Going On Vacation

Hello my dear sisters!!!!

With the holiday season upon us, “The Kitchen Table” is going to take a 2 week vacation as we regroup and work on our new format for the year 2011.

This past year has been great!! We have accomplished things that only God could empower us to achieve. We had a virtual “Book club” and “Women’s Bible Study”! Wow!! How great is that?! But most of all, our daily blogs have been read in over 48 cities and countries. Now that is God showing off!! I would like to list the places just so we all have an idea of how far reaching the Lord has sent His Word of encouragement to His “daughters”!

These are the names of all the cities and countries our blog tracker as recorded since January 1, 2010…Romania, Australia, Norway, United Kingdom, Spain, Vietnam, Dubai, Ireland, Taiwan, Canada, Philippines, Mexico, Natal, Italy, India, Russian Federation, Germany, Denmark, Cambodia, Netherlands, Hungary, Peru, Egypt, Serbia, Brazil, Pakistan, Belgium, New Zealand, Zambia, Saudi Arabia, Burkina Fuso, Trinidad & Tobago, Columbia, France, Chile, Guatemala, Poland, Hong Kong, Bolivia, South Africa, Nigeria, Qatar, Austria, Malaysia, Bulgaria, United Arab Emirates, Sweden, “Unknown” Canada and the United States of America. Wow!!!

As human beings, we will probably never know what impact the blog has had on the lives of others, but we do know that through our obedience and faithfulness, God’s work has been accomplished, and that’s no small task…~Smile~

God willing “The Kitchen Table” will be back on Monday, January 3, 2011, with its new format. It has been a great year for our sisters at the table, and we have really enjoyed writing to you and for you. But as with all things, every day life has a way of pushing itself to the forefront of things and often that means change. In 2010…..

…..Maria lost her mother this year and went back to college part-time while still working full time. Sharon, gave birth to her first child, Sasha started homeschooling her 13 year old daughter and changed her work shift to the wee hours of the morning. Cheryl now finds herself homeschooling 7 boys (2 of her own) most days of the week, Rita has been taking care of her mother-in-law who had a stroke in the early part of the year, and I must add that she is doing quite well and started back driving short distances a couple of weeks ago and will be moving back to her own home in February 2011. Jennifer has been making plans to return to school and has made some great lifestyle changes to improve her overall health. Pat has always had a full plate, but wanted to help to get us up and running. She will write guest blogs and we have something special we are working on for 2011. ~Smile~ Tovah has been busy writing college essays, taking the SAT’s, applying for scholarships and has already been accepted at one of the 3 colleges she has applied to. Lydia is now a freshman at the University of Portland and like all freshman she is making that great adjustment to college life. Ponnie is homeschooling her 12 & 3 year old granddaughters and editing her manuscript to enter “The Women of Faith” book contest. Phew….we have been very busy bunch if I say so myself.

Many of the familiar faces will be gone in 2011 and others will be guest writers for us from time-to-time. Our daily blogs will for the most part be shorter and the focus will be on “Encouraging” all women at all times. Our topic of the day will be whatever we are inspired to write to you, and hopefully you will tune in to join us.

We pray that you have enjoyed sitting with us this past year and will continue to be inspired by all the good things we have planned for 2011.

May God bless you during this season that is to reflect His great love for us!



Love & Hugs
Ponnie & all the Sisters at the table!!

WALK BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT!

With most of us in the deep freeze and winter upon us, we thought this blog about spring would be a great diversion. But most of all, it is a great reminder of where our focus should be.

“For we walk by faith, not by sight”.....
......2 Corinthians 5:7

Since the days of Spring are upon us…I decided to walk home from work. I was enjoying the time outside, breathing in the fresh air and the breeze that comes along with the spring season.

As I was walking home, similar to the lady in the picture above, I started to think to myself. Which foot do I start walking on?? I never thought to ask myself this question, but I did, LOL. I start walking with my right foot…Which foot do you start walking on?? I think this will have you getting up from your seat and finding out for yourself, LOL!! I have to share this…Isaiah, my son, was reading this paragraph and actually tried it out…it was funny to see, he starts walking with his right foot too!

After the funny thoughts of my physical walk, I started to think of my spiritual walk. My spiritual walk consists of walking forward. There is no benefit to walking backward. It will only take me toward my past. Who really wants to go back to the past, I know I don’t. Walking forward has many benefits. You can focus your eyes on what lies ahead. You can see (with caution) the stumbling blocks and use the detour road(s) Jesus provides. HE always provides you a way out of a situation.

Since I have been talking about walking, Peter comes to mind during the occasion when Jesus walks on water toward the boat and Peter asks to walk on the water toward him. He used his mustard seed faith to walk on the water. However, when he looked down to see with doubt in his eyes his walk; he started to sink in the water. That is why the scripture “For we walk by faith, not by sight” really came to mind.

I thought about this scripture and what it means in my life…It means to walk with my mustard seed faith, trust in the promises God has for my life and even if I don’t see the promises yet, KEEP WALKING!!! All Peter had to do was keep walking forward by faith and focus his eyes on our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We all should learn from this example…walk forward in faith and focus on the Lord!

Walking by faith, not by sight is a process...always remember Jesus did not leave us alone to fend for ourselves, he left the Holy Spirit to guide us through the process. Thank you Lord!

Prayer
Lord Jesus, I pray for all the women who have read this blog. That they may increase their mustard seed faith and not lose sight of their purposes and promises you have for each and every one of them. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Bible Scripture Reference
2 Corinthians 5:7, Matthew 14:22-36

Dictionary Reference
The word “WALK” in the dictionary means to advance by steps, to come or go easily or readily, and to pursue a course of action or a way of life.

Bible Dictionary Reference
The word “WALK” in the Bible Dictionary means to roam, advance by steps, and to pursue a course of action or a way of life.



God bless you always,
Maria Guzman











¡ANDAMOS POR FE, Y NO POR VISTA!



“porque por fe andamos, no por vista;”...
.....2 Corintios 5:

Ya que los días de la primavera están sobre nosotros ... decidí caminar del trabajo a casa. Estaba disfrutando el tiempo al aire libre, respirando el aire fresco y la brisa que viene junto con la temporada de primavera.

