MORE OF HIM; less of me

ALL I NEED IS YOU!

karla@empoweringchristianwomen.com (Karla Meachem) — Sun, 03 May 2009 04:30:00 +0000

I LOVE YOU
ALL of my HOPE is in YOU
Jesus Christ, take my life
Take ALL of me.

Words to LIVE By

karla@empoweringchristianwomen.com (Karla Meachem) — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 14:10:00 +0000

Live as though

Christ died yesterday,

rose from the grave today,

and is coming back tomorrow.

Keeping It in Perspective

karla@empoweringchristianwomen.com (Karla Meachem) — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 16:20:00 +0000

Measure the size of the obstacles AGAINST THE SIZE OF GOD.

~ Beth Moore

The trials of earth are small compared to the TRIUMPHS OF HEAVEN.

~ Daily Bread

The Difference Between Religion and the Gospel

karla@empoweringchristianwomen.com (Karla Meachem) — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 02:45:00 +0000

by Mark Driscoll

Religion says, if I obey, God will love me.
Gospel says, because God loves me, I can obey.

Religion has good people and bad people.
Gospel has only repentant and unrepentant people.

Religion values a birth family.
Gospel values a new birth.

Religion depends on what I do.
Gospel depends on what Jesus has done.

Religion has the goal to get stuff from God.
Gospel has the goal to get God.

Religion sees hardships as punishment for sin.
Gospel sees hardship as sanctified affliction.

Religion is about me.
Gospel is about Jesus.

Religion believes appearing as a good person is the key.
Gospel believes that being honest is the key.

Religion has an uncertainty of standing before God.
Gospel has certainty based upon Jesus’ work.

Religion ends in pride or despair.
Gospel ends in humble joy.

(c)Rocky Henriques February 16, 2009
“The Timothy Report,”

One Way...Jesus!

karla@empoweringchristianwomen.com (Karla Meachem) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 15:22:00 +0000

Are you willing to say to God that He can have whatever He wants?

Do you believe that wholehearted commitment to Him is more important than any other thing or person in your life?

Do you know that nothing you do in this life will ever matter, unless it is about loving God and loving the people that He has made?

These questions were shared at 'Especially Heather', the questions were taken from a book that she is currently reading entitled 'CrazyLove'. Please feel free to read the entire post.

The following is my response:

As for your question, I do believe that our whole-hearted commitment to God is more important than any thing or any person…I believe that’s what we should be striving for.

It’s a journey of transformation…one day at a time, sometimes even moment by moment…learning to rely on God, learning to trust Him (completely) and then choosing to be obedient.

As we learn to surrender ourselves completely, our lives become what God desires ~ a reflection of HIM.

“HE MUST INCREASE; I must decrease.” ~ John 3:30 KJV

Dying to our flesh is never easy, but the end result is so worth it.

I'm still pondering these questions...feel free to share your thoughts. :)

Religion vs. Relationship

karla@empoweringchristianwomen.com (Karla Meachem) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 20:12:00 +0000

Most people who are not Christians think that Christianity is a religion. They don't realize that it is a relationship. Like any other relationship, there are things we need to do to respond to the other person in order to make the relationship work. We say we want a relationship with God, but we never go to his house (church), we never share a meal with him (communion/Lord's supper), we never talk to him (prayer), we never read his letters (Bible), we refuse to associate with his friends and family (Christians), we never tell him we love him (worship/praise), we never do anything that he asks us to do (love him and love others). And there is the ultimate thing we do to squelch the relationship; we refuse to accept his beloved son (Jesus Christ).

Yet, in completely rejecting God, we still want to rely on him in a crisis (illness, loss of a loved one, breakup of a relationship, threat of death). Because the love of God cannot be changed or broken by our reaction to him, he still responds to us; he still reaches out to us; he still loves us. But since we have had little or no contact with him for years, we don't recognize his voice, and so we think that he is not there.

He is the one who initiates every relationship. He showers us with gifts, he talks to us, he comforts us, he gets us out of trouble, he brings people into our lives to love us, he actually goes so far as to die for us. The only thing he asks of us is to believe him, to trust him; and isn't that what we want out of our human relationships – that our friends will trust us and will respond to us in love. And what he asks us to believe is that his son is "the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the father except through him."

