Our word for the week: CHOSEN
Download in a PDF or in MSWord. Be sure to print it and post it everywhere so you can remember YOU ARE a CHOSEN child of  God!!

God’s WORD for us this week:
“You are a chosen [woman], a royal priesthood, a holy [daughter], a [woman] belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of HIM who has called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9, NIV

Today’s Assignments:
Please print and post your word and verse for the week. Continue reading chapter 6 and asswer questions 1-3 at the end of the chapter. We’ll chat about them here soon.

Roll Call!! {and a giveaway!}
Let’s  get to know each other better! All who participate will be entered into a fun  GIVEAWAY for year’s subscription to the P31 Woman magazine, an exclusive P31 radio CD with 40 0f our favorite shows, and a $10 gift card to Target or Starbucks {you choose!}

Just answer these 3 simple questions: Where are you from (state or country), what is your age, what do you love to do in your free time?

UPDATE:  This is SO much FUN reading about  you and reading your comments to one another. Ya’ll make my heart smile so big!! {And just in case you wanted to know – I’m 45, live in North Carolina and in my spare time (which I rarely have), I love to watch a movie with my family, read a good book or be outside soaking up the beauty of God’s creation.} I wish I loved to cook and be crafty like so many of you!!

Click on “Share Your Thoughts” below to give your answers.

In the shadow of doubt, insecurity paralyzes us with statements like:

“I can’t do this.”
“Things will never change.”
“My life isn’t going to get better.”
“I’ll never have the confidence I need.”

Those are some depressing thoughts, aren’t they? But oh how quickly they weasel their way into our minds and disguise their voices to sound like ours. Sometimes we agree with them and they become our own.

God doesn’t want us living in a cycle of defeat or dwelling in the shadows of doubt. In Isaiah 49:23, He says: “Then you will know that I am the LORD. Those who hope in me will not be disappointed.” Yet, doubt and hope cannot live in our hearts at the same time. As God’s girls, we need to know and believe that change is possible. We need to hope that life can be different. Otherwise, doubt will win every time and our hearts will be eroded by attitudes and emotions of defeat—but it is not supposed to be this way.

God declares with confidence that things can change—“See, I am doing a new thing!” “I am working all things together for good, because you love me and are called according to my purpose.” “All things are possible to {her} who believes” (Isa. 43:19; Rom. 8:28; Mark 9:23 NASB).

My book,  A Confident Heart, is being featured this week as an InCourage Bloom book club selection, and we’re giving away 5 COPIES too! I would LOVE for you to come on over where we’ll be talking about replacing our lack of self-confidence with lasting “God-fidence”all week. Today we’re sharing…(read more here).

Also, would you do me a little favor? If you’ve read A Confident Heart, would you mind sharing a few thoughts about it in a review here? My kind friends at DaySpring and InCourage have added it to their recommended reads!

God could see beyond who Gideon was to who he could become. He promised Gideon he would defeat his enemies, but he would not fight alone. “The Lord answered, ‘I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive’” (Judg. 6:16).

Gideon’s first steps out of the shadow of doubt would require he focus on God’s promise and power, not himself. Eventually, with God’s help, Gideon defeated his enemies and his doubts.  In today’s video message, I share how we can do the same by intentionally identifying our doubts and throwing them away, so that we can take hold of and live in the security of HIS promises instead! Please click the arrow below to watch.

• Don’t Throw Away Your Confidence printable (click here)
• Message Notes: You can download video “Message Notes” in a PDF format here or in a MSWord doc here.  I encourage you to watch it once and just let God speak to your heart. Then if you want to, watch it agagin and follow along with the message notes which include parts of the message, verses and blanks to fill in.

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I don’t know about you, but whew – this chapter was just what I needed this week. God used it to remind me of how good HE is at being strong in my weaknesses – and unlimited by my limitations. Being really sick for two weeks, with an injured teenager and a 3-year old who has sleep/anxiety issues that have caused her to wake up all night for the past three out of five nights will make you think it’s time to resign from just about everything you do {but don’t worry I’m not}.

Connecting in Community: Ok friend, let’s talk. Overwhelming circumstances will send me to the trash every time! What’s tempting you to throw away your confidence this week? Did chapter 5 help you identify your triggers? What promises are you going to take hold of after writing down and throwing away your doubts? Or share other answers to questions 1-7 at the end of the chapter.

Share your thoughts below this post. I really want to hear from you – yes you! You are an important part of our community and conversation!

You are LOVED

Welcome online study sisters and new friends hopping over from my Encouragement for Today devotion. I’m so glad you are here! In my devotion, Because You are His, I talk about the love of a mom watching over her children – and how God says He watches over us just like that. Not only does He watch over us – HE DELIGHTS IN US!!{ Zeph. 3:17}

And with His love, He calms our concerns, quiets our fears  and speak promises of assurance to our hearts! Scripture says He sings over us, too. I have a feeling the song He sings over you today is written just for YOU, describing the beautiful woman He’s created you to be, while gently leading your heart to know and rely on His love more and more each day.

