Becoming A Strong Woman

What does it take to be a Strong Woman ?

Within the context of the Bible there are many women who lived exemplary lives under strenuous conditions. They exude an excellent strength that allowed them to still keep their femininity enact yet be quite forceful. They continued to grow spiritually and make their mark in the world. With God you can become a godly woman at any point in your life it is never too late! For example; Miriam worked faithfully along side of her brothers Moses and Aaron. Rahab a harlot; gave up her promiscuous life to help the spies of peace and all that was in her household were saved! Esther through driven tenacity her perseverance under insurmountable odds saved her people. Deborah a wise judge, who the people came to for direction, led men into battle and helped to victoriously win that battle. Jael, in fact actually defeated Sisera the commander of that army. It was the women who remained at the cross when Jesus was crucified and it was the women who were the first to bring the “Good News” that Jesus had risen and was alive!

In order to know God personally a woman must have an ongoing relationship with Him! This involves commitment to His Word as well as times of stillness and solitude. Occasionally flicking through the pages of the Bible and pulling out a scripture or two will not do. You need to take time to develop your relationship! This will spare you much heartache! God knows right where you are; and He Loves you! One must commit to develop quiet time with Him in order to contemplate and digest His Word and apply it to your life. It is at this time, as a woman you are able to develop a keen sense of who you are in Christ and then commit to living by the Truth of His Word. Yes, we live in the world and are to interact, socialize and fellowship with one another. But in order to grow in His wisdom, grace and knowledge you must learn spiritual boundaries!

Being a strong godly woman is inclusive of many things. It takes a strong woman to organize and efficiently run a household or a business. To create an environment that is inclusive of spiritual development, positive healthy family dynamics and fun and enjoyable activities for the family, friends or workers to engage in and enjoy! There is a vast array of pursuits for a woman nowadays. Many have too often put aside God and conformed to the world’s ways. You cannot change anything that has happened. But you can begin to go forward with the Lord now! No matter how old you are God has a place and a plan for you! Many ask can a woman do it all or have it all? Hmmm That all depends. What do you mean by ALL! With God you have everything you will ever need. HE will provide a path for you to do the things He has in His will for you. One must surrender to Him! “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Each of us have been created with varying temperaments, all of us having both strengths and weaknesses. Spiritual growth naturally happens as you abide in Him! He has given us an inner Guide, His precious Holy Spirit! What is so wonderful about God, He says: “My Grace is sufficient for you, for MY strength is made perfect in weakness.”

What really is important in life is when the day is over and the stillness of night is upon you, are you content? Do you feel that you are moving towards fulfilling your life’s destination? We all are quite different, what works for one may not work for another. But God’s principles apply to all of us! Have you experienced the JOY that only comes from knowing the Lord! Yes, you love your spouse, family, friends and….. But as a women of God you praise, worship and adore the Lord as well “ He gets Center priority!” God has a void in all of us only He can fill! You can become “like a tree that is planted by the rivers,” you can stand strong when you are rooted in Him! Bad things do happen to good people! But, you are able to go through with Him and help others to go through as well. Persecutions, trials and tribulations are a part of life. They stretch us! But, one can be of good cheer! There comes a Peace from knowing that Jesus has overcome the world for us!

Traveling is a wonderful experience that can expose you to different lifestyles and cultures. It will help to broaden your perspective and give you valuable insight. Realizing that everywhere you go God is with you, you become more aware of and appreciate His marvelous handiwork all about you! Today, one can travel and communicate all over the world and never leave their home or office. Our world is going through many transitions. “The grass is not always greener on the other side.” True security and significance can really only be found in the Lord! Commit to being the same person you are at Church at home, school and at work. Begin to be real with God! Everything you will every want or need is possible through Him! You do not have to become dull or uninteresting or give up having fun. Quite the contrary! You can age gracefully always striving to be the “BEST YOU,” No one can be a better you than you! God has created each one of us with a plan and purpose in mind. It is a choice to pursue it His way, do your own thing or the world’s way!

At some point you may need to perhaps take time and get away from it all. It is important from time to time to take a personal inventory to see just where you are in your walk with the Lord! You can also just set aside some quiet time “To BE STILL and KNOW” and do so as well! Ask yourself? Are you growing spiritually? Are you bogged down by the pressures of life? Are you consumed with everyone else’s life and don’t have one of your own? Have you simply gotten into a ritualistic rut? Are you on a fast track that is taking you to a destination that someone else wants you on or designed for you?

Are you faithfully keeping the embers burning in your marriage? Singles are you staying close to the Lord until …? Are you at peace or are you constantly stressed? Are you being the “Best You?” I realize that there are many things going on in life. It can be overwhelming with all the “stuff” going on about us in the world! To some degree we all have been impacted. But you have to make a point to not let it get you down. Nor to just roll along and let life happen. If it has or before it does, change your focus. Shift your focus to God give Him His place in your life! Don’t let life just pass you by and not find some time to enjoy it. God our Father, Creator and Maker really does have it all under His control!

