Truly Captivating...

True Woman Makeover – Week 5

captivatinggirl@hotmail.com (Susanne) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 19:42:00 +0000

Wow! Another challenging week of lessons. Let’s get right to my take-aways, then I’ll share some thoughts…

Lesson 13 – A Woman’s Great Loveliness

Be clothed in modesty and self-control.
Paul is not just addressing appearance in these verses, but our heart attitudes… how we come to worship God.
“A woman’s greatest loveliness comes from the modesty of her heart”.
Greek Vocabulary Lesson: “Aidos” = propriety, decency, bashfulness – this word explains modesty mixed with humility.
Positive sense of shame: would be ashamed of herself if anything she did were to cause dishonor to Christ, a distraction for other believers, or cause men to sin in their thought life/morals.
Paul is telling the women not to be showy or ostentatious like the woman in Proverbs 7 – loud and boisterous.
In many ways, the opposite of modesty is vanity.
The Bible says that it’s better to have a millstone tied around your neck and be thrown into the sea (in other words, better to be dead) than to cause another to stumble. (Mark 9:42)
Do I have a humble view of myself, or am I promoting myself instead of God?
Am I reserved in my speech? (Talking too much is not displaying modesty.) – OUCH!!
Modesty is NOT controlling, bossy, or domineering.
Is most of my conversation about me??
I need to be asking God how I can be a blessing to others. Ask them about their interests, about what’s going on in their lives.
“Are you grieved at the thought of offending God or causing someone else to sin? That is the result of a modest heart”.

Lesson 14 – Self Control

Purity and self control go hand in hand.
In our society today, teenage girls not only call boys (something that my Mama always discouraged me from) but often initiate romantic and sexual activity!
American girls are more daring than ever.
This is our culture --- but God has called us to be COUNTER-CULTURAL women!
It’s hard to be light in a dark world; the right way will always be the narrow way.
What is proper for women who profess godliness? (1 Timothy 2:9-10)
If we have the spirit of God in our hearts we should DESIRE to live this way.
We can’t do it alone… “If you try to do this on your own, you will die in the legalistic effort.”
Self-Control is a fruit of the Spirit!
The definition of self-control implies soundness of mind, or mental sanity.
“If you have self-control you will find that there are a lot of situations that you never end up in, because you’ve made wise and restrained choices on the front end”.
“Today’s women don’t know what self control is. They’re just out there, just talking, doing, and acting in ways that are not self-controlled at all!”
Am I a self-controlled woman?
- Do I have sound thinking?
- Am I controlled in my eating/exercise habits?
- Is my tongue temperate?
- What about my time? Am I a procrastinator? Always in a tizzy due to deadlines. (OH, BOY!!)
Doesn’t sound like much fun?? “The greatest freedom in life comes when we’re under the control of the Holy Spirit. That’s when you can really enjoy life”.

Lesson 15 – Reflecting God’s Glory

“Wherever culture goes contrary to God’s Word, we should have courage and faith to say no to culture and yes to God.”
Clothe yourself in a way that is becoming, fitting for your profession of godliness.
Ephesus was a wealthy commercial area. Women were being caught up in the latest fads ands styles. They were decking themselves out and competing for attention.
Nothing wrong with looking nice, and pretty – just don’t get caught up in extremes.
Whatever you do, don’t let it be something that will draw people’s attention away from the Lord.
Make sure that as you dress (and buy clothes) that your motives are pure.
Let your external appearance reflect WHY you’ve come to church. (To worship God, not for a fashion show, or to be the center of attention… it’s not about you!)
A woman who is focused on worshipping God is going to think carefully about how she dresses and let her heart dictate her wardrobe.
Instead of being dressed outlandishly or ostentatiously, Paul encourages women to clothe themselves with good deeds.
“When you extend yourself, your heart and your hands, in good works, you know what you’re doing? You are adorning the gospel. You are making Jesus believable. You’re reflecting a heart that is modest, and pure, and self-controlled. You’re reflecting the heart of Jesus”.

I have to admit, for a priss-pot like me, this was a bit of a tough pill to swallow. I like to look good. I like to look good for my man. But I’ve never stopped to think if I might be causing someone else to stumble. These lessons provided some really good food for thought.

I like to think I am modest, but I also like to be up with the latest trends and styles, much like the women of Ephesus, and I often compare myself to other women. God is showing me that it’s all about honoring HIM. It’s not about me.

Take one look at the tag-line of this blog, and you will see that my heart’s desire is to “reflect His glory”. This study is challenging me in that, and I am learning and growing. Becoming… Isn’t that what our Christian walk is all about? Each and every day becoming more and more like Him?

Thanks again, Tammi, for hosting this study. I’m looking forward to growing more and more, to ultimately become a True Woman of God. I’m so glad you invited me to come along with you on this journey!!

Nanny Would Be Proud!

captivatinggirl@hotmail.com (Susanne) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 18:25:00 +0000

My Nanny was a lovely woman. So loving, generous, and kind. She had one of those smiles that lit up her whole face and melted your heart. Ever since I can remember, I was the apple of her eye, and she was mine. I miss her.

She used to love to watch the shows Matlock and In the Heat of the Night. She watched them EVERY NIGHT on cable… religiously.

I don’t watch a lot of TV during the day, because I can’t stand talk-shows and “judge” shows. (Which pretty much leaves nothing else, unless it’s Disney Channel or PBSKids).

The other day I discovered that a station out of Chicago (WGN) features both of Nanny’s shows back-to-back. Matlock airs first at 10:00 AM (which I catch occasionally, in her memory), and In the Heat of the Night comes on at 11:00. I’m usually done with my morning chores by then, so I tune in while I’m folding a load of laundry.

Jake has recently gotten interested in the show. He calls it “the Cop Show with the Chief” (as in Chief Gillespie). This morning while I was in the kitchen, I noticed Sam playing alone and began to wonder where Jake was. I found him in my room on the bed watching TV.

I said, “What are you doing, Bud??”

He replied, “Watching our show”.

It melted me. ;-)

Sometimes he’ll curl up beside me as we watch. We love to laugh at some of The Chief’s sayings, and how Bubba and Sweet are always cutting on Parker. Mostly we just laugh at their fake “SOUTHU’N” accents. But Jake loves the “cops and robbers” aspect of it, as well. He’s always been into roll play, and yesterday he bought an “FBI Agent Set” at the dollar store with his allowance money.

Just a few minutes ago, he came out of his room looking like this:

I said, “Oh my word!! It’s Chief Gillespie!! Or wait, is it Bubba?”

Jake smiled and said, “No I’m the other guy… the handsome one”. (Oh, yes he did!)

Some how, some way, I just know my Nanny was looking down on us from Heaven…

Smiling.

True Woman Makeover – Week 4

captivatinggirl@hotmail.com (Susanne) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 19:46:00 +0000

Continuing in our study this week was quite a challenge for me, both time-wise and in my heart. God is stretching me girls, and it ain’t easy. But I know that it is necessary in order to become who HE wants me to be.