Mientras caminaba a casa, similar a la dama de la foto de arriba, me puse a pensar a mí misma. ¿Con qué pie empiezo a caminar? Nunca pensé que me haría esta pregunta a mi misma, pero lo hice, LOL. Yo empecé a caminar con mi pie derecho ... ¿Con qué pie tu empieza a caminar? Creo que esto te hara levantarte de tu asiento y descubrir por ti mismo, LOL! (Tengo que compartir esto ... Isaías (mi hijo) estaba leyendo este párrafo y, de hecho lo probé ... fue divertido ver, el también empieza a caminar con el pie derecho!)

Después de la idea divertida de mi caminata física, comencé a pensar en mi camino espiritual. Mi vida espiritual consiste en caminar hacia adelante. No hay ningún beneficio a caminar hacia atrás. Sólo me llevará hacia mi pasado. ¿Quién realmente quiere volver al pasado, sé que yo no? Caminar hacia adelante tiene muchos beneficios, usted puede enfocar su mirada en lo que se avecina. Usted puede ver (con cuidado) las piedras de tropiezo y el uso de la carretera desvío (s) Jesús ofrece. (Siempre te ofrece una manera de salir de una situación).

Desde que he estado hablando acerca de caminar, me viene a la mente, Pedro (de la Biblia) durante una ocasión cuando Jesús caminaba sobre las aguas hacia el barco y Pedro le pidió caminar sobre el agua hacia él. Él utilizó su fe, su semilla de mostaza para caminar sobre el agua. Sin embargo, cuando miró hacia abajo para ver con duda en sus ojos su andar, él empezó a hundirse en el agua. Es por esto la que la escritura “porque por fe andamos, no por vista;” en realidad vino a la mente.

Pensé en esta escritura y lo que significa en mi vida ... significa caminar con mi fe de semilla de mostaza, la confianza en las promesas que Dios tiene para mi vida y aunque yo no veo las promesas, sin embargo, sigo caminando! Todo lo que Pedro tenía que hacer era seguir caminando hacia adelante por fe y enfocar la mirada en nuestro Señor y Salvador Jesucristo. Todos debemos aprender de este ejemplo ... andar en fe y centrarse en el Señor!

Por fe andamos, no por vista es un proceso…recuerda siempre que Jesús no nos dejo solas para defendernos nosotras mismas, sino dejó el Espíritu Santo para guiarnos en el proceso. ¡Gracias Señor!

Oración
Señor Jesús, mi oración es por todas la mujeres que han leído este blog. Que ellas puedan aumentar su fe de semilla de mostaza y no perder de vista sus propósitos y promesas que tiene para cada uno de ellas. En el nombre de Jesús, Amén.

Referencia en la Escritura Bíblica
2 Corintios 5:7, Mateo 14:22-36

Referencia en el Diccionario
La palabra “ANDAR” en el Diccionario significa avanzar por pasos, venir o ir fácilmente o listo, y perseguir un curso de acción o un estilo de vida.

Referencia en el Diccionario Bíblico
La palabra “ANDAR”en el Diccionario Bíblico significa vagar, avanzar por pasos, y perseguir un curso de acción o un estilo de vida.



Dios te bendiga siempre,
María Guzmán

What A Year!

Hi Folks,

It has been a long time since we’ve last met at the “table”. How are things with you? I am fine. This year has been an adventure. I don’t know if you remember me telling you that for this year school year I would be homeschooling two of my nephews and Christian, my 4 year old. Well I am but I’ve also added two more nephews and a friend’s five year old son. Now I don’t have them everyday but on any given day I can have up to 7 boys in my house going to “school”. I have two in 5th grade, two in 4th, one in 3rd and two in preschool. I must be crazy because on top of all this I considered (for a minute only) watching the kid of someone who is having daycare troubles, he is 20 months old. AHHHHHH! Somebody stop me please! It is getting to the point where people are suggesting I open a school, WHATEVERRR!!!!!

There are days when from the time I get up to the evening I am moving, talking or thinking and I go to bed worn out. But you know, through it all I would not do one thing differently. Oh, I forgot to mention on Wednesdays my kids go out for a special program and I tell all the other kids’ mammas that on Wednesdays the Mackey School is closed. I would have never expected that my home school life would take me down this road when I started back in September ’09. I remember the anticipation I felt when I shared my first blog with you in January of this year. I look back and say what a year!

I am happy to have shared my experiences, hopes and fears with you. I am sorry that for the last couple of months I have not had the time to share my second year as a home school mom/aunt. But let me tell you, we are having a time, dysfunctional laptops, internet issues, discipline issues, rushing to football practice (yes Brandon is playing football), preschool fights and an admission into the hospital (yeah seriously Christian was admitted into the hospital shutting school completely down for 4 days). Whew that sounds like a lot and it is only December. ~Smile~

Well as I write my last “Diary of a Home School Mom” blog I pray that this year and every year is filled with God’s blessings, peace and wisdom. I pray you and your children prosper in all that you do. Be blessed.

Until next time, happy homeschooling



Hugs and Kisses,
Cheryl

Friday's Blog: Rerun "Walk by Faith, Not by Sight" by Maria Guzman

A Special Gift!

Earlier this morning my oldest daughter called to tell me my 3 year old granddaughter would be staying home because she has pink eye, which meant I had a day to sort of do what I want. Hum? Too cold to be hanging out without purpose, so what am I going to do? And then the quiet voice of the Holy Spirit said, “Rest.” Though my little sweetie is home with pink eye, this middle of the weekday off is a gift and I should use it to rest. Girls, I’m going to listen to Him and I’m going to rest.

Tovah has a half a day of school and my oldest grand (whom I homeschool) has her work planned for the day and she is pretty self-sufficient with her work, so after posting this blog, I’m getting back in the bed. Does this mean that I will sleep the day away? I doubt it, but it does mean that I am going to rest my body and my mind.

