Saturday, December 31, 2011

Don't Fear Curses, Church Chicks :)

"Like a flitting sparrow, like a flying swallow, so a curse without cause shall not alight."  Proverbs 26:2  No one can cause you to be under a curse if you don't open the door for it to affect your life.  There are many ways we can put ourselves out as a target for a curse to cause us negativity in our lives when we do not choose God's way and His will and instead insist on our own way or following others rather than God.  The best guard against allowing curses to light on, or attach to, our lives is by doing our best to read His Word, live by its instruction, and follow His will.  Negativity can come at us, but it can't stay on us.  It can be flying all around us, but if we haven't done anything to welcome it, it can't make a nest in our hair :) 
Lord, please help us to live in the positive love and blessings that you provide through your Word and your Spirit.  It is a blessing to be Your Church Chick!  In the Mighty Name of Jesus, Amen!
Happy New Year, Church Chicks.  May this be your most positive, blessed year yet.

Thursday, December 29, 2011

In the New Year, Let the Righteous Rise

As 2012 begins, some words from Proverbs 24:16 give us reason to celebrate our desire to live a righteous life before God.  "For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again, but the wicked shall fall by calamity."  We all are capable of "missing the mark" and falling down in our Christian walk.  Sometimes our emotions get away from us, and we begin reacting out of our humanness instead of our relationship with our Lord.  We have good intentions, but situations can take our focus away from the face of Jesus.  This new year, let's commit anew to keeping our eyes on the Lord.  He will cause us to rise up and overcome.  We will not be overcome by calamity.  We will rise again out of our problems. 
Lord, thank You for being with us before, during, and after life's temporary problems and situations and for bringing us out of them.  You are Lord of ALL.  In the precious name of Jesus, Amen.  Happy New Year, Church Chicks!  May you be blessed beyond your imaginations :)

Monday, December 19, 2011

Letting God Write Our Daily Agendas

As women, we are great at planning and multi-tasking out of necessity due to our busy lives.  Proverbs 19:21 cautions us that we need to remember to make God's plans for our day our plans for our day.  "There are many plans in a man's (Church Chick's) heart, nevertheless the Lord's counsel - that will stand."  God knows we have busy lives with many plans.  What we need to be sure to do daily is seek counsel from the Lord so that we spend our time on God's agenda because His is the one that will last for eternity. 
Lord, we thank you that you care about every detail of our lives.  Help us to always pause as we write down our "To Do" lists and ask for your leading and discernment so that we spend our time on things that will stand for eternity.  We ask for Your agenda and not just that you bless our own agendas especially in this busy Christmas season.  Give us Your thoughts and wisdom for our days that we may please You in every way, every day.  In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen :)  Have a blessed day, Church Chicks.  You are loved,  Share God's love with others today!

Friday, December 16, 2011

Friendships = Focusing on Others

"A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother."  Proverbs 18:24  Friendships are not a "given" in life.  Many people complain that others are not friendly to them and they don't feel they fit in at work, church, or in family life.  Yet this scripture shows that the prescription for having friends is to be friendly to others first.  We need to be the first to offer friendship to others and focus on their comfort and needs.  When we truly are concerned for others, praying for them, talking to them, serving them, and loving them through the trials of life, we build lasting friendships that can be even stronger than blood relative relationships.  Lord, help us to examine our friendships to be sure we are not making them all about us, but that we are being a blessing to our families, friends, and ministry/work associates giving them the support/encouragement they need to be successful.  Help us to be true caring friends to all you bring into our circles of life.  Thank You for being that kind of friend to us!  In Jesus' name, Amen.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Thermostats, Not Thermometers :)

It is difficult, but not impossible, to not respond in anger to antagonistic people and situations we face in our daily lives.  The word "temperature" has as its root word "temper."  Our temper, or temperament, can either be controlled by the "heat" around us and be a thermometer that goes up and down with the spiritual/emotional climate we are in, or we can stay controlled and even tempered like a thermostat that controls the temperature in a room.  "He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city."  Proverbs 16:32  This scripture tells us that when faced with situations that begin to cause our temper to rise, we can stop and pray for the Lord's help to be a thermostat and not a thermometer and to not pick up an offense.  Lord, we ask you today to help us keep our spirits under Your control - cool, calm and collected in every situation, Fully Relying On God.  Have a cool day, Church Chicks, and be a thermostat FROG!

