While attending graduate school I had a text written by Parker J. Palmer entitled, “A Hidden Wholeness”. In Chapter Five, ‘Preparing For The Journey–Creating a Circle of Trust’ Mr. Palmer states the following, ” …community–a kaleidoscope word that assumes new meanings at every turn–can evoke utopian images of a bygone era, a slower, simpler time when people lived side-by-side in villages and small towns. If community is to become an option for more than a fortunate few, we must shake off these romantic fantacies and create forms of life together that respect contemporary realities. Circles of Trust do exactly that because they have boundaries that traditional communities lack. Such circles, for example, do not depend on a critical mass of people the way a traditional community does–two people who know how to ‘protect and border and salute’ each other’s solitude can form a circle of trust” (73) The average Circle of Trust contains five to eight participants.

There are rules in a Circle of Trust. These are:

a.Respect one another

b. Do not blurt

c. Do not interrupt one another. Everyone gets their say.

d. Turn off cell-phones

e. Never argue with another circle member

f. Allow the moderator to moderate.

g. Greet one another and always pray

If everyone can agree to adhere to the rules of the Circle of Trust you can avoid chaos and misunderstandings, and the planned events can take place.

Women Under His Wings is a Circle of Trust. Feel free to unburden your heart with the knowledge that your sisters in Christ will listen, pray, intercede, and keep the things that are close to your heart in their trust.

Rev. Charlene W. Kirst

Reference: “ A Hidden Wholeness’ by Parker J. Palmer. Copyright 2004 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.  Jossey-Bass Publishers.

Artist Simon Beck must really love the cold weather! Along the frozen lakes of Savoie, France, he spends days plodding through the snow in raquettes (snowshoes), creating these sensational patterns of snow art. Working for 5-9 hours a day, each final piece is typically the size of three soccer fields! The geometric forms range in mathematical patterns and shapes that create stunning, sometimes 3D, designs when viewed from higher levels.

How long these magnificent geometric forms survive is completely dependent on the weather. Beck designs and redesigns the patterns as new snow falls, sometimes unable to finish a piece due to significant overnight accumulations. Interestingly enough, he said, ‘The main reason for making them was because I can no longer run properly due to problems with my feet, so plodding about on level snow is the least painful way of getting exercise. Gradually, the reason has become photographing them, and I am considering buying a better camera. Spectacular art for the sake of exercise!

Picture credits/artist: Simon Beck

 Momma’s Source: mymodernmet.com

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Psalms as Songs. I believe that we sometimes forget that Psalms were the original hymns of the Old Testament. They still apply today, but are mostly used as Biblical poetry endowed with wisdom. David, especially, wrote Psalms as praise of God’s deliverance and as inspiration for others. That is why in this present age we can personally relate to the Psalms and hold them dear to our hearts. Psalms are an expression of the inner workings and intentions of the heart, therefore they still stand the test of time.  Psalm 57, which we have here, is a Psalm which expresses David’s gratitude for the shelter of God’s wings. Saul was in pursuit of David, which placed David and his followers in a defensive position. Through the grace of GOD, David was able to turn the tables and to become a victor. We all have that ability in Christ today. We are truly loved.

PSALM 57

Psalm 57^[a]

For the director of music. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” Of David. A miktam.^[b] When he had fled from Saul into the cave.

² I cry out to God Most High,
    to God, who vindicates me.
³ He sends from heaven and saves me,
    rebuking those who hotly pursue me—^[c]
    God sends forth his love and his faithfulness.

⁴ I am in the midst of lions;
    I am forced to dwell among ravenous beasts—
men whose teeth are spears and arrows,
    whose tongues are sharp swords.

⁵ Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
    let your glory be over all the earth.

⁶ They spread a net for my feet —
    I was bowed down in distress.
They dug a pit in my path—
    but they have fallen into it themselves.

⁷ My heart, O God, is steadfast,
    my heart is steadfast;
    I will sing and make music.
⁸ Awake, my soul!
    Awake, harp and lyre!
    I will awaken the dawn.

⁹ I will praise you, Lord, among the nations;
    I will sing of you among the peoples.
¹⁰ For great is your love, reaching to the heavens;
    your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

¹¹ Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
    let your glory be over all the earth.