It is so nice when we get the opportunity to rest, but what I see in many of my sisters is that we don’t accept the gift of rest. Many of us are driven because doing makes us feel better about ourselves. I can say this because I used to live in that house, but I must share with you that once you become a resident of the Kingdom of God, that is a bad place to be. Why? Because driven people must be in control. And they find it hard to be still and quiet. When we turn off all outside distractions and are quiet then we have to deal with our emotions and problems that we are so busy not dealing with in our lifestyle of being driven to do, do, DO!!!

If you are one who can’t sit and enjoy peace and quiet, you should ask yourself and God, “Why?” If you are one who carries a spirit of guilt if you are not constantly doing something, and can’t seem to enjoy resting, that is a problem. There is an old saying, “A woman’s work is never done.” In part there is a lot of truth to that in the fact that there is always something we as woman can find to do in the home or for the family, but the reality of it is all is—our work is done when we say it’s done. We must have balance in our lives and be able to draw the line as to what has to be done and what can wait.

In the world people run from dealing with the issues of their lives by drinking too much, taking drugs (many legal prescription drugs), are sexually promiscuous, overeat and are workaholics! This is how they run away from the realities and hardships of life. We in the Kingdom, overeat, use legal prescription drugs, and are workaholics in and outside of the home. We keep busy and moving so that we don’t have to deal with the issues of our lives and hearts. But there is one big difference for us—God is about the business of healing and changing the issues of our lives. We don’t have to keep running from Him and ourselves. There is a great hope for us.

Rest is a gift to us from our Maker, and like all gifts we should be appreciative and accept with graciousness and respect. Don’t be afraid that your world will fall apart if you take time to rest and be quiet. The dusting can wait one more day, you don’t have to run errands every day of the week, it is nice to have a clean and organized home, but at what cost? Don’t be afraid to be alone with yourself and God. He is patiently waiting for us to be with Him in a quiet and undistracted arena.



Love & Hugs
Ponnie

Thursday's Blog: A special blog from Cheryl Mackey,

The Hurried Life "AKA" The Good Life!

"When our quiet times have become hurried, how can we expect to give God the adoration that is His due? How can we receive the guidance that God is waiting to give? How can our hearts catch the glow of divine fire? How can we have deep fellowship with those purposes that are really nearest to the heart of God?" (Keswick 1946 ) - Gordon M. Guinness. I found this posted on friend’s Facebook profile yesterday, and as I read it, it pierced my heart because this is the plight for many of God’s children. We are so rushed, and so busy anymore.

Lately most of the morning talk shows such as “Good Morning America” “The Today Show” and others all seem to have segments on how technology was supposed to free us up, but in essences it has bogged us down. People are so tuned in to the World Wide Web that it’s hard to turn off. In the past if you missed a TV show you missed it, or even in my day you might tape it on the VCR. Personally I didn’t know anyone who taped shows all day long, because who had time to watch them. Mostly my friends would tape their favorite Soap and try to watch it as they fixed dinner. But with capabilities of DVD’s, and “On Demand” we are watching more and more TV as we try to play catch up. Our current technology was sold with a bill of goods that it would make life easier and free us up. Yet what it has done is consume us to the point some of us are enslaved by technology and all it puts before us.

Recently I’ve been seeing a new TV ad for the latest type of iPhone with apps that are much faster than any other phone. The premise is that you will be able to continue doing what you have been doing only faster, which will give you more time to be engaged with your family or your surroundings. They show a dad so into his old phone that he is actually walking on the field, through the game his son is playing, while the dad with the new phone was able to quickly do his thing and focus on the game and cheer his son on. What?!! Everyone seems to know we have a problem with time except us. Anytime the makers of a product are selling their product based on the fact that we are so tuned into the apps on our phones and oblivious to what’s going on around us that they have come up with the solution to help us get back to life and our families. Now that’s a serious problem!

The microwave promises quick dinners and more time with the family. I love the veggies in the bag that takes 4 to 5 minutes to fix. You can buy a roasted chicken, fix a box of on the stove stuffing which takes about 5 minutes once you boil the water and melt the butter, and steam a bag of veggies in the microwave, butter a dinner roll and “wallah”! You have a complete and healthy meal. But then what do we do after super? Do we run to the TV to watch that show we missed during the day before our 8pm lineup starts? Do we help the kids with homework? Are we running out to do more Christmas shopping? What is it that is so very important and demanding that we no longer have quality time for God each day? What has happened to us?

Read the opening paragraph again, and if you are one who is guilty of living a hurried life to the point you are not spending quiet and quality time with the Lord, then something is very amiss with your life and your priorities. It doesn’t matter what your responsibilities may be, God would not set us up to not have time for Him. So, that would mean we have set ourselves up in a way that has pushed God to the backburner. And therefore it is up to us to make change. For many of us it could be as simple as giving up watching a TV program or spending less time on the internet. I talk to women who tell me how busy life is and how they haven’t been spending time reading the Word of God, or praying as they should. “I’m just so tired and I have so much to do.” Yet, they don’t miss that favorite TV shows. Okay, so we have time to watch TV everyday but we don’t have 15 minutes to read the Bible and an additional 15 minutes to sit quietly and meditate on what we just read, or pray? Even if you are a mother of young children, when they are napping instead of doing your chores (chores will always be there) you could spend sometime with God. It is up to us to make the time for our spiritual wellbeing. Sunday service is not enough. We are to be in a daily fellowship with our Lord.

Question: Are you giving God His due, or are you busy doing?



Love & Hugs
Ponnie

Wednesday's Blog: "Life!"

Give Us Today Our Daily Bread

The past couple of nights my sleep has been disturbed. My subconscious kept trying to creep through and bring worry before me. And it has been a struggle in those wee hours of the night to not fret about things. It has been a fight to force my mind off me and on to someone else. To pray for my sisters-in-Christ who are not feeling well, for those who are struggle to believe God and all His glory. Praying for others should come as naturally as taking a breath for God’s children, but because of our human nature we often become preoccupied by our circumstances and we forget about others and are not as devoted to God as we should be. I learned sometime ago, that it is prudent for me to fight and fight hard, especially when those times come upon me that I feel I am losing the battle or beginning to give up — I cry out for help! Not only to God but to my friends, because I know that they will stand in the gap for me in prayer and help me in the natural as much as they can; because that is what we are supposed to do for one another. As Jesus says, “The world will know that we are His disciples by the way we show love to one another in the household of faith” [my paraphrase]. And though we have each other (safety in numbers and godly counsel) the Lord still desires that we continually grow in our faith and devotion to Him.

