Women Alive Online Cafe: Expresso Yourself!

A great day in Sarnia!

2010-02-22T09:32:00.004-05:00

Sarnia is my original hometown and it was encouraging to be back there on Saturday with women, men, and teen girls for a great day of "Just the Word", a partnership of Women Alive and Precept Ministries.

Topics included:
Nehemiah with Margaret Gibb
Women of Worth with Ruth Coghill
James with Jennifer Petersen
Truth for Youth with Michelle Nagle

If you attended 'Just the Word', we would love to hear how you were impacted and what God spoke to your heart during our time in His Word, the Bible.

You can post your comments here or email us at info@womenalive.org.

Talk to you soon!
Michelle

Did you see Wendy Pauls on the Love Dare?

2010-02-19T08:37:00.000-05:00

Did you see Wendy Pauls and her husband, Kevin on 100 Huntley Street's "The Love Dare", leading up to Valentine's Day? This book was inspired by the film, Fireproof and gives couples a different challenge or 'dare' each day.

The Pauls' and two other couples share their experiences on this 40 day journey. You can check it out at www.100huntley.com.

Have you done the Love Dare with your spouse?

How did you spend Family Day?

2010-02-18T08:06:00.001-05:00

If you live in a part of Canada that celebrated Family Day this past Monday, how did you spend it this year?

We want to hear your stories! Post your comments here.

Last day for Sarnia advance registration!

2010-02-17T10:34:00.001-05:00

Today is the last day for Sarnia 'Just the Word' advance registration.

Walk-in registrations will be accepted, but lunch is not guaranteed.

Click here for more details and to register

OR

Call us at 1-800-387-4753.

Hope to see you there!
Michelle

Jesus by Candlelight

2010-01-25T09:32:00.002-05:00

I turned off the lights, lit some scented candles, cued itunes to shuffle mode, piled blankets and pillows on the floor, and sat down with my Bible and journal for a date night with Jesus.

It was simple and beautiful.

I came thankful -- for specific answers to prayer, for seeing God use simple gestures to work in someone's life, for confidence that He is leading, for friends that make me laugh and feel loved, for dreams that are taking flight.

Before I knew it, it was midnight.

Acts 3:19 says, "Times of refreshing come from the presence of the Lord." and Psalm 46:10 reminds us to "Be still and know that I am God."

Have you rested in His presence lately? Take time, wherever you are, to be still and thank Him that He is God and He is in control.

Hugs,

Michelle

Who you gonna call?

2010-01-22T08:03:00.001-05:00

Who's the first person you call when crisit hits? Your mom, your best friend, your husband or boyfriend?

What if the first person you turned to was...God? What if, before lifting the phone or sending a text, you stopped and prayed first?

God doesn't want to be an afterthought once we've exhausted all of our other resources. He wants us to come to Him, our Father, first. I've found that when I seek Him first, it causes me to trust in Him more, to find comfort in Him more, and to be thankful for those He has placed in my life who I can turn to next if necessary - remembering that they are a blessing but only human. :)

I challenge you to make God your 'go-to' man for the next 30 days. Talk to Him first, cry it out to Him first, celebrate with Him first...then step back and watch Him work!

Turning to Jesus with you,

Michelle

We can help Haiti!

2010-01-21T16:02:00.003-05:00

Please visit the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (www.evangelicalfellowship.ca) for information on how you can give to Haiti relief efforts.

Remember to keep the people of Haiti and those providing emergency support in your prayers.

Does God have 'best before' dates?

2010-01-15T12:43:00.004-05:00

I stood at my kitchen counter preparing my grocery list for Christmas. Normally, my grocery list is rather small, but this Christmas with my family, Mom and brother joining our festivities, it was sure to be much longer.

I looked through my fridge and cupboards for items that I had on hand and at the same time checked “best before dates.” I kicked into multi-tasking mode as I chucked half-empty bags of chips, partially empty salsa jars, mayo, and salad dressings. “My word,” I said to myself, “there’s nothing wrong with this stuff.”

Yet knowing my family, someone will pick up a bag of chips and yell, “Mom, this is old! The expiry date was 3 months ago!” The bag of chips will immediately land up in the garbage bin and be deemed non-edible.

In our throw away society, many things have a shelf life. Besides most food items, magazines, movies, and books have a shelf life. Few make it as classics with notable longevity.

Do our gifts and abilities have a shelf life? Do our God-given gifts come with a ‘best before” date? No! Thankfully God doesn’t operate by the terms of our ‘throw away society’. He has a plan and a purpose for us that fits into His larger plan for the world and His redemptive purposes. God will use many ways to grow and develop us, honing and expanding our gifts and abilities for greater use.

Like wine and cheese, the development of our gifts and abilities actually gets better in time. So don’t ‘shelf’ yourself. See 2010 as a gift – another year to allow God to work in and through moving you along to fulfill your divine purpose.

Your friend,
Margaret

Praying for Haiti

2010-01-14T15:59:00.003-05:00

Please join us in prayer for the hundreds of thousands of lives impacted by the earthquake in Haiti.

If you know someone who is living or serving in Haiti, please post their name in the Comments section so we can join you in prayer for them.

And pray too that through this devastation, the nation will find their hope in Jesus Christ and that we all, as Canadian women, will not just watch the news reports but respond in love, compassion, and generosity toward their plight.

Praying with you,
Michelle

Making the Choice to Make a Difference

2010-01-13T14:00:00.006-05:00

Last night, I went to the movies with two friends to see "Blind Side".

As I was reflecting on this inspiring, heartwarming, true story I was struck by the reminder, once again, that small choices add up.

Sandra Bullock plays the role of real-life mom, Leigh Ann Tuohy, who intervenes in the life of a young man named Michael. Michael's upbringing left him without a home, without a family, and without hope.

In an early scene in the movie, Leigh Ann sees Michael walking outside in freezing cold weather in just a t-shirt and shorts. At that moment she made a choice: moved to action and compassion, Leigh Ann told her husband pull the car over and she got out of the car to approach Michael and ask where he was headed. That decision -- though seemingly minute at the time -- began a series of choices that would forever change their lives.

And it all began with one small choice...after another...and another.

What small choice can you make today to influence someone's life with the love of Christ?

Making the choice to make a difference,
Michelle

Open Doors

2010-01-11T08:03:00.001-05:00

How many times do we pray for God to open doors, not realizing the 'doors' He has already called us to walk through?

I love the chorus of Francesca Battistelli's "It's Your Life":

It’s your life
What you gonna do?
The world is watching you
Every day the choices you make
Say what you are and who
Your heart beats for
It’s an open door
It’s your life
--

If the choices we make every day reflect who we are and what we believe, then each day is an open door -- to share our faith, to live out love, and to make a difference for Christ in a world that desperately needs real life!

"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." ~ John 10:10

What 'open doors' do you have every day? How will you share your faith with those around you by the choices you make this year?

Talk to you soon!
Michelle

New Years Resolutions: Small Choices Add Up

2010-01-07T14:03:00.005-05:00

Over the past week, I have had several conversations with friends and colleagues about 2010 and the hope a new year brings. One theme that keeps coming to the forefront is that we have 365 days in a year (which means we have just 358 days left of 2010) and the choices we make each day, no matter how small they may seem, do add up over the course of a year.

Have you thought about the small choices you made today and how -- if they continue -- they will add up over 365 days just like today? Choosing discipline instead of laziness, faithfulness instead of apathy, trust instead of fear, prayer instead of worry...in each situation big and small, these choices will make a huge difference in the woman you are by the end of 2010.

I often encourage young people who want to grow in their faith to start spending time with God each day, even if for just five minutes initially and then to increase a bit each day. It's a great place to start if you've never set aside time just for you, God, and His Word. But as I thought about this the other day, I realized that spending 5 minutes with God each day for a year would result in less than 1 1/2 days total spent with God...out of 365*!!

So, while five minutes a day is a great place to start, it's also important that we continue to grow -- because God definitely deserves (and desires!) more than just 1 day of our year. Don't you think?

What choice will you make today that will help you grow closer to God this year?

Happy New Year!

Michelle

----

*Calculation:

5 minutes x 365 days = 1825 minutes (approx. 30 hours)

There are 1440 minutes in one day.

Save the date!

2010-01-03T08:18:00.003-05:00

Save the date & register today: Women Alive Spring 2010 Cconference Registration is now open for most events!

Sarnia "Just the Word" - February 20, 2010

Grande Prairie Regional Conference - March 26-27, 2010

Cambridge "Just the Word" - April 10, 2010

Waterloo Annual Conference - April 23-25, 2010

Hope for a New Year!

2010-01-01T08:10:00.001-05:00

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.

~ Isaiah 43:18-19

The Birth of Jesus

2009-12-25T08:02:00.001-05:00

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"—which means, "God with us."

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

~ Matthew 1:18-25 (NIV)

Author Christmas Memories: Diane Roblin-Lee

2009-12-21T09:07:00.003-05:00

This month, we're featuring Christmas memories from your favourite Canadian Christian authors.

As a child of 11 in 1956, I used to trudge along messy sidewalks carrying my heavy, rented accordion. Hoisting it up onto the crowded bus for the long, grey ride from Fort Garry to downtown Winnipeg, then off again and finally up a long, dark stairway to my lessons, was quite a feat. I desperately wanted an accordion of my own, but ministers didn’t make much money in those days.

Mom and Dad and I had recently moved from Ontario and so were far from friends and family. There were just the three of us gathered around our little tree that Christmas morning. Just before we began the excitement of opening our gifts, Dad said, “Diane, could you please go out to the porch and bring in the box I left out there?”

The porch was frigid. Wait! There was a suitcase with a big red bow on it! It couldn’t possibly be an accordion case! But it was heavy.... Dad smiled. “Open it up.”

Inside was a shiny blue accordion with gold accents and gleaming white keys. Ohhhhhh! Dad died in 1995, but whenever I get that old accordion out to play, I am warmed by the memory of his sacrificial love.
--
Diane Roblin-Lee's latest title is a legacy workbook called, "To My Family...My Life."

Sarnia & Grande Prairie Registration Now Open: Just in time for Christmas!

2009-12-18T12:48:00.015-05:00

Sarnia "Just the Word"
With Precept Ministries
For women, men and teens!
February 20, 2010 (Bethel Church, Sarnia)
Choose 1 of 6 breakout tracks
(Nehemiah, Philippians, Women of the Word, James, Following Jesus, Truth for Youth).
Click here for more details and to register.

Grande Prairie 11th Annual Regional Conference
March 26-27, 2010 (Christian Fellowship Assembly, 11449 - 92 Street, Grande Prairie)
Keynote & Breakout Speaker: Donna Carter
National Office Rep & Breakout Speaker: Michelle Nagle
Click here for more details and to register.

Plus, registration opening January 2010 for:

Cambridge "Just the Word" with Precept Ministries: April 10, 2010 (Click for details)
Waterloo Annual Conference: April 23-25, 2010 (Click for details)

Help us promote our 2010 events in your church!
Contact Michelle for brochures, bulletin inserts, and powerpoint slides at info@womenalive.org.

Author Christmas Memories: Denyse O'Leary

2009-12-14T07:55:00.003-05:00

This month, we're featuring Christmas memories from your favourite Canadian Christian authors.

Time to confess: I’ve never been a fan of Christmas as it is so often “celebrated”. Too often it has meant ... endless baking for the already overfed, added to the intellectual torture of finding gifts for people who have everything they need (and don’t really want what I will finally end up giving them either). And - this is worst of all - vicious fights between revelers who got along while kept apart, but Christmas festivities unfortunately drove them together.

