September 3rd, 2010 / No Comments » / by Marci
Did you write something awesome this week that we all need to read? Do you have a post that is just begging for more attention? Link up your best post of the week and give us some great weekend reading!
September 3rd, 2010 / 11 Comments » / by Marci
Today’s post courtesy of Kristi Stephens. Kristi is a follower of Jesus, seeking to love Him more and honor Him as a wife, mom, and homemaker. She loves to teach God’s Word through her local church, on her blog, www.krististephens.com, and also through her contributions to scripturedig.com.
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Modesty. The word, for me, typically conjures up mental images of women wearing turtlenecks, floor length skirts (with no slit, of course), and knee length socks.
I’m kidding. Sort of.
While we might all differ slightly on our interpretation of what, exactly, modest dressing is, we all understand that there are certain things that are appropriate and inappropriate in various situations. I might not be wearing a floor length skirt with coordinating turtleneck to church, but I also am not going to wear my swimming suit.
I dress modestly because it is a protection for me, shows respect for the unique relationship I have with my husband, honors the God who made my body, and guards against inappropriate thoughts and behavior with others.
Lately I have been pondering an interesting phenomenon I see everywhere in the online world – facebook status updates, tweets, and blog posts are brimming with something I call “emotional immodesty.” These online venues have given us an uncensored outlet, a place to share things that often should not be said, with a veneer of privacy as we sit alone with our laptop or iphone and share our every thought with thousands of strangers. To make this even trickier, we often do it and call it “being real,” as though it was a virtue.
There are natural levels of intimacy built into human relationships. Within marriage, both my body and my soul can be safely and freely shared – and they should be, if the marriage is to be healthy. Within close relationships in the body of Christ, there is much that I can share freely and safely, especially with my husband by my side. I can sit in our small group and be very much myself – discussing Scripture, sharing burdens, laughing and crying and joking. But even here, there is a distinction between what I will share in this venue and what I would share with my husband. I will share more with these small group members than I will with a new friend, and I would share more with a new friend than I would with a stranger in the grocery store.
There are proper concentric circles of intimacy in my life – and if I let anyone “jump boundaries” and become as intimate or more intimate with me emotionally than I am with my husband, relationships will be marred. If I pour out my every longing and struggle to a stranger, I have built an awkward, unnatural, and unhealthy connection with this person – any potential of us having a functional healthy friendship is pretty much gone! Just as modest dress is a protection for me, shows respect for my husband, honors God, and guards against inappropriate thoughts and behavior with others, these circles of emotional modesty do the same. They must be there – even online.
Just as our standards of what it means to dress modestly will differ, our definitions of what is appropriate and inappropriate to share in various circumstances will differ, as well. As you think through how to guard your own emotional modesty online, here are some points to consider:
There are many other guidelines that could be added to this list. How do you monitor your online “modesty?” Do you need to work on this area, or are there guidelines you use for yourself that might help someone else?
Kristi Stephens is a follower of Jesus, seeking to love Him more and honor Him as a wife, mom, and homemaker. She loves to teach God’s Word through her local church, on her blog, www.krististephens.com, and also through her contributions to scripturedig.com.
September 2nd, 2010 / 4 Comments » / by michelle
Thank you for helping us spread love & encouragement through Love Ambush! We are getting such wonderful feedback from the unsuspecting targets!
Would you help us surprise another blogger this week?
Go visit this week’s Love Ambush target and leave a comment, but don’t tell them we sent you!
It’s our chance to bless someone with encouragement today!
Thanks again for being part of this special community! We appreciate you!
-The Gather Inspirit Team
September 1st, 2010 / 8 Comments » / by Erin M.
This post compliments of Gather Inspirit team member Erin M. You can, also, find her blogging at Home With The Boys and at The MOB Society.
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Our pastor recently preached on three things that we as believers can do for the Kingdom. And it really spoke to me. So much so that weeks later, it is still on my mind daily.
He talked about these three things as something for all of us to do in everyday life. Our responsibilities, if you will.
But the area of life it really hit me in was blogging.
While each of us has different “niches,” I believe as Christian women bloggers, we need to be falling into at least one of these categories on a regular basis with our posts and interaction in social media.
Here are the “Three T’s”:
Teach
Some of you are clearly teachers. God has given you extra wisdom and insight into His Word and into the lives of your readers. You may write Bible studies or teach lessons in stewardship or homemaking to your readers. We each have giftings from the Lord that come naturally and He may ask you to teach and train up others in these areas – be open to His leading, even if you don’t consider yourself a “teacher!”
