blessings

Happy New Year!

11:00 PM


"Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:30-31)

We here at Women in the Word want to wish you and yours all of God's best for the upcoming new year. We may not know what the future holds, but we know and trust the One who holds it! God bless...

Goodbye 2021!

11:44 AM

 


Woo hoo! The new year is right around the corner! How will you be saying goodbye to 2021? A good dinner out? At a party with friends? Or maybe like me, snuggled up with family watching the ball drop from the comfort of your couch? However you choose to celebrate, have fun and stay safe. And don’t forget about our monthly Bible challenge starting January 3rd. Sandra, one of our writers here at WitW, will be posting the reading schedule on Saturday’s for the week ahead. So grab your Bible and your friends, and join us here and over at our WitW Facebook page to be a part of the discussion! Just click the link below. Happy New Year and God bless! 


https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenintheword2



Challenges

Only Three Days Away!

11:32 AM


2022 is just around the corner. And after the celebration of another year gone by, comes a new beginning. Are you ready to jump into the new year determined to make a change? In just three days, starting January 3rd, WITW’s monthly Bible challenges begin. Challenges designed to give you God’s peace, personal spiritual growth, and the tools to become a mighty prayer warrior. We hope you'll also follow the link below to join us over at Facebook in both the challenges and the discussion. Because we all grow when we share with each other! I’m so excited! And I just can’t hide it! How excited are you? 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenintheword2 


Goals

New year New You Challenge!

5:04 AM


With the holiday over, we move on looking forward to the new year ahead. Why not make it one of personal growth and change? Join us for monthly challenges starting January 3rd. Challenges from the inside out, designed to improve your relationship with God! And be sure to check us out on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenintheword2


Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas

5:52 AM


From all of us at WitW, Merry Christmas to you and your family. May God bless you abundantly with His love, peace, and mercy. 

Better You

WitW Monthly Challenge

5:45 AM


WitW Monthly Challenge

With less than 10 days left in 2021, are you ready for something new? Join us in 2022, starting January 3rd for monthly challenges designed to make you, healthier, happier, and stronger in your relationship with God. January will be a month dedicated to finding peace in a world that is anything but. Are you ready for a new year and a new you? And don't forget to check us out on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenintheword2

Beef

Mexican Shredded Beef Wraps

5:22 AM



 Mexican Shredded Beef Wrap


1 small onion, finely chopped

1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 boneless beef chuck roast (2 to 3 pounds)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce

1/4 cup lime juice

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

6 flour or whole wheat tortillas (8 inches)

Optional toppings: Torn romaine, chopped tomatoes, sliced avocado and sour cream


Place onion, jalapeno and garlic in a 4-qt. slow cooker. Sprinkle roast with salt and pepper; place over vegetables. In a small bowl, mix tomato sauce, lime juice, chili powder, cumin and cayenne; pour over roast. Cook, covered, on low 6-8 hours or until meat is tender. Remove roast; cool slightly. Shred meat with 2 forks; return to slow cooker. Serve beef on tortillas with toppings of your choice.

Bible Challenges

Christmas Is Coming!

10:07 AM


Can you believe it’s only 10 days until Christmas!? After the holidays and taking care of everyone else, why not start the new year taking care of yourself? Get ready starting January 3rd for WitW’s monthly challenges aimed at becoming a stronger, happier, Christian. And don’t forget to check us out over at https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenintheword2 


Christmas Cookies

Mexican Wedding Cookies

5:44 AM

 



Mexican Wedding Cookies 


2 sticks (1 cup) salted butter, at room temperature

1/2 cup granulated sugar 

1 tablespoon vanilla extract 

Zest of 1 orange 

2 cups all-purpose flour 

Pinch of kosher salt 

2/3 cup finely chopped pecans 

1/2 cup powdered sugar 


Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat together the butter and granulated sugar until fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Beat in the vanilla and orange zest until fully combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the flour mixture gradually to the mixer until just incorporated. Fold in the chopped pecans by hand. Using a tablespoon-sized cookie scoop, portion the dough onto a baking sheet. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. Divide the chilled dough between 2 baking sheets, leaving about 1/2 inch between each cookie. Bake until just golden, about 12 minutes. Allow to cool completely. Once the cookies have cooled, place the powdered sugar into a shallow dish. Roll each cookie in the powdered sugar until completely coated. Makes around 40 cookies.