Right about now I would love to see some things in my life begin to play out so that I would know what direction my life is taking. I know that I am not along in this desire for myself, because it is hard at times to “not know” what lies ahead. We often cry out to God, to give us a glimpse of when things will change. We are looking for a sign or something to show us what is on God’s mind. But the truth about this part of our souls and makeup is not really profitable, because when God is quiet (which He can often be) doubt and fear can begin to creep in. Doubt that God loves us, or that He is paying attention. Fear that He doesn’t love us as much as others or fear that He just won’t help us. Fear and doubt bring nothing with it but lies, heartache and feeds us unbelief.

This has been a year for me where the Lord has really let me know that what He wants from me is to move into a place of trusting Him on a daily bases and living in “today”! And in order for Him to achieve this in me, I’ve had some very hard times in 2010. But I am beginning to see a change in myself. Don’t get me wrong, I am not about to tell you I got it! Nope, but what I am seeing is that some things that used to set my heart in a turmoil, now send me straight to God giving Him the situation and walking away. And it is a battle to leave them there, especially when God has yet to move. So thus now begins the nights of being awaken out of a sound sleep and thoughts of doubt and worry are trying to overtake me. But even then, I am determined to bring those crazy thoughts and lies under the authority of Christ.

As I spent time this morning with the Lord, the devotional I read was a great reminder that we are to follow the model that the Messiah gives us in Matthew 6:11 “Give us today our daily bread.”

When I stay focused on and in “Today” life is much better for me, because as I woke this morning I could see that I had all that I needed. My house was warm, I have food, hot and cold running water, a toilet that flushes, was able to take a nice hot shower this morning and I awoke from sleeping on a nice firm mattress, just the way I like it! Tovah awoke and has all that she needs to have a productive day at school. My granddaughter has the internet, computer and electricity needed to complete her school day. But! When I begin to look past today, that is when I begin to find trouble. By looking at what might be in the days to come is when my heart can become faint. As I peek with the natural eye of my imagination and suspicions, I start to envision times of trouble if something doesn’t change—soon! It is then that I must remind myself of God’s way and how much sense it makes since tomorrow isn’t promised we shouldn’t worry about it because “today” has enough problems and troubles of its own, so why bother trying to take on tomorrow? (Matthew 6:34 NIV)

I pray that I have been a reminder to you that “Today’ is to be our focus. I pray that if you have been worrying about things “yet to come” that you will turn from that and focus on today; looking at the many blessings that stand before you. It does take determination to keep our eyes, mind and heart stayed on today (God) and all that which He is offering us, but it is not impossible or else the Messiah would not have instructed us to do so.

May you have a blessed and worry free day today in our Lord!



Love & Hugs
Ponnie

Tuesday's Blog: "Encouragement!"

FREEDOM Part III

We are rerunning Pat Betters 3 part series “Freedom” for the next 3 Fridays. It seems so appropriate since we are in a season where we can become entangled with the things we have been freed from, or in some cases we still need to realize what our freedom is. Many of us are being pulled into the worlds system of this season, and if “The Kitchen Table” can encourage you to be free then we have accomplished the mission that the Lord has given us.

Galatians 5:1 (complete Jewish Bible), What the Messiah has freed us for is freedom! Therefore, stand firm, and don’t let yourselves be tied up again to a yoke of slavery.

Why did Paul warn the Galatians to “Therefore, stand firm, and don’t let yourselves be tied up again to a yoke of slavery?” What did he mean? Well, for starters, there is “No one size fits all” answer to that question. This is one of those times where you will have to do the work in order to find out what the personal yokes are in your life.

But I do want to give you an example of how we can be a slave to an “old mindset” lets look at insecurity.

Insecurity in women (I might venture to say) might be the #1 reason in our lives for causing problems, but if not; it is in the top 3 for sure. ~Smile~

Being insecure can be crippling depending on who you are and how deep the root of this insecurity grows. For starters an insecure woman is one who always has something critical to say about everything. We have either been that person or know someone who is like that. Being critical and finding fault is the only way she can feel good about herself. Why? Because deep down, she is pledged with feelings of intimidation, low self-esteem, and self-worth such as, she is not smart enough, pretty enough, lovable enough or educated enough. The saddest part about all of this is that we put ourselves in these boxes, not people.

“Don’t let yourselves be tied up again to a yoke of slavery!” Imagine sitting in a chair where you are tied from your shoulders to you feet with the rope wrapped and wrapped and wrapped all around you. And then chains are added so that not only can you not move your body, but you would not be able to move or jiggle the chair in anyway. That is maybe how the mindset of “insecurity” would look in the natural compared to what Paul is talking about. Also when you read about slavery of any kind, a slave does what her master instructs her to do. Slavery is not a democracy and you really do not have a say. Hopefully at this point you have a vivid picture of what being held captive might look like.

“What the Messiah has freed us for is freedom!” Now envision being rescued. The weights are taken off your neck and the ropes are cut and you are FREE!! This is what happens when you come to the realization that you are free because the Messiah has freed you. You are free to not care if people think you are not so smart because you do not have a college degree. For one we know that is not true, because anyone who has the mind of the Messiah and operates in that truth is far from stupid. And we also know people who have graduated from Ivy League colleges, but when it comes to life and common sense, they are dumber than dirt. So what if you are a size 20, you walk in the freedom that you are beautiful because God says you are, and a size 12 no longer intimidates you. You are free to the point that others opinions cannot dictate how you act, dress, behave or feel about yourself. You love who you are, and strive on your terms to improve those things that need to change. If you are over weight then you change your lifestyle to lose weight to become healthier and take better care of your temple and honor God. Not because the world or others are trying to force down your throat size “0”. You are free to take chances and dream, dreams. You are free to understand who you are in the Messiah.

But first, you must put in the time and effort of identifying what “mindsets” you are personally enslaved too. It is the only way to get to that “freedom”.

