Welcome to
the July 2008 THRIVE.
FREEDOM—FROM WHAT? FOR WHAT?
For Americans around the world, July 4th means celebrating their freedom from the tyranny of the British in the 18th century. It also means sizzling barbecues, neighborhood get-togethers, and the popping, crackling, and whooshing of spectacular firework displays.
Freedom is a gift many of us enjoy, even though we might not think about it very much. Just imagine NOT having the freedom to speak your convictions without fear of the police knocking on your door, or being able to believe, worship, live, and pursue your dreams. It isn't something any of us want to envision, and yet many of our brothers and sisters live with this reality. So, celebrate your freedom wherever you live—you are enjoying a blessing from God!
But there's more to freedom than this. Because of Christ's victory on the Cross, we have been set free spiritually and emotionally, but we only enjoy these freedoms to the degree we know and experience them day by day. Paul writes in Ephesians about our freedoms in Christ; freedoms that bring the blessings of peace, joy, self-acceptance, purpose and a sense of belonging and being loved. Mull over the following and celebrate—wherever you live and whatever nationality you are.
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Freedoms in Christ:
(taken from Ephesians)
I am freed from going through life:
Depending on my own strengths - instead, God promises me every spiritual blessing in Christ. He will supply what I need. 1:3
Believing my life is an accident. He chose me to be His person in today's culture. 1:4
Feeling unwanted. God had great pleasure in adopting me. 1:5-6
Carrying guilt and shame. My sins are forgiven because Christ died for me. 1:7-8
Without a purpose. I am called to live in a way that brings praise to Him. 1:11-12
Without the help I need to grow spiritually. I have the Holy Spirit within me. 1:13
Weighed down by my past failures. I am freed from what I was. 2:1-3
Believing I have to earn God's love. His grace keeps me even when I mess up. 2:8-9
Believing others are gifted and called to do good works, but not me. There are good acts God created me specially to accomplish. 2:10
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I can think of many more freedoms that come through our relationship with Jesus—the freedom to walk in peace instead of being in bondage to anxiety and fear. The freedom to love and forgive instead of being enchained by hurts and grudges. The freedom to sing and have hope instead of being overwhelmed with hopelessness.
How about starting your own list of spiritual and emotional freedoms you have experienced? If you do, take a moment and send me an email so I can share your comments with others. Here's the question: What has your faith in Jesus freed you from?
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Book Nugget
“Ever wanted to crawl into a hole and cry?” Virelle Kidder, author of Meet Me At The Well: Take a Month and Water Your Soul, knows that feeling—as we all probably do!
Writing about the toll of going through both physical and mental crises with her children and her parents, Virelle describes how she felt: exhausted, dry, and desperate. But just as Jesus met the woman at the well, God met her and changed her stress-filled thinking into refreshed living.
If life has you feeling worn out and wondering how much more you can cope with, let God encourage you each day through Virelle’s experiences that are so like yours and mine. Each day also comes with helpful Scriptures and points to ponder as she covers subjects such as: I'm so tired of people needing me; I feel angry at the things You've allowed; I'm out of strength and out of answers; and Would it be so bad to run away?
Do any of those thoughts ring a bell? If so, check this book out. Published by Moody.
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JUST FOR FUN!
One day a housework-challenged husband decided to wash his sweatshirt.
Seconds after he stepped into the laundry room, he shouted to his wife, "What setting do I use on the washing machine?"
"It depends," she replied. "What does it say on your shirt?"
He yelled back, "DENVER BRONCOS."
(Courtesy of Mickie’s Funnies)
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PERSONAL NEWS AND PRAYER REQUESTS:
SISTERS REUNION: For those of you who read the May/June edition of Thrive, you know I went to England in late May and met with my sisters. I'd post a photo but the three of us look like we've gained 50 pounds each so I am NOT making it public! (I know, I know, photos never lie—but I'm not so sure!) Anyway, we had a wonderful time catching up and enjoying our bond that will never fade away even though we don't see each other very often. (Let this be a nudge to appreciate your sisters or brothers and get in contact if you haven't for a while!)
DELIGHTFUL TEA EVENT: Just loved speaking at a women's tea last week—it was one of those feel-good girly events: beautiful tables individually decorated, charming men waiting on us, little English sandwiches without crusts, scones, strawberries, and chocolate—and the chance to talk on Speak Wisely, Your Words Have Power! I was blessed by the response to God's words in Proverbs that the lips of the righteous NOURISH many and that life and death are in the power of the tongue. Challenging thoughts for all of us—and ones that call us to reflect on the impact of what we say.
CONFERENCE IN ORLANDO July 10-14, 2008
I would appreciate your prayers as I head to the international Christian Retailers Show. I am going primarily to meet other writers and speakers at various events. Please pray for God's leading in who I meet and that I will be directed towards His purposes for me in the days ahead.
TRAVEL PLANS/MINISTRY IN 2009
Singapore/Thailand/China
I am excited to be heading back to Singapore in early February and then on to Chiang Mai in Thailand. I don't know what opportunities there will be to encourage women on this trip, but I'm sure the Lord has something in mind. Please pray for His direction and open doors.
If all works out, I will also be heading to Shenyang, China, in March to do a women's retreat. With my love for multi-cultural ministry, I'm always soooo grateful when the Lord opens up these doors.
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In the Portland area? You are invited to:
Soul Feast II
Come apart. Slow down. Be with Jesus.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Do you feel like Ezekiel's dry bones? Are you spiritually hungry and want to feast on God
without distractions for a few hours? Give yourself the gift of time in God's presence listening,
reflecting, journaling, and growing in Christ. Session led by Poppy Smith.
To register or for more information call: 503-367-0619, or email me at poppy@poppysmith.com.
Date: Saturday, July 26
Time: 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Venue: Fireside room, Village Baptist Church
330 SW Murray Blvd., Beaverton, OR
Bring: Bible and notebook.
Sorry. No child care.
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Thank you for remembering me in prayer as I serve the Lord!
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