Category Archives: Encouragement

Lukewarm Faith Is Unacceptable

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Podcast One: Lukewarm Faith Is Unacceptable

by Jenene Stafford

Hi Ladies, if you enjoy the podcast, please pass on the love and like it on Facebook or tweet it out. xoxo

Hi Ladies, welcome to our first podcast show. We’re working out the equipment kinks as well as other technical kinks, but we’re getting there. I pray you are blessed by what you hear and the Lord speaks to your heart. In a day or two this should also be available on Itunes. Make sure and pass on the love if the Lord speaks to your heart. Post on Facebook or Twitter and help us make Jesus famous again.

Much Love, Jenene

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I believe in the hearts of many Christians there is living a gigantic contradiction. If you find yourself wavering and beginning to subscribe to the idea that all roads lead to God then I pray this next 15 minutes will bring divine spiritual wisdom to your mind and your heart.

Will I Survive Bootcamp?

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by Jenene Stafford

Story #1: Our stories have a purpose

Last night I slept with one eye open again, if I slept much at all.

My stomach is full of knots, doing everything possible to keep my heart from pounding right out of my chest so the bed would not shake. I pretended often to be asleep. I lived in shear terror for years of what he would do to me when I should of been dreaming beautiful dreams.

The ten years of physical and mental abuse by my former husband has taken its toll on me and I can’t help but question God as to why He allowed this?

Was it not enough to survive rape, physical and mental abuse, the torture of not being allowed to sleep, being forced to sit in a corner like a bad child all night. If I dozed off to sleep my psycho husband would pinch me hard to wake me up.

The humiliation of sitting in a corner for hours or days, praying he’d allow me to use the restroom. My children would have to come and visit me in the corner in the bedroom which was only one place where he would control me and torture my body, mind and spirit.

I want you to know in this moment I despise through tears telling this tiny glimpse of a story. I don’t want to feel like I’m giving him one ounce of my attention or thoughts after all these years. I don’t want to recall the torture he put me through during these episodes of control, manipulation and attempts to break me, to brainwash me.

And yet . . .

The Lord Jesus speaks so gently to me and says, “Jenene, you’re telling this story for me, for my purpose and it’s ok with me that you’re angry about it. It’s ok if it causes you distress and discomfort, but trust me, I have a good plan.”

Deep down I know He’s telling me the truth and why should I be surprised. I knew these stories would have to be shared. I’m surprised that I am so childishly reluctant. It must be part of the journey.

I have to take a break just to work through crying like a baby. I’m begging God not to make me relive or rethink this past life. I know in my heart so many stories are yet to come.

Like Jacob, I know I have wrestled with God and He has given me a limp as a reminder of his graciousness. There is a battle He and I have fought together as I am still learning tragedy after tragedy and moment by moment to understand His ways.

I fight for the God-inspired purpose. It does not come easy by any stretch of the imagination.

It is in this fight to discover the true meaning of humility, of laying everything at the throne of His grace, this battle to endure the enemy and to run the race victoriously that we become . . . Lady Champions.

I fervently pray and I wonder when will this bootcamp end.

With Much Love, Jenene

Let Your Light Shine

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by Jenene Stafford

Yesterday I was watching a video from a well known female coach. In her training video, she said “Please don’t take a offense to what I’m about to say, but if one more woman says she wants to be a light, I think I might scream. What does than mean anyway?”

It got under my skin.

But, I got her point and it was well taken.

So many women talk about being a light and letting their light shine, it’s sounding over-used.

Perhaps it leaves people feeling good, but it needs to be followed up with what it means.

The world is becoming more “spiritual” and letting their light shine so how do we set ourselves apart as Christians?

“You are a light of the world- like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your Heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5:14-16)

One thing for sure, Jesus made a declaration!

He didn’t say I think you should be a light, He said, “You are a light.”

So be encouraged! He was letting us know that being a light is a position of authority and favor. This is what it boils down to for me:

We bring light to all the platforms God makes available to us
We impact the world through good deeds
We glorify the Father in Heaven by being recognized for good deeds
No one will know you credit your successes back to the Father unless you verbally give Him the credit as someone following His example
(Matthew 5:17-20) In context, you better make sure you’re living righteously and not just trying to look good, but keep your heart and motives pure (unlike the teachers of religious law and Pharisees.)

Live Brilliantly Today!

Jenene

Now That’s Good News

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by Suni Bradford

I recently attended a festival that was designed to share with people the truth and love of our Savior. The message of His desire to have a personal relationship with us. I wondered how many had heard the message of hope before. Perhaps, they hadn’t felt the call or perhaps before they never responded. They may have been embarrassed and still others felt the strongest most overwhelming call of their lives. They felt it emotionally as well as the physical pull from God. The message which said, “I am love, come to me”. I remember that feeling very clearly when the Holy Spirit first spoke to me.

I got to experience a daughter, who was already a believer see her father come to Christ. She shined as you could see the joy radiating from her. I had to ask them if I could take a picture of them. I used her camera so she could see and remember this very special day. Incredible.

The unselfishness and sincere desire to share the love, hope and life we all can have in Jesus Christ was beautiful. From the great man that had vision, to the performers along with all of the many people that volunteered and served in one form or another to make this life changing event happen.

