Inspired Women Magazine July/August 2014

F E A T U R E

LAURETTE WILLIS Combining Faith & Fitness The meaning behind Yoga and more...

A Season of Waiting Word Power

Part ll of the Trilogy

Good for the Soul

DO YOU KNOW YOUR VALUE? UNANSWERED PRAYERS?

inspired women magazine JULY / AUGUST 2014

LAUGHTER

8 THINGS TO DO WHILE YOU PRESERVERE WAITING

Keep believing and trusting

1

july / august 2014

inspiredwomenmagazine.com Contributing Writers Trish Davis Mia Green Natalie Hall Deborah Hightower Lanette Kissel Karin Syren Jennifer Workman

in this issue 3 | Publisher’s Note 4 | Along the Waiting Way 8 | Un-Answered Prayers 12 | Word Power 14 | Laurette Willis Faith and Fitness

inspired women magazine JULY / AUGUST 2014

25 | The Me I Wish I Could Be

2

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

26 | A Season of Waiting for God to Answer Prayer 30 | Do You Know Your Value?

32 | Fun in the Sun 34 | Laughter Medicine for the Soul

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

S

ummer seems to inspire some, if not most of us, to get fit and feel good about ourselves. I don’t know if it’s the endorphins that are released in us with the sun, or the lack of layers of clothing we need during this season, nevertheless this month our fitness expert, Laurette Willis shares her knowledge and practical advice on our summer quest of getting fit. Being fit is not just body, it is as we know, mind and soul. So, our writer’s focused on encouraging those of us that have wearied from unanswered prayer or emotional baggage. Whatever your race, we hope that you will find something in this issue to elevate your spirit, motivate you to action, and inspire you to finish strong.

Be Inspired,

inspired women magazine JULY / AUGUST 2014

Enjoy your summer!

3

Along the Waiting Way Karin Syren, Vision Coach

inspired women magazine JULY / AUGUST 2014

‘I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.’ Matthew 21:21, 22 NIV

4

vital element in prevailing prayer. Together with faith, they are a powerful duo moving hand in hand toward manifestation. Paul stresses the importance of this unwearied stance.

And having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place]. Stand therefore [hold your ground], Ephesians 6:13, 14 AMP

Most of us know what it is to pray, believe, take a faith stand, find and confess scriptures repeatedly, and then somehow along the waiting way, grow But, what can we do while persevering? And weary. Our believing prayer gets moved to the how can we be certain what we are believing back burner, along with all those other issues we will actually manifest? And what of the delay? were standing and believing for.

Let’s bring some practical application to the James tells us, you know that the testing (trial execution of our faith. God is a god of process, by fire) of your faith produces perseverance. Let and since we are created in His image, we are perseverance finish1 its work so that you may be also inherently process-driven beings. Begin by mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James creating a prayer file; a card file works well, one 1:3. 4 NIV). Obviously patient perseverance is a card for each concern.

1

The emphasis is mine.

1. First, clearly state your prayer focus, the issue, healing, salvation of a loved one, wisdom in a specific area, job, finances, relationships, etc. State it carefully and be specific about the desired outcome.

checking those issues requiring additional scripture support. Keep your card file where it is readily visible. Use dividers to differentiate between those issues on your active prayer schedule, and those which have become your testimonies. Share your testimonies freely! You 2. List foundation scriptures which assure that will strengthen your own faith as well as that of the desired outcome is God’s will for you. God those around you. is not going to react to wheedling and cajoling.

It is fruitless to believe for what God has not Effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man, already willed. Scriptural support is critical! If availeth much James 5:16 KJV God has spoken a word to you, you will always find confirmation in Scripture. If no such Working with a prayer and accountability confirmation is found, you may be operating partner, share your victories, encouraging one in your own will, not God’s best for you. another in the word and prayer. Set aside prayer 3. Draw your faith line with a written statement appointments in order to keep the process of faith, your confession. Then step across alive. You will be amazed at how faithful God it. Passage of time does neither alters God’s has already been! promises nor the substance that is true faith.2 Make a quality decision, one from In the meantime, you may occasionally struggle with feeling stuck, somewhat like trying to run which there is no turning back. in chest deep water, slow going with heavy 4. Seal it the next time you receive communion, resistance. Do not lose heart! Here are a couple your reminder of the blood-sworn agreement of suggestions for those moments. Perhaps they between you and God. Record the date, and will help you lift your feet off the bottom allowing put God (and yourself) in remembrance of His the water to carry you on into your manifestation.

Blood Covenant and His promises.

Start by doing what you already know to do.

(James 1:22) We all know more about the next steps than we realize. God has already communicated much to us on the subject.

Take communion regularly while waiting, whether with your congregation, in your home alone or as a family. Be reminded of the covenant promises He 6. Record the date of manifestation, the date has made to you as you receive His body broken you receive in the physical realm what you for that purpose and the cup of blessing. (Luke have already received in the spirit. (Mark 22:19; 1 Corinthians 11:25) 11:23, 24) Make it a practice to go through your cards Consider feeding yourself three times a day regularly, updating progress, filling in new dates, with well rounded meals of the Word of God. Tithe your time for a season. Fill yourself with His promises and stand on them rather than 2 See Hebrews 11, the classic faith “Hall of looking at your “stuck” circumstances.