I can also report that it is paying off (a little). As I was recounting an event to my husband yesterday, and describing for him the way in which I handled it, he paid me a beautiful compliment. He said, “I am so proud of you… you are really growing up in Jesus, and I just wanted you to know that I can tell”. ;-)

All that being said, let’s get on with my “take-aways” from lessons 10-12 of our True Woman Study. (Don’t forget, if you’d like to learn more about this study , or how to get started, visit my sweet friend Tammi’s Blog for all the details!)

Lesson 10 – The Fruit of Her Hands

(THIS IS A LONG ONE!! SO FULL OF GOOD STUFF!!) :-)

Proverbs 31 gives us a pattern for the kind of women that God created us to be – something to follow, something to measure, something to trace.
Proverbs 31 Woman is really a portrait of Jesus – we are called to be more like Him – and God is committed to conforming us to the image of His Son.
We have a choice… will we cooperate?
Many of us reject this picture (God’s portrait of womanhood) as outdated, or because we just don’t like it. It goes against the grain.
Some of us STRIVE AND STRUGGLE to be this kind of woman. (Can I get an AMEN!?!?)
I CANNOT DO IT… Become what HE wants me to be… (without HIM!!!)
On Mount Sinai we were given the Law – it was given to Moses to show us that we cannot keep it!! It is a mirror to show us our sin.
Only Christ can (and HAS) fulfill(ed) the law!! WE NEED JESUS!!! In HIM is our VICTORY!
“I know that in me, that is in my flesh, there dwells no good thing” (Romans 7:18).
On Mount Calvary we were given GRACE – Go to the place where you get God’s grace!!!
Galatians 2:20 - “The life which now I live, I live not on my own, but by the power of Christ who lives in me. So Lord, would You be in me what I can never be apart from You.”
“The Gospel isn’t just something you needed when you got saved 23 years ago. The Gospel is something I need today to live as a woman of God. It’s the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for me. It means that it’s finished. I don’t have to strive. I don’t have to struggle. He’s paid the price for my sin. He now lives in me to fulfill the righteousness of His Law.”
I must repent of trying to do this own my own.
We seek not the praise of man, but of God.
What is the reward? SHE SHALL BE PRAISED
“Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,” that’s external beauty—physical beauty—“but a woman who fears the Lord” here’s what I want you to notice, “she shall be praised.” There is a reward. There is an outcome to this way of life that makes it worth all that you have to go through to get there. “She shall be praised.” Verse 31: “Give her of the fruit of her hands and let her own works praise her in the gates” (Proverbs 31:30–31).
When we look at list of her characteristics in this chapter, it can be overwhelming… but what we see is her investment over her lifetime – the fruit of her hands.
We see that as extremely sacrificial… when did she get to live for herself?
“So many women today, and so many times in our lives, we’re holding on to our own rights: my time, my privacy, my peace of mind, my space…”
What did Jesus say???
“’If you hold onto your life, you’ll lose it.’ Here’s a woman who understands the paradox of the ways of Christ. If you lay down your life, you’ll get it back. You have to be willing to give it up in order to really have it (see John 12:25).”
JESUS GAVE HIS LIFE FOR ME!!!
“If we live selfish lives now, we will reap the fruit of our hands”.
There is no indication whatsoever that this woman is miserable!! She is cherished by her husband and children… who could ask for more??
Proverbs 1:29-31 - “Since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the LORD, since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke, they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes.”
One way or the other, we will eat the fruit of our hands!!
I don't know about you, but my deepest desire is to hear Him say “Well done, good and faithful servant”!!

Lesson 11 – Women in the Church

Switching gears to Nancy’s The Attractive Christian Woman series, based on 1 Timothy 2:9-10
Paul’s instruction for women as they gather for worship.
“I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.”
Paul is not just addressing apparel, but attitudes and actions as well.
We cannot separate the inward from the outward - what is in our hearts will eventually come out.
All of these are evidence of our true character – proving who we really are.
“Women in the church can either be a great blessing or they can do incredibly great damage. They can make the gospel believable, or they can cause people to turn away from Christ.” (WOW!! – That stings a little, doesn’t it???)
Is my life consistent with what I say I believe??

Lesson 12 – Affirming Our Faith

Nancy asks if we take inventory of our lives, what would we find? Would it be well-ordered or chaotic?
Mine – like a roller coaster vacillating between ups (orderly) and downs (chaotic).
Still referring to 1 Timothy 2:9-10
It’s not enough to claim to be a Christian.
Appearance, Attitudes, and Actions wont MAKE you a Christian (See Ephesians 2:8 and 2 Timothy 1:9) but these qualities of ourselves SHOULD AFFIRM who we are in Christ.
Greek Lesson #1 – the word for “adorn” is kosmeo: to put in proper order, to make ready
When preparing for worship, we should “make ourselves ready” to meet God.
Greek Lesson #2 – the word for “respectable” is kosmios: orderly, decent; the opposite of chaos
We can see our word COSMETICS in both of these words.
Greek Lesson #3 – the word for “apparel” is katastole: a loose or draped garment
Paul is not merely addressing clothing, but our whole look and demeanor.
Modesty and clothing issues are first and foremost heart issues.
Not just our appearance (not that we should be perfectionists – striving and struggling) but our environment and our lives in general should be orderly and arranged
My heart and emotions should be well-ordered, too – not living day to day on that “emotional rollercoaster” but allowing the fruit of the Spirit to develop in my life
My mind should be well ordered – taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (ask me how often I’ve been quoting/praying that verse lately… the answer is: A LOT!)
I am too easily distracted – Exhibit A: I’ve been working ALL DAY on this blog post! :-)
I need to be filled with the Spirit and grounded in the Word of God, so that my heart and emotions and mind will be well-ordered.

My Prayer:

Lord, I need you. I can’t do this without you. I want to be the woman that you have created me to be… a living portrait of Christ to the world around me. I want to be His hands, His feet, and have His heart for those in need, and His mind to hold me steady. I want to be the kind of woman whose “fruit of her hands” stands in testimony of who I am in You. Please allow me to be a good role model for my daughter and other young women who may be looking up to me. Help me to live in a way that is consistent with what I believe and not be a stumbling block for on-lookers. Help me, Father, to have a well-ordered life… a life that is prepared to worship You in all I do – mind, body, heart, and soul.

Family Night – Happy Birthday America!

captivatinggirl@hotmail.com (Susanne) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 01:39:00 +0000

On Friday we had one of the BEST Family Nights yet! It was super simple to pull off. I started with a list of all things “American”…

Baseball
Hot Dogs
Apple Pie
Lemonade (yeah, I know it’s supposed to be “Chevrolet”, but we don’t have one!!)

I started things off with some coloring pages of patriotic landmarks, etc.. (The Liberty Bell, Statue of Liberty, Old Glory, etc…) I let the kids color them (and the older ones “googled” facts about each) while I got everything together. After they were finished and matted, we talked about the significance of each, and hung them on the kitchen wall.

Then it was OUTSIDE for a game of baseball (Sandlot Style… no score, no teams… just taking turns hitting and fielding the ball). It was great fun, and after everyone had FOUR at-bats, we went back inside to cool off.

(Sorry I didn’t get any pictures… forgot to charge the camera battery…UGH!!)

The kids and I made fresh squeezed lemonade while Daddy made a run for pizza. (We’d already had an “All American” cookout – complete w/ hotdogs – at my Mammy’s house for lunch). Then for dessert, what else? APPLE PIE and ice cream!