That is why, at the end of our lives, we are going to say, "but, Lord, I lived a good life, better than most. I didn't kill anyone, I only cheated a little, and told a few white lies; I never hurt anyone on purpose. Why won't you accept me?" And the Lord is going to have to answer and say, "my child, I am sorry, I never knew you." And we won't be able to deny it – we rejected him our whole lives, so we know it's true. He wanted us to get to know him, but we refused. Those who accepted God's son and got to know him are the only ones who have a relationship with him.
This is the essence of Christianity; it is a real relationship, not a religion or a set of rules to be followed.

(c)firstIMPRESSIONS, Volume 8.01. Live for God, on purpose, because you love Him, and you want to please Him.

My God is MIGHTY to SAVE!

karla@empoweringchristianwomen.com (Karla Meachem) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 04:27:00 +0000

This song, 'Mighty to Save' has been on my heart all day; therefore I believe that it needs to be shared. May this song minister to you deeply.

I've also included a video about Laura Story and her husband, Martin ~ a story of faith, hope and love. I know it will be an encouragement to you.

If you would like to learn more about Laura Story and her music; you are welcome to check out her myspace page.

I'm clinging to my faith; how about you?

Love vs Sin

karla@empoweringchristianwomen.com (Karla Meachem) — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 13:37:00 +0000

"The more God loves you, and the more you love God,

the more EXPENSIVE will you find it to SIN.

An ordinary sinner sins cheaply;
the CHILD OF GOD sins very dearly."

Charles H. Spurgeon

I Asked the Lord

karla@empoweringchristianwomen.com (Karla Meachem) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 22:40:00 +0000

I asked the Lord to tell me
Why my house is such a mess.
He asked if I'd been 'computering',
And I had to answer 'yes.'

He told me to get off my fanny
And tidy up the house.
And so I started cleaning up...
The smudges off my mouse.

I wiped and shined the topside.
That really did the trick...
I was just admiring my work.

I didn't mean to 'click.'

But click, I did, and oops I found
A real absorbing site.
That I got SO way into it.
I was into it all night.

Nothing's changed except my mouse
It's very, very shiny.
I guess my house will stay a mess...
While I sit here on my hiney.

~ Author Unknown

You Ask Why I Follow Jesus?

karla@empoweringchristianwomen.com (Karla Meachem) — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 23:48:00 +0000

You ask why I follow Jesus?
Why I love Him the way I do?
When the world's turned away from His teachings
And the people who serve Him are few.

It's not the rewards I'm after
Or gifts that I hope to receive
It's the Presence that calls for commitment
It's the Spirit I trust and believe.

The Lord doesn't shelter His faithful
Or spare them all suffering and pain,
Like everyone else I have burdens,
And walk through my share of rain.

Yet He gives me a plan and a purpose,
And that joy only Christians have known,
I never know what comes tomorrow,
But I do know I'm never alone.

It's the love always there when you need it;
It's the words that redeem and inspire,
It's the longing to ever be with Him
That burns in my heart like a fire.

So you ask why I love my Lord, Jesus?
Well, friend, that's so easy to see,
But the one thing that fills me with wonder is
Why Jesus loves someone like me.

~ Author Unknown

Where's Your Faith?

karla@empoweringchristianwomen.com (Karla Meachem) — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 16:10:00 +0000

"One Pair of Hands" by Carroll Robinson

The simplicity of this song title makes it so easy to dismiss THE POWER BEHIND THE 'one pair of hands.' It makes me think of those precious souls that do not yet know Christ.

How easy it is... to deny Him and the work that He has completed.

How easy it is... to not trust or believe in Him.

How easy it is... to dismiss the need for a Savior.

Unbelievers have no idea what they are missing (well, not yet anyways). But God is continually working behind the scenes, preparing their hearts to receive His Love ~ His amazing, unfailing Love.

Are you looking for answers?

Are you looking to satisfy the deep, longing within your soul?

I have the answer for you.

I want you to take a look at that place, deep inside of you; the place where you know 'something' is missing. It's the hole that you've been trying to fill (trying to fill, with anything and everything) just to satisfy the deep longing within you.

It's time for you to STOP searching and look to Jesus

...it's TIME...

Time for a Savior.

Time to surrender you life into the most capable of hands.

