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Life is Fragile. God is Not. But He's Given Us A Covering.

2012-02-13T06:21:00.000-08:00

I believe God speaks to us all the time. He speaks through the magnificence of creation. He speaks to us when we read the Bible. He speaks through melodies of music, through our conversations, through a glance from a stranger, an eye-catching billboard and even through our thoughts. But do we hear Him?

And personally, He is speaking to me now as I am hearing more and more details of Whitney Houston's death. First of all, I am saddened to hear of her tragic death. I know she is not the only person who left this life tragically two days ago but the worldwide media made her passing known to the world.

Life really is fragile -- for all of us. God is not. He is Almighty and we need His covering. I think God is reminding us, again, -- at least those willing to listen to Him -- that He is God and we are not. We think we are invincible and sometimes might make thoughtless decisions and lustful choices. We are not invincible. We are very fragile. We have a Creator called God and we are His creatures. We were made for Him and His purposes. He made us in His love and wisdom. In our sin He gave us a Savior and His children have been washed clean by the blood of that Savior Jesus. Then He gave us rules and boundaries to keep us safe and whole and tells us to live lives that honor Him as our Creator.

"So be careful to do what the LORD your God has commanded you: do not turn aside to the right or to the left. Walk in all the way that the LORD has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess" (Deuteronomy 5:32).

When we forget God and listen to the worldly ways of living, we are no longer alert as God commands us. God warns us that life if hard and to be careful to follow His lead. "The sorrow of those increase who run after other gods" (Proverbs 16:4).

He is constantly warning us because He is gracious and merciful. He even gives us spiritual armor to protect us -- but of course we have put it on! After the detailed description in Ephesians of God's protective armor for us, the passage closes with: "With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints" (Ephesians 6:18).

We must remain alert. Daily. Why? Well, here's another warning from God that makes me shake in my boots: "So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!" (1 Corinthians 10:12) We must remind each other to be alert and pray for each other and pray for those who don't know Him. We are the body of Christ. We must wake up, get up and get properly dressed in the full armor of God and then tell the world about the One who gives LIFE and gives it in abundance!

"Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desires of our hearts" (Isaiah 26:8).

Lord, have mercy on us all. We NEED You.

Rebellious Donkey or Thankful Sheep?

2012-01-28T13:59:00.000-08:00

There is an authority greater than our parents, our pastors, police officers, firemen, soldiers, governors and presidents. Our parents did not come up with such rules as: be kind to your brother/sister, don't lie to Mommy and Daddy, don't take your friend's toys, don't hit your brother/sister/cousin/friend, listen to Daddy when he's speaking to you, do what Mommy says so you can learn good skills in taking care of your own family, go to church to learn about God, and study diligently to learn how to grow wisely.

When I was leading a devotion with some cheerleaders in a local high school, I said this same thing to them because it occurred to me that teenagers may think these kind of rules originated with their own parents just to make their lives difficult! :) I tried to point out to the pretty young teens that ordinances such as: parents' instructions, speeding laws enforced by police officers, and safety rules firemen teach, are all biblical principles that have been harvested from the Holy Word of God, the Bible!

I told them God also gave us the 10 Commandments to help us know how to live a good and godly life; in safety, in security and in love -- by living according to His Word. THAT is where rules of courtesy, love, generosity, kindness, wisdom, discernment, hating evil, come from! It is God who originated, "Love me, love others." (Leviticus 19:18, Matthew 22:39, Mark 12:31, Luke 10:27)

We, as God's people are to be faithful sheep, who remain safe in His pasture (Psalm 37:3). But instead of living as a faithful member of the Good Shepherd's flock, I believe our country, yes the United States of America, is acting like a donkey who began in a safe pasture but has backed up to a fence....and has kicked the fence over with its hind legs! So now, the predators are in our safe pasture and are devouring our unborn babies by the millions, encouraging adultery and all kinds of abominations, and most of it is coming from our own TV sets and movie theaters. And often we believe and even pay for these fantasies!

I believe that -- as a whole ---- the U.S. does not like God's laws even though they produce abundant and even everlasting life. As a whole (again) we, as a nation, do not want to humble ourselves and ask for the Savior to deliver us from each of our own personal, hellish lives. We'd rather wear masks and fake it by appearing successful and look to fleeting worldly wealth as our savior and god. I think one reason is because --as I wrote in a devotion in my first book, it's easier to sin than it is to obey (Totally Devoted, pg 86).
God's Word is true. Every bit of it. His Word has great, saving power and I know He is a merciful, redeeming God to those who ask. How do I know this? He did it for me. You can read it for yourself, too, in: Matthew 7:7, Luke 11:9-11 and in the parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18:1-6.
All things (creation) started with God and all things will end with God. "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." (Revelation 1:8)
What are we going to do, my fellow Americans? What kind of stewards have we been as U.S. citizens, as parents, as God's people? I know the answer and here it is: "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14)
You see, God can fix the broken fence...because God is a whole lot bigger than anything a rebellious donkey can do. There is more Good News, too, there is a narrow gate to the Good Shepherd's safe pasture (Matthew 7:13-14) and that is the only way His sheep can enter and find abundant life (John 10:10).
With all that God has given us as a GREAT NATION, I pray He will have mercy on America. Yes, may God have mercy on U.S.
--All glory to Him.
Polly

When God Says, "Woe"

2011-08-13T14:51:00.000-07:00

"...Woe! Woe to you, declares the Sovereign LORD."

(Ezekiel 16:23)

The entire chapter of Ezekiel 16 is gripping, graphic and crushing. Why? Because God has said, "Woe" several times in response to the ongoing rebellion of His people of Jerusalem. Almighty God, the all-powerful Creator of the universe -- "the LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love to thousands and forgiving wickedness and sin" (Exodus 34:6) -- is very, very angry with His people. Their sins of pride, idolatry, adultery and the sacrificing of their own children were spreading worse than an incurable disease. God had enough and as we can see (Exodus 34:6), God is long-suffering!

In the first 15 verses of Ezekiel 16, God is describing His love, adoration and pampering of His beloved bride, the people of Jerusalem. But soon, pride and vanity rose up in their hearts and God was not pleased. "But you trusted in your beauty and used your fame to become a prostitute" (Ezekiel 16:15). Do we in American begin to see ourselves as people who worship beauty? Do we believe we don't need The Shepherd to lead, provide and protect us? Do we prefer to leave The Shepherd's pasture and each become a Lone Wolf instead?

They became unfaithful. The LORD said the gifts He gave His bride became their perversions: "You took your fine jewelry I gave you, the jewelry made of my gold and silver, and you made for yourself male idols and engaged in prostitution with them" (Ezekiel 16:18). Have we become idolatrous with the gifts of our technology tools called cell phones and smart phones? During Sunday morning worship services how do we lift holy hands with a mocha latte in one hand and a cell phone in the other? God also describes how His bride took the clothing and the finest of foods and worshipped their own idols with them. Do we do such things with our bodies and personal wardrobes?

The LORD was disciplining His own for their wickedness, "Because you did not remember the days of your youth but enraged me with all these things, I will surely bring down on your head what you have done, declared the Sovereign LORD. Did you not add lewdness to all your other detestable practices?" (Ezekiel 16:43)

In our own nation, sex-trafficking, pornography studios, legalized abortion, and prostitution dwell on the American street corners and in rented back rooms. Will we turn to God and repent as a nation?

Our HOPE is that the same God who rises up to judge the sins of the world is also a tender-hearted Shepherd of His people. "...his greatness no one can fathom" (Psalm 145:3).

At the end of Ezekiel 16, after dealing with the heinous sins of His own people, God shows them mercy and compassion. "So I will establish my covenant with you, and you will know that I am the LORD. Then, when I make atonement for you for all you have done, you will remember and be ashamed and never again open your mouth because of your humiliation, declares the Sovereign LORD" (Ezekiel 16:62-63). It takes the righteous sacrifice of Jesus Christ to atone for the sins of His people and satisfy the wrath of God. And that's exactly what He did for His bride.

I pray Almighty God will have mercy on U.S.

(2 Chronicles 7:14)

For His Glory,

Polly

The Roaring 20s: Hear Their Hearts

2011-05-03T20:49:00.000-07:00

This is a new column I'm adding to That Girl's blog. I call it 'The Roaring 20s" because the authors who have been invited to write a column as they get inspiration, are in their 20s. They also happen to be our daughters Grace and Mary.

They both joyfully love the Lord, daily seek Him in their passion to be faithful to Him, and by His grace are willing to be used by Him. I am overwhelmed with joy and thankfulness to God for what He continues to do in them. Frankly, they inspire me as I watch them enthusiastically struggle and strive to live for God. I freely seek their 20-something perspectives, asking them, "What do you think about this idea?" I think it is important to let our children speak -- and then listen -- to what's in their hearts! So I've asked them as my "Little Sistas" to share their hearts here as the Lord leads them to write something. Recently, Grace shared the following message on Facebook and I was moved by her openness to share her heart and her God with the world. I asked her if I could publish it here, too, and here it is!

Random Musings on Contentment

by Grace Balint

If you've ever met me, you know I'm a high-energy, generally VERY happy person. I often wake up with a smile on my face because guess what? Today's another chance to live a day in my life! I serve a risen Lord, I live in Pasadena (the greatest town ever created) and I have a blessed, amazing, adventure-filled life. Seems like I've got it made, huh? You're invited to keep reading.

:0)

Lately (especially the past few weeks lately!) I've been incredibly frustrated, confused and ...well, NOT happy. (There's a lot going on that I don't care to get into just now). I definitely have moments of happiness and excitement (just the other day, I ran UP the DOWN escalator at the mall..not as hard as it might seem, the first step is definitely the hardest, and the end result is a bit of an adrenaline rush!) but I'm not at all excited about where my life's headed at the moment. So, I've been thinking...

The Bible is VERY clear that God's "best" for us is to be content. As happy as I usually am, it is exceedingly rare that I truly feel content. My days often go like this: wakeup, morning routine, think about the events of the day while doing morning routines, go to the office and work while looking forward to NOT being at the office late, going home (and thinking about what to wear to 24 to workout) then going to 24, while at 24 (after deciding if I'm doing cardio, weights, or taking a class) thinking about what's for dinner, making/eating diner while trying to decide if I'm going to be productive and either practice piano, clean my apartment, or simply relax and was Beverly Hills, 90210 (I'm in Season 6 now!) before going to bed and then starting the whole monotonous process over again.

I remember two deliciously wonderful moments, both of which, for some reason, happened in the same week just last year. My small group had planned a day at the beach--my favorite place in the world--and I was stoked! Since I'm such a high-energy person who feels the need to be constantly stimulated, I pretty much always carry a book and an iPod so I will never be bored. I was quite surprised to discover (after slapping on sunblock, sunglasses and hat, and settling in my rainbow beach chair) that I was perfectly happy to sit there, relax, and listen to my friends talk. I occasionally added a comment to the conversation or asked a question, but mostly just enjoyed being there. I had no desire to pick up my book or turn on my iPod. There was nowhere else I wanted to go, nowhere else I wanted to be, and nothing else I wanted to do. I was completely and totally content. How delicious. :0)

Later that week, I was with my best friend at the time, an amazingly wonderful human being (and I really wish God made more men like this) that I was incredibly close to. I really considered him more like a family member than a dear friend. We were sitting on his couch watching ?? and as the hour got late, I ended up leaning against him and he wrapped his arms around me. He soon fell asleep. His calm, steady breathing started to lull me to sleep as well, until I realized that since I was leaning into him, I could feel his heart beating. If you've ever held a newborn baby (you know how its heart beats like a hummingbird's wings?), or felt anyone's heart beat, really, you know what a magically beautiful, calming experience it is. My sense of calm deepened, and once again I realized: there was nowhere else I wanted to go, nowhere else I wanted to be, and nothing else I wanted to do. I was completely and totally content. How delightful. :0)

Reflecting on these two moments, particularly the latter one, I'm reminded of Phil Wickham's worshipful song about the comfort Jesus provides; here are the lyrics (my favorite part):

"You will be safe in His arms

You will be safe in His arms

'Cause the hands that hold the world

Are holding your heart

This is the promise He made

He will be with you always

When everything is falling apart

You will be safe in His arms"

I think this might be the "key" to finding and maintaining a constant feeling of contentment. If I can remember that wherever I go, whatever I do, Jesus Christ goes with me and I am safe in His arms, I have absolutely no reason to NOT be content! Hakuna matata, mate, Jesus Christ has got my back! And, He will hold me in His everlasting arms until I go to heaven and meet Him in person! You're invited to join me on this "quest for contentment," and I'm sure the end result wil be...well..deliciously delightful :0).

"Godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment."

1 Timothy 6:6

"Be content with what you have."

Hebrew 13:5

"I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am."

Philippians 4:11

--Grace

What? Counseling? Me?

2011-03-25T10:18:00.000-07:00

The following is taken from a devotion of the upcoming

Totally Devoted 2.

May you be encouraged, and may God be glorified.

"You guide me with your counsel"

Psalm 73:24

There is a stigma that comes with counseling. I call it pride. You know what I mean, when people say to each other under their breath as their eyes roll, "Oh, they are going to counseling." Often it's looked upon as a gap in our plastic armor because it exposes weakness and frailties of those who are seeking counseling --- and oh, we can't have our weaknesses exposed! "Weaknesses? What weaknesses? I'm just fine!" Ha ha, I've heard a wise and discerning Christian counselor say, "Everybody needs counseling!"
Hey! I go to counseling on a regular basis to get help, advice, wisdom, direction, insight and guidance. I need it! Just ask anyone who is close to me, they'll tell you it's true! :) I ask my Counselor --usually on my knees -- to give me insight on what is going on in my mind and in my heart and help to make it right.

The truth is people who seek wise counseling are humble and wise. They are admitting, 'we don't have all the answers' and 'we do want to grow and mature emotionally and spiritually and I need God's help!' A sound mind, the Bible calls it.

There are many kinds of counselors: reputable, licensed, professional Christian counselors who advise and pray with the clients who visit their offices; then there's the other kind who doesn't believe in the LORD as LORD; then there are close, trustworthy friends who will offer Scripturally-based, honest answers only a close friend will give; and then there are the false teachers who give us advice to suit their own agenda! But, (TA-DA!) there's the One whom the Bible calls "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God" (Isaiah 6:9) That's where I run when I need help and refreshment! I go to my counselor on a regular basis and he's always there for me!

King David went to counseling: "I will praise the LORD who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me." ( Psalm 16:7) Look at that, his counselor also watches over him.

When we go to a counselor's office, we're not going to entirely share everything on our first visit. Or maybe not even our second or 10th! It depends on how deeply rooted our trouble is! We want to guard and protect ourselves to see if this counselor really cares about us and if we can truly trust this counselor. We're going to test this counselor to see if he/she has integrity, wisdom, and compassion for us. Then, as we begin to open our hearts and a solid, healthy relationship starts to develop with our counselor the healing process sprouts up. As we begin to trust in the truth about our situation, strongholds of fear and unbelief shrivel up and die. Our counselor plants seeds of love and laughter in the place of the strongholds and we continue to blossom and grow and bear more and more fruit.

That's the way it is with our salvation. When we first become Christians, our Counselor (God) does not show us all of our faults and sins at once, He shows them to us gently with His grace and His love. He teaches and instructs our hearts. "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you." (Psalm 32:8) He gently leads us and helps us grow up and become free to serve Him wholeheartedly, to live and love and laugh and serve others with great thanksgiving.

I believe people who seek wise counseling not only receive help but they also recieve healing! So what are we waiting for? If you're struggling go to the Wonderful Counselor and ask Him to help you and to send help! It is the humble and wise thing to do.

