I have had the privilege of having a chapter published in Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace.  It will be released by Moody at the International Christian Retailers’ Show (ICRS) in Denver.  I am looking forward to attending the event.  Proceeds from the sale of the book will benefit “Wings,” a safe-house for the victims of domestic abuse in the Chicago area, and “Hands of Hope” whose outreach targets the enormous impact of poverty and the HIV/AIDS epidemic among women and children in Africa (www. http://margaretmcsweeney.com).

What thoughts fill your mind when the word forgiveness is spoken?  Emotionally is your heart at peace?  Can you say with confidence there is no one that I need to forgive or who needs to forgive me?  Or, do you experience that nudge from the Holy Spirit that reminds you of an unresolved circumstance?  Did you know that failure to forgive can have devastating effects?  From physical illness to spiritual ineptness, choosing not to forgive or seek forgiveness can have far-reaching consequences.

Forgiveness is an action that demonstrates the Multi-tasked Woman’s ability to be flexible and contributes greatly to a heart of contentment.  “Forgiveness [is] a term denoted in the Old Testament by words that mean ‘send away,’  ‘cover,’ ‘remove,’ and ‘wipe away.’  In the New Testament ‘send away’ is used most often; forgiveness is also communicated by words which mean ‘loose’ (Luke 6:37), ‘be gracious to’ (Luke 7:43; 2 Corinthians 2:7), and ‘pass over’ (Romans 3:25).  The Bible records human sinfulness, God’s eagerness to forgive, and frequent calls by the prophets, Jesus, and Jesus’ followers for repentance from sin and return to God.”¹  The Scriptures paint a magnificent word portrait of God’s forgiveness . . .

·  Nehemiah 9:17 portrays God as being “ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abundant in kindness.” 

·  Exodus 34:6-7 compares God’s response to the penitent and impenitent sinner. 

·  The Psalmist offers the imagery that “as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12). 

·  Isaiah paints God as casting all of the prophet’s sins behind his back (Isaiah 38:17) and as “blotting out the people’s transgressions” (Isaiah 43:25). 

·  The vivid language of Jeremiah 31:34 and Micah 7:19 emphasizes the completeness of God’s forgiveness.  When He forgives, men’s sins are dealt with thoroughly.  God remembers them no more! 

A Multi-tasked Woman seeks to incorporate God’s gracious response and her Lord’s model (Luke 23:34) into her own biblical method for forgiving others, as well as seeking others’ forgiveness—in fact, she develops a “forgiveness formula” based on scriptural principles such as

·         Nehemiah 9:17 –our God is a God of forgiveness.

·         Psalm 86:5 – all who call on the Lord will be forgiven.

·         Matthew 18:22 – forgiveness is to be unlimited.

·         Mark 11:25-26 – forgiveness can be unilateral and unconditional.

·         Luke 17:4 – forgiveness should be granted unendingly.

·         Luke 23:43 – Christ set the example of forgiveness.

·         Colossians 3:13 – I am to forgive as Christ has forgiven me.

The Scripture used to create the “forgiveness formula” confronts her with the immeasurable forgiveness she receives from God.  That forgiveness is to overflow into the lives of those who wrong her.  She focuses on the importance of forgiving others from her heart and the need to work towards reconciliation whenever possible (Matthew 5:23-24).  She acknowledges that it is not God’s plan for her to seek revenge. He reserves that for Himself (Hebrews 10:30); He assists her in refusing to develop a bitter spirit toward those who have wronged her (Hebrews 12:14-16).  Jesus said to His disciples, “Pay attention to yourselves!  If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him”  (Luke 17:3-4).  Since God commands us to forgive others, refusing to do so is an act of direct disobedience against Him.

Equally important to forgiving others is the Multi-tasked Woman’s acknowledgement that at times she will need to seek the forgiveness of those she has wronged.  Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:9-12) demonstrate a common but unbiblical response to sinful behavior . . . blame someone else!  It is her duty to assume personal responsibility for her part in the transgression (James 5:16), seek the Lord’s forgiveness (1 John 1:9), and pursue reconciliation (Matthew 5:23-24) whenever possible.  Phrasing such as, “I was wrong when I (fill in the offense).  Will you forgive me?” allows her to accept personal responsibility without casting blame on the offended person.  Such a response demonstrates her humility and fear of her Lord (Proverbs 8:13).

As this entry draws to a conclusion, may I encourage you to reconsider my opening questions?

·  What thoughts fill your mind when the word forgiveness is spoken? 

·  Emotionally is your heart at peace?

·  Can you say with confidence there is no one that you need to forgive or who needs to forgive you? 

