That Into You: Stories of a Faithful God who Pursues, Engages, and Has No Fear of Commitment; In Search of Calm: Renewal for a Mother’s Heart; and Calm in My Chaos: Encouragement for a Mom’s Weary Soul. All these books can be purchased on Amazon.com in paperback or Kindle. Visit her website at www.elisabethcorcoran.com and her blog athttp://elisabethcorcoran.blogspot.com/. You can follow her on Twitter at ekcorcoran or friend her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/people/ElisabethKlein-Corcoran/1301703500. If you are in a difficult marriage or find yourself going through a difficult divorce, I have created two private groups on Facebook that I would like to invite you to. Simply email me at elisabethkcorcoran@gmail.com, let me know if you’re interested in the married group or separated/divorced group, then send me a friend request on Facebook. If you’re in need of some encouragement, I invite you to join us. Elisabeth is a proud Member of Redbud Writer’s Guild (www.redbudwritersguild.com).

Luke 1:45 God’s Word ® Translation

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“You are blessed for believing that the LORD would keep His promise to you.”

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