Inspired Women Magazine Digital Edition March / April 2013

November / December 2012

F E A T U R E

Danette Crawford Quitting is not an option!

Single’s Crisis?

What to do when you have a moment

Pink Collar Ink

Inspiration for working women

BEING AN ON FIRE CHRISTIAN

inspired women magazine JAN / FEB 2013

DARE TO BE STILL

WHY ME? Keep Your HEART Healthy

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march/april 2013

inspiredwomenmagazine.com Contributing Writers Tammi Ector Dawn Ferry Linda Flagg Mia Green Lanette Kissel

in this issue

Taryn Rose

3 | Publisher’s Note

Karin Syren

5 | Why Me?

Laurette Willis

8 | Dare to Dream Series

Adriana Zamot

8 | Dare to Stand Still

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11 | Danette Crawford Interview

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

15 | Infinite Faith 16 | Heart Health: Spiritually and Physically 18 | Waiting On God through the Trial 20 | Live, Eat and Drink to Your Health 22 | Pink Collar Ink 25 | Single? What to do in Those Moments

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

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his season we celebrate the resurrection of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is the reason for our hope, strength, power and new life. God made the supreme sacrifice of sending His son Jesus to show us the way and Jesus laid down His life so that we may be saved from our sins----an unmatched display of love.

At times we are so caught up with what is going on in our lives that we forget to take time out to know and understand who Jesus really is. To understand His sacrifice and love He has for us. There is power in understanding this and what that knowledge assures us of.

Ephesians 3:17-18 says that we would be rooted and rounded in Christ’s love and have power to comprehend the height and depth and length of His love---and so become like Him in His love.

The love of Jesus continues to be the same today. Knowing this walk is a faith journey, it is our mission to help you along with reminders and encouragement. Our feature article in this edition is Danette Crawford. She is dedicated to helping women with restoration and faith to know Jesus as a healer, provider and helper. We hope you enjoy this edition and be reminded of the Lord’s resurrection power in knowing his provision and great love for us. inspired women magazine JAN / FEB 2013

BE INSPIRED,

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CHRISTIAN LIVING

Here I am Lord

“And the angel of the Lord

inspired women magazine JAN / FEB 2013

appeared to him in a blazing fire from the midst of a bush, and he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, yet the bush was not consumed.�

Exodus 3:2 NAS

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Why Me?

by Karin Syren

PART 2 - THE FIRE OF GOD AND YOU!

In Part 1, we looked at God’s equipping of us for His exclusive use. We learned that we have available to us all that we need to do all that He asks of us. Now what can we learn concerning the fire of God from Moses’ encounter at Mount Horeb? And how can we apply it to our own walk with God? another, drove them powerfully forward to their destinations. Desire was not enough to fuel these giants; nor even the best of plans, charts and maps, Though God has shown Himself to be a consuming interpreted by the greatest masters of the sea. No, fire to those who would dare to stand against Him, it took fire to make the charted course a reality. the fire of God as it applies to those set apart for His purposes is not a fire of destruction.

1. THE BUSH WAS ENTIRELY ENGULFED BUT NOT CONSUMED.

3. THE BUSH INDICATED HOLY GROUND.

We have all known on fire Christians. But do we really appreciate the meaning of the term? If we take a close look, we will see that while they are on fire they remain recognizable, aflame but not incinerated, not burnt up and most importantly, not burned out. Only when the fire of God burns in us, unquenched by our fear, can we truly do what we are called to do and burn but not burn out.

Where the fire of God is present, it is holy ground.

The fire of God burning within a human heart is no less an indicator of holy ground.

When the Great I AM (see Exodus 3:14 KJV) sends you, the fire will burn strong and true and your strength will burn strong and true as well.

Your sign will be to serve God upon the mountain, just as it was for Moses. You will know it is not you, but the Lord your God who sends you, who strengthens you with His fire, who empowers you, and who calls you to give glory to His Name!

The burning bush got Moses’ attention and made it abundantly clear to Him that a Holy God, the God of the miraculous, was calling him, the first step in propelling him toward his destiny.

The fire of God burning in our spirits drives us forward to accomplish what He has called us to.

It is comparable to the way that the fire in the bellies of the great ocean liners, at one time criss- Some years ago in a Bible school class in which crossing the seas connecting continents one to we were studying some great evangelists and

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2. THE BUSH WAS ON FIRE FOR A PURPOSE.