Christ Child, where ARE you? I have so often wondered.

But one oasis has been timeless - the Christmas Eve midnight church service. Anticipating the bells of midnight, we are transported far, far from commercial harassment and social stress. There we worship, and acknowledge once more the impossible redemption made possible - and by a baby too!

Actually, only God would think of sending a baby rather than an invincible army of angels.

I come back home and light all the Advent candles and think, yes, he came to redeem this VERY situation we struggle with. And he will - if we let him.

---
Denyse Leary, is co-author with Mario Beauregard of "The Spiritual Brain: A Neuroscientist’s Case for the Existence of the Soul."

Author Christmas Memories: Sue Augustine

2009-12-07T08:05:00.005-05:00

This month, we're featuring Christmas memories from your favourite Canadian Christian authors!

A while ago, my husband and I, with our two grown daughters, made a decision to reduce the hassles of Christmas by celebrating with less commercialism. We’ve always emphasized the true meaning of Christmas – the birth of Christ - but we expected some resistance from our four grandchildren when we explained there’d be less focus on presents under the tree and more emphasis on family time. So we were surprised at their delight when they found out we’d chosen to pool our money and take a vacation together instead of exchanging gifts.

A northern Ontario resort offered us cozy cottages with fireplaces, plus an outdoor rink, indoor pool, tubing hills, horse-drawn sleigh rides and a forest with hiking trails. Mornings were spent congregating in one of the cottages for a big breakfast and some reading, puzzles, artwork or crafts. Then we’d bundle up and have a fun day outdoors playing in the snow, ice skating and tobogganing. Later, we gathered around the fireplace, warmed up with hot chocolate, and got out the board games.

Christmas dinner was relaxed as we made do with plastic bowls and not enough serving spoons! But there was plenty of roast turkey with all the fixings, served with candles and linens brought from home. Later, we were pleased to hear our 8-year old grandson’s answer when a friend asked, “How did you like Christmas without gifts?” AJ replied, “Presents wear out, but memories last forever!”

--
Sue Augustine is author of "Turn Your Dreams into Realities", "When Your Past is Hurting Your Present", and her most recent release, "Sanity Secrets for Stressed-Out Women".

Author Christmas Memories: Sheila Wray Gregoire

2009-11-30T08:07:00.002-05:00

In the month ahead, we'll be featuring Christmas memories from your favourite Canadian Christian authors!

When my daughter Rebecca was almost three we had our last encounter with true Christmas innocence. As the family gathered around the tree, Grandpa handed her a gift. She was thrilled. And then Grandpa tried to give her another package. Looking confused, she protested, “but I already have a present.” She didn’t know more were coming, and she was grateful for what she had.

That was then. This is now. Her younger sister Katie never experienced that innocence because she had a big sister telling her about the haul they were about to get.

To try to combat this we have instituted the “Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh” principle. Each child gets a Gold gift—something they want. And they get the Frankincense gift—something they need. But finally they get the Myrrh gift—something to help them grow spiritually. And that’s it.

And I pray that as they start to think more about the meaning of Christmas, and not the greed of Christmas, we can recapture that look of pure bliss on Rebecca’s face just to be remembered. For God remembered us, and I hope we never forget it.

---
Sheila Wray Gregoire is the author of four books, including "To Love, Honor and Vacuum: When you feel more like a maid than a wife and a mother."

What do you want out of life?

2009-11-23T15:06:00.007-05:00

What a BIG question!
What a GREAT question! What do you want out of life?

I recognize that my daily actions answer it whether I’ve consciously considered it or not. My actions and behaviours are what demonstrate what is most important to me. I can SAY that family or God is most important, but if I am spending more time and energy on career or ministry or whatever else steals my focus, I need to remember, “Actions speak louder than words.” A lot louder!

The good news is that once I become aware of the question, I can choose to give a different answer – not only through what I say, but what I do and how I choose to respond. So, what DO I want out of life? I want to invest my God-given talents, gifts, skills and abilities to help other people discover and invest theirs. I believe that God has FILLED us with potential (we are made in the image of God!!) and I am passionate about helping to unleash it…for the glory of God. (Hold me back – I’m getting worked up here!).

I have a favourite quote on my website that really sums it up for me. It’s from Viktor Frankl, a concentration camp survivor (which makes the quote all the more powerful). He says, “Everyone has his own specific vocation or mission in life…Therein he cannot be replaced, nor can his life be repeated. Thus, everyone’s task is unique as is his specific opportunity to implement it.” Now here’s my paraphrase, “You are unique. God made you for a purpose and there’s no one else who can take your place.”

What if you REALLY believed that – from the top of your head to the tip of your toes? What impact would it have on your life?

~ Wendy

2009-11-17T08:41:00.001-05:00

Are there any tree climbers out there? Luke 19:1-10 records the story of Zaccheus' move up the trunk.

Climbing trees did not happen every day in Zaccheus' life but this day it was necessary. Not only could he see Jesus from the height of the tree but his nest made him visible as well. As Jesus looked up and saw him he said, "Zaccheus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house." Thirteen words spoken by the master took only seconds to speak. Fortunately Zaccheus responded to Jesus’ instruction and he entered the discussion. Verse 8 says And Zaccheus stopped and said to the Lord, "Behold, Lord, half of my possessions I will give to the poor, and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will give back four times as much."

Notice how his selfish interests came full circle during that short conversation with Jesus. It was worth all the effort of skinned shins for he never lived the same way after that.

You may not have to climb a tree to get into a life changing conversation, for they often happen unexpectedly, but it's good to be on the watch for those words that can change your life.

An old Chinese proverb states: A single conversation across the table from a wise person is worth a month's study of books.

Even though it wasn't table talk for the wee man and Jesus, I'm sure Zaccheus would agree with that proverb.

When have you had a conversation that changed your life? Was it unexpected?

~ Ruth

How is God developing your character?

2009-11-10T11:40:00.002-05:00

“We have to learn to trust God!” Her tone was emphatic as she challenged me to stop the worry-talk and trust God. My Mother at 82 has served Jesus since her birth! Her life-story is filled with incredible challenges, heartache and strange twists and turns yet the not-destroyable rope weaved throughout her story is her faith - simple, uncomplicated, and child-like.

Through the years, I have often sought her counsel. She has her strong opinions of what should and should not be done, but the bottom line is always the same: “We have to learn to trust God!”

Learning to trust God is a two-way street. Through life, we are learning to trust God but He is also testing us to see if we are able to let go and trust Him, not just half-heartedly but totally and fully!

My worry-points have been many and varied –from the ridiculous to genuine and real concerns. I’ve worried if a parking ticket mailed in at the post office would get lost in the mail and I would be doubly fine or worse yet, get arrested! I’ve walked miles working through stress-filled-worry kind of praying trying to build up my faith and believe that my house would sell in a season when the buyers were scarce and we were strapped into a short selling time. When I found myself in a Montreal hospital in a life-threatening tubal pregnancy and facing immediate surgery, I worried.

It’s only as I’ve looked back on my faith-growing journey that I clearly see, I worried far too much. “Learning to trust God” has been a long process and the one “its-taken-forever to-learn” lesson that has developed my character the most.

One of my Bible heroes is the little boy who gave Jesus his lunch. Five thousand men plus women and children gather to hear Jesus. It’s lunch time – a panic moment – because there is no place to buy the amount of bread they need and it would cost a small fortune to feed such a crowd – money they did not have. Philip is stressed, Andrew gets silly and points to a little boy with a lunch that would at best nourish 3 normal-sized appetites. Jesus takes over.

He asks everyone to sit down, takes the small five barley loaves and two fishes and holds up the problem and resources on hand, to His Father and prays. What a glorious day to witness God at work and see more and more lunch appear to feed every last man, woman and child and then have an astonishing 12 baskets of left-over’s picked up for the community food bank!

How is God developing my character? He is teaching me that worry must not be part of my agenda. I must hold up the problem and the resources I have and give them to Jesus and allow Him to take over and do His work. The result is always astonishing even when I have to wait for it. “Trust in the Lord with all you heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.” Prov. 3:5

How is God developing your character?

Your friend,
Margaret

Obstacle or Opportunity?

2009-11-03T08:07:00.002-05:00

I did not want to do it. I did not want to depend on someone else for support. But friends offered to set up a fundraiser day to help with the finances of an upcoming trip to India. Items for the silent auction, an important part of the day, were very slow coming in. Finally I made up my mind I needed to collect something to put on the auction tables. Humbly, I went to stores I frequented throughout our years in Fergus.

I began a conversation with the owners, telling them briefly what Bob and I would be doing... teaching, speaking and providing music for Christian leaders in India, Nepal and Thailand. Their interest piqued and they began to ask questions. A conversation ensued. Before I knew it I had an armload of beautiful gifts to set out on the auction tables.

In spite of the awkwardness I felt at the beginning, it turned out to be a very enriching experience. The week following the event (which included a car rally, pig roast, live music and silent auction), not only did I return to each business place with a thank you but the occasion gave rise to an opportunity to write the local paper commending the generosity of businesses in the area.

Often the obstacles in our lives lead to opportunities that might otherwise not been possible. Can you think of a time when you faced an obstacle head on and through it you encountered an unexpected advantage?

Judges 4:1-23 records an unusual account of opportunity offered to Deborah the prophetess.
Read it and look for the many details that made the occasion possible. Were these coincidences? If not, how can you explain the perfect timing?

To succeed, jump as quickly at opportunities as you do at conclusions. ~ Benjamin Franklin

When have you seen God turn an obstacle into an opportunity in your life? Could there be one right now?

Ruth

Thanks to you!

2009-10-27T11:41:00.001-04:00

Thanks to everyone who joined us in Toronto this past weekend for our Women Alive Toronto Conference. What a day it was!

A strong theme of redemption and hope in the midst of challenging life circumstances was woven through many of our speakers' presentations, as they shared their own stories of God's faithfulness in their lives.

Joanne Goodwin asked whether we are in Babylon longing for 'the better days' of Jerusalem. Do we feel as though we are in exile and don't deserve the harsh realities we are facing? She reminded us that there are certain things in life we can't change: our parents, the loss of a loved one, etc. but we can trust that God is still in control and knows what He is doing in our lives.

What is your 'Babylon'? Don't forget, our 'Babylon' experiences are often the ones that God will use the most to help us comfort and encourage others going through similar experiences.

Look forward to seeing you again, on this side or the next!
Michelle

What are your hobbies?

2009-10-13T15:05:00.004-04:00

Isn’t it interesting to look back and see how our hobbies can change over the years? I can remember a variety of hobbies, and some make me laugh just thinking about them. Here’s a quick walk down memory lane – maybe some of you will join me. There were the days of collecting things: key chains (I had hundreds), Precious Moments, teddy bears (I’m not referring to a childhood collection here – a grown woman with a house full of teddy bears), and stickers (scratch & sniff were my personal favourite). The collecting phase moved into the craft phase: macramé (does anyone still do this?), rug hooking, crocheting, hand-painted clothing (which turned into a business venture) and the still popular scrap booking to name a few.

As I take the time to reflect back, I am entertained by the positive associations I have with each of them. They bring back some really fond memories of various seasons in my life…I’m actually sitting here smiling. And I’m realizing the important role that hobbies can play in our lives: they can serve as a creative outlet; they are often social activities (or can be); they are a way to relax and let go of the everyday stresses of life. But aren’t they often one of the first things to get “bumped” when life gets busy? Not any more. I am committing to setting aside more time for hobbies – for crafts, for creativity, for time with friends and family.

