Inspired Women Magazine July/August 2013 by INSPIRED WOMEN MAGAZINE

July / August 2013

Sizzling Summer Finds

F E A T U R E

Pam Behan Testimony of a Hollywood Nanny

Dare to Dream Series

A GREAT CALM

GOD

IN PURSUIT

Rebuking the winds

How to wait on your Dreams

LOVES YOU LIVING LONG & STRONG LEARN THE SECRETS

inspired women magazine JULY / AUGUST 2013

DEVOTIONAL

Finding Happiness

july / august 2013

inspiredwomenmagazine.com Contributing Writers Karin Syren Laurette Willis Lannette Kissel Deborah Hightower Linda Flagg Mia Green Wendy Herrmann Smith

inspired women magazine JULY / AUGUST 2013

20 | Sizzling Summer Finds

Dania Hernandez Ad Sales 305-720-5841 contact@inspiredwomenmagazine.com

PUBLISHERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NOTE

ummer is officially here! In this edition, I had the pleasure of interviewing Pam Behan. You may have seen Pam on some of the celebrity news circuits because she was the nanny for the Kardashians and Jenners. Pam story is inspiring and much like many of ours. Pam recently wrote a book, Malibu Nanny where she shares her testimony on how God brought her back into a relationship with Him.

This edition also features countless other articles to encourage, inspire and motivate you to renew and refresh your relationship with the Lord, our God. I want to specially thank Karin Syren, Laurette Willis, and the many other writers for their faithfulness. They pour their knowledge and experiences so that we may serve and spur you onto to your divine calling.

Enjoy your summer and keep focused on your family, dreams, and most of all God! We thank you and bless you,

Be Inspired,

inspired women magazine JULY / AUGUST 2013

If there is a topic you would like for us to focus more on or write about, we would love to hear from you! Please write to publisher@inspiredwomenmagazine.com.

CHRISTIAN LIVING

A Great Calm the doors and security patrols in the hallways are becoming all too familiar. Bullying, physical and And they came to Him and awoke emotional, has become a major issue not only in Him, saying ‘Save us Lord; we are the schools but in the workplace as well. Disturbed young people slaughter even their own families. perishing!’ And He said to them, Children can no longer play freely exploring the ‘Why are you so timid, you men of little faith?’ Then He arose, and world of childhood in their own neighborhoods. rebuked the winds and the sea; and Adults seek the relative safety of their homes as night falls to avoid the dangers lurking in the it became perfectly calm.1 streets of city and suburb alike.

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by Karin Syren, Vision & Planning Coach

Matthew 8:24-26 NAS

In these latter days, we are being assailed by increasing accounts of violence in the news. Worldwide terrorism continues as an ever present threat. Campus violence is on the rise, invading even our elementary schools. Metal detectors at 1 Lit., a great calm occurred, Interlinear Greek-English New Testament , edited by Jay P. Green, Sr.

In light of obvious threats and even not so obvious concerns, when was the last time we were calm, blissfully free from worry, fear, nagging concerns, emotional upheaval - - stress? If we are really honest with ourselves, it has probably been some time. To be sure, we have moments of tranquility, perhaps during praise

inspired women magazine JULY / AUGUST 2013

or prayer time. But these are islands in a sea of We do not often think of calm as an active force. We generally define it in passive terms as the surging waves. (See Luke 8:24) absence of a force such as anger, violence, fear, We regularly move through life from incident worry, any kind of upheaval, internal or physical to incident, reacting then recovering the or in reference to the natural world around us. best we can before facing the next crisis. We might observe, the pain subsided and she was Unfortunately, this cycle does not allow us calm, or his fit of temper finally passed and the full recovery before we must gear up for the household returned to calm, or the storm subsided next approaching wave. This stair-stepping is and the atmosphere was once again calm. a familiar scenario to those who work in the In Matthew and Luke 8 (Mark 4), we have the field of Critical Incident Stress Management account of Jesus rebuking the wind and the surging (CISM). Returning to the base state of waves. While these few words contain material complete calm rarely occurs in those for for countless meditations, let us focus on applying whom stress has become a lifestyle. What is calm as a force. By definition, calm is a state of to be done, aside from dealing as best we can tranquil repose, with synonyms like still, serene, with the existing cycle? And what exactly is placid and peaceful. The verb is to become of or the nature of calm? Do we even remember? to make calm. This last is the only definition that comes close to what took place in Matthew 8.