Fame”

inspired women magazine JULY / AUGUST 2014

5. Praise Him for his faithfulness. The Bible tells us we must take our petitions to God giving thanks -- at the time of asking. (Philippians 4:6) Envision your excitement at seeing what you have believed for, and put that into effect, right now, before you see it in the natural. (Romans 4:17)

5

inspired women magazine JULY / AUGUST 2014

Practice intercession. Get your mind off yourself and your issues and actively pray for those around you. Give yourself over to mediating on someone else’s behalf. Pray for the needs and desires of friends and family. (Matthew 5:44)

6

Step out and pray fervently for someone you will likely never meet. Be led by the Spirit. As you back away from concentrating on yourself and your own requests, you give God room to work on your behalf, as well as setting wheels in motion for change in the lives of others.

when he said he never prayed longer than half an hour and he never went longer than half an hour without praying.

Wigglesworth was alluding to the kind of interchange you would have with a friend of many years. You can spend time with such a friend and never say a word, maintaining a companionable silence broken occasionally with a comment, an observation or a shared remembrance.

That’s fellowship; not conversation speckled with high and fancy verbiage, but closeness that is never broken; continuous camaraderie. Such intimacy often comes with verbal shorthand birthed by years of understanding.

Make prayer and fellowship with the Holy Spirit your priority. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to pray without ceasing. Sounds like a tall order doesn’t it? I expect this scripture means more than being on our faces before the Lord 24 hours a day (though dire situations require Commit all things. (Psalm 37:5; 1 Peter 5:6, 7) drastic measures). I think it reflects more what Be faithful in this, committing all things. That evangelist Smith Wigglesworth was getting at means not moving out on your own. Maintain

divine focus and divine connection. (Ephesians Lift your feet off the bottom and swim with the 1:18) If you had a friend you understood to have current! all the answers you needed, wouldn’t you be on the phone to that friend many times in a day?

And let us not be weary in well doing:3 Would you risk moving without a consultation? for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Maintain your Scriptural stance, establishing your foundation on the Rock. (Luke 6:46-49) 3 The Word, the logos of God, was made flesh and gave us the way, the example by which to walk out this life.

Prayer is definitely “well doing”!

Copyright ©2014 Karin Syren Material Compiled, Adapted & Reprinted with permission from The Bible Minute, copyright ©2010, Karin S. Syren All rights reserved

Love Him in the way He has shown us to love Him. That’s obedience according to John 14:1631. According to Isaiah 1:19, If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land. If we are willing, we will be obedient, and it won’t Click to order your soft cover hurt a bit. Obedience will be the fruit of love. or Kindle copy of The Bible Minute at Amazon.com Patiently follow the process to release yourself. Karin can be reached at Ksyren@solushunz.net.

Begin by doing what you already know, and listen For more information about Solu’shunz Leadership for further instruction. Your prayers are answered! Services, See her website at www.Solushunz.com.

It’s a promise sealed with His own Blood!

Previous Issues Available

visit: www.inspiredwomenmagazine.com

Un-Answered Prayers

inspired women magazine JULY / AUGUST 2014

by Trish Davis

8

Now I lay me down to sleep……for many of us this simple line was the beginning of our prayer life …our direct communication to God, trusting Him with the most precious commodity we have ….our life.

From the early stages of childhood prayers that consisted of simple yet meaningful words those prayers turned into other requests revolving around that same precious commodity.

These prayers awaited answers and a reassurance that everything we have requested would be answered and fulfilled to meet our expectations.

But what happens when the words you’ve uttered in prayer seem to have dissipated into thin air with no reply? What if the cries of your heart have gone unheard or furthermore were

heard but weren’t valid enough for even a reply much less a favorable outcome?

When we pray, we know we are to pray in faith. According to Hebrews 11:1, Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of what we cannot see.

Each of us has desires in our heart we believe God for and all of which will require us to activate our faith. Faith is much like a muscle….we are given a measure of it but for it to grow and develop it must be worked out and stretched. Our faith is tested as we continue to trust God even when we don’t see progress, change or manifestation for what we believe Him for.

When you don’t see your desires come to pass, your heart can become overwhelmed and

your faith weakened. You can lose sight of the promise and literally become heart sick. (Proverbs 12:13 states that “Hope deferred makes the heart sick but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.”)

I had a dear friend of mine once ask me to stand in faith with her for a baby. She and her husband had experienced complications with fertility and it was weighing greatly on their marriage and discouraging her faith. We prayed, we believed and months later she discovered her prayer had been answered…she was pregnant!

We celebrated and rejoiced at the fulfillment of her heart’s desire. All was well until weeks later the unexpected happened….the promise, the dream and the unborn child had died.

She came back to me with devastation in her voice and heart-wrenching anguish in her eyes.

inspired women magazine JULY / AUGUST 2014

She believed and yet her faith had failed…or so it seemed. I’m not sure which is more painful… .a seemingly unanswered prayer or holding the promise only to have it slip away from your grip.

All I could do in that moment was cry with her and mourn another pain-her shattered faith. I remember looking at her and asking her to continue to trust God….one more time.

What she did not know was that during that same time I was grieving my own unanswered prayer…my faith during that same season had also been shaken by not seeing the manifestation of a prayer I had believed God for years to bring to pass. As I’m telling her to trust God one more time, I felt Him requesting the same of me.

It seemed as though everyone around me was experiencing their blessings to the fullest and some of which I knew weren’t living life whole-heartedly for God and yet their prayers were answered. Here I was doing my best to serve God and serve others and yet I felt like I was being punished. I began to question if there was a particular “formula” or blueprint to be followed perfectly for the code to be

9

inspired women magazine JULY / AUGUST 2014

10

cracked to an open heaven and desires to be fulfilled.