What about you? What are your hobbies? What role do they play in your life?

I’d love to hear from you!
Wendy

What you wish you had known...

2009-10-06T16:34:00.000-04:00

In one week, I will turn 26; just seven days left of being 25. It's been an interesting year to say the least and I'm definitely looking forward to what God has in store for my 26th year!

I love to journal to keep track of my prayers and how God is at work in my life. I can't help but wonder what things I will look back on and see how I could have done them differently. Will the things that seem 'major' now be inconsequential a year from now? Five years from now? And will the 'minor' details prove to bear fruit in more significant ways as time goes on?

If you could go back to your 25-year-old self, what would you say? What do you wish you had known at this age? Or if you're still in your early twenties, what kind of advice would you find helpful?

I'd love to hear from you!
Michelle

What are 2 of your best personality qualities?

2009-09-28T11:34:00.001-04:00

I find it interesting in my coaching practice that if I ask a client to list their flaws or things they don’t like about themselves, they can rhyme off a list without delay. However, when I ask them to list their strengths or what they DO like about themselves, there is often hesitation (or a very short list!). I am saddened by the fact that we often associate identifying our strengths with conceit or bragging. And so I’d like to point out that knowing you are a good cook is no different than knowing you have brown eyes – it’s just a fact. What makes it bragging is when we “compare” with others and consider ourselves better than someone else. (OK…I’ll get down off my soapbox now :) )

Back to the question at hand…what are two of my best personal qualities?
What pops up for me right now is determination and creativity. From a young age I learned that if I really wanted something (not in a material sense) and I stuck with it and tried different approaches, I could figure out a way to make it happen. I still think like that today. “Where there’s a will, there’s a way!” Likely, this is where my creativity comes into play. Solutions to challenges are rarely “in the box” but instead often require looking at things in new and different ways.

My challenge today? Getting as many of you as possible to share YOUR best qualities right here on this blog.

My solution? Hmmmm…any ideas?

How do I personally define success?

2009-09-21T08:45:00.001-04:00

As a woman and leader, how do I personally define success?

I often take a 30,000 foot view on my life and realize that in my lifetime, I have been about 6 different women. I am totally different today than when I was at 16, 24, 39, 45, 50 and 60.

We all come fresh from the hand of God with a specific purpose and plan. Buried deep within us are gifts and talents that need to be discovered, used, and developed. The ultimate goal is to function within our giftings to bring the highest good and greatest glory to God.

Because we all have issues, insecurities, past baggage and fears, the discovery and development of our gifts and gift-mixes is a long and sometimes painful process.

My own teen years of deep and crippling insecurity and fear of people was a labor-some inner process to bring me to the place of public leadership today. For years, I was locked in a self-inflicted prison that became a place of comfort and strange security. Being drawn out of that fear-filled and personal debilitating place could only happen by yielding in often baby-steps to the call of the Spirit.

The steps I followed are well identified in Robert Clinton’s book: “The Making of a Leader”:
Awareness of a gift
Discovery of a gift
Increased use of a gift
Effectiveness in using that gift
Discovery of other gifts
Identification of gift-mixes
Development of gift-mixes.

Success is not measured by what I can do, but by what God and I are doing together to draw out latent gifts and abilities that He has placed within me. God will allow and bring into our lives all sorts of circumstances, tough positions and often challenging people. I am called to yield with His workings, learn and grow.

If I honor God in the processes, He will honor me. Haggai 2:20-23 gives this assuring, rock-solid word: “I will honor you. I will treat you like a signet ring on my finger for I have specially chosen you. I, the Lord Almighty, have spoken.”

What stage best describes where you are at in using your gifts for God?

Your friend,
Margaret

How do you define success? (Part 1)

2009-09-14T08:43:00.001-04:00

Working in Women Alive, I have been frequently asked, “So, what is your annual budget?” or “How many women are in your database?” or “How many attended your conferences last year?” These are common questions asked to determine success.

While strategic plans, goals and stats are important, numbers are only a small part of what determines success. In a ministry such as Women Alive, the impact of changed lives cannot be fully measured in this lifetime and certainly not by numbers.

How do you define success?

~ Margaret

Continued next week...

Where are you, God?

2009-09-07T07:55:00.004-04:00

"I didn’t want it to end up like this," she cried into the phone. "I'm so alone. Life is not worth living."

Suffering from a mental illness, her life had become too complicated. Nothing made sense. How could there be purpose if this is all there is? If this is the way it ends?

I wonder if any of you have ever had those identical feelings of doubt and confusion. The roadblocks we talked about earlier often give rise to mental uncertainty. From the human perspective, bleakness hovers.

In Mark 15: 16-25 we read about what the disciples experienced during Jesus' last day before he died. Their friend, mentor and guide was tried in a Roman court and crucified. All potential hope of a better life buried with the saviour. Or so they thought.

Did they think right?

Try to imagine some of the thoughts that might have gone through the disciples minds?

Did they anticipate life taking this sharp turn? How would you feel if you had been there?

All the confusion that clouded their thinking did not make sense. But again, when bleakness hovers, where is God? In God's big picture, what happened on the day Christ hung on the cross?
Think of a time in your life when you could not understand (maybe right now) what good could possibly come from all the confusion in your life. Have you been able to look back and discover God at work?

Consider this when you face life's confusing times:
"God's silence is in no way indicative of His inactivity or involvement in our lives. He may be silent but He is not still." ~ Dr. Charles Stanley

I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Ruth

Roadblocks and Waiting

2009-09-02T07:56:00.005-04:00

Did I hear correctly? The words that filtered through my mind, but did not register, came from my husband who told me that he no longer had a job. It couldn't be. Thirty years of climbing the business ladder of success could not possibly be at an end. With four children -- one in university, one in high school, one in public school, and one in diapers -- there needed to be a pay cheque. It would not come from me, for I enjoyed the “stay at home mom” role.

"When does this take effect?" I cautiously asked.

"You didn’t hear me, did you? I do not have a job." My temporary hearing loss protected me momentarily from the shock of such unexpected news.

Suddenly, I recalled my prayer of just days earlier asking God to free Bob up just a little (not a lot), as he frequently travelled. As General Manager of the company, he worked long hours.
Without warning, the next day, Monday, Bob ate breakfast with all of us. Then, lunch with me and supper with all of us again. The next day repeated that Monday and each day following for several months.

Roadblocks...we all have them at some time in our life. Life as we once enjoyed comes to an abrupt halt, leaving us with a form of whiplash. The muscles, sinews and ligaments in our head have been stretched and torn. Thinking becomes a mixture of doubt, confusion and fear causing more wear and tear on an already fragile mind.

For the Coghill family, this roadblock forced us to make some decisions we had not intended to make. Well-established in Windsor at the time, we had just finished renovations and added a beautiful in-ground pool to our yard. Our eldest son studied at the University of Windsor with a final year ahead. We had every reason to stay except... no job.

Look at the verses God directed me to at the beginning of that year: Psalm 27:1 & 14, "The Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid? Wait on the Lord be of good courage and He shall strengthen thy heart. Wait, I say on the Lord." God provided through His word the hope that He had not forsaken us. He wants to do the same for you.

Naomi portrays a woman whose life, for a number of years, contained many roadblocks. Famine, a major move, the death of her husband, then within ten years the death of her two sons. Her provision, security and identity threatened, she battled many of the questions all of us do when confronted with the STOP sign. Where to turn? Where to go? Read in Ruth 1: 1-18. Feeling forsaken by God, these roadblocks forced her to make choices.

Can you think of any positive outcome from roadblocks? What new life awaited Naomi because of those challenges?

Let me know what roadblocks you are facing. What are you learning through them? Let's talk.

ie girl Early Bird ends Monday, Aug. 31

2009-08-28T11:21:00.003-04:00

If you're a mom, grandma, or mentor to teen girls, you don't want to miss our ie girl Eastern Canada Weekend coming November 13-14, 2009 to Brantford, Ontario.

Register Today - Early Bird Deadline is August 31st. ($65 each, includes lunch) Plus, with our Group Special, you can register 10, get the 11th free.

Last year's event sold out, don't miss out!

Check out http://www.iegirl.ca/ for more details. Or, you can give me a call at 1.800.387.4753.

See you there!
Michelle

Consequences of Life's Mistakes

2009-08-21T08:56:00.006-04:00

Mistakes are inevitable. Life is a teacher. Mistakes are lessons that develop and change us.
My mistakes have covered a wide-range of choices and experiences from speeding on a residential street late at night because I was too tired to care (and, as a consequence, getting a ticket ) to making 30 apple pies in one day and working myself into a very horrible snap-at-everyone mood because I foolishly took on too much.

Other mistakes have been more costly. Trusting people, one of the key characteristics in my personality type, has very rich rewards as well as sorry consequences. Experiencing betrayal from what was a trusted relationship makes the heart pain and leaves one with the understanding that trust is strong like steel, unable to be easily broken, and it can also be as thin as ice in a post-Winter season. Once broken, it is almost never repairable.

A recurring mistake that has been part of my developing story is what Zachariah experienced when an angel told him that his wife, Elizabeth, who was aged and barren would give birth to a son. Zachariah, a priest, did not believe the message and as a consequence his capability to speak was taken away until the child, John, was born.

I too have battled faith and doubt when the circumstances in my life seemed, at the time, impossible for even God to answer and all I saw was a dark and miserable future. Or, when amazing opportunities came as open doors, yet I struggled with self-doubt and my perceived lack of ability to meet the responsibilities -- inwardly fighting to pull back, yet that divine call like a woman giving birth, was there pushing me to walk through the open door into something new and greater.

The consequences have been a long journey in releasing the draining emotional toll of belief and doubt, hope and fear, asking yet going into full-blown worry, and then finally in surrender reaching out with my two arms to my all-caring, all-giving Father and saying “Take it, I surrender again.”

I have learned about God’s redeeming grace in my lifetime. He has worked to provide answers, has never disappointed me and has remained consistently faithful. He had has His own way of showing me that I acted like a foolish child who put herself through an emotional wringer when it wasn’t necessary. He is in charge, in control and working. I continue to need to trust Him.

What mistakes have you learned from in your life?

Your friend,
Margaret

Fall Registration Open

2009-08-14T10:31:00.003-04:00

It's that time of year! Our fall event registration is now open - register today to take advantage of our early bird discounts.

Register online at www.womenalive.org or by phone: 1-800-387-4753.

Don't miss our "Real Life, Real Purpose, Real Joy" conferences this fall:

August 29, 2009 - Elliot Lake
October 24, 2009 -Toronto (Early Bird Deadline: Sept. 18th)
November 7, 2009 - Montreal
November 13-14, 2009 - ie girl Eastern Canada Weekend, Brantford for girls 12 - 20, moms & mentors (Early Bird Deadline: Aug. 31st)

PLUS Spring dates including Western Canada locations being announced soon!

And, as always, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to let me know!

See you soon,
Michelle

So much to do; so little time

2009-07-27T07:00:00.002-04:00

So much to do—so little time...messages to prepare, CDs to produce, articles and study guides to write.

I had no other choice. I donned my helmet, kicked back the stand, jumped on my bicycle and rode out to the dam.
On the way, the smell of wild phlox and cedars filled my nostrils. To be honest, another country stench competed with the freshness of the flowers, threatening to spoil the beauty surrounding the trail. It did not succeed.

After twenty-five minutes of peddling, I arrived at the waters' edge of Belwood Lake. Quickly I forgot the long 'list' back home and drank in the tranquility.

