Category: Woman to Woman

Podcasts Woman to Woman

Emotions are Messengers Pt. 1

There are different frequencies between AM and FM Radio.  If listening to AM stations you cannot hear the FM stations  and listening to the FM stations you cannot hear the AM stations.  You do not choose what is put on the AM or FM frequencies but you can choose which frequency you listen to.

The same is true of your mind.  Spiritual conflicts begin in the mind. You have one mind with two sources of programming from which to choose-either self pleasing or God pleasing.

We are programmed through our five senses, sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch. As we use these senses they  produces thoughts and/or arouses memories. Depending on what you “ listen” to through your senses  your mind will express corresponding emotions; influencing your actions of behavior. Behavior becomes  a habit and a habit becomes a lifestyle.  Now we can understand the importance of listening to the right “frequency.”

Learn how to set the frequency that will tune-in to living in quiet confidence in the midst of your circumstances. One brings health and healing, the other brings confusion and defeat.

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Podcasts Woman to Woman

Emotions are Molecules

“My substance was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth” Psalm 139:15.

God made us so skillfully; every little detail designed with purpose, carefully planned, and executed with precision. Emotions are the part of every woman (person) that seems to get the best of us more often than we would like. Maybe you have even asked the questions, “Why do I get so emotional?” “Are emotions really necessary?” Emotions can drive us crazy and everyone around us.  Janie and Sharon discuss the 4 M’s of emotion that will shed light on what they are, why we have them, and how we can handle them even when they seem to be overwhelming. Emotions are Molecules. Emotions are Messengers. Emotions are Manageable. Emotions are Messy. This broadcast focuses on emotions as molecules and how they actually affect our physical body.

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Podcasts Woman to Woman

Rx PreScriptures

“Be still and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10

Joy is a state of being and a gift from God-given to those who wait and trust on Him in the difficult time of life; those ready for a total commitment to the plan and purpose God has for us.  Sometimes we fail to move forward because we lack vision even after the desire to serve is within our hearts.

Proverbs 29:18 tells us “where there is no vision, the people perish” (or run wild).  We are in an age and culture where our vision has become very short-sighted and rather than having a single focus we are occupied with over stimulation of choices from the world around us, robbing us of the precious promises that are waiting for those that will “walk the talk”.

Many mistake joy with happiness.  Feelings, also a gift, when positive can also feel like joy.  We need to learn how God has made us.  The brain has a major role in how the body passes on information we gather from our senses and thinking.  Understanding how the brain works in behalf of the body and how it can work against us is determined by us.  “As a man thinks, so is he.”  Study along with us as we start an adventure inside the body, as it has been purchased by  the Lord Jesus on the Cross as a dwelling place for the Holy Spirit to work through us.

Podcasts Woman to Woman

Joy in Adversity

“Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice” Philippians 4:4


 

Joy is very often associated with adversity in scripture as the result  of accepting the hard times of life.  We don’t wait for the hard times to come before we learn the art of living in joy and developing the mind-set our Lord shows us throughout the Word.  Adversity can promote the progress of the Gospel in many different ways.  We must not make it our goal to get out of difficult situations as these may be a part of the calling of God in working out His eternal plan and purpose for getting the Good News to all.  Resting in His wisdom for each of our lives will keep us from discouragement and wanting to throw in the towel when we think we have heard His voice and then plans don’t go according to our best in intent, agenda, and desire.

Adversity  will have unknowns and complexities, but the foundation that will hold us fast is: looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher our of faith, renewing our mind in the word, bringing every thought into captivity in a commitment of total surrender, acknowledging our fears and dread of the unknown.  Claiming JOY is all circumstances and learning how to apply, and finally waiting on the renewed mercies to live one day and maybe each hour in trust, obedience; made possible through love and led by the Holy Spirit as Grace Covers All.

Podcasts Woman to Woman

Being Renewed

“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” Isaiah 40:31.

It takes strength and courage to live a Christian life and those attributes can be found only in the Lord. The battles of life can be overwhelming at times, but the Lord will give us the deeper strength that is needed to go through those battles victoriously. We live in an antagonistic world, we face an avalanche of opposition, we meet violent attacks from the enemy, and we fight our carnal appetites of the flesh. We cannot rely on our loved ones to sustain, renew, strengthen, or encourage us; this all comes from the Lord. We are being renewed in strength, courage, wisdom, insight, confidence, and so much more as we wait upon Him each day. Find out more about being renewed in Waiting upon the Lord  and  www.rarechristianbooks.com Find the 7 protocols of forgiveness at www.forgivingforward.com

Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio – Grove Ok

Podcasts Woman to Woman

Unplug Your Busyness Part 2

“The thief comes not but to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come (Jesus said) that they (meaning us) might have life and that they might have it more abundantly” John 10:10.

Sharon and Janie continue their discussion on busyness and how to unplug. There are times in our life when unplugging is absolutely not possible. Janie shares some great tips on what we can do in those situations. The discussion covers how we can evaluate the busyness in our life to determine the source. What power source do we have our busyness plugged into and how can we reconnect to peace and rest.

Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio – Grove OK. 

Podcasts Woman to Woman

Unplug Your Busyness

“But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise” Matthew 22:5.

Sharon and Janie tackle the topic of busyness. None of us are excluded from busyness, most everyone is affected by “too much to do and not enough time to get it done.” Busyness is often the result of taking responsibility for what is meant for God. The culture in which we live screams GET BUSY! Our children are encouraged to be involved in every activity at school, we are encouraged to be involved in every activity at church, and with career moms today, it seems that everyone is pulling at us from all directions. There are many times when we desire to slow down and get unplugged, but it ends up being more complicated than simply pulling a plug because everything is entangled and shutting down seems impossible. There are some warnings in scripture that we need to be aware of and evaluate where we are in the busyness of our own lives.

Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio – Grove OK

Podcasts Woman to Woman

Hems of Grace

“And the King shall answer and say to them, Verily I say to you, Inasmuch as you have done it to one of the least of these My brethren, you have done it to Me” Matthew 25:40.

Mandy Joye and Elizabeth Beck share their ministry to the families of Kenya and some of the surrounding areas. They have churches all over the country that share in sewing T-shirt dresses for the ladies and girls. They have created a pattern for sewing reusable feminine pads for the ladies so they can continue to work and go to school during their time of month.  They also crochet “gospel frisbees” that allow the children to share the gospel with each other while playing a game. They are actively involved in raising funds for the area during a time of drought. They are collecting reading glasses with the goal of 5000 glasses to take with them on their next trip. There are many, many more ways that this ministry serves the least of these.  Learn more about their ministry and the ways you can be a part of it at Hems of Grace Ministry or follow them on Facebook at Hems of Grace

Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio – Grove, OK

Podcasts Woman to Woman

I Beseech You

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service” Romans 12:1.