Footnotes:

1. Psalm 57:1 In Hebrew texts 57:1-11 is numbered 57:2-12.

2. Psalm 57:1 Title: Probably a literary or musical term

3. Psalm 57:3 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verse 6.

Cross references:

1. Psalm 57:1 : 57:7-11pp — Ps 108:1-5
2. Psalm 57:1 : 1Sa 22:1; 24:3; Ps 142 Title
3. Psalm 57:1 : Ps 2:12; 9:9; 34:22
4. Psalm 57:1 : S Ru 2:12; S Mt 23:37
5. Psalm 57:1 : Isa 26:20
6. Psalm 57:2 : Ps 138:8
7. Psalm 57:3 : Ps 18:9, 16; 69:14; 142:6; 144:5, 7
8. Psalm 57:3 : Ps 56:1
9. Psalm 57:3 : Ps 25:10; 40:11; 115:1
10. Psalm 57:4 : S Ps 35:17
11. Psalm 57:4 : S Ps 55:21; Pr 30:14
12. Psalm 57:5 : ver 11; Ps 108:5
13. Psalm 57:6 : Ps 10:9; 31:4; 140:5
14. Psalm 57:6 : S Ps 38:6; 145:14
15. Psalm 57:6 : S Ps 9:15
16. Psalm 57:6 : S Est 6:13; Ps 7:15; Pr 28:10; Ecc 10:8
17. Psalm 57:7 : Ps 112:7
18. Psalm 57:8 : Ps 33:2; 149:3; 150:3
19. Psalm 57:10 : S Ps 36:5
20. Psalm 57:11 : S Ps 8:1; 113:4
21. Psalm 57:11 : S ver 5

 New International Version (NIV)Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica

 Exactly what is Twilight?

[The Day of Pentecost marked an Epiphany moment for the Christian Church as it was the day that the promise of Christ to send his Holy Spirit to mankind was fulfilled. This was the beginning of the Early Church, so the Book of Acts bears great significance in the Canon of Holy Scripture. Take note of Peter's impassioned speech to the people gathered to witness this marvelous miracle.]

The Holy Spirit Comes at Pentecost

2 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues[a] as the Spirit enabled them.

5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,[b] 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”

13 Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.”

Peter Addresses the Crowd

14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. 15 These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! 16 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

17 “‘In the last days, God says,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams.
18 Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
and they will prophesy.
19 I will show wonders in the heavens above
and signs on the earth below,
blood and fire and billows of smoke.
20 The sun will be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood
before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.
21 And everyone who calls
on the name of the Lord will be saved.’[c]

 

22 “Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. 23 This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men,[d] put him to death by nailing him to the cross. 24 But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. 25 David said about him:

“‘I saw the Lord always before me.
Because he is at my right hand,
I will not be shaken.
26 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will rest in hope,
27 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
you will not let your holy one see decay.
28 You have made known to me the paths of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence.’[e]

29 “Fellow Israelites, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. 30 But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. 31 Seeing what was to come, he spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that he was not abandoned to the realm of the dead, nor did his body see decay. 32 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. 33 Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. 34 For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said,

“‘The Lord said to my Lord:
“Sit at my right hand
35 until I make your enemies
a footstool for your feet.”’[f]

 

36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”
37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off —for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

The Fellowship of the Believers

42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Footnotes:
a.Acts 2:4 Or languages; also in verse 11
b.Acts 2:9 That is, the Roman province by that name
c.Acts 2:21 Joel 2:28-32
d.Acts 2:23 Or of those not having the law (that is, Gentiles)
e.Acts 2:28 Psalm 16:8-11 (see Septuagint)
f.Acts 2:35 Psalm 110:1

Charlene’s Source: retrieved May 3, 2012 from www.biblegateway.com on the World-wide Web

All Scripture Quotes are from the New International Version of the Holy Bible

Charlene is an avid learner, and has an A.A.S. degree from Thomas Nelson Community  College in Hampton, Virginia. She acquired a Bachelors in Biblical Studies and a Masters in Servant Leadership from Viterbo University in LaCrosse, WI in 2006. She has studied at Wakefield Seminary in Wakefield, Virginia, and is at  present seeking her Doctorate in Servant Leadership.

“Study to show thyself approved unto GOD, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”   2 Timothy 2:15

 Her passions are The WORD, prayer, counseling, music, teaching, the prophetic, helps, and womens ministry.

Hobbies include art, blogging, writing, songwriting, photography, sewing, and truck gardening.

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Psalm 17:8

“Keep me as the apple of your eye, hide me in the shadow of your wings…”

Women Under His Wings  is a ministry of helps, prayer, sisterhood and community interaction.  Educational opportunities are emphasized for women in the group through weekly lessons designed to strengthen and encourage growth of all participants. 