In order to grasp this, we must have a clear biblical understanding of holy. Holy, in its simplest form, means set apart from the ordinary for a specific purpose, usually in the sense of indicating the presence of God. It applies to people as well as to objects and places.

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preachers, it was noted that many of these faith giants tended to be somewhat eccentric. The instructor reminded us that when we give our lives completely to the Lord, inviting Him into our hearts, while He gives us a brand new spirit, He does not change our personalities. He uses them. Be assured that if you decide to answer your own burning call, in all of your uniqueness, God will not incinerate you. He will set you apart, empower you and use you to fulfill the prayer He Himself gave us, Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. (Matthew 6:10)

in your spirit? Is God speaking to you personally from that place? Are you on fire for a purpose?

Are you on fire at all?

Perhaps you have long feared the fire of God, thinking it would strike you and burn you to a cinder leaving no recognizable remains. How many times have you felt the Spirit of God stirring and calling in that still small voice – yet allowing you to turn the other way should you choose to?

Has it now perhaps become a burning insistence?

If you have not yet experienced the Fire of God, assuming that each one of us needs it to carry out His PRACTICAL STEPS: work in the world, how can you position yourself on Samuel Chadwick observed in his classic book The a day to day basis for just such an experience?

Way to Pentecost, Destitute of the fire of God, nothing else counts; possessing fire, nothing else matters.

Please see Part 1, Why Me - Well By the world’s standards, you may feel unworthy to Equipped, published in the January/ be called by God. If so, make a decision to learn from February 2013 issue of Inspired Moses’ experience that God is the Author of the plan Women Magazine and your part is but to make yourself available.

inspired women magazine JAN / FEB 2013

At the call of God, determine to say with Isaiah, here am I send me. (Isaiah 6:8) God does not require your ability but He does require your total availability. He will do the rest. Make a quality decision to become available for God’s purposes – every day!

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Have you already had your own personal experience with the Fire of God? If so, it has surely changed you and your self-perception. How has it changed the direction of your life? Begin to chronicle your ongoing adventure and journey with the fire of God.

TAKE IT PERSONALLY: Wherever the fire of God burns, the ground is holy, set apart for Him. His purpose in Exodus was to draw Moses’ attention in a very forceful way and indicate to him that the power of God was present. Do you have the fire of God burning

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 Karin is a Vision Coach helping individuals and groups articulate and realize the manifestation of their dreams.

Increase your confidence by developing a clear picture of 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.

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inspired women magazine JAN / FEB 2013

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Dare to Dream Series

Dare to Stand Still

by Dawn Ferry

inspired women magazine JAN / FEB 2013

Have you ever had a giant bee flying around you? There is the buzzing noise, the fear of not knowing how close the bee actually is and then all of the conjured up images of how the bee is going to sting you swirl around in your head. Experts advise that when you find yourself in this situation, you simply hold very still. Unfortunately, that is not our first instinct…at least not mine. My first instinct is to run.

Even with my own children I find myself constantly saying, “Hold still, listen to me, it does not have to be this difficult, stop getting frustrated and just let me help.” I think God often tries to tell me the same thing.

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For the past two years or so I have been aching to be rid of this debilitating loneliness by finding myself in a loving relationship with an amazing Christian man. I started by writing a list of what this person should be; Godly, funny, a great mentor for my children, romantic, financially stable, loving, a great communicator, spontaneous, etc. I began to pray about meeting such a man while daring myself to stay alone for a season, to focus on healing myself, my children, my job, my family….and then bam! I decided that was enough, enough self-introspection and I looked at God like now is the time Lord…bring him!

Just in case God needed some assistance, I put the word out with my single friends. When that did not work, I joined an online Christian dating service. Now, I am not saying this is a good or bad choice for anyone, but it is not what

God needed me to do. It is what I wanted to do because the loneliness kept buzzing around my head and even when God whispered hold still, I ran. I met two very nice gentlemen, one I dated for eight months and it ended in heartache when I took a job 1200 miles away.

The other more recent gentleman was a nice friend for a few dates, but caused me to realize for the first time in my life, maybe I should stop trying to tell God what it is I need and start asking Him what is His will for me.