In that moment hearing my friend’s heartache while struggling to encourage her in my own time of need, I melted on the inside knowing that faith believes NO MATTER what it sees in the natural. I had allowed my eyes to compare someone else’s perceived blessings with my unmet expectations. I was wrong for not trusting God and for judging someone else’s walk compared to the blessings in their life.

God is good. He is faithful and He is just. Faith arises when we make a choice to move beyond what we see and what we feel and we continue to set our face toward the prize and stand on His Word! Faith says if I never see it with my natural eyes, it does not make God’s Word untrue or His character flawed. We may never know the reasons

for delay in promises we’re believing for or unanswered prayer but we must trust that no matter what, God is sovereign and Father knows best!

Can I tell you that while I was crying my eyes out with my friend over her loss and my own pain, what I did not realize is that God had answered my prayer but because it didn’t show up the way I was expecting it to, I didn’t recognize it. I had put a demand on how God should bless my life not knowing I was bypassing the gift He sent my way.

Just this past year I visited my sweet friend and as I held her newborn baby in my arms I fought back the tears as I was literally holding a miracle. That decision for her to believe ONE MORE TIME led her to the blessing of a baby boy.

Faith perseveres…it does not give up. I cuddled this sweet baby and all the while I thought of

my own life and how God is so faithful and His Word CAN BE TRUSTED! In your waiting season I’d like to encourage you in the following lessons I have learned and continue to rehearse as I go through life’s journey:

Know that your faith walk is personal: Just because God worked in someone else’s life a particular way does not mean the same method will apply to you. He knows you better than anyone and if He’s not yet provided what you’re requesting, trust that He has something greater and He desires HIS BEST for your life

Your words are a weapon: Find scriptures that support what you believe God for. If you can’t find anything in the Word of God to support your request, re-evaluate the motives of your heart. But as you bring your petitions to God search the scriptures to align your faith with. The Word of God is living and active, it cultivates faith and serves as a weapon against doubt and unbelief

Be careful who you share your requests with:

God can handle your emotions: Although we are not moved by what we feel, I believe that God can handle our

Know that God is for you: My mentor once stated a well -known quote that I’ve held onto in my times of discouragement. He said “even when you can’t trace God’s hand, you can ALWAYS trust His heart.” There are things that will happen in life that won’t make sense but you have to know that God is for you and He does not play games. I always tell my friends, God does not tease….He won’t dangle a promise in front of you to see how high you’ll jump.

In closing, I’d like to encourage you with these final thoughts: Psalms 27:14 New Living Translation “Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NIV “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

inspired women magazine JULY / AUGUST 2014

Not everyone can handle the greatness of your dreams. If you’re standing in faith for something, it should be protected.

Don’t allow someone else’s doubt to diminish your faith and cause you to second guess what you’re believing for!

raw emotions. If we are mad, hurt, disappointed or weary….we can take them to the Father and ask Him to walk us through the waiting season!

11

inspired women magazine JULY / AUGUST 2014

by Barbara Wiles

12

O

P O D W R ER

W

PART 2

you’re a natural when it comes to finding your way in the woods. You have a wellCasey was staring at the ceildeveloped sense of direction, my fine ing. Not that he had far to look. From the top bunk, the ceiling was only a couple of feet young man.” above him.

That’s what Pops always said anyway. Casey As he studied its pattern Casey remembered worked very hard to remember everything his Grand-Pops. He missed him so much. Mama Pops taught him and he practiced Pops’ lessons said it wasn’t his fault that Pops had to go away, every time he went back and forth to the garbut he knew in his heart that it was. Mama said dens--even more so after Pops was taken two he was only a little boy then and he didn’t know years ago. any better, but still…

In the bottom bunk Adam had started to Pops was always teaching them some little move. Casey poked his head over the side to thing, like how to make a really good pancake, see if Adam was awake or just dreaming. He or how to plant corn in a straight row, or how knew his older brother had lots of dreams, and to mend your own socks, or how to find your that those dreams always told a story. Mostly way in the forest even if you were a long way about stuff that was going to happen someday. from home. He even taught him to walk withAdam was definitely having a dream. Not a out making any noise. good one. His face was very pale and his hair “You can’t be too careful,” Pops said. “Casey, was standing up all over his head. His eyes were

tight shut and his mouth was screaming, but there was no sound. Casey just hoped this was the end of the dream and Adam would be back soon. He carefully crawled out of his bunk and quietly got dressed. Then he settled on the floor next to his brother.

Adam’s eyes opened.

“Get under my bed. Now,” he whispered.

“Quiet. Get as close to the wall as you can and don’t move. Hurry.”

go…” Casey thought over and over Kimmie must be asleep. And Mama—what about Mama? Had something happened? No! He wouldn’t let himself think about that! She must be asleep!

Casey had to watch. He was the only one that could. Who would, or could, be in their house this early in the morning? For that matter, how did this guy get in? The house was always locked up tight, only unlocked for the short time it took them to get into the house and lock up behind them. He hadn’t heard anyone break in. He hadn’t heard the feet coming down the hall.

Without hesitation, Casey did as he was told.

Soundlessly, he slid under Adam’s bunk and lay on his stomach, his face toward their open door, knowing something was about to happen, wondering what it was, and hoping he wouldn’t So, how did the person who belonged to mess up. He didn’t have long to wait. these feet get in here, and what did he want?

The hair on the back of his neck stood on end.

Casey saw the door to Kimmie’s room close.

