Titus Twosday! Mothering to the best of your ability!

Do you remember these, Titus Twosday's?   Well, I thought we'd just jump back into our old routine with new thoughts and ideas.  This Titus Twosday is all about motherhood.  Over the last year I have discovered new things about myself, Christendom (if that is a word), parenting and children.  My now 11 year old son, 9 year old daughter and 8 year old daughter have taught me many things and helped shape my opinion on life in general.  Last year about this time I was on the road to homeschooling my middle daughter for the very first time.  I was full of excitement and nervous anxiety.  I wondered would I really be able to help her, teach her and train her in the things she most needed.  I had a friend (Angie) holding my hand and encouraging me the whole way.  She helped me to see how I was really the best teacher of all things my daughter could ever learn.  While, that knowledge brought great comfort it also brought great responsibility.  I realized if I did not teach it, it wouldn't be taught.  I know most you are thinking DUH!  But seriously that is SCARY!  During this past year of schooling I had to learn to trust the Lord with the wisdom I would need in order to educate my daughter to the best of my ability.  And so there you have it a successful year of homeschool completed in the Fletcher home.  I can't honestly say my daughter is a brain scientist.  I can't even say she is ahead of "the class".  Here is what I can say.  I know my daughter and she knows me!  She knows exactly what I would say and do in almost any situation.  That goes both ways.  She is a professional business woman called to urban missions.  She can hold a meeting at Starbucks, Stoby's, Tropical Smoothie, the trailer park, the United Way Services Center, Birth Works Doula Services Center, Conway Regional Gym, local Churches and home any day of the week.  She can self entertain.  She is confident in her math skills, she enjoys reading (only good books according to her), she can communicate her needs to others, she is more outgoing, she cares for others, she loves to cook and clean, she has the heart of a servant, she is a nurturer, she loves babies, she is a great swimmer, she loves zumba and enjoys woman topics (puberty, development, baby's and how they are born).  Did you have to wonder where she got "woman topics" from?  I am laughing out loud about that one.   Anyway, all that to say I was able to really know and learn my daughter this year.  As I said before she was able to learn more about me and my heart.  It was an awesome adventure I was literally able to pour my heart into my daughters heart.  That is amazing! As I say all of those wonderful things this next statement is probably going to shock you.

I will not be homeschooling any of my children this coming school year.  They will all attend the local public school and I am looking as forward to that as I was to homeschooling Najee' last year.  Okay, so the big fat WHY!  As I look back I see so many victories but I also see what was lost in the process for me.  I had one child in the elementary school (2nd grade), one at home (3rd/4th grade), and the other about 5 miles away at the intermediate school (5th grade).  Not only that, we (my husband and I) were experiencing for the first time in our lives running and operating a non profit from the ground up and establishing a church plant.  Those things were all major in and of themselves, however I will continue with the list of new beginnings.  I recieved my Certification as a Doula for Central Arkansas, which meant I was being called away at any given time to a birth or to meet the needs of a laboring momma.  I was answering prenatal and post pardum questions.  Have I even begun to talk about ministry issues and concerns?  Do you get the picture? 

So the title of this post is "Mothering to the best of your ability", I was only successful this last year because of Christ.  Seriously, no joke! I was able to mother to the best of my ability given the previous situation.  In retrospect I could or should have given more to particular areas.  I visited my other children at their school, oh about twice the whole school year.  Now if you know me that is NOT how I roll!  I usually visit my childrens school at the very least once per week!  I was tired all the time.  When the other children came home from school I was not the mother they were used to.  I was tired, grumpy, busy, on the phone, rushing, shall I go on?  Anyway, as my husband and I were looking into this coming school year I realized two things.  This is advice for all women everywhere!  If you are going to homeschool consider homeschool all of your children, not just one or two.  Life is much easier if you are calling all the shots and not calling some and then trying to work around other people calling shots too.  I also struggled with field trips.  I wanted my kids in public school to attend the field trips I was taking Najee on, but she could not attend the ones they were going on.  So what happened was the public school kids got to go on every single adventure there was and Najee' did her field trips with the sibilings on the weekends.  That was sad, I know.  The second piece of advice is if you are a better mother to your children while they attend public school then if they are homeschooled allow them to attend public school.