It has occurred to me that trying to force God’s hand means that I actually don’t fully trust Him and that I do not believe Jeremiah 29:11. What I really believe is---that I know best. In reality, it means that I am questioning God’s judgment and His motives. Perhaps, I am not sure He is really listening to my prayers.

instead of a period, perhaps it is a comma, a pause, a just hold still.”

What in your life are you currently trying to force? What things in your life do you believe God has said “no” to or “not now”? Have you asked God what His will is in this matter?

Rather than taking action for yourself, dare to commit to pouring all of your energy in prayer.

Dare to stop running and just hold still.

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 ultimate lesson for me recently has been that in my disappointment in God for not receiving what I wanted quicker, He pointed out to me and in me a fundamental flaw in the way that I engage in my relationship with Him and with others.

Perhaps you are in a dead-end job, a bad relationship or financially at rock bottom and you feel that you cannot take it one more day.

Dare yourself to hold still. Cry out to God and let Him know you are tired and feel no direction. Cry out to Him, “God, You have given me talents and passions that I am burning to use, I want things to change. Please do not let me make a decision outside of Your will.”

God’s plans for us are so much larger and better than we can imagine. In his book The Circle Maker, Mark Batterson says, “We often take God’s “no” or “not now” as the end, but

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inspired women magazine JAN / FEB 2013

FEATURE

anet te D rawford C D

anette Crawford is a powerful evangelist, author, speaker and TV host, with

a refreshing message of hope and encouragement. At the age of 19 she started in the ministry as a Youth Pastor, and by 21 was traveling as an evangelist. Since that time, she has been teaching and preaching the Word of God, and traveling nationally and internationally as a requested speaker. She has seen thousands of people receive physical miracles, receive deliverance from addictions, and be set free from emotional baggage.

She serves as the President of Joy Ministries Evangelistic Association, which she founded in 1989.

This outreach ministry offers more than a handout – it gives a “hand up” to those in need. Each year, multiple thousands of people are reached through the numerous outreach programs of Joy Ministries.

From summer reading camps in subsidized neighborhoods to back to work programs for single mothers, Danette not only preaches the Gospel, but does the Gospel – meeting the material, physical and spiritual needs of thousands of people.

Her television ministry, Joy in the Morning with Danette Crawford, is broadcast weekly into over 165 million homes nationally. As a Regent University graduate with a Master of Arts degree in counseling, she ministers on topics such as unforgiveness, roots of rejection, depression and emotional brokenness.

I had the great opportunity to contact Danette and ask her some questions that will inspire and motivate you to keep on trusting in God in spite of what you may see around you…

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Recently, I saw Danette on TV (her show Joy in the Morning) and I was impacted and moved by her message. I happened to flip to the channel while she was speaking on trusting God to be your provider--a message that at one time or another, all of us has needed to hear or have reinforced. At times one could become weary doing what you think you should be doing when you don’t see the breakthrough you’ve been praying for. However, Danette reinforced the need for obedience and trust in God and His faithfulness to deliver on His promises.

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Danette you have released Don’t Quit In the Pit, Pathway to the Palace, and most recently, God You’ve Got Mail, which of these three books has been the most impactful or closest to your heart?

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Honestly, I’m equally passionate about all three of my books. Each book has a different, very specific theme and all three are equally important. “Don’t Quit in the Pit” talks about God’s grace and power in our lives to overcome any of life’s challenges or “pits”. “Pathway to the Palace” is the life of Esther and how we too can become “standard setters” and make it all the way to our “palace position” or place that God has called us to. It’s a real discipleship book used to raise up Godly leaders and those who are called to Kingdom purposes. And my newest release, “God, You’ve Got Mail” is 15 Biblical keys to seeing God’s abundant provision released in our lives. When my husband left and all I had was a great big God and a little new born baby, God taught me “keys” to His provision. At that time, the Lord spoke to me and told me that America was going to go through challenging financial times and that I was You started ministry at the age of 19. For going to teach his people how to use His Biblical those not familiar with you, how did you get keys to provision as He taught me through what I was walking through. started?