·  Did you experience that nudge from the Holy Spirit that reminds you of an unresolved situation? 

If your answers indicate that something is amiss in any relationship, may I encourage you to do your part in reconciliation?  Choosing to do so may exempt you from the devastating effects that failing to forgive renders.

When I think of the word flexible the visual image of an Olympic gymnast comes to mind—that individual is able to twist and turn seamlessly without effort.  I know, of course, that the maneuvers require a steadfast commitment to the sport, countless hours of practice, and significant self-discipline.  Do you know the spiritual regimen that choosing to embrace spiritual flexibility includes?  For a Multi-tasked Woman it begins with a steadfast commitment to her Lord and her faith (1 Corinthians 15:58) and is, at the same time, flexible with His plan for her life (Jeremiah 29:11-13).  Flexible, by definition, suggests the ability to bend without breaking, a willingness or predisposition to yield; pliable; or adaptable.  It is the quality of being able to adjust to change and the capacity to modify our plans in order to leave room for God’s plans (1 Peter 5:5-6). 

Humility is the underlying character quality that yields a flexible response.  Humility is “a value that directs persons to stay within their inherited social status, specifically by not presuming on others and avoiding even the appearance of lording over another. Humble persons do not threaten or challenge another’s rights, nor do they claim more for themselves than has been duly allotted them in life.  They even stay below or behind their right status.”¹

A Multi-tasked Woman understands that to achieve flexibility she is to humble herself, seek to follow her Lord’s example in Philippians 2:8-9, and declares herself powerless to defend her status.  Such a response, according to Proverbs 3:34 and James 4:10, is praiseworthy before God.  A short poem by Lampertus Gedicke reflects the flexible spirit that the Multi-tasked Woman seeks to achieve:

Just as God leads me I would go;

I would not ask to choose my way;

Content with what He will bestow,

Assured He will not let me stray.

So as He leads, my path I make,

And step by step I gladly take,

A child in Him confiding.²

            The desire to maintain control of a situation frequently causes an inflexible response from the heart of a woman.  Eve began the process in Genesis 3 when she stopped and listened to the serpent . . . it will continue until our Lord Jesus returns (Revelation 22:20).  Principles that help our Multi-tasked Woman gain victory over unacceptable control include:

·         Recognize a controlling spirit is sin and pray for a desire to relinquish control (Romans 6:11-13).

·         Assume responsibility for possessing a controlling spirit rather than blaming God or others (James 1:13-15).

·         Believe that God supplies all needs . . . He does not need our help (Philippians 4:19)!

·         Allow the Word of God to permeate the mind (Colossians 3:16).

·         Focus on doing all to God’s glory (Colossians 3:17).

·         Concentrate on serving others and channeling thoughts, emotions, and energies to accomplish the desires of those in authority (Colossians. 3:22).

·         Demonstrate a willingness to change direction and plans if unexpected circumstances arise (Philippians 4:6-7).

·         Model the biblical examples of women who displayed flexibility . . .Sarah (Genesis 18:1-15, 21:1-13; Hebrews 11:11 and 1 Peter 3:6), Ruth (Ruth 1-4), The Jewish Maid (2 Kings 5:1-5, 14-15 and Acts 1:8), Mary (Matthew 1:18-29; Luke 1:26-38, 2:6-14, 17-19, 33-35 and John 19:25-27), Elizabeth (Luke 1:5-20, 24-25 and 39-45), and Anna (Luke 2:22-27a and 36-38).

·         Run the race of faith, following the Lord’s example (Hebrews 12:1-4).

·         Meditate upon the truth taught by “The Tea Cup”—a beautiful illustration of the importance of being flexible in the hands of The Master Potter.