I know we talk about the influence of the world on our children when they attend public school but really if we as parents are actively training and discipling our children the influence of the public school will pale in comparision to the influence you have as a parent.  I think Christiandom does a disservice to mothers and children by implying that the only way to teach our children Christian values is to homeschool often at the expense of good being a godly influence.  I hope I am making myself clear.  If homeschooling your children means you are a stress ball of crazy all day and night, then DON'T DO IT!  Because in that process you are teaching your children who Christ and how they should behave.  I would much rather release the homeschool concept and idea to better educate and equip my children for service in the Kingdom of God.  Now that is my story. 

I am not opposed to homeschool in the future.  However, I will make huge changes.  The first of which will be homeschooling all three of my children at one time.  The second would be not homeschooling during the onset of major life transitions.  You will all be happy to know (or at least I am happy to know) that we now have a wonderful group of servants in ministry what will share lots and lots of the load that Phil and I were carrying alone.  So Praise the Lord for it all!  Better mothering is already in progress, because God is providing so we can keep first things first!

Titus Twosday! Modesty 2010 part 2

This Titus Twosday is all about modesty in 2010. Some of you read my previous post on this topic.  This time I really want to hear from you!  So if you have read this much of this post you have to comment!  DEAL! Okay I am going to ask some questions and you can answer any one of them or all of them.  That is your choice.  Here we go!!!

1.  What is most disturbing to you about people dressed immodest?
2.  How does immodesty effect you as a believer?  Do you have to pay special attention to guard your heart?  What are the specific ways in which you do that?
3.  Is there a general standard for everyone, or is there room for "if you got it flaunt it"?
4.  Do you think most people dressed immodestly are aware of their possible offense and disturbance...or more importantly that they may be lead another into sin?
5.  is there a limit to one individuals responsibility to..."not cause a brother to stumble"?  Example...someone in your church says it causes them to sin when you wear green.  You are completely covered but they are lead to sin because of some childhood deal.  What is your responsibility as a believer to help that other believer in their sin?


Okay I think that is enough for now.....


Here is a sneak peak at what we will be talking about in the next few weeks.
Can a woman be a missionary (outside the home) and have a family?  What is a woman's role in the command to go and make disciples? 


Excited to hear from you all!

Nicolle

Titus Twosday "Modesty in 2010?!"

Take a journey with me as we talk about modesty as it relates to Christianity. I will say now if it hurts say “OUCH” and make the needed changes. If you are fine then encourage another woman to be more aware of her need to dress modestly. Okay, so you may be wondering where all this began.

About two days ago Phil was listening to a sermon by C.J. Mahaney about modesty. Then Saturday we went to Wild River Country (a water Park in Arkansas) for the day. After careful review of the scripture, the message (by CJ) and a close look at the world we live in I was horrified. I was horrified by the dress of others and at times my own dress. I will say when the topic of modesty is brought to the table women usually leave it at a condition of the heart. What is your motive in dressing this way or that? To that I agree and at the same time we have to take that a little further.

Look at some scriptures.

1 Timothy 2:8-10 (ESV)

8I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; 9likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, 10 but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works.

1 Peter 3:3-6 (ESV)

3 Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— 4but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. 5For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, 6as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.

Proverbs 11:22 (ESV)

22Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout

is a beautiful woman without discretion.

After the visit to the water park I was pretty much in shock. Young girls wearing those triangle string bikinis that not only showed the tops and sides of their breast but the bottom too! The list of things goes on and on for inappropriate attire. Since I listened to that message by CJ I could only think of the men who wanted to have a day of adventure with their families having to endure breast and butt in their face every where they turned. It doesn’t even end at the females. I can’t even count how many times I got a full moon shine from some guy wearing his swim shorts too low. Both genders are attempting to show as much as possible to as many people as possible. This breaks my heart. I have to ask why? What has happened in our world that is creating this type of monster? I should not be surprised. There is nothing new under the sun. Modesty seems to change depending on the time period. This is why I agree with an individuals dress being an issue of the heart, but what is the rest?