Gale force winds with high waves can occur quite suddenly on the Sea of Galilee. Geological placement of this clear water inland sea dictates the ferocity of these storms. Lake Kinneret,2 so called for its shape, is in a basin formed by the hills of the Golan Heights. Winds sweeping down from the hills are trapped in the basin and the normally placid beauty of the lake is rapidly transformed by often violent conditions. In 1992, one such extreme storm sent waves ten feet high pouring into the streets of the nearby town of Tiberias.3 It is one such storm we read about in Matthew 8.

than the derelict state of turmoil. Calm is not the absence of upheaval, but a force which when purposefully applied to upheaval, will completely obliterate it. As the introduction of even so much as a pinpoint of light obliterates darkness, so calm swallows upheaval. Calm is a force stronger than the violent storms of life, a force capable of overpowering them, birthed as it is in that peace that passes understanding (Matthew 4:39; Philippians 4:7). Calm is anything but passive, as we see so well in Matthew 8. It is a dynamic force that must be actively applied to the circumstances.

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It is important to note what the disciples had been lately witnessing: the blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers … cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead … raised up … (and) the gospel preached. (Luke 7:22) They had been with Jesus through it all, close at His side for every miracle, every healing. Every word from His lips fell upon their ears.

Do you have a violent upheaval in your life right now, a roiling fear, a turbulent anger, waves of bitterness, worry about health or finances, fear for a loved one, constantly nagging stress or lurking doubt that threatens to drown you? Do as Jesus did and take action. (see John 14:12) Exercise your faith! Jesus did not reprimand the disciples for a lack of faith or Nevertheless, their reaction was immediate even for not enough faith. He corrected them for overwhelming fear, and not the response of faith we the quality and endurance of their faith. might expect. Remember, however, they had not yet received the Holy Spirit (John 20:22), so their To each is given a measure of faith (Romans ability to process the divine was still limited. They 12:3). How we exercise it dictates the results we had Christ in their midst, it is true, but they did not experience. The faith we have is enough to invoke calm in the midst of the storms of life. Begin right yet have Christ within (1 Corinthians 2:16). now to rebuke the wind and waves and replace Though unexpected, they did have an understanding them with calm. Speak peace into the situation of what they witnessed that night. It is important and watch a great calm occur. we understand it as well. The calm Jesus invoked on the turbulent Sea of Galilee must have had a Copyright ©2010/2013 Karin long-range impact on the disciples and become a Syren factor in the boldness with which they approached All rights reserved their future ministries. How often must they have Adapted & Reprinted with overcome fear with the force of calm, as they spread permission from The Bible Minute: One Year of the Gospel to the ends of the earth? It is a principle that a force must be overcome by a greater force. Calm is a greater force than violent upheaval of any kind, requiring far greater control 2 3

Hebrew for harp www.bibleplaces.com/seagalillee.htm

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Karin can be reached at Ksyren@solushunz.net. For more information about Solu’shunz Leadership Services, go to www.Solushunz.com.

inspired women magazine JULY / AUGUST 2013

FEATURE

Interview with Pam Behan

Interview with...

PAM BEHAN was the nanny for Kourtney, Kim, Khloe, and Robert Kardashian for five years. Prior to that, she also took care of Bruce Jenner’s boys, Brandon and Brody Jenner. Pam grew up in a small town in Minnesota. She says she was a tomboy and loved football, baseball, hunting, fishing, and camping. Hollywood scene, she drifted from her Christian foundation. She left Los Angeles and moved to Tennessee and her life continued to spiral with twist and turns as she sought to fill her emptiness. She tried filling it with the love of men who were broken and also needed healing. Pam married a man who was an alcoholic. He had a stronghold on her life and was broken hearted when

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After graduating from high school and spending a year at college in South Dakota, Pam headed west to continue her education. Serendipity happened when she landed a job with Bruce Jenner’s second wife, Linda. After taking care of Brandon and Brody Jenner for two and a half years, Pam began her job as “The Kardashian Nanny” in April 1991 when Bruce and Kris got married. Pam was raised as a Christian, but during her years as a nanny and getting caught up in the