Spending quality time with God will help point you in the right direction. It will do wonders for your prayer life. Prayer is not always verbal. Praying without ceasing is a cognizant state of mind, of God’s Omnipresence. Prayer is communicating with God, prayer involves listening! Pray for your spouse! Pray for your children, family and friends! Pray for your desired future spouse? Pray for our government and this world! As a woman of God eternal life is an absolute certainty. “For It is by grace you have been saved, through FAITH and this is not of yourselves. It is a GIFT from GOD not of works.” Ephesians 2 The Word of God has power to strengthen and renew your mind. Knowing, believing and implementing His Word daily in your life is key. Your emotions and actions CAN be transformed by the power of His precious Holy Spirit! God does have a purpose and plan for you! With God at your side you can be a Loving, Strong woman of God. This is a lifelong process and we are “forever becoming!”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

DeBorrah K. Ogans is a Marriage Educator, licensed Christian Counselor, Life Coach and ordained Minister. She is certified through the Sarasota Academy of Christian Counseling in Creation Therapy and holds a Master’s Degree in Biblical Clinical Counseling. She is the author of a pre-marital guide “How Do I Love Thee: Things You Need To Know Before You Say I Do,” and just released her second book “Holy Matrimony: Now That You’re Married”. DeBorrah has written extensively and has a plethora of columns and commentaries on life subjects that are widely published She and her husband are also the founders of Alpha 7 Ministries, a Counseling and Music Ministry that reaches “Beyond The Walls”. There are times when we all need some encouragement in our walk with the Lord. The Counseling Ministry was designed to encourage, motivate and uplift you in your journey. The Music Ministry produces and records Contemporary Christian, Gospel, Praise and Worship, and Instrumental Gospel/Jazz artists, using the universal language of music to accomplish that same purpose, . It’s latest CD is entitled “Beyond The Walls”, a balanced blend of uplifting instrumental Christian/Gospel music.

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WITCH HAZEL

DeBorrah’s Beauty Tips To Having  Fresh CLEAR Skin

WITCH HAZEL = Clean, Clear, Fresh Skin

Here’s a simple  basic  beauty tip I want to share for fresh clean looking skin no matter what  color or complexion you are?  If you want that fresh crisp look no matter what  age  you are, keeping  your skin clean is a must!  I believe in looking your best no matter what age you are?

Good clean skin starts with moisturizing yourself from the inside out.  Drink  plenty of  H2O!  The recommended amount is at least 8, 8 0z glasses of water per day.  I always order water when eating out and ask  for extra lemon slices.  Lemons give your water a fresh taste and are also a natural  appetite suppressant.  Water  also flushes out the toxins.

Each morning  and evening  I use  a clean jumbo cotton ball saturated with Witch Hazel to cleanse my face and neck area.   It wonderfully cleanses, refreshes  and tones your skin. Witch Hazel; also known as  Hamamelis  virginiana   is a natural astringent!  It contains no artificial ingredient or dyes.  It is produced from the bark of  this  North American shrub that was widely used by Indians who passed this information on to the settlers.  It has additional  therapeutic  remedies.  As an extra perk  its  good for after shave, minor swelling , insect bites and  minor cuts & bruises!  It’s also Dermatologists tested and recommended!  A real beauty essential! Enjoy!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

DeBorrah K. Ogans is a Marriage Educator, licensed Christian Counselor, life coach and ordained minister. She is certified through the Sarasota Academy of Christian Counseling in Creation Therapy and holds a Master’s Degree in Biblical Clinical Counseling. She is the author of a pre-marital guide “How Do I Love Thee: Things You Need To Know Before You Say I Do,” and just released her second book “Holy Matrimony: Now That You’re Married”.

DeBorrah has written extensively and has a plethora of columns and commentaries on life subjects that are widely published. DeBorrah along with her husband is co-founder of Alpha 7 Ministries, a Counseling and Music Ministry that reaches “Beyond The Walls”. There are times when we all need some encouragement in our walk with the Lord. The Counseling Ministry was designed to encourage, motivate and uplift you in your journey. The Music Ministry produces and records music for every musical taste: Contemporary Christian, Gospel, Praise & Worship, Instrumental Gospel/Jazz, and Easy Listening.


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TRUE BEAUTY COMES FROM WITHIN

TRUE BEAUTY COMES FROM WITHIN

Your soul is the essence of who you really are.