Beside the still waters, I saw a Canada goose lazily floating upstream. I liked his approach to the day.
"In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength" (Isaiah 30:15) came to mind, encouraging me in my 'slow down.'

I needed the change of scenery and routine and came back with a new outlook on the long 'to do' list.

Yours will be different from mine but we all have 'to do' lists. Where could you go to renew your vision and refresh your spirit? It may be just another room in your home.

What could you do to enhance your environment? Simply putting a bouquet of flowers where you spend a lot of time might spur you on to creativity.

I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Ruth

Three Powerful Dynamics - Part 2

2009-07-20T08:00:00.001-04:00

Writers were introduced throughout the conference and had the opportunity to describe awards they had won and there were times set aside for writers to read from their works -perhaps a novel, a children’s book, prose or poetry. You should have heard the celebration for each contributor –enthusiastic applause filled the auditorium. And afterward, they were surrounded by many with sincere words and wishes for success.

Sitting together at our last dinner, we were bursting with energetic motivation that was generated throughout the weekend by the generous portions of enthusiasm along with wholehearted celebration.

Encouragement, Celebration, Motivation. Thinking of these three powerful dynamics, I find myself looking at my own life. Have I been given such wonderful gifts by others? More important though, have I contributed these gifts generously to others? What about you? Perhaps we should each make a list of answers to these two questions. Would you like to share your answers with me?

Eileen

Three Powerful Dynamics

2009-07-14T13:29:00.002-04:00

A few weeks ago I attended a writer’s conference. I met a lot of new people, both women and men of every age-group. They came from across Canada as well as from the US. I loved getting to know them, asking who they were, where they from and how they became interested in writing. I discovered they represented a variety of professions and careers, and not too many of them actually write for a living. It was interesting to hear stories of how they were inspired to begin.

Although we were strangers when we arrived, as the weekend progressed we became like family. We were there with one common interest - we had a bent for writing. We were all at different stages - some beginners, there to study the craft; others further advanced, seeking direction from the instructors regarding how to write for specific areas, such as devotional columns or novels. Some came with book proposals, ready to meet with publishers. Some, like me, were there to enhance their writing skills and to promote my new book which will be published by Castle Quay Books* by early September.

I noticed three powerful dynamics that marked the entire conference. Encouragement overflowed from one delegate to another. There was never a negative word – each one expressed appreciation for the efforts and work of others. No one asked, “Don’t you think that’s a bit too difficult for you?” or “Do you have the background to accomplish your goal?” or “Aren’t you too young (or too old)?”

It was support and encouragement all the way. How have you benefited from the encouragement of others? How do you show encouragement?

We'll look at two other dynamics next time,

Eileen

Summertime!

2009-07-07T11:24:00.004-04:00

You'll notice that we've taken a little bit of a break from the blog to enjoy summertime! We'll be back very soon with more talk around the coffee table.

In the meantime, be sure to check out our fall events and register at www.womenalive.org:

Elliot Lake Women & Teen Girls' Simultaneous Conferences - August 29, 2009
Women Alive Toronto Conference - October 24, 2009
Just the Word Montreal - November 7, 2009
ie girl Eastern Canada Weekend - November 13-14, 2009 (Early bird registration open now!)

See you soon!

Michelle

So you want to be a...Speaker? Part 2

2009-06-15T07:55:00.001-04:00

This is Part 2 of a 2-Part Blog in our "So you want to be a..." Career Series.

So You Want to be a...Speaker?

Tips #6 - 10:

6. Your presentation begins as soon you enter the room. People know you are the speaker and your presence and body language introduces you as the speaker more than the actual introduction.

7. When you step up to the lectern or podium – be confident and be yourself! Make eye contact, smile, warm up to the audience. Remember they want to hear from you but you have to win them over and make them feel that they can trust you. Your opening is critical in building audience connection and trust.

8. Learning to ‘read’ an audience is like developing an 8th sense – it is a learning process. From the vantage of a platform you can tell who is with you, who is agreeing, who is bored, and who is ‘on vacation’ mentally. You notice those looking at their watches, or seriously taking notes. Focus on those who are intently listening and keep making eye contact with them. These listeners will draw you out.

9. Wear appropriate clothing – usually business or business casual – and stay away from dangling earrings, low cut blouses and clanging brackets. These draw attention and take away from the listener’s focus.

10. Be a reader. Sometimes women feel that their shared story will be their message. A personal life story will only take you so far. What you are learning beyond the life story will take you further into public speaking. All leaders are readers. Public speakers are leaders. Read to expand yourself and especially read books written by the “greats”. Dig deep into the spiritual well of A.W. Tozer, Andrew Murray, Oswald Chambers, Elizabeth Elliot and other men/women of that caliber.

What have you learned from public speaking? Share your thoughts and tips with us!

Your friend,

Margaret

So you want to be a...Speaker?

2009-06-08T12:38:00.006-04:00

So you want to be a speaker?

Is there something within you wanting to become a public speaker? Do you feel you have a pertinent message for women today? Do you watch public speakers and say to yourself “I think I could do that”?

When I was a teen girl, the thought of public speaking terrified me. On the list of terrifying experiences, public speaking is at the top! As a shy, introverted young woman, I never dreamed that the desire, call or gift to speak publicly was lodged within me. Yet in time, God used circumstances, situations, and people to draw this gift out.

Sometimes the gift of public speaking is naturally expressed even in childhood but for most others, it is a gift buried deep within waiting to be released and needing the opportunity.

My development in this area came the hard way because the biggest hurdle I had to overcome was my fear of people. Learning to speak publicly was yet another development process.

Here are some things I’ve learned about public speaking:

1. Be well prepared. Learn how to prepare a message/talk that has content, humor, stories and life applications. In every presentation there should be 4 legs – Information, entertainment, passion and a call to action.

2. Ensure that there is a good flow in your material because you are taking your hearers on a journey. Review your material so that you are not rambling or disjointed in the flow. Have a strong beginning and a strong ending. Bookend your presentation.

3. Listeners today have short attention spans so you must have variety not only in material but in tone and pause points. Listeners come from the perspective of “what’s in it for me.” So the focus is on giving to them. Too much material can be overwhelming….even in public speaking, ‘less is more’.

4. Ensure that you have enough material to fill your allotted time. Respect the time given to you.

5. Don’t use too many ‘big’ words – be ordinary in your use of grammar. Remember the point is to be clearly understood. Stay away from “Uh…Uhhh…Ummmm” and comments such as : “I haven’t really prepared anything…” Women want content or they feel that their time has been wasted.

This is Part 1 of a 2-Part Blog in our "So you want to be a..." Career Series.

A Cheerful Heart is Good Medicine!

2009-05-28T16:05:00.000-04:00

“A cheerful look brings joy to the heart and good news gives health to the bones." Proverbs 15:30

King Solomon who was considered the wisest man who ever lived, gave this simple, yet powerful lesson - the importance of a smile and an optimistic word. As you move throughout your day, working, walking, traveling, attending a conference or whatever, do you take time to look at the countenances of the people you meet. You’ll notice a variety of expressions. Sometimes a scowl or a frown, maybe a look of anxiety and worry. You may meet expressions of deep concentration, anger or total absentmindedness.

These expressions don’t do too much for us, but what about that special face, with eyes shining and mouth smiling at us? What’s your first reaction - to smile back of course. Suddenly your whole heart is cheered up. I often feel I want to talk to that happy person. I think we should ask God to remind us to put a smile on our faces so we can bring joy to the heart of others. There is a young woman on the staff at Women Alive who glows with the light of Jesus. She always greets visitors with a cheerful look, and Solomon was right – we always leave with a heart full of joy.

What about good news and an optimistic report? A few weeks ago some friends visited me for a few days at my cottage. We had some work to do to prepare it for the summer, like putting up screens, washing windows, cleaning cupboards, along with other things. But the hours of work flew by and we enjoyed wonderful hours of sharing about what God is doing in our lives, reading special scripture passages and praying together. We all felt invigorated and energized by our time together – good news and an optimistic outlook gave ‘health to our bones.’

Who are the people in your life that are contributing joy to your heart and health to your bones? They are the ones you should stick to.

I’d love to hear how this is happening to you or how you are blessing others in this way. Please send me your thoughts.

Until next time,
Eileen

How do you define 'health'?

2009-05-25T08:59:00.000-04:00

When you hear the word health, what comes to mind? Absence of illness? Size or weight? Exercise? Diet?

The word health is so broad and big - almost abstract. What seems or feels “healthy” to one person might be very different to someone else’s picture of health.

Why is this significant? (and why I am I asking so many questions?!) The significance is that health is something that ALL of us want. We want to be free of pain, to have energy, to be able to carry out daily tasks with ease and so on. But sadly, our “vagueness” around what health looks like to us individually can actually prevent us from getting there (wherever “there” is!).

I struggled with this very issue in January of this year. With a milestone birthday approaching in the Spring, I had a personal goal to be “in the best shape of my adult life” by my birthday. The only problem was - I didn’t know how to turn that goal into a plan. My goal was abstract - and without having a clear idea of where I wanted to go, how could I expect to get there?

The fact is that we cannot do that which we cannot imagine. We need a clear picture of our destination in order to plan the steps to get there. Imagine a building that did not first have a blueprint. How would the builder know where to begin? A well thought out plan is half the battle.

So, I’m wondering...What does healthy living look like to you? I’d love to hear!

2009-05-21T10:33:00.001-04:00

May 7th, 2009:
I just returned from a bike ride, my first for this season- a forty minute mini vacation along the trail in our area. Thinking pleasant thoughts while cycling cleared my mind and energized my spirit.

In the Old Testament such care was given to each part of the tabernacle, where God met His people. Although God no longer dwells in the Old building, I've learned the value of looking after my temple, His new dwelling place.

1 Corinthians 6:19 "Or didn't you realize that your body is a sacred place, the place of the Holy Spirit?" The Message

As women we often feel selfish when we spend time on our own recreation and hobbies.
That's not a Scriptural teaching for Corinthians goes on to say that we are bought with a price, God owns all of us. Let's look after His possession.

What are you doing this spring that will keep you healthy physically, spiritually and mentally? I'd love to hear from you.

Suggestion: Dividing your day into three parts- morning, afternoon and evening is one way to know how you are doing looking after yourself.

You need one of those parts each day for rest and recreation. For instance, if you work at night, you'll need either morning or afternoon for rest and recreation.

Sometimes our schedules have two or three days where all three parts are booked up. In that event, we need a whole day or as many parts as we've missed.

As well, each day I like to ask myself what I've done in each category- body, mind and spirit.

Let's share some ideas.

Live like it's real, because it is!

2009-04-29T14:25:00.003-04:00

Were you in Waterloo this past weekend??

We had an incredible weekend with speaker Debbie Alsdorf, worship leaders Colleen and Grace, and singer Deborah Klassen. Breakout speakers addressed key issues facing women today - like how to parent adult children, deal with anger in a God-honoring way, marital struggles and divorce, happiness, thriving through change, and going deeper in prayer.

It was one of those weekends where you see God's hand on all of the little details, tying together the thoughts and scripture shared on stage in ways that no one could have planned but Him. :)

Going back to 'real life' after a transforming weekend away can sometimes hit us like a brick wall - we feel as though we've gone through a heart makeover, though our life situations often haven't changed a bit. "We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)

And let's remember the words of keynote speaker, Debbie Alsdorf who exhorted us all in our faith to "Live like it's real, because it is!"

