God can turn a mess into a miracle.  Spend time with God every day and watch Him work in your life.
Blessings,
Athena

This is a good message I received from Joel Osteen... Stay Above Strife TODAY’S SCRIPTURE “Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out” (Proverbs 17:14, NIV) TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria Too often, people fall into the trap of strife. Someone says something that rubs you the wrong way, and before you know it, there is tension, quarreling and division. The Bible tells us that strife opens the door to “every evil work.” It’s the enemy’s greatest trap to keep people from living in victory. But you don’t have to fall into the trap of strife, you can rise above it. Like today’s verse says, you can simply drop the matter before it turns into something bigger than it needs to be. You don’t have to sink down to somebody’s level and argue with them and try to prove that you’re right. You weren’t put on this earth to correct everybody around you. If you are going to be all that God’s called you to be, you have to learn to stay above strife. Instead of letting disagreements pull your relationships apart, look for common ground to draw you closer to the people in your life. Look for peace. Look for ways to be a blessing. Stay above strife so you can enjoy your relationships and experience the blessing He has for you! A PRAYER FOR TODAY Heavenly Father, I choose to stay above strife. I choose to honor You by seeking peace in my relationships. Empower me to walk in love and be an example of Your light everywhere I go in Jesus’ name. Amen. — Joel & Victoria Osteen

I Said a Prayer for You Today

By Frank J. Zamboni

I said a prayer for you today
And know God must have heard.
I felt the answer in my heart
Although He spoke no word!

I didn't ask for wealth or fame
(I knew you wouldn't mind).
I asked him to send treasures
Of a far more lasting kind!

I asked that He be near you
At the start of each new day;
To grant you health and blessings
And friends to share your way!

I asked for happiness for you
In all things great and small.
But it was for His loving care
I prayed the most of all!

Blessings, Athena

Proverbs 31  - A Virtuous Woman

1. Faith - A Virtuous Woman serves God with all of her heart, mind, and soul. She seeks His will for her life and follows His ways. (Proverbs 31: 26, Proverbs 31: 29 – 31, Matthew 22: 37, John 14: 15, Psalm 119: 15

2. Marriage – A Virtuous Woman respects her husband. She does him good all the days of her life. She is trustworthy and a helpmeet. (Proverbs 31: 11- 12, Proverbs 31: 23, Proverbs 31: 28, 1 Peter 3, Ephesians 5, Genesis2: 18)

3. Mothering - A Virtuous Woman teaches her children the ways of her Father in heaven. She nurtures her children with the love of Christ, disciplines them with care and wisdom, and trains them in the way they should go. (Proverbs 31: 28, Proverbs 31: 26, Proverbs 22: 6, Deuteronomy 6, Luke 18: 16)

4. Health – A Virtuous Woman cares for her body. She prepares healthy food for her family. (Proverbs 31: 14 – 15, Proverbs 31: 17, 1 Corinthians 6: 19, Genesis 1: 29, Daniel 1, Leviticus 11)

5. Service - A Virtuous Woman serves her husband, her family, her friends, and her neighbors with a gentle and loving spirit. She is charitable. (Proverbs 31: 12, Proverbs 31: 15, Proverbs 31: 20, 1 Corinthians 13: 13)

6. Finances - A Virtuous Woman seeks her husband’s approval before making purchases and spends money wisely. She is careful to purchase quality items which her family needs. (Proverbs 31: 14, Proverbs 31: 16, Proverbs 31: 18, 1 Timothy 6: 10, Ephesians 5: 23, Deuteronomy 14: 22, Numbers 18: 26)

7. Industry – A Virtuous Woman works willingly with her hands. She sings praises to God and does not grumble while completing her tasks. (Proverbs 31: 13, Proverbs 31: 16, Proverbs 31: 24, Proverbs 31: 31, Philippians 2: 14)

8. Homemaking – A Virtuous Woman is a homemaker. She creates an inviting atmosphere of warmth and love for her family and guests. She uses hospitality to minister to those around her. (Proverbs 31: 15, Proverbs 31: 20 – 22, Proverbs 31: 27, Titus 2: 5, 1 Peter 4: 9, Hebrews 13: 2)