In a loving plea, we are urged to present our physical bodies to the Lord. In their conversations, Sharon and Janie challenge us to get our bodies under control in order to get our minds renewed. Janie discusses how the five senses were meant to be used for God’s glory and how we have mistakenly used them for self. Reminding us that pride is usually at the root of it all, “Ego is the anesthesia that deadens us to our own stupidity.” How true this is for so many of us. Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit; where God resides with us, and it is important for us to present it holy and acceptable. Sharon shares how Romans 12:1-2 were life-changing for her and how those verses continue to hold a special place in her heart. “My Heart, Christ’s Home” pdf can be downloaded.

Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio – Grove Ok.

 

Podcasts Woman to Woman

The Opposing Six P’s of Pride

“God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” James 4:6

 

In their conversations that challenge Christians growth, Sharon and Janie have opened the door to all kinds of reasons why we don’t know or believe who we are in Christ; one of them being the lies that we have believed as truth. Last week they gave six traits that spiritual pride produces in our lives. This week they discuss the opposing six P’s of pride with the traits of humility. Believing religious lies can cause layers of spiritual pride that will plummet our Christian walk, but if we can really know humility it will keep pride from getting the upper hand. Defining Lies handout with scriptures is available to download for further study.

Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio – Grove OK

Janie mentions Andrew Murry’s book “Humility: The Beauty of Holiness”

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Podcasts Woman to Woman

Defining Lies Part 2

“But God commends His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” Romans 5:8.

Sharon and Janie define the religious lies that we have believed about God and our relationship with Him. Lies that cause spiritual pride, which will poison our relationships, pollute our life, produce anxiety and fears, plunder our prayers, provoke God’s enmity, and prevent spiritual growth.  A lie believed as truth will affect your life as if it were true – even though it is a lie. This is the key principle that is defined with the lies many have believed, such as; “we must earn God’s love”, “we are protected from sufferings”, “I must be a spiritual giant for God to use me.” Some lies are derived from scripture that is taken out of context.  Follow along on the teaching handout – Defining Lies – and have scripture references for extra study.

Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio – Grove, OK 

Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio – Grove OK [archiveorg DefiningLiesPart2 width=640 height=30 frameborder=0 webkitallowfullscreen=true mozallowfullscreen=true]

 

Podcasts Woman to Woman

Defining Lies

“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he” Proverbs 23:7.

Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio – Grove, OK 

The challenge that comes from conversation with Janie and Sharon is to define the lies that you have believed about yourself, your relationships, and the world in which you live. A lie believed as truth will affect your life as if it were true – even though it is a lie. This is the key principle that is defined with the lies many have believed, such as; “money provides security and happiness”, “I must be married to be happy”, “my worth is based on what others think of me”, “the more I do for God, the more He will love and bless me”, and the list goes on. There are many lies that cross over into other lies; we believe one and all its buddies climb on board. It’s time to break the cycle of living in lies and start living in the truth of who you really are in Christ. Follow along on the teaching handout – Defining Lies – and have scripture references for extra study.

Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio – Grove, OK [archiveorg DefiningLies width=640 height=30 frameborder=0 webkitallowfullscreen=true mozallowfullscreen=true]

Podcasts Woman to Woman

Attaining What Matters Most

“And be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith” Philippians 3:12.

Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio – Grove, OK  

Janie Ratzlaff and Sharon Hoskins continue to challenge Christians to know and believe who they are in Christ. Too often we wrap our identity up in temporal things rather than in Christ. Life is centered in a person; Jesus Christ, unto holiness. We are commanded in Matt. 10:38-39, 16:24 and Luke 14:26-27, 33 to be willing to lose your own soul. Flesh has been crucified with Christ yet we “dig up” our stinky selves to go do service for the Lord. Could this be why people are calling Christians hypocrites? We need the absolutes of scripture and move forward in resurrected life.

Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio – Grove, Ok  [archiveorg AttainingWhatMattersMost width=640 height=30 frameborder=0 webkitallowfullscreen=true mozallowfullscreen=true]

Podcasts Woman to Woman

The Character That Counts

“But put you on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof” Romans 13:14

This scripture verse lays out two character robes and tells us which one to wear; however, the choice is still ours to make. We are warned, encouraged, instructed, guided, and in this case, flat out told what to do, but ultimately, we are always given a choice. Janie Ratzlaff and Sharon Hoskins challenge Christian growth through discussing how to carefully select the character that counts; Christ. In order to know who we are in Christ, we must recognize the character of Christ and allow the Holy Spirit to guide us in putting on His character over our own. It seems easier to just allow the flesh to have it’s way, but we really just cause more problems for ourselves; a tiny mole hill becomes the summit of a mountaintop when the character of our flesh is allowed to rule our lives. Choosing to put on the Lord Jesus Christ takes effort, but in the end, it is the only character that counts. Teaching handouts Roles of the Holy Spirit, and Being Led by the Holy Spirit_page 1, page 2, page 3 are available to download.

Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio – Grove, OK

Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio – Grove, OK.

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Podcasts Woman to Woman

Who Am I?

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” 2 Corinthians 5:17

Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio – Grove, OK 

Sharon and Janie dissect the general consensus that most people suffer from low self-esteem and what that means for the Christian. This is seen in the lives of people through the decisions being made that are destructive to their bodies, lifestyle, and families. The Christian who suffers from low self-esteem has either not understood, been taught, or grasped who they are in Christ. The question, “Who Am I” plagues many people today. Genealogy and ancestry companies are popping up everywhere because we have this question. People are going to great lengths to find out who they are; even getting blood work and DNA testing; however, knowing genealogies can never fill the void, only Christ can do that. The list “In Christ I Am” is available to download.

Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio – Grove, OK [archiveorg WhoAmI_201708 width=640 height=30 frameborder=0 webkitallowfullscreen=true mozallowfullscreen=true]

 

Podcasts Woman to Woman

The Age of Grace

“Father, the hour is come; glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You: As You have given Him power over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. And this is life eternal, that they might know You the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent” John 17:1-3.

Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio – Grove OK. 

Sharon Hoskins and Janie Ratzlaff challenge Christian growth through the conversation of Grace.  Many Christians have heard that we live in The Age of Grace, but what does that mean? Tackling this question is one aspect of Grace that is discussed. This topic has been sparked from the idea that many people suffer from low self-esteem and how Christians can overcome low self-esteem by knowing who they are in Christ. Focusing on Grace is laying the foundation on which our identity is built. With a firm grasp of Grace our true identity in Christ may be lived.

Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio – Grove, OK  [archiveorg TheAgeOfGrace width=640 height=30 frameborder=0 webkitallowfullscreen=true mozallowfullscreen=true]

Podcasts Woman to Woman

Victim or Victorious

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” 2 Corinthians 5:17.

Sharon and Janie have a special guest, Ginger Green, who is a board certified Biblical Counselor and a trained Christian Mediator. She shares some concerns that she has noticed in that secular humanism has invaded the church in the form of Christian Psychology. She discusses a book The Christian Psychology’s War on God’s Word: the Victimization of the Believer by Jim Owen. She describes how the idea that Christians can’t help their habits and low self-esteem is due to the actions of others, the way they were raised, or because of some circumstance in their life is contradictory to scripture. Sin cannot be managed it must be uprooted through the cross.