I will be honest and say for many years I just felt like if a guy has a lust problem he needs to seek the Lord about it. I should not have to cover my whole body only revealing my hands and face for his sake. My mind is changing. You could say my mind is being renewed! I don’t want to appear as an Amish woman or a prostitute. My desire is to dress as the scripture calls us…respectable and modest. The trouble is what does that look like. I did some research on the web and found many, many articles about modesty, even clothing websites were you can purchase modest apparel. Some I thought were way over the top. But could I just be a product of this culture and be missing the mark as well? There is a fine line between legalism and license. I will connect you with one of the websites that I personally found very helpful. It did not seem legalistic at all. It seems to serve as a guideline. I’ll post that later. Moving to the reason why I believe this is a problem in our culture.

I think several things have happened. Women have not been teaching the younger women as Titus 2 instructs. I also believe women have forgotten or misunderstood what truly makes them beautiful. It is not the outer beauty that is lasting but the hidden person of the heart. That is what God looks for in his daughters. This is what we should be reflecting to the world.

I stated earlier that there were some things I needed to change as well. I am busty. Anyone who has seen me is well aware of that fact. It can not be hidden from anyone. You might ask Nicolle, “Why are you making this statement while talking about modesty?” Why not? We all have to identify what about our body’s poses a stumbling block to the opposite gender. Then pay special attention when leaving the house that, that particular area is well covered or doesn’t command undue attention. Women you are designed with hills and valleys that are visually pleasing to men. The goal in that was not for you to turn every man’s head when you walk in a room but to turn your husbands head. Your body is for your husband, not every Tim, Terry and Tom. So toning things down in public is a wonderful idea.

Here are some questions for us all to consider.

1. What would you tell a young girl about modesty? What does it mean?

2. What do you personally do to remain modest in your appearance?

3. If a woman in your church said your dress was immodest what would you do or say?

Now here is some material for you to consider.
http://www.purefashion.com/ this site has a great modesty guideline allows you have some style.
http://www.achristianhome.org/ a great resource to other sites about modesty
http://www.therebelution.com/ an interesting movement about youth rebelling against the cultural expectations of immodesty.

Titus Twosday!

This came to me from a friend by email.  The scripture spoke to me and brought with it life.  Isn't that awesome when God's word does what He says it will do!  Anyway, I thought I'd post some of the content because it was a blessing to me.  After you read it I will explain why it was such a blessing to me.  You can share if it blesses you too.

 Psalm 128:1-4

Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways!
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed and it shall be well with you.
Your wife will be like a fruitful vine (i.e., a bringer of joy like wine, and the mother of children) within your house; your children will be like olive shoots (full of energy and promise) around your table. Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord.

• Wives, bring joy to their house.
• Wives, love your own spouse well. (will bring joy!!)
• Mothers, faithfully train your children in godliness. (will bring peace and joy)
• Mothers, view your children as God does. (full of energy and promise)
• Single women, learn from the women around you how to love your future spouse and train children in godliness.

 What an awesome list of things you are to your family!  I am encouraged as wife and convicted as mother!  I am encouraged to know that I bring joy to my home according to the scriptures.  It is encouraging to know that loving my husband brings joy to me and him.  I am convicted in my role as mother.  Particularly the part of viewing my children as God does, full of energy and promise.  I have forgotten this biblical perspective. I have gotten busy thinking they should already be in a place that they are striving towards yet have not attained.  Therefore, I have become impatient.  It was this text that opened my eyes to the truth of God's love towards me.  I mean really!  My kids are currently at difficult stages in their live.  But, I am always in a difficult stage when it comes to Christ.  I am needy and try to be independent.  I am foolish and attempt to be wise.  Does this sound like a kid to you?  It does to me. 