Transformed,
Michelle

Women's Lives Changed

2009-04-20T15:14:00.008-04:00

It's here! The week of our Brandon and Waterloo conferences! It has been an incredible spring season, seeing God at work in lives of women across the country.

Margaret and I had the opportunity to travel to Grande Prairie, Alberta for our 10th Annual Women Alive conference in that city. Hearing women share their stories of how the past 10 years of conferences have impacted their relationship with God and how they have grown in their faith was a tremendous encouragement. We made new friends with women right from Grande Prairie, and many who had traveled through the snow -- up to seven hours! And we continue to lift up in prayer the families of several youth who lost their lives in an unrelated car accident not too far from Grande Prairie the same weekend as the conference.

The following weekend we were back in Brantford, Ontario (the home of our National Office) for our "Just the Word" conference with Precept Minstries. A woman there attended Margaret's sessions on Nehemiah and accepted Jesus Christ into her life just days later as a result!

This past weekend, Women Alive was at Missionfest Toronto. Thanks to everyone who came by the booth to say hello and share how God has used Women Alive to touch your life. Many of you shared that our annual Waterloo conference is the highlight of your year and a much-needed spiritual refreshment!

We're looking forward to this week ahead, with both Waterloo and Brandon conferences. And we're excited for all that God has in store - far more than we could ever ask or imagine!

Won't you join with us in prayer? That women attending these next two conferences will be impacted by the Truth of God's Word, the Hope of Jesus, and Joy of living for Him!

With love,

Michelle

A Cheerful Heart is Good Medicine

2009-04-07T11:03:00.003-04:00

“A happy heart makes the face cheerful ...and a cheerful heart is good medicine” (Prov. 15:13; 17:22).

What is so important about fun and relaxation that I would write about it three times? In the first two blogs, I shared experiences that were both fun for me and and relaxing at the same time. Both stories involved people, talking, laughing, sharing dinner and telling stories. Did you ever notice how much more fun you can have when there are others around? Being alone is not fun - you need someone to share it with.

Scientific studies have proven that “hanging out with friends for fun and relaxation actually counters stress that women experience on a daily basis.” Dr. Laura C. Klein, of Penn State University, says that engaging in friendships and relaxation reduces stress and produces a calming effect in one’s life. This fact has significant implications for our health. Dr. Klein and associate, Dr. Shelly Taylor found in their research that social ties, friendships and relationships “reduce the risk of disease by lowering blood pressure, heart rate and cholesterol.”

If having fun and relaxing with others is so good for us, why don’t we do it more? What is the stumbling block? Most of us are so busy, we think we don’t have time and we put our friends on the back burner, promising them and ourselves, “We’ll try for next week.” If only we could remember the source of strength our friendships provide, we would not be so quick to put them on hold. Is there a friend you need to call today and set up an uninterrupted time just to be together, to talk and share as friends do? It will be a healing experience.

I’d love to hear your thoughts about fun and relaxation. Why not take a moment to share some of your experiences with us.

Eileen

Seize the Moment!

2009-03-23T08:17:00.003-04:00

Life is busy for everyone. It seems like there is never enough time to do everything we need to do. Who has time to even think about fun and relaxation? One of my friends said to me recently, “I never take time to relax and have fun. I’m too busy.”

I started thinking about that. I have a full schedule as well and don`t plan for fun as often as I should, but somehow it seems to happen for me. Just a week or so ago, my 19 year-old grandson had a birthday and I was able to host the party. You can imagine ten young people around the table and everyone laughing and talking. It was wonderful - each one telling stories on the others. For about two hours I enjoyed the most wonderful entertainment. It was both fun and relaxing. I seized the moment.

Early last Sunday morning a friend I don`t see very often, called and asked if I could have lunch with her after church. It was a spontaneous invitation and I responded in the same way. She had made a scrumptious dinner and as we sat at her little table, beautifully set, we had lots of fun and laughter, as well as some serious conversation. After dinner, we relaxed in the living room and talked some more. Driving home, I realized how blessed I was. Those two hours, spontaneously ordered, were both fun and relaxing. We had seized the moment.

Eugene Peterson tells us we need to “pay attention to the ordinary,” and to realize that “God is in the everyday.” I agree. Sometimes we let the days slip by without watching for the special moments God may have planned for us - and we miss them. We keep waiting for that large block of time when we can take a big holiday when we think we will have lots of fun and relaxation. We need to keep our eyes open and watch for God’s everyday surprises - and seize those moments.

Have fun!

Till next time,
Eileen

Fun and Relaxation: Let Me Surprise You!

2009-03-16T11:18:00.003-04:00

A few weeks ago I hosted a dinner in my home. There were five of us. When I invited the guests (one was unable to come), they all asked who was coming. “Let me surprise you,” I told them. Each one of these women was a leader and none of them knew each other. One by one as they arrived, I could see their pleasure as they discovered new friends. We visited in the living room for a while before dinner and I could not believe what happened. As they began to talk and get acquainted with each other, it was like a spark had been lit. Joy and laughter exploded into the room. No one was a stranger anymore. We were having so much fun I hated to interrupt to gather them to the dinner table.

My intention in having this dinner party was to bring together young women in leadership for mutual edification, encouragement and connecting. Well, it certainly happened. The joy continued throughout the whole meal, but now it was on a different level. They began to ask each other about their lives and ministries, and they listened intently as each one shared her story. The respect and genuine interest on each face was an encouragement to the story-teller and I could see that she was being empowered just from being listened to, and the listeners were being edified by the words she was speaking. My heart was bursting with joy as I watched.

The evening flew by as these women shared experiences that face women in leadership, each one encouraging and building up the others by the reminders of God’s faithfulness through every situation. It truly was an evening of fun and relaxation. I lived on the crest of the joyful atmosphere for several days after.

Tell me about a special time of fun and relaxation you have experienced recently. I’d love to hear about it.

Eileen

Waterloo Early Bird

2009-03-10T16:02:00.002-04:00

Hi ladies!

Be sure to register this week for our Women Alive Waterloo Annual Conference to take advantage of our early bird offer and SAVE!

Head over to www.womenalive.org/events/waterloo09 for more details and to register.

Or call 1-800-387-4753.

~ Michelle

Waiting & Expectations

2009-02-23T08:15:00.007-05:00

It's so easy to be disappointed in our mates when they don't understand us, leave their socks on the floor, the toilet seat up or just because they don't know what we are thinking. (What are we thinking?)

God's design is for us to be Holy, not just happy. Knowing that God has given me the right mate to accomplish His purposes in my life helps me when conflict arises. I endeavour to ask the question, "What does God want me to learn in this situation?" Oftentimes it's simple: He wants to reinforce the fact that men and women are different and that is good. Exploring those differences helps us understand where 'our significant other' is coming from.

Case in point: One area of contention in our home has been that of 'waiting'. Just yesterday, I talked to my husband Bob, who said he was ready for me to pick him up from work. (We work with one vehicle until motorcycle weather.) When I arrived at his workplace five minutes later, he had gone on another short run. I had to wait. I convinced myself, in only seconds, that I didn't mind the wait, but what I did mind was the fact that he always says that he has to wait for me, and rarely, if ever, do I have to wait for him. I can't tell you how many years this has frustrated me (what I really mean is: it makes me MAD).

Since I was in the middle of this blog (Thanks God, for your clear sense of humour), I asked the Lord to show me what I needed to learn. After all, after forty years together, I should have it all together.

"AHA"- a light went on and God delivered on His promise to give wisdom when I ask. (James 1:5) The revelation was that each of us was coming from a "different frame of reference." For me, waiting is when a time has been set ("I'm ready NOW” or “Supper is at 5:30 and if you're not here, I'm waiting”)

For Bob, if we are going somewhere and he's ready first, he's waiting for me. Or at church, where I love to visit, if I'm not finished talking (!!!), he again is waiting. Of course, I began to see why he felt like he spends so much time waiting for me.

Since I've also learned (reluctantly) that he is not a mind reader, I confronted him this morning about my revelation. It opened up a great discussion and both of us could see that our idea of waiting was totally different. At the end of our friendly conversation, we both agreed that we need to make clarity a priority.

God's purpose is for me to discover that my mate cannot meet all my needs and I shouldn't expect him to. What I can expect, though, is that God, through Christ, can meet all my needs and be my eternal bridegroom. As I look to God for fulfillment, I can then treat my mate the way God intended: with love and respect. Perhaps then, a clearer picture of God's love for His bride will emerge from my marriage.

Let's talk about this area of our significant other. I'm sure together, we could strengthen one another and make the journey lighter. I want to hear from you.

Princesses and Knights in Shining Armour

2009-02-16T07:53:00.001-05:00

As I pondered how to begin this topic of significant other, I had a startling thought: "My marriage may be the only picture some people see, to help them understand God's love for His bride."

If that is true, what are those watching learning about God as they look in on my relationship with my husband? Is it the truth about God's love? I sure want to paint a beautiful rosy portrait, but honestly, I fall short in this area of closest human relationships. (No surprise there!)

But who is it that needs to change to make this happen? Any attempt to change my mate has shown me that it is like "trying to catch a squirrel by chasing it." Since that's a futile effort, I'll work on what I can control, changing myself.

The first change needs to be from my natural tendency of selfishness to God's call to selflessness. Now that's not natural. But then again, my life in Christ is not a call to the natural but the supernatural. What I can't do in my strength, He can, as I give Him my weakness.
Sheila Gregoire writes in ChristianWeek (Feb 1,2009) "He (God) made us women to yearn to be princesses who need to be pursued, but He also gave our husbands the need to feel like knights in shining armour!"

Since I tend to emphasize the 'pursuing of the princess' from that quote, I'd like a change here. During this month as we celebrate love, I purposefully want to choose God's plan to forget myself (that doesn't mean neglect) and think of all the ways I could bless my mate.

Ways to make your mate feel like a Knight

Find out about your husbands' hobby or special interest.
I never ever wanted to ride a motorcycle but when Bob retired, he purchased one. Concerned that I'd be bored just riding behind him, but knowing I needed to give it a try, I put on a used helmet and jacket and off we went. It didn't take long for me to discover what I'd never have known if I'd gone by my own preconceived idea: I really enjoy motorcycling. Now we have a wonderful group of brand new supportive friends who all love the sport. On a recent plane flight, I read an article from one of his many cycling magazines and really found it interesting. (Reading one of those magazines has taken about ten years...oops! Need some work here.)
What does your mate enjoy in his free time? How can you connect?

Watch a favourite movie with him. (His choice and no complaints!)
Washroom breaks only!

Bake him a favourite cake or pie from scratch and let him have a piece whenever he wants it. How often have I made Bob a treat and then given the leftovers to someone else. Shame on me!What can you whip up? It's not that difficult.

Listen to what he is saying (undivided attention) endeavouring to hear his heart, not just the words he says. Have you ever misjudged your mate because of poor listening?

Forgive again and again
Ruth Bell Graham said" A good marriage is made up of two good forgivers."

What do you think of that comment?

I'd love to hear your responses to how you make your husband feel like a knight!

Ruth

ie-Zine & Girls Groups

2009-02-12T11:05:00.007-05:00

NEW THIS WEEK...
This week, I'm excited to announce the launch of our ie-zine, the monthly ie girl webzine for girls 12 - 20 with new articles every day leading up to Valentine's Day! We've got everything from the ie girl Valentine's Day Party Planner, to "Never Been Kissed". Plus, ie girl goes to the movies with a fantastic review of the currently-in-theatres, Bride Wars with discussion questions for girls and their friends, plus an inspiring article about God's love letters.

