Purpose of Sisters CG

Last night we had a good sharing on the purpose we're establishing a cell group specifically for sisters only. Here are what we hope to provide in our CG:

1. Encouragement to see and say. To have an ability to look within and examine our own heart.
2. We provide a simple, prayerful atmosphere where a person will feel welcomed.
3. Inner Healing - tears are a sign of inner healing. Healing from perpetuating the same sins over and over. We need healing from guilt, shame and inner condemnation. We need healing and restoration in our relationship with God in preparation for better and truthful Sacrament of Reconciliation.
4. We provide a place of trust, support, encouragement, inspirtation, motivation and learning. We also provide non-judgemental, safe place where we can open ourselves fully. When we can share our innermost secrets and sins, we are letting in the light of God and moving forward. A process of freedom begins.
5. Healing occurs. Issues are confronted. Forgiveness and mercy are received. Self-acceptance and knowledge of self begins.
6. Practice of honesty, understanding our own human frailties and failings, opening door for grace to come in.
7. Surrendering to God all our struggles. To have communion with God and one another.

Thanks to Josephine who came up with the details.

Our next CG night will be on 19 January 2010, Tuesday, 8-10 pm. Location will be informed via SMS. Hope those who are interested can give me a buzz and leave a message to me. All ladies are invited, age 19 and above!

God bless! ^___^

Portrait of a Godly Woman

Last night we had our second Sisters CG night and three of us made up the group - Josephine, Lydia and myself. Jesus Himself promised "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." (Matthew 18:20, NIV). I don't have my personal bible with me in school, so I'm refering to the school's NIV bible instead. I was so encouraged by Lydia's presence in our CG last night, knowing that God is exactly doing what He wants to do to us all. Praise the Lord for His presence in our lives!

Let's get going about Proverbs 31:10-31... You can click here (NAB version) and here (NIV verson) for the reading.

The woman who was described in this passage is an idealised woman, a composite of many capable woman. As we read this passage, we start to discover that the ancient biblical idea of womanhood does not consist of a stereotyped housewife occupied with dirty dishes and laundry, or her daily life wholly dictated by the unreasonable demands of her husband and children, nor did we see anything of a hardened, overly ambitious career woman who does not care for her family.

What we discovered from the material written by Sheila Graham according to the bible passage was a woman who is strong, dignified, multitalented and caring. She's also an individual in her own right, etc. Most importantly, her primary concern is God's will in her life. She is a woman after God's own heart... So let us go through the characteristics of this woman who is a role model for all Christian women today:

1. Strong, capable woman with strong convictions. A woman who does not agree with those who associate feminity with weakness and passivity.
2. Trusted by her husband to manage their resources, and her industriousness adds to family income.
3. Her character is stead. She is reliable and dependable. She does not base her actions on how she is treated by others or by what others think.
4. She plans ahead for what she needs in order to accomplish her responsibilities.
5. She goes extra mile for quality items.
6. She sets the pace of her household, taking responsibility to take care of those under their authority as one of her top priorities.
7. She uses her mind, logically analyses a situation before making a decision. She envisions the long-range benefits of her decisions.
8. She keeps herself healthy and strong by proper health practices - good diet, adequate rest and exercise.
9. She knows that her merchandise is good and takes pride in doing a good job. No one ever worries that her responsibilities are not taken care of.
10. She develops her talents and hones her skills through education and diligent application.
11. She shows personal concern to people around her.
12. She provides clothing for the family, taking it seriously and plans ahead. She does not practise crisis management.
13. She has high standards and dresses properly for the occasion.
14. Her man does not have to spend half his time trying to straighten out problems at home, and his success in the social world comes partly from her support, just as her success comes partly from his support. He trusted her to manage the estate efficiently.
15. She runs a business from her home, where the efforts and industry add to the family income.
16. This woman benefits each day from her wise and diligent actions. Long-term lifetime benefits and rewards lie in store for her.
17. She is well-read and has the facts. She knows what she is talking about and she is able to express herself intelligently, tactfully and diplomatically. People come to her for good advice.
18. She is an organised, energetic person who carries out her responsibilities.
19. She is honoured in her home and her husband teaches their children to respect her and the virtues she personifies. She is not a doormat, slavishly trying to appease and please her family, no matter how unreasonable their demands.
20. She is a role model for women of all time.
21. Her priorities are determined by God's will, not her own. She is concerned about what God thinks, rather than with what other people think. If a woman's beauty and charm are the extent of her virtues, what happens when time and the trials of life take their toll? This woman depends not on beauty and charm for her success, BUT her need for God.
22. This woman is actively doing, not merely talking. She does not boast about her plans for the future or her successes of the past. They are obvious.

Well, these are the explanation I derived after reading the article written by Sheila Graham. This woman seems too good to be true, isn't it? Well, we have to recognise and accept that no one excels in everything, and not everyone has the same skills.

It is important that as a woman of God, we realise that regardless of our natural talents or acquired skills, or all our accomplishments, our strength comes from God. So, a virtuous woman is a woman who put God first. And this ideal woman should encourage all women everywhere.

Culture changes, but this woman's God-inspired character still shines brightly across the centuries.