And, of course, we enjoyed dessert with a movie. You guessed it, we watched The Sandlot, and once again, Benny got them all out of the biggest pickle any of them had ever seen! ;-)

On Saturday we had a cook-out at our good friends’ house and it was a BLAST! Then we went back to Mammy’s for my cousin Jeremy to work his pyro-magic and treat the kids to fireworks! They LOVED IT!

What did you do special this 4th of July?

True Woman Makeover – Week 3

captivatinggirl@hotmail.com (Susanne) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 19:16:00 +0000

I know… it’s NOT TUESDAY!!! Here’s the deal…

Once again, or should I say STILL, I’m behind. :-)

But!… I am DETERMINED to catch up by tomorrow (week 4) so here’s my bullet list (my biggest “take-aways”) for this last set of lessons…

Lesson 7 – Measured Words

I’d be mortified if someone was secretly recording conversations in my home!
Yet, EVERYTHING I say is being recorded by God.
Why are we more careful about what we say OUTSIDE our homes than INSIDE?
Am I the same woman at home that I am in public?
The Proverbs 31 Woman “Opens her mouth with wisdom and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”
Just because I think or feel something, doesn’t mean I need to say it!
Self control (or “Spirit” control) is key!
Our words reflect our hearts.
Jesus said “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks”.
WISE and KIND words must be cultivated.
Lord CHANGE MY HEART!
Kindness isn’t just about what you say, but HOW you say it.
Wisdom comes from the WORD of God… I need to spend time there!!
Speak well of ALL – even those that hurt you – be careful of everyone’s character.
Did I say “OUCH” yet? ;-)

Lesson 8 – What Does Your Home Communicate?

A Proverbs 31 woman “watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness”.
I need to have a “watchful eye” on my family… not just letting kids grow up, but WATCHING them.
She knows the climate/temperature of her home.
Tune into changes in children
Be a helpful observer for the husband
If he doesn’t see what you see, DON’T NAG! Ask God to help you chose your words/timing, and let HIM reveal things to husband’s heart.
Be alert to details… not so you can be CONTROLLING but in order to be a BETTER SERVANT.
PRAY FOR YOUR KIDS!!
I can’t do this alone! I must have the Holy Spirit to help and guide me!
Be careful not to micromanage.
She does not eat the bread of idleness… she is constantly “on call”.
Too much time on my hands can lead to TOO MUCH TALKING (aka: gossip - see 1 Timothy 5:13)
OUCH again!!
We cannot be effective managers of our homes if we eat the bread of idleness.
(Geez my toes are hurtin’… and I still have one more lesson to go!)

Lesson 9 – High and Holy Calling

Continuing with verse 27, she doesn’t just watch (physically) over her household… she WATCHES in PRAYER.
Many verses in the Bible talk about “watching” and “praying” in conjunction with each other.
Praying for my family provides PROTECTION for both my husband and my children.
Pray that you will KNOW what you NEED TO KNOW concerning your kids… that they won’t be able to hide things from you.
Use your time wisely.
Time wasters: Telephone (Ouch!), television, computer (DOUBLE OUCH!!), snooze button, “stuff” that clutters our lives.
Time savers: making lists, prioritizing, SEEKING GOD’S FACE AND ASKING HIM TO HELP US with scheduling/prioritizing/etc…
“Plan your work, then WORK YOUR PLAN”. (I emphasize the latter as that is my weak point. I can plan/schedule all day, it’s the follow-thru that gets me!)
Laziness = Frustration with an overwhelming load
Check your To-do list… is it ALL supposed to be YOURS to do, or should you give it to someone else?
Don’t let the “lesser things” steal time.
Don’t feel guilty when you struggle… confess to God, receive His forgiveness, and accept His GRACE and POWER!
Whoo hoo!! That makes all that butt-whoopin’ worth it! HIS GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR ME and His POWER is made perfect in weakness!!

I am so thrilled at the way God is using these lessons to mold me, shape me, and YES, correct me! Discipline isn’t always fun, but it’s necessary in order to become the woman HE designed me to be!

True Woman – Week 2

captivatinggirl@hotmail.com (Susanne) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 20:06:00 +0000

Since I missed last week’s post, I am going to try to catch up in two separate posts this week. In an effort to keep things brief and get back on track, I will be posting (in bullet form) my biggest “take aways” from these lessons. All of these are straight quotations from the podcasts, but I have emboldened the parts that spoke the loudest.

DAY 4

Her husband has full confidence in her
       and lacks nothing of value.

She brings him good, not harm,
       all the days of her life.

                        - Proverbs 31:11-12

“When I read those verses, there are a couple of words that come to my mind. First of all, the obvious word: trustworthiness. Here’s a woman who is trustworthy. Then, the word loyalty. She’s loyal to her husband. She has a permanent, unconditional, lifetime commitment to act in a way that is according to his best interests—not to serve herself, but to serve her husband”
“Here’s a woman who is loyal. She’s got a covenant relationship with her God that enables her to keep her covenant relationship with her husband, regardless of what he does. And don’t even think for a moment that this husband doesn’t ever blow it, that he doesn’t ever fail, or that she doesn’t ever have to love him unconditionally—on faith, rather than based on her feelings”
“This woman is faithful. She’s loyal. She’s a covenant-keeping woman in implementing her husband’s heart in the home with the children. When she gives direction to the children, she represents the heart of her husband, and he can trust her. When he’s gone from home, she’s going to be implementing his heart in the home.”
“She’s consistent. She’s a covenant-keeper. She has an unconditional commitment, and that is what earns the trust of her husband. She always, always, always has his best interests at heart. She’s not in competition with him. She’s committed to his success.”
“That’s what inspires the man to be worthy of her devotion. He rises to that because he knows he has a woman who is an asset, not a liability—a woman who supports and encourages and helps him in every way possible.”

DAY 5

“she does need to spend time alone with God to become a godly woman, but she doesn’t spend most of her time alone. She comes out of that room, she comes out of that place, and lives out that walk and that relationship with God and that devotion to God, lives it out in the laboratory of life. In the nitty-gritty, day-in and day-out of life.”
“I don’t like it when I hear people say to a woman, “Do you work?” Now, I know what they probably mean is, “Do you have a job that pays you a paycheck outside of your home?” But the fact is any woman who is a godly woman, a wife and a mother, works. And a godly woman works hard. Here is a woman who takes initiative to meet the practical needs of her husband and her children. She is a hard worker. She’s diligent.”
“Verse 27 says she does not eat the bread of idleness. She is a diligent woman. I saw recently a definition of diligence that I thought was helpful. Diligence is viewing each task as a special assignment from the Lord and using all my energies to accomplish it.”
“I have looked into the eyes of women and listened to the stories of women who are so busy serving God outside of their own homes that it’s obvious by the condition of their health, or the condition of their husband, their marriage, their children, that they have neglected the first things: their priorities in their home.”
Your good works ought to first be done at home. Ministering to the needs of your family. Then as God gives you time, opportunity, available resources, or in a different season of life, to take those gifts and those abilities and expand them, as we’ll see the Proverbs 31 woman does, outside of your own home.