So the scripture above is my prayer for my family.  Ultimately, that we would all fear the Lord and walk in HIS ways.  As we sit at the table I would know we are blessed because of the food that is there (indication of work) and the family that surrounds me (indication of God's blessings).  May I look upon my children with the love and adoration of the Father, even in the midst of my wrong.  Let love, joy, peace and long suffering be my name.

What say you?

 

Titus Twosday...P31 Fears!

I have to ask this question. Does the Proverbs 31 woman bring thoughts of fear to your mind? Does she intimidate you? Is she the standard by which you seek and find yourself failing time and time again?

I do have to say I think every Christian woman has struggled with this thought. First off I need to say sister you are not alone! Let’s take a quick look at the woman described in this text.

Proverbs 31:10-31
The Woman Who Fears the LORD

10An excellent wife who can find?
She is far more precious than jewels.
11The heart of her husband trusts in her,
and he will have no lack of gain.
12She does him good, and not harm,
all the days of her life.
13She seeks wool and flax,
and works with willing hands.
14She is like the ships of the merchant;
she brings her food from afar.
15She rises while it is yet night
and provides food for her household
and portions for her maidens.
16She considers a field and buys it;
with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
17She dresses herself with strength
and makes her arms strong.
18She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.
Her lamp does not go out at night.
19She puts her hands to the distaff,
and her hands hold the spindle.
20She opens her hand to the poor
and reaches out her hands to the needy.
21She is not afraid of snow for her household,
for all her household are clothed in scarlet
22She makes bed coverings for herself;
her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23Her husband is known in the gates
when he sits among the elders of the land.
24She makes linen garments and sells them;
she delivers sashes to the merchant.
25Strength and dignity are her clothing,
and she laughs at the time to come.
26She opens her mouth with wisdom,
and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
27She looks well to the ways of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28Her children rise up and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29"Many women have done excellently,
but you surpass them all."
30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31Give her of the fruit of her hands,
and let her works praise her in the gates.

As I look at this verse, I see this woman handling business. I don’t know how many children she has or the type of chaos she experiences on a daily basis. But I can very clearly see what she is doing. Her husband trusts her to basically make things happen. She provides food and makes ready for the rough weather. She is selling and purchasing property. She is making things with her hands and then selling them for assistance within her home. Bottom line she is a busy woman with many talents and skills that she uses to provide for her family.

Here is the thing we don’t always get. Go back and look at the bold italics.

• She is far more precious than jewels.

• She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong.

• Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.

• Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:

A woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

• Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.

The P31 woman is not really about all the things you can do in one day or week. It is about who you are! This woman is strong, faithful, diligent, supportive, giving and considerate. That is who she IS, not what she does. The things she does is a result of who she is! Am I making sense? I think we spend a lot of time trying to find the check list of things to do that we forget to simply be! But the truth is if you are in Christ you already are. Don’t allow this woman to cause you to fear, stumble or worry! The things you do are because of who you are.

Take sometime and examine your life. Ask yourself why do I DO this or that? Am I DOING something because I think I must do it for the favor of God, the praise of men, or to fulfill my Christian role/duty? What is the real deal? Search your own heart. In searching ask the Lord to reveal the true you to yourself. Ask Him to help you to just BE! It is the same with our relationship with Christ. We don’t do a whole bunch of things and then hope Christ will love us, receive us and accept us. It is the complete opposite. God loves, accepts and receives us in spite of us. He changes our heart and mind, and then He will cause us to do because of what already is.

I do pray this makes sense to you. It is very freeing to not compare yourself to every good thing every Christian woman does. The woman described in this text is a great woman who, like I said before is handling business. But the real question is to what purpose and for what is she doing these things. I would argue because of her relationship with Christ and the true value she had placed on her husband and family.
It is because she is that she does!

I recieved these daily notes from Nicole who attended the True Woman's Conference just recently.  I was so blessed by these daily thought provoking and convicting text that I thought I'd share them with you as well.  You can read more for yourself on the website . Here you can sign up to recieve 30 days of biblical instruction directly to your inbox.  Check it out.