How do we do this? You and the Holy Spirit have to get honest about things. You will have to start by asking Him some tough questions about you and why you do the things you do? Without identify our problems we cannot talk to God about them and or be healed from them.

There is no “magic” quick fix to be free from enslaving mindsets and old ways, but there is the great hope of what Messiah has done for us. But it is up to us to grab hold of the key and unlock the chains that hold us captive.

Sisters, I pray that I have planted seeds of hope and change in your hearts. And your interest is peeked to discover what “freedom” the Messiah has made you free for. I pray you will no longer settle for life as it is and will move forward into who you really are as an individual designed by God.

Reminder: Once you begin to walk in your new found freedom, remember don’t let yourselves become tired up again to the old “mindsets” you have been freed from. Make sure not to become its slave once more. How is that done? Remembering who has freed you and all the hard work you had to do to understand what that means for you!



Be blessed,
Pat

Monday's Blog: More encouragement to live the "Good Life"!

Today's song of the week video is Ernie Daniels, husband to Sharon Daniels our "Women and Finances" blogger....please enjoy!

All I Want For Christmas Is...."YOU"!

One of my favorite pop Christmas carols is, “All I want for Christmas is you” by Mariah Carey. For me it is not about the words, but it has one of the best dance beats around. My granddaughter Christina and I love to dance together on that song, and every time I hear it, it brings a smile to my face because it makes me think of her.

Sometimes single women and single moms are a little melancholy during the holidays because it seems to be the season to become engaged, or the holidays would be so much happier with a love interest to share everything with. Single moms often have to fight the spirit of envy as they are bombarded with the advertisements of family fun and husbands surprising their wives with diamonds and cars. Having Christmas dinner with married, engaged or coupled friends and family is not always something they joyfully look forward to. Because deep down there is the desire or fantasy of having that person to shop with, trim the tree, wrap presents and put things together for the kids and best of all cuddling with the tree all lit up….ahhh, how romantic. NOT! These types of fantasies and thoughts can lead to feelings of being on the outside looking in, and are usually not profitable emotionally. If you are one of the women I just described, then it’s time to stop looking at others and feeling like, “All I want for Christmas is you!” And the “You” being a man. There is a thin line between a “desire” and being “covetous”.

It really saddens me to see so many single Christian women so very unhappy with their lives; so I can only imagine how God must feel. Because He wants to be enough for us and for many that is just not enough. It reminds me of the Israelites (see I Samuel chapter 8) when they were demanding a “king” and He wanted them to be satisfied with “Him”. We are still the same today. God wants all His single daughters to be fulfilled and satisfied in “Him,” but too often that is not the case. We (like our predecessors) desire that physical “king” versus the King of kings.

Sisters, my desire for you is that you grab the bull by the horns and have a wonderful ride. Enjoy every day to the best of your ability relishing in the fact that you’re grand because your Father says you are. That your singlehood is a position that God has placed you in, which makes it okay.
There is nothing wrong in desiring to be married one day, but there is a sin in it if it’s consuming you. It is sin if you desire being married more than you desire God and what He has for you. And I say that because anything we put before God is an “Idol” to us.

If you are going to participate in the Christmas holidays, then strive to find the joy of the Lord in all of it. If you are one who has backed off of all the hubbub of the world, that is fine too, but don’t let the true reason be because it makes you feel down and left out because you are not part a couple.

Often our quality of life has so much to do with our mindset and thought process, and once we start to bring those thoughts that exalt themselves above the Lord, under submission of Christ the Messiah, things really do start to look a whole lot better. It does take us being diligent about the fight to achieve this, but it is sooo worth it. So ladies, it’s time to say to yourself, “All I Want For Christmas Is YOU….and the “YOU” being God!



Love & Hugs
Ponnie

Friday's Blog: "Part III of FREEDOM!"

Keeping Up With The Joneses

The old saying, “Keeping up with the Joneses” has been around for over 100 years, and to this day its meaning still rings true down to the simplest of things for people. In fact it is the American way of doing things. Our advertisers bombard us with the newest and latest and the must haves, which triggers the lust of the eye and pride. We are soon on our way to “keeping up with Sally our coworker”, we are not going to let her dress better than us. Or our neighbor Sam is not going to have a newer car than mine, and the list goes on. This type of mindset is not productive and in all cases of trying to “keep up with” or “one up someone else” we put ourselves in a prison of sorts. And over the years as I have become an observer of the Church and our society during the Christmas season, I see more and more how we as Believers can be pulled into the mindset of “Keeping up with the Joneses!” So, today I want to talk about “thinking outside the box” of celebrating and enjoying this season.

It is not my intention to tell you what you should do or what you shouldn’t do, but to throw out some ideas to help those of us who are struggling at this time. Contrary to what it looks like, everyone is not happy at this time of year, there are families who might wear a smile, but they are sick at heart because they don’t have the funds to purchase gifts for their kids or put on the lavish holiday celebrations of the past. Every Christmas is the first Christmas for someone to be without a loved one who has passed. Families are missing those who are away fighting in the war, and divorce has separated many. People are living in their cars and shelters, where last time this year this time they had homes with Christmas trees and plenty of presents. This is a time of year when many are suffering silently and it could be someone who is sitting right next to you every Sunday.

All some of us needs is a conversation with another sister who is running down the list of stuff she has bought for her family, what she is planning for Christmas Eve, what kind of cookies she is baking and we are off to the races to keep up and not be out done. But the one big problem with trying to keep up with the Joneses is that we often dig a hole versus shine as the spirit of pride has lead us to believe will be the outcome. We find ourselves in debt, overworked, stressed and frustrated. And with the economy in the state that it is, we might even find ourselves depressed. When you think about it, how can Christians be depressed at this time of year when we are supposed to be celebrating our Saviors birth? Simple, Christmas in so many cases really has nothing to do with celebrating our Saviors birth, even in the Church. So it is time my sisters, to have a renewing of our minds and start thinking outside the box about Christmas and figure out what it really means to us.