Monday, December 12, 2011

Church Chicks: Living Intentionally - Focused Eternally

There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; and one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches.  Proverbs 13:7  True riches are more than money and earthly treasures... more than finding the best price online for that gift we just have to have.  Proverbs says that we can have all the money we'll ever be able to spend in our lifetime and yet be poor in the most important things of life:  relationships with God and friends/family.  This Christmas season, let's evaluate the things in life that we have accumulated that seem so important or "need to haves" and give them a second thought.  Are they really necessary when we look at them with an eternal focus?  Will they last beyond this life? Let's remember that true riches are people, love, and serving God and others.  Lord, help us see what's of worth in our lives - worthy of our time and effort - and help us pare down the things of our lives that are useless in light of eternity.  In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.  Merry Christmas, Church Chicks!

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Church Chicks in Nassau!

Church Chicks are everywhere and Church Chick products help you find them and celebrate your faith together :)  While on a cruise last week and visiting the Straw Market in Nassau, I wore one of my Church Chick tees (Heb. 10:24-25 style) and four Church Chicks stopped me and commented on my shirt.  One said she was going to look up the scripture right away after she asked what it said and I told her, "It says to spur each other on to love and good works and to go to church often - even more as you see the Day approaching."  Three Church Chicks stopped me further in the market and said they loved my shirt.  I asked if they were Church Chicks and they said, "Oh, yes!"  They said they'd like to know where they could get Church Chick shirts and I told them to go to our site at "ChurchChickOnline.com."  Hopefully, there will be Church Chicks proclaiming their faith and love for the Lord with witness wear in the Straw Market real soon :)  Romans 1:16 says, "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ for it is the power of God unto salvation."  I wouldn't have known these women were Church Chicks if I hadn't worn my shirt.  It was a great feeling to know that I was among Christian sisters even far from home in the Straw Market of Nassau.  Wear it and share the love, Church Chicks!

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Enrolling in God's Life Insurance Policy

Living a righteous life by following God's way is our insurance policy against the storms of life.  It will not keep us from the storms, but in God's pathway there is the promise that we will not be overtaken by trouble and will come through it successfully.  There is also the promise that there is no death in His pathway.  Listen to these verses from Proverbs 12:
"But the righteous will come through trouble...No grave trouble will overtake the righteous." (13b,21a)...In the way of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death." (28)
Lord, we give You this day.  No matter what happens today, we know You walk with us and will bring us through the troubles successfully.  Help us be sensitive to Your voice to keep us on Your right path.  In Jesus' name, Amen.  Have a blessed day, Church Chicks, knowing that God walks with you as your insurance policy :)

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Church Chicks: Spend Your Time Wisely

Church Chicks, don't spend your time trying to straighten out people who scoff at God and His wisdom.  Until people want to take a step across the line and experience faith and God's love, they don't hear you.  When we try to get people to change on our own, we will only stir up anger and ruin relationships.  Look for those to mentor and invest your time in who are just and love wisdom and do not spend your time getting into strife with scoffers.  Let God softly lead them to Himself, just as He led you to His love and relationship.

"Do not reprove a scoffer, lest he hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.  Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a just man, and he will increase in learning."  Proverbs 9:8-9
Find someone to mentor you - a woman you look up to in the faith, and find someone you can mentor - a woman who needs someone to come alongside and encourage her.  Reach a hand up and a hand down.  Do you have a mentor?  Are you mentoring someone who is a little behind you in the faith?  Both relationships are important for our spiritual growth and the growth of others.  Give yourself these two gifts this Christmas season :)  Hugs to share, Church Chicks!
 