Time to admit that you can't do it on your own.

Time to let go.

Time to be completely loved.

Time to be completely forgiven.

Time to quit running.

Only you can make the decision.

There is only 'ONE' who will satisfy the emptiness that you long to fill; His name is Jesus ---> He's the answer that you have been looking for!

In fact, He is always the answer...always has been...always will be!

“This is love: NOT that we loved God, but that HE LOVED US and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” ~ 1 John 4:10

Father God, I lift up those precious souls that do not yet know You. Jesus, please soften their hearts to receive Your UNFAILING LOVE; reveal to them their NEED of a SAVIOR. Sanctify them by Your GRACE, Lord. Purify their hearts; and make them more like You. In Jesus name I pray, amen.

I'm so thankful to know (without a shadow of a doubt) that I am held, right in the palm of His Hands...thank You, Lord.

The LORD your God is with you, He is MIGHTY TO SAVE. He will take GREAT DELIGHT in you, he will QUIET YOU with HIS LOVE, He will REJOICE OVER YOU with singing" ~ Zephaniah 3:17

Lord, You are GOOD...

karla@empoweringchristianwomen.com (Karla Meachem) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 19:25:00 +0000

and Your MERCY endureth FOREVER!!!
This song always gets me dancing!
SHOUT IT OUT and worship the Lord with me!!!

Praise Jesus! We worship You! People from every nation and tribe...from generation to generation...we worship You ~ Hallelujah!!!

We are a generation that KNOWS HOW GOOD HE IS...let the world know how much you love Him...dance, sing, clap, shout...bless His HOLY NAME!!!

Praise is a POWERFUL WEAPON.

Father God, I pray that You will teach us how to live with an attitude of praise, even in ~ ESPECIALLY IN ~ the most trying of circumstances...help us to always keep our eyes on WHO YOU ARE! In Jesus name I pray, amen.

A Woman Inspired!

karla@empoweringchristianwomen.com (Karla Meachem) — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 02:34:00 +0000

If you haven't heard about this online Christian women's conference, I urge you to head on over to their site and check it out!

I'm already signed up and counting down the days to attend...I am always looking to have MORE OF GOD in my life.

Will you be there? Say yes!

A Woman Inspired!
April 6th - 9th, 2009
Limited Tickets Available

God Knew

karla@empoweringchristianwomen.com (Karla Meachem) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 03:31:00 +0000

Back in the midddle of January, I shared about a contest that Christian Publishing Tips was holding in honor of their official launch.

Today, Mel Menzies and I were notified that we were the winners of this incredible contest! How exciting!!! Mel was the 1st place winner, allowing her to choose 3 of the titles from the giveaway. I was the 2nd place winner; and I was able to choose 2 books as well.

I'm not sure what books Mel decided to chose, but I chose 'Esther: Reflections From an Unexpected Life' by Jennifer Spivey and 'Time Out for Tired Moms' by Judy Crawford.

I picked these books because I feel like I am a modern day Esther, being called by God 'for such a time as this' ~ I never imagined being a woman who is passionate about Jesus, or being a part of a church planting team, a co- author of a book, or having a ministry online, but God knew. Despite the fact that I was raised in a non-Christian home, that I hadn't accepted Christ (became born-again) until age 29...God knew.

He prepared the way and He's still ordering my steps...and I am so grateful.

I'm also a tired mom and a woman who lives in daily chronic pain. At the moment, I am still recovering from hip replacement surgery that happened back in November. I'm hoping this book will give me some fresh, new ideas on being still. I love the author's quote on the front of the book, "Finally Mom, go to your room!" lol

I'm looking forward to reading both these books; I'm sure they will be "just what the good Lord ordered."

Thanks again to Christian Publishing Tips!

While I'm Waiting

karla@empoweringchristianwomen.com (Karla Meachem) — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 13:52:00 +0000

While I'm Waiting

For a long time now, God has been calling me to "be still."

"Be still, and know that I am God."

~ Psalm 46:10 NIV

Gosh, it's been difficult...

But, I've been waiting...

I've been waiting on you Lord...

and You've Been Faithful...

Thank You Jesus!!!

Thank you Lord for breaking the spirit of PRIDE in my life,

for teaching me how to SURRENDER and let go of CONTROL

...for teaching me how to WAIT ON YOU...

