Day 18

Smaller portions!! Now there something that has been naggin at me for some time now! If I could get this concept down, how much better life could be. It seems so simple and yet for some reason, it can be a challenge. I am pleased to say (drum roll please)I left behind a ¼ of my meal last night.

Donna is so right on here, just cutting our portion size down would make such a difference!! So my baby step for today is to start cutting. I found last night that by cutting off the portion and removing it from my plate before I started eating was a piece of cake (OK, maybe I shouldn’t be comparing anything to cake this week), but you get the idea.

Today’s Tip~

Watch a Movie!

Have you heard of the movie “Super Size Me”. Great movie and will definitely help you change your eating habit.. Rent it today and watch it with your family

Warning: you may never got to McDonald’s again.

Thinking Smaller~

Nola

Day 17

The hits just keep coming, as if eating only veges and drinking water for 10 days was not enough, now I need to control my beloved sugar!! Ouch!!! Of course I saw this coming so I’m not surprised!! And I do have to say it's all good!!! Heavens know it would not hurt me to cut down on my sugar intake.

So I will do my best and try to cut down (not necessarily give up) sugar ( I need to be realistic here). I am proud to report that I made it through day 1 without a soda!!! Let’s hear it for me!!! This is progress.

Today’s Tip ~

Replace it!

I got this tip from Pastor Jim, during one of his sermons on Recovery, he said “to get rid of a bad habit , replace it with a good habit”. This has stuck with me and been helpful when I try to rethink things.

Here’s to sugarless less sugar in my day~

Nola

Day 16

Boy, can I just go to bed and wake up next week when she is done talking about harmful pantry and eating habits? I guess not, so I will do the next best thing and take my own advise!!

For years I have been telling gals to take baby steps with their TAG. Start small, don't get overwhelmed, give Him 10minutes a day and so on....so I will follow my own advise here and take baby steps concerning my eating habits!

Yesterday, I told you I would resolved to cut out my Diet Pepsi's, not a huge sacrifice, but a step in the right direction.

This week offers some tough reading (and I don't think I'm alone here) so I just want to encourage you by saying - Take baby steps!!!!

Today Tip ~

Hang in there! If a 10 day diet of veges and water is overwhelming, give up one thing that is harmful to you. Baby steps!!!

If you can't think of anything to give up , ask Him!!! Then let us hear what it is you are giving up for the next 10 days so we can pray for each other!

Hang tough girls and give Him the glory~
Nola

Week Three

Since this is the third Donna Partow study I have now done, I knew this would be coming!!!!

This is the week we talk about our "Eating Habits". Let me just say right off the bat - OUCH!!!! OK, OK I am not the world's best eater. I love chocolate (which I have given up to some* degree), I love ice cream and cookies and well...fruits and vegetables, not so much!!!! So this week, when she is gonna be talking about our eating habits it's makes me want to run and hide (do you think anyone would find me in my pantry?).

I did learn back in my first study with Donna, that I just can't do it all!! I would love to and my hat is off to anyone who follows her suggestions to a tee, but a '10 day diet of veges and water' (tomorrow's lesson), not sure that is a realistic goal for me.

This is a tough area for me and I certainly do not want to lead anyone a stray here and I certainly don't want to hear any of you saying, "well, Nola said...", I'm just trying to be honest. So I think I will take it in moderation and give up soda for 10 days. OK, not nearly the sacrifice as veges and water, but I think it can be just as pleasing to the Lord.

So there you have it. You have made it to week three, so hang in there!! She will be talking about some things that we can do this week that will contribute to our over all health (yes, things that I have implemented into my routine from her previous studies) that are simple and a little easy to swallow (pardon the pun). Remember Baby steps!!!!

Today's Tip ~

Who are you kidding? Tips from a Chocoholic, it ain't gonna happen!!!!

Have a blessed day and hang in there!!!!
Nola

*I haven't had a piece of chocolate candy in over three months.

Day 12

OK, I admit it, I’m a morning person, so today’s lesson did not sting me as much as it may you night owls, but even you night owls have got to love the picture she painted of the devil yelling “Oh no, she’s up”. I do enjoy the thought that whenever we are pleasing the Lord, we are tickin off the devil.

Years ago, after praying about what time the Lord wanted me to get up for our TAG and He challenged me to get up at 5:00 (morning person or not), I wanted to say “you gotta be kidding!”. Since I had asked what time He wanted me to get up, I took it a step further and asked him to wake me up and He did!!

Today’s Tip~

Be Bold!!!!

Remember, you are are talking the Lord of the Universe. If He can and has created us in His image, I'm pretty sure giving us a gentle wake up nudge is a piece a cake of for Him. So boldly ask Him to wake you in the morning and give you energy for your day and then hit the ground running!