If there's a teen girl in your life (or for some fun revisiting your youth!), be sure to check it out at http://www.iegirl.ca/

AND, COMING SPRING 2009...
Our ie girl groups are being launched in communities across Canada. This is a unique ministry not only to girls 12 - 20, but their moms, mentors, friends, and youth leaders are well. You can check out more details on our 'ie girl groups' page.

If you would like to start a group in your area, or find out if one already exists, let me know! ie girl group leader training begins March 2009. For more details, send me an email at info@womenalive.org or feel free to give me a call at 1-800-387-4753.

Nurturing the Next Generation Together,

Michelle
ie girl Director

Facebook Friendships

2009-01-20T16:03:00.003-05:00

Recently I signed up on Facebook, the website designed to help connect with friends, celebrate friendship and share every day life. Initially I was reluctant to join this new electronic phenomenon, primarily because of time constraints. With some coaching from my daughter, an avid Facebook fan, I took the plunge.

I have now connected with a large number of former College friends, most of my extended family, friends from former congregations and workplaces, and friends and acquaintances in my current world. Through this vehicle, I have created a new community - one that is formed thanks to technology.

The soul hungers for friendship. It’s a basic human need, like water, food and rest. When we are part of a community, we are given all the essentials needed for growth and development. Whether we understand it or not, our friendships shape us -- our character and our attitudes towards others, circumstances and life. Friends help us live life in-the-now and support us to move into the future with hope, faith, sound advice and a good dose of optimism.

The famed Ralph Waldo Emerson once said: “I didn’t find my friends…God gave them to me.“ God works through people. He arranges them to come into our lives at various points, times and seasons.

Some friendships are seasonal. Others don’t stay at the same depth level. Some become disconnected from regular connection but they truly care. Then there are those who commit to the long haul and leave an indelible mark on our lives. They are priceless and irreplaceable. All of our friendships are necessary for growth. Friends play a vital part in our lives no matter of the duration, frequency of communication or the level of depth we achieve together. We become the people we are because of our friendships.

Do some friendships go array? Are there times of betrayal? Is there pain in friendship gone wrong? Absolutely! These too are part of our learning and growing even though painful!

As I look through all my current friends on Facebook, I recall situations, moments and times that are marked in my memory as special, meaningful, and yes, life-changing. But Facebook cannot capture the depth of heartfelt love and support that one feels in recalling those moments. Facebook cannot record the prayer that is lifted when a picture is viewed or some information shared. Facebook connects but cannot express the support and encouragement that goes beyond mere words to a heart and spirit language that conveys its own message.

Friendship is a treasured gift from the past, an enriching support in the present and a lasting legacy for the future. Value friendship - it is the essence of life!

Margaret Gibb

Share the Wealth of Yourself

2009-01-15T16:41:00.001-05:00

I’m not really big on New Year’s resolutions. They have a bad reputation for having a high rate of failure (you know what I’m talking about). But, I do find that the annual “switching of the calendar” does make me pause and think about both the year behind and the year ahead – and I must confess that I am always thankful for any opportunity for a fresh start.

This year, as I mentally stood in the space between yesterday and tomorrow, I asked myself, “What do I want more of in 2009?” Hmmmm….a big question. But as I reflected on the busyness of the fall and what I felt was lacking during that time, it didn’t take long for the answer to rise to the surface: more quality time with the important people in my life. More conversations over a great cup of java. More dancing around the kitchen with my 3 amazing kids. More initiating get-togethers with couples we don’t see as often as I would like. More dates with my husband of 20 years. More impromptu adventures with crazy friends. More quiet time learning to let God have a say in the conversation. More opportunities to let people know that they bring immeasurable joy to my life.

“Infinitely more important than sharing one's material wealth is sharing the wealth of ourselves—our time and energy, our passion and commitment, and, above all, our love.”—William E. Simon (1927-2000); businessman, former United States Secretary of Treasury.

I welcome your accountability this year as I resolve to “share the wealth of myself” with the people in my life. And I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas!

~ Wendy

Relationships: The Risk & The Reward

2009-01-07T11:17:00.004-05:00

“All the best things in life come packaged in a ribbon of risk. You untie the gift, you assume the risk, and equally the joy. Parenthood is like that; marriage is like that; friendship is like that. In order to experience life in the full sense, you expose yourself to a bottomless pit of vulnerability. That is the essence of true love.” (Kristin Armstrong)

Those who know me well know that I love a good quote. I’m amazed how a few simple words on a page can challenge me, (sometimes anger me), but often inspire me. I like to “collect” quotes that evoke emotion or simply make me stop and think. The quote above is one of those. It speaks to the two sides of relationships – the cost/risk and the reward. What is more painful or consuming than conflict, strain or betrayal in a relationship? And yet, what is more fulfilling than sharing life’s journey with another? I may not have many possessions, and according to society’s standards, I’m far from wealthy. But I AM rich with relationships – the people in my life are priceless gifts to me…and I don’t regret untying the ribbon.

What relationships are especially rewarding in your life?
What risks have you taken and what have you learned?
What does God teach us about relationships? What example does He set?

I’d love to hear from you!
Wendy

A Joyous Christmas!

2008-12-24T11:05:00.003-05:00

Be sure to take time over this Christmas season to sit at the feet of Jesus and ponder the wonder and majesty of our Savior's birth. God sent His Son into the world not to condemn the world but to save the world through Him. May you discover wonder anew as you remember the One who came to make all things new!

Blessings from the Women Alive Bloggers!

Is My Environment Conducive to Productivity? - Part 2

2008-12-15T16:13:00.000-05:00

Continued from last week's post...

"Being raised in such an environment would certainly make it far more credible for a person to conceive of himself as a person of destiny," Jack Hayford mused aloud that thought while overlooking Blenheim Palace, the birthplace and home of Winston Churchill. The grand, the regal and the noble captured his imagination and while driving from that special place, he asked his wife Anna to write the words as they came to him. "Majesty, worship His majesty, unto Jesus be all glory honour and praise." In that environment the well loved song was birthed.
Hayford wrote in his book Worship His Majesty, "I don't mean that buildings and beauty can beget greatness, but I do feel that some people fail to perceive their possibilities because of their dismal surroundings."

Do you agree with Hayford's statement? If so, what could you do this week to enhance your environment?

Hayford states that the song Worship His Majesty was refined and edited at the piano but it was "born in a moment of envisioning the power of the majestic to transform a people and infuse them with a sense of significance and destiny."

How about envisioning the majestic in your life right now? Watch for the transformation as you meditate on what is yours as a child of God.

Is My Environment Conducive to Productivity? - Part 1

2008-12-08T16:09:00.002-05:00

As I sat down to write today, I had a look around my office. Just above my file cabinet is a beautiful needlepoint design of Isaiah 40:31 carefully stitched by a special friend."Those that hope in the Lord will renew their strength..." On the cabinet itself are some artefacts from Israel, prompting memories of the trip of a lifetime. Behind me are my books, each a contributor to my learning or sheer pleasure. On the top shelf in brushed bronze is the word IMAGINE. Beside the bookshelf is a large numbered painting by Lee Harvey called Unto the Least of These. Every wall houses something to encourage, uplift or trigger pondering thoughts.
I'm surrounded by creativity. In this environment, I'm stimulated to pour out my heart and give my very best. (On most days!)

Take a look around your workspace? Is it conducive to productivity?

Share with us what you do to create an atmosphere of stimulation in your work area.

A Squash or an Oak: Which would you rather be?

2008-12-03T09:30:00.005-05:00

Continued from last week....

As there are stages in growing a flower, so there are stages in leadership development. Lessons must be learned that will “grow” you as you move from one stage to another. In each stage you will come to understand who you are as a leader and discover more and more of your gifts and gift-mixes. You will need to develop key leadership characteristics that are vital to growth just as a flower must weather adverse conditions to fully grow and bloom.

In leadership, the inner growth of a leader is much more important than the visible signs of a developing idea. Inner growth has to do with self discovery and God discovery. As you ‘weather’ challenges and changes, you will have a growing understanding of who you are and greater understand who God is. That vital root system, based on relationship, is critical to life-time growth and development.

A leadership professor once asked his students: “Which would you rather be: a squash or an oak?”

The question confused students. They didn’t understand the connection to leadership.
“A squash,” he explained, “grows quickly from a seed, weathers the summer, but dies in inclement winter weather because it has no root system. An oak, on the other hand, withstands every storm and all weather patterns because of its root system. It is deeply embedded in the earth.”

So, get ready, my friend. Take the first step….you are a leader in the making. Just remember to build a strong root system with Christ as your foundation.

~ Margaret

The Idea Seed

2008-11-26T08:13:00.001-05:00

“So, you want to be a leader?” was my next question to a young woman who sought me out to tell me her ideas and plans for her future. She had passion and energy. I liked her zip. Ideas naturally flowed out of her. Her ideas were workable and wonderful and would benefit society.

“I’m not sure that I am a leader,” was her response to my question.

“But all ideas and plans require leadership or they go nowhere. To act on your plans will require you to lead and take action and will force you into a new world of inner development.”

I suggested that we sit down and talk awhile. I wanted to give her a visual of the synergy between an idea and leadership.

“Ideas are like a blossoming flower. You have articulated well the ‘full picture’ of your idea. But like every flower started as a seed, your idea at this point is a seed.

A seed is planted in the ground and its life-producing capability must break through a protective shell to begin the growing process. The process includes moving through soil – sometimes stubborn soil – to break the surface of the ground. Then comes the visible picture: first the shoot, then the stalk, then a bud and finally the flower.

Your idea is still a seed lodged within you. Even though you see the full blossoming stage, you must now take steps to burst your idea from the seed stage. The protective shell around your idea may be fear, or lack of confidence, or even your inability to see yourself as a leader. Every protective shell must be broken and you do so by taking steps – small steps. Ask yourself questions like: ‘What is the first thing I need to do?’ It may be a small thing like calling a friend and asking for advice. Do it, because it could be a pivotal step in breaking the ground surface of your idea. Then, ask yourself, ‘What is the second and third thing I need to do?’ You must move the process along taking whatever small steps are needed to go forward.

To be continued...

Career Changes: What am I doing here?

2008-11-20T12:08:00.003-05:00

I’m writing this blog as I sit in the Hong Kong airport waiting for a connecting flight to take me home from a conference in Bangkok, Thailand. Looking out of the windows at the mountains surrounding this amazing city, I ask myself, “What am I doing here? How did I arrive at this particular time and place in my life?”

You could say it was because of a series of career changes – well – not exactly ‘career changes’ but changes of direction in my career. These changes seemed to unfold progressively and often quickly. I would just begin to feel comfortable and confident in the work I was doing, when a new challenge presented itself – complete with a big risk and always requiring a huge leap of faith.
“Should I take it? Could I do it? Was I equipped to meet the new demands? What about all the new relationships?” There were so many questions. Doubts on the one hand and feelings of excitement and anticipation on the other.

After much prayer and listening to the counsel of trusted friends, I found guidance and courage to say “Yes” to new opportunities. These transitions were times of growth and development in my life, and provided enlargement and expansion of the vision for the work God had called me to do. I found absolute joy as I learned to depend on God for each new challenge.

How about you? Will you share with us how you have handled the career changes in your life? How did they affect you? I’ll be watching for your answer.