Pre-recorded on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio – Grove, OK 

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Podcasts Woman to Woman

Waiting On the Lord

“Trust in the Lord, and do good” Psalm 37:3 “Commit your way to the Lord; trust also in Him” Psalm 37:5 “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him” Psalm 37:7 “Delight yourself also in the Lord and He shall give you the desires of your heart” Psalm 37:4.

Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio – Grove, OK

Psalm 37 also says, “Fret not yourself.” Sharon and Janie discuss how fretting can cause us to use our tongue unwisely. We have an instant platform with an instant audience and instant responses on Social Media. Fretting can cause us to use that outlet to express things that should be left unsaid. In the world of “instants” that we live in today, it’s important to understand how waiting on the Lord in every situation will help Christians mature in their relationship with God. With this quality, young Christians will be encouraged to wait on the Lord as well.

Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio – Grove, OK [archiveorg WaitingOnTheLord_201707 width=640 height=30 frameborder=0 webkitallowfullscreen=true mozallowfullscreen=true]

Podcasts Woman to Woman

Waiting Upon The Lord

“My soul, wait you only upon God; for my expectation is from Him” Psalm 62:5.

Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio – Grove, OK

Janie Ratzlaff and Sharon Hoskins discuss the importance of waiting upon the Lord in all seasons of life. Examining the life of David through the Psalms, we find a man who could wait upon the Lord in some of the hardest times of life. Changing a negative circumstance to a positive prayer of praise is a strong attribute. David was able to express his faith and trust in the Lord. Learning to wait upon the Lord in every circumstance in life is vital to our Christian life.  Scripture guide is available along with the worksheet on expectations that will give a visual for how we can spiral down into depression.

Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio – Grove OK[archiveorg WaitingUponTheLord width=640 height=30 frameborder=0 webkitallowfullscreen=true mozallowfullscreen=true]

Podcasts Woman to Woman

Discovering the Conscience

“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said to you” John 14:26.

Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio – Grove OK

Sharon Hoskins and Janie Ratzlaff talk about the conscience. Discovering what it is and how to train it. The conscience sounds an alarm to warn against wrong decisions; however if it is not trained to sound that alarm, the conscience becomes dull. Janie describes how the Holy Spirit works with the conscience to help Christians walk in the Spirit. Training the conscience is vital to protect from temptations and sin. Sharpening the conscience in God’s word will renew the mind of Christians so their attitude, conduct, and behavior will look more like that of Christ.

A teaching handout is available to download that will be benefical for training the conscience. Janie and Sharon will be discussing this handout next week and you can follow along.

Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio – Grove OK
 

Podcasts Woman to Woman

Overcoming Doubt

“Be not conformed to this world: but be you transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” Romans 12:2.

Conforming to the world involves aligning your attitude, belief, and behavior with that of the world. The mind is where all thoughts are processed and decisions are made; such as beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. Renewing your mind is the vital key to overcoming doubt. Janie and Sharon discuss how doubt has become a common and acceptable practice in Christian Culture. Janie gives several ways that doubt is rationalized by Christians today. If you don’t train your thoughts with truth from Scripture, then your thoughts will train you to be double-minded, doubtful, unruly, uncertain, confused, and completely lost about who you are. Jesus is the answer to finding your true identity.

 

Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio – Grove, OK
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Podcasts Woman to Woman

How Is Your Operating System

“But as He which has called you is holy, so be you holy in all mannner of conversation; because it is written, Be you holy; for I am holy” 1 Peter 1:15-16.

Janie shares about ways that we can check how well we are operating. It is important to heed to the detailed commands that will improve the way we operate as Christians. She give us thoughts on how to evaluate our life and emotions. When God gives us a command, He gives us the ability to achieve that command. Where are we finding our substanance for our Christian walk? Janie asks us to evaluate where we are getting our spiritual food. Are we seeking the best for our Christian walk or just taking the easy processed stuff. It is important that we be content wherever we find ourselves.

Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio – Grove Ok [archiveorg HowIsYourOperatingSystem width=640 height=30 frameborder=0 webkitallowfullscreen=true mozallowfullscreen=true]

Podcasts Woman to Woman

Ways to Foster Spiritual Growth Part 2

“For there is no other Name (Jesus) under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” Acts 4:12. Blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in Me” Matthew 11:6.

Janie Ratzlaff shares about having a disciplined life which will help us grow in our relationship with God.  What are some of the things that keeps us from growing in our relationship with the Father? Are you calloused to the message of the Gospel? Do you lack motivation? Are you indifferent to the things of the Lord? Do you feel the need to grow? Have you been too busy to notice these things in your life? Are you offended with God Almighty? Janie touches on many of these aspects. As you listen, keep your heart open to hear what the Lord may be wanting to reveal to you about yourself.

Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio – Grove, OK

Podcasts Woman to Woman

Benefits of the Cross

“I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me” Galatians 2:20.

Having just passed Easter Sunday, Janie and Sharon discuss the countless benefits we receive from the selfless act of the cross. As the media, communities, and many families communicate the celebration of Easter focused on a bunny, some eggs, and a hunt for candy to the children of the world, the real reason for Easter Sunday seems to grow dimmer and dimmer.  Yet, just as Jesus ministered to the thieves while He hung in pain and forgave all the people who nailed Him to the cross; He extends that same grace and mercy to all of us today. He loves you, died for you, and wants to live with you forever.

 

Pre-recorded on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio – Grove, OK

Podcasts Woman to Woman

Practical Tools for Spiritual Growth

“For the joy of the Lord is your strength” Nehemiah 8:10.

It is easy to get caught up in the busyness of life. We can have our schedules cram-packed full of “things” which makes our mind set on overload. The people in our life have needs that we are responsible to fill such as; dinner, laundry, grocery shopping, school pick up, band practice, sports practice, and the list goes on. This doesn’t even count our own needs, which usually get put on the bottom of it all, rarely to be addressed. When we fly in an airplane, we are instructed to put on our oxygen mask before helping others. For us women, that seems so out of order, it almost just doesn’t feel right! However, taking care of ourselves first with God will make us better for others in our life.

The Shepherd’s field has become such a hot topic over the past few weeks that we thought it would be a good idea to give some practical tools that would help you while in that quiet time with God. The time with the Lord is where you will find spiritual growth. God will draw you ever closer in those special moments alone with Him.

The second half of the show (starting at 27:15) is dedicated to hearing from a new author, Lori Klickman, and event coordinator, Carla O’Neil, who share about the Brave Conference where Lori will be speaking. Lori also shares about her ministry “Out of Ordinary.”

Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio – Grove, Ok.

 

Podcasts Woman to Woman

The Shepherd’s Field – Part 2

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord fore ever” Psalm 23:6.  As part of the topic “Encourage without Wounding” we draw close to the Lord in “The Shepherd’s Field.” There we are filled so that we can overflow into the lives of others.