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I started teaching as a youth pastor and then knew God, You’ve Got Mail is about financial the Lord was calling me as an evangelist. I didn’t provision. What inspired you to write this even know what an evangelist was when God told book? me that it was a part of my call. Then at the age of 21 I began traveling and speaking as an evangelist. I was inspired to write this book after the Lord told me that I was going to teach His people the What has been your greatest struggle in your “keys” that He had taught me in the midst of my challenging financial times. walk with God? Not quitting in the pit! LOL! We all go through challenging times, but we must decide from the start that quitting is not an option! Winners never quit, and quitters never win! God will use our challenging circumstance in life (our pits) as a place or platform for our promotion, if we refuse to quit!

What are two or three main points we need to know about provision?

Obedience, trust in our provider and not the source of our provision, and expectation. We must be expecting God to fulfill His promise of providing all of our needs.

It seems that 2012 was a very tough year for the God of hope and He will fill you with all joy so many, what do you sense that God is going and peace as you trust in Him. Don’t trust in your source of provision, trust in your provider – the to do in 2013?

God has been telling me that 2013 is going to be Lord Jesus Christ! the year of triple portion blessings. I believe there is going to be a transfer of wealth from the wicked What about those women that will say, “I’ve done all I can, and it hasn’t happened for to the righteous like never before!

me.” ?

What would you say to women who have struggled this past year, have lost hope, their dreams, and feel they don’t have the energy to rekindle their faith?

Once you have done all, STAND. Stand firm with your full armor on. Stand and keep on standing.

Don’t allow anything to cause you to waver.

Against all hope (in the natural), Abraham in hope Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing believed and so became the father of all nations. fulfilled is a tree of life. If you feel heart sick Never stop believing God for your miracle! today, don’t focus on what you don’t have. Focus on what you do have. There have been longings What’s next for Danette Crawford? fulfilled in your life, so focus on those and allow 2013 is going to be a big year for TV ministry for God to rebuild hope and expectation in you. He’s me as I continue to host and produce TV programs with Words of hope and encouragement. God has also promised me that I would see more miracles in 2013 than ever before.

What verse would you leave for us today to meditate on?

Jeremiah 29:11

To read more on Danette Crawford and her ministry go to www.joyministriesonline.org

inspired women magazine JAN / FEB 2013

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 Lord’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

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

Luke 1:45 God’s Word ® Translation

by Lanette Kissel I want to say with complete confidence that I trust in the Lord for everything.

I want to feel that comfort and peace total reliance on Him can bring.

I want to take a mustard seed of faith and watch it grow into a mountain, Where my trust is evident and infinite, overflowing from an eternal fountain.

I want faith that refuses to recognize the boundaries of time and space, A faith that is simply so strong nothing could ever take its place, A faith that no trials or troubles will ever be able to erase.

I desire the time my faith will stand alone when Satan puts me to the test, A time when putting my trust in the Lord will be what I do best, Faith as far as the north is from the south, as the east is from the west.

Just when will I have enough?

How far can my faith extend?

It’s only when my trust in Him will seemingly have no end.

INSPIRED POETRY

Infinite Faith

FITNESS

HEART HEALTH

Spiritually and Physically inspired women magazine JAN / FEB 2013

by Laurette Willis, Christian Health & Fitness Author, erbs 4:23 are referring to spiritual heart health, what we continually focus upon will have an effect Director of PraiseMoves Fitness Ministry

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While the world may consider only the physical heart, as believers we realize that we are more than just our body. You are a full package—spirit (made in the image of God), soul (mind, will and emotions) and body (your “earth suit”!).

While the words of King Solomon from Prov-

upon our physical health. We want to be aware and keep watch over what we are meditating on in our heart.

Is there unforgiveness or bitterness? Envy?

Worry? If so, the answer is to exercise—not physical, but spiritual. Exercise forgiveness, repentance and then cast your cares upon the Lord.

“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23)

BECOME A FIT WITNESS

CARDIOVASCULAR TRAINING

Being what I call a “Fit Witness for Christ” is wonderful not only for you—but the people around you will want to know your secret. You can begin expressing yourself with heartfelt words such as “by the grace of God” and “praise the Lord.” You can then mention how you like to combine faith and fitness (such as doing PraiseMoves or prayer-walking).

As a child of God, you are a steward or caretaker of the body the Lord has given you. Did you know your body actually belongs to Him? “For you are bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:20).

Both your spirit and your body are God’s property. Don’t let that scare you if you haven’t been taking as good care of His property as you could. Instead, realize He has a vested interest in helping you take care of your body! Ask Him to help you.