9. Time - A Virtuous Woman uses her time wisely. She works diligently to complete her daily tasks. She does not spend time dwelling on those things that do not please the Lord. (Proverbs 31: 13, Proverbs 31: 19, Proverbs 31: 27, Ecclesiastes 3, Proverbs 16: 9, Philippians 4:8 )

10. Beauty – A Virtuous Woman is a woman of worth and beauty. She has the inner beauty that only comes from Christ. She uses her creativity and sense of style to create beauty in her life and the lives of her loved ones. (Proverbs 31: 10Proverbs 31: 21 – 22, Proverbs 31: 24 -25, Isaiah 61: 10, 1 Timothy 2: 9, 1 Peter 3: 1 – 6)

www.AVirtuousWoman.org

Blessings,

Athena

Where are you at?

Have you continued your stretching?  Remember, you only need to stretch once a day if you are not exercising.  Next month, you start exercises so make sure you are allocating time each day to stretch.  It can even be after work during your downtime.  Just like exercise, God asks that you take time each day to pray (actually you should be praying continuously) so your stretching routine is to help in the discipline of our body.  If you feel like you are not getting anywhere, remember blessings accompany obedience.  Seek the company of God to gain inner peach and learn God’s target.  Prayer reveals purpose.  A undisciplined life has health issues; a disciplined lifestyle involves change in behavior, healthy food choices, exercise and enjoyment.

“I accuse myself of sloth and unprofitableness day by day but when these waves of God flow into me, I no longer reckon lost time.”  –Ralph Waldo Emerson

God wants to do something…for you, in you, to you and through you.

Athena

Prayer Warrior

Do others go to you to ask for prayers or to pray for them?  Do you designate time and attention to pray daily and often throughout the day?  Do you get excited to pray and have conversation with God?  Is pray an “active” event in your life?  Then, you are a prayer warrior.  Prayer is important.  The prayers of a righteous man or woman are effective. 

Do you schedule time to pray?  Just a like any part of your life, let your schedule reflect you commitment to following God by starting with prayer.  How else will you know His plan?  There is a quote by Sarah Leah Grafstein that goes, “How can God direct your steps if we are not taking any?”  You sometimes go in circles until you learn to trust God.

When you are in trouble or have a decision, do you pray?  No matter how small or insignificant, you illustrate your trust in God by asking for His direction.  Sometimes, you know that there are reasons why He withholds your requests: you are not ready or circumstances are not ready.  If it is wrong for you, you have the right to ask, but even if you keep asking, you cannot override the will of God or change His mind.  If you do not wait, you will make a big mistake.  He may have something better for you and it may not be on your schedule.  Wait.

What are you doing to get in a deeper relationship with God?  Pray. 

God hears all,

Athena

Life without God is a wasted life.  Love is something you do, not feel.  Prayer is an activity.

Just Ask

Wow, life does get busy but I never stop stretching every morning and praying and making good decisions regarding your health.  Although and sometimes contrary to others beliefs, God is with you always and you can continue praying always.  Actually, the busier you are the more you tend to pray and actually schedule it in your day so you can have a break (and sometimes an excuse if you need).

Where are you now?  Are you at peace?  What is troubling you?  Stop and pray for these things and hand them over to God.  What is God working on in you? 

Choose what you need and ask:

Patience

Hope

Peace

Laughter

Understanding

Courage

Strength

Healing

Faith

Love

Blessings,

Athena

Out of your comfort zone

During spring break, I went skiing.  The sport of skiing is fun and safe if you are safe however, this year, the resort had ramps/jumps.  I could have played it safe and just ski on the green and blue runs but I was challenged to get out of my comfort zone.  Yes, I wiped out the first time but I continued until I was able to land all the jumps.  I think God asks us to get out of our comfort zone when it comes to exercise.  It is easy to go home, get comfortable and sit in front of the television or sit on the stands and watch child in sport or drive to the store and park as close as you can to the store so you don’t have to walk.  All are choices we make – they are comfortable and easy.  It takes effort to move and get out of comfort and move for God.  For example, we want to stay in bed instead of the effort of getting up, stretching and praying to God so we are prepared for God’s work.  God wants us to use every piece of our life to serve.  You have enemy (humanity) on the out, and goodness (spirituality) on the inside so you have to work on the inside.  Let God inhabit your life.  Listen and go as you know what you should do.  When faced with a decision to sit or move...choose to move for God.