The feet were gone! Disappeared! One secFeet appeared outside their door! Shiny ond they were there and the next they were black tie shoes. Really big feet. They were not. Then, the sound of the front door closing. pointed like whoever was attached to them was The front door? How could that be? looking in Adam and Casey’s room. Casey held Horrified, Casey knew it wasn’t anything he his breath, silently saying over and over, “don’t had thought or done that had kept the man come in here, don’t come in here….” He hoped from coming into their rooms. that thinking it really hard could keep out whoAnd, this was not the last time he would see ever, or whatever, was on the other side of their those feet. door.

Copyright ©2014, Barbara Wiles. All rights reserved.

Adapted from The Journey 1: A Child Shall Lead Them.

After a successful career in the staffing and nonprofit arenas, Barb is now the author of The Journey Casey watched and waited as the feet stood Series, an adventure trilogy for young people, and at Kimmie’s door, but they never crossed her co-founder of Women Living Boldly. Look for «The Journey Series, Book 1: A Child Shall Lead Them,» threshold. What was he doing? Was Kimmie which will be published later this year, and further okay? adaptations from the book in upcoming issues of It seemed like time was taking forever. “Oh, Inspired Women Magazine. You can reach Barb at please, oh, please, oh, please…. just go, go, barb@womenlivingboldly.com.

inspired women magazine JULY / AUGUST 2014

Then the feet turned toward the left and stopped. Casey saw the door to Kimmie’s room slowly open. The right foot took a step forward. “Oh, no!” Casey thought. And, this time he silently roared, “Don’t go in there, don’t go in there….” The feet stopped.

13

Laurette Willis inspired women magazine JULY / AUGUST 2014

Faith and Fitness

14

Laurette Willis, IWM fitness expert has been writing for Inspired Women for the past several years.

Laurette has been no stranger to the struggles of weight and like many of us, tried to find a solution in different diets, programs, and exercises. It was not until she went on a journey where God opened her eyes of understanding to new things that she was able to shed the weight and focus on being fit and healthy.

It seems that the world is more focused on getting healthy and being that summer inspires this desire even more, we have turned to Laurette for advice on becoming fit and fabulous for Christ and His purpose for our lives. As a former practitioner of Yoga, she shares her knowledge on the meaning and influences of Yoga, the impact on your life and alternatives that you can do to stay fit. Laurette shares valuable insights from the Word of God and helpful tips for total health in spirit, soul and body.

IWM: One thing I know for sure is that you are determined, faithful and humble, but for those that don’t know you, tell us a little bit about you.

I was 7 years old, thinking it was “just exercise.”

It was on TV right after the “Jack LaLanne Show,” so of course we thought it was only exercise.

Well, it turned out to be a whole lot more.

LW: Thank you so much for your kind words, Adriana. Believe me when I say that my story is one of redemption. God redeems (buys back; brings out of darkness) those things the enemy has tried to destroy. The enemy (satan) tried many times to destroy my life before I came to Christ. I like to also say that my life is a great example of God choosing “the foolish things of this world” to confound the wise (see 1 Corinthians 1:27).

For the next 22 years, I was heavily involved in metaphysics, the New Age movement and all sorts of religious and spiritual practices. At the same time, I was a compulsive overeater, alcoholic, smoker, and had a string of dead-end relationships.

What many do not realize is that yoga is what I call the “missionary arm” of Hinduism and the New Age movement (and a host of things which have caused chaos and confusion in people’s I grew up in the New York City area. At that time lives). yoga was just beginning to gain popularity on the east and west coasts of the United States. Many have been very subtly led away from My mother and I became involved in yoga when Christ through the practice and open door of

inspired women magazine JULY / AUGUST 2014

15

inspired women magazine JULY / AUGUST 2014

yoga. When people see and understand the “Christian Hindu” or “Christian Buddhist”— root of yoga, the bitter fruit of it makes sense. there’s no such thing!).

16

• Did you know that yoga poses are offerings to the 330 million Hindu gods? “Many Westerners who practice yoga today are unaware that the physical positions assumed in yoga symbolize a spiritual act: worshiping one of the many Hindu gods”--Dr. George Alexander. (Consider Acts 15:29 and the First and Second Commandments.)

We now have over 200 Certified PraiseMoves Instructors all over the world, books & DVDs, and the ministry is growing as people discover they can “Transform Your Workouts into Worship” with PraiseMoves.

• Did you know that the “Lord of Yoga” is Shiva the Destroyer? According to Webster’s Dictionary, Shiva is the Hindu god of destruction and rebirth. Shiva is Lord of Yoga (Yogeshwara), according to the BhagavadGita. He is called “the first Hatha Yoga teacher,” according to Hatha Yoga Pradipika.

(Consider John 10:10.)

LW: Having been an emotional eater most of my life, I had a passion for food, not fitness! I was always looking for a quick fix. Once I became a believer, however, I realized that what we really need is fitness for the whole person: spirit, soul and body.

In 2001, He gave me the vision for PraiseMoves as “The Christian ALTERNATIVE to yoga” (NOT so-called “Christian yoga,” which would be an oxymoron or contradiction in terms—like a

meant to be, as a Christ-centered ALTERNATIVE to yoga, whose foundation is the Word of God we meditate upon or speak aloud while doing stretching, strengthening postures.

IWM: Did you always have a passion for fitness?