Love & blessings,

Polly

The LOVE Everyone Craves

2011-02-05T13:38:00.000-08:00

Two times this week I heard from the mouths of stunningly beautiful celebrities that they have struggled with overwhelming insecurities, a lack of peace and contentment, and are very troubled about their lifelong battles to meet the unrealistic expectations of others. Whew! Sound familiar to you ladies out there?

I heard these sad stories on one of the TVs in our neighborhood gym that was tuned in to Oprah. Hahaha, she's so famous worldwide that I'm confident I don't have to tell you her last name! While I was trying to take care of my own temple of the Holy Spirit (and just about to break a sweat) I watched and listened to famous actresses and models be interviewed by Oprah. These ladies --who have reached middle age and beyond -- were all still very attractive and continued to share very similiar testimonies of: never feeling pretty enough, thin enough, young enough, tall enough, short enough...you get the picture. Yes, they became financially wealthy because of their countless appearances in and on: runways, movies, magazine covers, billboards, and innumerable advertisements inside the thousands of magazines. Lots of coverage, lots of fame. Well, that's what it looks like to the world, doesn't it?

However they gave credence to the fact that money can't buy contentment and joy. These ladies had sparkling smiles, glowing faces, skinny bodies and broken hearts.

I was so intrigued by what they were saying because I've seen this several times on Oprah's show. Yes, I try to keep up with what she's promoting....my heart is women's ministry and encouraging women in the LORD. I try to be aware...you know, pay attention to what the world is selling women. But Oprah had two sets of gorgeous stars two days this week. Yes, I watched both shows and kept hearing the same thing from several women. Just like I heard a couple of other groups of Hollywood celebs say very similiar things on her previous shows over several months. Hmmmmmm. Yes, I'm paying attention and seeing the lies of the world continue to torment women.

These women on Oprah -- all of them -- wanted love and acceptance as we all do BUT they wanted and still hunger for something that ONLY JESUS CHRIST CAN GIVE: UNCONDITIONAL LOVE. I think that's what every person craves because that's how God made us: to crave/love/want Him. We all want to be loved in spite of our shortcomings, weaknesses, flaws, frailities...

These stunning beauties -- and as I said earlier I've seen so many tell the same story on Oprah. They're in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and 6os...and yes, still very pretty. They talk about the fear of aging, trying to grow old gracefully, and being accepted. One blonde --who was the cover girl of 100s of magazines -- admitted when she was in her 20s she'd go home and cry because she knew when she looked in her own bathroom mirror she did not look like the air-brushed girl on the cover of the magazines that they painted her out to be! These women are looking for true peace that is only found in the unconditional love of God.
I did notice that most of these lovely ladies have retreated from Hollywood lifestyles and the unrealistic expectations of being a star. They're moving to ranches and open spaces to be with family and to raise and train horses and grow gardens. They are getting away from the cameras and lights that have stolen their privacy and fed their self-centeredness.

Some of these stars expressed that middle age has helped them to change their priorities. They have also turned to caring for animals and family pets who will love them unconditionally. I heard the ladies say that their horses and their dogs and cats are their friends. These women (there are many who I have seen in different shows)are still breathtakingly beautiful on the outside but worn out on the inside from looking in all the wrong places to be satisfied and content.

The U.S. entertainment industry & media - not all of it but mostly - has successfully sold the lie to women and now to the upcoming teens and 20-somethings that you'll only be happy if you achieve the outward perfection. "Come and buy this product and it will make you happy." "Weigh this much and you'll be popular." "Buy this label and you'll find your Prince Charming." Ugh. I can't find any of these things in my Bible. That means women are being lied to and we're believing this stuff.

I think all these women on all of these shows are crying out. Just think how many of us who are not starlets, but women with friends and families and neighbors who struggle with this stuff.

Jesus really is the answer. When we belong to Jesus He loves us when we have a muffin top. He loves us when we need a touch-up on our dark roots. And when we say we want to "sleep in, let the kids get their own cereal." And when we age and get wrinkles and our hair gets thinner.

Yep. I know this is true. For one thing I know Jesus saved me and made me His child when I was at my worst! He did not wait until I got cleaned up inside and out. Nope. One night when my heart was deeply broken and I was on a beach on my knees and I cried out and asked God to become my Father and to make me His. To forgive me for my sins. He did. He does and He will continue to be my Father in heaven. He is my Everlasting Father. That means there is no beginning or end to His love, provision, and protection of His children. Are you one?
Let Him set you free, too. He'll give you life rich with His unconditional love -- like you've never known. And then He'll tell you to share that unconditional love with everyone in your life!

Love & blessings,

Polly

"Were All You Christian Americans Asleep?"

2010-11-15T17:59:00.001-08:00

Yesterday I had a That Girl Marketing consultation meeting with a new client. We met at what I call my satellite office, Starbucks. It was a rainy, dreary kind of day -- and so dark and chilly that it could easily have distracted a child of God from having a thankful heart. But not this baby, not this time! I was "prayed up" for my meeting and I had marketing ideas to share that I believed would give my client her own brand that would be a powerful punch to jumpstart her business.

When I first arrived the only available seat was along a padded bench and I really wanted a table where I could write notes easier during our meeting. Within minutes two women got up from a table by the window and left. I jumped up with my coffee and briefcase and quietly claimed the table. I was situated between two groups of people sitting at tables and they were both finely-tuned into their conversations. The group I was facing consisted of probably 20-somethings and one of the guys was passionately leading the conversation. A couple of Bibles were on their table and notebooks were open. "How cool is that? Thank you, Lord, for letting me experience this," I thought to myself. Then behind me I heard someone end a prayer. It was also a mixed group and a they were little older than the first group. When I turned around and glanced and I also noticed there were Bibles on their table, too.
I was about to get tears in my eyes from joy and excitement to think I live in a country where --for now anyway -- we can freely and openly worship God and carry Bibles. We were sitting in a public place. "Wow, Lord, do we Americans take this for granted? I think we do and there's always someone who wants to take all this away from God's people." But I was charged up because I know God and I know He will have His way, and right now there are His people who openly are studying His word.

This experience took only moments and my client came in, greeted me and went to the counter. As the rain outside was soaking the parched ground I was soaking in the presence of God and the privilege we Americans are able to enjoy. But for how long, O Lord?

I remember many years ago I interviewed a pair of missionaries who were leading a powerful, widespread revival in South Africa. During their visit to the U.S. they told me they watched as American Christians gradually allowed abortion to be legalized and profanity and pornography to become the highlight of American TV. They told me the rest of the world watches Americans and then imitates us in our dress, behavior, and our lifestyles. One of the missionaries said to me, "As we saw this happening in your country we asked ourselves, 'What are those Christian Americans doing by allowing all these things to become legalized? Were you all asleep?! Why weren't you fighting against all this by having powerful prayer vigils to stop this and rising up with the truth of God's word?'"

Ugh. I didn't have an answer because he was speaking the truth. Yes, God is sovereign and He could have stopped it from happening but the Bible says, 'we reap what we sow' (Galatians 6:7). Maybe we are sleepy Christian Americans. It's a lot of hard work -- in fact it takes a lot of self-discipline to be faithful in prayer and to be diligent in shining the light of Christ with our lifestyles and our words on a daily basis.

"They refused to listen and failed to remember the miracles you performed among them. They became stiff-necked and in their rebellion appointed a leader in order to return to their slavery. But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love." (Nehemiah 9:17)

As Christians, God gives us choices: life and death, blessing and curses, sin and obedience. It's Easier to Sin Than To Obey was the title of the devotional study I shared this morning with the adorable teachers at a public high school (another privilege in America). In our study we looked at the Apostle Paul who said it loud and clear, "I have the desire to do good but I cannot carry it out...who will rescue me...thanks be to God--through the Lord Jesus Christ!"(Romans 7:17-18, 24, 25)

So, my fellow Christian Americans, what are we each going to do? What are we going to do with the weapons of warfare God has put in our hands? (Ephesians 6:10-18)

I know there's an army of 20-somethings in America who all are filled with a deep passion to follow Christ. They need our prayers and our support -- and the rest of America needs Jesus as LORD, too.

Was my experience yesterday a wake-up call for me? I think so. It was an experience and a privilege that I do not want to lose. I don't want the generations who are coming behind us to lose it, either.

There is hope for our sleepy souls. I'll say it again, there is HOPE: "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and will heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14)

We are the body of Christ. His word is our life. "...do not let Him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!'" (Mark 13:37)

Love & blessings,

Polly

HPN: Praying in the Background to Bring Christ Center Stage

2010-10-05T14:36:00.000-07:00

When our daughter Grace told us she believed God was calling her to Hollywood, CA, as her mission field, our prayer life increased dramatically. Yes, God has given her amazing gifts that are inspiring and several of them include the performing arts: piano, dance, singing, improv, theater, comedy, and even television and film performances as a background actor. Fine. It's true and we know it. She's also a faithful child of God so it wasn't far-fetched that God would send her there three years ago.

But since our family lives in Metro Atlanta all we knew was that Hollywood's entertainment industry was dishing out so much sex, violence, perversions, blasphemy, profanity, and the ever-popular denying the existence of God, it was like an all-you-can-stomach buffet! We knew the entertainment industry had a delusional grip on a younger generation, enticing them into the false promises that fame and fortune would satisfy those empty holes in their hearts so they could find contentment.

But God had a connection for Grace already prepared before she arrived in sunny California: The Hollywood Prayer Network (HPN). This non-profit group was birthed in Hollywood by Director Karen Covell and Grace, through a family member's connection, was introduced to Karen.

We had no idea there was a well-established, organized group of Christians in Hollywood who were members of every area of the entertainment industry; filmmakers, actors, directors, producers, photographers, writers, -- you get the idea -- and these believers are passionately praying for God to send a revival and save souls in the entertainment industry there. They are going for the heart! They know if hearts are changed the industry will change what it's selling. These faithful ones called to serve Almighty God in Hollywood also know Hollywood has been calling the shots so to speak, and influencing an entire society (and world) with false promises and materialistic, idolatrous temptations of the flesh.

However, God is hearing the prayers of the HPN and He's raising up an army of His people in Hollywood and their numbers are growing and their influence is spreading. They are praying for others to join them! To date, HPN has 40 Chapters all over the U.S. now! There are 11 International Local HPN Chapters (including Asia, Australia, and Canada). Something very interesting, these people in the 11 international countries are well-organized HPN chapters PRAYING FOR THE U.S. ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY because they want to see a revival of hearts in the U.S. entertainment industry!!!! They are fully aware of the influence it is having on --not just our own back yard-- but the world!

Grace was involved in a HPN Prayer Vigil at a church in Hollywood area. The HPN members signed up to come in at designated times so they would be praying around the clock. The walls in their prayer room were covered with photos of well-known actors and actressess and they were prayed for by name. HPN has a newsletter and keeps up with the popular performers so they can effectively pray for them!

There is something we all can do to see enriching, edifying, joyful and encouraging entertainment pour out of Hollywood and into our local theaters and TV screens. Karen has mentioned three things on the HPN website:

1-Please commit to pray that God would bless their mission field with His Presence to see Him "heal our land and transform hearts."

2-Request materials to pass on to friends, families, and pastors to spread the vision to pray for Hollywood as a mission field.

3-Encourage talented believers to join the mission field to shine more of Christ's light in Hollywood.

4-Support financially with a tax-deductible donation to help keep the ministry of prayer for Hollywood alive. Send your donations to: Hollywood Prayer Network, 1763 N. Glower St., Hollywood, CA, 90028.

You, know, we pray for missionaries in countries all over the world....and that's what we should be doing!!!! And our own country needs our prayers, too! I am sharing what I have learned about HPN and I'm overjoyed that God is working in Hollywood and His people there need our prayers to help fulfill the Great Commission!

Will you visit the HPN website and check out what they are doing? Will you visit the Hollywood Prayer Network on Facebook and read and pray through the list of compassionate requests for Hollywood's stars and their struggles in stardom?

Here's the Atlanta Chapter Link. Will you pray for God's people who are taking a stand against the darkness? They ARE making a difference. They need our prayers to keep going.

Love & blessings,

Polly

Spiritual Mothering: Mentoring for Such a Time as This

2010-05-26T06:39:00.000-07:00

Spiritual Mothering is not a new concept. It's a Biblical principle spelled out for us in Titus 2:3-5:
"Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will align the word of God."

Spiritual mothering doesn't leave anyone out, in my opinion. We all can be building God's kingdom by becoming mentor/friends to the next generation. The key is: we have to be willing! Do we care about those who are coming behind us? All of us have someone who is younger than we are -- oh, yes we do, Sistas! -- 20-year-olds can encourage teens in the ways of the Lord, 80-year-olds can share life experiences to the middle-aged women, 12-year-old girls can make a difference in the lives of girls who are younger.

Our lifestyle is our testimony and that's what will draw a younger women to a Spiritual Mother/mentor/friend. It was almost 30 years ago when I was a new Christian and I read that "young" women should seek out an "older" woman who is a godly example and then to "get to know her and learn God's ways from her."

Mrs. Lowell Green has been that Spiritual Mother for me. (Her name is Evelyn but she always wanted to be addressed as Mrs. Lowell Green even after becoming a widow.) When I joined the church where she and Mr. Green were members I noticed immediately she was known as a prayer warrior throughout the church, she and her husband fervently prayed for missionaries and regularly participated in retreats and conferences all over the U.S. Mrs. Green was seen and known as humble-spirited, faithful in her walk and ways, and everyone knew her and Lowell to be pillars in the faith. Actually, they were fierce prayer warriors.

So I sought her out. A very special bond quickly developed. I believe God knit our hearts together. In the early years we began to meet regularly at her home in metro Atlanta -- she was widowed by then -- and she'd make us lunch and then we'd pray together. She'd share her heart with me and I'd share mine with her's. We'd pray for our families, friends, church, missionaries, the world, our country's leaders, you name it she wanted to cover it in prayer.

She'd often say, "The hardest thing for a Christian to do is pray!" She said that because we each have to make a sacrifice of our time and energy to pray. And, there are those distractions that come to attempt to hinder us from praying: the mind wanders, the laundry pile calls our name, the phone rings, or we say we're too tired or too busy and "I'll get back to you later, God.".

Mrs. Green cared about everybody. She'd clearly remember the names of people she met on retreats and conferences and we'd pray about their calamities and celebrate their praises. People regularly approached her in person and by phone to ask her to pray for them. Over decades she has shared herself with many other mentees who desired to be close to her and they always cherished time spent with her. She made meals for friends in need. She baked a mean pound cake. She visited the sick and often when after our time together I'd drive her to visit one of her dear friends who was paralyzed from the neck down with MS. Gwen quickly became my friend, too. The woman is a Proverbs 31 woman through and through!

Mrs. Green's first answer to everything is prayer. Pray without ceasing. Trust God and pray believing He will glorify His Name with His response. Along with carrying around a heart for God she had a dry sense of humor and a quick wit. I loved to make her laugh. When she'd get her feelings hurt by some situation she'd pray and ask God to help her push any negative thoughts out of her head. She was always quick to ask God for forgiveness in case it was 'her fault'. When we would be preparing to pray together she'd become saddened over the corruption and rebellion in the U.S. --- we've lost our first love (Christ) and thrown away our birthrights from our Founding Fathers who were Christians! She was and is grieved that the church is not shining the light of Christ and not praying, really praying on our knees daily in repentance and faith.

A few months ago, in March, I attended a small celebration of Mrs. Green's 100th birthday. Her son, David, and daughter Anna, hosted a delightful party on Peachtree Rd. in Atlanta where Mrs. Green lives in a retirement home.