The Tea Cup

There was a couple who used to go to England to shop in the beautiful stores. They both like antiques, pottery, and especially teacups.  This was their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. One day in this beautiful shop they saw a beautiful teacup. They said, “May we see that? We’ve never seen one quite so beautiful.” As the lady handed it to them, suddenly the teacup spoke. “You don’t understand,” it said. “I haven’t always been a teacup. There was a time when I was red and I was clay. My master took me and rolled me and patted me over and over and I yelled out, “Let me alone,” but he only smiled. “Not yet.”  “Then I was placed on a spinning wheel,” the teacup said, “And suddenly I was spun around and around and around.”  “Stop it!  I’m getting dizzy!”  I screamed.  But the master only nodded and said, “Not yet.”  Then he put me in the oven.  I never felt such heat. I wondered why he wanted to burn me, and I yelled and knocked at the door. I could see him through the opening, and I could read his lips as he shook his head, “Not yet.”  Finally the door opened, he put me on the shelf, and I began to cool.  “There, that’s better,” I said.  And he brushed and painted me all over. The fumes were horrible. I thought I would gag.  “Stop it, stop it!”  I cried.  He only nodded, “Not yet.”  Then suddenly he put me back in the oven, not like the first one.  This was twice as hot and I knew I would suffocate. I begged. I screamed. I cried. All the time I could see him through the opening nodding his head saying, “Not yet.”  Then I knew there wasn’t any hope.  I would never make it. I was ready to give up. But the door opened and he took me out and placed me on the shelf. One hour later he handed me a mirror and said, “Look at yourself.”  And I did.  I said, “That’s not me; that couldn’t be me.  It’s beautiful. I’m beautiful.”   “I want you to remember, then,” he said, “I know it hurts to be rolled and patted, but if I had left you alone, you’d have dried up.  I know it made you dizzy to spin around on the wheel, but if I had stopped, you would have crumbled. I knew it hurt and was hot and disagreeable in the oven, but if I hadn’t put you there, you would have cracked. I know the fumes were bad when I brushed and painted you all over, but if I hadn’t done that, you never would have hardened; you would not have any color in your life. And if I hadn’t put you back in the second oven, you wouldn’t survive for very long because the hardness would not have held. Now you are a finished product. You are what I had in mind when I first began you.”  God knows what he’s doing for all of us. He is the potter, and we are His clay. He will mold us and make us, so that we may be made into a flawless piece of work to fulfill His good, pleasing, and perfect will.  

As you consider yourself in light of the truth of The Tea Cup where would you place yourself in the molding process—are you . . .

·                     red clay?

·                     being rolled and patted?

·                     in the oven for the first time?

·                     being overcome by fumes?

·                     back in the oven?

·                     ready to give up?

·                     on the shelf?

Whatever your place, as you multi-task, are you willing to embrace flexibility and allow our Lord to mold and make you so that you are eventually a flawless piece of work capable of fulfilling His good, pleasing, and perfect will?  (Isaiah 45:9).

---

NOTES

 

¹Harper’s Bible Dictionary, 1985, s.v. “humility.”

 

²Source unknown.

 

Are you as careful with your spiritual health as your physical health?  I am sure that you know that good physical health is the result of implementing sound health practices just as good spiritual health is the outcome of developing sound spiritual practices.  When we undergo a medical examination four vital statistics are normally discussed—our blood pressure, pulse, weight, and diet.  Did you know our heavenly Father’s spiritual health examination for a Multi-tasked Woman contains the same four essential statistics?  Consider this comparison . . .

The choice to embrace sound spiritual practices allows a Multi-tasked Woman to mature in a number of godly character qualities including:

·         Submission to her Lord (Colossians 3:18).

·         Submission to the authority figures in her life (Colossians 3:22-34; Ephesians 5:22).

·         Respect for her husband (1 Peter 3:1-6).

·         Commitment to loving her family (Titus 2:4).

·         Faithfulness as a friend (Proverbs 17:17).

·         Compassion for those in need (31:20).

·         Care of her household (Titus 2:5).

·         Self-control, kindness, and purity of heart and mind (Titus 2:5).

·         Maintenance of  her body as a precious vessel on loan to her from her heavenly Father

(1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

The consistent development of these godly character qualities generally produces a heart of contentment in the Multi-tasked Woman—one of the best key health practices that prevents a spiritual heart attack.  Let’s take a moment to diagnose our level of contentment . . .

·         Do others affirm my character (am I worth more than fine jewels)?  (Proverbs 31:10)

·         Do I gain the confidence of my husband or others who consistently observe my actions? (Proverbs 31:11)

·         Do I approach my work eagerly and vigorously?  (Proverbs 31:14,17)

·          Am I hospitable to my children and others? (Proverbs 31:15)

·          Do I practice sound money management? (Proverbs 31:16, 18, 24)

·          Am I willing to share my goods with those who are needy? (Proverbs 31:20)

·          Do I prepare ahead of time for my family's needs?  (Proverbs 31:21)

·          Am I confident and dignified? (Proverbs 31:25)

·         Am I a wise and a good teacher? (Proverbs 31:26)

·          Do I willingly oversee the activities of my household?  (Proverbs 31:27)

·          Have I earned the respect of my family? (Proverbs 31:28)

·         Do I fear the Lord? (Proverbs 31:30)

Well, what was your contentment diagnosis?  Are you in good spiritual health, or are you dangerously close to a spiritual heart attack?  What are the areas that could stand some improvement?  Two attributes—flexibility and forgiveness will greatly contribute to maintaining a healthy spiritual heart.  As we multi-task, let’s consider each, beginning with flexibility.