Until then, blessings,
Eileen

Wholeness: Body, Mind & Spirit

2008-10-27T08:37:00.004-04:00

Over the last few weeks we’ve been looking at the topic of health. And just today, I remembered an interesting quote from a seminar that I facilitate on “Life Balance”. It echoes what Ruth has been discussing about this topic– the concept that health involves body, mind & spirit. (See recent blog entries)

“We [in the Western world] invented the notion that “biology” and “physics” and “psychology” and “psychiatry” are separate. If we want to deal with health, and we’re looking only at the chemistry or the emotional state, we have an imperfect glimpse. The patient sitting before me brings with him or her not only chemistry, but also family, relationships, emotions and character. The distinctions we bring to a hospital in terms of mind and body are abstractions that we make. The patient is still a whole person, and to help him or her get better, ideally we would deal with all of these aspects – the balance of a person’s life.” Dr. David Eisenberg – a Chinese trained physician.

Sometimes I get the sense that the concept of wholeness – that we are mind, body and spirit and that each aspect affects the other - is something that we may understand intellectually, but not practically. It reminds me of the apostle Pauls’ honest confession, “I don't understand why I act the way I do. I don't do what I know is right.”

Can we afford to be this way when it comes to our health?

I’d love to hear your thoughts.

~ Wendy

Having A Healthy Attitude

2008-10-20T15:19:00.002-04:00

What’s the first thing you think about when you hear the word, “health”? My mind immediately jumps to food (but we’ll save that for another discussion). I picture fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, REAL food…you know, the kind your grandmother told you to eat. But other things at the top of the list might include exercise, vitamins, supplements, perhaps even getting enough sleep or simply the absence of sickness or disease. All of these things are aspects of our overall health and we would do well to give them proper attention.

But there’s another aspect of health that is definitely recognized, but doesn’t always share the limelight with the list above. (I was going to tell you what it is…but just keep reading) You’re probably familiar with the expression “you don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone”. Well this has been a powerful lesson to me in several circumstances of my life including sickness. Personally, my most dreaded ‘run of the mill’ illness is the stomach flu. I am the biggest wimp imaginable when it comes to nausea. I’m pathetic, really! But the upside of having it (I can’t believe I’m actually claiming there is an upside to the stomach flu) is that when the nausea finally passes, I am reminded how good it is to feel good! I am thankful beyond measure. I could practically break into the Hallelujah chorus right there in my housecoat.

So, I try to lock it in – the attitude of gratitude – so that I will never again take my well-being for granted. I am reminded, however, that I am to “give thanks in ALL circumstances”. So, I guess I’ve got some work to do. I need to adopt the “attitude of gratitude” all the time, not just when I’m feeling 100%. The interesting part though, is that a positive, thankful attitude actually promotes well-being – another key to good health. Thoughts of gratitude reduce our stress and bring us into a better mental space. There’s a real link between the way we think and the way we feel. The wisdom of Proverbs points out that “A merry heart doeth good like medicine”. And it sure tastes better than Buckleys!

~ Wendy

Soul Food

2008-10-13T08:36:00.006-04:00

The checklist continues to our last consideration toward optimal well being: our spiritual life.

Spiritual
Do I make time each day to feed my soul? Am I starving for something deeper, richer and more satisfying?

I've discovered in the summer when I'm not in a routine of regular Bible study, I often feel listless, restless with no sense of direction. An hour walk, while reciting a few Bible verses inspires me, helps to get me back on track. The disciplines of prayer, fasting, Bible study, memorizing and meditating are essentials to a healthy spiritual life but many of these great exercises have been forgotten. Once applied, however, their results won't be.

How about adding just one of the above to your daily routine for this month? (it only takes twenty-one days to develop a habit) Then add another until you are filled up and overflowing in your spirit.

Looking after our bodies is not a new thought but is expressed in scripture in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NAS, "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not you own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore, glorify God in your body."

As we bring our talk on health to a close, remember the three 'T's': Toned, Tough and Triumphant.
TONED physically,
TOUGH mentally,
and
TRIUMPHANT spiritually

Now how about taking a few minutes to talk to me about your health? I'd love to engage in a conversation where we can learn from and encourage one another as we embark on this journey of quality living.

Thinking on the Right Things

2008-10-06T08:24:00.003-04:00

Now that we feel a little better physically (see last week's blog post), let's move on to the mind.

Mental
~ Have I read a good book lately?
~ Or taken a new course to keep my mind alert?
~ Am I thinking on the right things? (Philippians 4:8 Let your mind dwell on these things: whatever is true, honourable, right, pure, lovely, excellent, worthy of praise- wow! That's a lot of good thinking).

Although I'd never consider drinking chemicals, when I dwell on negative thoughts (called “stinkin' thinkin'” by Zig Ziglar), I'm poisoning my mind. That can lead to depression, sleeplessness and subsequently fatigue. In our computer age, we know “garbage in, garbage out”. GIGO. The opposite is also true. Positive thoughts in, positives out. PIPO

Let me know what keeps your mind active.

Is it Sudoku, crossword puzzles or something else?
How do you maintain a positive attitude?

Talk to me and share your ideas.

Enjoy the fresh air of fall!

2008-09-29T08:47:00.009-04:00

Jim Rohn states." Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live." What a great proactive statement reminding us of the importance of looking after ourselves. As women, we love to make sure everyone else is looked after. However, if you are like many people, including me, sometimes our health doesn't get any attention until we are in a crisis. So as summer leaves and autumn comes, let's spend some time thinking about our health.

To get started, let's answer these questions:

Considering your own health, what comes to mind?
a) an energetic, vibrant woman enjoying life
OR
b) a woman inflicted with headaches, stiff muscles, allergies and fatigue?

Considering all aspects of health...body, mind and spirit,
a) is one area more important to you than the other
OR
b) have you found a balance of the three? If so, how have you accomplished this? (I'd like to hear from you)

Since we are made up of body, mind and spirit, in order to achieve optimal health, all three areas need our attention. During our time together over the next few weeks, let's look briefly at each of the three parts of our health and answer a few more questions.

Physical
~ Am I eating healthy foods that will energize and sustain? Could I cut down on sugars and caffeine? Don't tell anyone (Shhh) but I'm a binge eater so I really need to work on this area. When I do, I feel so much better.

~ Do I get enough exercise and fresh air? I've walked for years and love it. However, a few years ago my sister challenged me to "run", having started her running later in life. Reluctant at first, but wanting to keep up with her new adventure, I began. Walk half a block, run (okay... it was a slow jog) half a block. Little by little, increasing, oh so minimally, until on October 13th, 2007, I ran (jogged) my first 5km and raised nearly $1200 for Haitian orphans. What a great sense of accomplishment! Walking is great but if you need a little extra, why not lace up your runners and go for a RUN? Or if running sounds too ambitious, what about walking a little faster or longer, swimming, skating or skiing?

Let us know what works for you to keep in shape!

**Please note- I checked with my doctor, had a heart echo and purchased high quality runners before starting to run.

Lord, You Know My Heart

2008-09-23T16:55:00.004-04:00

The onset of fall tends to bring a rush of activity. Activities, practices, small groups, and the like all swing into full gear come September. It can be difficult to find time to spend with God. Indeed, as women we must make time....and sometimes that means scheduling it in on the calendar.

The past week was even busier than normal and I was feeling mentally drained. My usual time with the Lord had been getting cut short and my attitude reflected it. I knew an intervention was needed immediately.

So last night, I purposefully set aside two hours to spend with Jesus and rest in His presence. I prayed He would refresh my weary soul and bring restoration. I poured out my heart in repentance for the sin that had tarnished my reflection of Him.

Then, completely unexpectedly, He used the first line of a song I had never heard before to penetrate my heart. The opening lyrics? “You know my heart…”

Hearing those words – the specific prayer that has become like breath to me for over a year, “Lord, You know my heart” – I fell to my knees with tears streaming down my face in thankfulness to my wonderful, powerful, beautiful Redeemer.

He knows my heart. He knows my weaknesses, strengths, joy, and fears. He knows when I’ve tried to take things into my own hands, and the times when I’ve let go and trusted His arms to carry me.

Make time today to rest and be refreshed by His Living Water. He knows your heart too, dear sister!

Acts 3:19 “The times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.”

Goal Setting: One Step at a Time

2008-09-15T10:02:00.007-04:00

One of the most important questions I have ever been asked is, “What did you do this week to move towards what God is calling you to do?”

It’s a question that requires reflection and honesty.
Our dreams and God-given goals can often seem unattainable. That’s when you know it’s God – because without His strength, they would be impossible. It’s humbling, exciting, and terrifying all at the same time! We need to seek God’s direction for how we can be developing our gifts and serving Him right where we are, today.

Personal growth happens when we daily put one foot in front of the other, following where God is leading.

If God has given you a heart for the elderly, contact a local long-term care facility and ask about volunteer possibilities. Pick up the phone; don’t wait for someone to call you. Have a passion for photography that captures the beauty of God’s creation? Start honing your craft by taking classes at a local art gallery or college. Dream of being a wife and mom, but a husband has yet to enter the picture? Offer to spend an hour a week helping a neighbour mom prepare a meal or take care of her children for hands-on training.

Set goals to keep track of your progress and start a prayer journal to record how you see God at work along the way.

Tell us!

What are you dreams?

What will you do this week to move towards what God is calling you to do?

Can't wait to hear from you!
Michelle

Are you growing?

2008-08-31T06:28:00.001-04:00

As a new grandmother, I am amazed as I watch the growth of this new little person. Everytime I see him, he has grown and expanded in wonderful ways. His physical growth continues according to a deep, physioligical calendar. And it has caused me to wonder, what about personal growth?

For many years, I was privileged to be a part of an international organization that valued personal growth, and it has become a habit of my life to consider my mental, physical, social and spiritual growth. Every year I had goals in each of these areas. But recently, as I have experienced a family crisis, I have begun to think of these areas of growth in new ways. As I have been faced with unexpected disasters, I began to ask God for direction in pursuing areas of personal growth. While I was still reeling from the emotional effects of our current family situation, I began to look for resources to help me navigate this new and uncharted path of my life. I joined a Bible study with other women who were recovering from various personal traumas. Our weekly meetings were like gold to me as we had mined the truth of Scripture and shared how we applied these truths to our new path of life. We shared what we had read and of the help we had received. We talked about relationships, our thoughts, our reactions and our victories along the way, as well as many failures. We learned to give ourselves grace as we were tempted to want to apply everything at once. We developed deep social and spiritual connections that have given us support in our journeys.

How is your personal growth? Do you have friends who are committed to help you on your journey? Have you recently experienced a personal crisis, and how has your personal growth been affected by your situation, and by your supportive friends? What have you been reading that has contributed to your personal growth?

I am looking forward to hearing from you,

Warmly,
Darla

Recreation = Recreating

2008-08-25T20:33:00.001-04:00

Oxford dictionary defines recreation as a 'means of recreating oneself, pleasurable exercise or employment.' That seems to indicate that our work could actually have an element of recreation.

Have you found that to be true?

What do you think of the following quote?
U.S. novelist James A. Mitchener states:
"The master in the art of living makes little distinction between his work and his play, his labour and his leisure...his information and his recreation. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence at whatever he does, leaving others to decide whether he is working or playing. To him, he is always doing both."

Spontaneous Fun: Postpone the "To Do List"!

2008-08-18T08:22:00.002-04:00

The ringing of the phone broke the silence of the quiet summer evening. As I answered, I was pleasantly surprised by my sister's cheerful voice inviting me to spend a couple days at her cottage.

Usually a visit there meant lots of people, lots of cooking and tons of noise. But her request meant just the two of us. Ah! Dreaming of the beauty that would surround me, giving me a quiet spot to relax, to read with no phones, dirty fingers or laundry, excited me. Quickly my excitement waned as I remembered my "to do" list. It included defrosting the deep freeze, thoroughly scrubbing the ceramic tiles which had been neglected for too long, answering speaking requests as well as writing assignments due later that week.