Gotta go rattled the enemy and get my day moving~

Nola

Sweet Dreams

Today's lesson is one that is near and dear to my heart!! I need a good solid 8 hours of sleep each night or I am not a happy camper. I know there are many factors that can rob us of our sleep. Our finances, messy and cluttered homes, too many things to do, just worries in general and at this stage of my life, the dreaded hormones. Hopefully our Mugs and Muffins, Proverbs 31 series is helping you with some of life's stresses and thus giving you a better night's sleep. Donna has also given some great tips.

The bottom line is we need peace in able to get a good night sleep! Having our TAG each day is the first step to achieving that peace, so keep up the good work, girls!

Today's Tip ~

Write it!

Keep a small note pad on your night stand and every night before you go to bed, write out your memory verse. Not only is this a great way to help you memorize your verse, it's a great way to end your day.

What could be more peaceful than falling asleep with God's Word freshly pressed on your mind,

Sweet Dreams,
Nola

Watchful and Thankful

There isn't much I can add to today's lesson except to reiterate her statement~

"When we work, we work , but when we pray God works"

Today's Tip~

Keep a Prayer Journal (or add it to your personal notebook)

I keep a prayer journal, which is a simple a notebook where that I write down prayer requests and then record the answers to those prayers.

On the left hand page, I date and write prayer requests, then on the opposite, right hand page, directly across, I date and write the answer. Once the Lord has answered a request, I take it one step further and high-light the prayer request!!

Can't tell you how cool it is to open up my notebook and see all the high-lighted, answered prayers.

I have made up a prayer journal page that will fit in your notebook, if you would like a copy (that you will be able to print out) let me know and I will be happy to e-mail it you.

On the Lookout for Things to be Thankful for~
Nola

Got Lemons?

There isn't much that I can add to today study. She made it pretty clear what we need to do if we want to bear fruit. I loved her story about her lemon tree, how much simpler could it be,

No water, No fruit!!!

Are you getting enough water?

Today's Tip ~

Bible Study Worksheets

Be sure to go the back of your book or go on-line to www.donnapartow.com and print out your worksheets! This is a very cool tool to help you get all the nourishment you need!

Drinking Water~
Nola

Thank You!

First off, I want to thank all of you who jumped in yesterday! It's so nice to know we are not alone in our struggles. What I love about a group of women, like ours or any other for that matter, is that we all bring something different (our strengths and weaknesses) to the table!

While some of us don't struggle with getting up and having our QT, others don't struggle with watching what they eat. By getting to know each other, we find out what our strengths are and will be able to draw on each other for help in our areas of weakness.

If you haven't had a chance to read yesterday's comments, be sure to take a minute to do so (simply click on "comments" in the right hand corner of my blog post). If you are struggling with something, you will find that you are not alone and if you need help it is offered (thanks Lynda and Sami).

I appreciate all your comment and am blessed by each and everyone of you!!!

You Have Chosen Wisely

I know I'm a little late in the day with "today" blog, forgive me. I hit the ground running this morning (starting with my TAG (: )and have been running ever since, but I'm gonna take some time to chat with your gals (one of my favorite things to do).

Well, here we are, Week Two!! How are you all doing? Anyone struggling? Let me know!! That's why we started this group so you would be able to get some support!!! Don't give up!!!

OK, enough of that! Have you read today's lesson!! Loved it!! As women, we are faced with a million choices everyday (OK, maybe not a million, my family tells me I exaggerate all the time), but a lot. Some are simple and some are not, are we making the right ones?

My greatest challenges come in my decisions with food. Should I have a yummy carrot stick (I mean really, who are we kidding here) or should I have Flaky Flick cookies. The cookies will win very time!!! But I'm gonna work on it...and try to make the right choices!! Will I fail, yeah probably, but I'm willing work on it!!!

Today's Tip ~

Ask Yourself?

"Is this God's highest and best for me?"

That makes it pretty simple, wouldn't you agree? Think I'll go write that on my fridge (that's where I keep the cookies, they are best cold) (:

Here's to making the right choices~
Nola

A Pea Pebble in Progress

Yesterday, at church one of you gals came up to me and asked about being a 'noble women'. Of course her question put me in mind of last week's memory verse, which I proudly recited to myself (OK so I trip up a bit over the last line, but I'm getting there), this got me to thinking, not only am I a noble women but am I "worth far more than rubies"? The answer to that both questions, for me is 'no' !

That when the Lord brought to mind our friend's backyard, love it when He does that!