When the word heart is mentioned, what thoughts fill your mind?  Valentine cards with lace and flowers, a doctor’s appointment for an electrocardiograph (EKG), or perhaps an evaluation of your own heart in light of the Scriptures?  As Christian women we should be concerned with two forms of our hearts . . . our physical heart and our spiritual heart. 

The physical heart provides nourishment, sustenance, and energy throughout the entire body.  If a weakness, either by breakdown or disease, occurs within the heart, it could lead to weaknesses in the rest of the body.  The spiritual heart is the center of thinking and reason (Proverbs 3:3, 6:21, 7:3), the emotions (Proverbs 15:15, 30), and the will (Proverbs 11: 20, 14).  It is the source of whatever affects our speech (Proverbs 4:24), sight (Proverbs 4:25), and conduct (Proverbs 4:26-27).  The condition of our spiritual heart determines our spiritual health and ultimately controls how we respond to life’s circumstances. 

Proverbs teaches us that we have either a wicked and foolish heart or a righteous and wise heart.  The wicked and foolish heart despises correction (Proverbs 5:12), is proud (Proverbs 14:14, 18:2, 12), lacks discretion (Proverbs 12:23, 19:3), and is hard (Proverbs 28:14).  Standing in stark contrast is the righteous and wise heart that receives commands (Proverbs 10:8), has wisdom and understanding (Proverbs 14:33), seeks knowledge (Proverbs 15:14), and learns and grows (Proverbs 16:23).  As a Multi-tasked Woman are you choosing to keep your heart with all vigilance, realizing that from it flows the springs of life (Proverbs 4:23)?  Strategies to do so include . . .

·                     knowing how to guard against a spiritual heart attack.

·                     choosing to speak graciously.

·                     cultivating a grateful spirit.

·                     forgiving others.

·                     winning over worry.

·                     dealing actively with discouragement.

·                     facing fear head on.

·                     viewing your worth through the lens of Scripture.

·                     selecting garments that reflect your royal heritage.

                            HOLIDAY BLESSINGS . . . 2008

     “Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name.

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits.”

                                            Psalm 103:1-2

The celebration of our Savior’s birth provides an opportunity for me to share with you the

numerous benefits that I received as God’s child in 2008 . . . 

♥          I was blessed to participate in a wide range of ministry opportunities including speaking at women’s meetings and retreats.  I even traveled to Forest, Mississippi in June to conduct a mini-conference.  However, the highlight of the invitations was the radio interviews I participated in to discuss the contents of Practicing Hospitality, the Joy of Serving Others.  Co-authored with Lisa Tatlock the book was released in January 2008.  I was also blessed to function as a member the Women’s Ministry Advisory Council at my church until the fall.  I greatly enjoy the intergenerational composition of this special group of ladies but resigned because of the increased demands of my ministry at The Master’s College.

♥          I completed my 21^th year of teaching at The Master's College in May—it does not seem possible that I have been there that long.  This academic year began with a great new group of students to replace those that graduated in May 2008.  You can find out what is happening in Home Economics-Family and Consumer Sciences at The Master's College by visiting the Home Economics web page at http://www.masters.edu/hefcs.

♥          Lest you think that our lives are all work and no play, our summer activities included a trip to San Diego to visit with our special friend Melinda Miller.  As always we had a wonderful time.  A conference for Carella in Ventura, and a trip to Florida to attend the International Christian Road Show (ICRS) were also a part of our summer travels.  ICRS is the annual Christian Bookseller’s Convention.

♥          Our time in Florida was such a blessing.  Since I now am affiliated with three publishing houses, I was

invited to all of their festivities.  We invited Carella’s Mom to join us and enjoyed visiting Epcot Center together

before the Convention began.

♥          The ICRS experience was incredible.  Our gracious heavenly Father provided exceedingly, abundantly

above all that we asked for.  A shuttle picked us up almost in front of our hotel to transport us to the Convention

Center.  I began the event with a banquet for my writer’s organization, Advanced Writers and Speakers’

Association (AWSA) on Sunday Afternoon.  It was my privilege to nominate Crossway, the publisher of

Practicing Hospitality for the publisher of the year award.  Our liaison with Crossway, Jill Carter, attended

with me, along with the Editorial Vice President, Al Fisher, and our editor, Lydia Brownback.  It was a special

time together that concluded with Crossway receiving the award!   Monday evening I was a part of the celebrity

author signing.  This event allowed authors to interface with bookstore owners from around the world.  I was

humbled to know that Practicing Hospitality was being taken to foreign shores where my feet will never touch. 