Physically speaking, cardiovascular training involves any activity that requires the use of the large muscle groups of the body in a regular and uninterrupted manner. It elevates the heart rate between 60 to 85 percent of your maximum heart rate.

Some examples of cardio training include brisk walking, running, aerobics, cycling, elliptical training and rowing.

PHYSICAL-SPIRITUAL HEART HEALTH CONNECTION

HOW MUCH CARDIO? Most experts agree that cardiovascular training should last for 20 to 60 minutes, with the normal range being 30 to 40 minutes per session.

Cardio should be performed a minimum of three days per week, with four to five days being optimal.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CARDIO TRAINING? 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Burns calories Lose excess body fat Strengthens heart and lungs Elevates your mood—a real blues buster!

Adds variety to your workout routine

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Stress is a major cause of heart problems. Remember Who is the Author of your peace.

“For He Himself is our peace” (Ephesians 2:14).

At the first moment you begin to sense undue stress, worry or care, turn to the Lord. Cast the whole of your care on Him because He cares for WHEN TO DO CARDIO TRAINING? you (it’s HIS job, not yours). In fact, it can be conMost people find exercising earlier in the day sidered prideful to hold on to worry and cares: “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of best—so you don’t put it off! But anytime you do God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your purpose to exercise is fine—just do it! Some find after work is best for them. care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7).

Avoid doing cardio exercises before bedtime.

You may say something like, “Father, I give You this situation. I cast the whole of my care on You, be- You may have a difficult time sleeping if you do cause You care for me. I refuse to worry because Your so, as the energy level of the body will be elevated Word says in Romans 14:23 ‘whatever is not of faith is for a while. If you are doing weight training too, sin.’ Instead I receive Your peace, because You are my try doing some cardio exercises right after, not before. peace! Amen.”

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Devotional

Waiting On God through the Trial A protein shake 30 minutes before cardio ensures you’ll have energy and won’t burn muscle protein during your workout. After a larger meal, wait 2 hours before exercise.

COMBINE PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL CARDIO

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Select a scripture for the day and meditate on it while you are working out. Consider the scripture piece-by-piece and ask the Holy Spirit (our Teacher and Guide) to reveal hidden truths to you.

Build your faith muscles by speaking the scripture out loud as you are working out so you can hear yourself saying it. Remember, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17).

Combining these two forms of cardio exercise will thus ensure you will keep your physical and spiritual heart with all diligence!

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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!!! ©2013

But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint (Isaiah 40:31).

Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life (Matthew 6:27).

Be anxious for nothing (don’t be worried or nervous about anything), but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6, 7).

When you are going through a difficult season in your life you can walk by faith trusting in God’s plan and purpose for your life

things to work out for my good. This will work out for my good.

WAIT UPON THE LORD AND BE OF GOOD COURAGE! Encourager Linda Flagg, LM, CS Christian Life Coach & Youth Minister Linda, an Ordained Minister is a National Keynote and Motivational Speaker for Workshops, Seminars, and Conferences. She is a Christian Life Coach sent to the world counseling and ministering under the Prophetic Anointing of God. It’s Linda desire, by God’s grace, to play her part in reaching the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The title of the article: Waiting On God Through The Trial Brief Synopsis: A short devotional to encourage God’s children on how to wait upon the Lord be of good courage.

Department Submitting To: Christian Living Length of article: 458 Words Contact Information: Encourager Linda Flagg.

Address: 17223 Dakota Ridge Drive, Houston, Texas, 77095. Phone Number: 713-859-1936. E-Mail Address: linda.flagg@gmail.com.

inspired women magazine JAN / FEB 2013

or you can walk in fear and disbelief. FEAR is False Evidence Appearing Real. You can worship God for His provisions while you are waiting, or you can worry (which is worshiping the problem). You can place your confidence in God or place your confidence in your circumstances. You can lift up the situation to God through prayer, praise, and thanksgiving or you can panic and believe the picture that the devil is painting. You can trust and depend upon God or you can go into depression. What are you going to do?

It is up to you. You control your thoughts.

You control your emotions.

Prayer Focus: God I ask in Jesus’ name teach me how to wait upon You and be of good courage. Teach me how to wait with eager expectation for Your promised blessings. Help me to wait with praise, thanksgiving, and confidence with my head lifted up. God You are my Help and my Shield.