Any lasting change a person wants to make in their body has to incorporate their spirit • Did you know that yoga is a discipline of (made in the image of God, according to death? Hinduism espouses reincarnation, Genesis 1:26-27) and soul (their mind, will so the sooner we get past this life and on and emotions). to the next, the better, right? MerriamIf the only change we make is physical, it won’t Webster’s online dictionary defines yoga stick. We have to change what I call our “want this way: “Hindu theistic philosophy teaching to.” That’s what we strive to do in PraiseMoves the suppression of all activity of body, mind, and in our 40-Day Fitness Challenge. People and will in order that the self may realize its may come for the physical change, but because distinction from them and attain liberation.” of the time we invest in the Word and our When I came to the end of myself and relationship with the Lord, He changes us (and surrendered my life to Jesus Christ at the age of our “want to”!) from the inside-out!

29, He mercifully removed from me any desire for alcohol, brought my husband into my life IWM: Where did PraiseMoves originate from? four days later, gave me a new vision for my future and gave me peace and joy where before LW: As unusual as it may sound, on February 25, there was only numbness and despair. Glory to 2001 at 10:35 AM, the Lord dropped the idea for God!!! He is faithful and true.

PraiseMoves into my heart. I knew what it was

with chronic ailments do not fare as well by addressing only the symptoms and not the root of the problem.

Improvements in nutritional intake, improving digestion, and adding exercise are essential for good health. Simply put, people realize they feel better when they take better care of themselves.

Since believers’ bodies are the “temple of the Holy Spirit” that have been bought at a price IWM: Why do you think there is a huge fitness and belong to God (see 1 Corinthians 6:19-20), we are stewards of these bodies. The good news movement? is that the Lord Jesus Christ has a vested interest LW: People have come to realize that the in helping us care for these bodies. That IS good medical model has failed us. While effective news! He will help you. for emergencies in critical situations, people

inspired women magazine JULY / AUGUST 2014

I prayed about it for two years, and fasted, wanting to make sure it was what the Lord wanted me to do. Believe me, I did NOT want to have the word “yoga” involved with it at all, but the Lord impressed upon me that there would come a day when people would be confused about yoga, thinking it was “just exercise.” As we now know, it is deceptively so much more.

17

Those who do not know Jesus Christ personally are looking to fill a void in their lives. Some use drugs, alcohol, other religions (as I did)—and some follow the “cult of the body,” as some have called it.

ing to adapt these practices will likely disrupt their own Christian beliefs.”

IWM: What about the Christians who say that they simply look at it as a form of exercise and Yoga seems to fill a void for people because don’t think of it as an eastern religious practice? it combines both physical and spiritual practices. Unfortunately, the serenity one experiences in yoga is not lasting. It is not true peace. Only Jesus, Sar Shalom (Hebrew for the “Prince of Peace”) can give true peace, wholeness and joy.

inspired women magazine JULY / AUGUST 2014

LW: I would send them to this link: http:// praisemoves.com.

I would ask them to download the free eBook which describes in detail the root and fruit of yoga. I would then ask them to seek the Lord Jesus Christ and ask HIM about it! Many, many have told me they experienced a “check” or “not-quite-right” IWM: You talk a lot about Yoga and Christianity, feeling in their spirit when they were in a yoga class. They since realized the Lord was trying to do you feel that the two cannot co-exist? get their attention by the inward witness, His LW: Actually, I’m not the only one who says Yoga still, small voice. and Christianity are incompatible. Numerous Even if your mind, Doctor, best friend, mother, Christians AND Hindus say the same thing. physical therapist or Oprah say that yoga is “just Quoted in Hinduism Today magazine, Professor exercise,” realize there is a whole lot more behind Subhas Tiwari of Hindu University of America yoga than meets the eye, and ask yourself, “Do said, “The simple, immutable fact is that yoga things I cannot SEE with my physical eyes have originated from the Vedic or Hindu culture. Its an effect on me?” techniques were not adopted by Hinduism, but originated from it… The effort to separate yoga IWM: Is fitness something Christians should from Hinduism must be challenged because focus on? it runs counter to the fundamental principles upon which yoga itself is premised…

LW: Yes! I call it being a “Fit Witness for Christ”

18

In an article dated May 14, 2006, Darryl E. Owens of the Orlando Sentinel quoted Sannyasin Arumugaswami, managing editor of Hinduism Today.

Arumugaswami said Hinduism is the soul of Yoga “based as it is on Hindu Scripture and developed by Hindu sages. Yoga opens up new and more refined states of mind, and to understand them one needs to believe in and understand the Hindu way of looking at God. … A Christian try-

in spirit, soul and body. People will want what you have—all that joy, love, health, and energy in one package! “What’s your secret,” they’ll ask.

There’s your opening to share with them about the Source of all good in your life: Jesus!

IWM: Is there anything wrong with wanting to look good?

LW: If outer beauty is at the expense of inner beauty, yes. I’ve often wondered: what do some of the most outwardly pretty or handsome

people look like spiritually? If they do not know the Lord Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, they do not have true beauty and love on the inside of them.

Network). We have both PraiseMoves and MIRA! classes available around the U.S. and in various countries (see http://PraiseMoves.com and http://MIRAdance.com).

Remember when our grandmothers used to say things like, “Handsome IS as handsome DOES”?

There’s a lot of wisdom in that! Someone very handsome physically can do some very ugly things (and so can we – so let’s be Inspired Women who are lovely inside and out!).

Walk early in the day or after dinner when it’s not too hot outside. Stay well-hydrated and replenish your minerals and electrolytes (I like Rebound Sports Drink and Pollen Burst from http://Visit.BuyYGY.com).

IWM: Women live such busy lives these days, IWM: What are some of the things we can do how do they find time for themselves to this summer to stay fit? exercise?