Oh how I want to know and rely on His love…His unconditional, unfailing, patient and kind Love. How about you? In this short video m message today, I  share one of the most important truths I’ve ever learned about God’s love. I’d love to share it with you. Maybe we can connect over lunch or coffee right here at my kitchen table.

“Message Notes” are 1to download in a PDF format here or in a MSWord doc here.

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Let these truths sink into your heart today…

You are CHOSEN. You are LOVED. You are ACCEPTED.

(Download His Promises and print them for keeps!?)

Although God may not send His love covered in chocolate or delivered in satin covered boxes, let’s remember today how He left Himself as a Love letter nailed to the cross of Calvary, declaring the depth of HIS unfailing love for us – forever! I pray that you will live in HIS love today today…bringing the empty well of your heart to Jesus -  so He can fill it!

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Living Loved Give-Away

Click “share your thoughts” right below this post and do just that.  In celebration of Valentine’s Day, each one who participates will be entered to win my “Living Loved” give-away which includes 2 copies of my book,  A Confident Heart, a Starbucks gift Card, a Godiva chocolate bar and a “God’s Heart for You” day-bright DaySpring calendar.

For extra chances to win: (Leave a new comment for each extra entry please.)

• Facebook a link to this post and give-away
• Tweet a link to this post and give-away
• Blog about this post & give-away and link back
• Pin a link to this post and give-away

Oh, and there’s MORE! After you enter to win my give-away, hop over here where I’m a guest in the Blitz of Give-aways at www.RooMag.com today, too!

Our word for the week: LIGHT (You can download it in a PDF or download in MSWord). Please print it and post it everywhere as you allow His word to light your path this week.

His WORD for us this week: “I am the light of the world. If you follow Me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” John 8:12, NLT

Today’s Assignment: Start or continue reading chapter 5. This is a shorter chapter but oh so important!! Be sure to highlight or underline anything that resonates in your heart and journal what you sense God is showing you.

Connecting: What are one or two things you’ve read so far in Chapter 5 that you sense God’s bringing to “light” for you? Are there verses or sentences you’ve underlined or highlighted? Click “share your thoughts” just below this post and do just that.

Chapter 4 takes a lot of courage. And I’m so proud of you for being here and not giving up, for wanting all He has for you. I know your Heavenly Father is so proud of you too, for your pursuit and your willingness to walk with Him one step at a time. Remember Christ died to forgive our sins but also to heal our souls so that we can live in Him – with HOPE again!

Don’t give up friend, no matter what! Stay close to Jesus. Stay connected here. We’re in this together. HE is so worthy!! And you? You are so worth it!!

Here’s this week’s messages. Please don’t miss it. I want to be able to share with you face to face this. You were on my mind and in my prayers when I filmed this teaching several weeks ago. Please click the arrow below to watch.

Message Notes: You can download video “Message Notes” in a PDF format here or in a MSWord doc here.  I encourage you to watch it once and just let God speak to your heart. Then if you want to, watch it a second time and follow along with the message notes which include parts of the message, verses and blanks to fill in.

I know the timelines I encourage you to do are scary for many. I really do understand. And it takes time. I wish I had shared that more clearly in the book. Today I’m praying for God to give you courage and perseverance to press through any fear that would keep you from starting it.  Fear is Satan’s way of keeping us from the freedom God wants in our lives.  You don’t have to do a timeline if you don’t want to or if God doesn’t lead you to. The reason I encourage one is because it’s valuable for us to identify memories and emotions caused in the past that play a role in how you see ourselves and others, and how we handle life and relationships today.

In her comments under this post, May shared how she’s been taking it a little at a time and how answering the questions at the end of the chapter has helped her start her timeline.

Connecting in Community: Let’s share with each other what God showed you through our video message? Also, if you feel comfortable, please share some of your answers to questions at end of Chapter 4.

Click  “share your thoughts”  right below this post and do just that. I’ll be here reading and praying and commenting as time allows. Let’s take a minute today to pray for or encourage someone else as time allows. This chapter is one where it sure is good to know we have friends here to pray and walk beside us, isn’t it? LOVE you guys!!!

“When our questions make us doubt God’s heart, our pain can lead to bitterness and bondage. Yet in the security of our relationship with Christ, God wants us to ask the hard questions and look for answers that usher us into the depths of His redeeming love. He wants us to live in the promise that He offers hope for our future despite the pain of our past. He knows our past and our pain can actually lead us to His plans and hope for our future.”
from Chapter 4, A Confident Heart

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Our Word for the week: HOPE
(Download in a PDF or download in MSWord). Please print it and post it everywhere so you can remember that God’s love can satisfy the thirst of your soul!