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they divorced. On the rebound, she got into another relationship with a man whom she didn’t know was a drug addict and was on the run from the police. Shortly after they started seeing each other, Pam ended up pregnant. It was then after emotionally reaching a very low point in her life that she knew she couldn’t continue on this path. Beautiful and with much to offer, Pam fell into the trap many women do when filled with low self-esteem and lacking the true lover of our soul-Jesus. Pam finally turned and gave her life back to Christ to restore and renew all the broken areas of her life. Today, Pam says that she has become completely trusting and desiring of Him and His presence in her life. In the book, Malibu Nanny, Pam Behan writes, “As the reality of life hit me in my late thirties -failures, deep hurts, disappointments, searing losses, blessings and miracles -- I transitioned to a real, intimate relationship with God. And, over the last few years, I’ve become completely and utterly reliant on Him. Life can be really hard sometimes. I can’t imagine suffering through the tragedies and difficult seasons I’ve experienced without God, or without the knowledge that there’s something bigger and better for all of us than this life we’re living now. Knowing God and believing in Heaven places my focus on the important things -- family, friends, relationships, loving and helping people, caring about one another, and making the right decisions when it really counts.” Today, Pam Behan lives in South Dakota with her 6-year-old son. While her desire to be in a loving relationship with a man that truly values her worth, she is okay with waiting and being processed as that person comes.

During our interview Pam had nothing negative to say about the Kardashians. She hopes to restore and continue a friendship with them. The following are questions part of our interview:

IW: When was your first encounter with the Lord? PB: My first encounter with God was very young. I was three years old and was enrolled in Sunday school.

IW: When did you begin to stray? PB: I began to stray from God in high school when I started “partying”.

IW: How did your experience as a nanny begin? PB: I got the nanny job by complete “fluke”. I decided to go to California for a summer because my best friend had been going to school there. I ended up at a nanny agency who sent me to Linda Jenner’s house, where I landed my first nanny job.

IW: How was it working for the Jenners and Kardashians? PB: With all the children in the house (plus friends) there was never a dull moment. From lavish vacations to carpools from Malibu to Beverly Hills, it was nothing like my life back in a small town.

IW: What was your purpose in writing a book? You don’t usually see many tell-all books out of Hollywood. PB: I wrote the book because so many people encouraged me to. They felt I had such a unique story as small town girl.

IW: What’s been your relationship with God through all of this? PB: My relationship with God has been a work in progress, but it’s stronger now than ever!

IW: What would you say to women struggling to find themselves?

IW: You struggled with depression, unhappiness, and loneliPB: Women, if you’re trying to find ness. Many people would asyourselves, look to Jesus first! sume that you had an exciting life. What IW: What’s next for you? was causing you to feel this way? PB: Next for me? I’ve recently signed on with the PB: I blame my depression, etc. on a lack of Jesus Robinson Agency to speak to Christian audiencin my life! es, in particular young girls & women. Also, I’m IW: What were some of your greatest considering getting back into the nanny business.

temptations?

IW: What inspires you?

Some of the greatest temptations have taken place PB: My son inspires me more than anything! very recently...as a single, hardworking mom... been offered “a lot” of money to “sell-out” but IW: What’s your favorite bible verse? never did. PB: My favorite Bible verse, which I write on every book, is Prov 3:5. Trust in the Lord with all your heart! For more information on Malibu Nanny: Adventures of the Former Kardashian Nanny visit: www.KardashianNanny.com. Credit: permission Pam Behan inspired women magazine JULY / AUGUST 2013

Adriana Zamot is editor and publisher of Inspired Women Magazine. IWM began as a two page newsletter when she wanted to share with a few friends some of the highlights of Christian conferences that she had attended. She enjoys writing and sharing of the Lordâ€™s goodness and mercy. Her hope is that IWM will inspire, motivate, and encourage other women towards their divine excellence. Most people refer to her as “AZ.” She has a Master Degree in Human Resources Administration and Development. She attends Majestic Life Church in Apopka, FL. You may contact her publisher@ inspiredwomenmagazine.com

inspired women magazine JULY / AUGUST 2013

“You are blessed for believing that the LORD would keep His promise to you.” Luke 1:45 God’s Word ® Translation

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FITNESS

7 Secrets to Living Long and STRONG!

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by Laurette Willis, Founder of PraiseMoves Fitness Ministry www.PraiseMoves.com

“With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation” (Psalm 91:16).