Live a life of no regrets,

Athena

God Wings
Back from Spring Break...went skiing but still stretched every morning.  Enjoyed God's beautiful creation and life...

Today just leaving an inspirational excerpt from Jill Briscoe poem "Wings":
Give my words wings Lord
May they alight gently on the branches of men's minds,
Bending them to the winds of Your will.
May they fly high enough to touch the lofty,
Low enough to breathe the breath
Of sweet encouragement upon the downcast soul.

Recommendation:
Book - Jill Briscoe, Barefoot in My Heart

Blessings,
Athena

Spring break...Keep stretching and praying...
Blessings of joy,
Athena

The E word

Yes, you knew I would have to talk about this eventually…E is for exercise.  Everyone needs exercise in their lives and you are no exception.   There are no excuses either.  God gave you a wonderful body to move and work for His good.  If you are alive, you are goodness.  God gave you features – voice to tell others, arms to hold others, legs to spread His word, and overall, and to be an example of His faith in your everyday life.  Even if you lost a feature, you can still uphold God mission by demonstrating your faith and goodness.  We are put on this earth to work for His good and to do that, you have to be healthy. 

I know you know the benefits of exercise already, but I will just remind you:

Energy – Your body was not meant to be sedentary.  It is designed to move and keep moving.    Like a well-oiled machine, you are meant to keep your parts moving.  Similar to rusting, you feel really tired when you are not doing anything and start slowing down.  Stop RUSTING!  Make a decision right now to start moving even it is just walking around your living room and making choices to move more.  Although a first it may seem like you are barely doing anything or seeing any change, your energy will increase in a week if you are consistent and disciplined. 

Xcitement – Knowing that you can still keep up with the younger members of your class, releasing your stress and a renewed sense of accomplishment trying something new gives you an excitement for life and others.  This excitement is displayed in the way you walk, talk and feel.  This excitement is passed to others.  They want know what you have that makes you so excited and happy.  The love of God and knowing that He gave you a wonderful body to serve.

Enjoyment – Exercises give you a chance to do things you enjoy.  If you played a sport in the past or were an active kid, you get to do it again.  Go find something you enjoy and do it all over again.  Join a team or get a group together of friends who like to do the same thing.  There are several organizations near you who can help you get started (again).  You can even select kid stuff like hop scotch, jump rope or hula hoop.  Remember how you spent hours on the trampoline.  All are exercises and fun. 

Respiratory – If you are constantly yawning, it means you are not getting enough oxygen to your brain.  Exercise is the answer.  As with any type of exercise, you have to breathe especially to get oxygen to your muscles.  The deeper the breath, the more oxygen you intake.  You can start right now.  Raise your arms and take five deep breaths in and out with slow count from one to five.  You can practice as you watch television or sit at your desk.  Breathing is like following God, every day, every minute, every second…

Circulatory –Do you have to concentrate to tell your heart when to beat?  It would take all our concentration to constantly tell our heart to pump blood.  God created your body to be self-sustaining.  But just like a machine or a car, you have to test it or give it a tune-up to see what kind of condition it is in.  Exercise is like a tune-up for your circulatory system.  Are you “well-oiled”? 

Interest – Exercise allows you a chance to pursue new interest.  Do you want to know how to dance, swim or ride a bike?  What about what it is like to ski or climb a mountain?  Sign up for a class or find someone who knows how and can teach you.  It is not too late and in the process of exercising, you can help others find God.

Satisfaction – When you try a new activity and exercise, you release endorphins which are “feel good” chemicals in your body.  Don’t we have a wonderful God…He wants us to feel good with activity.  The satisfaction of being active and moving allows us to feel good about ourselves and share with others.

Examination – Exercise allows you to examine your life and meditate on God.  Depending on the type of exercise you are doing, the brief time you are “in your own head”, you get a chance to talk to God.  You can use this time for prayer.  Sing a song of praise to God while you exercise or marvel at His creation all around you. 

Exercise is something you can do to show God thanksgiving.  Thank Him for giving you a wonderful body and allowing you to take care of it for His service.