A couple of week ago we were invited over to a friend's house for a BBQ. They had just completed their backyard and were quite excited for us to see it. They live in one of those very cute houses in Valencia, off of Decoro that share a full size lots with another house, making their backyard the perfect size for a patio table, a cute bench and lots of decorative potted plant and oh, yes a BBQ.

Anyway, what had been just dirt and weeds a few weeks before had now been transformed into a great outdoor living space in a matter of hours and without the expense of pouring a costly patio. How did they do it? They covered the entire backyard with Pea Pebbles. You know those little round, gray rock that are no bigger than a grape (maybe they should be called grape pebbles, but that doesn't have the same ring to it). It was amazing what those little "pebbles" had done to transform the look of their backyard.

So this got me to thinking, that I am so not anywhere near 'ruby' status. I am definitely more along the lines of a 'pea pebble', but in the grand picture I don't look so bad. Oh sure, I would rather be a ruby and by the time I am done with this study, I hope I look more ruby-like then a pea pebble, but I now know that God can use me and transform me into something that may not look to pretty all by itself, but when put to use for His purposes, I can be amazing.

Your Pebble in Progress~
Nola

did i find you all?

hello ladies,

it's the better late than never missy bailey. i will be joining you all hopefully starting with lesson three next week. i just wanted to find out if i am blogging correctly? so i am sending this thru time and space to see where it lands. i have enjoyed reading all of your blogs to see what God has been saying to you all. blog to ya later.

ya sista,

missy

Making a List, Checking it Twice

Today is Saturday and each Saturday during our study, Donna is gonna have us do a 'Weekly Checkup'. My favorite thing about making a list is being able to check things off the list. So get out your books and start checking!!

Today's Tip ~

Getting to Know You

If you haven't already, I really recommend getting an Accountability Partner(s). If you don't know anyone, let me know and we can get you hooked up. You can have a few gals in one group if you like (no more than 4).

I don't have any specific guidelines, just touch base with each other via e-mail, outside the Blog a couple of times each week. If you need prayer, share it with your partner(s) and keep each other in prayer and accountable.

Then get to know each other.

I did this kind of group in the past and in an effort to get to know each other better we just started with some personal info about ourselves. For example here is all about me~

I'm a 50 year old housewife and leader of the Women's Ministry @ HOTC (kinda like a full time job, but love it!)
Married 30 years to a wonderful guy
2 grown sons, Devon 28 and Brandon 25 and have 1 fabulous daughter-in-law, Jamie (married to Devon)
I have walked with the Lord for as long as I can remember
We live in Canyon Country
I have one cat
Love the color red
My favorite movie is "The Princess Bride"
and....
I love Chocolate!!!!

So there you go, now find a partner!

Nola

I was also convicted by this mornings lesson. I actually read it three times. It is certainly easy to get on a negative band wagon.....I try to make a concerted effort to change my thinking and remember to have a joyful heart which brings a happy spirit. I truly believe that thinking and doing things in a postive and happy manner can bring not only joy to your own life, but maybe will touch someone the way you never expected.
I have got to say Nola, WOW, I love your statement you left about being thankful for the "small things". I have copied it and plan on sharing it with others!

Be Transformed

Gotta tell ya, I loved today lesson!!!! I can sum it up with Donna's own words

"A huge step in the journey to becoming the women God wants us to be - capable, dignified, virtuous (and delightful) women - is learning to discipline our minds to focus on the what's right rather than what's wrong."

That pretty much says it all in a nut shell!

Today's Tip ~

Write Your Affirmations

Half way through today lesson, I though 'Oh I'm gonna encourage the gals to write out their our daily affirmations on a sticky not and put it on their computer'. I was chuckling to myself when Donna made the same suggestion at the end of our lesson today!! Great minds think alike!

OK, maybe I not in the same league as Donna, but it was conformation that I was on the right path. LOL

We are on the down hill side of Week One, hope you gals are enjoying this book, I sure am!! I have now done three of her books and this is by far the best!

Think Positive~
Nola

Never Looked At It That Way Before!

One of the things I appreciate about Donna Partow is that she is sensitive to gals in all walks of life; married gals, single gals, moms and working gals. So I loved it when she gave us a fresh look in today's lesson at being the wife of Christ and He being our husband. It puts Proverbs 31 within reach of all of us and takes on a whole new meaning!

I think it would serve us well (and those around us) to keep in mind that He is our Husband and if we truly desire to be noble women, we are to act according.

I think Donna summed it up when she asked, "Can God have confidence in you?".

Something to mediate on!!!

Today Tip~

Find an Accountability Partner

Pick another gal in the group to be accountable with. If you don't know anyone in the group, let me know and I can pair you up. There is strength in numbers, girls so get a gal pal and fight the good fight!

