Poppy Smith - 'thrive' e-zine

WELCOME TO THRIVE, MARCH, 2011

Dear Friends,

Welcome to all those who are receiving THRIVE for the first time. I hope you’ll be blessed and encouraged by the Scriptures and words you’ll find here.

On a personal note, I took yesterday off because it was my birthday and did something fun. I went to a floral store and bought a pretty garland to wrap around a five-candle centerpiece. Now, instead of watching rain, rain, rain, I have something delightfully Spring-looking to feast my eyes on. (I also had a wonderful massage and treated myself to two tiny little tarts—one lemon, one chocolate fudge!)

Sometimes we just HAVE TO intentionally change our focus from whatever is gray and gloomy to something beautiful.

This weekend I spoke on Wisdom for Today’s Woman, pulling out many practical lessons from the choices people made in the Book of Esther. Since everyone faces circumstances where we have to make choices, and our choices have both short-term and long-term consequences, becoming a smart and wise woman is part of our spiritual growth. The group that invited me had a ball putting together the decorations—there was even a canopy tent in the main room draped with velvet curtains and we had Middle Eastern food for snacks. I loved the combination of their spiritual hunger and their ability to relax and have fun.

With the unrest and revolts going on in the Middle East, some of the truths about God’s character illustrated in Esther’s experience are very relevant. I believe these are important for all of us, but especially for those readers of THRIVE living in Abu Dhabi and Oman. Because of what is happening, I feel the Lord wants me to mention these verses. You’ll find them below, in Espresso for your Soul .

DOES YOUR FOCUS NEED FIXING?

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If you’re not familiar with the story of Esther, I encourage you to read it. The first six chapters especially are an exciting description of how God rescued His people from annihilation. Esther, the person God chose for this task, was confronted with a choice: would she risk and step into frightening circumstances? Would she say YES to God’s purposes for her life, or would she shrink back in fear and self-protection? Perhaps you are facing something like this right now?

We all encounter frightening circumstances from time to time; certainly our sisters and brothers in North Africa and the Middle East are doing that right now. But wherever we live, or whatever we are facing: grief, loss, financial or health reversals, marriage heartaches, family struggles or inner wounds, the following promises of God belong to us.

Isaiah 40:31 : “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” HOPE means to have a confident expectation—in contrast to a gloomy assumption. It doesn’t mean we won’t go through tough times or painful experiences, but it does mean that when we focus on God’s promises and presence, we ourselves will have a renewed inner strength to go through whatever is in front of us.

Where’s your focus? What’s your assumption? Is it that God WILL strengthen you, or you have to get through on your own strength? What could you do to increase your faith?

Isaiah 41:10 : “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” If you’re a born scaredy cat like me, you have to train yourself to turn towards God when you’re frightened. Remember in those dark and difficult situations what you have learned in the light: He is FOR YOU; YOU are KNOWN to Him; He will never ABANDON YOU.

What ANTS (automatic negative thoughts) pop into your mind when you’re anxious? What phrases could you start engraving on your mind instead? Here are three to start with: God is here. I am not alone. He will take me through this.

Isaiah 42:3: “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.” God’s character is such that we don’t have to pretend to be something we are not. If you are weak God will strengthen you, not despise you. If you are sputtering along in your faith, He will not stamp you out. Instead, He will ignite the flame and make it blaze as you place yourself and your situation in His hands.

Queen Esther’s faith was weak and smoldering. She was overcome with terror at the situation she faced but—she asked for prayer support. In her need she wasn’t too proud to share her situation because she knew only God could take her through what lay ahead.

How about you? Is your faith weak? Instead of listening to words of inner condemnation, let this verse encourage you to trust His love. Ask for prayer from mature friends who will keep your situation in confidence. Then watch how God will strengthen you to do His will—even if your knees are knocking!

Can I pray for you?

May the Holy Spirit be powerfully present to you in every situation. May He meet each of your needs. And may He fill you with confidence and joy in Him as you remember, He Is For You !

Blessings and hugs to each of you, and stay in touch. It is always a delight to hear from you

Poppy Smith

Welcome from Poppy

Espresso

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Here a summary of ways to halt anxious thinking:

1.	Turn your attention to God (recall His attributes)
2.	Pray to Him regarding the stressor (cast your burden on Him)
3.	Thank Him for all you can (choose a grateful focus)
4.	Distract yourself from the anxiety (do something physical)
5.	Turn your thoughts to what God can do (stomp on those ANTS!)

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: Elmbrook Church, Inspire U, Wisconsin

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

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

October 10-15: Nairobi, Kenya

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

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