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In Japan, life expectancy is over 82 years of age, made it necessary for every Israelite over twenty and in most of the western world the average life years of age (when they rebelled against God at Kadesh-barnea) to die before reaching the expectancy is 78-80 years of age. promised land (Numbers 14:26-35). When the first United States census was taken in 1790, only 2% of the U.S. population was over 65. “Moses says most of them are dying at seventy By 1900, the average American lifespan was only years of age. This number has often been mistaken 47! People who make it to 100 and beyond are no as a set span of life for all mankind. It was not intended to refer to anyone except those Israelites longer considered freaks of nature. under the curse during that particular forty years. There are approximately 55,000 centenarians Seventy years never has been the average span in the U.S., and perhaps as many as 450,000 of life for humanity. When Jacob, the father of the twelve tribes, had reached 130 years (Genesis worldwide. 47:9), he complained that he had not attained Is it unreasonable to expect to live to be 120, as to the years of his immediate ancestors. In fact, the Bible states? “And the Lord said, ‘My Spirit Moses himself lived to be 120 years old, Aaron shall not strive with man forever, for he is indeed 123, Miriam several years older, and Joshua to 110 flesh; yet his days shall be one hundred and years of age. Note as well that in the Millennium a person dying at 100 will still be thought a child twenty years’” (Genesis 6:3). (Isaiah 65:20).” What about the scripture that mentions 70-80 “If I’d Known I Would Live this Long, I Would’ve years of age? Taken Better Care of Myself!” That was considered part of the curse of being in We want to live long in order to complete all the Lord the wilderness, not a blessing. has called us to do. We also want to live stronger and “The days of our lives are seventy years; And if by healthier. It’s the second part that is giving many reason of strength they are eighty years, Yet their people trouble. But it doesn’t have to be that way! boast is only labor and sorrow; For it is soon cut off, Longevity experts say that while genetics may and we fly away” (Psalm 90:10). play a factor in our living long and strong, lifestyle A footnote to Psalms 90 in The Amplified Bible habits, nutrition and exercise play a bigger factor. Here are SEVEN *SECRETS* that can dramatically explains: increase the probability you will live long & strong! “This psalm is credited to Moses, who is interceding with God to remove the curse which

supplements before bedtime can help relax you and prepare you for sleep.

3. LAUGHTER “A Merry Heart doeth Good like a Medicine!” Laughter reduces blood pressure, clears the lungs, and produces endorphins, the so-called “happy” hormone that reduces pain. Be more like a child! The average child laughs 300 times a day. Adults average only 17 times! Researchers are finding that laughter and joy help keep us alive. Remember, “The JOY of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).

1. STRESS – CONTROL IT. When you’re under stress, your body releases cortisol, known as “the stress hormone.” Cortisol speeds up aging by accelerating body processes.

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Want to know HOW to alleviate stress? Listen to my free Christian Meditation Seminar – recorded for you HERE (http://praisemoves. com/2013/05/christian-meditation-seminar)

WWJD Laughter? Realize that many of the things the world thinks are funny really are not funny at all. Thing such as people physically hurting themselves; ridicule and mockery; subjecting people to embarrassment or shame, animals relieving themselves—these are not really funny, but we’ve been programmed over the last few decades to believe they are humorous. Hey, I’ve laughed at some of them, too! But I’ve since found a “check” in my spirit when laughing at some of these things the world promotes as funny.

You’ll learn how to control your responses to stress. Events themselves are not stressful – it The Lord has a wonderful sense of humor. Ask is our response that causes problems. HIM what He finds funny (and be prepared to laugh a lot!).

2. SLEEP

4. EXERCISE

It’s more than just for “beauty.” As you age deep, restorative sleep may become harder Your body desires to move at every age. Fifties, to experience. Avoid caffeine and stimulants sixties, seventies, eighties? Research shows a few hours before bedtime. Magnesium that it’s never too late to start exercising. In

fact, if you’re a bit older starting out with exercise, you will have faster results than those who have been active all their lives. The key is finding an activity you enjoy and making it part of your daily routine—like PraiseMoves!