Blessings~
Nola

What's A Word?

I love that she touched on mediation today! I think it is a fine art that is somewhat lost in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, not to mention, as Donna said, the world has put their own spin on it and made it very "new agey". I agree with her when she said "we need to take back mediation! It was god's idea and his gift to us as his children".

Since I believe mediation is a lost art, I gonna give you a cool idea to help you dig deeper.

Today Tip ~

Customize Your Verse

Using our memory verse, pick out certain words and then look them up in a Thesauruses. The Thesauruses will give you all kinds of different words for the one you are looking up and give you a new spin on it!

Example:
Noble - exalted, grand, magnificent, majestic, splendid, stately

Now re-write the verse using the word(s) you like in place of "noble"

"A wife of splendid and majestic character who can find?"

I know this will take up some of your time, but here again it will prove to be a wise investment of your time! If I asked you what you watched on TV last night, you may not even remember, but mediating on the Word will plant it in our hearts!!!! So skip the 1/2 of news or that weekly sitcom and customize your verse instead!

Have fun with it. If you want to share your new verse with us feel free. It might be fun to see what we all come up with!

Have a wonderful day~
Nola

Have you had your TAG today?

Today's lesson was a lesson after my own heart! It's been my ministry for several years now to help women establish their QT (Quiet Time). Don't just quickly read over today "Passage to Read", take it to heart. One of the things (out of many) that I love about Jesus is that His life was a living example to us, showing how we should live. If Jesus got early to spend time with the Father, how much more do we need to do it???? I think I can actually hear you night owls groaning. Don't be discouraged, I truly believe that if we give Him the 'First Fruits' of our day, He in returns gives us the strength we need to make it through our day.

Work on your assignment today, girls. Make that special place where you can meet with Him everyday! If you don't have a dining room to transform, like Donna did, make it an end of your couch, (my dear Mother has hers in the bathroom) just be sure it will be a quiet place. Making it quiet may require that you get up early, while your family or room mates are still sleeping. Trust me it will be time well spent!

Today's Tip~

Set you alarm!!
I admit I am an early bird, but I still didn't enjoy getting up before the sun, until I started, in earnest giving Him the first fruit of the my day. When I started being serious about my QT, the first thing I did was ask Him what time He wanted to meet with Him. He clearly told me 6:00am. At the time I was working full time and still had 2 teenage boys at home, in order to have time to meet with Him I needed to get up earlier then I was (6:30). So I set my alarm and started getting up at 6.

Shortly after that I felt the Lord wanted me to set the alarm for 5:00am. I did!!!! I can't even begin to tell you the rewards I reaped from being obedient to this discipline. I soon found it a joy to get out of bed before the rest of world, while the morning was still quiet and meet with Him.

You will find this will be the BEST investment of your time!! So get to bed a bit earlier and set your alarm. You won't regret it!!!

One last thing!
Don't forget to make the label for your first tab divider (TAG) for your planner today

My prayer is that by the end of our 90 days together you will have established your QT of TAB, as Donna calls it. It is one of the best habit you can develop, so let's get started.
Nola

Hi Girls,
So here we are on Day One!!!

Just wanted to remind you that the weekly scripture is in the back of your books (pages 339 and 340) for you to cut out and carry with you!
I am not very good at memorizing scripture, but here are a few tips that have helped me in the past.

• write the verse out on several 3x5 index cards
• then place them where you are gonna see them throughout the day (the bathroom mirror, your car dashboard, on your computer...)
• write the verse on a piece of paper (perhaps in your planner) 10 times
• another great tip (and I believe I read this one of Donna Partow's books), take a piece of paper and write the first letter of each word in the verse along the left hand margin, then go back and fill in the words.

Hope this helps!! If we memorize all the verse in this study we have the entire Proverbs 31 Women passage down. Pretty cool!!!
OK Gals, keep up the good work!
Nola

Our New Blog

Hi Girls,
Thanks to Vera, we now have our "new" blog!!! What we need you to do now is just make a little comment to this post so we know that we got everyone's name correct and that we are all up and running. Please do this ASAP!! It would be great to hear from all of you by Monday night.

If you have have any questions, you can simply go to my e-mail address in the bottom right hand corner, above the HOTC logo and click on it and it will take you directly to my e-mail.

Looking forward to hearing from all of you and getting this started.
Nola

Welcome to the HOTC Proverbs 31 Weblog

Welcome to Heart of the Canyons first online Bible study!

The book, "Becoming the Woman God Wants Me to Be" by Donna Partow will be our 90 day guide to living the Proverbs 31 life.

This is a wonderful opportunity to develop good habits, spiritual maturity and some deeper relationships with other women.