DAY 6

She seeks wool and flax and willingly works with her hands. (v. 13)

“She willingly works with her hands. The New International says, “With eager hands she works.” It’s literally with delight of her hands, and this suggests—now, hold on here, because you may not believe this—that she actually enjoys her work. She does it with enjoyment. She puts her hands joyfully to work.”
“We read in Ecclesiastes chapter nine, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might” (Ecclesiastes 9:10, ESV). For this woman, her work is not drudgery. It’s not chores, though she could certainly look at it that way. But she’s chosen to have a different kind of attitude about work because she sees the end results. She sees the purpose. She sees the meaning. She sees the motivation behind that work. It’s love. It’s love for others. It’s love for God. It’s her love for God that makes her willing to work with her hands in providing food and clothing and cleanup around the house. It’s motivated by love.”
“She’s not living for herself; she’s living for others, and she finds her greatest joy in loving service for others.”
“that most menial and manual labor becomes holy. It becomes sanctified, consecrated, when I give it up to God as an offering.”
“Jesus said when He spoke about doing the work of the Father, “I delight to do Your will, O God” (Psalm 40:8, NKJV).”
“If I want to be like Jesus, then I need to pray, “Oh Lord, give me a heart that delights to serve, that delights to work, that delights to be spent on the behalf of others. If this is Your will for my life, if these are tasks of Your appointing, then help me to do them with joy. Help me to work willingly with my hands.”
“This earth is the work of God’s hands. Psalm 111 tells us the works of His hands are truth and justice (Psalm 111:7). And then, we know that Jesus worked with His hands. Growing up as the son of a carpenter, it’s certain that He did labor as a carpenter with His hands. He also used His hands to be a means of blessing to others. Matthew chapter 19: “He laid his hands on the children” (Matthew 19:15). Luke 24, as Jesus was getting ready after His resurrection to be ascended back into Heaven, the Scripture says, “He lifted up his hands and he blessed them” (Luke 24:50). He blessed His disciples.”
“your hands may not be model’s hands. You may not have perfectly manicured nails. But let me ask you this: Are they serving hands? Are they hands that you’re using to bless and to minister in practical ways to the needs of others?”
“If they are, then though they may not be beautiful hands, they’re hands like the Master’s. See, Christ’s hands were nailed to a cross. He endured that, out of love, out of the heart of a servant, for the sake of the Gospel, for the sake of the plan of redemption.”
“when you serve your family with your hands, when you work with your hands, when you clean and cook, whatever you do with your hands around your home, you’re doing it for the sake of the Gospel. You’re doing it so that your children may know what Jesus looks like, so they may be drawn to Him, so they may want to know Him.”

“But you, be strong, and do not let your hands be weak, for your work,” if it’s done as unto the Lord, “will be rewarded!” – 2 Chronicles 15:7

Once again, I am being stretched and am learning much. I am thankful for these insights, as I pray to become a Proverbs 31 woman, and ultimately the woman that God intends for me to be!!

Thanks so much, Tammi, for issuing this challenge and hosting this study. If you’d like to join in with this TRUE WOMAN study, click here to find all the details.

Friday Five

captivatinggirl@hotmail.com (Susanne) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 04:42:00 +0000

1. We’ve had a blast this week (the kids and I) attending North Point Community Church’s NICK AT NITE (VBS with a mess!) in Columbia, SC!!

2. The weather has been perfect for “pool fun” at Papa and Nana’s every day! (Too dang hot to do anything else!)

3. My KISA preached three nights at LifeChangers camp in Flo-town this week, and last night there were SIX decisions made for Christ! YAY God!!

4. I can’t wait to see my KISA this evening. I miss him very much!!

5. Have I ever told y’all how much I love SUMMER?!?!

BIG Weekend!

captivatinggirl@hotmail.com (Susanne) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 20:02:00 +0000

Today is my Daddy’s birthday.

Happy Birthday, Daddy!! I love you VERY much!! You’re the BEST Dad and Papa in the world!!

Tomorrow is mine and KISA’s 11th wedding anniversary.

I love you, Baby!!! Thanks for being the best provider, protector, sweetheart, and friend a girl could ever ask for!! Thanks most of all for being my Knight In Shining Armor… YOU ROCK!

And we all know that Sunday is Father’s Day!

Chris: You are also the best Daddy I know!! Our children adore you, and you are doing a great job shepherding our family!!

Daddy: Thank you for showing us girls what real love is, by loving and honoring our mother as the treasure of your heart! That’s the best gift you could have ever given us!

Happy Father’s Day to you BOTH!!

True Woman Tuesday – Week 1

captivatinggirl@hotmail.com (Susanne) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:47:00 +0000

As I was away last week, and only just found out about this online study on Sunday, I am a little behind. I’ve only been able to listen to the first two lessons, but WOW… have they impacted me!

I have to admit that I’ve always had a love-hate relationship with the Proverbs 31 woman. I’ve admired her from afar, yet secretly resented her for representing something that I feel so far from… so incapable of becoming.

Yet, as I have listened intently to these lessons, I have been encouraged by that very word; BECOMING.

Skipping ahead to Lesson 2 for a moment, I’ll share a quote that explains what I mean by this:

She’s a woman in process. She’s a woman who’s growing. And she’s a woman who, like most of us, often finds herself taking three steps forward and two steps back. You see, spiritual maturity is not so much where you are as the direction in which you’re headed. And here’s a woman who’s in process; she’s in direction.

It reminds me of what the Apostle Paul illustrates so beautifully in Philippians chapter 3…

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Pressing on toward the goal… the goal of becoming this kind of woman; a woman after God’s own heart. The goal of standing before my Savior some day, and hearing him say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant”. Not in my own strength, but through the power of Christ living in me.

And if His praise isn’t motivation enough to participate in this “makeover” and allow him to truly transform me by the power of his Spirit, the following quote from Lesson One gives even more motivation:

When we say we want to be women after God’s own heart, we want to be women who, in every area of our lives, are controlled by the Word of God, by the Spirit of God, the gospel of Christ. Living that out—what it means for Christ to be in us, what that looks like—that is what makes an impact on a lost culture, on a lost world, on a world that desperately needs to see Christ incarnated, lived out, through all of life.

How I long to have an impact in this world. Not just in my culture, but before my children. To teach them as King Lemuel’s mother taught him. To pray with them and for them, and to MODEL for them the kind of life that Christ desires for them. So often I fall short, but I am coming to understand that it is not because my motives are wrong, it’s because I continue to try to do these things in my own strength. Because of this, I consistently grow weary, afraid, and ultimately fail.

I often equate my life to one huge game of “whack-a-mole”. Working hard to keep everything together, and just when you think you’ve achieved perfection (or something like it) in one area, another pops it’s nasty little head out of place for you to deal with. But this idea is nothing new, for women, I am sure. And as Nancy shares through the portrait she paints of this woman, they key is putting Christ first.

The heart of this passage is the woman’s heart. It’s her relationship with God, and out of that relationship comes flowing all the things that she does. It’s a picture of her character, her conduct, her priorities, her values, her daily routine, her marriage, her family life. But all of that flows out of the fact that here is a woman who has a reverence for God.