LW: I love doing MIRA! (“The Christian LW: Multi-task in a GOOD way! I often hear, “I alternative to Zumba!” – David Warren, Oasis don’t have TIME to exercise!” I’ve said that myself.

inspired women magazine JULY / AUGUST 2014

19

“The Christian ALTERNATIVE to Yoga!” with Laurette Willis, “The Christian Fitness Expert” www.PraiseMoves.com

Christian Fitness DVDs & Resources Worldwide CLASSES Plus: ONLINE Training to become a Certified PraiseMoves Instructor.

inspired women magazine JULY / AUGUST 2014

“Transform Your Workouts into Worship!”

EVERY Exercise in PraiseMoves® is accompanied by the Word of God.

20

Recommended by Doctors, Chiropractors, Moms, Personal Trainers and Pastors!

FREE 21-Day Christian Fitness Program and information:

www.PraiseMoves.com

You have just combined two important activities and transformed your workout into worship! Tell me what part of your life God does NOT want to be involved? The One who made you wants to be involved of all parts of your life.

IWM: Staying committed to fitness is so difficult for some of us, what advice would you Here’s an idea: Would you be willing to walk give for us to stay the course? away from your house briskly for ten minutes praying for your family, the peace of Jerusalem, the leaders of our country, the military, etc.?

After ten minutes, turn around and come back praising the Lord for answered prayer.

LW: Commit a daily plan to the Lord. It doesn’t have to be complicated. We have one that we follow at http://40DayFitnessChallenge.com. It makes it easy. This scripture makes a lot of sense

inspired women magazine JULY / AUGUST 2014

But then I realized it wasn’t about having time to exercise – I needed to make time to exercise if I wanted to be healthy. Many of us are multitaskers, thinking that doing several things at once might save us some time – and it can, if done smartly. How about combining exercise with something we already do every day, such as prayer?

21

to me and has helped me for years, “Commit your works to the LORD, and your plans will be established” (Proverbs 16:3).

IWM: What’s your favorite verse?

The foundation scripture for PraiseMoves is one of my favorites, “You were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:20).

looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2).

Look unto Jesus, never-ever give up, and remember: Praise moves God...deeply. So, keep praising the Lord!

Check out more on the fitness challenge at

IWM: Do you have a couple of your favorite (http://40DayFitnessChallenge.com). exercises that we could do each day?

Jars of Clay and The Reed Posture.

IWM: What advice would you leave us all running this race?

LW: What better words than those of the writer of Hebrews, who, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, wrote:

inspired women magazine JULY / AUGUST 2014

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

22

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

w w w.inspiredwomenmagazine.com

in·spire (n-spr) v. in·spired, in·spir·ing, in·spires ~ To affect, guide, or arouse by divine influence. inspired women magazine JULY / AUGUST 2014

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

23

24

inspired women magazine JULY / AUGUST 2014

The Me I Wish I Could Be (a poem written for those struggling with health issues)

by Lanette Kissel When will my pain and sorrow go away?

Yet it accomplishes nothing to ask when.

Seems like I keep hoping for a better day.

When will I feel like myself again?

Because Your Son led by His example that we can handle good along with bad.

The wise Job continued to praise You, Lord, during a time he could have been sad.

I sometimes may want to ask, why me?

But then again, I say why not me.

I have to note You never asked why Your beloved Son had to die on that tree.

So like the apostle Paul, I’ll finish this race.

I will keep my eyes focused upon Your Son. I’ll accept my life with dignity and grace, till this battle with my body, I’ll have won.

Those times I don’t want to get out of bed, don’t think I can find enough strength to stand…

It is especially during those times that You hold me in the palm of Your hand.

Perhaps one day, the scales will fall away and my eyes will be able to see that I have passed my earthly challenge that You, Lord, have set for me.

Even though at this time, I may not be the awesome me I wish I could be, there is a definite purpose for my life, at this time, I may not be able to see.

And I will finally be the me…

You knew I could be.

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” --2 Corinthians 4: 16, 17 NIV inspired women magazine JULY / AUGUST 2014

25

by Natalie Hall

A Season of Waiting for God to Answer Prayer

You pray and you pray. You pray according to the will of God. You make your request known unto the Lord. You believe and you pray again, but the Lord does not answer your prayers. You may need a job, you may need healing, or you may need a serious situation resolved and you pray regarding these serious situations. A week goes by, a month, a year and still your prayers are do not get answered. No matter how many tears flow, no matter how emotionally distraught you may get, God still does not respond to your prayers the way you want Him to respond. You may even begin to doubt that God hears your prayers.

A Season of Waiting

inspired women magazine JULY / AUGUST 2014

Be assured that God hears our prayers; “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their cry.” (Psalm 34:15). It is essential to have faith in God and believe that He will bring your prayers to pass in due season. We live in a fast pace world. Fast food, telephone speed dial, and high speed internet; we want our food prepared as quickly as possible, we want to

26

reach others right away, and we want to obtain information speedily. We want what we want immediately. Therefore, when we pray, we may expect our prayers to be answered as fast as we get our burgers from a fast food restaurant.

There are times our prayers are answered right away. However, there are times we have to wait until the right season before God answers our request. Ecclesiastes 3:1 states, “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven:” There is a season and a time for everything to happen and there is a season and a time for our prayers to be fulfilled.

Our prayers are answered according to God’s timetable and His timetable may include a season of waiting. Waiting does not imply that God will not answer our prayers, but waiting indicates that God is working out every detail of our prayers for our good. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). God does not

just give us what we have requested without purpose or thought. He works out every minute and essential point, and He prepares us to receive our request. We can complain or become emotionally distraught while waiting on God to answer our prayers, or we can take advantage of the waiting season to build up our faith, and get closer to Him.