If you have young children, this is the best opportunity and time to put the focus on giving to Jesus and a time for family. It is a time to not raise them to expect a lot of gifts, and not allow them to ask for things. And to teach them to be grateful for whatever it is that they might receive. Reserve the privilege of asking for their birthday celebration. Monies as a family can be spent to adopt a mother and her kids or a child at a Women’s Shelter. You can bake cookies and take them to the elderly. If your children are older there is even more that you can do as a family to give and do for those who are in need. And don’t forget to look within your own church home. There are many single moms who struggle everyday just to make it. There are families where dad has lost his job and the family is concerned with trying to keep oil in the tank to heat the house. This can be a time where we stop looking out at all there is to get and start looking around to see who we can bless. Jesus tells us that when we have help the hungry, sick, naked, and imprisoned, we have given to Him.

There is so much to enjoy as a family that cost very little money this time of year. If you live near or in a big city, a day trip downtown promises to be a lot of fun. Driving around in the evening and looking at lights displays delights even the oldest of kids. Baking cookies, making gifts for one another and watching family Christmas movies can be such an enjoyable time. Teaching our kids to wrap gifts for others in need is far greater then teaching them to be concerned with self and what is in it for them.

If your church does not have a Christmas morning service, you can go to a missions and share with the people there. We often forget that the Salvation Army (which does so much for people all year long) is a place that could use the help of the Saints. So if you are not sure where to volunteer, you can start with them.

You don’t need a lot of money to enjoy the holidays. All you need is a heart that is not caught up in the traditions of this world, but one that wants to bring something to Jesus and let His light shine through us in the form of love and concern for others.

I pray that maybe I have lifted the spirits of those who were down because you can’t do the big Christmas, and for those of you who have become disillusioned with the greed and commercialism of Christmas a solution to finding joy in this season. And for those of us who are holding tight to our old traditions, well maybe a seed has been planted so that next year, it won’t be so much about the old, but maybe more about Christ.



Love & Hugs
Ponnie

Wednesday's Blog: "Encouragement for Single Women!"

Be Anxious For Nothing…Especially Christmas!

Anxious: uneasy feelings or troubled thoughts; worry; distressing. Paul admonishes us to not be anxious about anything and to take all our cares to the Lord, (Philippians 4:6 NIV). And for good reason, because worrying does not change the situation, but it can have an adverse affect on us emotionally and physically. Also worry and anxiety begins to eat away at our faith, so being “anxious” is not a good thing.

More and more as the economy is faltering and jobs are being lost and cut back, our finances have become strained to say the least. For some of us it is all we can do to pay the mortgage/rent, and keep food on the table and gas in the car. Yet, we are so engrained in the tradition of Christmas, we are now anxious because we don’t have money to buy gifts. I often ask God if He is pleased with this tradition that man has come up with? One that causes people to stand in line for hours waiting for a store to open up at 3am so that they can be rude and self-centered by pushing, shoving, and running others over. Is He pleased at the overindulgence and over spending that many seem to find themselves doing? Is He pleased that we make a fuss because the world wants to say, “Happy Holidays” versus “Merry Christmas” when His children really are not celebrating the birth of their Messiah themselves? I question Him as to, why is it so hard to find a church open on Christmas morning, if it doesn’t fall on a Sunday? I talk to Him about how much trouble I am having understanding why when it is someone’s birthday celebration other than Christ we give them gifts, but when we say we are celebrating His birth we give to everyone except Him? And I’m still very confused as to why Santa Claus rules and as Believers we take our kids to see him and have their picture taken?

When we take a step back and look at what Christmas is really all about at this point and time, it has very little to do with the birth of our Lord. And so I hope to encourage those of you who are fretting because you don’t have money to lavish and overindulge your children for one day, to really consider “Why” this seems so important to you? Why are you sad, and worrying about trying to find ways to “rob Peter to pay Paul” and do what we call, “Make Christmas”? Why are you anxious about what will or will not be under the tree? What does it all mean in the life of a Believer? These are very important questions, we should be asking ourselves.

As parents and caregivers we are to be concerned that our children have the proper things they have need of, like shoes that fit, warm coats, hats and gloves for the winter. Waterproof boots for the snow, food to eat each day, a clean and safe place to live and an education that will help them to be viable adults. But I don’t see anywhere in the Bible that God’s plan for us is to do what so many of us do during the Christmas season. My sister is a real estate broker and she has said for years that January and February are the biggest months of the year that eviction proceedings are started. Why? Because people opt to spend their money for Christmas and can’t seem to catch up on rents.

Though many churches do things for kids and others during the Christmas season, these same people would be hard pressed to get anything out of them any other time. Yet, people are in need all year round. I wonder if we as Believers took all the money we spend on each other at Christmas and gave it to the Churches and ministries that are about the business of feeding, clothing, and helping those in need all year round—I wonder what kind of impact that would have on the world?

Sisters, instead of being anxious about living up to the traditions of the world and what Christmas has become, read Matthew 25:34-36, and see where you can give to Jesus. I mean after all if we say we are celebrating the Messiah’s birth, then like the Magi, why are we not giving gifts to him?

God is concerned with our every day lives and our needs being met, not the traditions of man. So if you are one that finds yourself being anxious about where the money is coming from for Christmas, I say, “Give up your old mindset and begin to enjoy whatever it is that you have.” Think about how you want your children to grow up in the things of the Lord. Do you really want to pass down to them, this worry and stress about having money for Christmas just to buy gifts for people? Or would you rather see your children as adults living in Freedom from such worldly traditions that cause more pain, heartache and stress then we really care to look at?



Love & Hugs
Ponnie

Tuesday's Blog: "More thoughts on how to enjoy the Christmas Season"

FREEDOM! Part II

We are rerunning Pat Betters 3 part series “Freedom” for the next 3 Fridays. It seems so appropriate since we are in a season where we can become entangled with the things we have been freed from, or in some cases we still need to realize what our freedom is. Many of us are being pulled into the worlds system of this season, and if “The Kitchen Table” can encourage you to be free then we have accomplished the mission that the Lord has given us.

Galatians 5:1 (Complete Jewish Bible), What the Messiah has freed us for is freedom! Therefore, stand firm, and don’t let yourselves be tied up again to a yoke of slavery.