As I watched and listened to all the chattering of excitement, laughter, singing to praise music and the fabulous smell of kettle corn, I felt such joy and so blessed to be part of this great family. The whole experience was a reaffirming of His greatness. I could feel the energy in the air by the lives given over to the amazing God and by the reviving of a believer’s faith. The wave that rolls out around all involved can be an accepted and welcomed drenching. Or it can feel like you’re on an abandoned ship. Jesus stilled the waters before and He’ll still them again. Fortunately, we may be attacked for our choice to change and live a different life. It may make friends or family members uncomfortable as they do not understand this “God” we have found. It takes great courage and I can guarantee that this new life is worth the risk. So, be brave little engines and live boldly today.

The saying be brave little engines come from a cartoon called Thomas (the tank engine) and the toy workshops, theme song. The first verses goes like this. There are times to be brave and times to be strong, when you are lost and all alone. You might be somewhere strange and dark, but long to be safe at home.

I think that the people that have accepted Christ, were being very brave and strong as they felt lost and alone and they heard God. Even if they were in a huge crowd they heard His call. When we feel we are in a dark place, God offers us a safe home and He is always there waiting with open arms. Now that’s good news.Congratulation and welcome to our family.

So again, be brave little engines and live boldly today.

Love to all, Suni

Gaga For God

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By Suni Bradford

ga·ga/ˈgäˌgä/

Adjective: Excessive enthusiasm, crazy, infatuation

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” Revelation 3:20

My dear friend Lisa invited me to a bible study at her parent’s house. It was a cozy setting, a man with his acoustic guitar in hand and the worship began. I’m not sure how many weeks I had attended but this night was special. I physically felt His calling, I later learned that the Holy Spirit was present.

It was an extremely emotional experience. I don’t think I realized what was happening. I did accept Jesus Christ as my Savior. He was knocking, I answered and I’m so grateful.

“The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult you with loud singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

I was seeing things about Jesus everywhere I went, it seemed. Maybe I was just more aware or perhaps placed by God’s perfect design. We went yard selling the weekend following and at the first stop, I found a brand new bible in the box. And the next stop was this gorgeous 2ft x 3ft matted pressed paper portrait of Jesus in an elegant gold frame. I was so excited. I felt as if God was telling me, I’ll give you what you need to learn and remember my son. I was ga-ga about God. He was everywhere. The good news is He still is. We can forget to notice because of our fast paced lives. The following are some ways we can keep our enthusiasm and turn our infatuation into long term true love.

5 ways to stay in love with God

Reading and studying the word
Prayer and meditation
Christian music, concerts and events
Associate with other believers
Sharing His love with non believers

2 Timothy 1:7 Tells us that God gave a spirit of power, love and self control.

A great verse to keep in our mind’s eye as we making these things a regular part of who we are.

Live brilliantly and thrive.

Love to all, Suni

Feeling His Messages

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By Suni Bradford

It had been a great day. Headed home from work, feeling content, singing my praise music and enjoying the light rain. I love praising God as I drive. It is a great place to praise Him and not embarrass yourself as far as your voice is concerned. My saying is “I’m a star in my car”. Steal it if you want.

I‘m sure I look like a crazy lady as I do raise my hands. I know what your thinking, both hands. Really ? Well, most the time I still have one hand on the wheel. At least now with cell phones they don’t know if you’re crazy or having a conversation. Which I am grateful to say we have the opportunity to have conversations with a very real God who is with us no matter where we are, how well we sing or how eloquent we feel that we pray.

Music is a constant reminder of His love for us and the desires of His heart as well as our cries to Him. The song I AM NEW by Jason Gray came on and as I sing this song I have heard many times. The Holy Spirit was present and said listen. Listen closely to the lyrics in this song. Personalize and absorb what I am saying to you.

Now I won’t deny

The worst you could say about me
But I’m not defined
By mistakes that I’ve made
Because God says of me

I am not who I was
I am being remade
I am new
I am chosen and holy
And I’m dearly loved
I am new

Who I thought I was
And who I thought I had to be
I had to give them both up
Cause neither were willing
To ever believe

I am not who I was
I am being remade
I am new
I am chosen and holy

And I’m dearly loved
I am new

Too long I have lived
In the shadows of shame
Believing that there
Was no way I could change
But the one who is making everything new
Doesn’t see me the way that I do
He doesn’t see me the way that I do

I am not who I was
I am being remade
I am new
I am chosen and holy
And I’m dearly loved
I am new

I am not who I was
I am being remade, I am new
Dead to the old man, I’m coming alive
I am new

Forgiven beloved
Hidden in Christ
Made in the image of the Giver of Life
Righteous and holy
Reborn and remade
Accepted and worthy, this is our new name

This is who we are now…

I AM NEW by Jason Gray

The love I felt (feel) was so strong, I had tears of joy running down my face. I knew at that moment that He is doing great things in me. No matter how long have been Christians; we can be assured that we are constantly being renewed for His good.

Then as I passed the park near my house a tree stood making the statement of new life, one side had no leaves and the other was completely green. Thanks God for the warm fuzzy. He wants me to share this joy with ladies. To encourage you to give yourselves to knowing and to living for God with every cell in our bodies.

Live Brilliantly Today™

Suni