FAITH

Very simple thought for today, but it makes you reflect.  We are blessed indeed.

FAITH

I believe in the sun, even though it doesn't shine.
I believe in love, even when it isn't shown.
I believe in God, even when He doesn't speak.

- Found on the wall of a concentration camp

"Lists To Live By" - Gray, Stephens, and VanDiest - page 90

Hebrews 11:1 -  Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

 

http://www.sawdustcityllc.com/found-written-on-the-wall-in-mother-teresas-home-for-children/

HELLO AGAIN!!!

Hi everyone!  I am sorry it has been a week since my last entry, but I want you to know I am still here.  I needed a break, as I was somewhat discouraged.  I am not sure if anyone is following and being encouraged by the blog???  If you are, can you please leave a comment, or email me at womenlivingwithvirtues@hotmail.com?   I would love to hear from you with feedback and suggestions!!! I can see now that there has been an increase in website hits, so I feel a little encouraged.  I am doing a "devotion"myself, but it takes time to enter it on the blog.  I only want to keep doing it if it is helping others too.  Please share it with anyone you know that would benefit from it.

I have decided that I am not going to post each day, as I never know how the days will go.  I had the pleasure of substitute teaching at my daughter's preschool this past week.  Things like that take away some of my "blogging" time.  I have not posted on my other blog either.  I will post when I have time and when I have something to share.  I might even post more than once in a day if I feel like it!  I am going to try and have a wider variety of subjects and be more concise with the study portion.

NEW FOR YOU 

Do you have a quote, verse, or thought that you would like to share???

Do you have a great  household hint, budget or organization idea, or anything of that nature???

Do you have a special recipe to share?   Submit it to me.....even include a photo if you wish.  I might even put it on the other blog (www.recipes4yourkitchen.blogspot.com)

Submit your entries to :   womenlivingwithvirtues@hotmail.com   If you wish to remain anonymous that is just fine and I won't list your name.

I will use at least 1 entry per week, depending on how many submissions I receive.

My hope is for this to turn into more of a collective/community site.  Feel free to like the blog on Facebook,  do a like with Google+, or use any other social networking to share with others.  Have a great week and I hope you will visit the blog often!

Blessings,
Shannon

SPRING BREAK!!! More on EXCELLENCY

(I thought I published this article on Thursday, but apparently it did not work. Better late than never)

Like I said yesterday, the kids are on break this week.  Obviously I am busy and distracted, as I keep mixing up my days this week and missing posts!  My husband has the day off tomorrow so we plan on a family day.  The weather is supposed to be gorgeous.......almost 80 degrees in the middle of March. You can bet some of our plans will be outside enjoying God's creation!!!

EXCELLENCY continued.............

  Phillipians 1:9-10 -  And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ.

Phillipians 4:8 - Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

How do we acheive excellence?   What can we do, according to God's word?
*** I am only giving 1 verse for each idea. There are MANY more that apply, but I wanted to keep it brief.

1)  Follow his commandments  

 

Matthew 22:36-39

Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
This is the first and great commandment.
And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

 2)   Be an example to those around us

Matthew 5:15-17

Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.

3)    Do good works

Colossians 1:10

That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

4)     Learn more about God

2 Timothy 2:15

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

 

5)    Communicate with God

Philippians 4:5-7

Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

This is not a comprehensive list by any means........just the ones that I thought of first.  I hope that you will find them thought-provoking.  Take some time and come up with other passages that relate to these topics.  I would love for you to share them on the site with comments under the blog entry!!!

Have a blessed weekend.
Shannon

HAPPY TUESDAY!!!

MAIN DISH MONDAY

 

This is one of my recipes, which I put on my other blog.  They are easy and yummy!!!

 

Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

 

TASTY TREAT TUESDAY

 

I can't wait to try these!!!

Three Layer Brownie Goodie Bars

AN EXCELLENT WOMAN

Scriptures

Proverbs 31:10-  Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

Proverbs 12:4 -  A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.

Ruth 3:11 - And now, my daughter, fear not. I will do for thee all that thou requirest, for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.

Other words for virtuous :  Excellent, Worthy, Strong, Capable

We have discussed being virtuous, but let's explore the concept of excellece.  The definition for excellence is :  Superior, First Class, Eminently Good, Very good of it's kind

Do you strive to be an excellent woman?  What is your definition of her?  The world's meaning often includes things such as how you look, the job you have and what it pays, the type of house you live in, and other superficial things.  We are often too concerned about measuring up to others in society.

How does God define excellence for women?  Do we examine ourselves to see how we measure up to his expectations?  We are to be above the norm......differing through our virtues.  Reflect on this and think of ways in which you feel you excel at and the areas in which you need to improve.

Blessings,
Shannon

HAPPY SATURDAY!!!

Hello everyone!  Sorry this week has been hit and miss. We are having some work done on our house and things have been very busy and messy.  I finally have everything cleaned up and furniture moved back.  I can even use the kitchen today.  Then they will be back on Monday to make another mess!

Today I just want to share another list from "Lists To Live By", compiled by Alice Grey, Steve Stephens, and JohnVanDiest.  I chose one about children, since our story this week was Elizabeth.

Page 267

QUALITIES TO PASS ON TO YOUR CHILDREN

 

DETERMINATION..........."Stick with it, regardless."

 

HONESTY.........."Speak and live the truth - always."

 

RESPONSIBILITY............"Be dependable, be trustworthy."

 

THOUGHTFULNESS............"Think of others before yourself."

 

CONFIDENTIALITY........"Don't tell secrets.  Seal your lips."

 

PUNCTUALITY.........."Be on time."

 

SELF-CONTROL......."When under stress, stay calm."

 

PATIENCE........"Fight irritability.  Be willing to wait."

 

PURITY.............."Reject anything that lowers your standards."

 

COMPASSION........."When another hurts, feel it with him."

 

DILIGENCE............"Work hard. Tough it out."

 

-Charles R. Swindoll

From "Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life"

 

 

Blessings,

Shannon

THIS WEEK............

MAIN DISH MONDAY

 

Baked Spasagna

 

http://www.plainchicken.com/2012/02/baked-spasanga.html

 

I am anxious to try this, as my kids LOVE spaghetti and lasagna.  Now I have to figure out how to make it diet friendly.

 

TASTY TREAT TUESDAY

 

White Chocolate Brownies

 

http://pinrecipes.blogspot.com/2012/12/white-chocolate-brownies.html

 

I love white chocolate, so I am sure these will be a hit.

 

WORDS OF WISDOM WEDNESDAY

 

WHAT IS LOVE?

 

Love delights in giving attenion rather than attracting it.

Love finds the element of good and builds on it.

Love does not magnify defects.

Love is a flame that warms but never burns.

Love knows how to disagree without becoming disagreeable.

Love rejoices at the success others instead of being envious.

 

From Lists to Live By - Alice Grey, Steve Stephens, and JohnVanDiest -  Page 66