Part 2 – Janie and Sharon continue to expand on their discussion of the Shepherd’s field by peeling apart Psalm 23 verse by verse to see the beauty of being in the Shepherd’s care.  Women are noted for their ability to multi-task and it is easy for us to add prayers to the “list” of things to do.  However, getting alone with God in a secret place is so important in our Christian walk. In order for us to encourage one another we must first be encouraged ourselves.  When we are filled in the Shepherd’s field, we can then pour out to others.

Pre-recorded on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio – Grove, OK.

Podcasts Woman to Woman

Encourage without Wounding – Episode 3

“The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, He will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine” 1 Samuel 17:37.

Sharon and Janie share the story of St. Patrick on this St. Patrick’s Day.  As St. Patrick spent time in the shepherd’s field he drew close to the Lord.  Comparing the story of David, they discuss the importance of a shepherd’s field in everyone’s life.  We will find encouragement from God there which will help us to encourage others without wounding them.  The shepherd’s field is where we are prepared to fight the Goliaths in our life, but without preparation, we look much like the armies of Israel did, hiding and uncertain how to defeat the giant.  “Pray without ceasing” 1 Thessalonians 5:17.

Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio – Grove, Ok

Podcasts Woman to Woman

Encourage without Wounding – Episode 2

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“He sent His word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.  Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!” Psalm 107:20-21.

Sharon and Janie discuss how the wounded can get well.  Wounds can be deep and painful or surface scratches that sting, but either way wounds hurt.  Using the hospital as an analogy, they share the importance of taking medicine that the Doctor (God) orders.  Knowing that medicine is available or having medicine within reach will not work, only when it is taken will it make a difference in our life.  Sometimes we look in the medicine cabinet (Scripture) and we just don’t know what to take that will make us better.  Healing is a process that requires covering the wound in His word.  Showing others our wounds only causes infection and disease.

Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio – Grove, Ok.

 

Podcasts Woman to Woman

Encourage without Wounding – Episode 1

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“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin” Hebrews 3:13.  Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing” 1 Thessalonians 5:11.  It is easy to take these scriptures with the best of intentions and hurt others with our words.

radio-mic-adJanie and Sharon discuss the importance of learning to encourage others without wounding them.  Christians have somehow gotten the reputation of being hypocrites who judge others.  Christians are not intentionally hurting others, so why has this become what people see.  Maybe it’s because in our effort to encourage we are being condemning.  It’s time we change how we encourage others and get a new perspective on encouragement.

 

 

Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio – Grove, Ok.

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Podcasts Woman to Woman

Encourage without Wounding

The biggest complaint about Christians today is that we are hypocrites.  We tell others what to do and how to live while not doing and living ourselves.  However, when Christians are asked about those accusations, we say that people use that as an excuse to stay out of church and refuse God.  Rarely do we think of ourselves as being hypocritical.

I realize that I have wounded people in my efforts to be encouraging.  My communication skills have not always been the best although I have had the best intentions.  Maybe it was due to excitement or my own adamant beliefs but unintentional wounds are still wounds that hurt.

Janie and I are going to discuss ways that we can learn to encourage others without wounding them. Sometimes our best encouragements can sound condemning and judgmental leaving others to think we are intentionally pointing a finger at them.  How do our best intentions turn into hypocritical judgmental condemnations?   We hope that you will join us in our discussion topic.

We broadcast live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio and kwxcradio.com every Friday at noon (CST).  If that time is not convenient, you can listen to the recorded podcast which will be posted here following the live show each week.

Show dates are:

March 3rd – Episode 1

March 10th – Episode 2

March 17th – Episode 3

March 24th – The Shepherd’s Field – Part 1

March 31st – The Shepherd’s Field – Part 2

woman-to-woman-info-cards-lgWe also want to say thank you for your prayers and support.  Your feedback is encouraging.  We have enjoyed being a part of your lives each week and hope that you will continue to grow with us.

Listen to February shows that discuss “The Heart of God“

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Into the Deep

It is so easy to get caught up in the routines of life.  In our family, we know what our schedule is everyday.  It is nice to break away from the routine and just relax.  Recently, I had the privilege to break away from everything for five wonderful days.  I knew this opportunity was orchestrated by God, so I sought Him for weeks before my departure.  I wanted to hear His voice, see His face, and feel His presence.  I listened carefully and watched mindfully; I desired to be changed by the end of the week, so I dug in deep.

And Jesus Said…

“Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a catch” Luke 5:4.  Jesus instructed Peter to cast his net into the deep for a catch.  I was struck by how Jesus said “deep” as if Peter had been fishing in the shallow waters.  I thought about myself before this week; had I been sitting in shallow waters hoping to make a catch?  As Christians, it is easy to get comfortable with the depth of our knowledge, the depth of our relationship, and even the depth of our commitment and service.  Many things can attribute to our comfort.  We can be too busy with work and our kids activity schedule.  We can be set in a routine and not willing to change.  However, many times it is fear that keeps us from going deeper.  Fear of what might be required of us.  Fear of failure.  Fear of a commitment.  I know because I have let all of these fears keep me from going deeper at different seasons of my life.  But, for five wonderful days in May 2016, I sought God’s face with a desire to launch into the deep.  As a result, I found a deeper relationship with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  No more shallow waters and no more fears.  Take a risk to launch into the deep and let go of your fears, I promise God will not fail you.

-Sharon

Image: http://www.ebiblestories.com/stories/the_story_of_the_fishermen.shtml

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I Am Tired!

I am tired!  Is anyone else tired?  It seems there is always something pulling at my time.  Just when I think I can rest I remember something that I should be doing or working on or somewhere I have to go.  There is an endless pile of laundry to be washed, not to mention the ones in the basket waiting to be folded or the folded ones camped out on the table waiting to be put away.  The dishes are never done, there is always something finding its way to the sink.  And just when I think all the beds are clean, floors are vacuumed, and bathrooms are spotless…it’s time to start all over again.

And Jesus Said…

“Come to Me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest to your souls.  For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light” Matthew 11:28-30.  Now, this scripture seems a little out of context when we are talking about needing rest physically.  However, a good friend of mine, Jackie Hughes, told me one time, “Busy is Being Under Satan’s Yoke.”  Isn’t that what makes us tired…being busy?  I have used “being busy” as an excuse for many of my shortcomings.  I might forget to do something and reach for “busy” instead of forgetful.  When weeks go by without making contact with my friends, I reach for “busy” instead of neglectful.  When we get too busy things fall through the cracks, people feel neglected, and we get tired.  I sometimes think that we, women, think we have to be busy otherwise, we think we are being lazy or unproductive.  Yes, things like laundry, dishes, cleaning, errands, and other responsibilities need to be done.  Many women have jobs that add to that list, but this “busy” acronym helped remind me that being busy could be Satan’s disguise into my life.  I don’t want to give him one little place to grab a hold.  No matter how tired or busy I get, I can never allow that to distract me from God’s will or cause me to neglect Christ in my life.  So, when I find myself thinking about how busy I am, or feeling too tired to think, I remember this acronym to remind me to find rest in Jesus.

