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| breath of God online! | April 2012 | |
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Greetings!!
 This issue we focus on the topic of change. Change in our attitudes, the way we think about our bodies, how we handle our finances - change.
In our focus article, Latisha Lee encourages us to look at the benefits of change. Change may not be pleasant, but there are benefits when we accept change with obedience. In Inhale, Lee Watts reminds us that God never changes, He is a very present help. We need to be reminded of this truth when we are overwhelmed. Many of us feel overwhelmed when we look at our body image. Tracie Davis, writes an insightful article on why it's important to celebrate even the small changes and victories when it comes to your health. Lastly, Kristin Dortch gives it to us straight in her Making Cents piece: what's more important the shoes or being financial healthy?
We pray as you experience changes in life, that this issue will encourage you to view changes with an unwavering faith and hope in HIM.
Be sure to check out the website to learn which one us has a secret love with Twizzlers and popcorn.
latisha j lee and levitica watts
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"Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure." ~ Oprah Winfrey |
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focus . . .
Encouraging Change
latisha j. lee 
I almost wish there was an easy way to tell you this, but there isn't so here it goes: As long as you're alive you will experience changes, especially if you are a child of God. He is working in and through us to change us to be more like Him. If you and I will - by faith - trust the process of change our attitude and approach toward it would be better. Our hearts would be willing to accept change rather than to resist change - regardless of how or when that change comes into our life. Our lives would be yielded to right living rather than cyclical disobedience. Peace would replace areas of our lives that are filled with stress. Yes, fear of the unknown may cause you to pause. Yes, unexpected changes may be hard to handle, but we have a faithful, loving Father who desires for us to be complete in Him. Let's look at the benefits of change and God's response.
Change for the Good
Loss of life, sickness or other life altering events do not bring up thoughts that "this is good." People often retreat or rebel during this time. Finding the strength to sustain our day-to-day activities because our life seems foggy and we don't understand why change had to come so soon, so devastating is hard. Time and testimonies have proven that through these events of heart wrenching change that we discover faithful and true friends. We learn how resilient we are, we may even discover gifts that may have been dormant. The greatest revelation is renewed knowledge that GOD loves us! You will look back and realize that He was with you the whole time. You can trust Him. He's faithful and "...He is working things out for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)
Change is a sign of growth
"If it doesn't CHANGE...it won't grow; if it doesn't grow...it won't live; if it doesn't live... it won't last; if it doesn't last ... it wasn't GOD!" That was the motto at my home church years ago. When we don't change or allow the process of change to operate in our lives we don't grow physically, mentally or spiritually. Physically our bodies need to change in order to sustain us for living. Mentally we need change to cultivate maturity and wisdom. Spiritually, change is required to live a life surrendered to the Holy Spirit and to produce a godly character. Renewal begins here. Righteousness is developed here. When you begin to wholly submit your life to Him and resist your way, you will grow into the person He created and destined for you to be. Obedience is the key in this area, because we want our own way. We like familiar and comfortable. We know what we're good at and we know what we like. God wants obedience, not our fancy, gifted selves. Obey. Embrace change and grow not into the person you want or think you should be, but into that person He created you to be.
Read more of this month's focus online. |
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 short breaths . . .
INHALE MOMENTS Join Co-Publisher Latisha Lee for an Inhale Moment on WNUR- Chicago's Sound Experiment Sunday mornings at 9:00 (CST). Gospel music host, Renay Brown opens the air for this 5-minute refreshing Word from God. Listen online via the Windows Media link. You can also follow her blog An Inhale Moment.
BREATH OF GOD TALKS! Have you tuned into breath of God Talks!? Be sure to tune into
our radio program. Each week we discuss relevant issues that affect your Christian growth. Tune in today for a 15 minute encouraging discussion about living life abundantly in Christ!
GET THE WORD OUT ABOUT YOUR ORGANIZATION. Are you interested in being a sponsor of the Living Abundantly newsletter? If you are interested in getting information out to hundreds of readers about your company, church or upcoming event, contact us at editor@breathofgodmag.com.
Conferences for Women Do you know of an upcoming Women's retreat, seminar or workshop in your area? If so, let us know. We want to let others know the resources available to help women grow in the Word of God.
Also to see more of our photoshoot, click here.