At 100, Mrs. Green has dementia and does not recognize faces easily anymore. Once an avid reader, she's had to give it up. But at her birthday party she was enjoying her cake. She was on her second piece and also had some punch. Then there was another piece of cake on the table, untouched, and she was staring at it. I said, "Do you want another piece of cake?" I was laughing because I know of her dry wit and I said, "You've had two... do you want another?" Someone at the party said, "Hey, she's 100 years old today and she's Mrs. Green and she can have anything she wants today!" We were all laughing. I pushed the plate in front of her!

Mrs. Green has always loved her sweets. Before she weakened to the state she's in now, I used to take her to one of her favorite places to eat, Chick-fil-A, to order the chicken noodle soup, crackers, and the famous lemonade. We'd refill the lemonade and take it with us so she could sip on it all afternoon. During those lunches she kept thanking me for taking her there and said it was "so great to get outdoors again and do this with you".

She looked so beautiful on her birthday because God is living inside her and glorifying His name every day she's alive. She has often said she is longing to see the her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ face to face and is very enthusiastic at the thought of seeing 'her Lowell' again!

I can't possibly list all the ways Mrs. Green has blessed my life and the rich teachings that came from watching her persevere and live her life. She loves God with all her heart, soul, strength and mind and her neighbor as herself. I believe anyone who really knows her will tell you the same thing. I thank the Lord that He brought her into my life in such a special way! She has left a legacy for me:

Sistas, our country is in trouble. There is a lot we can do. For such a time as this: Is God calling you to become a Spiritual Mother/Mentor/Friend -- no matter what your age? Or are you hungry for a Spiritual Mother/Mentor and afraid to ask for a new friendship/mentor? Pray and ask God if he's speaking to you to step out. Put your foot in the water and see if God will part the sea. We can be God's lighthouses and Jesus can be the light that shines through us to bring people to Himself and to rescue our Sistas who are struggling. We are all in this together. We are the body of Christ.

Love & blessings,

Polly

It Takes a Village, People!

2010-05-10T07:23:00.001-07:00

After nine years of hosting and leading a women's Bible study in my neighborhood and then one season of teaching women's Bible studies in my home church, First Baptist Woodstock, I began getting recurring thoughts and becoming more and more desirous of hosting a women's Bible study --outside the four walls of the church -- in a central location in our county area. The year was 2009. Since this desire was growing I sensed it was the will of God for me to pursue it so I shared this vision by sporadically mentioning it to a few friends.

One friend and Sista in Christ, Jamie Williams, founder and president of Five Talents Wealth Management, (http://www.fivetalentswealth.com/) said she was networking with another business owner, Ben Looper of Southeast Restoration Group (http://www.southeastrestoration.com/) in the Holly Springs area who was very supportive of community service and evangelism. Jamie said she'd be glad to ask him about providing space for That Girl Marketing (http://www.thatgirlmarketing.biz/) to host a marketplace ministry for women.

The answer? An enthusiastic, "Yes!" from Ben included a very generous option of which meeting room I wanted to use, too! I was already overwhelmed with God's goodness and the 'red carpet' treatment I was receiving.

I realized that when I took the step of faith and 'put my foot in the water to see if God would part the sea' He sent a tidal wave of His favor in October 2009 and lightlunch was born! HIS LIGHT (the devotions I planned to share each week) and the ladies' BROWN BAG LUNCH (they'd bring each week) was the plan! The idea came to begin compiling devotions from my own inspired personal devotions and use them to be the study material.I created flyers and began to publicize That Girl Marketing's lightlunch was beginning January 7, 2010, in Holly Springs! I also sent an e-mail invite to all the Sistas on my database.

The following day I received an e-mail response from another Sista in Christ, Diane Oberkrom, founder of The Soul Food Market (http://www.thesoulfoodmarket.com/) who joyfully offered to donate her freshly baked, made-from-scratch muffins for lightlunch! Her e-mail stated: "Could I leave a big box of Scripture-wrapped muffins on your front porch the night before each lightlunch for your lady friends? It will be like manna from heaven, you just gather it up in the morning...no fuss no muss." Diane told me God wants her to provide this 'manna' for my marketplace ministry! I need to mention that Diane has a full-time corporate day job in a bank in downtown Atlanta! As God continues to open doors in the marketplace for these devotional Bible studies, Diane remains steady in coming alongside That Girl on this wild ride!

The Lord was in these details and the flow of His favor spills over! Since that time God has opened the door for additional marketplace ministry...this time to women teachers in a local high school! Therefore, rise 'n shine Devotional Breakfast was birthed!

I don't believe I could have the privilege of the ministry to the precious teachers without the door being opened for me previously to be the chaplain to the girls' golf team and the cheerleaders' chaplain at Creekview High School by Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) of Cherokee County (http://www.cherokeefca.com/ ).

No one can do any of this alone! "Apart from Me you can do nothing." (John 15:5 NIV). It really does take a 'village' of God's people to network together to accomplish His purposes in this world.

I don't know where all of this is heading as far as what God has planned, but I will say, "PRAISE THE LORD! ALL GLORY TO GOD!" A fall lightlunch will be hosted on Thursdays, beginning August 12, 2010, at Southeast Restoration Group. This is all for you, Sistas. Contact info is below!

Thank you, Lord! I am blessed beyond what I could of asked of Him or thought of asking Him! (Eph. 3:20) And that's WHO HE IS!

Love & blessings,

Polly

polly@thatgirlmarketing.biz

A Standing Ovation

2010-01-29T14:36:00.000-08:00

It was yesterday that I was on an airplane flying from Pasadena, CA, to our home in Canton, GA, and I was listening to an old song from the group Kool & The Gang called "Celebration". I think that all of my life I have been greatly inspired by music. I thoroughly enjoy listening to music and I seem to naturally want to dance to it or at least tap my toe or bob my head....something to keep with the beat!

Since Jesus Christ saved me from the 'old me' and I became HIS, music has taken on a whole new meaning to me. Worship music can really inspire me to 'rock' my body with a very thankful heart for what my LORD has sacrificed and given to me.

Now I can interpret in my 'new' mind songs like "We Are Family", "Celebration", "Ain't No Mountain", and they can become songs to my LORD with great exhiliaration and thankfulness. That's just me.

So you get the point that I'm at a point in my life where I am really ready to thank God for WHAT He has actually done for me and for all HIS children. I am ready to par-tay! HE is so good.

I believe that our God not only deserves our PRAISE but I am a believer that our God deserves our STANDING OVATION!!!!! Yes! This inspiration began when, a few years ago, I watched Pastor Louie Giglio and his team fill up entire stadiums and massive conference halls with college students who were hungry for answers and he would always serve them the nutrition they needed to thrive and survive: JESUS CHRIST, the Risen Lord. Pastor Louie and his team founded and hosted PASSION, now a world-wide event for the upcoming generation.

I watched the PASSION 2010 CONFERENCE on-line while our daughter Mary was there as a member of the mulitudes at Phillips Arena in Atlanta this month. I saw Pastor Louie exhort the sea of students to keep standing and to give God a standing ovation for HIS greatness. As I watched this in my home office at my computer, I thought, "Wow. Not only is God working to rescue the next generation, but Louie Gigilo is trying to tell the next generation to not only stand up and stop worrying about what other people think of them but to literally stand up in front of everyone and give GOD a standing ovation. Wow. I was very moved by that act. And this is something he does regularly!
After attending a couple of his Passion City Church worship services here in Atlanta and watching thePASSION 2010 conference on my computer, it appeared to me that Pastor Louie absolutely delights in publicly giving God a standing ovation.

God was impressing my heart in this and I knew it. The King Of Glory DOES deserve a standing ovation from each one of HIS children everyday, and not because of what HE does but because of WHO HE is!

I began to give God standing ovations during my own personal devotional times and it continues to bring tears to my eyes...probably because I know it pleases HIM but also because I know that HE must become greater and I must become 'less'. Something happens to me when I do this and it's a good thing. It's a very good thing.

Well, I didn't tell anyone about this until I was reading a new book by Max Lucado called 'Cure for the Common Life: Living in Your Sweet Spot'. Mr. Lucado has a whole chapter called Applaud God, Loud and Often.

Max Lucado wrote, " Worship gives God honor, offers Him standing ovations. Worship can happen every day in every deed. We can make a big deal about God on Sundays with our songs and on Mondays with our thoughts. Each time we do our best to thank God for giving HIS, we worship." (pg. 73.)

"The chief reason for applauding God? He deserves it...Worship God. Applaud Him loud and often." (pg. 76.)

Between the worshipful example of Pastor Louie Giglio and Max Lucado's mirrored exhortation I've been inspired --no spiritually driven -- to show God in a new way (for me, that is) that I AM THANKFUL FOR HIM.

So of course, now, all the Sistas from all over the community who attend That Girl's lightlunch are joyfully willing to join me each week in giving thanks to God for WHO HE IS with a standing ovation during our weekly get-togethers!

We Sistas give GOD a standing ovation because we know we wouldn't be there if it weren't for HIM and we know it .....because we KNOW HIM. Please join us, Girlfriends, each Wednesday, at the office of Southeast Restoration Group office in Holly Springs. For more information please contact: polly@thatgirlmarketing.biz

With love & blessings, Polly

911. Katrina. Tsunami. Haiti. What is God saying?

2010-01-14T17:02:00.000-08:00

(Graphics copyright AFP)

It's very difficult to comprehend what I am hearing and seeing on the Internet and TV about what has happened in Haiti. The devastation. The countless losses of of lives. Broken bodies. Broken bones. Broken hearts. The number of deaths are growing as news updates flood the airwaves! And yet, Almighty God is still ruling and reigning in the universe while we are seeing untolled suffering. I am asking, "What are you saying to the world, Lord?"

I surely don't have the answer to that question. But God does. He always knows what He's doing and according to His Word he always has a purpose for what He's doing. (Romans 8:28)

In the U.S. we are hearing about this catastrophe that is affecting the world but we have not experienced this particular gargantuan calamity firsthand. However, as God's people we have compassion, hearts of mercy, the power of prayer, and a Christ-driven love for the suffering as we are seeing and hearing about the growing number of widows, widowers, and orphans who are many of the survivors in Haiti right now.

(Photo copyright Reuters)

How do we handle this? First, as His children we all are already linking ourselves to God by dropping to our knees to cry out for mercy for the Haitians. Secondly, as God leads each one of us, of course, we can link ourselves to giving financial help as well. Here's a suggestion to visit: www.worldmag.com/webextra/16287

As God's people we already know we're to pray and to trust Him and love Him with all of "your heart, soul, strength, and mind," and we're to "love our neighbors as ourselves." We are trying....help us, Lord, and have mercy on Haiti and be glorified in all these things.
We love you, Lord. Amen.

"Shine the Light" in the NEW YEAR!

2010-01-09T05:42:00.000-08:00

"Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven."

Matthew 5:16

This verse is the mission statement and vision for That Girl Marketing, LLC, a market consulting/ marketplace ministry passionate about building God's kingdom by helping others shine their light. The way I see it we are the body of Christ and as That Girl is used to help others discover and develop their God-given gifts and talents --we build each other up so together, can become radiant, scatter the darkness of this world and bring HIM glory.

One day while I was cleaning our house I turned on WATC-TV 57 to watch Babbie Mason's show, Babbie's House. The singer/songwriter/musician always opens her show with a song and this day she was singing "Shine the Light" and it was my first time hearing it. I stopped what I was doing and sat down in the family room to watch and listen to her anointed, silky voice sing the words that were/are very dear to my heart! Yes, my eyes teared up a little cuz this message is a calling on my life!

(I took this photo at the Atlanta New Year's Eve 2010 Concert @ First Baptist Woodstock. Babbie's at the piano in this picture, and is standing on stage in the picture below.)

After I heard Babbie sing "Shine the Light" on her show I went to my computer to find the song and the lyrics. I found out later that Babbie co-wrote the song and she has given me permission to print the lyrics:

"Shine the Light"

"In the parking lot of a coffee shop

Just the other day

She smiled and she said, "Well, I'm doin' okay"

But I felt her pain

I took her hand in mine

Said, "It's gonna work out fine"

But as she turned I wondered

Did I just hand her a line

What she needed most was a word of hope

And a prayer or two

A little more time and a timely word

could have pulled her through

So I think of her

And I wonder too

Is anybody hurting

And sitting next to you?

Shine the light, share the faith

Show the world that Jesus is the answer

That Jesus is the way

Together we can make a difference

Be a beacon in the dark of night

Share your faith

Hold it high

Shine the light

Anywhere you go, any country road

Or city street

Any lonely life, a hurting heart

Somebody in need

They all ask one thing

Where is love and truth

But if you know Jesus

Then you know what to do

Shine the light, share the faith

Show the world that Jesus is the answer

That Jesus is the way

Together we can make a difference

Be a beacon in the dark of night

Share y0ur faith

Hold it high

Shine the light

Let your light so shine

So everybody will see Jesus

Let your light so shine

To glorify your Father in Heaven

Shine the light, Share your faith

Show the world that Jesus is answer

That Jesus is the way

Together we can make a difference

Be a beacon in the dark of night

Share your faith

Hold it high

Shine the light"

Babbie Mason is a wonderful example of someone who shines the light.....she's using her gifts and talents to glorify our Father in Heaven and she's very gracious about it, too. I went with a dear friend who is also a That Girl Marketing client, who was going to be a guest on Babbie's House. We had a few minutes to speak to Babbie and I shared with her that I play "Shine the Light" on my computer while I'm writing and that I've been deeply moved by the music and the lyrics. She has another song on her "All the Best" CD called "It's Good to Be Alive" and I really do play them over and over as I write!

Babbie's response to me was, "Wow!" Then she said, "I'm going to sing that song for you today!" And she did. Whew. Yep, I was crying and praising God.

I pray that as you discover your God-given talents you'll prayerfully work at developing them -- because God has given everyone gifts to be used for His glory.

To view Babbie's music, concert schedules, and CDs contact: http://www.babbie.com/ or e-mail her @ babbie@babbie.com.

With love & blessings, Polly

Jesus is the Reason for All Seasons!

2009-12-23T08:07:00.000-08:00

January 2, 2010

No matter what season of life each one of us is in, JESUS should be the year-round reason we're livin', lovin', laughin, breathin', workin', and playin'! Anyone who KNOWS Jesus as their Lord and Savior knows that everything comes from HIS hand -- every moment not JUST every December!

The "Christmas Season" in the U.S. usually begins the day after Thanksgiving and lasts through the whole month of December ending January 1. During that time it's OK to sing and say the name of JESUS in stores, restaurants, shopping malls, grocery stores, and piped-in Christmas carols croon in elevators and doctors' offices, and so on. Often, corporate offices have "Christmas parties" where gallons of alcohol generously flow and the foyers of office buildings are embellished with "Christmas" decorations.

The U.S. "Christmas" season also includes lots of spending of "gifts" for "good little girls and boys" who are brain-washed by our culture that they MUST have the latest electronic gadget, newer car, better clothes....whatever the passion is according to worldly traditions. Don't forget the backwash of debt, debt, debt when this 'delightful" Season ends in January! :)

Do I sound cynical? Maybe just a little but my Bible tells me that JESUS desires to be first and foremost in my mind, heart, body and soul. If I let worldly wealth, obsessions with what other people think, and my own self get between me and God, well then I have problems --serious problems -- because it means I'm not being who and what God created me to be and I'll never have peace living like that.

I was leading a devotional study with the Creekview High School cheerleaders one Friday in December, just before the break for the 'holidays'. I named the devotion "Jesus IS the Reason for the Season" and I shared some of these same thoughts.

What happened to me in the days and weeks afterward shows me that when we hear God speaking to us through His Spirit -- by giving us thoughts and desires to do something for HIM -- and we take steps of faith in the direction He's leading us, amazing things happen. Here's my story and I'm stickin' to it! :) The devotional message I shared with the precious Creekview cheerleaders included two verses:

Matthew 1:21 -- "She (Mary) will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name JESUS, because He will save His people from their sins.