Ladies, I pray that you have spent sometime thinking about what “freed us for freedom” means for you. Today I want to take a quick look at some of those freedoms.

One of the biggies in this freedom is that it gives us freedom from sin having power in our lives.
Yes, we do have a sin nature, and yes, we do sin. But! As we begin to walk in the knowledge and wisdom of the Lord we begin to see that we can resist sin and the power it once had over us. That is a great freedom, because when we walked in darkness – sin ruled! But, we can now make decisions not to allow sin to have its way.

We no longer have to give into our flesh. We are FREE!! We are free from letting our flesh dictate to us, whether it is to satisfy sexual lust, food being an idol and comfort in our lives. We are free from being ill-mannered and unforgiving to others. Because of this “freedom” we no longer say the first thing that comes to mind, and cussing someone out is now the last thing we would ever do. We have been given freedom from old mindsets and our old ways.

Most societies we live in have very loud voices, especially in America. Our media is forever force-feeding us with mindless propaganda. For years it has been telling us that it is okay for women to usurp authority over men. If you look at most TV shows the dad is a buffoon. Husbands are cheaters, liars and manipulators. And in the 21 century it is the woman who saves the day! And as a woman just because you had kids doesn’t mean you must sacrifice your career track, so even if your children are in daycare or before school and after school programs for 12 hours a day, that is okay because “you” should have a life too. Why is your husband the only one allowed to work outside the home to build his career? Why can’t you make your own money, giving you a voice and options!

The “freedom” the Messiah has freed us for, helps us to agree with God in the position of the woman, mother and wife. If frees us up from the opinions of society. It doesn’t matter if the world, friends or family, say you shouldn’t give up that good job or career to be a stay-at-home mother and wife. If frees you from feeling bad or less of a person because of someone else’s opinion about a decision you, your husband and God have made. As a wife it frees you to submit to your husband and to agree with God that he has the final say, no matter what it may look like to others.

This “freedom” breaks the yoke for single women of “needing” to be married. It helps you to be free to enjoy and love your single life. It stops you from putting your life on hold because you are afraid to venture out for fear you might miss that potential man. If frees you to soar in the Lord, thinking only of how good things can be for you now. If frees you from letting others make you feel less of a person because you are not married.

But most of all it makes us “free” to do what God says, even when it goes against everything around us and our flesh. It makes us “free” to make change according to God’s will and Word. We are able to get out of wrong relationships, and “free” to choose what is right versus what we’ve been told is okay and acceptable.

I pray sisters that you will continue to look at how free you really are and what exactly that means in your life.

Next Friday, we will take a look at why we are warned to “Therefore, stand firm, and don’t let yourselves be tied up again to a yoke of slavery.”



Be blessed,
Pat

I will return Friday, December 10th, hope to see you then!


Monday's Blog: More encouragement for you sisters!

OKAY...OK....K

Today’s blog is for all you homeschool moms out there who sometimes second guess yourselves and begin to doubt that you are doing the right thing for your kids.

The cover story on the December issue of The Philadelphia Magazine is, “Is It Just Us, Or Are Kids Getting Really Stupid?” They don’t read. They can’t spell. They spend all their time playing computer games and texting and hanging out with one another on Facebook. But the problem is much worse than you think, because the way your kids live now is rewiring their brains…by Sandy Hingston (see link for entire article).
http://www.phillymag.com/articles/feature_is_it_just_us_or_are_kids_getting_really_stupid/

My two daughters are 18 years apart in age, and their schooling experience was different. My oldest went to public school for kindergarten and 1st grade, then Catholic school until 8th grade, and then Girls High School, (a public high school that at the time was one of the crème de la crème schools in the city of Philadelphia). My youngest (who is a senior), went to private school for 1st grade (a total waste of monies) homeschooled 2nd – 7th grade, and then private school. Since 8th grade she has attended a small Messiah Jewish school that has catered to many homeschool families in the area. And though my two daughters schooling had some similarities there were differences, but the bottom line is that they both received good educations and have a lot in common as to how and what they learned.

In the magazine article, the author talks a lot about her son, and she was amazed to find out that his AP English class did not read books but watched movies that had been made based on a book. She was trying to connect with her son and thought if she read a book he was reading it would give them something to talk about. When she asked him what they were reading, he told her “The Great Gatsby!” When she asked what he thought about it, he told her that one of the actors was a distraction because of holes in his skin. What!!??!! And it just goes down hill from there. He took an English course at a community college and they did the same thing. Oh no!!!

I guess for me one the of the saddest parts of the article is how professors from the University of Pennsylvania are upholding that this is okay and it’s a new way of learning. The author’s son is in an AP program but he doesn’t know the days of the week…this was freaking her out, and with good reason I say. But one of these great professors told her that all he needs to know based on his 6 day school week, that this is day 1, or day 2….What!!??!!! If you have time please read the article. Oh, and the reason for watching movies is because they say it is hard to get children to read anymore. Help me here Lord!

Now there is one common thread for most homeschoolers and that is grammar, (which most public schools no longer teach) and the ability to read, and write. Both of my children have received what some would call “a good old fashion education”. They can do mental math, love to read, write well and are well rounded. My oldest daughter, who will soon be 36, received her primary education before the computer age exploded and before the state of Pennsylvania deemed the Philadelphia public school system so bad that they had to take it over. When it was time for my now17 year old to start school, I knew she was never going to step foot in a Philadelphia public school as long as God gave me breath. Not only because of the poor system we have, but there is a danger for your well being that didn’t exists so much when my oldest attended school.

The article also talks about how this new generation can’t spell because of “spell check” and “texting” terminology. We have gone from “okay” to “ok” to “k”. And that’s okay for texting, but how many will not be able to spell the word, “Okay”? Probably too many! What about “U R” does this mean they will write “your” when it should be “you’re”? I’m seeing it a lot already.

When I was growing up I was not allowed to use “slang” when speaking to my mother or any other adult. So I grew up knowing when and where to speak the “Queen’s English” and when to talk like my friends. Same for my girls, they had to know what is correct and acceptable. But so many today only know one way, and in my book it’s mostly unacceptable.

