Poppy Smith - 'thrive' e-zine

WELCOME TO THRIVE, JANUARY & FEBRUARY

WISHING YOU A YEAR OF BLESSINGS IN 2011!

A few weeks ago our family shared a house in snow-country for the Christmas holiday. And yesterday I heard that my daughter and her family will be moving to California this summer, so I’m already hoping that Christmas 2011 will be all sunshine and beaches.

As I think of all of you who receive THRIVE, I have wonderful memories of where we met. Many of you are from countries a long way from the USA, but our common bond is we are women who love the Lord.

WANT A WEEKLY BRIEF SHOT OF SPIRITUAL INPUT?

I love encouraging you through THRIVE, but also want you to know you can get a weekly brief shot of spiritual input via my blog. To check it out and sign up click here.

To give you a glimpse of what I send out each week, I’m going to give a shortened version of my last two blogs under ESPRESSO FOR THE SOUL. I hope it inspires you with fresh determination to make time for eating God’s words. I’m excited to be speaking on this topic tonight at a women’s event. Also, take a look at WANT TO GROW, for some tips on making this happen.

WANT TO BE PART OF THIS MINISTRY?

I know that God only works when there is much prayer given for His power to be released. I need the Holy Spirit’s power not only when I speak but also as I prepare for events, write and teach, and meet with women one-on-one.

Would you like to be part of making this happen? If so, please email me: poppy@poppysmith.com I will forward this to my ministry assistant Karen, who will then send you updated requests at the beginning of each month.

FLOURISH, Book Giveaway.

The winner is: Olive H. Simmons, a 90-year old super woman from Eugene, Oregon who writes: I memorized these words many years ago, "Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." If I keep my mind focused on this passage it is very helpful when I have Dr. appointments, waiting in line in stores, getting into scary situations, trying to help 2 girls that call me Mom, 2 that call me Grandma, 1 that claims me as auntie, as well as her large family. Congratulations, Olive. May you continue to flourish for many years and continue to be used of the Lord in many lives.

THRIVE

Thrive is late this month due to various factors, including the good news that my web manager just had a new baby and needed time to focus on little Benjamin. With my weekly blog posts available, I will send another THRIVE at the end of February. In the meantime, if you’d like to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you.

The Bible is Like . . .

: : : : :

We can all come up with reasons for not feeding on God’s word, but you and I are robbing ourselves of the spiritual strength we need for everyday living when we don’t read the Bible on a regular basis. So, let’s look at some reasons why we are missing out if we don’t read regularly: The Bible is like:

1. Bread: When the Israelites needed food to sustain them physically, God provided manna--their daily bread. Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life" (John 6:35). If we don't eat (take into our minds and hearts) Christ's life-giving, life-changing presence, our ability to be spiritually strong drains away. He also said in John 15: If you abide in me (same as eating His words) you will bear fruit—there will be evidence in you and through you, that you are a follower of Jesus.

Let me ask you: When did you last eat? When are you planning to eat your next meal?

2. A Sword, A Scalpel: We can grow hardened and complacent by being immersed in our sin-applauding culture. Scripture has the power to pierce, cut through, and expose our motives, disobedience, blindness, rationalizations and poor attitudes. God's word is living and active--we need it's eye-opening power! (Hebrews 4:12-13).

Let me ask you: Are you avoiding what God wants to cut open and clean out? What healing and joy does God want to bring into your life once you agree to spiritual surgery?

3. Ointment: There is a balm, a soothing ointment that heals us when we read God's assurances of His love and acceptance (Jer.8:22). His words soften our dry, cracked, and hurting souls and make our hearts tender and receptive to His voice and will.

Let me ask you: In what areas of your life are you dealing with something painful? Are you benefitting from God's healing ointment every day?

4. A Shield : We don't use shields in battle anymore, but in the rainy Northwest we use a shield against the rain constantly--it's called an umbrella. A shield protects, covers, and keeps us from the full onslaught of whatever we're afraid of or hiding from.

In the Psalms, David wrote: "My shield is God Most High." He was conscious that no matter how clever or strong he was in battle, his ultimate safety rested in God's protection until his days were over. So does ours. (Ps.7:10).

Paul writes: God is our shield against the attacks of Satan and "the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." When the Enemy comes against us, we're told to "stand firm and take up the shield of faith." God not only protects us physically until our time on earth is over, He also protects our minds and hearts against Satan's fiery darts of fear, despair, and doubt. (Ephesians 6:10-19).

Jesus said in Matt. 4:4— “It is written: Man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” IT IS WHEN WE START EATING, DIGESTING, AND VALUING GOD’S WORDS ENOUGH TO MAKE TIME FOR THEM, THAT CHANGE STARTS.

Why read the Bible? Because if we don't, we won't know what powerful insights, thoughts, feelings, guidance and blessings God wants to give us for what we’re dealing with right now.

Let me challenge you. In 2011, take in God’s words, pray in what you read, and live it out in obedience. If you do this, you will see amazing, wonderful, changes in 2011, in yourself and your life.

I’d be thrilled for this to be your experience, even as I want it for myself!

Poppy Smith

Welcome from Poppy

Espresso

Want to Grow?
Check Out Poppy's Tips

Upcoming Events

Forward this to a friend

1.	Do a role inventory. How many hats do you wear? Which are ones only you can wear? Which could you take off, cut back on, or share with someone else?
2.	Outline a week’s schedule that works for you. Fill in inescapable commitments. Highlight your regular time wasters.
3.	Look for times to eat . Can you take a short time every day? Three evenings a week? During lunch? On a jog/walk with your mp3?
4.	Pay the price : Choose to say NO to yourself in order to say YES to God’s call to cozy up to Him.
5.	Establish SMART goals — "Specific, Measurable, Achievable Realistic, Timely." Write them down in a journal. Set your alarm to get up. Recruit a friend to do it together. Get a notebook and record the date and time and what struck you—a word, thought, command, sin to confess, or a promise to claim.

Upcoming Events:

Speaking Calendar:

2011:

January 17:
Ladies Night Out, Salem Heights Church, Salem, OR

January 28-30: Lake Bible Church, Cannon Beach, OR

February 25-27: Good Shepherd Community Church, OR

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

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

March 26: Elmbrook Church, Inspire U, Wisconsin

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

May 13-15: Community Christian Fellowship, Edmonds, WA. Retreat

To book Poppy for a speaking event, contact her at 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!