Matthew 1:23 -- "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him 'Immanuel' -- which means, 'God with us.' "
I stayed on those two points with them and said, "If you KNOW Jesus you are forgiven & free to live AND you will never be alone. He will always take care of you and be with you. The only reason we (I) can act silly and laugh often and love lots is because JESUS lives in us and we are confident that He loves us and will never leave us and He really is Immanuel to us. And that's why we celebrate Christmas....and all we really should be celebrating Christmas all year long!"

Well, that was my devotional message to the girls. Then God visited my heart and pierced it with the truths I shared with them. In a new way, I saw, "JESUS is the reason for the season."

I was looking forward with great anticipation for our daughter Grace to come home, too, for a couple weeks in December and she was going to even be here for my birthday (Jan. 1). It meant both of our precious daughters, Mary and Grace, would be here with us to celebrat

My message to the cheerleaders stirred me up to enjoy the 2009 SEASON more than ever and in a new way: to focus on what really matters.....and stuff doesn't matter!

I praise God our daughters are also daughters of the King so we could and did celebrate HIM together for a couple of weeks with: Christmas concerts, baking our traditional Christmas cookies for us and to share with our neighbors,

worship services at church, singing of Christmas hymns in the car and hearing them playing constantly at home, eating together, reuniting together with family friends, celebrating my birthday together, taking a trip to Alabama for a family reunion, reminiscing about when the girls were younger and laughing every day together about the hilarious personality of our littlest Balint: Lexie, a year-old rescue dog.
What have I learned through my own devotions? Relax and realize the most important thing is this life is RELATIONSHIPS. My relationship with Jesus Christ is first and then my relationship with my family and others are a very close second! :) Nothing is more fulfilling and joy-filled than to love and serve God alongside your brothers and sistas!

I have learned that what enriches our lives is when we learn from Christ what unconditional love is and what HIS grace means and then appreciating each of our differences and gifts and talents instead of criticizing the differences and gossiping about them.

I've heard someone recently say that we must stop envying each other and realize that our God designed that we each have different gifts that others do not have for a reason and we must develop our own God-given gifts and work with the body of Christ so HIS purposes can be fulfilled!

I pray this New Year will be one filled with an overflow of thankfulness in each of our hearts for the blessings that we do have and filled with hope for what HE will do in each of our lives for HIS glory in 2010!!!

With love & blessings,

Polly

Loaves of bread & ..... hotdogs???? Yep! Eph. 3:20!

2009-11-30T15:52:00.000-08:00

Ever since I heard about the ministry Church on the Street I was intrigued even though all I knew about it was that it was a ministry of our church, First Baptist Woodstock, that a family friend named Don Landy headed it up and that they took hotdogs and the Gospel to downtown Atlanta in a church van. I thought, 'that's a mission trip and that's really cool our church is doing that.'

As time passed I heard that the Church on the Street ministry that went downtown was taking donated winter coats with them when the weather changed. They already were receiving my prayers and our financial support.

Until a few weeks ago when I bought up Church on the Street (again) my hubby reminded me that the ministry expanded to the Canton area. Hmmmm. I think that's when God's tapping on my shoulder became a gentle shoulder hug that said, "Polly, just check it out. Just once. You know you're drawn to it."

So last week when I couldn't resist any longer and I called our church office and got Randy Richardson's number, the leader of the Canton ministry. I told him, "I'm a church member and I'm curious about the ministry." What he explained to me sounded exactly like our church's ministry in downtown Atlanta.

I once again took just one step of faith to see if God would part the sea. Can you say, "On Dry Ground???" :)

This morning I showed up in our church kitchen and met a handful of the Canton ministry's faithful servants and they quickly got me involved in the hot dog assembly line. My job was to squeeze a narrow stripe of ketchup on the hot dog bun. (Someone else did it with mustard.) Randy, standing in line next to me gently said to me -- since he was wrapping the dogs in foil -- "You might want to put the ketchup in the center of the bun so it won't squeeze out when it's tightly wrapped in the foil. But since you're new at this, it's really OK. We want you to come back and I know you can learn quickly." Then we both laughed.

Still standing in the kitchen, Randy said, "We need to go see the Prayer Warriors, come on everybody." I thought, "Wow, Lord, what is this?" We walked across the hallway to the Prayer Room and found saw six silver-haired saints --men and women -- sitting in a tight circle, deep in prayer. When we walked in they hugged us and then we all stood in a circle holding hands. These precious Prayer Warriors were richly seasoned with God's grace and power. They prayed for us, for the ministry, for salvation for those we would serve, and on and on. I got tears in my eyes. Then we got more hugs and love and walked back across the hallway to the kitchen to finish food prep. I'm not sure my feet felt the ground because the presence of God was so strong.

When the huge coolers of tea were filled and almost 200 dogs were wrapped and stored in a cooler, the church van was loaded and the group got in the van. Since I had a previous appointment before I knew God was going to send me to this ministry, I had to follow the church van in my car so I could leave in time to meet my previous commitment.

Did I mention the temperature was high 50s and it was raining? Well, it was. I was closely following the church van and the Church on the Street trailer and as we were getting within 500 yards of the parking lot where we'd be serving, the men standing outside and lining the storefronts began waving and smiling as the church van passed by. Then I got very teary. It was like they knew Jesus had come to see them again since Randy and his team do this every Monday at lunch time. I started thinking about the 'loaves of bread and the fish passage' in Scripture.

The light, cold rain didn't stop the Spanish-speaking lunch guests who continued to be drawn to our location and who very slowly wandered near. They were greeted with our smiles and cups of iced tea and invited to come closer for some food. A woman from another church backed up her van and Randy helped her open up the back to reveal boxes of breads and cakes from Publix. Yep, this really is like Jesus, I continued to sense His strong presence. Whew.

Part of my title of this blog post is "Ephesians 3:20" which says, "God is able to do far more abundantly more than we can ask or think of asking Him" and I saw that magnified today when a woman named Vicki wandered over to our little gathering. She carried an umbrella. She told me she walked over from another ministry and that her family sent her to us hoping to just get a turkey sandwich!? In fact, Vicki said that they asked her to bring back a hoagie sandwich!

We talked a while and she shared her hardships and I prayed for her. Then Randy came over and we invited her to church on Sunday. Then I gave her the bag of hoagie/french bread and Randy walked away and quickly returned with a 20ish-pound uncooked turkey and he said, "Do you think this will help your family?" He didn't know she told me her family requested her to bring back a turkey sandwich!!!! I didn't ask him if that huge defrosted bird was just another donation from somewhere...but God knew what was needed.

I began laughing....laughing out loud (This is the Ephesians 3:20 part) because I saw God in this and saw that Vicki said they just wanted a turkey sandwich and instead she was given a huge turkey and LOAVES of bread!!!! She shed tears of joy and was overwhelmed. Then when she realized WHAT I was laughing about she began to laugh, too. I said to her, "Jesus will always give us bigger and better than we ask!"

Vicki shared her heart with a couple of the other ladies on the team and they prayed for her, too, walked her back to her family and loved her in Jesus. Vicki came back again and she said, "Don't forget about me!" We told her we'd be praying and she was invited to come back next Monday at 11:30 for lunch.

The gospel was shared in the church van and it became a sanctuary to several men while they were eating hot dogs. I was told that two men gave their lives to Christ! Hallelujah!

Yes, it rained on us today......but you know what??? Jesus reigned today, too!

If you become 'curious' as I did, and want to know more about Church on the Street please contact: http://www.fbcw.org/ or http://churchonthestreetwoodstock.org/

I'd love to hear from you, too!
With a very thankful heart,

and love & blessings,
Polly

HE is speaking all the time!

2009-10-26T19:34:00.000-07:00

It took me a very long time to realize that God speaks to His children all the time. Day & night. He speaks to us through the reading of His word. He speaks to us through the beauty of creation: we see His heart when we look at the glorious sunsets, breath-taking mountain views, hear and watch the mesmerizing waves that rhythmically roll up and down the shoreline of the beaches. And on and on. Creation is as limitless as HE is. But this is one way He speaks to us. We see His greatness and His majesty in all He has made. No one is like Him either. Nope. No one.

He also prompts other people to speak to us about His will...and most of the time we don't even realize we have been part of His plan for someone else's life! Another way He speaks to us is through His Holy Spirit -- to prompt us to do things, too. But we have to be listening. We have to pray and spend private, personal time with Him on a regular basis. Eventually we get in tune with Who He is and What He wants. Then He puts desires in our hearts to do His will.

The way I discovered the fact that God speaks to me all the time came from looking back over my journals....thoughts and ideas I write down while I spend my mornings with Jesus and His word. He inspires me with His presence in my life. He gives me a love for people that is really His love that comes out of me. How do I know that? Because the love is unconditional. I find that I care. I just simply care. It's heartfelt. It's deep.

For example:
Recently I was invited to possibly be a part of a devotional/Bible study with the cheerleaders at Creekview High School. I had a desire to find out more so I accompanied the Cherokee County Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Female Sports Director Amy Turcotte to a meeting with the cheerleading coach Meagan Biello and the senior/junior cheerleaders. We met in Coach's classroom at 7 a.m. The girls were in their cheerleading uniforms because they were cheering for a game that night. They were pretty girls with beautiful smiles. A couple of them began sharing their hearts...and then when they were asked to raise their hands if they would like to have a regular Bible study, all 25 girls raised their hands!

It was precious. They were "hungry" and my heart was willing. I said I would lead a brief study on Fridays at 7:15 a.m. -- just before our group goes to the school auditorium for a FCA assembly each week. Awesome.

I asked Amy if I could bring Chris Tomlin (just his CD!!!) so we could sing before I led the studies. "Sure!" was Amy's answer. I warned the girls before we began to sing that I only make a joyful noise, that I wasn't a song leader. After we started singing I know they believed me! :) My relationship with the cheerleaders is not even a month old and I already have Jesus' love for them.

One week one of the girls showed up at 7 a.m. before anyone else and as I was walking up to the locked classroom door I saw her sitting in the hallway with a huge basket. When I asked her what was in her basket she told me they were her mom's freshly homemade sausage biscuits, and egg & cheese biscuits for our little group. In past weeks other girls have been voluntarily bringing donuts and jugs of orange juice. And God is always evident when we get together. These girls do not have to attend, they are choosing to come before school even starts!

When we get together God teaches us and reminds us that He is what true love is all about. There is nothing more amazing than that. He's inspired me to keep telling the girls that He knows them and He is the only one who knows all things and controls all things and has power over all things.

I have told the girls that God knows everything about them --all the time-- whether each one of them is a Christian or not. "He knows YOU!" I said to them. Then I said, "But the life-changing blessing is when you know HIM!!!!"

I am so thankful to God for this blessing to my heart and to my life.

Love & blessings to you all!
Polly :)

"HE's Got Your Back!"

2009-10-12T09:07:00.000-07:00

I believe That Girl's Lunch has been in the process of being transformed into an on-going/seasonal Community Bible Study for Women. It will continue to be hosted outside of the four walls of the church because That Girl Marketing has always sought to reach sistas/clients of all ages, all backgrounds and denominations and all locations! This Community Bible Study for Women is for ALL women and will begin, Lord willing, in January 2010 with the 11-week study on Max Lucado's Facing Your Giants. More details to come soon so please check http://www.thatgirlmarketing.biz/ for updates or have questions please contact me at polly@thatgirlmarketing.biz.

The following is an excerpt from the message, "HE's Got Your Back!" that was shared at the October 2009 That Girl's Lunch at Woodmont Golf & Country Club (pictured above). The pictures in this blog post are part of a photo collection of the precious sistas who have touched my life in very special ways over the past few years and I believe God has been building HIS Network with all of these relationships and associations -- to name just a few: Woodmont Ladies Bible Studies, Fore HIS Glory Ladies Bible Study, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Cherokee Christian School, F.R.O.G Discipleship Group, Cherokee Chamber of Commerce, First Baptist Church Woodstock Women's Ministry Bible Studies, AWAKEN Women's Conference, Cherokee Tribune, Cherokee Living magazine, Chick-fil-A Canton, and my little sistas on the Creekview High School Girls' Golf Team, and just recently Creekview High School Cheerleaders!

Now here's the message: "HE's Got Your Back!"
When you're a true follower of Jesus Christ then you've realized you're a sinner in dire need of a perfect Savior who will rescue you from a life filled with darkness, sin, and total misery. When you repent of your sins, turn from them and turn your life over to Jesus you find that this is the One and Only Savior who has the power to bring you to a place in your life where you are "clothed in strength and dignity" and you "smile at the future/laugh at the days to come." (Proverbs 31:25)

When you're a true follower of Jesus Christ you strive to live for HIM instead of living for yourself. You learn that you've gained an inheritance of ALL the promises of God that are found in the Bible. When you become this follower of Jesus Christ the doors have already swung open for you to have privileges of: the knowledge of the secrets of HIS kingdom, the power to overcome, and favor in your circumstances.

Jesus calls His own by saying, "Come, follow me and I will make you fishers of men." (Matthew 4:19, et al).

Then, after Jesus called His disciples He began to teach them the Good News and how to live for Him: "treasures in heaven", "do not worry", "judging others", "ask, seek, knock", "wide & narrow gate", "wise & foolish builders", etc.
He taught them truth about how to live a life that brings Him glory and brings them 'good'!!!

GIRLFRIENDS! SISTAS! As HIS followers we are taught these exact same truths, too! Think about it....it's been written down in our Bibles in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John....where Jesus is quoted speaking directly!

Jesus spoke to His disciples in parables: "Then He told them many things in parables...and the disciples said, '"Why do you speak in parables?" Jesus said, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you but not to them."' (Matthew 13:3)

The NIV Bible commentary on Mark 11:-12 says, "The "secret" is something God has revealed to HIS people. The secret (thought previously unknown) is proclaimed to all; but only those who have faith understand. Jesus likens His preaching in parables to the ministry of Isaiah, which gained some disciples, but was also to expose the hardened resistance of many to God's warning and appeal."

Hey, just think about when you talk about the LORD to someone who gets angry with you .... same thing...a hard heart....but God can soften it.

Mark 4:33-34 -- (Jesus telling the parable of the mustard seed) "With many similiar parables Jesus spoke the word to them as much as they could understand. He did not say anything without using a parable. but when He was alone with His disciples He explained everything."

How's your time alone with Jesus? Do you have a 'prayer closet' where it's just you and Jesus? He can speak to you like that in Mark 4:33-34. ...the way He did when He got alone with His disciples.

He has our back!!! He is here! He will never leave!

We can see Jesus' heart up-close in John 17 because we read that He is praying what's in His heart: for Himself, then He is praying for His disciples and then He is quoted praying for all believers! Whoa. He really does 'Have Our Back!" Awesome! Check it out!

He has our back. We need to fight the good fight of faith to keep anything and everything from coming between us and God. This is really all about a very powerful and loving relationship that is truly supernatural. Nothing is greater.

Love & hugs to ALL my Sistas,

Polly :)

Walk Out of the Darkness to Help Others Walk into the Light of Life

2009-09-03T11:54:00.000-07:00

No one likes to talk about this: Suicide.

Why? There's a stigma because it's dark and mysterious and scary and is a painfully excruciating subject to talk about -- ESPECIALLY for those who have lost loved ones to suicide. For the surviving family members there is always the question of "WHY?" And what follows is usually something like: "What could I have done to stop it?" And then something like: "How am I going to go on without ____?"