Again, more scripture comes to mind…

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33)

So often I let the busyness of my day (or the overwhelming feeling to put it off and lay in the bed an extra 30-40 minutes) come before my time alone with God. When I fail (and OH how I’ve failed in recent weeks) to spend my early moments alone with Him, in His Word, and in prayer to Him, my day quickly goes awry. And then I have the audacity to wonder what happened! Why is my fuse so short? Why can I not keep it all together?

Because that was a job that was never meant for me. He holds me together, and I can do nothing, achieve nothing, without his power flowing through me.

I love this quote from Nancy in Lesson 2:

You cannot become that woman on your own. Apart from Christ, you can never be virtuous or excellent. But through the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit, the gospel of Christ, we are able to be transformed one day at a time, one experience at a time, one step at a time into the likeness of Christ.

So as I continue to gaze into what Matthew Henry

called “a looking glass which every woman ought to look into as she dresses herself”, I will no longer see it as a discouraging effort in futility, but a beautiful picture set before me as to what I WILL LOOK LIKE someday.

I am His masterpiece, and He’s still working on me!

***************************************

PS: If you’d like to join this study and participate in the discussion, visit Tammi’s blog to find out all the details!

Gettin’ Our Read On

captivatinggirl@hotmail.com (Susanne) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 21:39:00 +0000

Took my little Reeders to the library today (yeah, I made a joke about that on Twitter… a couple people thought it was “punny”).

Here’s a pic of our loot:

In the immortal words of Arthur, “having fun isn’t hard… when you’ve got a library card!”

(Just in case you have NO idea what I’m talking about…check out this video.)

The English teacher in me gets a big kick out of that! ;-)

Hey, at least I didn’t quote Joe Jonas:

“Hey girl, I got my library card, and I’m checkin’ you out!”

Wait, I just did!! UGH!!

At any rate, I think we’ve got enough to keep us busy until next week, don’t you?

Happy reading y’all!

Now Is the Time

captivatinggirl@hotmail.com (Susanne) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 20:49:00 +0000

The time is NOW!

For what, you ask?

A MAKE-OVER. Not just any make-over, but a TRUE WOMAN make-over.

My friend Tammi has done it again!! She’s inspired me to get on board with another great study. You can find out all about it over at her blog. Then travel on over to the True Woman website to sign up for the 30 Day Make-over challenge.

Tammi is also hosting True Woman Tuesdays so that we can discuss what we’re learning with others on the journey. You can get the scoop on all of that HERE and even grab a button for your blog!

I am so excited! This is going to go really well with the Esther study I’ve already started, and I can’t wait to see how God will use BOTH of these “for such a time as this” in my life!

So what are you waiting for? Let’s “discover and embrace God’s design” for our lives, and become the TRULY CAPTIVATING WOMEN that HE created us to be!

Summer Lovin’

captivatinggirl@hotmail.com (Susanne) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 20:24:00 +0000

Since it’s been two weeks since I last blogged, tweeted, or posted an update on Facebook, I am sure many of you have been wondering…

Where in the world has this girl gone?

Here’s the answer to that question:

Very UNplanned, and UNexpected, (we had decided to take a break from the extended Family Vacation this year…) Papa and Nana called and said, “We’ve rented a house at the beach, and we want y’all to come with us!”.

Well, let me tell you, that was all I needed to hear! It only took two days to get our stuff in gear and head out for Sunset Beach! It was a marvelous week of relaxation and refreshment! Just what we needed after a full two weeks of end-of-school-year activities.

Even though KISA couldn’t come, my sister Betsy and her boys were able to be with us, and there was no shortage of fun to be had! We pretty much hung out by the ocean and were “beach bums” all week! The kids surfed the waves on their boogie boards, and when Uncle Buck got there, he helped them ride THE BIG KAHUNA!

We got home on Friday morning and turned right around and headed to Columbia that night. We had a LUAU at Nana and Papa’s’ pool for all the June (and one July) birthdays. (Betsy, Buck, Sam, Papa, and Justin). Kabobs, fruit, and corn on the cob were served, along with cake and ice cream. We swam and played in the pool until almost 10 pm!

A BIG THANKS goes out to Nana and Papa for helping us kick off our summer with a BANG!! We love you!!!

Happy Birthday Sambo!

captivatinggirl@hotmail.com (Susanne) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 19:12:00 +0000

It’s so hard to believe that my little man turned FIVE YEARS OLD this week!! Has it really been that long since my youngest little Reeder entered this world?

What a blessing he is!!

So full of love (literally; he hugs and kisses all day long!), imagination, and warmth. He never fails to greet me each morning with a “Good Morning Mom” and he won’t let me leave his bedside at night until he’s told me a “scary story”…usually along the lines of a Scooby Doo caper. ;-)

We had a great time last Saturday, celebrating this fifth-year milestone with family and friends. In true “Backyardigans” style, we set up the back yard with tons of things to do. Sand boxes, swing sets, bubbles, water guns, jump ropes, and hula hoops. It was great fun!

His favorite gifts were a “homework” book w/ markers from Brennan, some scary bugs and snakes from Matthan, and Scooby Doo action figures and Mystery Machine from Mom, Dad, Emilee and Jake.

After all the clean-up was over, and we were getting ready for dinner that evening, he came over to me, wrapped his little arms around my neck and said, “Thanks, Mom. That was the best birthday ever!”

That’s my little man! Can’t you see why I love him so!?!

Happy Birthday, Sweet Boy!! If the rest of your life is as much of a blessing as the first five years have been, we’ve got a lot of love in store!!

I love you!!!

Friday Five: Family Night is Still Alive!!

captivatinggirl@hotmail.com (Susanne) — Fri, 29 May 2009 16:49:00 +0000

I know it’s been, like, FOREVER since I’ve posted about family nights. It feels like forever since we had one! With baseball, end-of-of school activities, and Revolution goings-on, it’s been a bit tough. But I’ve still tried to schedule at least one each month.

This post will reflect past, present, and future.

1. SPACE NIGHT – We decided to “boldly go where no man has gone before” and it was a BLAST! (Pun intended!) To decorate we printed and colored replicas of the planets, and then hung our “solar system” from the ceiling using ribbon and tape. We played lots of games (found here, and here), ate “astronaut meals” (aka: pre-packaged… BIG USE of creative license) including drinking from silver pouches. (Adults, too!) We had a “space scavenger hunt” where we looked for clues to find the planets. The grand prize was a huge gift bag full of “space goodies” (POP corn – to symbolize “asteroids” in the place of POP rocks, Sunkist soda, and MILKY WAY bars!) Then we dug into our prize, and watched the movie, Space Chimps. Great night!

2. AWARDS NIGHT – Last night, to honor all of Emilee’s accomplishments (and a few of her brothers’ as well) we held our own banquet. I cooked Emilee’s favorite meal (chicken fettuccini) and then we presented the children with various certificates (printed from this site), and gift bags full of goodies. (I went to the dollar store and found some fun workbooks for them to use over the summer to stay sharp, “gold medals”, and a few of their favorite candies. They also got gift cards. (Boys = Brewster’s Ice Cream; Emilee = Red Lobster, HER FAVORITE!) After awards had been presented, we all watched School of Rock together as a family. (I know, it has some bad words, but it was Dad’s pick. ;-) I just made sure to COUGH REALLY LOUD during the questionable dialogue! - On a humorous note, the children went to bed singing, playing air guitar, throwing up their “goblets of rock”, and talking about “sticking it to The Man”. Ha ha!!)