You are my Hope and my Song. Strengthen my faith in You and Your Word while I am waiting. God thank You. I bless your holy name. I wait with eager expectation with praise in my heart for Your blessing; and they will surely come!

Let this be your confession: God I trust You. I place my faith in You and Your Word. I am standing on Your promises. I walk by faith and not by sight. My hope and confidence is in You and not my circumstances. I will not fear or worry. I walk in love, power, and a sound mind. I have the mind of Christ Jesus.

God You will provide for me today, tomorrow, and for the rest of my life. God Thank You. Thank You Lord Jesus for allowing all

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BEAUTY

Live, Eat and Drink to Your Health

by Mia Green If you’re like me you may start to take control of your health by attempting to eat balanced meals but then fall off the bandwagon at the site of a bar of chocolate or iced cold cola. Well it’s never too late to start again. Pick yourself up and try again. I’ve found some very cool ways to stay on the bandwagon and maybe they’ll help you stay on it too! Remember you are what you eat and as I have stated time and time again what you put in your body whether good or bad will show through your skin. So let’s start the year off right and put our best face forward. Good Luck!

inspired women magazine JAN / FEB 2013

Sassy Water

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I found this little recipe on Pinterest and not only is it quite tasty, it also aids in shedding pounds around the midsection via contaminants, fat and excess water weight.

8 ½ cups water 1 teaspoon grated ginger 1 medium cucumber, sliced thin 1 large lemon, sliced thin 12 mint leaves

Baked Apples When you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to give in to the candy bar and junk food temptation this little recipe will do the trick in a more healthy way.

1 apple, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tsp water, ¼ tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp cornstarch.

Put in a Ziploc bag and microwave for 2 minutes.

Only 59 calories!

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

Raw Veggies inspired women magazine JAN / FEB 2013

This is such a great snack to replace purchasing items from the vending machine. Just take your favorite vegetable or a mixture of them and sprinkle them with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper and voila your average veggies have just been kicked up 5 notches!

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INSPIRATIONAL INK

Pink

COLLAR

INK:

Inspiration and Insight for Women’s Work Lives PROVISION FOR A PINK COLLAR PORTFOLIO CAREER

by Tammi Ector

inspired women magazine JAN / FEB 2013

Provision of Passions

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At the age of forty-three, I finally know just what I want my career to look like. Up until recently, though I was armed with my portfolio of the numerous things I’ve done and would love to do, instead of letting my gifts and passions propel me forward, in some ways I allowed them to hold me back. Like a child in a candy store, I was overwhelmed with all of the possibilities. My dreams have included or still include my childhood dream of writing, speaking and singing; my teenage dream of publishing a fashion magazine for Christian women (“Christian Chic” – you know be modest and stylish); my early twenties dream of being an interior designer and my mid-to-late twenties dream of being a teacher; my early thir-

ties dream of running a beautifully decorated bed and breakfast women’s retreat; my forties dream of using all of my experiences as a domestic abuse survivor, parent, administrator, trainer and leadership coach to inspire other women. Seems like I stood in line more than once when God was passing out passions and dreams!

And I suspect I’m not alone. All of us are created with a number of gifts and passions, along with the dreams to use them. Unfortunately many women don’t ever have the opportunity to develop or put out what God put in. When I consider how I’ve been blessed to tap into mine through my professional and personal life, I’m amazed and humbled. Most of my dreams have become a reality.

In some ways this has been a mixed blessing when it came to figuring out “what I want to be when I grow up”.

Provision of Purpose In recent years, as a result of my divorce and whirlwind return to the workplace, my career has undergone several transitions and shifts. I’ve moved from being an educator of children to an administrator to working with parents to consult-

ing to leadership coaching. Writing, training/ speaking and inspiring others are the threads that consistently run through all. Instead of a ladder, my career climb looks more like a lattice. Through this process all of my passions surged forward in a way that caused me to discover my purpose: inspiring women. What I didn’t know was what I was supposed to focus on to accomplish this.

Then last spring, I attended an “Act Three” women’s conference. “Act Three” refers to women creating the life they want after their first careers and full-time motherhood. The book by the same name tells the story of one woman who was “passionately gifted” (the book’s term) in as many or more areas than me. It details how she’s created a “portfolio career” where she gets to do a little of everything she enjoys. This resonated with me!