Have Faith in God during the Season of Waiting During the waiting season, continue to have faith in God and trust Him. Believe God’s word. God loves you and He wants what is best for you.

According to Mark 11:22, “So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God.” Then Paul tells us, “But without faith, it is impossible to please Him…” (Hebrews 11:6). Having faith in God will help us to trust and rely on Him rather than our own plans and intellect. Proverbs 3:5 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” We do not always understand why we may have to wait before our prayers are answered. God may be working out situations, He may be waiting on events and circumstances to take place in our lives, or He may be working in us to bring us up to a level of faith so that we are ready to receive our prayer request. For example, if you asked for a job, He

may be waiting for someone’s promotion. Then their old job is posted and it is your dream job that you apply for and get. Another example is that you need healing, God may be waiting for you to believe healing scriptures so you can receive your healing and give Him all the glory.

Have faith in God and trust Him. Do not give up praying and believing God during your waiting season.

David’s Season of Waiting David went through a waiting season before God answered his prayer for deliverance from his enemies. “…How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me?” (Psalm 13:1). King David had to wait before God answered his prayer and his waiting caused him to believe that the Lord had forgotten all about him and his request. There were times that he waited with tears in his eyes while others doubted that God would help him. ”My tears have been my food day and night, while they continually say to me, “Where is your God?” (Psalms 42:3). Through all that King David went through, he retained his faith in God. King David states in Psalm 62:5, “My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him.” No matter how emotionally distraught King David became, he trusted God, and he expected God to answer his prayer; and God did answer His prayer in due season. inspired women magazine JULY / AUGUST 2014

27

The Season of Waiting Requires Courage and Patience It takes courage and patience to wait on the Lord. Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!” (Psalm 27:14). It takes courage to endure and go through your waiting season, but do not stop waiting. God is faithful; He will strengthen you as you go through your waiting season. Use this season to your advantage. This is not a wasted season. It is a season to grow spiritually stronger in the Lord. We gain strength from God by waiting and while we are standing firm and waiting on the Lord, He is working out the details to bring your prayers to pass.

inspired women magazine JULY / AUGUST 2014

Renewed Strength during the Season of Waiting

28

The Lord renews your strength during your season of waiting. “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). While you wait on the Lord to answer your prayers, your strength and your endurance to wait may become depleted and you can grow tired and want to stop waiting.

But do not give up. Your season of waiting on the Lord is a perfect time to renew, refresh, and revive your strength by praying, praising, and worshipping the Lord. You also renew your strength by reading and meditating on God’s Word. Renewed, strength will enable you to rise up and proceed through your waiting season with renewed faith, and trust in the Lord that will bring you closer to the Lord and strengthen your relationship with Him.

physical strength to continue to serve God, take care of your family, work on your job, and help others without becoming weary or giving up.

Continue to Pray and Ask During the Season of Waiting God instructs us to pray and to ask. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God…” (Philippians 4:6).

During your season of waiting, do not stop praying, and do not stop making your requests known to God. He wants you to ask and He assures you that if you ask according to His will, He will grant your request. 1 John 5: 14-15 proclaims, “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.” When and how God answers your prayer requests is entirely in His hands. God may answer your requests in one day or years may pass by before your prayer requests are answered. However long your season of waiting, remember to take advantage of this time to get closer to the Lord for renewed strength. In addition, continually put your faith and trust in Him, and pray at all times. Always have confidence in God and in due season, He will answer your prayers.

(All scriptures are the New King James Version)

Happily married, Natalie and her husband live in North Carolina. She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology. She has a passion for reading the Bible, and inspirational writing. She enjoys working with young children and teaching them the Word of God. She also In addition, as you go through your waiting enjoys listening to inspirational music and hanging out season you will have renewed spiritual and at the ocean with her husband.

SEEKING A

DYNAMIC SPEAKER FOR

YOUR NEXT CORPORATE or FAITH-BASED EVENT?

DEBORAH HIGHTOWER Leadership & Success coach Financial consultant Best-selling author SPEAKER

email: deborah@deborahhightower.com facebook: DeborahHightowerInc twitter: @pennedbydeborah linkedin: deborahhightower

POISED, PREPARED and in Hot PURSUIT of Your PASSION Work/Life Balance: Finding Greater Fulfillment and Happiness Motivation: Find it, Pass it on‌ Expand Your Boundaries: Outreach The F’s of Life: Faith, Family, Friends, and Finances

For All Bookings: (478) 719-0881 or

www.deborahhightower.com

inspired women magazine JULY / AUGUST 2014

Deborah is an award-winning financial consultant and holds numerous professional designations in that arena. Her first book contribution, The Secret to Winning BIG: Top Strategies for Winning BIG in Life and Business, is a best-seller.

She writes for numerous lifestyle magazines and blogs and has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Boston Globe, Forbes, Chicago Tribune, The Charlotte Observer, Miami Herald, Dow Jones Market Watch, Morningstar, CNBC, NBC, CBS, FOX, ABC and other news outlets. Whether speaking at conferences, faith-based occasions, fundraising events, or corporate boardrooms, she encourages others to reach, stretch and grab the opportunities that lay in wait.

Popular Topics

29

Do You Know Your Value?

by Deobrah Hightower

inspired women magazine JULY / AUGUST 2014

Recently, a young woman told me at a point in her life she thought her value was $150. That’s what she was paid for 30 minutes of ‘work’.