I am also looking to gather a group of women interested in attending the conference in Fort Worth, TX

October 14-16, 2010 at the Ft. Worth Convention Center. Let me know if you are interested in joining by commenting on this post.

Complementary Versus Competing

Scripture Focus: Mark 9:33-41

“Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.” —Matthew 23:12, NASB

“The role of men and women in ministry is complementary. True enrichment for both Christian men and women comes when these roles are fulfilled side-by-side. A woman’s ministry is primarily maternal in flavor and style, and the man’s is primarily paternal. This marvelous and rich role difference should be celebrated and reflected. It’s cooperative ministry.” —Joni Eareckson Tada*

The woman was created to fulfill a vital role in man’s life, serving as his co-regent over creation and functioning as his helper. Some women react to the concept of being a “helper” as if that were an inferior position. But to the contrary, the helper role is honorable, vital, and can be embraced when it is seen as a necessary complement for the man.

Let’s look at one “helper” whom Jesus commended as the greatest Old Testament prophet.

In the Gospel narratives, John the Baptist stands out as a premier player, one of a kind and necessary in preparing the way for the coming King. But what did John say of Jesus and himself? “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30, NASB). Why didn’t John grasp for fame? Why didn’t he grumble over losing the following he had acquired in his wilderness ministry? Because he understood the principle “It’s all about Him; it’s not about me.”

Do we view John as less than the impacting proclaimer that he was because he played a supporting role when the Son of Man arrived on the scene? No, we hold him in even higher regard for humbly taking his rightful position as the “preparer of the way” while refusing to be proclaimed as “The Way.”

So why do we, as women sometimes take offense at being considered a supporting player rather than the leading character when it comes to God-assigned roles? Somehow we’ve convinced ourselves that there is less value in this position, so we view our role as demeaning or as less significant than the man’s.

Where did that kind of thinking come from? Perhaps during a dialogue in Eden? We’ll take a look at that fateful exchange tomorrow.

Take Time to Reflect

How did Jesus respond to His disciples’ competitive spirit in Mark 9:33-37? Do you compete with the men around you, or do you try to use your gifts and abilities to complement them? Do you seek to honor worthy men in respectful and appropriate ways, or do you have a demeaning attitude toward men? Ask God to open your eyes to your own attitude and behavior.

Titus TWOsday

So, here we are on another Wonderful Titus TWOsday.  What is happening in your world?  I am currently recovering from some major work!  It was a labor of love but none the less a labor! As I sit and think of the direction for us today I am a little torn because I don't think I am an expert in this area but we are going for it anyway.  Titus 2:3..Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior!  That is our topic REVERENT BEHAVIOR! 

So I have questions today. What does reverent behavior look like?  How are you walking reverently (is that a word?)? What are your struggles with this? I will add on to this post but my computer is being very difficult.  So as soon as time avails I will seek to answer these questions myself. Let me hear from you.

Titus Twosday! Woman to Woman Ministry

Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands that the word of God may not be reviled.

This scripture is the base for Tuesday's on my blog. There is so much to be taught. I have come to realize that we will always be a student and always be a teacher. At this point in my life, I have been blessed with a group of women that I am older than (time in marriage, age of children, and life in Christ experience) and at the same time I am the younger woman with a completely different group. This text in Titus has come alive to me in recent years, as I have searched for an older woman who is wise and willing to pour into me. I understand how hard that is for younger women to find that mentor. My heart in this is to encourage women to believe no matter your age and life experience there is someone with less and another with more. So be willing to be taught and willing to teach. When you don't think you have anything to offer you’re probably wrong! We short change ourselves and others when we withhold blessed information that pertains to the scripture above.

For the sake of clarity. Titus 2 is not the verse in the bible that we should use to make every woman like us, quite the contrary! A good teacher is able to see beyond their own ability and help another achieve their personal best. I know that sounded like some self help book. But, you do understand, Right?

