Poppy Smith - 'thrive' e-zine

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April 2009

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Thrive - an e-zine of spiritual encouragement with Poppy Smith

Growing Vigorously...

Welcome to April’s edition of THRIVE. Did you know that ‘thrive’ means to grow vigorously? I love that meaning because I don’t want to only look back and see where I grew vigorously in the past, I want to grow vigorously in the present—spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually.

One of my primary reasons for writing this monthly ezine is to inspire your passion for the Lord, to encourage you towards emotional growth, and to spur you on to greater knowledge and understanding of your faith in Christ. Paul describes my motivation when he writes, “Let us draw near to God... let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess… let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds… and, let us encourage one another” (Heb.10:22-25).

I’ve also restarted my BLOG!! I was spurred into action by the Rihanna—Chris Brown abuse controversy. (For those of you who haven’t a clue about these two—they are young, rich, famous singers in the US. Chris Brown battered Rihanna, her bruised and swollen face was publicized, and everyone weighed in on what she should do, including Oprah. )

I also decided to weigh in on my blog: www.poppysmith.blogspot.com because I once volunteered in a domestic violence shelter and feel strongly that no woman should accept abuse. My second blog was advice to SINGLES who are dating, and my third blog was for MARRIED WOMEN who are being abused. Please read these blogs if these situations apply to you or someone you know. After this, I am going to blog on other, more pleasant issues, but I hope you’ll visit and subscribe to the RSS Feed or get an email when I make another post. Plus, I’d love to read your comments.

I lost a good friend to cancer this past week. She was a woman whose life I highly admired and I felt privileged to call ‘friend’. Reflecting on what she meant to me and many others, I saw another aspect of how Savvy Girls Grow. Check out Espresso for the Soul where I talk about “SAVVY GIRLS GROW—BY HAVING FRIENDS WHO GROW!" We are made for relationships but life can go at such a pace we neglect staying in touch—what are we missing, and what are our friends missing when we let this happen? See "Want To Grow?" for ways to find a Soul Sister.

Poppy Smith

Savvy Girls Grow -
By Having Friends Who Grow

by Poppy Smith

: : : : :

I met my friend, Carol Porter, twenty years ago when she gathered a group of women together in Chicago to draft one of the early books on women’s ministry. Appropriately called, A Women’s Ministry Handbook, Carol assigned us certain chapter topics according to our ministry experience and strengths. Having recently left teaching in Bible Study Fellowship, my chapters were on speaking and small group leadership. A few years later, six of us became a travelling teaching team, going to various cities to give conferences on how to minister to women. Carol was always the leader—deservedly so. After a six month battle with recurrent melanoma, Carol went to be with the Lord last week.

Having Carol in my life was a special God-gift! Her energy and total commitment to the Lord was inspiring. I couldn’t believe it (well, actually, I could!) when she told me that she and a friend called each other every morning to share their memory verses! And this went on for years and years. Wow! She hosted early morning Bible studies in her kitchen, taught Precepts, learned piano, worked out with a Pilates instructor, and worked as Pastor to Women in her home church. You can see why she modeled to me what it means to thrive. She was a woman who grew vigorously and had a remarkable impact on her friends.

As you think about your desire to grow...[read more]

God worked in powerful ways at my last two retreats—one in Oregon and the other in Shenyang, China. It was thrilling for me to talk with so many women who heard God speaking to them—about their marriages, their attitudes, their heart aches, deep issues of forgiving themselves, and finding healing for the guilt and shame that they had carried for many years. I am SOOO grateful for the privilege of teaching about God’s reality and the transformation He can make in our lives—I’m blessed to speak and write for Him both here in the US and overseas.

Currently I am working on writing a book proposal, blogging on my own and other blogs (www.christianpost.com), and posting on Facebook (want to ‘friend’ me??).

Sharing in Shenyang

Wanting Spiritual Support and Insight? I am available to meet with women who want a Spiritual Director, or spiritual companion, to help them explore their relationship with God. These monthly, or bi-monthly times are opportunities for you to talk in confidence and be supported in your desire to grow closer to God. This ministry is available to anyone in the Portland area at a small charge. Contact me for more information and availability.

I'm Too Human to Be Like Jesus - Spiritual Growth for the Not-So-Perfect Woman!

Do you blow it sometimes? Compare yourself to others who seem spiritually all together? Wonder if a not-so-perfect woman can still be loved and used by God?

"I'm Too Human to Be Like Jesus" provides more than inspiration. It gives you practical ways to become the woman you long to be. With thought provoking questions throughout each chapter and discussion questions at the end, this book is ideal for group discussion or individual study.

April Sale Price - $10.00
Save $2.00

Click here to read an excerpt.

Click here to place your order!

Welcome from Poppy

Espresso

Want to Grow?
Check Out Poppy's Tips

News, Trends & Events

Book Store Special

Recent Feedback

Forward to a friend

Find a Soul Sister:

Pray and attend events where you might find a Soul Sister

Connect: smile, introduce yourself, share your stories briefly

Be brave, ask to meet again and learn more about each other

Discuss your spiritual journey, what God means to you now

Pray for each other, check in, show love—stay in touch

Recent Feedback:

Thank you for outstanding teaching. Your presentation touched my life--only the Holy Spirit could make this type of impact. You're an inspiration. You've given me so much to think about and apply to my life.

God used your experiences to inspire me to keep walking with Him no matter the circumstances.
Thanks for being truly transparent!

You have a unique ability to address delicate issues, to help us notice but not become immersed in past pain and struggles.

You have encouraged me to take the stumbling blocks in my life and turn then into stepping stones.

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!

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