It convinced me I’m not necessarily meant to focus on a few of my passions but to dive in and use them all. Still, because my “passion portfolio” is so heavy, I feared drowning beneath its weight.

After all, there’d be no turning back once my feet

left the ledge! Scared or not, I’d been poised on the precipice for far too long and doing nothing would get nothing done.

So after attending the conference, I launched my agency, Inspirational Ink Press. This reflected the writing, speaking and singing pieces. Later that year I changed it to Inspirational Industry to encompass some of my other passions. But not all of them.

Since I was reluctant to plunge in and use all of my passions, God provided a gentle nudge by closing a door. Joel Osteen often says things are most challenging right when you’re about to experience your break through. I’ve lived this recently.

After years of preparing to submit my book to the Operation First Novel Contest, I didn’t even place in the semi-finals. Because of God’s grace and thanks to my editor’s belief that I had a tough judge, the blow didn’t knock the wind from my sails. Contrary, it sparked a greater determination to pursue my other passionate giftings with as much fervor as I’ve pursued publication. That doesn’t mean I’m giving up on my novel, it just means I’m moving forward with all of those other dreams while actively waiting for that one to come true. For me, the contest door closing blew the “portfolio career” door wide open.

Provision for a Portfolio Career

Pink Collar Savvy & Chic © Brains, Beauty, Balance

Inspiring women’s career, home, image and life styles.

inspired women magazine JAN / FEB 2013

Was it possible that I could create a portfolio career where I could write, train, speak, sing, and do interior design, image consulting and coaching? Where I could eventually own and decorate a space to work from and that would house all of my services under one roof? Workwise, that would be like dying and going to heaven for me!

Hence the latest incarnation of my business name:

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Pink Collar Tips for Pursuing a Portfolio Career • Assess your gifted passions and how you could further use them in your professional and/or personal life (This could be on a volunteer basis) • Consider your time, resources and other commitments and how this would affect/ fit in with them (i.e. full-time job, family, church, etc.)

• Determine if additional education, certifications or training is needed (I’m beginning a Master’s in Learning and Technology with eventual certifications in coaching)

inspired women magazine JAN / FEB 2013

• Pray about God’s provision, will, direction and timing (It could be that this is His will for you but not right now. He will bring it to pass in His time!)

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This portfolio career will allow me to operate in all of my gifted passions. All of the things I love.

Eventually I hope it will also allow the flexibility in my schedule for me to be more of the wife and mother I feel called to be.

Until then, I still have to hold down a full-time job. The great thing is I’m glad to do so because it aligns with my gifts and passions. It’s valuable, meaningful and fulfilling work.

You may be wondering, How will you manage a full-time job and a portfolio career? The answer is simple. The same God who provided me with all of these dreams and gifted passions will provide for me to use them for His glory. (“From everyone who has been given much, much will be required.” Luke 12:48, NASV).

Pray for me! I’m going deep!

Tammi Ector Fisse is a writer, speaker and singer who is passionate about sharing stories for God’s glory.

As a domestic violence survivor, Tammi’s own story contains a great deal of hurt, but it is also full of healing and hope. God not only transformed her from a victim into a victor through Christ, He turned her trials into her testimony. Though this process was painful and sometimes still is, Tammi longs to encourage other women, whatever their circumstances, by sharing in the “comfort wherewith she is comforted” (I Cor. 1:34). She also seeks to educate others about domestic abuse. Tammi is currently working on her first novel.

To schedule Tammi to speak or sing, please contact her at tectorfisse@hotmail.com. You may also visit her blog “True Confessions of A Christian Girl” at trulytammi. blogspot.com .

Single?

What to Do in Those Moment

by Taryn Rose

So, how does one have a healthy crisis?

The first thing is that we need to realize is that meltdowns come from somewhere. They have an origin, there is always a root reason or cause. Jesus said: “You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world” (Matthew 5:8, The Message). I’ve found it to be so true that when our inside world isn’t in order, it’s pretty difficult to see things clearly. So after you’ve had a bit of a cry, eaten some chocolate and watched a Disney movie (or done whatever it is you do in the wake of an emotional crisis), it’s time to conduct an investigation into your inner life and figure out what has been going on.