Here are the topics we will examine....

1. Being reverent in behavior
2. What is the process of training?
3. Loving your husband
4. Loving your children
5. Being self controlled
6. Being pure
7. Being a worker at home
8. Being Kind
9. Being Submissive to YOUR own husband
10. How our actions and being affect the Word of God

I pray you will be blessed by this time in Titus with me. Ask questions, share your thoughts. I’d like to hear from you. This is how we follow the scriptures. My opinion is the younger women need to learn how to close their mouths, listen and learn. While older woman need to be bold and share was they have learned, experienced and understand in scripture.

I am currently working on loving my husband and children, and working at home. With my husband I am taking time to understand him and his needs. Therefore being a better wife. It is work to learn a man that you know and feel like you understand but I must keep in mind that he is changing as well. If you have not been connected with the FHM being his Crown here is a clip we were assigned homework to learn about our husbands. One of the questions was what does he need from you? My husband answered that he needed me to be more open and vulnerable. Well, that my friend is HARD! I have been hurt, hurt and more hurt. The strange this is most of my hurt did not come from him, yet he has to suffer through it. CRAZY huh! We are really seeking the Lord. But it blew me away to know that he needs me to be more vulnerable, the very thing I know I can’t do in my flesh. My flesh wants to protect against every potential enemy foreign or domestic!

The loving my children is twofold. I love enough to teach them responsibility. Again, if you are just now tuning into my blog we have CHORECHARTS! Each child has a job to do. They contribute to our home and life. They are important in our house and in ministry. I don’t want to send any of my children to marry unprepared for real life. As each one of you know real life is chores and sacrifice. So the more they get now the better they will be in the future.

Chores and Charts PRAISE THE LORD!

Saturday the 6th of February my family and I spend the day with all the Halehole's.  We had a fabulous time and exchanged some great family ideas.  Mrs. Halehole allowed me to borrow two books (Managers of Their Homes & Managers of Their Chores by Steven and Teri Maxwell).  These books have changed my world (for the better)!  I am so thankful to God and the Maxwell's and to Mrs. Halehole for getting this information into my hands! 

I am now the proud momma of three morning chore chart packs, and a color coded kitchen chore chart.  We still have lots of charting and chores to establish, but I am very excited by what I have seen so far.

We have kept rooms squared away for days.  Dinner clean up took all of 10 minutes.  I don't think you understand what I am saying.  IT TOOK 10 Minutes to clean an entire kitchen for a family of five.  That my friends is SUCCESS!

I did not understand the importance of having my children participate in household chores until recently.  So word to the wise get these little people moving!  Not only for you but truly for them and their future spouse!

Thanks friends!

TIME TO TEACH!

Older women.... IT IS TIME TO TEACH! Let me clarify what I mean by older women. Rather let me explain Titus 2 in relation to older women. The older woman here is a married woman who has children. Ladies we need to effort to make time to teach younger women "what is good" Titus 2:3. The "what is good", is to love their husband, love their children, to be self controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husband. Why do we need to teach these things see Titus 2:5b "that the word of God may not be reviled."

Older ladies we have to teach the younger women, because it is through our lives that the unsaved see Christ. When women don't love their own husbands, don't love their children, lack self control, are not pure, don't concern themselves with their home, are unkind, and not submissive to their own husband...they bring reproach on the Gospel of Christ. So I encourage an "older woman" to find a younger women and TEACH what is good!


Younger women...be willing to be taught. Don't assume you know everything. Be humble and receive godly instruction and wisdom in Love. I have pick up this book by Carolyn Mahaney called Feminine Appeal: Seven Virtues of a Godly Wife and Mother. The seven virtures are the "what is good" that the older women are to teach. So it was a perfect line up for me. I am very aware of my role as a wife, however there is alway more to learn that we may bring glory to Christ in all things. As the Lord speaks to my heart I will be sharing with you and I pray that the Lord will speak to your heart as well.