What a decision...the water in the lake or the water in the scrub pail? What would your choice be?

It's been said that "all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy." Now I don't want to be 'dull' so I chose the lake water, beautiful Lake Muskoka. Grabbing a few essentials (toothbrush and bathing suit), I set out for the three hour drive. On arrival, it only took minutes for hugs, then a sprint to the waters' edge. The calming effect of water sparkling like diamonds, the soft breezes creating unending ripples, and the bluest sky I'd seen in months, all convinced me that I had made the right decision.

Since we can't always go to a cottage, how do you incorporate recreation into your day? A break from the routine can inspire new ideas and energy.

What are some ideas you have used to have fun with your family?

Share with us your thoughts and ideas about the importance of Fun and Recreation throughout the year.

Whatever happened to fun?

2008-08-11T09:30:00.006-04:00

What happens to fun as we grow up?

Having lived in a family filled with fun and laughter, I expected it to just remain an integral part of my life. In my early career years, I loved my work and had many friends who loved fun as much as I did. Living with 4 roommates in a home, we added fun to our everyday lives. Every weekend there were invitations to go skiing (living 1 hour away from Banff made this irresistible), potluck dinner parties with inventive themes, movie nights, and the hard-to-resist shopping marathons. As a new wife, I recall fun times being a natural ingredient in our marriage - lots of laughter and light-hearted moments.

When the children were young it was my dream 'job', celebrating life and laughter with these little enjoyable ones. Every day was an adventure.

I first noticed fun leaking out of our lives a few years later, as parental responsibilities became more challenging, and the stresses of life began pressing in. It happened without me noticing, until the day I heard my psychologist friend say, “The number one need of business and professional women is fun.” That just stopped me in my tracks. (and I happen to believe that it's the #1 need of all women). As I reflected on my friend's statement, I came to believe it was true of me. I agreed with her that I had been trying to nurture everyone else in my life, without nurturing myself. I had indeed depleted my resources, and there was precious little energy left, and no fun.
I began to resolutely put fun back into my life, and that of my family's.

When our daughter was going through a rough time, I promised to put so much fun into our lives that I hoped 'she wouldn't be able to stand it'! She started horseback riding lessons, and as I watched from outside the paddock, I observed her build a unique and special rapport with her horse. It was magic to watch her, and it added to her self esteem as well as adding fun to her days. We started going to a craft class in our small town, where we would spend an hour or 2 being taught a craft and walking out with the finished product. Soon the craft table was filled with women and their daughters (many of whom were friends we had recruited) We reinstated family nights for silly games and funny movies. We began camping together...certainly more fun for the kids, but I was game.

I also invited a group of women to a lunch one day. They were acquaintances from our church who I never had the time to get to know. We began a monthly lunch group at each others' homes, and called it 'The Fun Lunch Group.' It nurtured us every month - many laughs, and some tears as we grew very close and shared the ups and downs of life.

My older brother and I share jokes by email - he lives far away and I only see him once each year, but these laughs keep us close. My Mom and I also share a great sense of humour. We took a trip to Italy together and expected to have fun, but we turned into Lucy and Ethel, with a new and funny adventure every day.

Is there fun in your daily life? What things are fun for you?
I wonder if this is partly a generational issue - my 20 something daughter seems to have a lot of fun with little effort - is it easier for women under 40?
Are you able to take time out for things you think of as fun without feeling guilty?

Please let me hear from you - I speak to women of all ages, and would love to hear your comments.

Yours in Fun,
Darla

Women need fun!

2008-08-04T15:24:00.001-04:00

A psychologist friend of mine told me that the top need of women today is fun. Does that surprise you? Apparently, as women, we are very good at nurturing everyone else at our expense. Are you working hard to put fun into your life this summer?

Do you build personal time into your summer schedule? How is it working for you?

Enjoy your summer!
Darla

How are you investing?

2008-07-28T10:52:00.004-04:00

In a couple weeks I will celebrate my 20^th wedding anniversary.

I don’t feel old enough and I certainly don’t look old enough (at least that’s what I tell myself to feel better LOL).

When I stop to look back over the last 20 years I see an incredible ride. If you put it on a flow-chart, it might resemble the New York Stock Exchange. There have certainly been some high times, some low times and some in-between times. And not necessarily when I might have expected them. Sometimes a crisis brought us closer together and times of smooth sailing had us drifting apart …following our own direction and interests.

So, as we approach this milestone, I ask myself “To what can we attribute our success?”

Hmmm. Good question. I don’t necessarily have an easy answer. But, when I go back to the “flow chart” analogy, I remember that marriage really is an investment. And, like many of the riskier investments that bring a large return, an investment in marriage is a long-term investment. It’s true that there have been times when I’ve wondered about my decision. …times when the bottom seemed to be dropping out and the temptation was to “sell now…sell now …get out with what I can”. (OK…that sounds a bit more dramatic than I meant it, but it works with the analogy – don’t you think?) I’ve learned though, that the valley times, the times when the balance is lowest, provide an opportunity – an opportunity to invest even more…to make deposits and build up what’s left. And in my experience, when two people invest themselves in a marriage relationship (not just their petty cash), the return on investment is significant.

So today, I’m grateful as I look on my figurative flow-chart and realize that if I were to draw a line through the center of the peaks and valleys, I would see a gradual upward climb. It’s been a solid investment and I don’t regret my decision -- and the dividends ain’t bad either!

So, how are you investing in your marriage?

I'm not like that...am I?

2008-07-22T15:01:00.005-04:00

Not too long ago, I was utilizing the services of a life coach. (Just because I am one, doesn’t mean I can’t use some help now and then sorting out my own “stuff”.) She has amazing insight and was often able to put her finger right on something that needed attention. On one of our calls, I was voicing my frustrations around the fact that my husband, Kevin, wasn’t picking up after himself. (I’m sure no one can relate to that one!) Once I finished venting, she asked me, “So, how are you like that?”

“I’m not!” I adamantly replied. “I don’t leave my stuff all over the place. I am not like that and that is why it drives me crazy.”

She patiently listened to my defensive reply and then went on to explain that often the things that trigger our frustrations are traits that we don’t like about ourselves. While I usually valued her ideas and opinions, I knew she had to be dead wrong on this one. But I decided not to argue and we moved on to other things. But, even after the call -- in fact, over the next several days -- the question didn’t move on. It rang over and over in my mind. How am I like that? How am I like that? Like what? I don’t leave my socks on the floor….that’s just inconsiderate. Wait…inconsiderate. How am I inconsiderate? Bingo. That’s it! Sometimes I am inconsiderate. Sometimes I don’t return phone calls right away. Sometimes I forget to return borrowed items. Sometimes I say I will submit by Blog entry by Friday and then don’t send it until Monday. Yikes….I AM inconsiderate!

So, like a dog with its tail between its legs, I admitted to my coach (and more importantly to myself) that I possess some of the traits that I find most frustrating in others. OUCH. And that realization has brought a better understanding of grace and forgiveness. Perhaps it’s time to focus on the plank in my own eye and extend some grace to others – including my husband.

As iron sharpens iron, so one spouse sharpens another (Proverbs 27:17, my paraphrase).

How are you being sharpened in your relationships?

- Wendy

Asking the Hard Questions

2008-07-08T10:10:00.006-04:00

Hilary is one of my very best friends. We met six years ago at university and, in ways only God could orchestrate, we began meeting once a week for accountability and prayer. While I have heard some people knock accountability – stating that each person can withhold information and not be truthful – I have found this to be one of the most defining aspects in my relationship with Christ.

As single, young women, Hilary and I met for dinner once a week (or by phone when distance separated us) to discuss, challenge, analyze, and pray over the choices that faced our futures: How could we best serve and honour God in our lives today? What was hindering us from growing closer to the Lord? How could we encourage one another in areas where we were struggling? …And one of the most common topics: How can we honour God in our relationships with guys and prepare for marriage during our single years?

Hilary has now been married to the man of her dreams for just over three months. Her husband is one of the most godly men I know and it thrills my heart to see the love God has given them for one another! I know that friendships change when marriage enters the picture, and so they should. But I am thankful for my faithful friend and our weekly phone calls that have continued even now. She asks me the tough questions that can only be asked by someone who knows you beyond your circumstances, into your heart. She's not afraid to confront my sin and point me to Christ. Her encouragement and prayers challenge me to pursue God’s best, to bring glory to Him with my life, and to fall more in love with Jesus every day.

Do you have a friend who can ask you the tough questions? A friend you can encourage to become more like Jesus? A woman who will speak Truth into your life when you are believing lies? Who will pray with you when you don’t have the words to pray? And remind you of God’s love and faithfulness?

I pray that you do have such a friend. If not, I encourage you to pray that God would show you someone to invite to be this person in your life.

With joy!

Michelle

Friends of our Lives

2008-06-20T09:39:00.007-04:00

“Friends love through all kinds of weather”. Proverbs 17:17(MSG)

Our friendships vary as we move from one season of our lives to another. We remember childhood friends, high school friends and friends we made in college. Then there are work associates, which, for a time, we also called friends, although the season may have been short. New friends are added as we mature, maybe ‘couple friends’ who attend our church, or families with children may become group friends.

How would you describe a ‘true’ friend? Do you have some from each of the seasons I mentioned? What sets a true friend apart from the others, from just an acquaintance of a few years?

Solomon certainly spoke wisdom about friendships:

“Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family.” Proverbs 18:24 (MSG.)

Add your comments - we went to hear stories of your friendships!

Friends for all Seasons

2008-06-09T17:00:00.003-04:00

A few weeks ago, I attended a national pastor’s conference in Mississauga. There were about 1000 in attendance. One thing I especially enjoy about these conferences is getting to see so many friends I’ve known through the years – people from many seasons of my life. Arriving early one morning, I greeted a woman in the foyer. Suddenly I realized she was a teenager in our first church. She reminded me of the many afternoons she and her friends had come to our home after school for trio practices. “Our friendship at that time,” she said, “shaped and established my Christian life.” I was her friend.

I met a couple later that morning that I only see occasionally, but right away the bond of friendship united our hearts as we visited briefly – a sincere friendship.

Pressing through the crowd at lunchtime, I bumped into a young woman, a former associate. (I actually had the privilege of mentoring her for several years). We enjoyed a brief exchange of warmhearted friendship.

Supper was shared with a couple I have known for many years who now live in the west. Our paths do not cross often but the friendship and respect of earlier years continues to grow and mature. It is as intimate friendship - with a ‘confidante’ quality.

Let me ask you about your friends. Have you ever tried to count them? Tell us about them.

Respond on our blog (just click "Comments" below to join the conversation!). We want to hear from you, our friends.

Eileen

Welcome to our official blog!

2008-06-02T13:30:00.001-04:00

Welcome to our official Women Alive Blog & Online Cafe!

Our "Espresso Yourself" blog women come from a variety of life experiences, ranging in age from mid-twenties to sixty-plus. We'll be covering issues from every area of a woman's life, and YOU are invited to join the discussion as we prepare to be amazed at all that God has in store!

Don't forget to head over to our website for even more great content! http://www.womenalive.org/

This Women Alive Online Cafe is your place to "espresso" yourself - where women from all across Canada connect to share their thoughts and experiences with friends! Just click "Comments" to join in the conversation. At Women Alive, we celebrate women just like you!

Margaret Gibb

President, Women Alive