Depression is the cause of suicide. It's giving up on living. It's existing with on-going thoughts of helplessness and hopelessness. It's like living in a dark room and you can't find the key to open the locked door. There are windows in the dark room but the depressed person can only peer out from the personal tormenting darkness into the outside world where there is light, but cannot get out of their own personal prison. Many times they don't know why they feel the way they do and many times depressed people believe the lie that no one else feels the helplessness and hopelessness they do. So they keep their depression a secret and live in sadness and darkness on the "inside" while on the "outside" they sometimes even portray a happy-go-lucky personality...and they become very good at masking their depression from everyone who loves them. This is what is so dangerous and life-threatening about undiagnosed depression.

But there is hope and there is help. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is not afraid to talk about depression and suicide. Their goal is to study and research these issues and then educate the public of the warning signs and reveal the latest study findings -- to save lives and prevent these tragedies.

AFSP is a national organization headquartered in New York City http://www.afsp.org/ and has established Out of the Darkness Community Walks all over the U.S. to raise awareness and remove the stigma.

Metro Atlanta has its own AFSP Chapter and is hosting

The Atlanta Out of the Darkness Community Walk

Sunday, October 4th

2:00 p.m.

at Chastain Park

in Atlanta

Registration and check-in will take place from 1-2 pm.

This 3-mile walk is along a path around Chastain Park.

The AFSP Metro Atlanta Chapter is headed up by Area Director Chris Owens. She's a woman of action and she's amazing. It was a delight to work with her on the AFSP Metro Atlanta Chapter's Board of Directors and to help with marketing and publications, too. It's obvious Chris has a call on her life to help raise awareness in metro Atlanta through her focused and endearing, yes, endearing leadership of the Chapter. Chris has worked at Duke University Medical Center for five years as a staff nurse specializing in Psychiatry and also as a Research Nurse for an Alzheimer's in Twins Study. After moving to Metro Atlanta in 1991, she stayed home to raise her two children. In 2004, she took the job as walk coordinator for the Atlanta Out of the Darkness Community Walk. She was promoted to Metro Atlanta Area Director in May, 2006 and helped start the chapter here. And she is always in need of volunteers! (By the way, this is one of my favorite pictures of Chris....please note her enthusiasm and energy!!!!) :)

I invite you to contact Chris to get more information about the Atlanta Out of the Darkness Walk on Sunday, October 4, 2009; and WALK TO SAVE LIVES... In the United States, a person dies by suicide every 16 minutes, claiming more than 32,000 lives each year. It is estimated that an attempt is made every minute; with close to one million people attempting suicide annually. It's easy to sign up for the Walk: http://www.outofthedarkness.org/

Please consider giving Chris a call or e-mail her to volunteer to help and/or learn more about the vision she has to bring those in darkness into the light of life in the metro Atlanta area through the AFSP-Metro Atlanta Chapter. You'll be glad you did. I sure was and as you can see, I am obviously still very supportive of this major effort!

Contact Information:

Chris Owens, RN, BSN

Metro Atlanta Area Director

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

cowens@afsp.org

404.374.5197

Love & blessings,

Polly

Warning Signs of Suicide
Suicide can be prevented. While some suicides occur without any outward warning, most people who are suicidal do give warnings. Prevent the suicide of loved ones by learning to recognize the signs of someone at risk, taking those signs seriously and knowing how to respond to them.
Warning signs of suicide include:
Observable signs of serious depression:Unrelenting low moods

Pessimism Hopelessness Desperation Anxiety, psychic pain and inner tension

Withdrawal

Sleep problems

Increased alcohol and/or other drug use

Recent impulsiveness and taking unnecessary risks

Threatening suicide or expressing a strong wish to die

Making a plan: Giving away prized possessions

Sudden or impulsive purchase of a firearms

Obtaining other means of killing oneself such as poisons or medications

Unexpected rage or anger

The emotional crises that usually precede suicide are often recognizable and treatable. Although most depressed people are not suicidal, most suicidal people are depressed. Serious depression can be manifested in obvious sadness, but often it is rather expressed as a loss of pleasure or withdrawal from activities that had been enjoyable. One can help prevent suicide through early recognition and treatment of depression and other psychiatric illnesses. ---Source: AFSP

"Visions Becoming Reality" AKA "After the Battering"

2009-08-18T09:44:00.001-07:00

One of my spiritual mentors, Oswald Chambers, wrote in his book My Utmost For His Highest: "We always have a vision of something before it actually becomes real to us. When we realize that the vision is real, but is not yet real in us, Satan comes to us with his temptations and we are inclined to say that there is no point in even trying to continue. Instead of the vision becoming real to us, we have entered into a valley of humiliation."

Here's what happens to us and I have to laugh out loud at this description because I can clearly identify with this:

"God gives us a vision and then He takes us down to the valley to batter us into the shape of that vision. It's in the valley that so many of us give up and faint. Every God-given vision will become real if we will only have patience. Just think of the enormous amount of free time God has! He is never in a hurry. Yet we are always in a frantic hurry."

Get the "battering" part? Uh-huh. But oh, after the battering, oh, oh, what blessings come from His loving hand! Ephesians 3:20 comes to mind: "God is able to do more than we can ask or think of asking Him according to the power that is at work within us." And that's God-power!

But until we actually stand still on the Potter's Wheel, we "while still in the light of the glory of the vision we run out to do things, but the vision is not real in us yet," continues Mr. Chambers. "We have to go through fire and floods in the valley [yes, more battering] so God can batter us into shape and then He'll be able to trust us with the vision. Ever since God has given us the vision He has been at work. He is getting us into the shape of the goal He has for us and yet over and over again we try to escape from the Sculptor's Hand in an effort to batter ourselves into the shape of our own goal."

What's the matter with us???? Oh, yeah, our flesh rears up! Here's why our fleshly desires never accomplish anything worthwhile: Psalm 127:1 says, "Unless THE LORD BUILDS THE HOUSE its builders labor in vain." It's got to be done HIS way. So I'll take this verse as a warning: Don't make plans without God.

Instead, Scripture tells us: "Commit your ways to the Lord, trust in Him and He will do it. He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn and the justice of your cause like the noonday sun." Psalm 37:5.
Mr. Chambers continues: "What is my vision of God's purpose for me? Whatever it may be, His purpose is for me to depend on Him and His power NOW. If I can stay calm, faithful, and unconfused while in the middle of the turmoil of life, the goal of the purpose of God is accomplished in me. It's the process, not the outcome that is glorifying to God. "His training is for now." It's our DAILY walk with Him. "If we realize that moment by moment obedience is the goal, then each moment as it comes is precious."

God speaks to us all day, every day! Are you hearing Him? Listen. Pray. Study His word. Tune your heart and head toward Him.

"'Seeking to do the will of my Father" was the one dominating concern throughout our Lord's life. No matter what came into His life He never wavered," says Mr. Chambers.
OK, there is our example! I believe if we will 'seek to do the will of our Father' daily we will reach His goal for each one of us. If the focus is Him instead of Self or Success or Money or Material Things, then all of a sudden -- one day --- we're going to find ourselves in the midst of our heart's desire because it will be HIS desire/goal for us! Our vision became a reality because we were standing still on The Potter's Wheel and letting Him shape us and and batter us into HIS vessel! Yeah, there is a very good reason for this battering!!!!

I am so encouraged by the following story and I seem to tell it often.....and now I'm going to tell it again...to hopefully encourage you because it has everything to do with where to go for help when we don't know what to do next!!!! When King Jehoshaphat was told that a vast army was coming to attack, the first thing he did was to pray to God. (2 Chronicles 20:12). This was part of his prayer: "...for we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you." Do you know what happened??? Jehoshaphat prayed fervently, he and his men went out into battle praising God and by the time they got to the battle field ALL of the enemies had turned on each other and were dead! Not only did God take care of the enemy(problem) but since God's power is limitless, HE also gave Jehoshaphat's army all the plunder....and because there was so much bounty it took them three days to carry it off!

Now that doesn't mean we're all going to have to get Hummer Limos to carry away all the money we're going to get from the services we provide for others but it DOES mean that as we cast ourselves and our prayers at the feet of our Lord, he will do more than we could even think of asking.
His vision for each one of us is already established: Acts 17:26: "He determines the times set for them and the exact places where they should live."

God gives all (wo)men life and breath and everything else! If God isn't our life and breath and everything else then He needs to become that to each one of us today! :)

Acts 17:27 reads: "....for in Him and through Him we have our being." God did this so that men would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him though He is not far from each one of us."

When seeking God's vision and direction for each life's calling, Mr. Chambers exhorts, "Don't be afraid to be different from other people.....the path God has called you to is exquisitely right for you...develop your gifts..".

Philippians 2:12: "....continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling for it is God who works in you to will and to act accordign to His good purpose." We need to work it out to the finish, NOT earning our salvation by works but to our salvation in spiritual growth and development. Salvation is not a gift received once for all: it expresses itself in an ongoing process of perseverance, humble service, spiritual growth and maturation. (NIV commentary)

We're talking about VISION and God's will for each of our lives...OK, so He points us in a direction and we're prayerful and faithful and we hear HIM and we step.....but then what???? Answer: I Thessalonians 5:23-24: "The One who calls you is faithful and He will do it." (NIV commentary: Paul's confidence rests in the nature of God, who can be relied on to complete what HE begins. :)

WE need to start living like we believe the truth that "we are HIS workmanship created to do good works which HE has prepared in advance for us to do." (Ephesisans 2:10)

You are not alone and if you believe that then you believe a lie. God will never leave His child alone. We've got to keep stepping and continue to keep our eyes on Him. We've got to keep listening for His voice. He will help us fulfill His purposes and visions and desires for each of our lives. He is with us! He will do it!

I am closing this with another excerpt from Oswald Chambers: "...the vision that God gives us in not some unattainable castle in the sky, but a vision of what God wants us to be down here. Allow the potter to put you on His wheel and whirl you around as He desires. Then as surely as God is God, and you are you, you will turn out as an exact likeness of that vision. But don't lose heart in the process. If you ever had a vision from God, you many try as you will to be satisified on a lower level, but God will never allow it." Whoo hoo! [my emphasis, of course!]

Hallelujah!!!!

Love & blessings,

Polly

The pottery in these photos are creations of my sister, Julie Brown, potter extraordinare....and those are her hands in the potter's photo!!!! :) Please visit her website and view more of her creations @ http://www.workinclay.com/ or contact Julie @ info@workinclay.com. I love you, Julie!

I Got All My Sistas With Me!!!!!

2009-07-24T05:33:00.000-07:00

My good friend and sista in Christ, Annie, and I like to meet each other at the driving range at the golf club in our neighborhood. We say we are meeting to work on our golf swings but it usually ends up as more like a laughfest. Sometimes we go up to the putting green and practice...and giggle. We're still trying to find the time to play 9 holes together, but until then we just squeeze in 45 minutes or so to meet at the range.

Annie and I have been sistas in our neighborhood Bible study, we've been Bible study leaders in the women's ministry of our church, we are neighbors, and most of all we are sistas! (Alternate spelling of sisters and sistahs.)

Last year, Annie invited my hubby & me to her hubby's birthday party at the club. Don was not able to attend so I went solo and stepped into my kind of party: loads of (Annie & Ron's) family members were there to celebrate, there was great food, lots of laughter, and MUSIC with a DJ!!! Whoo hoo! I wasn't about to sit still for a moment when that music started! No way, and Annie knew that was going to happen because sometimes I dance on the golf course and often during Bible study.

But at the party Annie & her sisters saw for themselves the reason people have suggested that I might be part black. Yes, I was on the dance floor with the sistas feeling quite 'at home' and for some reason I am able to dance with the beat. I think it was when I did the "robot" and the "moonwalk" that my cover was blown.

Annie calls me her "Homie" and I am so flattered. Truly.

Annie is a prayer warrior, a very powerful prayer warrior. Being her friend and sista has encouraged me to be more thankful....when she prays she is often saying "Hallelujah, Hallelujah" just to celebrate God in her prayers. Yes, she's my sista and she's a wise one, too.

I had to tell her that in my past people have asked me if I have black family members and she laughed. I told her maybe she's really white and she laughs some more...and said to me one day, "No I think it's the opposite!" I said, "Huh?" She said, "You think you're white!!!!" We both roared with laughter at that one.

I have always loved to listen to music that had a strong beat and the louder the better! If I'm not dancing to it then a part of my body is rocking to the beat--it could be my big toe, my head, or my hands but something is moving whenever I hear music. Even during the praise & worship time at church I'm moving when the full orchestra cranks up and the 250+member choir starts to sing! I love reasons to celebrate and God is the best reason I know!

During the worship service when I'm rockin' and rollin', my close friend and sista, Donna, --who's often sits next to me during the service (and is pictured here) -- just shakes her head and smiles because she knows me...and it's ok that I'm not able to 'keep a low profile'. It's ok with her because she's another one of my sistas. Sistas have the grace of God and we "know things" that God has taught us. Things like unconditional love and grace and other cool and supernatural things like that.

That's what sistas do.

All you sistas out there...check out the words to a classic song with a very important message that is Bible-based. And as I am typing out the lyrics you better believe I'm playing the CD on my computer. And no, I'm not sitting still as I type either! :)

We Are Family

By
Bernard Edwards & Nile Rodgers

We are family

I got all my sisters with me

We are family

Get up everybody and sing (Repeat)

Everyone can see we're together

As we walk on by

(FLY!) and we fly just like birds of a feather

I won't tell no lie

(ALL!) all of the people around us they say

Can they be that close

Just let me state for the record

We're giving love in a family dose

We are family

I got all my sisters with me

We are family

Get up everybody and sing
(repeat)

Living life is fun and we've just begun

To get our share of the world's delights

(HIGH!) high hopes we have for the future

And our goal's in sight

(WE!) no we don't get depressed

Here's what we call our golden rule

Have faith in you and the things you do

You won't go wrong

This is our family Jewel

We are family

I got all my sisters with me

We are family

Get up everybody and sing
We are family I got all my sisters with me..

It's God Our Father who makes us family! As His children our faith and hope is in Him alone. So let's celebrate, Sistas!

Love & blessings,

Polly

p.s. Don't be surprised if you hear this song playing at the next That Girl's Lunch on Aug. 13!!!!

Gospel + Golf = FCA Cherokee County

2009-07-10T10:14:00.000-07:00

Hey, That Girl is all about encouraging women in the Lord....in business, in ministry, in life! I'm not talking about reaching out to one particular group of girls, I'm talking about all of the souls and hearts of girls God sends my way!

At my age I still have a girl's heart....I STILL enjoy getting together with my girlfriends to eat, to laugh, to giggle, to shop, to pray, to share, to encourage, to be encouraged, to play golf, to go to the beach, to do Bible studies together, watch chick flicks, to dress up, to dress down, and to talk about and eat chocolate!

The Bible says that outside we are daily "wasting away" but inside we are "being renewed day by day". I agree. I may have more wrinkles and look older on the outside -- but inside, oh, inside I'm still a girl at heart. Hey, we all are, Sistas! Don't believe me? Take a look at all of us girls in the photo below...the Creekview High School Girls Golf Team! I remember telling one of my daughters just two years ago -- as I was about to leave the house in my pjs to go to a Girl's PJ/Movie Night at a friends house --- that "my friends and I really are still girls at heart, we're just old girls!!!" Yes, that night I drove to my friend's home in my pjs and a small group of us enjoyed appetizers, dinner, lots of laughter, a romantic chick flick, and a chocolate fountain!!!!!

We older girls know what it feels like to be girls. We remember the insecurities and the social pressures in high school to be the thinnest, the prettiest, the smartest, the most popular. Ugh. It's really almost unbearable UNLESS you are daily seeking God to be the One who truly and deeply approves of you...just as you are! No one can match the love and fulfillment God can bring to a girl's heart. Little girls and big girls need to know this truth and then live it out.

