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Kingdom Wit |
Whatever you focus on the longest becomes the strongest!
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Wisdom for the Wholesome Woman | 
What does it mean to be whole? To know who you are, to recognize areas in your life where you are have been hurt or broken, and to know how to address those areas so they are not interfering with your ability to live out your purpose.
It is impossible to do any of the above listed things without wisdom. Wisdom is a gift given by God to help us navigate through life's winding road. With all the challenges we face in life, it is important to know HOW to navigate through successfully. Without employing wisdom, it is impossible to get through life's hurdles successfully, so let us look to God's word to see how He encourages us to utilize this gift of wisdom.
In the Proverbs 9:1, wisdom is referred to as 'Lady Wisdom' and says: "Wisdom has built her house; she has set up its seven pillars." The Seven Pillars are described in Proverbs 8:12-14 as the following:
Prudence
- This speaks to the ability to govern and discipline oneself by using reason or employing skill and good judgment in the use of resources. Individuals who have prudence are ones who exercise good judgment and common sense. Other words that are synonymous with prudence are: alertness, care, and carefulness.
Knowledge and Discretion
- The state of "knowing" based upon what's been perceived, discovered, or experienced. When we are seeking to "know" the heart of God and what He wants from us, then we are able to use discretion in our daily lives. Discretion here not only refers to being discreet and circumspect, but it also refers to one who takes the time to plan out their steps. Look ahead and plan accordingly for what you know may come.
Fear of the Lord
- This means to have a reverence for and to be in awe of God, and to allow this reverence and awe to motivate our full surrender, which will lead us to serve, worship, obey, and love Him. Hebrews 12:28-29 is a good description of this: "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.'"
Counsel
- "Counsel and sound judgment are mine," Prov. 8:14 says, and it refers to not only being able to "give" good counsel, but it also refers to one who is able to "receive" good counsel. Prov. 19:20 says, "Listen to counsel and accept discipline (instruction), that you may be wise the rest of your days." Knowing which individuals God uses to provide good, godly counsel is imperative if you want to gain wisdom. Once you have received wisdom, you have become more equipped to offer good, godly counsel to those God brings into your life.
Sound Judgment
- This refers to the capacity to assess situations or circumstances shrewdly and to draw sound conclusions. Employing sound judgment refers to how you put wisdom to use in your day to day behavior in practical ways. It is more than just "knowing" the right thing to do; it's actually "doing" the right thing.
Insight
- This is the capacity to discern the true nature of situations or to grasp the inward or hidden nature of things. It is impossible to have the ability to do this without knowing God and without possessing a good understanding of His Word.
Power
- Power and strength will come through seeking wisdom. Ecclesiastes 7:19 says, "Wisdom makes one wise man more powerful than ten rulers in a city." By diligently seeking after the above mentioned pillars, you are allowing God to strengthen you with His power from on high.
Living a wholesome life begins by having a firm foundation. I would encourage each reader to strive for the wisdom of God, and allow it to be their guide. Let us lean less on ourselves and our own ways of being/doing, and build our house upon the seven pillars as Lady Wisdom has done.
Biography
Colleen Blake-Miller holds a Masters degree, with a focus in marriage and family therapy from Tyndale University College and Seminary, and a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Psychology from York University.
In addition to being in private practice, Colleen has over ten years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families in the community in need through various forms of support.
Colleen is a passionate psychotherapist who is committed to supporting individuals, couples, and families on their journey towards health, wellness, and growth; and is committed to helping people uncover the things in their lives that hold them back from being all they want to be.
Colleen is a mother of two little boys and is happy to call her husband of six years her very best friend. She is a professional singer and has sung in a gospel group Echoes of Praise for 20+ years. She enjoys going to the movies, spending time with family and friends, and salsa dancing. |
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Precious Rubies | |
"The most powerful life we live is one that is lived from within. Deep within the heart of every woman are profound, life-giving treasures and answers." Tyra Eckwood
At the age of 39, I realized the importance of discovering and understanding my God-given identity because I was learning that I didn't really know myself as much as I thought I did. As days moved along, I began to understand that discovering and knowing myself would be extremely important if I was truly going to live long and strong and exhaust all of the potential and glory that was resting inside of me.
When you have no revelation of your identity, life, people, and circumstances can dictate to you who you are, what you want, and where you are going. God created us uniquely and He has strategically instilled in us certain specific qualities in order to fit the life He designed for us to live. He even created our physical appearance to complement and facilitate the plan He has for us. We can work for the best corporations in the world, live in the most beautiful gated communities, wear expensive designer clothes, have physically-fit bodies like Olympic champions, and yet still not know our true identity.
The identity of a person is like a structured frame built to stay intact under pressure, changing circumstances, and the fickleness of life. When you have no awareness of your identity, you can become frustrated and broken, and your heart can become hardened. Because I was approaching my forties, I wanted answers and direction, and I kept asking "Who am I really God?" and "What do you want from me at this coming juncture in my life?" Do you know what God said to me? "I have already given you a blue print concerning who you are." I thought to myself, "Really, where is it?" Knowing my thoughts, He then said, "It's inside you."