Be a servant for God,
Athena

Intimate Conversation

Do you pray all the time?  Why not?  I like the saying that we should always pray so we do not have to introduce ourselves to God in an emergency.  Would God know who you are? 

According to Pete Briscoe, there are three levels of the prayer (person).  First level is grade school, second is high school and third is college.  Grade school level is one that wants to learn and has desire to know how.  Prayers seem rehearsed, simple or awkward.  High school level is to want God’s will.  The last level is college is a person with continuous contact through prayer.  This person has intimate conversation with God throughout the day and in various situations.  Which level are you on?  If you are not even at the grade school level, pray every day until you get it.  Just like an artist, you have to practice to be good.  As your prayers increase, your intimacy and faith grows.

Prayer is an art.  There is no correct pattern but the elements must be included and are necessary for answered prayer.  Your prayers should include compliments to God (worship and praise), confession (ask forgiveness for weaknesses) and concerns (others, requests, etc.)  In your confession, admit you struggle about prayer and focus on setting aside time each day to pray.  Remember, God answers all your prayers but sometimes not in your time or the way you want especially if you have the wrong motive.  How do you know the difference?  Only through spiritual study and conversations with God…As you get to know Him more intimately, you will begin to understand God’s will.

Deo volente,

Athena

(deo volente in Latin for “God willing”)

Memory

How do you want to be remembered?  I would like to be remembered as “God’s best audio and visual aide”.  Society measures your life based on what you have in terms of possessions but in terms of your stewardship (i.e. what are you doing for God), how do you measure up?  We all have a role in God’s kingdom but if you don’t know Him or his mission for you, it cannot become part of your life.   What is your mission for God? 

Another activity in the manual is to write out your mission statement.  This is different from your goals.  Goals can be short term or long term and they are achieved by a deadline.  A mission statement is what you believe is the focus for your life.  You don’t have to go into the missionary field or become a recognized spiritual leader, but everyone is on a mission for God.  If you are a parent, your mission is to teach God to your family and especially your children.  If you are single, you need to make time to fulfill obligations that married individuals cannot due to time and volunteer for other responsibilities.  Your mission is to make a difference and impact the life of another.  I know you have heard that God does extraordinary things through ordinary people, just like you but are you aware of your life’s purpose?  How do you know what it is and what you should be contributing?  Only through prayer and study will God reveal it.  Like on an airplane, parents are asked to put the oxygen mask on themselves before you can help another, especially a child therefore, you need to put on God’s oxygen mask.  I’m sure you are wondering what does that have to do with your health? EVERYTHING! God cannot use an inoperative vessel if you are not ready – mentally, spiritually and physically. If God calls you to do something, He will supply the resources but you have to supply the body and therefore, you need to be in shape. You want to be ready…

God’s way is a way of love and sacrifice and time is a greatest gift you can give.  How can you walk with a friend for cancer if you are unable to walk across the parking lot?  How can you stay up all night with a sick parent if your body is not in shape?  How can you enjoy time for a bike ride with your children or “tumble in the sheets” with your spouse if you are not healthy?  I know I am exaggerating, but it is true.  When you are limited physically, you tend of limit yourself mentally and then it gets comfortable to stay in that mode.  STOP!  God needs you to get out of that mode and seize the opportunity He presents.  Opportunity is the occasion to do something significant for God and our response reveals how we relate to God.  Live to serve your God with your spiritual gifts.  When you enable your gifts, you meet others needs which can change a destiny.  You are limiting yourself and God through disobedience.  God wants to do something…for you, in you, to you and thru you.  Are you ready mentally, spiritually and physically?  You have work to do.

Like the slogan “Do the Dew”, “do God’s duty”.