To get to that place we have to start each day with God....talking to Him through prayer and letting Him talk to us through His word, the Bible. There is power and peace and love and encouragement there. THEN we step out into the world and do what He has called each one of us to do....with our gifts and talents and hearts. Then He will be glorified and we will be fulfilled!

Two years ago I was asked by Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Cherokee County Director Bill Queen, if I would be the chaplain for the Creekview High School Girls' Golf Team. My initial response was, "Huh? What's a golf team chaplain? I've never heard of one." He told me there's never been one. :)

He knew I had played golf all my life and that I've lead Bible studies. And then he told me the girls' team practices in my neighborhood: Woodmont Golf & Country Club!

"Ok, Lord, I hear you," I said to God. Then I told Bill I'd do it but I also let him know I didn't have a lot of extra time to do it. He said that any amount of time I could give to the girls would be a blessing. So, began to sporadically show up at the driving range at Woodmont and see the high schoolers talking about school and homework and how to hit the next shot better.

It didn't take very long before the Lord gave me His love for the girls. I quickly remembered what it was like in high school....and back in high school I didn't know Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Ugh. I remembered what I thought about and what mattered to me most.

But two years ago, after I had time to ask God through prayers if it was His will for me to become the chaplain...His answer was that He had been preparing me to do this: golf and the gospel! He reminded me that I learned to play golf when I was five years old and I was leading Bible studies for the past 8 years. He was showing me that I had learned how to get through each day -- with God's strength and I was to share it.

On those afternoons when I was able to get to the club to see the girls I'd often bring them candy and cookies....and we even prayed together on the first tee before a tournament. It was amazing

Last season I was invited to be their chaplain again and I sporadically showed up...to share a little, or to bring them cookies and fudgesicles and hit golf balls on the driving range and challenge them to putting contests on the practice green. This year I wasn't able to show up very often but when I did I was so glad to see them.

Now it's summer and I've seen a couple of the girls at the golf course....and there is love there and friendship. God does that....it's for Him and for us, too.

I'm a supporter of the work of FCA Cherokee County because it's right here in my community and it's all about sharing the gospel through sports. It's about saving souls and mentoring to help build strong, fearless leaders who will be radiant in this very dark world we are living in. FCA seeks to reach the next generation! Wow. And for me personally, supporting FCA/Cherokee County has providentially tapped into my God-given gifts so I will pour out into the lives of others what God has poured into me. And it's all for His glory. How cool is that?????

He's made us. He's custom-made each one of us with amazing gifts and talents to fulfill specific services for Him. Let's get out there and get busy! We are the ones with the joy and the hope 'cuz we have Christ! Hey, let's celebrate! Oh yeah, we already are!!!!! :)

Love & blessings,

Polly

"I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that He considered me faithful, appointing me to His service." 1 Timothy 1:12

If you'd like to know more about FCA Cherokee County GA: http://www.cherokeefca.org/ or to contact FCA's Director of Female Sports Ministry Amy Turcotte http://www.cherokeefca.org/AmyTurcotte.Isp .

God IS in the Marketplace!

2009-07-10T08:49:00.000-07:00

A community-wide Bible study for women is starting up on Wednesday mornings beginning August 12, at Woodmont Golf & Country Club in Canton, GA. We'll be using the book, God in the Marketplace by Henry & Richard Blackaby, as our study material....along with of course, our Bibles. And you, Girlfriends, are invited.

I have shared a few choice morsels from this insightful book during one of That Girl's Lunch. Whoo hoo. It's really good stuff -- so good that I have been inspired to share the whole book with you girls who are interested in joining me!

“This book offers solid, spiritual, biblical advice for the deepest concerns of sincere Christians seeking to live their lives with God-honoring consistency. These concerns are: personal life, family life, business life, devotional life, church life, community life.”--The Publishers

This 8-week study meets Wednesdays

beginning

August 12, 2009
9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
at
Woodmont Golf & Country Club
(Main Clubhouse Lower Level)
3105 Gaddis Road, Canton, GA 30115

Directions to Woodmont: http://www.woodmontgolfclub.com/sites/courses/layout9.asp?id=471&page=23284

You can purchase God in the Marketplace by Henry & Richard Blackaby at most local bookstores, http://www.amazon.com/ , and http://www.christianbook.com/

There is no charge to attend this gathering because it is a community outreach so you might want to BYOC (bring your own coffee, cola, etc.,) --- and maybe, just maybe consider staying afterwards for lunch! :)

For more information and to RSVP please contact:
polly@thatgirlmarketing.biz
678.773.1973

Hope to see you there!

Love & blessings,
Polly :)

Let's Do LUNCH!

2009-06-25T06:02:00.000-07:00

When the local school bells ring again in August That Girl's Lunch will be ringing bells on August 13 at Woodmont Golf & Country Club. We'll be meeting in the spacious Cherokee Hall at Woodmont -- just follow the pink and black balloons!

All you girls out there who are looking for encouragement and inspiration in your daily walk, a devotional message is shared during each of our monthly gatherings. If you want to network with other girls who are in ministry and/or business or you're looking to make some dynamic connections......this is for you! You never know who you're going to meet at That Girl's Lunch. Talk about divine appointments! Oh, and the delicious

menu has been customized for us, too.

Woodmont Golf & Country Club
3105 Gaddis Road

Canton, GA

www.woodmontgolfclub.com

http://www.woodmontgolfclub.com/sites/courses/layout9.asp?id=471&page=23284

Save the Dates for the Fall Lunch Line-up!

August 13

September 17
October 29

RSVP Required: rsvp@thatgirlmarketing.biz

Cost: $15 per person

Please make checks payable and mail to:

That Girl Marketing, LLC
149 Ardsley Run

Canton, GA 30115

For more information: http://www.thatgirlmarketing.biz/

"Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven." Matthew 5:16

Let's do it together!

Love & blessings,
Polly

Rescue Me!

2009-06-08T06:33:00.000-07:00

This month it will have been two years since our precious 13-year old black lab, Puah, (poo-ah)died. She was a loving member of our family. Over the past few months my heart has been telling me that between becoming an empty nester and missing having a sweet dog living with us....it's time to consider getting another one. But this time let's -- for the first time ever -- get a little one. We've always had large dogs: Daisy, the retriever/shepherd mix, Max the boxer/bulldog mix; and Puah, a black lab/retriever mix.

I'm about to go on a rabbit trail for a moment -- kinda like all of our dogs have always done. When our girls were very small, Don used to read the Bible to them at night as he rocked them. Even as very young children, Grace & Mary learned the names and passages from the Bible...and two of the names were "Shiphrah" and "Puah" -- the Hebrew midwives. People always asked us how we came up with the name, Puah, and the girls would tell them, "She is named after the Midrew Hewives in the Bible!" I'm not making this up. They would say, "Midrew Hewives" and it became an ongoing family joke immediately.

Ok, now I'll get back on track. I am continuing to learn how important it is to not act and react impulsively and emotionally, but instead make decisions prayerfully; to wait and pray until I get an answer and if I don't know what to do, I just keep praying until the answer comes. I have been praying about us getting another dog...and asking Don how he felt about it....it had to be right, you know. All I know is that my desire was to have a small female dog. When Don said it was ok with him to get a little dog, I began to prayerfully search for the RIGHT little dog. Mary said, "Mom, we have to RESCUE a dog from an animal shelter. We can save it and give it a good home." I thought that sounded great.

I began to visit our local animal shelter and it was bittersweet to be there. Lots of homeless dogs jumping up and down in their pens begging and barking for someone to rescue them by taking them to a loving home. I kept telling the animal shelter staff that I only wanted a small dog and they were so gracious as I kept coming back to find her. I knew I wanted a female dog. It just seemed right.

During one of my several trips to the shelter I found a sweet, charcoal grey, long-haired terrier mix. She was little and adorable. I couldn't wait to take her with me to get groomed before I brought her home. I filled out all the paperwork to legally adopt her. I had to wait a couple of days because she had to get "fixed" so I went to PetSmart and bought a hot pink leash and collar. The day came and as I was ready to leave home for the animal shelter my cell phone rang: the animal shelter staff member said that the owners of the dog just showed up and said that my dog was their dog. What? She had been a resident of the animal shelter for two weeks, why have they waited two weeks? The people at the animal shelter said that legally the little dog was mine and they knew I would give her a good home. It was up to me if I wanted to give her up to them. Whoo boy!

My thoughts were, "Lord, what is this about? Am I being tested? Hmmmm. Well, Lord, if that is really their dog, then I can't take one of their family members from them. Besides, I understand the providence of God. You rule over every circumstance. You must have something better out there for me." So I gave the dog up and got my money back. Disappointed? Yes. But still, I know God and I know I'm HIS, and I know He loves me and He does not do cruel things to His children. So after I left the shelter I returned the hot pink leash and collar to PetSmart. I knew that if I was supposed to have a new dog the Lord would give me a new dog where and when HE says so. And that's the best thing.

Believing the Lord had something else, something better for me and my family I went back to the web and looked at pet adoptions to see if there was another little one that I was supposed to bring home instead. I found some cute dogs and then in my research discovered that local PetSmart stores have pet adoption agencies show up on weekends with loads of adoptable pets! Whoo hoo. I was on it and still praying for God's will in all of this.

I asked Mary, still living on the KSU campus, if she would check out the pets at the Kennesaw PetSmart while I revisited the local animal shelter and the Canton and Alpharetta PetSmart locations. It was a sunny Saturday during my quest and I couldn't find a little pooch who could fit the description of what I was looking for -- and then Mary called me, "Mom, I found our new dog and she's adorable and she's everything you wanted in a new dog! I'm with Rob & Ryan at PetSmart and I'm holding her right now!"

I zoomed down 575 and pulled into the parking lot. There they were sitting on the sidewalk at PetSmart. Mary was holding her. It took me only five minutes to see she was the dog! I already had a name picked out, too, "Lexie". This decision made Mary's day :) because she's been wanting new pup in the family for a while. She's already planned to take her "little sisterpup" back to school with her for visits!

While I was filling out Lexie's adoption/rescue paperwork , Mary and her buds were in the pet store picking out puppy toys and fulfilling my request for hot pink collar and leash for Lexie. She is a terrier/pug mix , estimated to be about 10 months old. She shouldn't get any bigger than her 13 pounds and that's perfect!

I recently told a friend about Lexie and she said, "She's black and her name is Lexie???? That sounds just like your car -- oh, she sounds like a little black Lexus! Hahahah. That's very funny! Yeah, I can picture that!!!!"

Another friend recently saw a photo of Lexie and said, "Hmmm. All of this seems very familiar, she's jet black with a hot pink collar and leash??? Sounds like That Girl colors!"

Uh-huh! She's become the little mascot of That Girl Marketing as well as a new member of the Balint family! Par-tay!

Ok, so what's the lesson here? There are probably several and as God's children we should always work at being teachable. Personally, through all of this God has reminded me to trust Him and wait for HIS best for me and my family. God really does care about every single, tiny detail of our lives -- why else would He talk about the number of hairs on our head?

I believe rescuing a little black female dog matters to God. I also believe He wants us to live out our lives to the fullest -- for His glory. John 10:10 tells us the Jesus came that we might have life in abundance. The fact is we are here to glorify Him and enjoy Him forever. And I'm trying to give Him my best so I will be able to do just that! :)

Love & blessings, Polly

Got Manna?

2009-06-01T11:03:00.000-07:00

Getting Spiritually, Physically, & Emotionally Fed

Exodus 16

(This message was shared at the May 2009 That Girl's Lunch.)

These words of encouragement look at how God provided for the Israelites....even when they were whining and complaining about their circumstances. (Ouch. That sounds way too familiar to me!) The truth is He gave them manna. And when He fed them manna it wasn't just simply physical food but it was spiritual food and emotional food, too. That's what He does for us today...He is the One who can feed us and fill us in every way.

Our handbook for life is the Bible. God speaks to us through His word. He has stories, examples, and word pictures to teach us how to live and which step to take next. The people described in the Bible are weak and frail -- as we are -- and yet the ones who sought after God always found their power and strength in God alone. When they would seek Him He helped them and spoke to them and taught them. He'd say things like, "listen to my words", "walk in my ways", "be still and know that I am God", and "remember what I have already done for you".

Exodus 16:2-3 -- "If only we had died by the Lord's hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death." Hmmm...would we Israelites/today's Americans like some cheese with that whine???? :)

If you'll notice God does not teach us everything at once. We have to seek Him daily and be filled for that day. That's what His grace and peace is all about. He says His grace is enough for the day. He will always give us what we need when we need it. With the manna He told the Israelites to only gather enough for the day...and no more. The ones who horded manna -- to be sure they wouldn't run out -- ???---they were not trusting God -- their manna rotted.

Exodus 16:11-12 -- "The Lord said to Moses, "I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites. Tell them, "At twilight you will eat meat, and in the morning you will be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God."

They gathered enough for each person in their households....some gathered much and some gathered little and the outcome was perfect portions. The ones who "paid no attention to Moses" (NIV translation) and kept the extra manna overnight saw it rot and smell by morning. And Moses was mad.

On the sixth day they were told to gather twice as much so they wouldn't be working on the Sabbath by collecting their daily manna.....and God PRESERVED manna for two days and it stayed fresh. This fact tells us He is in control of what will spoil and what will remain fresh...and for how long and for whom.....get it??? God is in the tiniest details of our lives. We can't ever say in truth that God can't do something.

About manna: My NIV Study Bible concordance states that no naturally occurring substance fits all the data of the description of manna and the way is was provided. It was a unique food -- in appearance and taste. And there's more:

"Manna was the Lord's unique provision for His people in the desert."

"The Hebrew word for manna is "what is it" and this suggests that it was something unknown by the people at the time. "

"The taste was something unknown by the people at that time."

"The daily abundance of the manna and its regular periodic surge and slump (double amounts on the 6th day) hardly fit a natural phenomenon."

"Its availability in ample supply for the entire desert experience, no matter where the people were suggests that it was not a natural substance."

The keeping of a sample of the manna in the ark for future generations (vv.33-34) suggests it was a unique food.

The point is....this was a supernatual provision! Do we believe God can supernaturally provide for our needs today? Here it is again: "With God all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26) There is nothing He cannot do! We must believe!

Day-by-day is the way the Israelites were told to collect manna -- and God in His wisdom is teaching us today that we, also, are to be aware of our total dependence of Him. We need to see that the manna from God includes His peace and His grace as well as provision of physical needs, too. He designed us to need Him moment by moment. We just need to come to Him daily and often with prayer, praise, and requests ---with thanksgiving!

Oswald Chambers in his devotional My Utmost For His Highest writes: "Worship is giving God the best that He has given you. Be careful what you do with the best you have. Whenever you get a blessing from God, give it back to Him as a love gift. Take time to meditate before God and offer the blessing back to Him in a deliberate act of worship. If you hoard it for yourself, it will turn into spiritual dry rot, as the manna did when it was horded (Ex. 16:20). God will never allow you to keep a spiritual blessing for yourself. It must be given back to Him so that He can make it a blessings to others.

"When our awareness of our neediness increases, so does the realization of His abundant sufficiency." How cool is that????

Deuteronomy 8:3 -- "He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live by bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD."
Deuteronomy 8:16 -- "He gave you manna to eat in the desert, something your fathers had never known, to humble and to test you so that in the end it might go well with you."
Psalm 78:24 -- "He rained down manna for the people to eat, He gave them the grain of heaven."
Exodus 16:35 -- "The Israelites ate manna for 40 years until they came to a land that was settled; they ate manna until they reached the border of Canaan."

