Posted on: December 9, 2009 by Terri
Isn’t that the title of a rock and roll song? As our CLEAR leadership team continues to think and pray and talk about all the things we want for women, these words keep coming to my my mind - girls, girls, girls. There are little girls, young girls, girls becoming women and women, like me, who like being referred to as a girl! For our team, age isn’t an issue; we want to come alongside all women and help them navigate through the waters of the Christian faith! We keep coming back to what we want most for all girls, young and old, - their own personal relationship with Jesus that transforms their lives.
2010 is almost here and we’ve planned a year full of opportunities for women to be challenged, to be inspired, to bring their friends, to meet other women, to serve other women and to pursue spiritual growth. We want all of you to come along as we continue the journey of becoming amazing women of God!
Watch this blog, talk to me (Terri Stone), Diane Karchner, Becky Preston, Renae Stone or Jennifer Thompson. We’re the CLEAR leadership team and we’re here to help you connect with God and each other and to help you grow in your faith. What are you waiting for? Jump in and be part of what God’s going to do in the lives of so many women!
Tags: Christianity, clear, Faith, friendship, God, individuality, jesus, Relationship, Women Filed Under: Christianity, Community, Influence, Leadership, Relationships, Women
Posted on: October 15, 2009 by Terri
I’m sure most of us have taken the “Myers Briggs” somewhere along the way, in school, the workplace, at church - you know, the results give you four letters that describe your personality: E or I, N or S, F or T, J or P. There are 16 different personality types. I’m an ESFJ through and through - Extraverted, Sensing, Feeling, Judging. Here’s how an ESFJ is described:
Warmhearted, conscientious, and cooperative. Want harmony in their environment, work with determination to establish it. Like to work with others to complete tasks accurately and on time. Loyal, follow through even in small matters. Notice what others need in their day-by-day lives and try to provide it. Want to be appreciated for who they are and for what they contribute.
Gifts refer to the spiritual gifts I received when I made Jesus the leader and forgiver of my life and was baptized. My top 3 spiritual gifts are evangelism, teaching and leadership.
My passion centers on people. What makes my heart beat fast is helping people meet and form a relationship with Jesus, coming alongside them as they learn about him and connecting them into the life of the church. I love doing these things, just love them!
These descriptions all look good on paper, but in reality it’s not always that peachy! The last couple of months have been extremely stressful for me at work. I know, I know, most would say, “how can working for the church be stressful?” It can be. While my personality is described as this warm and fuzzy, upbeat, team player who goes around all day making sure everybody’s needs are met, when things aren’t working out so harmoniously, my deadlines are impacted by others, and I get verbally roughed up by a co-worker, I’m like a volcano that grumbles and heats up and eventually erupts thousands of feet into the air. And what comes out is just as hot and dangerous as what comes out of a real volcano! What’s more difficult, is that I want to speak up, work it out, and explain myself, but most of the time I can’t do it. I can’t do it because, for years, I’ve been told I’m too emotional, unapproachable, too black & white, overly upset. If I’m quiet, others can’t say or think those things about me which is what an ESFJ wants - harmony!
My volcano erupted last night and it wasn’t good! Two people I love and trust said I need to figure out how to STOP letting stuff impact me so deeply and so personally. Yeah, I know that, but boy is it hard to put into practice. They also told me the only thing I can control and change is me. They’re right again.
So today’s a new day. I’m up doing what brings me comfort and hope - reading my Bible, talking to God and writing it down. Prayer, Jesus’ words, and time alone always bring the start of change and healing; the continued growth toward Christlikeness.
Tags: Bible, change, Faith, God, individuality, jesus, love, Relationship Filed Under: Bible, Connecting with God, Faith, Growth, Prayer, Relationships
Posted on: August 7, 2009 by Terri
Women, if you haven’t seen the movie, you should. I caught the end of it yesterday and watched it with my daughters. I saw it in the theater shortly after its release. Loved it then, bought the DVD, love it every time it’s on one of the movie channels. I never saw the show, but obviously that doesn’t matter because you get it when you see the movie. The “it” is the friendship these women share. It is freaking amazing. Each woman is a unique individual living her own life and the others support her regardless of her choices - good or bad. They tell each other the truth, they fight, they tease, they laugh together, they cry together, and they come to each other’s rescue. They are there for each other through it all.
Don’t we all want girlfriends like this? I know I do. Instead, here’s what I see: women keeping women at arm’s length, women talking behind women’s backs, women judging and critizing women who aren’t like them, women who are lonely, women who want to be accepted by women, women standing by watching women struggle and doing nothing. women who can’t commit. I know it’s a movie, but I know in my heart of hearts this kind of friendship can exist.
I’m one of the fortunate ones; I have a few friendships like this. If we don’t have friendships like this, why don’t we? I know friendships can’t be forced, but how can we women start treating each other the way Carrie, Miranda, Samantha and Charlotte treat each other? The best place to start is with ourselves. We need to make the decision to see other females as valuable human beings with unique life expereiences that make them who they are. We need to start with a blank slate and an attitude of love, acceptance and genuine interest in the future of each individual woman.
There were tons of funny scenes in the movie that bring my point home. The clothes, jewelry and hairstyles are fabulous, the dialogue is raw and the sex scenes are very, very naked and steamy. But above all those things is an amazing friendship shared by four women just like you and me. What do you think? Do you think we girls can stop all the foolishness and start enjoying relationships with other one another that rock?