Blessed by GOD, Women Under His Wings is faithfully meeting  in community with one another. We are dedicated servants of The Living GOD and all that is HIS.  We walk in love for His children.

Mission of  Women Under His Wings

 Our mission is to help women to grow in their understanding of who they are in Christ Jesus, and to be strengthened to do His will. This is accomplished through working together and learning together as we explore the fundamental truths of the Word of GOD and apply these truths in a practical way. Practicing servant leadership and followership will be a part of our growth time together as we strive to produce good fruit mete for repentence. Women Under His Wings is committed to serving those in need in the Coulee Region and  people living in the surrounding communities.

                                   Serenity Prayer   Reinholdt Niebuht

GOD, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time, enjoying one moment at a time; accepting hardship as a pathway to peace; taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; trusting that you will make things all right if I surrender to Your will; so that I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with You forever in the next.   AMEN

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I said to the LORD, “LORD, let me be a butterfly so fine and free.

Let my heart take wings, And without a care,

Let me spread enjoyment everywhere!” 

“My child, said the Lord,

It’s up to you,

Are you willing to trust me, Like the butterflies do?”

“Yes, Lord, I trust you!” was my glib reply-

“How much could it cost to be a butterfly?”

 

“Fine, said the Lord, let’s get on with it then,

First you must die–

That’s how we’ll begin!” 

My heart skipped a beat, And my stomach grew tight,

As I said to the Lord, “Did I hear you right?”

 “My child, ” said the Lord, Surely you know–

The worm has to die, So beauty can grow.’ 

“It’s not easy,that’s true, But my way is best,

And I”ll be beside you All through your test.’

 

Then the Lord took his finger And touched my heart,

And began to probe Each secret part. 

Unforgiveness, Anger, Selfishness, too, All had to go

 if I would be new! 

“i’m sorry,” I cried, “Please help me to die.

I do so want to be Your butterfly.” 

“I love you, Jesus, ” Was all I could say,

“Come into my heart, Make it yours today!.” 

Whatever it takes Lord, I’m ready now,

Your servant is waiting, Just show me how!”

 

“My child, ” said the Lord, You’ve already begun,

And we’ll continue the work, Till the job is done.” 

“Little by Little, Each day you’ll die,

But you’ll live again As my butterfly!’ 

 

Anonymous

 

This beautiful poem speaks of transformation and change–but of a good variety. As we think back on the time of our conversion we realize that, yes, it is similar to the journey of the butterfly. We die to our old selves and become new in Christ. What a marvelous mystery is ours to enjoy throughout eternity.

 

 Picture credit: yahoo images

Rev. Charlene W. Kirst

This entry was posted in God’s Love, His Art, Poetry of God, Thoughts and tagged Butterfly, conversion, death, eternity, God, growth, mystery, the Father, The LORD by admin.   

Matthew 4

Jesus Is Tested in the Wilderness

 ¹ Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted^[a] by the devil. ² After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. ³The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”

 ⁴ Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’^[b]”

 ⁵ Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. ⁶“If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:

   “‘He will command his angels concerning you,
   and they will lift you up in their hands,
   so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’^[c]”

 ⁷ Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’^[d]”

 ⁸ Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. ⁹“All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”

 ¹⁰ Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’^[e]”

 ¹¹Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

Jesus Begins to Preach

 ¹² When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he withdrew to Galilee. ¹³ Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali— ¹⁴to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah:

 ¹⁵ “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali,
   the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan,
   Galilee of the Gentiles—
¹⁶ the people living in darkness
   have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death
   a light has dawned.”^[f]

 ¹⁷ From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

Jesus Calls His First Disciples

 ¹⁸ As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ¹⁹ “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” ²⁰At once they left their nets and followed him.

 ²¹ Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, ²²and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

Jesus Heals the Sick

 ²³ Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. ²⁴ News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them. ²⁵ Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis,^[g]Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him.

1. Matthew 4:1 The Greek for tempted can also mean tested.
2. Matthew 4:4 Deut. 8:3
3. Matthew 4:6 Psalm 91:11,12
4. Matthew 4:7 Deut. 6:16
5. Matthew 4:10 Deut. 6:13
6. Matthew 4:16 Isaiah 9:1,2
7. Matthew 4:25 That is, the Ten Cities

Source: retrieved from www.Bible gateway .com on April 17, 2012.

