The Honey Bee Press October - December 2013 | Page 3

Page 3 Volume 3, Issue 1 people have spoken over me to cause me to think less of myself than what you’ve called me. I realize that I cannot allow, or permit, what other people think to determine my destiny. You are the one who has called me to greatness and I exalt your word over every other. Today, I make a decision to lay aside these garments so that you can get the glory out of my life. I desire to be the person you’ve called me to be. And so I put on the garments that display who I am in you. I am bold, capable, competent and intelligent. I will no longer allow fear to rule, but I will allow you to make me complete in your love so that every ounce of fear is cast out. Worry and dread will no longer rule in my life because as I keep my mind stayed on you, you will keep me in perfect peace. When fear tries to come my way, remind me that you are Jehovah-Shalom, the God of peace. I renew my mind according to your word Oh God. I have the mind of Christ and I am able to do what you’ve called me to do because you live in me. God, I thank you for turning my fear into faith. I thank you for turning my tears into triumph. You are Image courtesy of exalted Oh God and I thank you for your delivering power. In Jesus name, I pray! Amen. David Castillo Dominici / FreeDigitalPhotos.net Be the Standard— by Felicia Maxwell It’s been a while, and I’m excited about this topic. This note of encouragement is for everyone, but especially women. Expect to get something from this note, and move with urgency. Whether you are at home, work, school, church, or with friends, choose to be the example, take the lead, and set the standard. We model high standards more by how we live, than by what we say. I know some of you have heard the old clichés, “Actions speak louder than words,” “I can show you, better than I can tell you,” “Don’t talk about it, be about it,” “Don’t just talk the talk, walk the walk.” I grew up fighting, so I did not talk much; I just moved with urgency and finished the fight (side bar...memories). Thank God for the wonderful change that has come over me (singing Tremaine Hawkins) Whew, I thank God for the change that has taken place in my life, because the old Felicia...only God! The Bible tells us in Proverbs 20:11 (AMP) that, “Even a child is known by his acts, whether or not what he does is pure and right.” We must let our light so shine before men (husband, fiancé’ children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, neighbors, friends, co- workers) that they may see your moral excellence (Godly standard) and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in Heaven (Matthew 5:16 [AMP]). The main purpose is to bring God glory, and draw others to HIM with your actions. When others flaunt the lack of standards, WE must rise up and be the standard. Women, are you winning your husbands by what you do, rather than by what you say? Are you setting a healthy boundary at home with your actions? Are we cultivating Christ-like character in our children? God has blessed us with precious seeds, which are expected to grow. If there is a problem with the standard (you), don’t expect your seed to thrive. The higher the standard, the taller your seed will grow in the grace, power and knowledge of God. Proverbs 22:6 (AMP) tells us to, “Train up a child in the way he should go (and in keeping in his individual gift or bent), and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Are we teaching and showing our children how to love the Lord with all of their heart and might? What are you and your children growing up in the presence of? Is it the Lord, like Samuel did? (1 Samuel 2:21) Are we consistently and diligently impressing the word of God upon their minds and hearts with what we do and say? What is on the walls, refrigerator, and doors of your home? We must watch the actions, words and worldly things to which we and our children are exposed. We must be the most influential person in the lives of our children. Stay on it, be consistent, followthrough, move with urgency, finish the fight. It takes time and energy, but God has given us the grace to be excellent wives, mothers and friends. Be a woman of your word. If you make a promise, do it! Lastly, James 1:5 (AMP) tells us, “If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving God (Who gives) to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or fault finding, and it will be given him.” God will give you the help you need. I am a witness! Honey’s Reading Corner Witness to Fitness: Pumped Up! Powered Up! All Things Are Possible! By Donna Richardson Joyner A 28-day program to help you lose weight while you nourish both your body and your soul In Witness to Fitness, Donna Richardson Joyner brings together faith, food, and fitness in a way no one else has done before. She inspires the reader to follow her on a journey, strengthening mind, spirit, and body. Her program will help you get the results you are destined for and create lasting change in your life. Joyner's plan is to inspire you to lose weight and feel and look great. The exercises can be followed by anyone at any fitness level. Each day in Witness to Fitness, you are given: ? daily meal plans with delicious, easy-to-make recipes ? awesome daily workouts with photographs that clearly demonstrate the exercises ? uplifting affirmations to keep you encouraged every step of the way In addition, you get: ? a scripture to inspire you daily ? a success story to motivate you ? a song of the day that keeps you ene rgized and moving Donna's energy is contagious! Her philosophy is that you can have victory in your health by practicing faith, perseverance, and courage to achieve your goals. Witness to Fitness provides a unique wellness program that focuses on changing your mind-set, living in the spirit, and loving your body. Donna encourages us to strengthen our body and soul to live our best life ever. Her joyful spirit and inspirational program will transform your health and your life.