Monday, November 28, 2011

Self Exam for Church Chicks :/

"These 6 things the Lord hates.  Yes, 7th are an abomination to Him:
1) a proud look, 2) a lying tongue, 3) hands that shed innocent blood, 4) a heart that devises wicked plans, 5) feet that are swift in running to evil, 6) a false witness who speaks lies, and 7) one who sows discord among brethren."

As women, we are supposed to do physical self exams to check for lumps and bumps that could signify the presence or the start of a cancer.  But, just as critical a self exam is a spiritual exam we need to perform on ourselves periodically that checks for these 7 things the Lord hates to be a part of our lives.  They are cancers that can sneak into our hearts and minds and go undetected until they cause a crisis in our relationships.  If we examine our own hearts regularly to be sure we are living a humble, truthful, life-giving, positive life we can be assured that we are pleasing our Lord and living a blessed life.


May you have a great day being blessed and being a blessing to others around you.
Hugs, Church Chicks (Pass them on)!

 

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Happy ThanksLIVING, Church Chicks!

When we ask for God's wisdom and apply it to our lives, we make God happy and He is thankful for us, too.  "And I was daily His delight, rejoicing always before Him, rejoicing in His inhabited world, and my delight was with the sons of men."  Proverbs 8:30-31  God has blessed our lives in so many ways, but did you ever think you are a blessing to Him, too, when you read His Word, hear His voice, and live it out?

Lord, I want to make you smile daily and I desire to live my life as a thanksLIVING offering to You.  Help me to seek Your wisdom and live it out daily as your Church Chick.  In Jesus' name, Amen.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Church Chicks Join Evening Prayer Movement

Evening Prayer

Someone has said that if Christians really understood the full extent of the power we have available through prayer, we might be speechless. Did you know that during WWII there was an advisor to Churchill who organized a group of people who dropped what they were doing every day at a prescribed hour for one minute to collectively pray for the safety of England , its people and peace? There is now a group of people organizing the same thing here in America . If you would like to participate: Every evening at 9:00 PM Eastern Time (8 PM Central time) (7:00 PM Mountain) (6:00 PM Pacific), stop whatever you are doing and spend one minute praying for the safety of the United States, our troops, our citizens, and for a return to a Godly nation. If you know anyone else who would like to participate, please pass this along. Our prayers are the most powerful asset we have. Please forward this to your praying friends.

Church Chicks, will you make the commitment to stop and pray for one minute every day at 9 pm for the above? I am going to do it. Join me? Pass it on...

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Blending Mercy with Truth - Not Easy... But Brings Blessings

Hi, Church Chicks!  Ever have a hard time telling someone the truth because you didn't want to hurt their feelings?  Or being in a grouchy mood and letting the truth out in a way that doesn't come across as loving and kind?  We all have been there...  Proverbs 3:3-4 says, "Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck.  Write them on the tablet of your heart, And so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man."  It takes humility and a big dose of God's love to be totally truthful with people and yet not hurtful and destructive.  Today, as you speak truth, remember to not come across as perfect or condescending.  Instead, share your own struggle with the problem and then share the truth from God's Word for the situation.  As we share truth with mercy, we will have God's blessing as well as our family's and friends'.  Hugs! 

Monday, November 14, 2011

The Lord and His Wisdom Guards a Church Chick's Path

The world around us can drag us down if we don't keep our focus on God, His Word and His way.  People around us that aren't in the faith will try to influence us to act and think like them.  Be strong in the Lord, Church Chicks, and ask the Lord to put His shield and guard about you if you are struggling with this.  Remember there are two paths in life:  man's way and God's way.  God's path is one of justice, equity, goodness, discretion and understanding.  The path of an evil man is perverse, crooked, devious and leads to death.  Let's stand for the Lord so we don't fall for the world!  Have a victorious day walking the walk, Church Chicks! :)                    When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, discretion will preserve you, understanding will keep you to deliver you for the way of evil, from the man who speaks perverse things.  Proverbs 2:10-12