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inhale . . .
in the face of change
levitica "lee" Watts
 Change is inevitable in all of our lives. Just as seasons have its purpose, change also must happen so that we can grow and move closer to what God has in store for us. However, change is hard. Whether the change is a welcome change, like marriage, a new child, a promotion or starting a new job or a difficult change such as divorce, leaving a familiar city or job, loss of a friend - regardless of the change - it can prove challenging in our lives. During those times of constant change, many of us become overwhelmed with thoughts and emotions. Often we dive into the situation with a flurry of activity and our "to-do list." Somewhere in the process, we may end up completely overwhelmed by the changes. We fret, cry, rebuke or worry about how to control the situation. How do you handle life when in the midst of a sea of changes and transitions?
I am reminded of a Psalm that deals with changes and transitions head on. The author describes the many changes happening in the Earth, the shaking mountains and the agitated rivers. Yet, he concludes by exhorting the Israelites to BE STILL. Yes, when everything is changing around us and grabbing for our attention, emotions and heart - we need to be still and know that God is God... He is in control. He never changes.
Read more of Inhale online. |
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making cents . . .
Money, Shoes, Respect?
kristin dortch
"Oh yes these shoes are on point!" as Kimora walks to the cashier. "They would go great with my red one shoulder fitted dress and my gold hoop earrings with my bangles. I have got to have them! And you know the red bottoms are a must! Tami knows I wear nothing but the best when I step out." As the sales clerk says that will be $1,205.45 will that be cash or credit? Kimora slowly requests to put half on her Visa and half on her MasterCard.
STOP IT! What is wrong with this scenario? As women we often focus on material things to define us even though we cannot afford it. Making sure you can afford an item before you purchase it is the key to becoming financially wealthy. As of this date I realize that I cannot afford a thousand dollar pair of shoes, but I am striving to get there! I will also be the first to admit that I have used a credit card to splurge for wants and not needs. I reason that I will pay it off next month and enjoy the immediate satisfaction, however, next month comes and I am in the same routine - paying off the card and still in debt. As women we need to find ways to talk and encourage each other about money. We should share our own "transition" stories so we can become financially savvy and secure.
Think back on conversations that you have with girlfriends. Just the other night I went out with a group of girls and not everyone knew each other. So in finding that common ground of interest one of the first topics was how long have you been "natural"? What is your natural hair care routine? I've been in other settings where the conversation was "your hair is so pretty...is it real"? Girl, no this is Indian, luscious, bohemian, Milky Way, weave and I got it for only $99 off of Flatshoals Road. Conversations among girlfriends can go in so many directions: hair, outfits and number one of all - men. Why aren't we discussing topics on money, investing, and our financial future? Oftentimes our counterparts will talk about money, power, and respect. Can you count how many times you've talked about money versus shoes and hair? Just as we encourage and support each other about hair, men and God we need to support each other about our finances.
Read more of making cents online.
To email Kristin Dortch, contact her at winded@breathofgodmag.com or find her Facebook! |
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Websites for Women in Business
Business Networks for Women
Vistage Small Biz Program
Expanding Opportunities for Women and Business
National Women Business Owners Corporation NWBOC
Women's Business Enterprise Network Council
Information for women business owners from the Small Business Administration.
A comprehensive business resource of articles and advice for women entrepreneurs and small business owners.
A non-profit organization which provides financial education and networking opportunities to women of all ages.
Provides contextual leadership training to women and men seeking to effect breakthrough change within their organizations.
abwa.org w ww.abwa.org American Business Women's Association nafe.org www.nafe.org National Association for Female Executives
We realize many of our readers are women in business or are looking to start a business. |
A Word from God
"A psalm of David. Don't worry about the wicked. Don't envy those who do wrong. For like grass, they soon fade away. Like springtime flowers, they soon wither. Trust in the LORD and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart's desires. Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you." (Psalm 37:1-5, NLT)
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virtuous women . . .
Beth Moore
If you have never experienced the enlightening and energetic teachings of author and teacher Beth Moore, you are missing an awesome treat! Beth Moore is the author of numerous bible studies and books that minister to women of all races, ages and denominations.
In 1994, she founded Living Proof Ministries, headquartered in Houston, Texas. The purpose of the ministry is to teach women how to love and live on God's Word. She has written numerous books and Bible studies, including Breaking Free, Believing God, and When Godly People Do Ungodly Things.