See, she was caught up in the horrific trade of sex trafficking. Her story – an unstable home life, few friends and an admitted troublemaker meets a cute guy with a sharp ride and a smooth game. The relationship seemingly begins innocent enough - phone calls, dates, sweet talk and I love you – just what a girl wants. It was good until it wasn’t. The good came to an end when the guy tells the girl if you love me, do what I say. The good ended • Ephesians 1:3 (we are blessed with every when the underage girl lost control to an adult spiritual blessing) man. The good ceased to exist when the guy told the girl that prostituting is her new job.

• Ephesians 1:4 (God chose His children before the foundations of the earth) When we undervalue our existence, the world can suck us into evil situations. When we fail • Ephesians 1: 13-14 (we are God’s own to recognize our true value, it is easy to let possession with an inheritance in heaven) another place a dollar figure on our head. Our true worth can only be revealed when we look • Romans 5:8 (Christ died for us) to the proper appraiser – God. • John 3:16 (God gave His son for us)

30

In your personal devotion time, ponder these passages about worth and value in God’s eyes.

Think about how you perceive your personal value. Think about how you perceive the value of others. Focus your attention of how much God loves you and the price He paid to save you.

• Genesis 1: 26-27 (we are made in His image, the very image of God) • Psalm 139: 13-16 (we are fearfully and wonderfully made)

This is Part One of the story. See Part Two in the next edition to find out how this young woman overcame the hold of sex trafficking and what you can do to save other girls from the tragedy.

Deborah is the co-author of the bestselling, The Secret to Winning BIG: Top Strategies for Winning BIG in Life and Business. She is also an award nominated singer-songwriter.

More information can be found at www.deborahhightower.com.

Luke 1:45 God’s Word ® Translation

inspired women magazine JULY / AUGUST 2014

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

31

Fun in the Sun QUICK TIPS

by Mia Green

Hip-Hip Hooray! It’s Summer time! For many of us that means lots of fun in the sun! I don’t know about you, but it seems to me like our summers are getting hotter and hotter every year. Because of this, women are choosing to go bare to all of their summer invites and gatherings. While I can appreciate the want or need (depending on your age) to go bare face throughout the summer, please allow me to give you an easy alternative to going completely bare while remaining cool at the same time.

inspired women magazine JULY / AUGUST 2014

So here’s a quick simple solution for that.

32

SPF When spending even the shortest amount of time in the sun, you want to make sure that you wear some type of sunscreen. You also want to try to smooth out any imperfections or uneven tones in your skin so that you can put your best face forward without feeling like you have a ton of foundation on your face.

Take a small amount of foundation and mix it with a small amount of sunscreen. Apply it to your face like lotion and voila you’ve evened out your skin tone, applied your sunscreen, you feel cool, your foundation feels weightless, and you look as if you woke up looking fresh and rejuvenated!

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

SM

Get the tools you need to plan for a secure future,designed especially for women, which will provide you with information and the tools you need to plan for your own financial future and help empower you in your community.

inspired women magazine JULY / AUGUST 2014

Living Longer, Living Smarter

A woman’s work is never done — which includes planning for her future. Let Decide.Create.

Share. show you just how easy it is to take the first step.

33

Laughter Medicine for the Soul

by Jennifer Workman “A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones”

inspired women magazine JULY / AUGUST 2014

(Proverbs 17:22, NKJV).

34

overall physical, mental and emotional health. I know we as people are constantly inundated with negative news coverage about the economy, gas prices and various other world issues but, regardless, make it your aim to laugh and live every day to the fullest despite circumstances all around you! No one has the power to change what is going on all around us but God and we can release everything in His capable hands.

Furthermore, laughter is an important part of the process. Sadness, bitterness, and other negative emotions makes us sick on the inside because our bodies weren’t created to adequately function in a constant state of upheaval and emotional unstableness. God cares about our overall well-being and wants us to be happy, laugh and live victorious lives.

He knows that we are imperfect people and that we oftentimes make mistakes that challenge our overall health and well-being but regardless, He cares for us deeply.

As a child I consistently was told to smile and laugh because laughter is good for you. I found biologically when you smile and/or laugh, you positively alter the functioning of your body and you feel a sense of euphoria. I look around me all the time and see many people that look so sad or have a disgruntle look on their faces. From an outward observation, they appear to be so unhappy and dissatisfied with their lives. You would never know if “life” is as difficult as it seems, unless you sit down and have a heart to heart So, as you go through your day, envision conversation with them. it as being a wonderful day. The Bible I love to smile and laugh about the almost tells us “as a man thinks in his heart so is “mundane” types of situations because it he (Proverbs 23:7, NKJV).” If you envision is “truly medicine for the soul.” Laughing yourself as victorious and see every can truly change your entire day even if day positively, then you will find many you’re having a “bad day” try laughing reasons to laugh and have a wonderful at yourself or thinking of something day. On the other hand, if you view life as a humorous and “you won’t stay in that series of struggles, disappointments and condition for long.” I would go as far as failures, you will manifest that internally to ask you to try that exercise at least and externally. So I implore you to “laugh, once every day that would improve your laugh, laugh and again I say laugh!”

iw

nspired omen MAGAZINE

ADVERTISEMENT SIZES AVAILABLE

Full Page Ad

1/4 Page Ad

1/2 Page Ad

1/2 Page Ad

1/8 Page Ad

email: contact@inspiredwomenmagazine.com

inspired women magazine JULY / AUGUST 2014

FOR MORE INFORMATION

35