3. Tonight we will have a FNO! We're going to dinner and a movie!! (It’s a surprise, and as you have probably discovered, Emmie G reads my blog, so I’ll have to give you the details at a later date!) All I can say, is THEY’RE GONNA LOVE IT!!

4. Next week is Sam’s birthday, so I’m working on his (Scooby Dooby Doo) party, but I’d also like to have a SCHOOL’S OUT night. (I already know the soundtrack; can you guess?? Here’s a clue: “What Time is It?”). I also have an idea for a “special location” but I still need to work out the logistics.

5. I’m always looking for new ideas. Got a few that have been floating around in my brain for a month or two. Waiting on “timing”. One is a “Down on the Farm” night (looking for an excuse to show the classic: Charlotte’s Web), and the other (suggested by a reader) is “Say Cheese” – where we eat a lot of cheesy goodness and watch either “The Tale of Despereaux” (preferred) or “Ratatouille”.

I’d LOVE to hear your thoughts on any or all of these, so PLEASE feel free to leave a comment. I love getting feedback!!

HAPPY WEEKEND Y’ALL!!!

Bustin’

captivatinggirl@hotmail.com (Susanne) — Thu, 28 May 2009 21:16:00 +0000

So last week I posted about Sam’s last day of preschool and how our children are only on loan from their Creator…only ours for a short while, to shape and mold according to His purpose and plan for their lives.

Now for today…

Today I have to tell you that I am BUSTIN’ AT THE SEAMS!! I am so stinkin’ proud of my baby-girl, I can’t stand it.

Last week we got the formal invitation to attend the honor roll banquet at her school. (This is exclusively for kids who’ve made the honor roll ALL FOUR QUARTERS).

If that is not enough, she got in the van this afternoon and informed me (A) that she made chorus – tryouts were today; and (B) that she qualified for R.E.A.C.H. (Gifted/Talented program) for the 2009-10 school year.

Seriously?!?! Could a Mama be more proud!?!?

I LOVE YOU EMILEE GRACE!!!

And NOT just because you made honor roll, chorus, and REACH. But because God saw fit, 9 years ago, to send your precious little soul into my life. You truly are GIFTED AND TALENTED and I can’t wait to see how God uses you for HIS honor and HIS glory!!!

P.S. In the interest of full disclosure, when we were talking about her achievements this afternoon, I asked her how she would like us (Mom and Dad) to honor her. She said, “Would you blog about it?”

You got it, Babe!

Resting In Jesus

captivatinggirl@hotmail.com (Susanne) — Tue, 26 May 2009 13:43:00 +0000

This is just a little something I got out of my Bible Study this morning. I wanted to share it with you all in hopes that it will encourage you as it has me.

"Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light". (Matthew 11:28-30)

Jesus offers to give us rest, but in order to receive it, we must take his yoke upon us and learn from Him. The lesson writer goes on to say,

"Resting in Jesus does not necessarily mean that you will be removed from circumstances, trials, activities, or responsibilities. It means that as you submit to the power and authority of Jesus and commit your situation to Him, you are connected to Him and He bears the weight of your burden. He shares in your suffering. Resting in Him empowers you to remain steadfast no matter the circumstances".

HALLELUJAH!!!! I don't know about you, but that gives me great hope and better understanding of what that means...to "take his yoke" upon me. It sounds as if we are adding to our burdens at first, but when we realize that we are connecting to him, it means he is taking the load off of us and helping us to carry it. Why? Why is he willing to do this? Because he is gentle and humble in heart!!! How? How is he able to do this? Well, that reminds me of a song...(you didn't think I could blog about Jesus without a song did you??) It's a song that I used to sing in Youth Ensemble..."if He carried the weight of the world, upon his shoulders, I know my brother that He will carry you." Chris Tomlin also sings a song that answers both "why" and "how" Jesus would carry our burdens. It's all about his "Unfailing Love".

You have my heart
And I am yours forever
You are my strength
God of grace and power
And everything You hold in your hand still you make time for me I cant understand

Praise you God of earth and sky

How beautiful is Your unfailing love (unfailing love, unfailing love)
and you never change God you remain

The Holy One and my unfailing love (unfailing love)
You are my rock the one I hold on to
You are my song and I sing for you
And everything You hold in your hand
Still you make time for me, I cant understand
Praise you, God of earth and sky
How beautiful is Your unfailing love (unfailing, love unfailing love)
And you never change, God
You remain the Holy One and my unfailing love (unfailing love)

Thank you Jesus!!! I love you and I praise you for what you have taught me today through this scripture. May your hand ever be at work in my heart and life. I want to shine for you. Thank you for the rest you offer me, if I will only submit to your power and authority. Help me to take your yoke upon me. I praise you because you are my God, and yet you are so gentle and humble in heart. I have come to you because I do feel weak, and burdened...teach me your ways, I want to learn them. Give me rest for my soul!! Amen.

The End of an Era

captivatinggirl@hotmail.com (Susanne) — Thu, 21 May 2009 21:23:00 +0000

Reader beware: I seriously don’t (sniff) think I will make it through this post (sniff, sniff) without bawling my eyes out!!

Tomorrow, May 22, 2009 is the end of preschool for the Reeder Family. When Sam and I drive out of the parking lot of Calvary Baptist Church, I will never go back there as a “MOP” again!!!

Ever. Never ever.

Someone PLEASE tell me… WHERE has the time gone???

We’re slated to “celebrate” the end of the school year tomorrow with giant inflatables, picnic lunches, and snow cones. Funny thing… I don’t feel much like celebrating… I need to remember and reminisce a bit.

You’ll indulge me, won’t you?

It seems like just yesterday, NOT SIX YEARS AGO, that Emilee and I were touring the facility and checking out the 3K classrooms. She took to it like a fish to water. She’s always been my little “sponge” when it comes to learning, and she LOVES to socialize. (Wonder where she gets that from??) ;-)

Jake began his journey there in the “Late Three’s” class which meant he was two, but turning three very soon. He had three years of pre-school. Needless to say, he was VERY PREPARED! ;-)

And the youngest, little Sambo, started his journey the spring just before he turned three. (We wanted to start him a little early due to some speech issues we were having). He loved it from day one. He especially loved (and still does) Mrs. Russell.

And now, here I sit. Trying to take it all in. Wishing I could turn back the clock, or at least slow it down a bit. Bracing myself for the fact that ALL THREE of my “babies” will be in “big school” next year.

THANK YOU CALVARY BAPTIST PRESCHOOL!!

Thank you Mrs. Rushing, Mrs. Spinazzola, Mrs. Poston, Mrs. Russell, Mrs. Bertram, and most especially, thank you Mrs. King!!! Thank you for loving on my children and helping me make their early years of learning so special. Thank you for teaching them about pilgrims, and seasons, and friendship, and butterflies, and most importantly, the love of Jesus. Thank you for all the prayers you’ve lifted up on behalf of the Reeder family.