When we pray and cry out to God, He shows us great and mighty things in that quiet time of prayer, speaking to the innermost places in us. God will give you a strong sense of self and a strong sense of purpose if you will allow Him to. Kingdom Women, I urge you to reflect on your thoughts, ideas, behaviors, hurts, past experiences, as well as where you are right now, so that your unique character, personality, and more can blossom forth.
Let's take it a step forward. Get to know YOU: what you value, what fuels your passion, what angers you, and what brings you joy. These are some of the tools that will help unearth the true you. Your IDENTITY is a Precious Ruby that will shine despite adversity, cause continual transformation, dispel every voice that tries to hinder your progression, strengthen your whole being, and prepare you to conquer uncharted territory. Know your God-given identity! Know YOU!
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Encouragement for the Wholesome Woman
By Pastor TeNita Freeman
I will begin by asking the question, "What does it mean to be a wholesome woman?" This can be answered by looking at it from several different viewpoints; however, I choose to look at it from an encouraging viewpoint. We live in a time when the weight of the world tends to take a toll on our ability to succeed as a wholesome woman. There are contributing factors that can cause doubt, second guessing, creation of excuses, and a lack of faith. As I explain what it means to be a wholesome woman, I want you to take away three nuggets:
1) Believe in yourself.
2) Do not fear where God is about to take you.
3) Speak life!
When I researched the word wholesome, the definition that stood out to me the most was "healthy or sound." From a natural standpoint, there is no way to be all that you have been created to be for yourself or your family, if you are not healthy. In addition, you need to be able to model what you expect to receive. When it comes to your well-being, you must take care of self first. Taking care of self can include spending quiet time alone, pampering yourself, taking trips to the mall, spending time with your genuine friends, having confidence in what you see in the mirror, and speaking a healthy "NO" to avoid being stretched beyond your capacity. Difficulty in saying "no" can be a damaging factor to you becoming wholesome. Neglecting self for the sake of seeing someone else smile is not an attribute of a wholesome woman.
From a spiritual standpoint, being a wholesome woman consists of putting God first and obeying the instructions He has for your life. Obeying God has to be a lifestyle and not just something that you choose to do when it is convenient. When you are entrusted to carry out an assignment, your level of accountability begins with self. You are required to create an environment that will keep you covered, safe, and balanced at all times. Everyone cannot be a part of your inner circle due to the greater dimensions that you are about to enter into. It is critical that you understand the importance of establishing healthy and sound boundaries. In implementing such, you will be prepared for and victorious over things that are meant to destroy you. Believe and trust that you are in a good place when God blesses you to lead.
In the process of becoming wholesome, you will encounter roadblocks, but I encourage you to take heed to a quote that I embrace from Pastor Willie Jolley, "Your set back is a set up for your COME BACK!" Regardless of what issues or situations have seemed too difficult to handle, know that you must continue to press forward. You were created to be healthy and make sound decisions; therefore, YOUR PAST IS OVER AND YOUR FUTURE LOOKS GREATER. To all of the WHOLESOME AND RESTORED WOMEN- my sisters-be blessed and stay strong.
Biography
Pastor TeNita Freeman is the founder of TeNita Freeman Ministries and pastor of The Kingdom Center in Southaven, MS.
As a teacher, preacher, and motivational speaker, Pastor Freeman flows in the prophetic office and is known throughout the body of Christ for her bold, unhindered delivery of the gospel message. Additionally, her sensitivity to the move of the Holy Spirit positions her as a complete ministry gift.
She is constantly encouraged by II Chronicles 20:15, "Be not afraid or dismayed of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's."
Pastor TeNita has two beautiful children, Cornelius II (affectionately known as "Deuce") and Trinity Michelle. As a devoted and loving mother, Pastor TeNita carries an anointed word that is relative to all who receive her. As the Scripture states in Revelation 2:17, "He that hath an ear, let him hear!"
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A Faith for All Seasons
By Dr. Rebecca Paneitz
The author of Ecclesiastes tells us that to everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.
My own journey supports the writer's premise. There are seasons in life just as there are seasons for tilling the soil, planting and tending the crops, and gathering the harvest. I was once the daughter who learned about accounting from my mom, a K-12 teacher, and about leadership from my father, a K-12 administrator. For the past decade, I have been a college chief executive who strives to help others learn about what it takes to be a leader. I have found myself cast in the position of mentor and role model to others who now take their cues from me the same way I once took my cues from my parents.
Neither end of the spectrum is easy. It requires work, subject expertise, and discipline to succeed as a student; it requires strength of heart, mind, and character to succeed as a leader.