-Sharon Hoskins

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He Touched Me

Think about the conversations you have throughout the day.  Some of them are necessary for information.  Some conversations are pointless; it’s just a bunch of talk.  Others are exhausting; it takes all your energy to get through it.  But then, there are those conversations that mean something; they touch your soul, and you don’t want them to end.  For me, these conversations have Jesus in the center, the focal subject.  “He touched me, yes He touched me, and oh the joy that floods my soul.”  It’s a beautiful old hymn that describes how we feel at the touch of Jesus.

And Jesus Said…

“Who touched Me?” Luke 8:45.  Jesus was on His way to the house of Jarius, but a multitude of people were pressed against Him, the woman with the issue of blood touched Him, and He said, “Who touched Me?”  He noticed that touch because He perceived that virtue had gone out of Him.  This story made me wonder how I could touch Jesus in a way that would make Him stop and say, “Who touched Me”.  I am not able to touch His physical body today, but can I still touch Him?  He touches me in so many ways.  Does my time with Him in prayer and reading my Bible touch Him the way it does me?  I had always thought of myself as being the beneficiary of such conversations with Him.  But, perhaps if I would look outside myself, I could see that the love He poured out on the cross was more than the sacrifice for my sins, but through that He would be able to spend time in conversations with me.  “Now you are clean through the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you” John 15:3-4.  “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me” Revelation 3:20.  The time we spend with Him is a touching time for both Him and us.  He loves spending time with us, just as we love spending time with Him.  Maybe I’m the only one who has not considered the idea that God wants to spend time with me.  Who am I?  Nobody.  No one special, that God, the creator of the universe, would want to spend time with me.  This is how most of us think.  We know God loves us, died for us, and wants to give us eternal life, but we don’t think that He looks forward to our conversations and never wants them to end.  We sometimes think of our prayer and Bible time as something that will benefit us, which it does, but we don’t consider what that time does for God.  What if our goal each day was to touch Him; not with our service, not with our good deeds, or special talents, but touch Him in conversation?  I think it would give us a whole new perspective to our time with God.

-Sharon Hoskins

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It Is Written

We all find ourselves weak at times in our life; whether that weakness is a physical burden, financial struggle, or the pressure of making the right decision.  And it’s always during those times of weaknesses that we find our most difficult temptations.  We are almost guaranteed to hit every stop light in town when we are late for an important meeting.  Then we are tempted to speed and drive rudely.  When our paycheck is short due to illness and the electric bill is due, we are tempted to cut our tithe so we can pay it.  Temptation is guaranteed to show its ugly face right in the middle of our weakness.  The good news is that we can find comfort in the fact that Jesus experienced weakness and He was tempted too.

 

And Jesus said…

“It is written, man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” Matthew 4:4.  Jesus had been fasting 40 days and 40 nights and He was hungry.  In that weakness, Satan tried to get Him to turn stones into bread in order to take care of Himself. Whatever weakness we are facing, we often find ourselves tempted to take care of it ourselves.  We look for the answer in what we can do.  Our prayers are often a plea for God to show us what we can do.  We say things like, “I can do nothing without Christ”, but we forget how much He can do when we just trust Him.  It is very tempting to try to make thing happen, set things in motion, or do what makes sense.  It’s easy to fall into temptation, but Jesus gives us the key to overcoming; “It is written…”  His word is the answer; breathed from the mouth of God and hidden in our heart to be used when temptations come.

-Sharon Hoskins

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Bread of Life

Many of the five thousand people who were fed with five loaves of bread and two fishes, searched for Jesus in the days that followed.  They took boats and traveled to Capernaum to find Him.  Jesus knew their motives in their quest: “Verily, verily, I say to you. You seek Me, not because you saw the miracles, but because you did eat of the loaves, and were filled” John 6:26.  I thought it was interesting that they didn’t even notice the miracle of how they were fed, just that they were filled.  How familiar is that to some of us?  Isn’t it true that many times we don’t notice the miracles in our life?  They followed Jesus for their physical need.

 

And Jesus said…

“Labor not for the meat which perishes, but for that meat which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give to you: for Him has God the Father sealed” John 6:27.  They had worked so hard to find Him, laboring in their search.  He encourages them to look beyond their physical needs to a deeper spiritual need.  Jesus goes on to share with them how they can begin fulfilling that need by believing on Him, and eating the true bread of heaven; which is Christ Jesus.  Many of us have come to that place of believing on Him, but we get lost in our physical needs.  We know that we can ask Him for anything and find our prayers being a sort of “grocery list” of physical needs rather than a spiritual hunger for the Bread of Life.  What can we do to change our hunger?  That answer may be different for each of us, but we can all find the answer in the same place; on our knees.  I pray that we will all determine to find the answer and change from physically feeding to spiritually feasting on the Bread of Life.

Sharon Hoskins

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Great Faith

Being at the feet of Jesus is exhilarating, comforting, peaceful, and fulfilling.  I can’t think of a better place on earth that can compare to being in His presence and neither could the man who had been delivered from the legion of demons.  He had lived for years outside the city in the tombs, naked, and full of demons.  Jesus sent the demons into a herd of swine, clothed him, put him in his right mind, and he sat at Jesus’ feet.  There was no other place this man wanted to be for the rest of his life but at Jesus’ feet.   He begged to go with Him.

 

And Jesus said…

“Return to your own house, and show how great things God has done for you” Luke 8:39.  When we are sitting in His presence, it is tempting to want to just continue sitting there; hiding our self away, basking in His goodness. When God does those great and wonderful things in our life, sometimes we think that others won’t understand or that they may make fun of us, so we hide at Jesus’ feet.  Don’t get me wrong, hiding at His feet in His presence is never a bad place to be; that is where we find peace, strength, joy, and fullness.  However, it is very important for us to get up and go share with others those great things He has done.  This man did exactly what Jesus told him to do and when Jesus came back to town there was a great multitude welcoming Him back.  The woman with the issue of blood was healed at His return.  Perhaps it was the witness of the man’s life that gave her the faith that Jesus could make her whole.  Let’s live our life as a witness.  We may never know who might be encouraged to have great faith in Jesus because of it.

-Sharon Hoskins

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That Good Part

The five short verses that tell the story of Mary and Martha have had a great impact on the lives of many women throughout the years.  Jesus is at their house, and while Martha is busy serving and taking care of the physical needs, Mary is sitting at Jesus’ feet, listening to His word.  Martha becomes frustrated because Mary is just sitting there, not helping her with anything.  Martha was probably thinking, “I would like to sit down too!”  So she asks Jesus to tell Mary to help.