True beauty comes from within. The WORD of GOD is so very precious! It is bursting with a wealth of wisdom! I understand more each day why the Lord tells us to “hide it in our hearts, so we might not sin against Him… Only God can see into our hearts! “Man looks on the outside. But God looks at the heart.” resides. He knows us totally! God is LOVE! His Love is not in any way superficial it is imbedded deep into the fabric of who we are.

Life brings about a plethora of varied experiences, some bad, some good some just are simply incredible!

The Scriptures says:

“Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord. Blessed are they that keep His statues and seek Him with ALL their heart.” Blessed means to be happy and consecrated by God. God did not intend for His Word to just become mere letters on a papyrus (paper). He meant for it to become ALIVE within our soul to feed us and nourish us spiritually and emotionally so we could walk in His precepts. To help us go through whatever life presents to us, Blessed! One can then say Hallelujah Anyhow! Therefore this is why we pray

“Our FATHER, Give us today our daily bread…”

It is often said “What comes from the heart goes to the heart.” This actually is a quote given to Samuel Taylor Coleridge. There is a heartfelt sincerity when one speaks from the wellspring of their heart.

It is through the many experiences we encounter in life we grow one way or the other. It is important that we are not embittered by those experiences. It is important to have the right perspective. We can emerge triumphantly and rise above whatever has happened, is happening or will happen.

Life itself takes on a form of beauty when you access your heart’s wellspring. You perceive things differently. As you grow spiritually your soul is revived as well. Spiritual growth comes from spending time with God, knowing His Word and applying it to your life daily. Your soul is the essence of who you really are. It is the heart of you. It is were TRUE BEAUTY lies!

God knows who we are and who belongs to HIM!. When you are truly HIS you can expect much spiritual warfare on this side of heaven. But “our weapons are not carnal…” This is why it is so important to get to know Jesus as your personal SAVIOR! There is an inner peace that comes from knowing who you are in Christ. “He was born of the Virgin Mary He lived a sinless, life and was crucified, died and was buried, but he AROSE with ALL power.” Yes, He is ALIVE and so is HIS WORD! HIS WORD is our SWORD; it is sharper than any two edge sword. (Two edged swords are used by man.) Whenever a trial comes our way we must learn to STAND on the WORD of GOD.

When necesssary GOD WILL FIGHT YOUR BATTLES. His weapons are not carnal. We on the other hand must KNOW HIM and the POWER of JESUS CHRIST through HIS WORD! We never become the power we just gain access. During a battle we want to make sure our inner beauty is not suppressed. It is still possible for it to shine through… This is why we meditate, pray and ask to be filled daily. He has given us the gift of HIS HOLY SPIRIT as our COMFORTER! This is also what helps us to discern. He has promised to “never leave norsake us!”

Whatever comes our way in life know that our true beauty comes from deep within. True beauty is not worn it cannot be put on or taken off. It is from this rich place deep inside a wellspring comes forth. Here one discovers and retrieves the veiled beauty that has been pre positioned in one’s soul. It is within the depths of our soul one can encounter this precious internal, eternal fountain! That brings forth and emits a deeper beauty that has been coded into our souls by our Creator. It was knitted into us before we were in our mother’s wound. God has made us tri dimensionally. We are body, mind and soul! We are created in His image!

“For you created my inner most being, you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. ALL the days for me were ordained…” Psalm 139

Yes, there is also a surface beauty that one can see but sometimes you will find that it does not always go deep. This is the case when it is not embedded into the essence of one’s soul. I Peter says, that in order for our beauty not to fade away it has to come from our “ inner self, the unfading beauty of a quiet gentle spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” This does not mean one has to become silent or passive, rather it is quite proactive! It comes from a deep place that yields discipline! It is when we put our Hope and Trust in the Lord we can discover the True beauty that is deep inside, that beauty that comes from within! Yet, it is reflected in our lives and also on the countenance of our faces! “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their prayers…”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

DeBorrah K. Ogans is a Marriage Educator, licensed Christian Counselor, life coach and ordained minister. She is certified through the Sarasota Academy of Christian Counseling in Creation Therapy and holds a Master’s Degree in Biblical Clinical Counseling. She is the author of a pre-marital guide “How Do I Love Thee: Things You Need To Know Before You Say I Do,” and just released her second book “Holy Matrimony: Now That You’re Married”.

DeBorrah has written extensively and has a plethora of columns and commentaries on life subjects that are widely published. DeBorrah along with her husband is co-founder of Alpha 7 Ministries, a Counseling and Music Ministry that reaches “Beyond The Walls”. There are times when we all need some encouragement in our walk with the Lord. The Counseling Ministry was designed to encourage, motivate and uplift you in your journey. The Music Ministry produces and records music for every musical taste: Contemporary Christian, Gospel, Praise & Worship, Instrumental Gospel/Jazz, and Easy Listening.