WELCOME TO THRIVE, NOVEMBER 2010
Welcome to all of you from the Middle East and elsewhere who are receiving THRIVE for the first time.
 
For those of you who have never been to a Souk, here I am enjoying the one in Muscat, Oman. A Souk is a permanent shopping alley full to overflowing with jewelry, beautiful scarves, bags, clothes, and every kind of trinket. In between speaking eight times on my trip to Oman and Abu Dhabai, my friend and hostess in Oman, Sheena Sarker, took me to her favorite shops in this wonderful world of color and exotic wares.
Driving along I managed to snap a picture of an old Arab fort set amidst the dramatic, dark brown jagged hills. Oman also has a coastline and palm trees but I didn’t get to loll around under any of them!
My mind is crowded with images from my trip: women of all ages from all over the globe who live in the Gulf region and who come from South Africa, India, the UK, USA, Indonesia, various Asian and African countries, Fiji, Europe and Canada—and many more. What a rich experience and taste of all we will experience in heaven when people from every part of the world will be together worshiping our Lord.
I want to share many things with you in this issue:
- Check out a quote from REACHING HIGHER, my new release now available in print and as an ebook under Want to Grow?
- Also, I hope you’ll be encouraged by Ten Ways to Feed Your Soul found below in ESPRESSO FOR THE SOUL.
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Ten Ways to Feed Your Soul
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I met with two ladies a few days ago to plan their retreat and they want their theme to be COZY UP TO GOD (see my list of retreat speaking topics at www.poppysmith.com ) This is a special weekend where women not only receive teaching, but also get to spend time in silence with the Lord, reflecting on Scripture and drawing close to Christ. Their desire started me thinking about the ways we can maintain a sense of intimacy with God in the middle of crazy, hectic schedules—because we all desperately need that if we are to live spiritually vibrant lives.
Last month I shared on Restoring Your Soul—so this month, here are Ten Ways to Feed Your Soul. These practical actions fill me with a wonderful awareness of the living God and help me stay close to Him mentally and spiritually. What helps you? If you have more suggestions (and I’m sure there are many more!) email me and I’ll pass them on next month so YOU can bless women around the world who read THRIVE.
- Sing or read hymns—go online and find them, or pull out an old hymnbook—but soak in their wonderful words. (I love the words: “Glory to Thee, Thou Son of God most high, all praise to Thee. Glory to Thee enthroned above the sky, Lord I love Thee.”)
- Read favorite authors—some oldies but goodies: A.W. Tozer, J.I. Packer, Amy Carmichael, John Piper—whoever draws your heart to the Lord. Find a quiet place and take 30 minutes alone to read, be refreshed, worship, and rejoice.
- Read the Word—just sit and read a New Testament book right through! (There are plenty of short ones that are packed with power!) More time? Read more!
- Read a Devotional every day. I am currently reading My Utmost for His Highest (by Oswald Chambers), Magnificent Prayer (by Nick Harrison), and Daily in Christ (by Neil Anderson). They enrich my thoughts and reinforce what God says in His Word.
- Be Thankful—constantly give thanks—for everything from a parking spot to a good health report to a child’s hug to answers to prayer to music that fills your heart with delight in God.
- Extend grace to yourself—learn to believe and accept that God loves you and is not finding fault and criticizing and condemning you because of your human weaknesses. He forgives and knows we are but dust! (Be sure and read Ps.103:8-14 if you doubt how He views you!)
- Memorize Scripture—write it down, swirl it around in your mind like delicious chocolate, savor the truths God wants to feed into your heart and life.
- Remember God’s Ways—Read Ps.77 and remember, meditate, consider all God’s mighty deeds. What has He done in your life? How has He acted on your behalf? Feed your soul on His goodness.
- Sing—even if you croak and can’t hit the high notes like me! Make a joyful noise!
- Connect with others—share God’s goodness and reality with others and receive a blessing from them as you hear of God’s working in their lives.
There are so many other ways to Feed Your Soul—but let me encourage you to first put these into practice and we’ll revisit this topic next month!
Blessings and joy to you from the One who transforms our hearts and lives, |
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If you’re a scaredy cat like me, here’s your chance to get a great book for FREE: Moving from Fear to Freedom is donated by Canadian author and speaker, Grace Fox, www.gracefox.com To be part of the drawing, send me an email at poppy@poppysmith.com with your best verse/tip for overcoming fear. (North American readers only, sorry!) |
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“When God asks you to say yes to something, He points to His character as the basis on which you can trust Him. “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love” (Psalm 103:8). His loving-kindness is new, fresh, and at work for you every day. God doesn’t ask you to entrust your life to someone you suspect may not have your best at heart. He asks you to walk along paths He’s prepared for your good. Not alone, but with Him.”
Reaching Higher—Ten Dynamic Truths from Abraham That Will Change Your Life!
Order your copy before Dec. 15 for $13.00, or two for $25.00 (plus shipping/handling).
Order your e-book version before Dec.15 for $10.99.
Upcoming
Events:
Speaking Calendar:
2010:
October 16: Plenary Speaker, Oregon Christian Writers, Fall meeting
October 25-28: Muscat Women's Fellowship, Oman
October 30-31: Evangelical Community Church, Abu Dhabi, United Arab
Emirates
December 7: Christmas event, Lake Bible Church, OR
2011:
January 10: Ladies Night Out, Salem Heights Church, OR
January 28-30: Lake Bible Church, Cannon Beach, OR
February 25-27: Good Shepherd Community Church, OR
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
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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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