7. PRAISE THE LORD AND GIVE HIM THANKS

Pay attention to the “now” moment. Stop and thank the Lord for your life. Ask Him what He 5. REACH OUT would have you do at that moment (He usually impresses upon my heart the words, “Praise Studies show that people live longer if they Me!”). This is for YOUR benefit, not His! are married, have close friends, or have pets. Volunteer at church or in the community. Say Psalm 103 aloud with me and just watch Make a decision to meet more people. There’s what happens to how you feel! nothing wrong with being alone, but we want to avoid social isolation. People need what Bless the Lord, O my soul; only you can share! And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: 3 Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, 4 Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, 5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The Lord loves you so much! Live long and strong IN HIM! 2

6. BRAIN POWER

Christian Fitness Expert Laurette Willis is the Director of PraiseMoves Fitness Ministry (http://PraiseMoves. com and on Facebook http:// facebook.com/PraiseMovesFan). Get your free fitness kit at http:// ChristianFitnessKit.com ©2013

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I remember hearing years ago that the brain could not regenerate. Not true! Now doctors know that you stimulate your brain by learning new things, forming new connections in the brain. Memorize a different scripture every other day, take up a new hobby, learn a new language, or try a new fitness routine. Do something in a different way than you usually do!

IN PURSUIT... Finding Greater Happiness and Fulfillment

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by Deborah Hightower

The question, “Is this all?” has lingered in my mind since I can remember, as well as the comment heard many times “Deborah, you are never satisfied.” While the latter used to upset me, evaluating it with mature thought lends the rebuttal “Why should I be satisfied?” We were created by an omnipotent creator to be creative…creative in our work, worship, thoughts, teaching and everything else God… which is everything. Spiritual writer and poet, Thomas Merton, said, “The greatest human temptation is to settle for too little.” I encourage others to ask themselves, “Have I settled for too little? Have I accepted what life has thrown my way and called it satisfactory? Have I sought God and let Him guide my footsteps by embracing the passions and gifts with which I have been

blessed? Have I used my passions and gifts for personal edification and for the good of others? Do I have influencers in my life that encourage and propel me to be all that God has called me to be? Or, have I become lackadaisical, bored, tired and generally uninspired?” Let us measure our personal lives both inside and out searching for holes that could hinder our happiness, fulfillment and success. A hidden outlier may be the key. Let us take charge of our issues, fears, situations and circumstances that have held back our happiness and fulfillment. One of my favorite Bible verses is 2 Timothy 1:6, ‘fan into flame the gift of God.’ I find it interesting that the very next verse says, ‘God did not give us the spirit of fear.’ We have a divine appointment for this very time. We are here on planet Earth for a purpose. No matter what we’ve been

told, no matter our situation, no matter our background – there is a divine reason for our existence. We should always look for and step into our gifts and purpose…both of which come from God. The good thing is that what God gives, no man or woman can take away.

The God that began a good work in you will continue until it is finished when Jesus returns (Philippians 1:6). I believe then and only then has our full potential been reached. Wherever you are on your journey, it is not too early nor too late to set into your purpose.

Take time to search your soul and ponder what you were placed on earth to do. Today is the first day of the rest of your life. We can’t change the past but we can learn from it and use it to become our best from this day forward. Deborah is the co-author of the bestselling, The Secret to Winning BIG: Top Strategies for Winning BIG in Life and Business. She is also an award nominated singer-songwriter. More information can be found at www. deborahhightower.com.

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“The greatest human temptation is to settle for too little.” -Thomas Merton

There is a direct connection with finding, polishing and expanding the gifts that have been placed in our spirits by the all-knowing God and our personal happiness, fulfillment and success. We will become better people, and in turn, better spouses, parents, employees, citizens…the list goes on.

BEAUTY

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WHAT NOT TO SAY by Wendy Herrmann Smith

“Just quit trying so hard, and you’ll get pregnant.” If you have struggled with infertility, reading those words just made your blood pressure shoot up. If only it were that easy. Well-meaning friends offered this advice when I was trying to conceive a second time. When our son was eighteen months old my husband and I started down an infertility road that we traveled for four years. The fact that we had one child in our home already did ease the burden. But it was lonely being the only one of my friends whose family planning was not going as planned.

Maybe you’re not in this position, but you know a friend who is. If so, resist the impulse to say, “Just quite trying.” Instead, offer these gestures of friendship.