Most Philadelphia public schools have long cut their music programs or departments and along with that have gone the music appreciation classes. The article also talks about how classical music is something many young people know nothing about, and again one of these so called “think tank” professors, said, “So what if classical music is lost.” What!!??!!

To all you homeschool moms out there who have ever been on the verge of tears teaching your child to read, write, spell and listen to classical music—know that your labor of love has been one of the best gifts a parent can give. Every time you demand that they read one of the great classics of all time and you give them a vocabulary test on it, just ignore them when they huff and puff about it. Rest in the fact that one day it will pay off for them and any grandchildren you might have. We can only pass down what we know, and if picking up a book and reading is something we know, then we will more than likely pass it on.

Mothers, on those days when you feel like giving up and putting your kids in public school, I want you to remember what the Philly Mag article had to say about how children are being taught and what they are not being taught, and I’m sure that will help you to jump out of your moment of temporary insanity! ~Smile~



Love & Hugs
Ponnie

Friday's Blog: "Freedom Part II"

It’s Time to Make Some New Friends to Hangout With!

Here in the states we just finished celebrating Thanksgiving Day and since it is always the 4th Thursday in November, Friday is also a holiday for a lot of people. So, many of us end up with what we call a “four day holiday weekend!” It is such a nice prelude to the upcoming Christmas Holidays.

Having a big dinner or going out on Thanksgiving Day hasn’t been my thing in a long time. I like to keep on my jammies, watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade (held in New York City) on TV and eat either seafood or Chinese for supper. This year it was Chinese. It’s something I really look forward to each year. But this year was a little different. Tovah, my 17 year old was invited over a friend’s house, and I told her she could go but she didn’t want to leave me. Now I’m one who really enjoys solitude and it would have been okay. But she did jump at the invitation to hangout at the mall for dinner and a movie on Friday evening with friends. That negated our going to the movies on Saturday, but that was okay too because I will go to the movies by myself in a heartbeat. But what I found was that I wished I had somewhere to go on Friday evening while Tovah was out. And then it hit me! God willing, she will be leaving in a few months to attend college, and I don’t plan on sitting home by myself doing nothing, so no more Friday evenings wanting to go out but nowhere to go.

My circle of single friends that I used to hangout a lot with has shifted a bit over the past few years. One friend is now caring for an elderly mother while working full time, another was killed in a freak accident, and the 3rd, has become house poor since she cannot make the overtime she used to. Hum, it hit me like a bolt of lighting, “It’s time to make some new friends to hangout with!”

When I posted that statement on my Facebook profile status, there were a few other single sisters who agreed. I’ve known for far too long that single women or sort of the last to be considered in many ways in the Church. For one we are a very diverse and complex group and we can’t all be crammed into a “one fits all” ministry for, “Single Women”. So, a lot of times, we are just left hanging. My next Facebook status was asking women for suggestions on places to make new female friends outside of church. Well, I received a host of ideas. I sort of disregarded the ones from married women who have been married for over 20 years. Sorry girls, but you are just kind of out of the loop…LOL! But I found it amazing how some suggested using the internet to join groups or even start a meet up group myself. I did peruse the sites they suggested, but that is not for me. And I’m not recommending this to anyone, and especially if it is not a Christian group and even then you should be very careful in what you sign up for.

I had a plan all along, but wanted to see how others would approach trying to make new friends. I think the first thing, is you have to decide what it is that you want. I’m coming up on a stage of life where hopefully I will be free to come and go. So, I want a friend(s) who have that same flexibility. We can make plans, but it is nice to be able to just pickup and go too. I love the live theater, and jazz. I’m artistic and attended art college and really do want to take a photography class or jewelry smithing class at my neighborhood Arts League. My neighborhood YMCA has Zumba classes (which are very diverse) but you must have a membership to the “Y” to be able to attend. Okay, so now I had to sit down and figure out what it is I would like to do, I needed to come up with a plan, on how to execute and put these things in place.

One thing I have learned this past year, and that is to make sure God is part of my plans. I had so many things lined up in my head that I would be doing in 2010, and He showed me, that nothing I had come up with was even close to His reality of how things were going to be. So, first I had to present to God that these are some things that I desire and if they somehow fit into His plan for things that would be great. But it would be even better if His plans are different too!

I need money for the classes and so now I’m about the business of finding out exactly what the cost will be. And then prioritizing what would come first. I live in the city of Philadelphia and we are rich in the Arts and one of our main theater houses has a program where you can volunteer to be an usher. Wow!! After the New Year I will contact them to see about becoming a volunteer for the upcoming 2011 - 2012 season. I get to see all the plays for free and should also meet some very interesting people.

Being an inner city missionary, I often feel more at home in a group of unsaved folks then at church. Reason being, I have an anointing that shines in those types of group situations. I am anointed to minister outside the walls of the church building not inside, so I am drawn to the unsaved and those in crisis. But back to an earlier statement I made, you have to have an idea of what it is you think you want.

If you are a single sister who wants to get out more and have fun, then you should put this before the Lord. And being specific helps, such as I know I want to see more live shows than I have the past couple of years. I have a creative side that always enjoys being feed, and I love learning new things. I’m not shy, and I fit into very diverse groups of people. But we are all individuals and so what is a good fit for me, may not be so for you. If you are a babe in Christ, maybe you should stick with finding friends in your congregation, or some type of Christian group setting for safety reasons. You want to be built up in your new faith and not tempted to slip backwards into things that will be harmful to you. But if you are like me, finding yourself sort of the square peg where the hole is round, you might need to look elsewhere to meet new people. Of course it seems that us Christians are everywhere (LOL!!) and even with the many outside classes and groups you can find, you will also find us there. So it is not a thing of not trying to find friends of a like mindset, but just looking outside of the box is all I’m talking about.

But above everything, if God is not the author of it, we can set ourselves up for failure or trouble. So, make sure you are putting your desires before Him and listening to His instructions and following His lead.

I would love to hear from some of you to see what you think about his blog, or please share how you have joined a group or found new friends.



Love & Hugs
Ponnie

Thursday's Blog: "Homeschool Thursday"