It might help to imagine yourself as a detective and start asking some exploratory questions. I generally begin my investigation by asking, what

inspired women magazine JAN / FEB 2013

“I don’t think I’m allowed to be upset,” I explained to my friend, “I mean, I’m the one who wrote the book on Singleness”. Literally. I wrote a book about how to be a healthy, Christian single woman. And here I was, the week before my birthday having a melt-down. And not just a minor one, this was a full blown crisis complete with tears, chocolate, and irrational mumbling…

“I think there must be something wrong with me, what is going on with my life? Maybe when I wrote this book I signed myself up to a life of singleness? But I’m the one with the answers, I tell everyone that it’s possible to live a full and satisfying life as a single person, is it even legal for me to be feeling this way? This crisis could ruin my credibility!”

Something I’ve realized is that whether you’re the author of a book on singleness or not, whether you’ve been single for a short period of time or if it’s been a long journey, we all have our moments.

Those times when we feel confused, where it just seems to hurt on the inside, where pain and questions seem to swell up from within us and spill over into our lives. And you know what? It’s perfectly normal.

However, if we don’t pay attention to these moments they can become more than just momentary. They can grow into something that sidelines us for weeks, months or even years, stealing our joy, preventing us from getting on with our lives and creating blockages in our relationship with God. On the other hand, if we approach these moments in a good way, and work through them healthily they can actually become a great opportunity for realignment, growth and deeper intimacy with Jesus.

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is my heart feeling and why? I might be feeling anxious, lonely, disappointed, jealous or any number of emotions and it’s important to discern which one it is, so that I can deal with it appropriately.

Most emotions are symptomatic of either a deeper need that isn’t being met, or the result of us believing something that isn’t true. For example, if we’re feeling like we’ve been ripped off or that God has let us down because we’re not married, we may have an underlying belief that marriage is something that we are entitled to, deserve or can bargain with God for. Jealousy might reveal to us that we are believing that the grass is greener on the married side and that a husband would be the solution to all of our problems. Overwhelming loneliness might be a signal to us that there are places in our hearts or minds that aren’t being ‘heard’ by anyone in our life and that we might need to go on a journey towards greater vulnerability in those areas.

We’re all going be feeling different things, and most likely there will be different reasons for each of us hiding at the bottom of it all. Whatever it is we discover, the best thing to do is to take it to Jesus. I know that in the midst of a crisis this can sound frustratingly clichéd, but what we all need to remember is that no matter what we are feeling, God is good. Really, really good. He loves us an immeasurable amount and always has our best interests at heart. And, he promises to not only exchange our heavy burden’s for light ones, but to make all things work together for our good (Romans 8:28). In light of all that, he really is the best place to go with a problem.

My conversation with God usually looks a little like this, “God, I know you’re good, and I know that you love me more than I could imagine, but right now I don’t feel loved, I’m feeling (insert appropriate emotion here)! Can you show me what your truth is in this situation and how you are working this together for my good?”

I’ve found Him to be so faithful. Over the years and through the breakdowns the Lord has revealed His truth and plans to me, showed me lies that I have been believing and realigned my perspectives in so many ways. Was it always what

I wanted to hear? Nope. Did he ever tell me when I was going to get married or to whom? Sadly not.

But he has, time and time again generously exchanged my anxiety for his peace, my hurt for his love, my feeling of rejection for his promises of protection. Sometimes, it’s a quick fix and I feel better immediately, and other times it’s been a process where I’ve needed to daily remind myself of the truths that He’s speaking into my circumstance until they become a reality to me.

And what was the result of my most recent single-crisis? This time, I wasn’t believing any massive lies and I think my heart was in a fairly healthy place, but what I did need was a hug. A big, fat, everything-is-going-to-be-ok type of hug from my heavenly Daddy. And that’s what He gave me.

Taryn is the author of Bus Stops & Bicycles, A Handbook for Single Ladies.

Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Taryn now resides in Northern California whereshe is spending her time studying, writing and learning to be more like Jesus. She has a passion to see people living full and free lives and loves to find create ways to communicate the truth of who Jesus is today. www.tarynrose.com.au Twitter: @taryn_rose

in·spire (n-spr) v. in·spired, in·spir·ing, in·spires ~ To affect, guide, or arouse by divine influence. inspired women magazine JAN / FEB 2013

~To fill with enlivening or exalting emotion: ~ To stimulate to action; motivate ~ To affect or touch ~ To breathe on. ~ To breathe life into

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