It is Women’s Month, with a special day to celebrate women on March 8.

In much of the world this is a day of great celebration. And if you are, or know, or love a woman of God, there is much to celebrate. Here are some realities for every woman of God:

Every time you share Christ, you are part of that mighty throng of God’s daughters.

Every time you…

Tell someone about Jesus.

Pray for a friend or a stranger.

Share the stories of lives changed by Jesus.

Use your gifts.

Teach a Bible study.

Love and encourage a discouraged person.

Undertake a mission of compassion and mercy.

Preach at a church.

Care for the children at a church service or conference.

Every time you let God use you and your gifts, every time you love and serve in the power of the Spirit, you are part of that mighty throng of God’s daughters.

I am so grateful to be on God’s Kingdom team with you. And on this International Women’s Day, I celebrate you.

More about International Women’s Day:

The Real Founder of International Women's Day

The Amazing Legacy of Henrietta Mears

Recapturing Valentine’s Day

My long-time Cru friend Wendy loves to do Christmas coffees. She is moving from Indiana back to Orlando and wanted to do one before she left. But Christmas has passed. Here’s a bit of her story:

Melissa, who leads my local women’s group, caught the vision to help teach others know how to invite their not-yet-believing friends, neighbors, and co-workers to a warm, friendly social event where they might take a step of faith. We decided on a “Recapturing Valentine’s Day” Tea.

We faced a few hurdles:

Most hadn’t done something like this, though two had come to my Christmas Coffee.
Church was snowed out the day we were to give our group their invitations—so we mostly delivered them via text.
For some in our group, initiating with someone would be a big step of faith!
We chose our church’s front hall, like a coffee shop (see below).
We continued to remind one another that the goal was to connect with not-yet-believers, not primarily church friends.

The best part? Trusting God together step by step! It was fun to plan when we realized there was no pressure on us to “get” people to come. We’d get to watch God work! If even one was influenced positively in her faith, it would be worth it as we took these steps of faith:

Angie invited six friends! And she rose to the role of chief decorator.
I spoke on ways we can give and receive love in its many forms. And pointed them to a Love that will never fade.
Our group stepped up to: bring a friend, decorate tables, love on those at their table, serve food, play crazy games together, and help clean up.
We learned lots for “next time.” Melissa shared her dream of this becoming an annual outreach. And my dream’s now to return next February!
Five ladies expressed interest in learning more about what God says about His love and how to grow spiritually.

Be a Blessing, Be Blessed

When life is uncertain, or hurtful, or frightening, we turn to God, we pray…and we bless.

We bless? God has convinced me of the power of blessing, and the challenge to live it out. “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” (1 Peter 3:9)

What does it mean to bless? Blessing is the projection of good into another’s life, according to Dallas Willard. Or, as our God says, to bless is to offer prayer to God for someone’s welfare and benefit. What a wonderful thing—to ask for good to happen in another’s life.

Given the realities of family stress, financial needs, racial tensions, fires and blizzards, and now war, I imagine there is great need for blessing in word and deed in many homes and around the world.

Jesus Himself admonishes us, “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44) Paul affirms this: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)

Hate multiplies hate, but blessing multiplies blessing—and comes back to us.

Will you join me in looking for ways to bless—at home, with neighbors, even in the world?

You can read more about blessing here:

Turning Scripture into Blessing