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Church Chicks are Wise in God's Eyes :)

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.  Proverbs 1:7  Church Chicks respect the Lord's wisdom and instruction and KNOW it works in their lives.  When we have a teachable heart and put God's instruction into our actions, the world sees God's wisdom and the resulting peace and joy in our lives.  God's Word works, but we have to work His Word.  We also need to be open to constructive criticism from others who love us as God also speaks into our lives through others.  Don't react negatively in correction.  Welcome and consider it to increase your wisdom and godly influence on others.  Love you, Church Chicks!  Share your favorite life verse with other Church Chicks today :)  Hugs all around!

Monday, November 7, 2011

Church Chicks: Let's Do Acts of Random Kindness (ARK) This Week

Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God... The Lord watches over the strangers; He relieves the fatherless and widow...  Psalm 146:5,9  It's more important to find out what God is doing and get involved in it than to ask Him to bless what we are doing.  There are a lot of hurting people going through the motions of life around us every day.  Let us look around us this week for someone we can lift up by blessing them in a practical way (pay for the person behind you in a food line, treat a co-worker to lunch, etc.).  Be sure to tell them (or let them know in some way) that you are showing God's love for them.  Help people get into the ARK by doing Acts of Random Kindness.  Let's do it for the Lord, Church Chicks!

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Church Chick: Church Chicks Give a Sacrifice of Praise in the Ha...

Church Chick: Church Chicks Give a Sacrifice of Praise in the Ha...: The God of the good times is still God of the hard times. Praise the Lord always. "While I live I will praise the Lord, I will sing prai...

Church Chicks Give a Sacrifice of Praise in the Hard Times...

The God of the good times is still God of the hard times. Praise the Lord always. "While I live I will praise the Lord, I will sing praises to my God while I have my being." Psalm 146:2

Church Chicks, let's sing praises to the Lord no matter what the day brings. (Even if one of your little twin 3 yr old granddaughters had one of her front teeth knocked out in an accident today) God is still on His throne and working all things out for good even if not everything that happens to us is good... PTL!

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Church Chicks Tell It To Their Children and Their Children's Children :)

"I will extol You, my God, O King; and I will bless Your name forever and ever... One generation shall praise Your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts."  Church Chicks want to share our faith with the world and every one we meet.  We don't want to overlook sharing with our children and grandchildren the great things God has done and is doing in our lives.  When they come to faith, we need to encourage them to praise God's working in their lives and to pass it on to their children.  Today, let's testify to our kids something God has done for us and encourage them to share what God is doing in their lives with us and others.  Pass it on through the generations of your family :)  Praise Him, Church Chicks!  He is worthy of all praise.  Hugs!

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Church Chicks Have Sensitivity to God

Have you ever had a sensitivity to a soap, cream or lotion?  Your skin gets itchy and tender, and you definitely know there's something making your skin feel more aware of anything that comes in contact with it in that area.  We can become more sensitive to hearing God's voice in our lives by,,,  guess what?  Just asking Him!  Psalms 144:8 says, "Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, for in You do I trust.  Cause me to know the way in which I should walk for I lift up my soul to You."  Let's start the day by asking our loving Father to make us sensitive to His leading in our daily walks. To see those around us who need an encouraging word, smile or hug.  Lord, we lift up our souls to You.  Make us more sensitive to Your love and leading in every area of our lives.  Thank you for all you have done and are doing for us.  We love You!!!  In Jesus' name, Amen.  Read it, live it, wear it, tell it, Church Chicks :)  Hugs!