Truth
We need to speak the Truth in a world that has turned its back on absolute truth. As bloggers, we have a voice, an audience. Pray that the Lord gives you the courage, boldness and discernment to speak the Truth in love on your blog. It doesn’t have to be controversial – just truth!
Touch
Many of us fall into this category without much effort. And that is the beauty of touching lives – we just have to open up, be ourselves and let God work through our blogs. When we talk “touching lives,” it doesn’t have to be making people cry! You can touch the life of a reader through honesty, everyday ups and downs and even laughter and pictures!
Keep these three T’s in mind as you blog – do the majority of your posts fall into any of these categories? Ask God to help you glorify and expand His Kingdom through your blog!
Which T fits you and your blog the best?
August 31st, 2010 / 12 Comments » / by terilynneu
This post compliments of Gather Inspirit team member Teri Lynne. You can also find her at Pleasing To You and Scripture Dig.
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Christianity is not merely a philosophical theory or a moral code, but involves a direct sharing in divine life and glory, a transforming union with God “face to face.” ~ Kallistos Ware
When I first read this statement, I had to stop and re-read it about five times. And then it left me utterly speechless.
It’s so easy to make our faith into a theory or code … into something we do … into something that conforms.
But we are called to something more.
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing, and perfect will. ~ Romans 12:2 NIV (emphasis added)
We are called to transformation … in fact, we are expected to be transformed. Our relationship with God must lead to a renewed mind … a different pattern of life. In my church, when someone is baptized the pastor says they are “buried with Christ and raised to walk in newness of life.”
Newness of life … transformed.
I wonder, though, how often are we bound by the theory or the code? Caught up in the tradition or the feelings? This transforming union isn’t something of the emotions … it’s of the mind. It’s not merely acting a new way … it’s becoming a new person.
As you look over your life, your home, your blog, your heart, your mind … are you experiencing “transforming union” with God?
photo sourceAugust 30th, 2010 / 7 Comments » / by Erin U.
Today’s post is courtesy of Kristen of Moms Sharpening Moms. Kristen is originally an Oklahoma girl but has traveled far and wide with her Air Force husband of 15 years. Kristen and David have 3 precious young’uns, twin sons (age 10) and a daughter (age 7). She is a forever work-in-progress whose current refining location is Colorado. She and 3 dear friends write to encourage at Moms Sharpening Moms.
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Everyone in life goes through seasons that are mo
re lonely than others.
One of my own found my husband deployed while I was serving at home with my own troops: two 9 year olds and a 5 year old. Home was on a Pacific island that may have been large in beauty but small in support.
Words became my inoculation against loneliness. When grown-ups were few and far between, I spoke and wrote them with God. Writing became the medicine the Physician used to fight my loneliness.
I wrote most evenings. There was just something about working out my days and thoughts with His company that eased those lonely feelings. He used the words to minister to me.
I read other people’s blogs long before I started my own. They were interesting, fun, inspirational, creative, and beautiful. I didn’t have the confidence to start my own. Who would want to read me, anyway?
But God told me I needed to blog for me, not them. My husband was home and the lonely ache was gone, but I still needed to meet with Him this way. I could still converse with Him through the writing, no matter my circumstances.
I had an article published in the MOPS MOMSense magazine, and seeds of confidence were planted.
I enlisted some of my favorite gal pals-devoted wives and moms- to write with me. These fellow military spouse-friends make life less scary and more fun. They give confidence and remove fear. Do we all parent or run our households the same? Heck no. Do we all see life the same? Double heck, no. Do we all enjoy learning from and encouraging other women?
Oh yes, ma’am. And isn’t that the be all end all of friendships and community?
“By yourself you are unprotected, with a friend you can face the worst. Can you round up a third? A three-stranded rope isn’t easily snapped.”
Ecclesiastes 4:12
Through my blog, I’ve learned that a good posse means more protection and encouragement. It divides the pain and doubles the joy.
My blog encourages me to write daily. It stretches and strengthens my definition of community.
It brings me closer to Jesus.
And He is the be all, end all of it all.
August 29th, 2010 / 2 Comments » / by faithfilledmom
This Sunday tid bit courtesy of Gather Inspirit team member, Lori. She can also be found blogging at Faith Filled Mom.
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With the onset of the dawn a promise of a new day becomes visible to us once more. Lingering in the amber glow of the tree branches hangs hope for new possibilities. It’s as though God wakes us with a kiss from the sun to say “Awake my child yesterday is done, today is a gift I give for you to live it to the fullest!”