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Secondary infertility – the inability to conceive again after having a successful pregnancy – is a • Listen. Allow them to express their grief, and loss. I loved my son and nothing could diminish it will be a salve for their emotional wounds. that. But a photo with three people was not the • Find ways to reduce stress in their lives. family portrait I imagined. Even if we chose Ask them to join you for an afternoon of fun to adopt or to be foster parents, the inability to or down time. If they have children, offer to conceive again was a loss to grieve. babysit so the couple can have a date night or a weekend away. Folk wisdom claims a woman will get pregnant • Send a note or small gift. If you want to invest as soon as she decides to adopt. But very few more money, treat the woman to a massage or couples spontaneously conceive after they end day at the spa. It’s a pleasant contrast to the infertility treatments. Our decision to stop shots, blood tests, scopes, and x-rays that are medical intervention meant letting go of a dream. often part of treatment. A biological drive that was hardwired into us • Pray for the couple. Ask God to give them would not be satisfied. I wrestled with God, angry stamina, comfort, and wisdom. that He allows people to conceive who are not prepared to parent while denying the privilege Ease their loneliness and obey God’s command, to those who yearn for a child. Trusting the Lord “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you was as formidable a task as getting pregnant. will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)

Dare to Dream Waiting for Your Dream….Daily

O Lord, You are my God; I will exalt You, I will give thanks to Your name; for You have worked wonders, plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness. Isaiah 25:1 (NASB)

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I have several favorite verses, but I have to say that lately I take delight in reading Isaiah 25:1. There are two things that stand out in this verse: timing and faithfulness. It lets me know that God will come through, that He is faithful, and that He has a timing to bring those desires and dreams He has placed in our hearts to come to pass.

Those who know me well know that I can be very impatient. I’ve become so much better, but nevertheless, I don’t enjoy waiting—at all. I especially don’t enjoy it when it’s something I really desire. In this fast paced world where everything seems instant, it could be discouraging when waiting on a dream or God’s timing seems too long.

Some of you may have the same struggle and you’ve given up on waiting and expecting that dream that you have held so close to your heart. The enemy has you believing that you’re too old, not attractive enough, not intelligent enough, and many other lies. I’ve been there and know that feeling quite well. However if we believe God’s word in the bible, it says in Isaiah 55: 10-11, “For just as rain and snow fall from heaven, and do not return there without saturating the earth, and making it germinate and sprout, and providing seed to sow and food to eat, so My word that comes from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and will prosper in what I send it [to do].” Simply, God will do what He says He will do. So if you have become weary of waiting for your dreams or promises, here are some points to refresh you: ACKNOWLEDGE GOD IS: We need to understand that we can do nothing without

is faithful even when we are not. PRAISE HIM: We should praise God for His “perfect faithfulness” in an imperfect world and life. We should exalt Him because he has done wonderful things! Remember His goodness and all that He has already done. Isaiah saw all that God had done – “you have done wonderful things.” The wonderful things that God has done are connected to his plans

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Him. Talk to God. Talk to God as you would talk to anyone else. In all your ways, in all your days, acknowledge Him (Proverbs 3:5,6). He is the Creator and Sustainer of all that is! We are not descendants of some single cell; we are not accidents. He is the Giver of every good and perfect gift. All that we have and are we owe to Him. He is the Savior and lover of our souls. Our heavenly destiny is owed to Him. Acknowledge Him for He is awesome, holy, and majestic. God

formed long ago. God acts according to His will, and all that He purposes, He does. God is to be exalted and praised for His works and His working. We should thank Him for working out His plan through our lives, plans laid out for us a long time ago. What we need to do is discover His plan, choose to walk it

has done and is ready to do. It qualifies you to experience more of God, TAKE ONE DAY AT A TIME: Wait one day at a time. We get caught up when we try to figure out tomorrow. Focus on today and what you can do today. We know great men and women in the bible that had to wait for their promises or dreams. You have Job, Joseph, Abraham and Sarah, Hannah, Ruth, and Noah just to name a few. Study their “wait”.

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God’s timing is often a mystery. He doesn’t do things on our timetable. Yet His Word promises that He will not be late, not one single day. Habakkuk 2:3 in The Living Bible says, “But these things I plan won’t happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!”