Each season has come with its share of trials and testing. Outsiders may look at our lives and never know of our challenges. They may not grasp that even while we are in leadership positions, we still may have to deal with the loss of a close family member, have to come to terms with the diagnosis of a serious illness, or find our leadership questioned even when we know all along that we have focused on doing the right thing. Even in the most difficult circumstances, God is there. Long ago, He assured Jeremiah that He has a plan and a purpose for our lives and that same promise holds true today.
Throughout my tenure as a leader, I have sought to be true to myself, to live out my values and my faith and seek God's plan for my life. At the end of the day, my desire is always to be able to look in the mirror and know that I acted with integrity and that I did the right thing for our college's students and for the individuals I lead.
My service as the President of NorthWest Arkansas Community College will come to a close later this summer, and this is truly a bittersweet time. I am now approaching a season of life that will be distinct from my career as a teacher and as a college administrator. My sincere hope is that I can seize the opportunity to share lessons learned and challenges overcome and help and encourage others in whatever circumstances they are facing.
As a chief executive, I believe I have had the opportunity to impact lives for generations to come. In retirement and my planned service as a mentor and consultant, I hope to influence others to act in ways that are consistent with their values and their faith, while reflecting a commitment to leading with integrity and authenticity. In my opinion, those are worthy benchmarks for all seasons.
Biography
Dr. Rebecca "Becky" Paneitz has served as President of NorthWest Arkansas Community College in Bentonville, AR, since 2003. She retired as the college's chief executive on June 30.
Under her leadership, credit enrollment has almost doubled and a new student center, global business development center, and Center for Health Professions have been added. She holds a Doctorate in Philosophy from Colorado State University, a Master of Arts from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Arkansas at Monticello.
She has two daughters and four grandchildren and is married to Dave Danks. She attends Fellowship Bible Church in Rogers and serves on the advisory board for WorkMatters. |
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A Woman's Prayer
Auriel Bouie | |
Father, I thank you in the Name of Jesus for creating me in your image and likeness. Because of this, I can live a wholesome life, full of purpose and holistic prosperity. In You, there is nothing missing or broken. Instead, there is total Shalom (Peace). This lifestyle enables me to flourish and be all that You've created, and I will experience Your goodness here on earth!
In the Name of Jesus, I make the following declarations, according to Your Word, over every area of my life. With confidence that You hear me, whatever I ask in the Name of Jesus, I believe that I have.
- I choose to yield to the Holy Spirit's guidance. He will guide me into all truth. Understanding this, I trust the Holy Spirit to be the Chief Decision Maker over all of my affairs. I am a woman who walks by faith and not by sight.
- I choose not to worry or be anxious over my situations or circumstances. Your word says to be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let my requests be made known to You. Therefore, my first response to every situation is prayer!
- I choose to live a full, joyous life. Jesus came that I might have life and life more abundantly. I choose to live a holistically healthy lifestyle - Spirit, Soul and Body. Every day I will take in the right nourishment for these three parts of me so that I can finish strong!
- I choose to be encouraged and confident that you hear my prayers, and not to be discouraged when I don't see what I am praying for. Your Word says for me not to cast away my confidence, for it has great recompense of reward. After I have done Your will, I will receive the promise.
- I choose to be a woman of wisdom. Your word says the beginning of wisdom is the fear of You, Father. Every day of my life, I choose to reverance and enthrone you on the seat of my heart, so that I can be endowed with the type of wisdom that advances generations and ushers Your next great movement.
- I choose to forgive because I am forgiven. My heart is free of offense! When I have struggles and challenges, there's an open invitation for me to come boldly before Your throne of grace and receive the help that I need.
- I choose to see myself as You see me - Fearfully and Wonderfully Made. Mighty are the works of Your hands. I will only speak words of beauty and affirmation of who You've created me to be. I am the apple of Your eye!
- I choose to be careful with my words. Life and death are in the power of my tongue. I choose to speak empowering, life-filled, love-motivated words, even when situations look bleak. I CHOOSE TO SPEAK YOUR WORD.
Finally, I choose to BELIEVE! I choose to look at where I am in life and know that there is a greater place, another level and a new dimension awaiting me. I choose to press into the Holy Spirit's insight and apprehend my Father's plan for my life. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
In Jesus' Name! Amen.
Biography
Auriel Bouie is a native of New Orleans, LA. She holds a Master of Business Administration. Auriel is an IT Professional by trade, but is deeply passionate and involved in helping the next generation of ladies develop their gifts and talents. Auriel enjoys fellowshipping with ladies from all walks of life and helping them to discover their God-given purpose and maximize their potential. She is a forward thinker, who is in constant pursuit of excellence and purpose. Auriel is an encourager, giver, and lover of people and culture. She is also active in her local church.
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Wholesome and Healthy Corner
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A Call to Worship by Coleen Blake-Miller |
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Fight Stress & Live! by Genette Howard |
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Stronger Than You Think by Kim Eckert |
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