 

And Jesus said…

“Martha, Martha, you are concerned and troubled about many things: but one thing is needful: and Mary has chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her” Luke 10:41-42.  There are many physical needs that require our attention each day.  Things that pull us here and there with activities, work, errands, and a list of other things that keep us busy.  We may even have trouble sleeping at night because our mind is making a list for the next day.  We may find it difficult to stay focused on the task at hand because our mind travels to the next thing on our list.  Our first thought in the morning is our list for the day.  The Mary in us wants to sit at Jesus’ feet, but the “list” invades our thoughts and steals our attention.  Then, that good part, our spiritual need, is taken away by our own frustrations and busyness.  There will always be a fight between the flesh and the spirit.  “For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other…” Galatians 5:17. On days like this, fight the urge to get busy on the list of physical duties and find strength spiritually by sitting a Jesus’ feet.  Leave the list, concerns, and troubles out of the conversation as you sit there.  Use praise to focus your mind on Him, “I just want to sit with You and hear your voice”, “God You are so good”, “Great are You Lord, O Most High”, “I love You, Lord, You are the love of my life”.  And there are a thousand more ways to share praise to Him.  Through it you will find peace and that good part which shall not be taken away.

-Sharon Hoskins

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Our Refuge

Have you ever just felt like a tornado was let loose in your head!?  There are so many things to do that you just can’t keep up?  That you can’t even get one thought completed before you are thinking about something else?  Then you end up spending your day walking in circles without accomplishing a single thing completely?  I have had one of those weeks…oh, let’s just be completely honest, it’s been one of those months.  I’m really hoping that you can relate to this and I’m not crazy.  I did have a birthday this month so, you know what they say about getting older; you start losing things.

 

I was encouraged by Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.”  Sometimes the storms of life are all around us, beside us, and even in our head!  We can find comfort, strength, and peace in the loving arms of the Lord.  “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” Psalm 46:1.  If you are going through a storm in your life, take comfort in the fact that you are not alone, you’re not crazy, and that you can find refuge in the Lord.  Just take some time to be still in His presence; taking refuge in Him during your storms, for He is the Most High.

-Sharon Hoskins

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My One Thing

I heard a message this past week from Bobby Hughes. “One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple” Psalm 27:4.

Bobby asked, “What’s your ‘one thing’?” I had to think, if it’s not God, then what is my ‘one thing’? Am I totally satisfied in Christ? David’s desire for the Lord was unquestionable; is mine?  I began to ponder this question while sitting in the pew last Sunday and today I am still examining myself to find that ‘one thing’.  I love thought-provoking questions that cause me to really look at my heart and examine my life because the process draws me closer to the Lord in the end.  We probably all have something in our lives that drive us each day.  We may have a goal we are working toward or a position we are trying to achieve but at the end of it all, we find another goal and new heights to climb.  Today is the last day of 2015 and people everywhere are making some kind of New Year resolution.  Many want to be healthier, lose weight, make a career change, get organized, and thousands of other personal goals that we are committing to changing in 2016.    My commitment (resolution) is to be sure that my ‘one thing’ is the only One Thing that matters; Christ.

Sharon Hoskins

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Unsung Heroes

I appreciate the fact that I can sit in service on Sunday morning and focus all of my attention on the message taught from the pulpit.  That blessing would not be possible without the devotion of the children’s church leaders.  The time that they put into studying and preparing the lesson for my kids takes dedication and sacrifice.  They give up so much of what I get to take advantage of and enjoy.

 

My kids learn a lot from them and have grown closer to God through their teachings.  I love to visit with my kids at the dinner table and hear all that they learned in children’s church.  I always encouraged my kids to pray, but could never get them to want to pray out loud.  A few years ago they started learning to pray in children’s church, they became excited about praying, now, they love to pray.  Some people don’t really like the idea of the family being separated on Sunday morning because we are separated all through the week with school and work.  That is something to think about as an individual family.  Some families don’t go to church together.  Kids ride the church bus or get dropped off and they have a place where they can be taught because of the children’s church leaders.   We don’t have to send our kids to children’s church; many kids sit with their families on Sunday morning right beside moms and dads.  This past Sunday a father and his 11-year-old son were at the altar together; there is little more beautiful than that.  Whether you send your kids to children’s church or not, the people who devote their lives to teaching God’s word to children are still doing the job for someone’s child.  Remember to extend your appreciation to them often.

Sharon Hoskins

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A Great Woman

Behind every great pastor is a great woman.  We all have different opinions about what makes a great pastor’s wife.  Some think that she should be quiet; others think she should be center-stage.

Many think of the pastor’s wife as the woman who plays the piano, sits on the front row, teaches Sunday School, takes care of the nursery, plans dinners, cleans the church, leads children’s church and ladies group, organizes community events, and anything else that needs to be done.  We have our ideas of what she is supposed to do, how she is supposed to act, and the services she is to perform.  However, a pastor’s wife can have any number of characteristics, qualities, gifts, and abilities.  She is an individual, with her own personality, and she doesn’t have to meet our expectations.  We are sometimes very critical of the woman God called to work alongside our pastor; “We love our pastor, but his wife…”.  I have been a Christian for many years and I have heard horrible things come out of the mouths of people about their pastor’s wife.  Let’s stop making snide remarks and subtle jabs.  A wise pastor’s wife once told me that the only ones she needs to please is God and her husband; they are the only ones that matter.  With so many expectations from so many different people, how could she possibly please everyone?  The truth is she can’t.   We need to remember that when God called her husband to be a pastor, He called her to be a pastor’s wife, and whatever that means is between her and God.  Let’s extend love and thankfulness to our pastor’s wife for all that she does.  Let’s accept her for who God has called her to be in our life as our pastor’s wife.  Find out if there is anything she needs help with.  Encourage her with love and acceptance.  She is the woman who stands beside the pastor, who encourages him to keep going, takes up the slack when he has to study, and forfeits time with him when we call with an emergency.  She willingly fills her position with love for God, for her husband, and for us therefore we are blessed to have her.  If you are guilty of being too critical of your pastor’s wife, I encourage you to pray to God for forgiveness, and then start helping her through prayer, encouragement, and love.

Sharon Hoskins

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Pastor Appreciation

October is Pastor Appreciation month.  This is a time that we can express to our pastor how much we appreciate all that he does.  Many times we take him for granted and have unrealistic expectations, or set him on a pedestal that he is sure to fall off of.  He has a job that is his life, he takes little time off and never clock out.

He is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; in the middle of the night or right before dinner.  We may never know what our emergency has interrupted in his life because he will never tell.  No matter how he is feeling he always has a smile and an outstretched arm.  No matter how busy he is he will always say, “Come in” to a knock on the office door.  He will put on his work boots and hammer a nail.  He will climb a ladder to get the job done, even if he is afraid of heights.  He will sing, play the guitar, piano, or box drum to help the praise team if they need it.  He will join the kids for a game of kick ball even if he ends up with a cracked rib.  He allows youth boys to preach who feel called to ministry, believing in them and encouraging them to follow God.  If we go to him with our problems, he never judges, he truly wants to help us successfully overcome.  He remembers our name, our struggles, and our pain and he prays for us daily.  He studies Gods word and prays for God’s guidance to lead us in truth.  He teaches in a way that is understandable and applicable to our lives.  He has a heart that desires God; all of Him.  He is transparent about his struggles and honest about his flesh.  He has sincere, unconditional love that is felt in everything he does.  If this sounds like your pastor, you are blessed to have him.  Pray for him and his family every day and love him unconditionally in return.