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Church Chicks Have Sweet Lips :)

Church Chicks speak words of life and not death.  "Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips. Do not incline my heart to any evil thing."  Today, let's ask the Lord to help us only speak words that are helpful and true to others and over our own situations.  Words are powerful.  God spoke the world into place.  Let's make our world a more beautiful place with sweet words of hope.  Have a blessed day, Church Chicks!  Use your sweet lips today :)

Friday, October 28, 2011

Church Chick: Church Chicks: Forgiven, Forgiving Others

Church Chick: Church Chicks: Forgiven, Forgiving Others: No one is blameless. We all have erred. In our humanness we can lose our peripheral vision of others and our circumstances and make decisi...

Church Chicks: Forgiven, Forgiving Others

No one is blameless.  We all have erred.  In our humanness we can lose our peripheral vision of others and our circumstances and make decisions that are solely based on our own wants and needs.  When we hurt others with our selfishness, or they hurt us with theirs, communication can break down due to emotions of guilt, anger, or embarrassment.  If You, Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?  But there is forgiveness with You, that You may be feared.  Psalm 130:3,4  Church Chicks, let's examine our hearts and ask God for forgiveness for our flawed "I"sight and failing to consider others more than ourselves.  In turn, let us see if there's anyone we need to offer forgiveness to, even before they ask. 

Sunday, October 23, 2011

The Lord Doesn't Give Church Chicks More Than They Can Handle

If it had not been the Lord who was on our side... then the waters would have overwhelmed us, the stream would have gone over our soul...  Ps. 124:1,4
Ever feel like your problems are too big for you to survive?  You are not alone.  I mean, literally, you are NOT alone.  Even when you feel overwhelmed, God's Word promises that the Lord is on your side and He will keep the waters from destroying your world.  Remember, Church Chicks, the Lord is with you and He will calm the storm.  Let's trust Him!  And let's speak peace, hope and faith into other women's lives around us.  Let's remind them to stay in faith, pray and speak life into their situations and not negativity.  God can work through those who praise Him.  Praise the Lord, CCs!  Hugs (pass them on :)

Thursday, October 20, 2011

It's OK to Ask to Be Blessed, Church Chicks!

Do good, O Lord, to those who are good.  And to those who are upright in their hearts.  Ps. 125:4
If we live according to God's laws and His will, we can expect and even pray for God's blessings on our lives.  Some people are comfortable in praying for others but feel it would be selfish to pray for their own needs.  In this verse the Psalmist David is asking the Lord to do good to those who are living their lives for Him - an audience of One.  It's OK to ask for the Lord's blessing in every area of our lives.  "Lord, help us keep your ways perfectly out of hearts of gratefulness to You.  We pray Your blessing on others who love and serve You, including our fellow Church Chicks! In Jesus name, Amen!"

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

The Lord Listens to Church Chicks

Do you know that the Lord hangs on your every word?  He loves you so much and wants to bless you your whole life.  The Bible says, "Because He has inclined His ear to me, therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live."  Psalm116:2  Don't be shy about talking with the Lord about your problems. Don't be shy about giving God your praises also for the good things He has brought into your life. God is aware of you and your conversations with Him and others. Today, live in the reality of His presence and love for you.  And don't forget to share that love by blessing others!  You go, Church Chick!

Sunday, October 16, 2011

The Help...

Hi, Church Chicks!

The movie, The Help, was a smash hit in the box office recently.  It's the story of women who worked as help during the days of segregation.  It was a time in our country's history when it was very common in southern states to have maids who worked daily in the home.  And the depiction of some of their realities was an eye-opener...

Most women love to have help around the house.  Extra hands to cook a meal, clean the house, care for the kids - can be such a blessing when you get that additional assistance!  This is just a quick reminder that Church Chicks have a Helper that is there 24/7.  He can help you 1) keep your patience, 2) stick to your goals, 3) have joy at all times no matter what the day brings... 

Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.  That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.
II Timothy 1:13-14

He's our HELPER.  And the great thing is that He dwells IN US.  We don't have to call Him on the phone and wait for Him to arrive.  He's with us.  And He wants to help us not just make it through the day, but to live our day in victory and joy.  We just have to ask.