Thank you! Thank you!! THANK YOU!!!

(Sniff… sniff, sniff, sniff…)

There’s so much more welling up in my heart right this minute than I have found words to say…

But I have to stop soon, before I drown my computer!

So I’ll end with this prayer:

Dear Father,

Please help me not to hold on too tightly. Help me to realize that this may be the “end of an era” but it’s also the beginning of a new journey, a new chapter of our lives. These are, after all, YOUR CHILDREN, that You have but entrusted me with for a time… a season. Thank you for those seasons. Thank you for fresh starts and brand new tomorrows. Thank you most of all, for the privilege of mothering these three precious pearls. Help me to “train them up in the way that they should go” and model your love, mercy, and grace for them each and every day. In all that I do, may I draw them to You. In Jesus’ name I pray…

AMEN!

Faith, Faith, Faith!

captivatinggirl@hotmail.com (Susanne) — Wed, 20 May 2009 13:54:00 +0000

Admit it. When you saw the title of this post, you immediately started singing an old George Michael song, didn’t you? Catchy tune, that one. ;-) But it’s NOT (exactly) the topic of this post…

I recently started the study Esther: It’s Tough Being a Woman, by Beth Moore. An in depth study of the book of Esther (hence the name!), the first thing Beth brings to our attention is the “total absence of any reference to God”. She goes on to say, that “God’s NAME may not be in it, but HE is ALL OVER IT!”

Later, Beth quotes from another theologian saying, “The complete absence of God from the page is the pure genius of the book”… Why? Because there is no such thing!! God is never absent from our lives!! He may be unseen or unnoticed at times, but NEVER absent!!

His providence is always working, moving, and guiding us, according to His will for our lives.

Yesterday, I got the following story via email from one of my dearest friends, and I think it illustrates this notion perfectly…

Do you know the legend of the Cherokee Indian youth's rite of Passage? His father takes him into the forest, blindfolds him and leaves him alone. He is required to sit on a stump the whole night and not remove the blindfold until the rays of the morning sun shine through it. He cannot cry out for help to anyone. Once he survives the night, he is a MAN. He cannot tell the other boys of this experience, because each lad must come into manhood on his own. The boy is naturally terrified. He can hear all kinds of noises. Wild beasts must surely be all around him. Maybe even some human might do him harm. The wind blows the grass and earth, and shakes his stump, but he sits stoically, never removing the blindfold. It will be the only way he can become a man! Finally, after a horrific night the sun appeared and he removed his blindfold. It was then that he discovered his father sitting on the stump next to him. He had been at watch the entire night, protecting his son from harm. We, too, are never alone. Even when we don't know it, God is watching over us, sitting on the stump beside us. When trouble comes, all we have to do is reach out to Him.

Moral of the story: Just because you can't see God, doesn't mean He is not there. “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)

Cool, huh??

Made me think of another song:

Lyrics | Jeremy Camp lyrics - Walk By Faith lyrics

Gotta go now… time to get my walkin’ shoes on!!

Happy Wednesday, Y’all!!

Siesta Scripture Memory Recap & Verse 10

captivatinggirl@hotmail.com (Susanne) — Tue, 19 May 2009 13:01:00 +0000

Although I’ve been fairly good at keeping up with this challenge started by Mama Siesta back in January, I’ve been uber slack at posting my verses regularly.

Since my sweet friend, Jen, has supplied me with so many challenging and encouraging verses to pray, I decided to put them to memory. (This way I can be more successful at “demolishing arguments and “taking every thought captive” – my verse from week 5).

For verse #10, I’ve chosen one of my favorites (and the FIRST that Jen shared). I have to admit, this is one I’d never seen before... at least not in this “new light”.

Each one should test (her) own actions. Then (she) can take pride in (herself), without comparing (herself) to somebody else, for each one should carry (her) own load. – Galatians 6:4-5

It’s not too late to join this challenge. You may not have 26 verses memorized by the end of the year, but 16 is an awesome goal, too! If you’re like me, scripture memory is not something you’ve done well since you were a child in Sunday School. (Remember “Sword Drills”???) It really is an important discipline for “pit dwellers” like me. It enables us to have our “weapons” sharp and ready to defeat the enemy!

Here’s a list of my progress so far:

#1 - January 1 - Psalm 51:10-12

#2 - January 15 - 1 Corinthians 6:11

#3 - February 1 - Psalm 16:7-8

#4 - February 15 - Colossians 3:12-14

#5 - March 1 – 2 Corinthians 10:5

#6 – March 15 – Psalm 34:8-9

#7 – April 1 – 2 Peter 1:3

#8 – April 15 – Song of Songs 1:2

#9 – May 1 – Galatians 4:6-7

Some were easier to put to memory than others, but I have to say, I am so blessed as I recall each of these truths when I need them most. In Joyce Meyers’ The Battlefield of the Mind, I was reminded that my thought life is a playground for the enemy. It’s not enough just to “cast down” false thinking, it must be replaced with TRUTH. (Another lesson I learned from the book Breaking Free). For so long, I’ve been trying to fight the battle with a dull weapon. It’s like I’ve been collecting them for years, and putting them in display cases. Then, curiously, I’m surprised when the enemy gets a foothold. HELLO!?!? Get your swords out of the cases and IN THEIR SHEATHS!! Ready for battle!!

Thank God He has placed amazing friends in my life to SPUR ME ON, and SHARPEN me with His word. And you know what else is cool? In order for swords to be at their best, they must be refined by fire and sharpened on an anvil. I may find myself in the fire or on the anvil right now, but that’s only because My Master is testing me and proving me… making me the Warrior Princess He’s always intended me to be!

Ready now? Say it with me…

Attention. Draw Swords. CHARGE!!!

Sunday Praise - God’s Chisel

captivatinggirl@hotmail.com (Susanne) — Mon, 18 May 2009 02:11:00 +0000

Instead of sharing a song, tonight I want to share a “truly captivating” video. ;-)

My sweet friend, Tammi, sent this to me via email. The subject was simply, “A video for you”.

Yes… it sure was!!!

It’s just over nine minutes long, but well worth the time. (If you don’t have that long, start about 6 minutes in… there is a powerful message at the end.)

Dear God,

Today I am turning everything over to you. I’m not going to hold on to anything anymore. Your Word says that you will make me your masterpiece and use me to do great things (Ephesians 2:10). I don’t see how that’s possible, but I want it with all that I am. So please do whatever it takes to make me what you want me to be. I love you God.

I am God’s original masterpiece.

God doesn’t make junk.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Psalm 139:14

Friday Five – Braggin’ Rights and Blackberry Cobbler

captivatinggirl@hotmail.com (Susanne) — Fri, 15 May 2009 12:19:00 +0000

1. After almost two weeks of “unplugging” from blogs, FB, and Twitter… it’s good to be back!! God is renewing and refreshing me daily… Looking forward to the changes He has in store for me, and the lil’ ole blawg.

2. Excited about a weekend away with my KISA! Dropping kids off with my mom this afternoon and heading to a retreat for Church Planters and wives. So excited!