As you can see these points all interrelate with out daily and not give up on our dreams. one another. At the end of the day, it’s all about GIVE THANKS: Give thanks to Him who going after our divine purpose. Waiting is not alone does mighty miracles. Give God thanks easy and I applaud anyone who would say it is. for our daily provision, answers to prayers When there is nothing you can absolutely do and for others. Thank God for life, health, to speed things up, do as Habakkuk reminds strength, for loving and forgiving us. Thank us to do, “don’t despair”. Know that God is God for His mercy and His grace. faithful and take one day at a time. Rest in A heart of thanksgiving is a heart of faith Him. Keep focused because God is still God. where the focus is on God and on what He And God is always good…all the time!

Our Hope is in Him by Lanette Kissel The skeptics may ponder the plausibility of placing our hope in what we cannot see. There’s no need to tuck hope away on a shelf, for those who live for Christ and have died to self. For we know in our hearts there is a God above. We are certain of this. We have seen His love. We are aware of all that our God has done in gifting us with a Savior in the form of His Son. We know He is our Father. We are children of His. And our temporary life on earth isn’t all there is. As believers, we can hope for nothing less than an everlasting crown of righteousness. We needn’t fear what the future may have in store. We place our hope in the Lord we love and adore, and look forward to all Heaven will be, and more.

inspired women magazine JULY / AUGUST 2013

God Is So in Love with You

inspired women magazine JULY / AUGUST 2013

Love is a verb. A verb expresses actions or a state of being. God loves you. God has expressed His love to You by His actions. Take the time daily, if it is no more than a few minutes, to meditate and dwell on God’s love for You. God did not accidently spilt, sprinkle, or spilled His love upon You. God has intentionally poured, showered, and lavished HIS love upon your life. God is so in love with you. Dress like you are loved by God. Walk like you are loved by God. Smile like you are loved by God. Walk in God’s love for you. Walk in your specialness to God.

God loves you with an everlasting love; therefore with loving kindness God has drawn you (Jeremiah31:3). God demonstrates His own love toward you, in that while you were still a sinner, Christ died for you” (Romans 5:8).

Be convinced, be persuaded, let there be no doubt in your mind that nothing, not one thing, death, life, angels, principalities, powers, things present, things to come, height, depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate you from Let’s Pray: God in Jesus’ name I ask that I will find the love of God which is in Christ Jesus your Lord the time, and take the time daily to meditate and (Romans 8:38-39). dwell upon Your love that You have for me. God give me understanding of the depths of Your love. Teach me how to do dwell on that pure, perfect, You Are So Loved By God! clean, unperverted, unconditional, magnificent, extravagant, compassionate, boundless, everlasting, Encourager Linda Flagg, LM, CS never ending love that You have for me. Then teach Christian Life Coach & Youth Minister me how to share Your pure, clean, unconditional, unperverted, magnificent love with others through my actions, thoughts, and honest words. Amen!

in·spire (n-spr) v. in·spired, in·spir·ing, in·spires ~ To affect, guide, or arouse by divine influence. inspired women magazine JULY / AUGUST 2013

~To fill with enlivening or exalting emotion: ~ To stimulate to action; motivate ~ To affect or touch ~ To breathe on. ~ To breathe life into

Pink

COLLAR

INK:

Inspiration and Insight for Women’s Work Lives

PINK COLLAR Lessons in Loneliness by Tammi Ector Shortly after I became a child care administrator, my company sent me to “Center Director School” in Minneapolis. When I announced to my new staff member that I’d be away for a week and where, the cook blurted out, “You’re going to freeze your skinny ____ off!” Even as I gave her a stern look, I had to admit that though a concern, the frigid tem-

inspired women magazine JULY / AUGUST 2013

peratures were the least of my worries. I’d just was indeed a new director at the same corpora-

regained custody of my two and three year tion. Soon we joined up with another “rookie” olds and I was already missing them. Never director from Ohio and spent a fun evening at mind that my flight didn’t take off for a week.

dinner sharing stories of how we landed our

When I did board the plane, I noticed a dream jobs. Breathing a sigh of relief, I prayed, pretty brunette. Something about her made Thank you, Lord, for giving me instant friends me suspect we were bound for the same desti- on this trip. Little did I know, but I had a steep nation. Later I realized she carried herself like learning curve ahead of me that had nothing a leader. Upon landing, I quickly learned she to do with business administration or man-

aging my program. Instead of the three of us hanging out all week, they ditched me the next day and I spent the week excluded from dinner, shopping and any other plans. It was one of the loneliest weeks of my life.