Look at that! Even while they were in their own wilderness of rebellion and sin for 40 years, God still faithfully provided for their needs! On top of that -- the manna did not stop meeting their needs until the perfect time for them to 'move on' to something else, namely when the Israelites celebrated their first Passover in Canaan! He is faithful and true. Always was. Always will be. Let us encourage one another in this truth during these most difficult days we're living in right now!

Revelation 2:17

"He who has an ear let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it." (NIV translation)
"Are your ears awake? Listen. Listen to the Wind Words, the Spirit is blowing through the churches. I'll give the sacred manna to every conqueror; I'll also give a clear smooth stone inscribed with your new name, your secret new name." (The Message translation)

God is our Hope. He sent His Son Jesus Christ who has said, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty." (John 6:35)

He is our Manna! :)

Love & blessings, Polly

Made By God; Made To Worship

2009-05-11T06:14:00.000-07:00

Last night my hubby, Don, our daughter Mary, and I were part of exhilarating Passion City Church worship service. Several of Mary's buds from KSU (Kennesaw State), along with a few of their parents filled up the first two rows at the Cobb Galleria Conference Center. The theme was Made to Worship.

I don't know much about Passion City Church except it's headed up by Pastor Louie Giglio, and includes Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, and Christy Nockels as the worship leaders. I also know every time our daughter Mary and her friends carpool to a Passion Conference, their lives are changed by the power of God, through contemporary worshipful music and the gifted, motivational teaching.

Last night as Mother's Day was coming to a close.... the presence of God filled the massive room as 20- and 30-somethings dropped barriers to physically, spiritually, and emotionally celebrate their Risen Savior Jesus Christ. Powerful worship music ignited a passionate praise that could have literally blown the roof off the building....but it didn't. Instead these young adults and the older generation worshipped together with tremendous joy.

Then Pastor Louie Giglio came out and the crowd cheered....he's a faithful shepherd to tens of thousands of young adults. It's obvious God has called him to reach this generation and I am thrilled! Last night as he was exhorting all of us he reminded us that God created us and we were Made To Worship.....GOD. The problem is that we have a tendency to worship things other than God -- and we cling and bow down to those things. His main audience and his passion is to reach young adults--those whom I have been calling 20- and 30-somethings.

There are several reasons why this is so important to me....I'm a mom and it's the day after Mother's Day.....and I love and know God and I love my family....and I was privileged to be one of the crowd who hilariously celebrated Jesus last night. I care about our up-and-coming generation. I care a lot!

We are parents of two 20-somethings, precious gifts from God, whom we call Grace & Mary.

When our oldest daughter Grace was a very little girl she kept saying she was going to become an actress in Hollywood to change it for Jesus. Our 20-something daughter lives in Pasadena now so she can shine His light in Hollywood as a model and actress. She is definitely fighting the good fight of faith because Hollywood has not been Christianized...yet. For years she has been praying specifically for the salvation of Hollywood actors and actresses and she wants to make a difference in the kind of movies and TV shows that are produced. She wants to proclaim Christ in her personal mission field, Hollywood, CA.

Mary is a 20-something, too, and also passionate about being Christ's light....right now on the campus of KSU and also to whomever the Lord brings her way. Her recent 10-day trip to China changed her life in such a way that she is seriously considering going into full-time ministry. Mary, like Grace, is hungry for God and He is filling them both because they are seeking Him. Mary's college friends have become her brothers and sisters in Christ and the whole group moves as one force...celebrating Jesus as they struggle to know Him and His will for their lives. God is using the Passion Conferences and Passion City Church to help her...and her friends find their way. We celebrated and worshipped side-by-side last night with Mary and her 20-something friends and I was beyond blessed.

If you know of people of this generation I just described who need godly encouragement, instruction, and the comradery of brothers and sisters in Christ, then visit Passion City Church. Support their work. Attend their services and celebrate with them. It's indescribable because it's supernaturally God!

Louie Giglio and Chris Tomlin encouraged the vibrant crowd that '...this is not an event, we are not an event. We are a church and this is a worship service. We don't know what we're doing and we don't know where we're meeting next -- but keep checking our website as we seek God for our next step."
Concerned about the future of America? About our "kids" and the next generation --- our 20- and 30-somethings? Please visit: http://www.passioncitychurch.com/ and read about what God is doing through a handful of faithful ones.

HE is here!

Love & blessings,

Polly

Shining His Light in the Marketplace!

2009-04-24T17:24:00.000-07:00

A growing bunch of dynamic girls are showing up at That Girl's Lunch! They are coming from all walks of life and the diversity makes our time together very special. The photo below was taken at our April gathering at The Frosty Frog Creamery & Cafe.We enjoyed our typical schedule: meet & greet, ordering lunch, meet & greet, eating lunch, and oh, did I say meet & greet yet???? We take full advantage of the fact that this is a networking event. When we girls get together we talk. Chat. Share. Encourage. Cry. Laugh. You know, the stuff girls are made of. We share our faith and talk about the One who makes all things possible!
Also, time is given for each girlfriend to stand up and introduce herself to let others know about her business/ministry/life calling. This is what weaves the threads of the net-work (sorry for the pun) together.

This month's topic for our inspirational message was "Joy". "These things I have spoken to you that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full." John 15:11

I hope by now all of you girls have a life verse from Scripture that fits you personally and helps you in your daily walk. I also hope that those of you who have been coming to the lunches have a mission statement for your life. We have to have a focus....something that helps us keep our eyes on our Rock, our Savior, the One who is our Help and Hope, Jesus. With all the striking distractions in our world today we need something that will help us stay focused and anchored on doing what were were born to do...serve God wholeheartedly, glorify Him, and enjoy Him forever!

When we gather together I always start my sharing with you by acknowledging that we're living in "different" times. Hard times. Harder for some. Financial woes. Relationship heartaches. Job shortages and cutbacks. But I'm going to share something with you that I know is true but it's sometimes very difficult to do when we're walking on a slippery slope.

Here it is: "Be joyful always. Pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." I Thessalonians 5:16.

Huh? Now? Today? With what I'm going through? Yep. God wants us to be joy filled.

Nehemiah 8:10: "The joy of the Lord is my strength." Consider what your attitude is like when you don't have joy. What has happens to you? Discouraged? Angry? Depressed? Frustratated? Fearful? What's going on? What has happened to you that you have these feelings? What happens to your energy? What happens to your countenance? Tired? Weary? Hmmmm. You have let someone steal your joy. Think about this: The Joy of the Lord is your strength. Think again how you behave when you have joy. You have high energy and enthusiasm. What's your posture like? Your attitude? Optimistic? Hmmmmm. We can take this verse literally!

Mr. Chambers. Oswald Chambers in his best seller, My Utmost For His Highest, (page 8/31) states: "What was the joy that Jesus had? Joy should not be confused with happiness. In fact, it is an insult to Jesus Christ to use the word happiness in connection with Him. The joy of Jesus was His absolute self-surrender and self-sacrifice to His Father -- the joy of doing that which the Father sent Him to do." Hebrews 12:2: "Who for the joy set before Him endured the cross..." Jesus prayed that our joy might contine fulfilling itself until it becomes the same joy as His! Have we allowed Jesus to introduce His joy to us? Living a full and overflowing life does NOT rest in bodily health, in circumstances, nor even inseeing God's work succeed, but in the perfect understanding of God, and in the same fellowship and oneness with Him that Jesus Himself enjoyed. But the first thing that will hinder this joy is the subtle irritability caused by giving too much thought to our circumstances.....Jesus wants us to come to the place where we will be his witnesses and proclaim who He is........Have the right relationship with God, find your joy there and out of you will flow rivers of living water. Stop being hypocritical and proud --- aware of only yourself, and live your life hidden with God. A person who has the right relationship with God lives a life as natural as breathing wherever he goes."

So now what do we do with this insight from Mr. Chambers? We apply it to our daily walk.

Henry & Richard Blackaby wrote a book called "God in the Marketplace". Whoa. This book is a keeper. I liked it so much I'm planning to teach it in the fall at our church for the ladies Bible study. It's even written in a Bible study format! Girls, no matter what kind of work or ministry you are involved in, you are in the marketplace. You are "out there" as God's ambassador. You do not have to have a corporate career to be in the marketplace.

In the chapter entitled "My Business Life" discusses the the difference between a political approach to problems and a spiritual perspective. Here's their description:

A political viewpoint: Makes immoral decisions to increase profits and is driven by a popular perspective rather than a moral viewpoint. It massages the truth, has selfish agendas and is greedy.
A spiritual viewpoint: Honors God, embodies integrity, embraces the truth, does things God's way, demonstrates wisdom and is motivated by God's will.

On (pages 94-95) in God in the Marketplace, the Blackaby's write: "The world is desperate for spiritual leadership in the marketplace. Our world needs more than business superstars -- our world needs spiritual statesmen in the marketplace. Spiritual statemen are men and women who rise above the pursuit of their personal agendas to lead people and organizations and honor God." Whoa.

I can think of a few spiritual statemen: Jesus Christ, Noah, Esther, Ruth...and many more examples in the Bible. In our day, Truett Cathy, founder of Chick-fil-A restaurants is a spiritual statesmen and is definitely not driven by a popular perspective...he was urged to keep his renown eateries open on Sundays to increase profits and he said, "No, it's a day of rest."

The Blackaby's pointed out (pg. 95): "Many Christian business leaders are more generous to their employees than the industry norm dictates. ...they see it as not just good business but they feel a stewardship of their employees and provide generous benefits and scholarships....these business leaders (spiritual statesmen) are not driven by the need to make more and more money so as a result they are free to use their businesses to further God's kingdom and enhance the lives of their employees.

"Business people can often do what preachers and missionaries cannot. Isn't it interesting that when Jesus chose his 12 disciples He found them in the marketplace? He chose a dozen businessmen. These men had a lot to learn about the kingdom of God, but they knew the world and how to operate in it. Similiarly, several of the early church leaders were businesspeople, including Lydia, Aquilla and Priscilla, and Joseph of Arimathea.

"Today's business people understand how the world functions --they have to in order to succeed in their jobs. They have contacts throughout the marketplace. Their network among other Christians crosses denominational lines.

"If God were to bring sweeping revival today, it might not come through a church. Many churches are isolated, and a revival in one group of churches might never reach other Christian organizations. Revival could, however, come through the marketplace. Christian businesspeople are connected through multiple denominations. The business community by nature is oriented toward results. Many Christian businesspeople are wary of theological hair-splitting, and they are bewildered by the adamant refusal of church leaders to cooperate with one another. In the marketplace, networking and pooling resources make sense.

"Christian business leaders must refuse to be self-centered, politicizing profiteers. Instead they must allow God to elevate their lives and their leadership to that of statespersons. God did that with a handful of fishermen and local business leaders in the first century, and the world continues to feel the impact. God can do it today. Are you willing to allow God to make you a statesperson for your generation?"

It looks like all of God's people are still in the business of "loving God with all our hearts, souls, strength, and minds, and our neighbors as ourselves." God said this is the greatest commandment...and He is the CEO of all of us! So I guess we better get to work! Hallelujah!

Love & blessings, Polly

F.R.O.G. is a Leap of Faith!

2009-04-22T19:22:00.000-07:00

The women's ministry at our church hosts weekly Bible studies. We have seasonal sessions -- each one offers a wide variety of studies in the form of DVDs, videos, books, and study guides. The winter session ended a few weeks ago and the leadership decided it was best to take a l-o-n-g spring break and start up the new studies in July.

During the winter session our Bible study class experienced a time of stretching, pruning, growing, crying, and lots of laughing. Our material included the book, Move Over Victoria, I Know the Real Secret by Nancy Kennedy. During our weeks together we were blessed with God's presence in our classroom. But before it ended we watched one of the girls have a new beginning. She had been hungry for God for a long time and she was looking for Him. We were privileged to see her literally "come to Jesus". Whoo hoo, what a blessing to all of us.

When that happened I invited her to get together for some weekly one-on-one discipleship until our Bible studies started up again in July at church. Some of the other girls in the class jumped on that idea and wanted to come, too! Then 'word of mouth' brought sweet new friends from the community to our little group even before we started up!

Since we are meeting at The Frosty Frog Creamery & Cafe each week I decided that I would try to be clever and come up with a name for our little group. I told my sister about it and she said, "What about F.R.O.G. which means Fully Rely On God?" I couldn't stop laughing. Then I gave us a name:

F.R.O.G. Discipleship Group @ The Frosty Frog

Then one of the girls (Amy) in F.R.O.G said, "Hey, does that make us 'PollyWogs' or 'Polly's Frogs'??????"

We are studying passages in the book of John and getting a close look at the amazing relationship between Jesus and His Father. We're also feeding on the wisdom of Oswald Chambers and his best seller, My Utmost For His Highest. And boy, do we have fun because our focus is our Lord and how to know Him better!

So, guess what's continuing to happen? We are having a time of stretching, pruning, growing, crying, and laughing....and oh yeah, we're eating, too! Well, it IS a restaurant and the food is delicious! I guess you could say we are feeding our souls on the Word of God and our bodies are being nourished with the fresh wraps, soups, and salads served at The Frog.

Our Lord's Living Water (John 7:38) continues to flow as we keep seeking Him. That's what He does when anyone is thirsty for the refreshment of the one and only Savior Jesus Christ. He is like a cool drink of water. He is our fountain of life and we F.R.O.G.s have joyfully hopped in the water and we are drinking it in !!!!!

May He be your cool drink of water. He is the God who refreshes! :)
Love and blessings,

Polly

God Knows About Her Nose!

2009-04-18T18:27:00.000-07:00

This is a little story about the sovereignty of God. As you read on you'll be reminded that there are no surprises with God. None. Zip. Zilch. Nada. He is in control and He knows the past, present, and future of all things. For us there is only preparation for the next "event" in each of our lives....and my Father in heaven has already prepared the way to meet our daughter Mary's drastic need.

If you read my previous blog you already know about Dr. David Edwards, the ENT specialist who is a prayer warrior and a highly skilled physician. And then you also know that my husband Don and our daughter Grace have experienced successful and extensive sinus surgeries with Dr. Edwards.
Well, the providence and sovereignty of God continues to unfold: Mary was blessed to attend a weekend retreat in Gatlinburg, TN, with the young adult/college-age group from her church. My husband Don and I had, of course, been praying for her and all of the group.

On Saturday afternoon while Mary was still in TN, she and I were texting (I'm still learning shorthand) and it went something like this:

Me: "Prayin' for an awesome weekend for u. Luvu. Mom"

Mary: "Hey! I'm having a blast but I broke my nose LOL. I popped it back in place!"

Me: "On my goodnezz! What is it withu & retreats? [On her last retreat she had a concussion at a ski resort.] Is it really ok or r u saying it is becuz I'm ur mom????:)) What were u doing when u broke it? Teachin break dancin? Hahahahaha!"

Mary: "I'm really swollen and got some bruises but I'm ok. LOL. Tyler accidentally hit me in the face and broke it so I popped it back in LOL."

Me: ICE!!!

Mary: "We're heading back now and stopping at Rock City yay! How was church?"

Well, you get the idea. It turned out that Mary and her friend Tyler were popping each other on the head with balloons and then all of a sudden Tyler's fist--not the balloon -- punched Mary's face! (Yes, this is a photo of Tyler & Mary. The reason there is a picture of this event is because this whole group loves to have pictures of all of their activities and this one was captured as well!) BTW - Tyler was embarrassed and very concerned that Mary was hurt.

A personal note to Tyler: "Hey Tyler, no problem! Ok?"

Now back to the story: These kids took tons of pictures of the blessed event...it's even on video because Tyler wanted the playful balloon fight on film and it was filmed on HIS camera!