Thank you for revelation...

my circumstances haven't changed,

but You've changed me.

and now...

I can sing this song and mean it!

Not my timing Lord, but Yours!

Listen to the video again while you read the words to this song

& see how God has changed my heart!

While I'm Waiting

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am HOPEFUL
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But PATIENTLY, I will wait

I WILL MOVE AHEAD, BOLD and CONFIDENT
TAKING EVERY STEP IN OBEDIENCE
While I'm waiting
I will serve You
While I'm waiting
I will worship
While I'm waiting
I will NOT faint
I'll be RUNNING THE RACE
EVEN WHILE I WAIT

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am PEACEFUL
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it's NOT EASY
But FAITHFULLY, I will wait
Yes, I will wait
I will SERVE You while I'm waiting
I will WORSHIP while I'm waiting
I will SERVE You while I'm waiting
I will WORSHIP while I'm waiting
I will SERVE You while I'm waiting
I will WORSHIP while I'm waiting on You, Lord

What circumstance in your life are you trying to control?

What area do you need to surrender?

It's not easy to 'let go', but God is FAITHFUL!

Allow God to change your heart...today.

Going Through The Motions

karla@empoweringchristianwomen.com (Karla Meachem) — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 21:44:00 +0000

Video montage to inspire and challenge you to live as an all-out, sell-out for Christ; and not just go through "the motions."

I read recently that much of our lives are routine...

Think about it...work, school, driving,shower, dressed, laundry, dishes, making beds, sweeping floor, picking up stuff, email...and the list goes on and on...

...talk about "going through the motions." lol

Growing up in a non-Christian home, I always had this feeling deep inside of me that there was 'more to life' than just the day to day routines...more to life than "just living"

And I was right!

"REAL LIVING" comes from knowing Christ and living your life for Him.

You know those routine tasks? I've chosen to make them a Holy Time with God.

You can too! Spend that time praying and listening to the One who loves you most.

Thank You Lord for choosing me!

You make my life WORTH LIVING!!!

A Letter from Dad

karla@empoweringchristianwomen.com (Karla Meachem) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 01:45:00 +0000

A Father's Love Letter
My Child,
You may not know me,
But I know everything about you.
Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down
and when you rise up.
Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways.
Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.
Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image.
Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being.
Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring.
Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived.
Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation.
Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake,
For all your days are written in my book.
Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth
And where you would live.
Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother's womb.
Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born.
Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented
By those who don't know me.
John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry,
But am the complete expression of love.
1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.
1 John 3:1

Simply because you are my child
And I am your Father.
1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.
Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect father.
Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.
James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.
Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.
Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love.
Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless
As the sand on the seashore.
Psalms 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you.
Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession.
Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you
With all my heart and all my soul.
Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things.
Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart,
You will find me.
Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you
The desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires.
Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you
Than you could possibly imagine.
Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you
In all your troubles.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted,
I am close to you.
Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb,
I have carried you close to my heart.
Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away
Every tear from your eyes.
Revelation 21:3-4

And I'll take away all the pain
You have suffered on this earth.
Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father,
and I love you
Even as I love my son, Jesus.
John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.
John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being.
Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you,
Not against you.
Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression
Of my love for you.
1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved
That I might gain your love.
Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus,
You receive me.
1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you
From my love again.
Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party
Heaven has ever seen.
Luke 15:7

I have always been Father,
And will always be Father.
Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is…

Will you be my child?
John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you.
Luke 15:11-32

LOVE,
Your Dad
Almighty God

TEAM-work!

karla@empoweringchristianwomen.com (Karla Meachem) — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 12:34:00 +0000

I've watched this video several times; in fact, I have even watched it without the music because the message is so powerful! God has really stirred my heart with this one.

Here's my thoughts, in relation to the church body...

The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body -whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free - and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
~ 1 Corinthians 12: 12, 13 NIV

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.
~ 1 Corinthians 12:27 NIV

Read the whole chapter here.

God has brought us altogether for a reason. He knows that we need each other as a community in order to achieve God's destiny for our lives. And...God also knows that we need to be able to trust and rely on one another in times of triumph and victory, as well as during times of trials. (weariness, sickness, temptations, marriage issues, job loss, etc)

Let's taker a closer look:

When a person is struggling with an issue (or falls), he/she will usually quit connecting with the church body. And just like the goose, he/she will feel the resistance (pressure/burden) of flying alone.