Today, when you hit a speed bump, ask Him to help you to make the right choices and live a blessed day.  Use sound words spoken in faith and love that will bring life into situations around you.  Share your love of God and His Word with another chick today.  And remember to utilize the HELP, the Holy Spirit within you.

Do you know other Church Chicks that can use an encouraging word from The Word during the week?  Have them read our blogs and join our group "Church Chicks" on Facebook.

Have a blessed day!

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

A Prayer for Church Chicks

Lord, I have too much to do, but it's all important.  Help me set priorities so that I don't feel lost in the pace and the pressure.  Give me the wisdom and energy to accomplish what's necessary without wasting time or effort.  And help me make the best use of my day, remembering that time is a precious gift from You, and the gifts You placed in me are to be used to serve You and others.  In Jesus' name, Amen

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Seeking God With a Whole Heart

Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord! 
Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with the whole heart!  
They also do no iniquity; they walk in His ways.   Psalm 110:1-2
If we follow the ways of God and His Word and seek Him with all of our heart, He will help us make wise decisions and we will live in peace with less chaos around us.  Want to have a good day today?  Seek the Lord before making choices and follow His leading.  Have a blessed day, Church Chicks! (and guys :)

Thursday, October 6, 2011

A Blessing for Church Chicks

The Lord will bless those who fear the Lord, both small and great.
May the Lord give you increase more and more,

You and your children, may you be blessed by the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.  Psalms 115:13 & 14

Church Chicks,
The God's Word promises a blessing for us whether we consider our lives significant or not very significant.  It matters more what God thinks of us, and He is going to increase your life more and more...  And not only our lives, but our CHILDREN'S lives, too.  This promise is from our Father who created heaven and earth.  Wow!  Church Chicks, read it, believe it, and walk in this promise today!  And remember to check out Church Chick faithware tee shirts, totes, hats, and car decals at www.churchchickonline.com.  Start conversations around you by identifying yourself as a woman that loves God and your church!

Lord, help us to walk in the power of your promises today and to look for opportunities to share our faith with the people you place around us and invite them come to church with us.  We love you!  In Jesus' name, Amen.

Monday, October 3, 2011

Benefits of Being a Church Chick

Psalms 103:3-6 & 20 lists the benefits of the Lord for Church Chicks (and all believers!)  "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits."  He: 1) forgives our wrong actions and thoughts, 2) heals ALL our diseases, 3) redeems our lives from destruction, 4) crowns us with loving kindness, 5) satisfies our mouths with good things, 6) renews our youth like the eagles, 7) executes righteousness and justice for the oppressed, and 8) makes His ways known to us.  Wow!  We have an awesome God.  Have a blessed day, Church Chicks.  And don't forget to thank Him for His benefits and apply them to your situations today :)

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Sweet Potato Fries

Here's a recipe for what is becoming a great replacement to French Fries at many restaurants:  Sweet Potato Fries.  The crunchy sweet and salty taste is sure to please!

Ingredients: 
1  large sweet potato (about 1/2 lb.)             2 T olive oil       1/4 t black pepper                      1/4 t kosher salt or sea salt
1/4 t ground red pepper.    Honey or maple syrup if desired for dipping

 Oven 350 degrees.  Lightly spray baking sheet with cooking spray.  Peel sweet potato and cut lengthwise into spears.  Sprinkle with oil, salt, black pepper, and ground red pepper mixture.  Arrange in single layer on baking sheet.  Separate potatoes.  Bake 45 minutes until lightly browned.  Serve with honey or maple syrup (optional).  Enjoy!

Share your favorite or newest recipe with other Church Chicks.  Let's eat healthy and be good stewards of our physical health.  Hugs,

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Chick Chick Chatter

Hi, Church Chicks!  We are excited to start this blog about things that matter to Church Chicks.  Let's share our faith, our fave scriptures, recipes, and experiences together!

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Testing my blogging skills;)

Hey Church Chicks! This is our new blog site. I hope you will stop by often!