Sharon Hoskins

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Changing Seasons

I love this time of year, the weather changes, the leaves change, and with it, there seems to be a change in the hearts of men.

We start examining our lives for the good things and expressing thanksgiving for them. We start challenging each other to share something that you are thankful for every day in November. We start thinking about what we can give to others and making plans to spend time together. More than any other time of year, we feel the need to “put on a happy face” whether it is real or not. This is a time to be happy, joyful, and thankful, so if we’re not then we “stick out” in the crowd of happy faced people. So, is the change in the hearts of men as real as the changing of the leaves? We seem to change only for a season, just as they do, except our season ends the first of January. The leaves don’t just change colors to fit in with the crowd; they go through a transformation from the inside out. There is no doubt that every one of us want to be happy on the inside, not just putting on a face. So, where can we find happiness that brings joy and thanksgiving that will last through all seasons of our life? We will find that happiness in a complete transformation from the inside out, which is only found in Christ. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for you.” 1 Peter 1:3-4. Jesus died on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins, He rose from the dead to give us life, and He sits at the right hand of the Father as our intercessor. (Hebrews 12:2) I pray that if you don’t know Jesus that you will find Him today. You don’t have to search far, just open your heart, and share it with Him; He is right beside you waiting.

Sharon Hoskins

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Entertaining an Angel

Becoming a Christian was the best thing that ever happened to me in my life, but it was very confusing at first.  What would be expected of me?  How am I suppose to behave?  I had always understood Christianity to mean that I had to be perfect and sinless; if I wasn’t then I must not really be a Christian.  As God began to take real situations in my life and open my heart to see the spiritual application, it changed my perception of Christianity.  I realized that becoming a Christian meant that I could start a new life and begin a journey with God.  This story is part of my early journey with God and what He taught me about being obedient.

For several months I had been without a job.  I wasn’t really looking for one but I wanted to do something more productive with my life.  I received a call from Naomi, the secretary at my church.  She had a job offer and I accepted.  I was on my way to fill out the papers to make it all official when I stopped to pick up a combo meal from the local burger joint.  While waiting to order I decided to get two combos and take one to Naomi as a thank you.  I had never been to lunch with her and I didn’t know what she liked, so I got hers the same as mine.  I felt very proud of myself for doing something nice for someone else and could hardly wait to get to the church.  About that time I remembered that sometimes a volunteer comes to help her.  What if she was there and I didn’t get her anything, so I decided that I could give her mine.  This meant that I would have to see if she was there before I ate any of my food or drank my soda.  Just when I thought the problem was solved I wondered what I would do if they were gone to lunch or already had plans, then I would have extra food, and reheated burger and fries are gross.  As I was dealing with this dilemma in my head, I saw a man on the side of the road in front of a convenient store.  He looked to be barefooted and his clothes were old and worn.  He had long blonde hair matted with dirt.  I had never seen him before.  I live in a fairly small town and it is uncommon to see people on the roadside like that but he was my answer.  If they already had plans, I said to myself, then the extra food I could bring back to give to him.  Again, just when all my problems were solved, God said, “Give it to him now.”  “Wait, what, NO!” I exclaimed as I sped up, “I got that for Naomi.”  And He said again, “Give it to him now.”  “But Lord,” I said in disappointment, “I want to give it to Naomi, that’s who I bought it for.”  He said, “Naomi is taken care of, I want him to have it.”  By this time I was about a mile down the road.  I turned around and headed back to the store with a whole new argument.  “What am I going to say to him Lord?  I don’t want him to think I am looking down on him.  What am I supposed to say?  ‘Here, you look like you could use some food’ or ‘The Lord told me to stop and give this to you.’  I don’t know what to say.”  God said, “Don’t worry about what to say.”  When I got back to the convenient store,  I didn’t see him.  I was afraid that I had argued with God too long.  But, just as I was about to give up hope, there he was walking across the parking lot.  I walked over to him calling “Sir”, and my eye was drawn to a couple in a car, they were looking at me as I walked toward him.  I heard the man say, “Oh, I thought you were talking to me.”  I turned my attention back to him and said, “Oh, yes sir, I was talking to you, I’m sorry…”  I don’t know what I said after that.  Something about a friend and extra food.  He was following me to my car when I said, “It is only going to waste if someone doesn’t eat it.”  I lead him to the passenger side and pulled a hamburger and fries out of the bag; I handed it to him along with a coke.  I never looked at his face I only saw his hands.  I watched him walk away struggling to carry everything.  Then, a couple getting gas caught my eye, they were watching me, as I watch him.  I didn’t look for him after that but he was headed for the back of the store.  I got in my car and continued on my way, but I was only a few miles down the road when I realized that I did not give him a napkin.  Then an avalanche of mistakes came rushing into my head.   I didn’t give him ketchup, salt, or a bag!  I had an empty bag sitting in the seat next to me that he could have used to carry his food.  I didn’t need that bag; it was serving me no purpose. And how could I leave without telling him about Jesus!  I didn’t tell him about the Lord!  It was so hot that day I could have let him sit in the air-conditioned car to eat, then I could’ve shared Jesus with him.  While I was beating myself up for all the wrongs I did, God said, “Thank you for being obedient, you did fine.”  I always look for him when I pass that convenient store and remember the day I pleased God.

This story is one that I cherish because looking back I believe that I am the only one that saw the barefooted, long-haired man that I fed that day and God taught me a lesson in obedience.  God didn’t ask me to share Jesus with that man, He didn’t ask me to give him a ride, or give him a napkin, bag, or condiments.  God asked me to give him the food and told me not to worry about what to say, and that is what I did.  Be careful that you are not too critical on yourself.  Just obey God and enjoy your journey with Him.

Sharon Hoskins

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Desperately Seeking

I thought I would begin my first blogging experience by sharing my first short story that ignited my love for writing.

Oscar

One Saturday morning during a festival in our town I woke to a strange sound coming from the back yard.  I looked for the source as I let my dog, Oscar, out but I didn’t see anything and went back inside, when I returned to let him in he was gone and I could still hear the sound.  As I stood there yelling for him, I spotted several hot-air balloons passing over head.  It scared me because they were so low I could talk to the pilots, then I realized that they must have scared my dog too.  It had only been minutes since I let him out so I walked around the yard calling his name for several minutes with no response.  I went out the back gate and called for him around the block but still nothing. By this time people were starting to get out for the day and I grew scared that I would never see him again because many people were in town for the festival and I thought someone would take him home with them.  My husband and I didn’t have children so Oscar was like our baby and the thought of losing him was devastating.   Hours had passed with no sign of him, so I decided to go to where the people were with some recent photos; surely someone had seen him.  I asked around the crowd but not a single person recognized him.  I was so desperate to find him that I began to walk the main street.  Traffic was backed up for a couple of miles and I showed his picture to every car asking, “Have you seen this dog?”  With everyone shaking their heads “no”, and tears rolling down my face I responded with, “If you see him will you call the shelter so he can come home to me?”  I said it over and over to everyone.  Finally, I got a break!  A nice couple stopped and told me where they had seen him earlier that day.  I was so excited at the thought that he would still be there.  I was near my house so I ran to get my car.  I stopped inside to check if the shelter had called and at the very moment I was walking in the front door Oscar was coming in the back.  It was so great to have him home; he had been missing for six hours and we were both exhausted.