The goose knows to QUICKLY move back into the formation to take advantage of the "lifting power" of the other birds.

But... when a person falls away from his/her church community, he/she believes that things can be handled on his/her own. They are much less willing to receive help (support and encouragement) from their church body during their trial. It TAKES TIME for them to re-connect with the body; during that time away, they miss the "encouragement" from their brothers and sisters in Christ. They end up living in defeat longer than they need to...

We all have our own reasons for not reaching out when we need support. (fear, shame, rejection, judgements, lack of understanding, pride, etc) You know what your reason is...I know mine.

But maybe ~ just maybe ~ if we would learn from God's creatures, we would realize why being part of THE TEAM (God's Body) is so important!

Jesus Touched Me...

karla@empoweringchristianwomen.com (Karla Meachem) — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 05:02:00 +0000

and made me whole.

LONG TO HAVE A DEEPER,

MORE INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST?

Then be sure to check out this amazing online community called The New School of the Spirit. The school is led by Ameerah Lewis and is an excellent place to "touch the hem of His garment."

Tomorrow (January23rd, 2009) is the FINAL DAY to take advantage of the $1 test drive. You owe it to yourself to at least check it out!

I've been a member for quite sometime now; and I have only begun to scratch the surface of what the school has to offer. If you want to go DEEPER with God, then this IS the place for you!

Go check it out BEFORE the prices increase!

Sometimes...we just need to be reminded!

karla@empoweringchristianwomen.com (Karla Meachem) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 04:19:00 +0000

Be encouraged & stand strong.

WE WIN...

Listen to Our Hearts

karla@empoweringchristianwomen.com (Karla Meachem) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 03:42:00 +0000

"As women, we want to know we are important

and that we have a significant place in our world.

We need to know that we matter to someone,

that our lives are making a difference

in the lives of other people,

that we are able to touch their souls.

This desire to have value is God-given."

- Beverely LaHaye

Wait. . .

karla@empoweringchristianwomen.com (Karla Meachem) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 15:31:00 +0000

The God who lives within you

is limited by ONE THING ONLY ~

your inability or unwillingness to trust Him.

'WAIT ON THE LORD;

Be of good courage,
And He shall STRENGTHEN YOUR HEART;

WAIT, I say, on the LORD!'

(Ps 27:14)

Set Apart

karla@empoweringchristianwomen.com (Karla Meachem) — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 15:06:00 +0000

You are one of a kind

~ designed to GLORIFY GOD ~

as only you can!

courtesy of Our Daily Bread

Focus Friday

karla@empoweringchristianwomen.com (Karla Meachem) — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 17:32:00 +0000

“Nothing is so fatiguing

as the eternal hanging on

of an uncompleted task.”

~ William James

Those of you who are regular readers of my blog already know that God has had me decluttering and getting focused! Today I received an email from my good friend Rhonda, inviting me to particpate in Focus Friday. Rhonda and I are already accountability partners and encourage one another daily to stay focused, disciplined and moving forward towards our goals.

Participating in Thrifty Chic Mom's Focus Friday will give us another way to stay focused and accountable, but in a group setting.

You are invited to participate as well!

My focus for this upcoming week is to clear off my to-do list of things that need to be finished.

1. calls to make - physio, massage, dentist, doctor, optometrist, and public health

2. book review - Beyond Belief

3. book review - The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur

4. update our bank accounts

5. declutter 15 minutes/day

So, why don't you join us? Stop juggling and get FOCUSED!!

Just think what we can all accomplish in a whole year!

I'm Tired of Me...

karla@empoweringchristianwomen.com (Karla Meachem) — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 14:59:00 +0000

"I'm tired of me. I want more than me. I want to be what, my Heavenly Father desires for me. So, I'm looking at the invisible. I'm looking to the One who created me and the One that is making me into the image of His son, Jesus Christ."

Is anyone tired of their ME, too?

~ shared at Steady Ploughing

Well, I sure can relate...I'm tired of "me" too...

my heart longs to be MORE LIKE JESUS!

Just sometimes...I wish it was a quick transformation,

an Extreme Makeover Me Edition

Can you relate? :)