Poppy Smith - 'thrive' e-zine

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

With 2012 just beginning, I find my brain crammed with all that happened in 2011, and wondering about what lies ahead in 2012. Like most of you, last year was a mix of great blessings and various losses.

If I’m not careful, my tendency is to give a nod to the past and start anticipating the future. Perhaps you’re the same. But instead of quickly moving on and shoving this past year into a tightly packed drawer in our minds, why not take a few moments and think about all that happened? Consider what you want to do or experience in 2012.

In ESPRESSO FOR THE SOUL, you’ll find the thoughts of fellow writer and speaker, Deborah Lovett ( Deborah@womenofthewell.org ) who gave me permission to use this very personal email. I was struck by her honesty about the struggles of 2011 and her determination to follow the Lord’s calling on her life in the 2012.

In the WANT TO GROW? column, check out five ways you can gain insights from 2011 into yourself, your circumstances, and the Lord who is always present. After all, why waste what God wants you to learn from this past year’s journey?

Deborah Lovett writes:

I’ve had my share of struggles this year:

1. My sister has been in and out of the hospital for various things. She is out at the moment and needs God’s deliverance.

2. My mother-in-law took a turn for the worse and is going down hill fast. Praying God will have mercy on her. (And my husband, it is so hard on him).

3. My daughter moved out. (Praying she will find God- AGAIN).

4. My son going through the "college" transition and stress of leaving high school and looking for a college that suits him best.(Praying that he will stay true to his values and heart for God- for joy and peace).

5. My husband and I have been having marital difficulties, I am sure this is a backlash from the fire in 2008 that took everything we owned. (Praying for restoration for the whole family, sure this is part of the plan!)

6. I have dealt with major depression this year. (I sincerely believe this WAS (past tense) spiritual warfare backlash to the Finding God Blog! It is making major waves! Praise God!

My New Year's Ideas:

1. Put two books into ebook format. (I already have these written).

2. Teach a Women's Bible study from my new home!

3. Write a book.

4. Work on my marriage.

5. Get my son off to college with a great send off.

6. Love everyone I can.

7. Give away all that I have to give.

8. Work on blogs.

9. Read the Bible in one year.

(These are not in any particular order).

Deborah Lovett

WHY NOT COME UP WITH SOME IDEAS YOU WANT TO SEE HAPPEN IN 2012?

1. PRAY about them. Ask God for a verse to guide, motivate, and give you courage to try.

2. DREAM about them. Imagine what it would mean to step forward in God’s power.

3. PLAN for them. Get out your calendar and put down some key dates and action steps.

LET ME KNOW: WHAT do you wonder about or believe God is leading you to attempt or accomplish in 2012? I’d love to hear from you and provide some helps via my blog!

Poppy Smith

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Espresso For Your Soul

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1.	Read the Psalmist’s powerful counsel for today: Ps.77:11-12. “I will remember…
2.	As you think about 2011, what major blessings have you experienced? Can you recall five? Mull them over, journal about them, tell others, praise Him with joy and singing.
3.	Can you remember five little bitty blessings that occurred in 2011? Rejoice in every sign of God’s presence and awareness of you.
4.	Did you experience some major losses, disappointments, or hurts in 2011? How was the Lord your refuge? In what ways did He comfort you?
5.	Where are you now in your healing from life’s inevitable difficult times?

Watch for my next blog where I'll share some of my own 2011 experiences!

NEWS FOR 2012:

I will be in Singapore for most of January. Check my speaking calendar to attend any of the places I will be ministering while there. I’d love to meet you. If you’d like to meet privately while I’m there, send me an email.

Look for your opportunity to win a free book, FLOURISH by Dr. Catherine Hart Webber in February via Thrive or my blog. Be sure to sign up!

In March, you’ll have a chance to read a bit about my brand new book: WHY CAN’T HE BE MORE LIKE ME? I’ll show you the cover and let you know how to order your personally autographed copy by me (Sorry, can only ship within the US but you can order it from your local bookseller or through Amazon. Publisher is Harvest House.)

NEW SEMINAR on understanding and relating to MEN with fun and helpful information drawn from my new book. DATE: April 21. LOCATION: Beaverton , OR. Email for more information or inquiries about hosting this marriage-strengthening presentation in your own location.

Upcoming Events:

Speaking Calendar:

January 2012: Singapore

Jan 7: Seminar: Lord, Flip This House. For info: email Janet Yap: yapcmj@gmail.com

Jan 14/15: Eternal Life Assembly, Bukit Timah. Contact: Robert@elassembly.org.sg

Jan 26: International Baptist Church lunch. For info: email Fiona Zakowich: zakowich@pacific.net.sg

March 10: Women's Day, First Baptist Church, Salem, OR.

April 14: Western Seminary, Portland, OR. Workshop on “Why Can’t He be More Like Me?”

April 21: Women's Seminar on Understanding Men! Beaverton, OR. Details to come.

May 11-13: Woodhaven Church, Cannon Beach, OR.

To inquire about Poppy's availability to speak at your event, email her at: poppy@poppysmith.com