I had made plans to go to church for a special Saturday evening service but at that point I was simply too tired.  But when the time came to leave, I decided that I would go after all.  The nation had just experienced the awful tragedy of September 11th it was less than two weeks old and everyone’s lives had changed.  The preacher began to speak to us about being desperate and asked, “are you desperate?”  I thought to myself, I was earlier today.  As I spoke those words, I saw myself walking down the street so desperate to find my dog.  Then I saw Jesus walking where I had been and He was showing pictures of all the lost souls asking, “Have you seen this lost sheep?”  As tears rolled down His face He responded with, “If you see them will you ask them if they know Jesus so they can come home to Me?”

This changed my life!  God took a physical experience and gave me a spiritual application.  After that Saturday service, I told my pastor what had happened, and he said, “You need to write that down!”  And I have been writing ever since.

Sharon Hoskins

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First Blog

I have always loved the idea of blogging!  Imagine, I can share my thoughts and experiences with absolutely nobody and everybody at the same time. I love to write, it doesn’t even matter if anyone reads it, I just find great pleasure in writing down the “aha moments” God gives me.  Now, don’t get me wrong, it is wonderful when I get feedback from something I have written, of course that feels good, but it’s not the driving force that pushes me to write, it’s a desire in my heart.  I have always wanted to blog!  But, unfortunately, I am a technological dinosaur and don’t have a clue where to start or how it works.  This is my first post as a blogger, so now I will be on my journey to learning all the blogging do’s and don’ts.  Now, it’s time to find out what happens next!  I am so excited!!!

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Directions

The other day I got lost trying to get to an appointment.  I had a map, an address, and even directions, but even with all those instructions, I still was not able to find the facility.

I know that sounds crazy, I had looked at the map and read the instructions so I was pretty confident that I knew where it was, but when I got to that location, it wasn’t there.  I stopped and read the map again and according to the map, it should be right where I was sitting.  Apparently, my map was wrong or I had misinterpreted the instructions in some way.  I drove up and down the streets and turned around several times.  I made several phone calls to no avail.  At one point, I thought it was hopeless and I would never arrive on time, but I finally was able to reach someone who knew how to get there and instructed me as I drove.  I thought about how sometimes we get lost in our walk with God.  We think we know exactly where we are going, but when we get there, we are lost.  I have done this many times in my Christian journey, and I have wondered if my map was wrong, or if I misinterpreted my instructions.  I have been guilty of calling on the wrong person to help me find my way, driving up and down streets that only lead me in circles.  But when I have gotten tired of being lost, I found the right One to call on, the One who knew exactly how to get there, and could instruct me as I drove.  “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he has known My name.  he shall call upon Me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him.  With long life will I satisfy him, and show him My salvation.”  Psalm 91:14-16  I pray this encourages you in your journey today.

Sharon Hoskins

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Unconditional Love

I learn so much from my kids about God’s love for us.  I’ve heard other people say this very same thing, but I didn’t understand what they meant until I had kids of my own.

Of course, we have an unconditional love for them that we don’t naturally have for everyone, the same way God loves us.  They will always be ours no matter how many times they mess up; we will forgive, just as God does for us.  We hate to discipline them when they do wrong, but we must so that they will know right from wrong just as God does for us.  This morning, after dropping my daughter off at school, my 5-year-old son, asks, “Why do we have to give you a kiss every day before we get out of the car?”   My response was, “You don’t have to give me a kiss every day.  I would like a kiss every day, but you don’t have to give me one.”  He was then silent.  When we pulled up to his school, he peeked around the seat to give me a kiss.  I said, “You don’t have to give me a kiss if you don’t want to.”  He responded with, “I want to give you a kiss because I love you.”  It reminded me of how God gives us free will in our life.  He wants us to give Him a kiss every day because we love Him, not because we have to.  God doesn’t put a requirement on His love to us; let’s not put a requirement on Him to receive our love back in return.  Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.  Matthew 22:37.

Sharon Hoskins

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Change is Beautiful

My daughter, Rachel, and her grandma Kathleen love butterflies. It is so cute to watch the two of them when they see one. They get so excited, their voices squeal as they run to see how close they can get. Rachel loves to scoop them up into her hands and hold them.

My step mom has a collection of beautiful butterflies in a frame on the wall. They are vibrant colors of yellow and blue. Now I won’t pretend that I know anything about butterflies, so I couldn’t tell you what kind they are, but what I do know is that the butterfly is one of the most beautiful insects I have ever seen. There are many different species, colors, and life spans, but the one thing that is consistant with all of them is their beauty. Butterflies are beautiful, not just in color, but also in their movements as they flutter through the air. When we consider the butterfly, we find the beauty only comes from the change in its life.  Change is a beautiful thing! It is a natural result of growth. When we grow, we change, and when we change, we grow. When God makes changes in us, He wants us to grow. It’s not always easy; it often hurts, and takes time to work through, but is well worth it when the beauty of our life begins to break out of the cocoon. “Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter end. There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.” Proverbs 19:20-21. Allow God to make changes in you, that you may emerge a beautiful butterfly.

Sharon Hoskins

 

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Relaxing Change

We all need day to sleep in and lay around half the day in our pajamas, right. For me, this day is usually a Saturday. The kids are out of school, daddy is home from work, and if nothing else is going on there is no reason to hurry up.

It’s a good day to rest and enjoy each other. I realize that this is not the case for everyone, if fact, many people have to work on Saturdays as well as through the week, so the only day they have to sleep in and spend time with family is on Sundays. I’ve heard people say this is why they don’t go to church. Sunday use to be the day that everything in town was closed so very few people worked. If you needed something on Sunday, you might find a convenient store open. Times have changed and now more and more people have to work. I know we can’t go back in time, but it would be nice if Sundays had stayed the same throughout time. I love to wake up on Sunday morning and gather my family to go to church. It is a time when we can learn more about God and His word, a time to draw closer to Him, and a time to find strength for the days ahead. I know that every day is important to spend with God, but there is something special about Sunday that causes excitement for me. Maybe it’s because we are coming together with other believers in one accord or the anticipation of what God may say through the mouth of His servant. “And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and if filled all the house where they were sitting” Acts 2:2. I pray that you will fit church into your schedule this week and find the excitement of Sunday morning worship.

Sharon Hoskins