What Is The Purpose of Temptation, Testing, and Trial?

Temptation, Testing and Trial are gifts from GOD placed in your life to help you to mature and to give you solid foundation for the implementation of GOD’s work. As GOD tested His son in the wilderness–he also tests us, his sons and daughters, in our own wilderness–the wilderness of life. Since the fall, even with the redemptive sacrifice of Jesus Christ to provide salvation, mankind tends to follow the beat of the wrong drummer. This results in wrong decisions, mistakes, and an unclear path through the wilderness. While seeking to focus on the correct path–there will be nurmerous trials to endure, and temptations of every sort will be laid in front of you by the Tempter to trip you and make you fall. It is up to you to seek direction from GOD to order your steps and to keep you on the right path once it is gained.

Now, supposing that you are a willing worker for Christ–discerning His will for your life and the special vision that He placed inside of you many years ago. This vision was shared by your partner in ministry, and even though time has passed since the prophecy came forth–time did not invalidate the prophecy; people invalidate prophecy.

How is this Done?

Prophecy is timeless. GOD determines the season of fulfillment based upon our growth and understanding. Many times we are called to support another’s vision for a season. This is good in the sight of GOD, but there comes a moment when you realize that the vision placed on your heart-line so long ago is starting to give birth. This vision may have been thwarted at some point or perhaps the laborers were too few or too immature.and the vision faded for a season. Whatever the reason for the delay–this is where you now stand.

Obviously this becomes subject to interpretation, especially on the part of those whom you have labored with and for through many years. They would rather have you support their vision as all things do point to GOD. I agree that this is logical, however, even within the realm of visions, there is not one vision or visionary, except Christ, who reigns over all. GOD can plant seeds in many of His servants, water them, then watch them either stagnate, sprout and die,  or sprout and flourish. Read ‘Parable of The Sower’ Mark 4: 1-32.

The timing of fruition or produce is in the food and provision. Spiritual food is different from physical food. Physical food is designed to feed the cells of the body; to nourish and stimulate more growth of our physical shell–because that is what the body is. The physical acts as a repository (a place where non-material things are placed or stored) for our spiritual being, and, if we are saved, the home of the Holy Spirit, for He is within us. Spiritual food has a different natural make-up and function. Spiritual food is designed by our Creator to feed our souls and spirits, and without this spiritual food, we are doomed to die from lack of nourishment. A baby fed with physical food but denied physical touch and comfort of their spirit will die. Jesus said, “it is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of GOD.’   Matthew 4: 4

Seeking GOD at this time of prophetic revealment is crucial. The noise of living can crowd GOD’s voice out and make it difficult to hear. Sadly, we can become so busy that we are performing works, not Kingdom building.

To be continued…

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This entry was posted in Our Studies, Rev. Charlene’s Teachings, Scripture Expounded, Scripture to Share,Women UHW Curriculum and tagged deliverance, Jesus the Christ, Matthew 4, temptation, trials, visions, wilderness by admin.

 Updated For May 2012

Hi Ladies of God

 Women Under His Wings is forging ahead in Christ. We are, as was written in Acts 2,  now adding to our numbers daily. Women Under His Wings is a ministry for  Ladies of The Coulee Region Area. All are Welcome. We are non-denominational and dedicated to furthering the ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Spring is here once again. We had such a mild winter this year, but I am not complaining. The winter of 2010-2011 was hard. This winter it was easier to move around and it was certainly easier on our vehicles. Since Spring is here Women Under His Wings is looking for opportunities to be in community events and spread the Gospel. What benefit can we gain from this?  It enables us to reach more people, to discover new things in Christ, and to reassess many former things. May this year bring needed growth and rejuvenation– and, as we continue with this year of learning to apply what Jesus has been teaching us, let us be ever mindful of The Word of GOD.

 Read Matthew 13: 18-23 

“Therefore hear the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the Word of the Kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside. But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the  Word, immediately he stumbles. Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the Word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the Word and he becomes unfruitful. But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the Word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty”.

What type of soil surrounds your roots? Is your seed producing good fruit or is it being held back and wasted by lack of spiritual nourishment? Be ye like the seed that falls on fertile ground and produces abundant fruit so that all may partake of the goodness of GOD.

                                              May GOD Be With You

                                                            Charlene

All Scripture Quotes taken from the Authorized King  James Version, World Book Publishers, Inc.  Iowa Falls, Iowa   Copyright 1989

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