I enjoyed seeing many of my Moody Publisher friends at their author breakfast, did several interviews, and

concluded my days there with the worshipful Crossway Publisher’s dinner.  This year’s banquet focused on the

fall release of the English Standard Study Bible and included key writers for it including J. I. Packer, Mark

Driscoll, Jerry Bridges, and Wayne Grudem.  If you have not seen a copy be sure to check it out.  It is an

incredible volume.

♥          I signed a contract with New Hope Publishers for a teen version that combines content from Becoming

a Woman Who Pleases God and Designing a Lifestyle that Pleases God  in January.  Entitled Becoming a

Young Woman Who Pleases God, A Teen’s Guide to Discovering Her Biblical Potential, it is due for an

August, 2009 release.  Visiting Amazon.com or CBD.com and typing in the title will give you a sneak preview

of it.

♥          The remainder of our summer was spent at home preparing for our return to our campuses.  This fall was, without exception, the busiest I have ever experienced.  A highlight was my trip to Chicago to attend the True Woman Conference.  Sponsored by Revive Our Hearts ministry, along with Moody Publishers and Moms in Touch it was an amazing experience!  Six ladies from my church and 3 from the college attended.  Visit the www.reviveourhearts.com to find out more about the conference by clicking on “Join the True Woman Movement.”

♥          Carella continues to teach fourth grade at Santa Clarita Christian School.  She has a great class this year.  Her love for our Lord is manifested daily as she disciples her students; their response to her careful mentoring is evident as they mature spiritually and academically.  Our Lord graciously rewarded her efforts at the conclusion of the 2007-08 academic year by allowing a number of the elementary and secondary students to affirm her character at the graduation ceremonies!

♥          As time permitted I enjoyed writing.  I crafted several articles for the Proverbs 31 Woman magazine that were published in February and May.  Several of my “stories” were aired on Vonette Bright’s “Women Today” radio program (www.womentoday.org), and I wrote a column for A Woman of Worth journal.  It is a publication of “A Virtuous Woman” ministry (www.avirtuouswoman.org).

♥          Spiritually I acquired wisdom by the faithful teaching of my pastor, Scott Ardavanis. I was strengthened by reading Christian books, devotional journaling that helped me focus on my heavenly Father’s blessings to me, and listening to THE BIBLE on tape.  Carella and I attended our church’s Ladies’ Summer Bible study and participated in a 12-week study entitled, Seeking Him by Nancy Leigh DeMoss.  It was truly the most impactful study I have ever undertaken!

♥          It is my prayer that you too had many opportunities to bless our Lord and recall His benefits this year; I will anticipate, with joy, hearing of how that occurred.  May you enjoy a blessed holiday celebration and a productive 2009!

“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.”    

2 Corinthians 9:15

• Search each of the verses listed in the chart below.  Read them in the context of the Bible chapter in which they were written.  Personalize your search by completing the right hand column of the chart.

• Study the lives of each of the women described in the poem, “Did They Know?” Purpose to learn from their examples by completing the following chart.

• Using the Scriptures presented in this chapter and supported by your own Scripture search, formulate a Life Mission Statement that reflects your understanding of God’s Special Instructions To Women. Just to get you started my Life Mission Statement is to: 

• Love my Lord with all my heart (Mark 12:30).
• Walk worthy of my profession (Ephesians 4:1-3).
• Train the younger women (Titus 2:3-5).

I invite you to listen to an interview which was conducted with Pam Glass at the International Christian Retail Show:

Click here to listen!

Continually think about or contemplate the Scriptures that focus your mind on qualities that promote a healthy relationship with your heavenly Father (Philippians 4:8).

“Consecrate yourself, therefore, and be holy, for I am the LORD your God."

Leviticus 20:7

“For you are a people holy to the LORD your God.  The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the people who are on the face of the earth.”

Deuteronomy 7:6

“The LORD appeared to him from far away.

I have loved you with an everlasting love;

therefore, I have continued my faithfulness to you.”

Jeremiah 31:3

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge;

fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

Proverbs 1:7

“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,

but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.”

Proverbs 31:30

“And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart

and with all your soul and with all your mind.”

Mark 12:30

“For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.”

Romans 5:6

“What then shall we say to these things? 

If God is for us, who can be against us?”

Romans 8:31

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power of God

belongs to God and not to us.”

2 Corinthians 4:7

“Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely,

And may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our

Lord Jesus Christ.

He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.”

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

Look for the release of Becoming a Young Woman Who Pleases God in the fall of 2010!