God has blessed Beth with the wonderful opportunity to travel throughout the world teaching the Word of God. She can be heard on her web site at www.livingproof.org and appears each Wednesday on "Life Today with James Robison."
Although Beth is very busy with her travel schedule, she still teaches a 700-member Sunday school class at Houston's First Baptist Church. She also
hosts an interdenominational Tuesday-night Bible study for women in her city. Uniting the body of Christ is very important to Beth therefore she makes it a priority to bring together women of all denominations.
She has been married to Keith Moore for over 30 years. She also has two children - Amanda and Melissa. |
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i didn't know . . .
H2O does a body real good!
Generally, 2/3 of our body consists of water. Every system in our body depends on water. Here are some water facts by the numbers:
90% of our brain consists of water
83% of our blood consists of water
75% of our muscles consist of water
22% of our bone consists of water
Downing those 8 cups or more daily does a body good. Water:
- Lubricates joints
- Prevents constipation
- Transports nutrients and oxygen into cells
- Moisturizes the air in lungs
- Aids with metabolism
- Eases the burden on the kidneys and liver by flushing out toxins
- Protects our vital organs
- Helps our organs to absorb nutrients better
- Regulates body temperature
- Detoxifies
- Protects and moisturizes our joints
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exhale . . .
Mirror, Mirror
tracie d. davis
Mirror, mirror on the wall who is the fairest of them all? Remember that? It was the often posed question by the beautiful queen in the Snow White fairytale. She had beauty, a throne and a magic mirror but she still wasn't satisfied. Instead of looking in the mirror and thinking, 'Hey, these emeralds really make my eyes sparkle', all she could see were flaws. Many of us put ourselves through the same unfair judgments. Every spring fitness magazine covers beckon to us with the latest 30 Days to a Bikini Body workout. In just 30 days you can have a new and improved body. Rarely does anyone address the consistently waning mental image women and girls are challenged with today. Scarce is the cover that proclaims 30 Days to Healthier Body Image or 4 Short Weeks to Eliminating Low Self Esteem.
Don't get me wrong, I believe working out and eating healthy is vital to everyone and
should be encouraged. What is equally important is embracing who we see in the mirror today. You must find your positive balance. The size zero shouldn't workout to excess out of fear of gaining one pound and the size sixteen shouldn't put her life on hold until she reaches single digits. OK, you may not have reached your goal weight yet, but it doesn't mean you have to save all applause for the day the scale reads 'success'. There are small victories to be celebrated every day.
Challenge yourself to shift your focus away from the mirror and the scale. Center your attention not on what you see but how you feel. It is OK to pat yourself on the back for what you accomplish every day. Yes, you should congratulate yourself for making it to the end of that tough yoga session. Smile at how strong your legs feel during spinning class or how silly you looked during that Zumba party. Cut down your sugar consumption? Have you made eating healthy a new goal? Great! Applaud those wins also. Rejoice in the positive and reject the need to place your value solely on what size jeans you are wearing.
Read more of exhale online.
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sweet breaths . .
Building Strong Ties with Your Children
TeAnna Brown
God created us for relationship and gave us a desire for nurturing relationships. We usually seek to develop or maintain good relationships with people we believe we can benefit from, like spouses, co-workers, family and friends, and the Lord. It is good to do that - we are called to do that - but I am concerned that our children aren't always included in that list.
I noticed that I spend a good deal of time instructing my children how to behave in their daily relationships. I teach my children to respect their elders, to listen to their teachers, to love (not fight) their siblings and friends, etc. But in all that relationship building - I often neglect investing the time that it takes to personally build a meaningful relationship with them.
What is True Biblical Relationship?
The good news is that I have a Heavenly Father who is my perfect model for relationship building and parenting. He showed us how to welcome relationships with little ones when He instructed that they not be hindered from coming to Him (Matthew 19:14). I am encouraged as I think about how He even pursues me daily for relationship. He is my relational teacher reminding me of the grace and love He pours into me so that it can be poured into others.
So what is true Biblical relationship? It is a purposeful joining together of two willing people that is both vulnerable and sincere. With believers, that connection should include an atmosphere of love, grace and unconditional acceptance that encourages both people to be exactly who they are.
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