Bible Study

Time For Something New

4:25 AM


Can you believe it’s only 21 days until 2022? A new year means new goals, new change, and a new you! Follow us here and over at Facebook starting January 3rd when we will be doing monthly challenges. Challenges aimed at gaining peace, growing with God, and becoming strong prayer warriors. Are you ready for something new?  https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenintheword2

Change

WitW Monthly Bible Challenges

6:14 AM

 

The new year brings with it new resolutions, and promises of change. How does letting go of anxiety sound? Or how about growing in your relationship with God? And who doesn’t want to become a more powerful prayer warrior? If these are changes you’re looking to make, join us starting in January for the WitW monthly challenges. Challenges designed to make us better, stronger, and closer to God. And don’t forget to check us out on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenintheword2


Cherries

Pineapple Upside Down Muffins

6:13 AM


Pineapple Upside Down Muffins

1 can (8 ounces) crushed pineapple

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 large eggs, room temperature

1/2 cup vanilla yogurt

1/4 cup canola oil

5 teaspoons brown sugar

18 to 20 maraschino cherries, halved


Preheat oven to 400°. Drain pineapple, reserving 1 tablespoon juice. Set pineapple aside. In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. In another bowl, whisk eggs, yogurt, oil and reserved pineapple juice. Add to flour mixture; stir just until moistened. Fold in reserved pineapple. Fill greased mini-muffin cups two-thirds full. Sprinkle tops with brown sugar; top with halved cherries. Bake 9-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks. Serve warm.

Caramel

Pumpkin Cheesecake With Gingersnap Crust

5:05 AM



Pumpkin Cheesecake With Gingersnap Crust


12 ounces gingersnaps

1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped

6 tablespoons salted butter, melted

2 tablespoons packed brown sugar 

Dash of kosher salt 

Three 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened

One 15-ounce can pumpkin puree

3 large eggs, at room temperature 

1/4 cup sour cream, at room temperature 

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Caramel sauce, or Hot fudge sauce, optional

Whipped Cream, optional

Chopped pecans, optional


For the pumpkin gingersnap cheesecake: In a food processor or blender, grind the gingersnaps until fine. Pour into a bowl and stir in the pecans, melted butter, brown sugar and salt. Press into the bottom and sides of a 10-inch springform pan and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. To make the filling, beat the cream cheese in a stand mixer until soft, scraping the sides once. Mix in the pumpkin, scraping the sides once or twice. Add the eggs 1 at a time, allowing them to mix in, then add the sour cream and mix. With the mixer on low, add the granulated sugar, cinnamon, vanilla and nutmeg. Thoroughly scrape the bowl and mix to ensure everything is smooth and mixed in. Pour the filling into the pan, smoothing the top. Set the pan on a baking sheet and bake until the filling is no longer soupy but still slightly jiggly, about 50 - 65 minutes. Turn off the oven, open the door just a hair and let the cheesecake sit in the oven for 15 more minutes. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for 30 minutes, then cover it with plastic wrap and put it in the fridge to chill for at least 4 hours or overnight. Serve with drizzle of sauce, a dollop of whipped cream, and a sprinkle of chopped pecans. 


28

WOMEN OF THE OLD TESTAMENT- PROVERBS 31 WOMAN: A PRAYER IN THE LIGHT OF THE STORY

8:30 PM

 

Heavenly Father:

As I recall those first days when I made the commitment to surrender my life to You, I realized there were many things I had to change in me. Then, as I came across this virtuous woman in Proverbs 31, I knew I wanted to become such a woman because I wanted to be worthy of your calling- a calling for each woman-

Yes Heavenly Father, with all my heart I want to become a woman:: ““… who fears the Lord [reverently worshiping, obeying, serving, and trusting Him with awe-filled respect], …”!  (Proverbs 31:30)

I was not a wife yet, nor a mother, but Your Holy Spirit gave me such a hunger and thirst for your Word and little by little I became aware that it was You who would make this change in my life… the change would have to start in my heart. And that the virtues of this Proverbs 31 woman was something I had to practice daily, and I prayed and rested on Your Promises (Jeremiah 29:11-13), trusting You would kindly take me by the hand in my walk with You!