Anyway, here's the photo of Mary right after her nose was broken: note the dent on the left side pushing the bridge of her nose to the right and tip of her nose points to the left. Don't be fooled by her blue-eyed, blonde appearance, remember she popped her nose back in place in front of her friends who all said to her, "Ewwwwww! Gross! " She laughed and said, "Did I fix it? Does it look better or should I do it again?"

Well, after she came home and we saw her we decided Mary needed to see a doctor....and immediately her dad said, "Dr. Edwards!"

We made an appointment and when they saw her nose no one there could believe she would even attempt to straighten out her own broken nose. After that visit we had to make another appointment -- this time to get an MRI at another office. Then back to Dr. Edwards after we made still another appointment to hear the results. Whoo hoo.

Here's where the sovereignty of God glistens: we were told that Mary's sinuses were not in a healthy state.....but NOT from being punched in the nose! They told us she was born with an S-shaped septum which is normally supposed to be completely straight. It has been blocking a flow of oxygen to her brain on one side of her nose. She has one turbinate that is several times larger than the normal size. She has polyps in her sinuses due to the irritation of the deviated septum. And all of this has been causing the migranes she's been struggling with for years! Our first response was, "WHAAAAAT?"

Since our doctor and his wife -- who explained the MRI to us -- are Christians they both KNEW we wouldn't have known Mary had this problem unless she came in with her broken nose! They knew God was working this out. Yes, the Lord knew Mary needed to get this fixed and He orchestrated the events so she could get help.

We do not know her surgery date yet but Mary is already saying, "Let's get this thing done! I'm ready to start breathing better and I want the headaches to stop!" She is a gifted athlete, studying to be a personal trainer, and she can't wait to be able to breathe better and to see the increase in energy and strength after she recovers from surgery!

Hey, talk about a breath of fresh air.......for Mary it will be like the wind of God breathing even more life into her and giving her more strength in preparation for what He has called her to do next for Him!

Hallelujah!

Be encouraged, Sisters. God is with all of His children and He promises not to leave!

Love & blessings,

Polly

We're Asking the Wrong Question

2009-03-25T17:43:00.000-07:00

I believe our entire American society is looking for answers to the following type of questions: What am do going to do now? What's going to happen to my job? Where will I find a job? What about my family? How am I going to pay for this? What if....? What's going to happen to me?

First of all, I still suggest that everyone ought to have a life verse of Scripture and a mission statement....and keep them in front of us to stay focused. There are too many distractions in our world today -- we must stay focused.
Where is our focus now, right this minute? If it's on ourselves then we're in trouble. Why? We can't 'fix' situations, we can't heal anyone, we can't move mountains, restore relationships, or redeem what's been lost. But I know who does! That's where we begin...with Jesus Christ and the wisdom found in the Word of God. His Way is the only Way that works. He provides rock solid answers and they're all found in the Bible.
Based on Matthew 6:33 -- "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." -- I think we need to ask this question:

How can I make a difference today and every day?

There is a two-part answer:

Part 1
Prayer.

Need help? Need wisdom? Need answers? Need strength? What do you need? Go to God immediately and often in prayer.
"You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." James 4:2-3

However, if we're asking with the right motives look what will happen:

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." Matthew 7:7-8

I know a successful surgeon who humbles himself daily to serve his patients. He asked "The Right Question" a long time ago!

My husband, Don, endured an extensive and successful sinus surgery several years ago. We learned during one of his preliminary check-ups that this surgeon, Dr. David Edwards, was not only a Christian but a humble prayer warrior who quietly and powerfully made a difference every day in his work. We learned through one of their staff members that Dr. Edwards and his wife began their days on their knees praying for each patient they would be seeing that day. In the privacy of their own home, they laid out each patient's name on their bed and prayed for each one. They went so far to pray for those who were facing surgery that day- that the Lord would begin healing each patient before Dr. Edwards performed the surgery!

A few years after Don's surgery, our daughter Grace needed the same procedure. Guess where we took her????

The radiance of the presence of God cannot be contained in Dr. Edwards' office and I believe God is glorifed. His impact is as far-reaching as the high-powered beams of a lighthouse. The man just simply and fervently prays!

Several years ago during a Bible study I was sharing how important it is to me that I look to God for everything and to pray continually to Him. One of the ladies said she thought I was looking to God as a 'Spiritual Santa Claus". I told her (and the group): "I see God as Huge and Powerful and Loving and Kind and Merciful. He takes care of me and blesses me and He's the only One I know who can heal people, deliver us from bondage and destruction, provide needs and most of all, the only One who can save souls from the burning fires of hell. No one else can do what He can do because He is Almighty God. I ask Him for strength and help and forgiveness. But I also daily thank Him for His love and goodness to me and to the whole world."

The Lord says it best: "Be joyful always. Pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16.

So by living a life of prayer we can make a difference, a life-changing difference as we faithfully and unselfishly pray for others who cross our paths. We can start praying for those who pass us in the grocery store aisles, the roadside workmen who wave their bright orange flags at us to slow down when we're going too fast, we can pray for our family members, our friends and our neighbors every time they come into our thoughts. We have no idea what God is accomplishing in the heavenlies through our little prayers here on earth!

Part 2

Foot Washing.

No, I am not suggesting we physically carry a bowl and a clean towel around with us but I believe Scripture encourages us that today and every day we can spiritually carry around that bowl and clean towel with us every where we go!

What did Jesus do? Look at John 13:3-17:"Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under His power, and that He had come from God and was returning to God; so He got up from the meal, took off His outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around His waist. After that He poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciples' feet. Drying them with the towel that was wrapped around Him.

Peter said: "Are you going to wash my feet?"

Jesus said, "You do not realize what I am doing, but later you will understand."

Peter said, "No, you shall never wash my feet."

Jesus said, "Unless I wash you, you have no part of me."

Peter said, "Then not just my feet, but my hands and head as well."

When He had finished washing their feet, He put on His clothes and returned to His place.

"Do you understand what I have done for you? You call me Teacher and Lord and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher have washed your feet, you should also wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth no servant is greater than his master nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed."

You may be thinking....what does footwashing have to do with my life, my business, my ministry???? Lots!

Years ago my family used to have other families over for lunch after we attended church together. I'd cook a huge meal on Saturday night and then our friends would follow us home after church services and we'd spend the whole afternoon together, eating, laughing, and sharing. After the meal we'd have coffee and various desserts. Then the children would run outside and play and we'd often all take a long stroll in the neighborhood. My point in sharing this is that the Lord put it on my heart to strive that our friends would feel like they had their feet washed when they left our home. The desire was that they would feel love and refreshment....that our family served their family. It was just something He put in my mind and heart....and I'm still striving to do that whereever I go. It's definitely His love working, not mine!

And footwashing.....we can make a life-changing difference by making people feel loved and refreshed just by being in our presence because we are intentionally serving them in love -- in God's love, and in excellence, integrity, and joy!

That's shining the light, Sisters!

With love & blessings.

It's Time To Get IN The Boat!

2009-03-14T08:28:00.000-07:00

Anyone who is familiar with the Scriptures knows that God is a patient God. He puts up with a lot of rebellion and disobedience from His children. A well-known example is found in the Old Testament of the journey of the Israelites coming out of Egypt and their wilderness lessons.

Even though they wandered for 40 years God fed them and cared for them as no one else ever could because God is Almighty and full of grace and mercy.

The Lord God sends warnings when His children are on the wrong path. He creates circumstances that reveal His will by "opening and closing doors" of opportunity. He answers prayers for direction and wisdom in our decision making. He speaks to us through nature, Bible verses, other people, and His Holy Spirit. He brings people and situations into our lives to show us the way.

But when we ignore His subtle warnings of convictions sent by His Holy Spirit -- you know, thoughts like "I know I really shouldn't be doing this" and "I shouldn't say this but I'm going to" and "No one will know, it's just one time" and "everyone else is doing it" -- He will begin to speak louder. And His whispers will turn into His "raised voice" and then if we still won't listen, His words to us sometimes become calamities of brokenness if that is what it takes to get us to surrender to His will ("...I bring prosperity and create disaster..." Isaiah 45:7a).

At the same time, please remember the sweet promise of Romans 8:28 that says, "All things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purposes." We can expect good to come out of our bad situations. Again, He is the God of mercy and grace!

I think we Americans can be compared to the Israelites. I believe we have been rebellious against God in countless ways but I'll just mention a few -- legalizing abortion, prime time TV shows condoning the ungodly behavior of children toward their parents, the shows imitating pornography, and taking prayer (God) out of schools and public buildings.

The tragedy of September 11, 2001, (commonly referred to as 9/11) was truly a catastrophic nightmare for all of us and a wake up call to get back to loving and serving God as a nation. We all went back to church for a while and then America returned to the lifestyle of what's written in the book of Judges where "everyone does what is right in their own eyes."

I believe we are in the midst of a Spiritual 9/11. I believe God has sent the following to wake us up again and get us right with Him: Joblessness. Stock market plunging. Real estate market drying up. Debt as high as Mt. Everest. So now fear, anxiety, and desperation have become the norm presently in our society and more chaos is coming unless we get in the boat! People are looking for a savior. Someone to FIX THIS NOW.

Friends, there is only one Savior and His Name is Jesus Christ. Just like in the days of Noah, God saw how wicked the world was that He created and He had had enough. (Genesis 6:5).

He found a righteous man, Noah, (Genesis 6:9) who had a righteous family and He told him to build a gigantic boat that would save Noah and his family and enough animals to fill the earth again when His "discipline" was completed.

Here's something important: as Noah was OBEYING God and building this massive boat/ark on dry land, he was mocked and ridiculed by the rest of the world. But he kept his eyes and his heart on God. Noah was "righteous in this generation." (Genesis 7:1)

Meanwhile everyone else was full of corruption and living for themselves (Genesis 6:12). The flood came. The people who were not in the boat drowned. Period. God had enough and those people wouldn't turn to God as Lord.

Look at today. It's as if we have seen the tsunami on the horizon -- it's been coming --and we have been ignoring His voice of warning. We need to get into the boat. The lifeboat of Jesus Christ. Jesus saves. ("God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God." 2 Corinthians 5:21)

Get into the family of God by turning away from your past, your old self, and ask God to forgive your sins. He will. He promises "If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)

And then, after we are in the lifeboat we need to immediately turn around, reach out a hand and help others get into the boat! We need to tell them, "There is help. There is hope. Jesus Saves. Jesus is the Lifeboat. He is THE Life Saver and He will come to your rescue, too!"

With love and hope!

Dynamic Sisters Powered by God!

2009-02-26T18:11:00.000-08:00

Dear Dynamic Sisters,
Well, that's what you are! You radiated again today at the 2nd gathering of That Girl's Lunch at the Frosty Frog Creamery & Cafe!
You all expressed such passion and desire to use your God-given gifts and talents in your businesses and ministries to become change-agents to the troubled world we're living in. Wow.

Webster's Dictionary describes dynamic as: "relating to an object or objects in motion, energetic, vigorous, forceful, relating to change or productive activity."
That's you, Sweet Sisters, and you're obviously powered by Almighty God! Whoa. What a blessing. What an inspiration!
Our devotional theme today was "Imitating Christ's Humility" as we briefly looked at the humble and Spirit-driven lives of Abraham, Moses, Ruth, Boaz, and Esther.
As for us today:
It is important that we take care of what God has given us to do…where we are right now.

What is your circle of influence right now?
We each have a job to do: Be light. Serve. Help. Encourage. Use your gifts to do these things.
Don’t wait to see if it’s “important enough” to fulfill.
You and I don’t know everything – we only know we are God’s and we are here to glorify Him and enjoy Him forever.
Just do the thing that is in front of you.

Stop competing and start focusing.
“A kind woman gains respect, a ruthless man gains only wealth.” Proverbs 11:16. You don’t know where He’ll take you when you are willing to do things His way! It's a whole lot more fun -- it's a wild ride!
“She is clothed in strength and dignity and can laugh at the days to come.” Proverbs 31:25 This woman is free from worry and anxiety.

Truett Cathy – he’s very focused. He has to be – he’s a very blessed businessman who refused to keep his Chick-fil-A restaurants open on Sunday. He’s not competing in the sense of what the world thinks is competing…. He’s trusting God and being the best at what God has given him. (Remember from our last month's gathering: he has a mission statement and a life verse.)

God is using your ministry/business to speak to you! Listen to Him. What is He saying? What is He teaching you – about yourself? About other people? About Him?

Calm down and stop knocking yourself out to make a few dollars. Proverbs 16:3: “Commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed.
Matthew 6:33: Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you as well.”

"Humility is not weakness. It is strength and confidence that helps business people succeed in competitive cut-throat market. Moses remained humble because he knew God would vindicate him. Moses was busy advancing God’s kingdom.” -- Authors Henry Blackaby and Richard Blackaby, God in the Marketplace.
Yes, Sisters, we know the truth: There is only one Way that works and this Way goes against everything our world preaches. Jesus is the Way. We need to be sharing this good news with others every day. I encourage you to bring a friend with you to our next lunch on March 19 @ 11:30. I also invite you to comment on this blog. I'd love to hear from you. Here's a question for you: Since January 1, 2009, have you been able to grasp a new perspective on the New Year? A New You? A New Job/Company/Ministry? A New Direction? A New Attitude? A New Scripture that has captured your heart and encouraged you?

I thank my God every time I remember you! (Philippians 1:3)

Love & blessings to you!

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner in APRIL? That Girl!

2009-02-07T16:49:00.000-08:00

Hello Dear Sisters!
Your enthusiasm is contagious! Due to the enthusiastic response to the first That Girl's Lunch in January our group almost filled our private dining room! Now I want to provide more opportunities for even more girls to gather who also have the desire to build their businesses and ministries. Beginning in April, That Girl Marketing, LLC, will be hosting a monthly That Girl's Dinner @ 6:30 p.m. at the same location as our lunch; The Frosty Frog Creamery & Cafe. Please invite your friends!

To keep this simple -- both of these gatherings will be held on same day every month --on the last Thursday of each month (unless otherwise noted as in March). The formats of the AM & the PM meetings will be identical so ladies can choose the most convenient time to attend each month. You'll be able to share your own business cards, brochures, and flyers with the ladies; enjoy a great meal at the Frosty Frog, and we'll have a brief devotional time of encouragement. Cost to attend the dinner is $15 per person, with checks payable to That Girl Marketing, LLC.

Here's the plan for March:
March 19-- 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. That Girl's Lunch

Here's the plan for April:

April 23 -- 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. That Girl's Lunch

April 23 -- 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. That Girl's Dinner

PLEASE NOTE: If you are planning to attend the lunch on February 26 @ 11:30 a.m. you'll need to RSVP to That Girl Marketing, LLC, by Monday, February 23 to polly@thatgirlmarketing.biz. SEATING IS LIMITED.

More information is available on my website: http://www.thatgirlmarketing.biz/ . If you have questions or comments feel free to respond. I'm here!

Love & blessings to you!

2009-01-30T06:39:00.000-08:00

To You Dear Sisters who attended the event yesterday,
Thank you! The Lord used all of you to bless my socks off at the first That Girl’s Lunch! What a joy to meet new Sisters in the Lord and to be reunited with my other Sisters again!
I thank God for your presence there and your encouragement to me. I pray God will use That Girl Marketing for His glory and your good.
Lord willing, I plan to host That Girl’s Lunch on the last Thursday of each month. I look forward to seeing you all again at the next lunch at Frosty Frog on February 26. It will be a requirement to RSVP by e-mail (polly@thatgirlmarketing.biz ) because seating will be limited -- it was a delight to experience His overflow together! At the same time, this event is open to all women everywhere.
By the way, I invite you to comment on this blog!
Please check my website http://www.thatgirlmarketing.biz/ for updates.
May God richly bless your efforts as you seek to glorify Him with your lives.
Love & blessings from your Sister.