3. Speaking of KISA: He had an article published in the monthly ACS newsletter. Bet you can’t guess the subject… Twitter!! (What else?!?) If you don’t mind, I’m going to brag on him a minute. (And if you do, just go on and plug your ears…) It’s REALLY, REALLY good!!! As his “English tutor”, I am so proud!! You should check it out!!

4. While I’m bragging… I just want to say that I have the SWEETEST friends on the planet!!! I love how God has strategically placed each one of them in my life. What a wellspring of love and encouragement I have been given!! Thanks to ALL you girls who have come along beside me to “spur me on”. {XOXO}

5. Last week while cleaning up the yard (that was my Mother’s Day wish, another post and pics coming soon…), we discovered that blackberry bushes had overtaken the flowerbeds. My lantana had been all but choked out, and the Indian Hawthornes were crawling with them. What do you do with all those black berries? Make cobbler, of course! After we picked and washed them, we used Grandma Reeder’s peach cobbler recipe to bake up a batch. (We just substituted the blackberries for peaches.) It was AWESOME!!

Here’s the recipe:

Wash and drain berries. (About 2 cups)
Place berries, 1 cup sugar, and 1 cup water into saucepan. Heat to boiling and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Melt 3/4 stick of butter in 9” square pan.
Mix together 1 cup sugar, 3/4 cup flour, and 3/4 cup milk (we double this for extra yumminess)
Pour batter into pan with butter. DO NOT stir.
Spoon berry mixture into batter (again, no stirring) until evenly distributed.
Bake at 350 degrees until golden brown and bubbly. (35-45 minutes)
Serve warm with a dollop of vanilla ice cream.
YUMMO!!! ;-)

Happy Weekend, Everybody!!

Winds of Change…

captivatinggirl@hotmail.com (Susanne) — Thu, 14 May 2009 16:52:00 +0000

Ecclesiastes chapter one tell us that “there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven”…

a time to be born and a time to die,
       a time to plant and a time to uproot,

a time to kill and a time to heal,
       a time to tear down and a time to build,

a time to weep and a time to laugh,
       a time to mourn and a time to dance,

a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
       a time to embrace and a time to refrain…

In the course of the last couple of weeks, I’ve been dealing with some stuff. As a former “pit dweller”, I have succumbed to the temptation to climb back into my pit, and allow myself to be (re)shackled with some chains that I was successful at “Breaking Free” from several years ago.

This just won’t do!

I aim to be VICTORIOUS in every area of my life, and have been praying through these circumstances to find the answers I need in order to LIVE FREE once. and. for. all.

A precious friend invited me over for coffee last week, and shared her heart (and some pretty tough love) with me regarding my “chains”. (She and I have been friends for over 6 years now, she’s very familiar with my patterns). We discussed these chains individually, and in detail. The first: My weight issues.

In light of what we shared that day, and the scriptures that I’ve been memorizing and praying out loud daily, I have made a decision.

I’m no longer going to blog about my weight or my weight-loss efforts. At least not for a while, and probably never in the detail with which I have have been.

You see, the “thing” of losing weight had become almost an idol in my life, and was causing me to self-loathe in a major way. If I stepped on the scale and had lost, it was a good day. If I had not, it was not. Not for me. And especially not for those around me (aka: my KISA and kiddos). I was letting the bathroom scales determine my mood and my general attitude about life. I can’t do that anymore.

I have to turn to JESUS and HIS LOVE, MERCY, and GRACE to find my purpose. I have to allow HIS HOLY SPIRIT to infuse me in such a way, that I love (not HATE) the woman He’s created me to be. I have to do this FIRST, before I can work on any necessary “improvements” to my health and over all appearance.

It’s kind of funny, actually. I named my blog Truly Captivating, because after most of my years on this planet of not feeling like I “measured up” (or down – think weight – as the case may be…) to other women, my attitude toward myself had been radically transformed. (God used this book to help me). I finally saw myself as beautiful and lovely (through the eyes of my Savior), and not only that, but WORTHY of true beauty and love in my life. TRULY CAPTIVATING… if you will.

If you’ve been reading my blog at all lately, you’ve noticed that has changed a bit.

No more.

I’m gonna do what a pastor-friend of mine offers as advice to many of the people he counsels…

“STOP IT!” ;-)

I’m ready to turn over a new leaf, or rather turn back to the truth that I know I can stand on, rather than let the lies and wiles of the enemy take control, and confine me to my pit again.

I’m sorry if this disappoints any of you. Please know that I will continue to love and pray for all of you who have been on this “weighty” journey with me… but for now… this is where I get off. This is where I hop on a new train of self discovery and embracing my destiny, the one I’ve been uniquely created to live out.

This is where I turn into those howling winds that have been blowing against my back, and feel them transform into refreshing breezes that lift me up, and carry me above the noise and clutter… back into the arms of my Sweet Jesus. Where I can look into his face, and see mine more clearly… where I can lean my head upon his chest and hear his heartbeat…and allow him to heal and strengthen mine.

Ahhhh… that’s better.

(Hopefully more than one of you just breathed a sigh of relief… I know I just did!)

Before I Was a Mom…

captivatinggirl@hotmail.com (Susanne) — Sun, 10 May 2009 03:48:00 +0000

(A sweet friend sent this poem to me in an email today… thought I’d share it with you.)

Before I was a Mom,
I never tripped over toys
Or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not
My plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom,
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind
And my thoughts.
I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom,
I never held down a screaming child
So doctors could do tests.
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night
Watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom,
I never held a sleeping baby just because
I didn't want to put her down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces
When I couldn't stop his pain!
I never knew that something so small
Could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom,
I didn't know the feeling of
Having my heart outside my body..
I didn't know how special it could feel
To feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond
Between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small
Could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom,
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night
Every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth,
The joy,
The love,
The heartache,
The wonderment
Or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much…
Before I was a Mom.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!!!

Sunday Praise – God With Us

captivatinggirl@hotmail.com (Susanne) — Sun, 03 May 2009 04:01:00 +0000

I heard this song on the radio today during my trip home from the grocery store. It’d been a wild day, full of errands and shuffling kids to and fro. But when I heard the opening line, I cranked up the volume and lifted my voice and hands to Jesus. (Well, ONE hand, at least… I kept the other on the wheel!) ;-)

God has freed me from so much in my life. From sin, from shame, from grief, and pain. From pride and disillusionment. From perfectionism and legalism. From the tyranny of my own mind thinking that I’ve got to be all things to all people.

The sheer imagery of those chains being broken is enough to make me SHOUT!!

So, I ask you… how can you NOT praise The Lord when you hear this song?!?!?

All that is within me cries
For You alone be glorified:
Emmanuel, God with us.
My heart sings a brand new song.
The debt is paid, these chains are gone.
Emmanuel, God with us.

My Shrinkage Has Found a New Home

captivatinggirl@hotmail.com (Susanne) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 17:50:00 +0000

From now on my updates about THIS CHALLENGE

Will be found over at THIS BLOG:

I invite you to check it out whether you're a member of The Sisterhood or not.

If you're tired of struggling to lose weight, if you desperately want to quit obssessing about eating, and dealing with food issues in general, if you're wondering exactly how ON EARTH you become A Woman of Moderation after years and years of not having "enough" self-discipline....

I think you'll find some encouragement there.