Poppy Smith - 'thrive' e-zine

APRIL FOOL FUN AND FOUNDATIONAL TRUTHS!

Welcome to all of you who are receiving your first edition of THRIVE !

March has been a wonderful, busy month of teaching God’s Word both in person and via my Blog which, if you haven’t signed up for it, can be found on my website: www.poppysmith.com (I’m blogging on anger for a couple of weeks.)

Today is April Fool’s Day so I thought these photos would be fun to post! In case you’re wondering, the woman standing next to me is Queen Esther (I was teaching Wisdom for Today’s Woman based on the book of Esther), and the women in pink wigs are participating in a hilarious game of Let’s Make A Deal while I was speaking at a women's retreat.

The third photo is a section of the crowd attending InspireU! This was a women’s conference held at Elmbrook Church in Wisconsin. Sorry it’s not the greatest picture. I hope some of the video taken at the event will be posted on my website this month so I’ll let you know in May’s THRIVE!

As I prayed for God’s leading in what to share with you, I found myself thinking about Jan Silvious’ excellent book, Fool-proofing Your Life (www.Amazon.com). With it being April Fool’s Day, it seemed a timely topic, and not one we often think about. But let me encourage you to take a few minutes and check out ESPRESSO FOR THE SOUL. After seeing what Scripture says about being a fool, maybe you’ll recognize some characteristics in a person close to you, or even in yourself.

We all need to keep growing in our relationship with God, allowing Him to change us. One of the ways this happens is being open to listening to what He wants to say--even on this topic. The more we know, the more we can be aware of what is happening, and the more the Spirit can redirect and powerfully change us. So let’s learn together!

Love and Blessings on your walk with Him,

Poppy Smith

ARE SOME PEOPLE FOOLS?

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When I think of the many women I’ve talked with around the globe, I remember their stories of having to deal with people whom Scripture describes as fools.

In close relationships, struggles with husbands and mothers top the list. Some husbands are controlling, angry, and insensitive to their wives. And some mothers are demanding, critical, and impossible to please.

In addition, some grown children refuse to take responsibility for their choices. Instead, they take advantage of their parents who eventually realize they are helping their offspring avoid the necessary task of growing up. Each of these examples fit the fools described in Proverbs 12:15; 18:2; 26:11.

“The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.”

“A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions.”

“As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.”

Fools think they are always right. They won’t listen to anyone else or even consider that their thinking might be wrong or their behavior hurtful to others and destructive to themselves. From the stories I’ve heard, and the tears I’ve seen on the faces of many women, fools make life miserable for those who try to maintain a loving relationship with them.

Three Hebrew words describe a fool:

Kesil—meaning “a dull and closed mind.” This is the person who is stubborn, does not think about their attitudes or actions, and rejects any challenge to their point-of-view.
Nabal— refers to a lack of spiritual insight or need. It applies to the person who says in her heart there is no God, who is satisfied with what she has, and who meets her own needs.
Ewil— meaning “hardened.” This fool is the person who has gone on in their foolish ways for so long they are unbendable. They despise wisdom and discipline and have no fear or awe of God (Proverbs 1:7).

Do you recognize a fool in your life? You can’t save them from themselves—but you can love, pray, and help them with their true needs. You can also learn to let them go, stepping back from your “Savior” role and allowing the true Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, to be the One they learn to lean on.

Do you recognize some “fool-like” behaviors in yourself from time to time? If you do, talk to the Lord about them. He is at work in you and waits for you to seek His help in your personal and spiritual growth.

(If this is a topic that has struck home, check out Jan Silvious’ Biblically sound book. You will find a great deal of help from this counselor and Bible teacher.)

Welcome from Poppy

Espresso

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Upcoming Events

Forward this to a friend

Answer these questions from Fool-proofing Your Life.

Ask yourself, “Am I relating to a fool? What does the Lord want me to do?”

1.	Do you spend time devising remedies to make your difficult person happier?
2.	Do you feel responsible for trying to “clear things up” with this person?
3.	Do you see yourself as this person describes you?
4.	Do you argue with your difficult person, or try to appease their anger?
5.	Are you able to detach emotionally from their words and fill your mind with God’s truth about you?

Upcoming Events:

Speaking Calendar:

2011:

March 12: SOUL FEAST, Village Church, Beaverton, OR

March 18-20: Retreat for Grace Four Square Church, Camas, WA

March 26: Inspire U, Elmbrook Church, Wisconsin

April 29-30: Women's Conference, Brookings, OR

May 14-16: Retreat, Community Christian Fellowship, Edmonds, WA

October 16-21: Nairobi, Kenya

Please contact me to speak for your group: poppy@poppysmith.com

Ask Questions - Get Answers from Poppy:

I'm asked questions about faith, life application of Biblical principles and spiritual growth everywhere I speak.

Now, for my online friends, I'd like to give you the same opportunity to ask questions.

I'll answer your questions and share comments in coming issues of "Thrive". Just contact me and let me know what you'd like to know more about...all at the click of your mouse!