August 27th, 2010 / 8 Comments » / by Marci
We had so much fun last Friday with our “Best Post Of The Week” link up. Let’s do it again!! Link that post you wrote this week that you think everyone should read. It’s a great way to read the cream of the crop from our fabulous Gather Inspirit community!
August 26th, 2010 / 4 Comments » / by michelle
Thank you for helping us spread love & encouragement through Love Ambush! You’re doing an amazing job!
Would you help us surprise another blogger this week?
Go visit this week’s Love Ambush target, but don’t tell them we sent you!
It’s our chance to bless someone with encouragement today!
Thanks again for being part of this amazing community! You’re what makes it special!
-The Gather Inspirit Team
August 25th, 2010 / 11 Comments » / by Amy
I am always looking for new Bible Studies to dig deeper into the Word. This summer I was given an opportunity to review Mindy Ferguson’s newest study: The Women In Jesus’ Life.
This six-week study is designed to help you walk with the women that encountered Jesus during His life and ministry. The women in this study walked side by side with Jesus and witnessed our Savior at work.
Each week you will study five lessons on each of the women in the study. The questions will challenge you to dig deeper into the Word and to reflect on your life. At the end of every lesson is a Heart Question. I encourage you to really take your time with this question. It may help to read the question and contemplate it before answering it.
This would be a great tool for a Bible Study group. It takes you on a journey through the lives of many women. I learned so much as I worked through the study. I read about women that I had never thought much about when reading about them in the past.
I had the opportunity to ask Mindy a few questions about the book and about encouraging women:
Why did you decide to write about “The Women in Jesus’ Life”?
I taught an evening women’s Bible class for about seven years. Most of the women worked and I noticed that they often struggled to finish their homework when we did in-depth Bible studies that required a lot of Bible reading and questions. I also noticed that the majority of the women felt like they couldn’t measure up to all of the expectations or meet the many needs of their families, employers, and friends. It was clear to me that a study with a lighter amount of homework that emphasized the depth of Jesus’ love for them was needed. As I prayed about that need, my attention was drawn to the compassionate and loving way Jesus treated the women He encountered during His life and ministry. Inspired, I wrote The Women in Jesus’ Life for the women in my class. I found the lessons generated rich, open discussion. Women came to class each week feeling affirmed and encouraged, anxious to share how they related to the women they had studied during the week. It was a special time with a special group of women.
How did you decide which women to include in the study?
I simply covered each woman that I encountered in the four gospels. Some, like Mary & Martha of Bethany, were mentioned in several chapters of Scripture. Others, like Anna the Prophetess, were only mentioned once. Regardless, I was amazed at how much we can learn from each of these women’s actions and circumstances.
Gather Inspirit is all about encouraging and inspiring women. What is one piece of encouragement you have for women today that are trying to balance their spiritual life with their to-do lists?
Wow, Amy, I can certainly relate with the continual struggles that women face as they try to balance their relationship with God and the demands of their daily to-do lists. We women are busy, aren’t we?
The encouragement I offer is that I also have days when I fail to make my relationship with God my first priority. But when I get that part right – when I resist the temptation to turn on the morning news program before I’ve spent time reading God’s Word; when I get up early enough to sit quietly, unrushed before my Lord; when I prayerfully take my calendar before the One who knows the demands I will encounter each day – I find that my to-do list either becomes shorter or my energy and peace multiply. Make your relationship with God your first priority and somehow, in His timing and His way, He’ll bring balance to you life.
Thank you so much Mindy for the opportunity to review this study. For an opportunity to win a copy of this study from Mindy, please leave a comment. A winner will be picked on Wednesday, September 1st.
You can find more information about Mindy’s Ministry by visiting FruitfulWord.org.
In a world that urges us to live for ourselves, Mindy Ferguson encourages women to live for Christ. She founded Fruitful Word Ministries in April 2003 and is passionate about encouraging women of all denominations to apply and abide in God’s transforming Word.
Mindy stumbled her way into the arms of Christ at the age of twenty-six. She speaks nationally at women’s events and at retreats as one who understands the tug of worldly passions and the emptiness of selfish ambition. Her writings have appeared in Christianity Today’s Kyria.com, the P31 Woman magazine, Just Between Us magazine, Chicken Soup for the Mother of Preschooler’s Soul, and the One Year Life Verse Devotional. Mindy is the author of Walking with God: From Slavery to Freedom; Living the Promised Life (Hensley Publishing), Hugs Bible Reflections for Women (Simon and Schuster), and her latest study, The Women in Jesus’ Life, is now available.
Mindy is also the Women’s Ministry Director for her home church in Cypress, Texas where she lives with her husband of twenty-three years. Their son is currently attending college and their daughter is a Junior in high school.
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