Teaching and Training My Girls

I have begun a character study of women in the scripture with my girls. My daughters are 6 and 7 years old. If you meet them you might suggest their ages to be more like 25 for the 7 year old and 32 for the 6 year old. Anyway, we have studied Eve, Hagar, and Sarah. We read scripture about these women usually on Sunday nights...our gender segregated discipleship time. Two weeks ago we reviewed these ladies. The purpose was and is to see these women of faith and learn from them. I believe I learned as much if not more than the girls during our review.

"What do we remember about Eve?" I asked. "I can tell you about Adam!" Najee' exclaims. "He did not protect his wife from the serpent. He just sat there and watched his wife in sin and did nothing." From this comment it is clear that this is my child."Okay, good Najee'. But what can you as girls who will become women learn from Eve?" I said. "We need to do what God says." she replied. With that we all agreed. "What else can we learn Nichelle?" Her response was, "We can walk away from the devil, when he tells us to sin."

Okay now what about Sarah? I said. Their thoughts were as follows...."She laughed at the Lord when he told her she was going to have child. Then it got a little stirred in the room because the girls remembered Hagar. Nichelle had been stuck on this for some time now..."Why would she give her husband to that woman? Yeah and then she went all crazy and got mad at him for doing what she said. Then she kicked her out and was mean to her. What was all that about?" Najee stated, "Because she didn't believe God was going to do what He said because it is hard for old people to have babies. It would really hurt! Especially if you are old. She just needed to believe the Lord and listen to what He said, not what she felt or what things looked like." All of that came from their mouths... which again is amazing but to be expected if you know my girls...well my son too.

Anyway from that I took away that we need to believe God at His word. At times it seems a little more difficult today because we don't frequently hear or see angels or the Lord Himself come to give us a specific message. However He does give His word that has an answer for everything. We simply need to look. So this is a simple reminder of our need to trust and depend on the Lord in everything.

To All The Titus 2 Teachers Who Didn't Know They Were Teaching

This is all about the women who God has placed in my life to teach me. These women are unaware of their impact on my life. However today I feel lead to give them a shout out and encourage them to continue in the Faith and stand firm in the truth. Not one of these women sat me down to tell me any of these things. They were simply living their lives to honor the Lord as they knew and know how. From them I have grown and are continuing to grow into a mature woman in Christ. So this is my Ode or Shout Out to You!

Angie Cate: Taught me that children are gifts from God. They are to be a delight to their parents.

Abby Swaney: Taught me submission!

Brenda Lindsay: Taught me what it means to be hospitable, love others, and remain focused on loving your husband and training your children.

Carla Owen: Showed me what a quiet and mild spirit looks like.

Cheri Steininger: Taught me to endure hardship as a good soldier. My reward is in Heaven. If I am faithful to Christ He will be faithful to me. Suffering in this life only brings us closer to Christ. We are no greater than He who suffered all for us.

Donna Yeager: Taught me how to be relational with a teenage daughter. I don’t have to practice that one yet…However I do have an example.

Holly Massie: Taught me that I can teach and educate my children. Not to fear what I don’t know or don’t understand but to walk in what the Lord has instructed.


Karen Robins: Taught me to pray faithfully and wait on the Lord.

Kawana Hayes: Taught me to be bold and stand up for what is right. To speak the truth in love, with Boldness!

Kay Wenzel: Taught me to Honor My Husband and to be His delight. Kay taught me the importance of Prayer for my children, MIT. To train them in the way of the Lord so when they are to make their own decisions we can trust them to do well and not lord over them.

Kristin Hathaway: Taught me to put family first. To worship the Lord with my Family and live out my faith with them. First family I observed practicing family integrated worship!

Stephanie Johnson: Taught me to evangelize. My faith is not real if I hide it and in fact don’t seek out the Lost to share the good news of the gospel.

Tambi Gregor: Taught me what it means to serve others. She taught me to be diligent in my search of the Lord in scripture.

Tawanna Purter: Taught me to give of myself sexually to my husband without shame.

So once again Ladies I thank you for how the Lord has used you to show me His truth!