So many years have gone by since we both began this journey… I became a wife and later on a mother. Now I am even a grandmother! But You know my Heavenly Father, it has not been easy: I´ve stumbled and fallen many times, and You have always been there by my side to pick up the broken pieces, by Your Grace and Faithfulness:

“Nevertheless I am continually with You;
You have taken hold of my right hand.
24 You will guide me with Your counsel,
And afterward receive me to honor and glory.

25 Whom have I in heaven [but You]?
And besides You, I desire nothing on earth.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
But God is the rock and strength of my heart and my portion forever.

28 But as for me, it is good for me to draw near to God;
I have made the Lord God my refuge and placed my trust in Him,
That I may tell of all Your works.”  (Psalm 73: 23-26, 28 AMP) Amen!!

Mari Salinas

Every Friday we meet for prayer and would love to have you join us.  We meet at 9:00am EST.  at Women in the Word Bulletin Board on our Facebook page.   https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenintheword2/

Becky Austin ‬ ‭

God’s Promises: Proverbs 31 Woman

11:30 AM




For some reason, when I think about the woman described in Proverbs 31, I think about my grandmother. Now, she differs greatly from this woman who was described as a wife, attending to her household full of people. By the time I came into my grandmother’s life, her husband had passed away and her children were grown and she lived alone with a very meager income. And yet, to me she embodied a passion for life, for people and for God that enriched my heart and established a deep sense of awe and wonder. She was always busy and yet she balanced that with engaging time spent with her grandchildren and the many children she taught in kindergarten and Sunday School. Her love and passion for God was known by all who met her. Even as her body wasted away from cancer in her early 60s,she flourished in His love, peace, and wisdom. Even at her weakest, she was strong. 


In Proverbs 31, King Lemuel is passing on words of wisdom from his mother. She desired for him to be careful about choosing the right woman to marry because she knew that he needed a woman who would be a home builder and not a home breaker. Yes, the woman is described by her feats and accomplishments but that is not the emphasis. The emphasis is the source of her strength and accomplishments. As we look through the Scriptures we can catch glimpses of this type of woman who draws her strength from God and flourishes like a tree.

“But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever.”  Psalm‬ ‭52:8‬ ‭


Just like the Proverbs 31 woman, women like my grandmother are a blessing to their husbands and those they graciously serve. “An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.”  Proverbs‬ ‭31:10-12‬ . 

These women nourish the souls entrusted to them and their spiritual growth is like a living, breathing pulse that energizes and encourages those around them. “Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways! You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you. Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table. Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord.”  Psalm‬ ‭128:1-4 

Even as they age, there is a distinctive strength of character and steadfastness because they are rooted in Christ.  “The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God. They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, to declare that the Lord is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.”  Psalm‬ ‭92:12-15


‭‭My grandmother was a woman I admired and I longed to emulate her as I established my own family, but when she passed away, I was 18 and I foolishly abandoned my trust in God. I busied myself with trying to be successful in my own efforts. It was no wonder that my household began to fall apart. I was trying to build it on my own efforts. But, God reminded me that my grandmother’s life was rich and  purposeful in spite of her circumstances because she was rooted in Him. When I sincerely surrendered to letting God be the source of my strength, knowledge, and love, He began to build and establish my household. I had to learn that all of my busyness and people pleasing pursuits of perfection were in vain. The Proverbs 31 woman trusted in the promises of God and let Him establish the success of her home and the security of her household. “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.”  Psalm‬ ‭127:1-2‬ ‭


None of us can be like the woman described in Proverbs 31 by our own efforts. It’s not what we do or don’t do but who we are rooted in that makes the difference. God promises to help us, teach us, mold and shape us. He promises to be the source of our strength no matter our circumstances. 


“Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life.” Psalm‬ ‭54:

honor

Proverbs 31 Women [Explained]

8:30 AM

You can read Proverbs 31 here:


 "An excellent woman [one who is spiritual, capable, intelligent, and virtuous], who is he who can find her? Her value is more precious than jewels and her worth is far above rubies or pearls." v.10

I think most women deem the Proverbs 31 Woman as an unattainable goal. I know I did until The Holy Spirit prompted me to stop looking at these verses literally and begin to find the deeper meaning, and it's my prayer that when we're through today you'll find her secret is one that's open and attainable to each of us.  

Let's begin in verse 29, "Many daughters have done virtuously and well, but you excel them all." WoW! That's quite a statement when you consider Miriam, who led the Israelite nation's women to praise God (Ex. 15:20-21), or Ruth, the epitome of faithfulness (Ruth 1:16), or Hannah, the ideal mother (1 Sam. 1:20) .... Imagine for a moment that you, yes you, possess the ability to out shine all the women mentioned in the Bible! 

You absolutely can if you possess her secret.  

BUT, before I let you in on her secret to outshining all women, let's look at all her qualities, or virtues that together make her so special. 

_ She's a Faithful Bride
1"The heart of her husband trusts in her [with secure confidence],
And he will have no lack of gain.
12 She comforts, encourages, and does him only good and not evil
All the days of her life." - Proverbs 31:11-12
Her children rise up and call her blessed (happy, prosperous, to be admired);
Her husband also, and he praises her... Proverbs 31:28

(For those of you who are single, remember you are first and foremost Jesus' bride.)

_ She is  Faithful to Use the Gifts God has Given Her Wisely
"She looks for wool and flax
And works with willing hands in delight." - Proverbs 31:13
She is made out to be a wealthy woman and could afford to hire others I believe, but she chooses to work diligently applying the gifts God has given her and not leaving her tasks to others.

"She is like the merchant ships [abounding with treasure];
She brings her [household’s] food from far away." - Pr. 31:14
She is like the merchant ships in that she goes beyond her own immediate neighborhood, and bring her food from afar, buying in the best markets and finding the best deals. She is on the lookout for God's BEST.

"She considers a field before she buys or accepts it ;
With her profits she plants fruitful vines in her vineyard." - Pr. 31:15
We may not all be in the market to purchase fields, but what if the writer was using a metaphor very similar to what Jesus did when He was teaching? What if the "field" was a new ministry? And she was careful to consider all aspects of this new ministry before she accepted the challenge? She sought God's wisdom and will in order for it to become profitable. 

_ She is Faithful to Rise Early to Find and Share "Spiritual Food" for Those Under her Authority.
"She rises also while it is still night and gives food to her household and assigns tasks to her maids." -Pr. 31:16
Call me crazy, but I believe here is another metaphor in this chapter. I believe this verse is speaking about rising early and spending time with Jesus before the rest of the household wakes to find spiritual food from The Bread of Life to share with all those under her authority along with skillful guidance.  

_She Takes Care of her Physical, Mental and Spiritual Health
"She equips herself with strength [spiritual, mental, and physical fitness for her God-given task] and makes her arms strong." -Pr. 31:17

She takes care of herself. I know that seems pretty simple, but often much easier said than done, however we all would do well to make time in our day to keep physically, mentally and spiritually fit. 

_ She is Busy About Her Father's Business
"She sees that her gain is good;
Her lamp does not go out, but it burns continually through the night [she is prepared for whatever lies ahead]." -Pr. 31:18

19 Many think this pour woman never sleeps, but Jesus told His followers that they were the "light of the world" (Matthew 5:14-16). She keep close accounts with her Lord and her light (her witness) burns brightly in the darkness and she ready for what is to come. 

"She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hands hold the spindle [as she spins wool into thread for clothing]." Pr. 31:19

2"She does not fear the snow for her household,
For all in her household are clothed in [expensive] scarlet [wool]." Pr. 31:21

Here again, we need to look beyond what is written to see the true meaning, for snow and wool are: pure, bright white. White represents purity. When Isaiah says that the Lord can change our sins from scarlet to snow or wool, he is saying that the Lord can do something that is impossible for us to do on our own.

Therefore, what verses 19 and 21 are speaking of is that she does not fear for the future of her household (both the physical and spiritual condition of those in her authority), for she's worked to clothe them in God's finest.   