To Him be the glory,

Athena

Going High Tech

Do you have a smart phone or get on the internet daily?  You have a resource for your health and fitness.  Today, there are many apps and websites regarding health, nutrition and fitness.  Need to know what to eat or the number of calories?  There’s an app for that.  Need to know exercises to strengthen your core?  There are websites with videos, including YouTube.  Need spiritual guidance?  There is an app and websites that will send you daily lessons.  There is really no reason to say you do not know because technology has become a resource to learn.  I think that technology is a terrific resource to learn but when it comes down to it, your best resource is God.  He will direct you but you have to listen and be obedient.  God will lead you to what is right and what you should do but you have to DO it.  If God is in charge and directing you, you have to do it.  You have to look at the opportunity and take charge in some instances.  For example, although going down the elevator is an easier option, you know the better option is the stairs.  Start listening to God and do it!  (Want more of a challenge?  Go up the stairs.)  Instead of finding the nearest parking space, find the farthest and walk.  If you attend a luncheon, take only one plate (make sure you have a salad and something from all four food groups) and don’t go back for seconds or dessert.  (FYI it takes you stomach 20 minutes to register that it is full after eating so you may not feel full right afterwards)  Cookies and donuts are tempting, but you know fruit is a healthier choice (you don’t need an app for that).  If keeping a food journal (activity in manual), take a picture with your cell phone of your meal and record it later or record it in your cell phone food journal (yes, there is an app for that).  Can’t seem to work in exercise or spiritual study?  Set you alarm and schedule it on your calendar in your IPhone.  Just like a doctor’s appointment you schedule other activities around, you cannot miss the exercise appointment you set on your calendar.  Morning stretching should be on your schedule and set a consequence if you miss it, like take the stairs at work.  Let your Facebook friends hold you accountable for your health and spiritual knowledge.  When you go online, tell them how you were successful in keeping your food journal, exercise routine or spiritual time.  God has supplied you the technology so use it to stay dedicated and obedient to Him and yourself!

Hand over your technology to fill Coach God’s schedule.  He is waiting on you to make time for Him.

Be obedient,
Athena

Time capsule

Today is leap year.  Do you remember what happened four years ago on the previous leap day?  What was your situation four years ago?  Where were you?  Some people like me barely remember what we did last week much less four years ago.  We are human and we forget.  Thank God he knows and remembers.  Have you thank Him, especially if you were in a terrible situation or broken?  Is your faith stronger?  When we go through life challenges, our faith becomes stronger even if we don’t understand or see the “big” picture. 

Project:  Create a time capsule of God's goodness

Time:  1 hour

Location:  home

Supplies:  current photographs, notepad/paper, pen, small box or canister (large enough for photos), construction paper, scissors, tape

Create a time capsule of what is going on in your life right now.  Decorate your box/canister with the year 2016 (next leap year).  Write down your current situation (your job, your children, what you look like, etc.).  On another page, write down your prayers (people who have asked you to pray for them) and requests (where you see yourself in four years, what you need, etc.)  Place all items into your canister and tape it.  Place the box/canister at the top of your closet.  Put a note in your calendar, suggest cell phone when you will open it.  Your family is welcomed to contribute.  On February 29, 2016, open the canister and review what you wrote. 

What are you doing now?  What prayers did God answer?  What prayers did God not answer or answered in another way?  What decisions did you make that prevented God from answering or working?  Say a blessing for your life and living another four years.

Blessings from God,

Athena

Song in your Heart

If someone got a hold of your IPod, would they know you know God?  If you rolled down your windows, would a spiritual song be heard?  One activity in the manual is to keep a spiritual song in your heart and sing it all day long.  When you perform your morning stretching, sing a spiritual song.  If you do not know one, find a radio station, download a song online or purchase a CD of a spiritual artist you enjoy or it can be a song from your childhood.  Concentrate on singing or humming the song throughout your day. 

God loves praise and thanksgiving. When you sing songs to God, you are giving Him praise.  You are also mindful of His presence and His love especially if you are having a difficult or unhappy day.  Music is soothing.  When you sing a song, it uplifts your spirit. 

Psalm 104:33-34 NIV
³³ I will sing to the LORD all my life;
I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
³⁴ May my meditation be pleasing to him,
as I rejoice in the LORD.

Have songful day,

Athena

All in the Wash

Do you just throw all the clothes in the wash?  Not separating or sorting?  Do you properly care for your clothes?  You should care for your clothes and learn how to wash them properly.  Yes, it takes additional time, but the care you take reflects how you feel about yourself.  If issue with time or money, you can share with a friend.  It is worth it in the long run as you are not constantly buying or repairing your clothes.  God asks us take care of ourselves and the things He provides.  Therefore, do not waste and care.  If you do not know how, you can look on the Internet for tips and instructions.  Real Simple Magazine has really good information.