HIS Word for us this week:
“May the God of hope fill [me] with all joy and peace as [I] trust in him, so that [I] may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:13, NIV

Today’s Assignment:
Start or continue reading chapter 4. Remember, take your time and highlight or underline sentences that resonate in your heart.

Connecting in Community:
Let’s commit to memorize this week’s verse together! If you are in, leave a comment by clicking on “share your thoughts” and tell us how you plan to memorize it. I’m writing mine on my mirror and on a ceramic plate in my kitchen for the week.

I’m still sick today but getting better slowly. Would treasure prayers for total healing. Meeting with video editor today to finalize this week’s message so I can share it with you. I’ll be back with a question or something else to we can talk about soon. I’ll just add it to this post (but I’ll email to let you know when I do. Praying for you today!

In today’s video message, I talk about the things we look to and illustrate how we can allow God to fill the empty places in our hearts…

Please click the arrow below to watch.

(Optional) Download my “Message Notes” in a PDF format here or in a MSWord doc here.  We want you to just watch and let God speak to your heart the first time, but we also knew some of you will want the notes. I even included blanks for you to fill in.

UPDATE: It’s been quite a week at our house…a trip to the ER with my mom after a bad fall Sunday, I woke up sick on Tuesday and my son Andrew (14) broke his collar bone that same afternoon. Wednesday we found out I had bronchitis and that Andrew’s break was much worse than we expected. Fortunately, we are doing a good bit better today. God’s kept us close to His promises and provided strength and encouragement through so many of your prayers and notes. THANK YOU!!

Connecting in Community: I’d love to hear your thoughts about this week”s video message and your answers to questions at end of Chapter 3.  If you left a comment earlier in the week, let’s talk about questions we hadn’t answered yet. Like 4-7. And how the video message ties into the question about finding our “worth-ship” in Christ.

Just click  “share your thoughts”  right below this post and do just that – share your thoughts, I love to hear them! And I’ll share mine too.

My friend Heather is a Word girl!! When she was in college she performed in over 14 plays and memorized hundreds of lines, so I’ve asked her to share some tips to help us hide God’s Word in our hearts this week. Here are a few she shared. I’ll post more each week.

Ideas for Memorizing Scripture

• Write the scripture on several index cards or post-it notes and place them in areas where you will see them frequently throughout the day. Examples: on the bathroom mirror, refrigerator door, in the car, at work, etc…
• Get a stack of index cards and on each one write one or two words from the verse, including the reference. Shuffle them up and see if you can put them in the correct order again. Save the cards and reuse common words found in other verses.
• Send the verse to friends and family by typing, texting, or writing it out by hand. You can look at the verse, but do not copy and paste! Try writing it at least once a day.
• Study with a friend, your spouse, or teach it to your kids! Quiz each other and keep each other on track. What a great way for families to spend time in the Word together!
• Change the wall paper on your computer to an image that has your Bible verse.

Word for the week: SATISFIED (Download in a PDF or download in MSWord). Please print it and post it everywhere so you can remember that God’s love can satisfy the thirst of your soul!

Verse for the week: “Satisfy [me] in the morning with your unfailing love, that [I] may sing for joy and be glad all [my] days…for I have put my trust in you.” Psalm 90:14, 143:8b, NIV

Today’s Assignment: Start or continue reading chapter 3. Remember, take your time and highlight or underline sentences that resonate in your heart.

Personal Update: Thank you for praying for my mom. She has a small fracture under her eye but no internal bleeding. Her face looks horrible so I am praising God she didn’t have more damage. Also, thank you for your sweet and fun comments about my silly Saturday video. I love sharing real life with you and wouldn’t want it any other way. Speaking of real life, I’m getting sick and this is the week we release my first teaching segment in the series of six videos we spent months filming and editing. I’m so eager to share this message with you! I just need to finish the handout and we’ll be ready to go. Please pray I’ll feel good enough to get ‘er done Tuesday so we can launch it Weds as planned. . (All things are possible for she who believes!)

Connecting in Community: Let’s commit to memorize this week’s verse together! If you are in, leave a comment by clicking on “share your thoughts” and tell us how you plan to memorize it. Also, if you have any other creative ways to memorize scripture please share that too! Lord willing, I’ll be back Weds with our video that Im so excited to share with you!!

If you’re reading this via email, just click on the title of the post “A Silly Saturday Video Message” and it’ll take you to my website where you can see my silly message. Also, if you don’t know who Leah is, she’s my dear friend and my amazing servant-hearted ministry assistant!

So, what is one of your “must haves” on a road-trip and…have you ever cut your own hair?