Alone in My Convictions Despite how we seemed to click initially, especially considering how the dinner conversation quickly veered to the personal, I sensed that I may have turned them off when I referred to work as ministry – being a blessing to the families served in my program. And it

probably didn’t help that I drank soda instead of the numerous alcoholic drinks they ordered. Or that I didn’t pepper my speech with the curse words that colored theirs. In my attempt to let my light shine, instead of drawing those women to Him, I repelled them from myself because it was the last meal we shared.

The next day, after we finished classes, I headed up to my hotel room. When the elevator doors opened, those other Ohio directors and my roommate, who I’d gotten to know some the night before when I got back to the room following dinner, were packed in-

inspired women magazine JULY / AUGUST 2013

From the Outside Looking In

ment that door symbolized how I’d spend the week separated from the others – watching them hang out and interact – literally on the outside looking in.

In This World but Not of It The rest of the week played out like a déjà vu scene from my high school days. For reasons that I didn’t understand back then and struggled to as a thirty something mid-lifer, the clique was tight and there was no way I was getting in. Though I never let them see it, I was so hurt by those women. We may not have shared the same convictions, but I found it hard to believe that was reason enough to exclude me completely. After all, even if I came across as “religious”, I don’t believe I was obnoxious. I’m not perfect by any stretch, but was I so unlike-

side. Still blissfully unaware of the fact that I able? As I wept on the phone in an empty hallwas being shunned, I asked where they were way, my then boyfriend, now husband broke

inspired women magazine JULY / AUGUST 2013

going. The pretty brunette, who had indeed it down. “Of course you’re not unlikeable. But emerged as the leader, breezily responded “To those women obviously see something differ-

dinner.” I tried to keep the smile plastered to ent in you. You don’t think, act or speak the my face when no invitation to join them fol- way they do. You have something they don’t. lowed. Noticing how the others refused to Being around you exposes that, so they’d rathmake eye contact caused me to bite back the er not be.” “I’d love to come,” on the tip of my tongue. In-

I won’t lie and say that hearing this godly

stead I told them to have fun and held back wisdom erased the feelings of rejection, but it the tears as the elevator door slid closed, ef- did enable me to rely on my relationship with fectively shutting me out. In that defining mo- Christ to ease my loneliness.

Lessons in Loneliness Learned As hard as that week was, I learned some valuable lessons that I’m passing along women of faith in the pink collar workplace today: Be a light - Even when you run the risk of rejection, be true to yourself and to Him. Though those directors shunned me, I wouldn’t go back and do it differently. I was rejected because of my quiet stand for Christ. If nothing

cling to His promise: “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5). At a conference full of hundreds of other women, I’ve seldom felt so alone. I spent most of the trip, including visiting the Mall of America, by myself. But because He is true to His Word, I learned the most valuable lesson of all while at “Center Director School”. Even when we’re lonely in the workplace, we’re never alone.

else, it caused them to wonder what I had and consider what they don’t. Build relationships first – People have to know you care before they care what you believe. Though I wouldn’t change what I said or did that first night, in retrospect, I should have waited until we’d established a higher comfort level, true acceptance and trust. Bridge the gaps where possible – Since we’re all more alike than different, focus on those things. Those women and I had more in common than not – we were new to our positions, were there for the same reason and had into those shared interests and they may have come across in a more subtle, palatable way. Believe in His promise – As pink collar professionals, at times most of us will experience loneliness in the workplace. Since these times are inevitable, when they come, we must

inspired women magazine JULY / AUGUST 2013

families. I could have imbedded my beliefs

Tammi Ector Fisse is a writer, speaker and singer who is passionate about sharing stories for God’s glory. As a domestic violence survivor, Tammi’s own story contains a great deal of hurt, but it is also full of healing and hope. God not only transformed her from a victim into a victor through Christ, He turned her trials into her testimony. Though this process was painful and sometimes still is, Tammi longs to encourage other women, whatever their circumstances, by sharing in the “comfort wherewith she is comforted” (I Cor. 1:3-4). She also seeks to educate others about domestic abuse. Tammi is currently working on her first novel. To schedule Tammi to speak or sing, please contact her at tectorfisse@hotmail.com. You may also visit her blog “True Confessions of A Christian Girl” at trulytammi. blogspot.com .

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