We can serve Him when we are healthy and represent His character.  Just like your wash, God does not just lump us all together.  Each of us is special.  Each of us has special gifts and talents and He expects us to use those blessings He gave us.  If God treated us like you treat your wash, would you feel special?  You would wonder about His care for you.  We are each treated individually and with love and tenderness.  Doesn’t that make you want to do more and take care of what He has provided, even if you think it is not much.  (You need to pray for gratefulness and thank God for the blessings you have).   God provides more when He sees that you can handle the little you think you have.

How is morning stretching going?  This is EVERY morning, yes, even on weekends.  In addition to discipline for activity and weight management, you are working on developing a relationship with God as you stretch each morning.

Keep it up,

Athena

Do you need a squeeze from God?

Do you feel squeezed?  It seems like we all feel squeezed for time, money, chores, work, etc.  You feel squeezed with deadlines, activities, schedules, delays, and such.  When it seems like you just completed a task or issue, another one comes along.

It is at this point when we fall on our knees to feel a gentle kind of squeeze from God.  A squeeze of love from God meant especially for you.  He can give you a squeeze full of love.  It is so much that it is like having a big hug.  God gives you also a squeeze of joy.  It can be the laughter of your child, lick from a puppy or a big thanks like statements of “no cancer” or “I do” or “Welcome home.”  Another squeeze God provides is a squeeze of peace.  When everything seems like chaos, but your heart sings songs to God that is when you know God’s peace is within you.  You feel it when you are in pain, but share encouraging words to others in need.  When we give it all to Him, you can find peace.  God can give you a squeeze of patience.  The knowledge that everything is done in His time and not yours, allows you to have the patience to wait and see where He will take you.  It takes patience to bend down and retie your child’s shoe (again), but it may be at that time your child needs to feel loved and that little act was their reassurance.  Traffic may try your patience but it may be the time you need to say a prayer for a sick friend.  Kindness is another squeeze each of us could use in this world.  We must desire to be kind and good.  If we look for opportunities to show kindness and goodness to others, you receive another internal squeeze from God.  Saying please, holding someone’s hand, helping a friend in need, speaking kind words and doing something each day to make the world a little nicer are acts of kindness and goodness.  How about a squeeze of faithfulness?  When you promise to pray for a sick friend, call a family member for encouragement and faithfully study spiritual readings, you are showing acts of faithfulness.  Knowing that God is proud of you should give you a big squeeze.  God alone can fill the desires of your heart and squeeze out the chaos of the world.  Do you need a fresh squeeze?  Pray.

Have faith,

Athena

Inspired by His Lamb, I am Ministries

This weekend I attended a ladies retreat.  It was inspirational and motivational.  Being with other women helps me realize that not only do we need to support each other, but my manual is needed.  We were created to be helpers to others and not to be trying to do it all alone.  Our virtue is to be a saint in our faith and a servant for God.  It was wonderful to see “sisters helping sisters” with their storms and celebrations of their lives.  If you have never attended a spiritual retreat, you need to make it one of your goals for this year.  Although you should spend every day with God, the intent is to spend a few days focused God and in the company of other spiritual women, free from distractions of life and to renew your covenant with God.  God did not intend us to work alone, that is selfish.  He is always with us and sometimes, He sends angels in the form of another sister to help us through a storm.  A storm is any problem, ailment or sin in your life that distracts you or keeps you away from God.  (No, not children, they are your blessing and it is your role to direct them to God.)

Speaking of storms, if you are going through a storm, stop and pray.  Have faith that God is in control.  Remember, when you feel like God is doing nothing, He is really up to something but waiting for you.  You have to believe and obey.  If you are unable to sleep at night, give it to God and let Him do the night shift.  If you are stressed, write it down and offer it to God.  If you are in sin, stop and seek the advice of a spiritual leader or friend.  We all go through storms and chaos, but it is our lack of faith that causes us to worry and doubt.  It is our lack of faith that keeps us away from God or feel that we can do it better than wait for God.  Once you truly give it to God (no take backs), you allow Him to work.  Look for His actions and just follow…

Be of good cheer, He is always near.

Athena

Ladies Retreat Friday to Monday...
Keep exercising and praying,
Athena