22 "She makes for herself coverlets, cushions, and rugs of tapestry.
Her clothing is linen, pure and fine, and purple [wool]." - Pr. 31:22

Purple we know to be the color of royalty and pure fine linen is what the saints in heaven will be dressed in according to Revelations.  Her household is heaven bound. 

"She looks well to how things go in her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness." Pr. 31:27

_She Gives to Those in Need
"She opens and extends her hand to the poor,
And she reaches out her filled hands to the needy." Pr. 31:20

_ She is Strong and Confident Standing on Her Rock
"Strength and dignity are her clothing and her position is strong and secure;
And she smiles at the future [knowing that she and her family are prepared]." -Pr. 31:25

She not wishy-washy or wringing her hands. She is strong, confident and free from doubts, not in her own abilities, but in her Lord's!
26 
"She opens her mouth in [skillful and godly] wisdom,
And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue [giving counsel and instruction]." -Pr. 31:26

And she leads other to do the same!

_ And She is Praised by Those Who Know Hew Best
27 
Her children rise up and call her blessed (happy, prosperous, to be admired);
Her husband also, and he praises her, saying,
29 “Many daughters have done nobly, and well [with the strength of character that is steadfast in goodness], But you excel them all.” -Pr. 31:28-29

Her Secret is found in verse 30, Charm and grace are deceptive, and [superficial] beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord [reverently worshiping, obeying, serving, and trusting Him with awe-filled respect], she shall be praised.

Did you catch it? The "reverent worshipful fear of the Lord", which is the beginning of all Wisdom (Proverbs 9:10) is the key to a life which is valued by God, her husband and those who come after her. That life is far more valuable than rubies or pearls (Pr. 31:10) AND it's ours if we choose to take hold of it! 

Blessings, 

sue

~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thank you for joining us on this journey this fall, studying the lives of some of the most popular Old Testament women! I pray you have lots to take with you and meditate on. Have a wonderful Holiday season celebrating our Savior this year!!  

1 Timothy

Shining From The Beauty Within - The Virtuous Woman

12:00 PM

 



The Virtuous Woman (Proverbs 31: 10-31)



There is no individual story to write, for the Proverbs 31 woman is us all. Or at least the woman God wants to develop in us all. She is everything admirable in both a woman and a wife. And as someone once said, rather than being the yardstick by which all woman are measured, the virtuous woman is the goal we as women should be moving toward. 

When asked to describe true beauty, author Mandy Hale wrote, “There is nothing more beautiful than someone who goes out of their way to make life beautiful for others.” That’s who the Proverbs 31 woman is. Clothed in strength and dignity, her heart is surrendered to thankfulness for all God blesses her with. And out of that thankfulness, comes a character worthy of her family’s praise. For the beauty she exhibits within, shines through in her care for others, sparkling brighter than the largest diamond. And with hearts overflowing with praise her family cries out, “her worth is far above jewels.”


Now that’s not to say we are to be shrinking violets, or are to hide our beauty. After all we are made in the image of God. Each of us is a masterpiece formed by the hands of the Creator of beauty Himself. But as Peter teaches, “Your adornment must not be merely external- braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God” (1 Peter 3:3-4)


These are the qualities that glorify God and honor those around us. Qualities such as humility, caring, wisdom, and goodness. And after all, what could be more beautiful than having the glory of the Lord shining through us for all to see? For as Proverbs 31:30 says,” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” 


Ask yourself whose praise is it that you want. Worldly praise for a beautiful shell, or the praise of God and those around you for a heart surrendered to God? Timothy tells us, better to be adorned “by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim of godliness.” (1 Tim. 2:10), then to be just a pretty face. I love how Wayne Barber says, “There is no makeup that will make you look better than godliness. There is no hairstyle that can hold a candle to holiness. And there is no etiquette that earns respect and honor like righteousness.”


If you’re like me, you have work to do in becoming a virtuous woman. And it’s going take a lot of grace in getting there. But we serve the God of grace. One who knows our struggles, fear, and downfalls. And if we will let Him, in time, God will develop the character traits, found in a Proverbs 31 woman. A woman who is a blessing to all who know her, and one worthy of praise whether it is given or not.