GCR Women

Our natural tendency is to be liked by others and to be accepted by them. Being alone or feeling like an outcast is one of the emptiest conditions of the soul.  To keep from being in that state we conform. Conformity demands we go along with whatever those whose acceptance we crave tells us. Doing the right thing becomes doing the acceptable thing.  In Ezekiel 11, the Lord told Ezekiel to warn the disobedient people of Jerusalem about their coming destruction, when and how it would happen. In verse 12, He tells them why: “And you will know that I am the Lord, for you have not followed my decrees or kept my laws but have conformed to the standards of the nations around you.” Woe to us if we neglect God’s laws and conform to the world’s standards!  Choose instead to conform to the Word of God. Love, Patrice  Romans 12:2 NIV Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s ...

Life can be hard. Sometimes we feel as if we’re drowning or being swallowed alive or sinking in quick sand. At times like these, the incomparable beauty of encouraging words from the heart of a dear friend are like a life preserver that we can grasp onto as we struggle to survive, a shining light in our sea of despair. Words have the power of life and death. Oh that we will always choose to speak words of life and hope! With love, Patrice Proverbs‬ ‭25:11‬ ‭KJV‬‬ A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. ‭‭

The bond between friends is both fragile and strong. It should be fiercely protected and regularly checked for damage or neglect.  I saw with my own eyes the beauty and strength that flows from the fount of well-tended friendships.  Tossing their other duties and obligations aside, two brave and tender men came to the rescue of their friend when he was in deep distress and couldn’t help himself.  As if asked by the Lord Jesus Christ himself, they firmly planted themselves between their friend - their brother - and danger.  With compassion and patience, they answered my cry for help and I’ll love them always for the beautiful gift of friendship and love they have given to my husband.  God bless you, Doug. God bless you, Glenn. Love, Patrice John‬ ‭15:12‬ ‭NIV‬‬ My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.

Dreams and promises. Lots of planning. Lots of work. Decisions made, changed and made again. In the end, perfection from the heart   But let’s go back to the beginning. It started years ago when God gifted one family with a son and another family with a daughter. Born in different parts of the world, in the natural, their relationship seemed unlikely or maybe impossible but God…. God determined to bring them together by means neither saw coming. The grace and providence of our Father answered all our prayers for this couple.  Watching their love blossom and their joy made complete in their covenant marriage before God gives me fresh hope. These two will face their future with love, hand in hand. Oh the adventure that lies before them! May God bless them with more happiness than sorrow and when the challenges of life appear, may the vows they took before God and us witnesses see them through.  To love and to cherish, for richer or for poorer, for better or for worse, in si...

Have you ever had one of those moments when you get a glimpse of your future? I did yesterday and it’s hovering over me like a black cloud.  I know God is in control. I know He has plans for me for good. But when the darkness swirls around me, it’s hard to see the light.  So I wait and trust that even in the darkness, God is there. Even in my future, God is there. Even in my present, God is there.  And He cares.  Waiting.  Patrice Nahum‬ ‭1:7‬ ‭NIV‬‬ The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him. ‭‭

I’ve never run a marathon. The closest thing that I’ve done is walk in the KWO Kick for Kenya race one year.   That race was well-marked with arrows painted on the pavement and signs and barricades showing us where to turn,which way to go. Along the course were aid stations manned with people handing out water and encouraging us to keep going. Police officers guarded key intersections to protect us from cars and cross-traffic.  I walked with my husband and another couple who were dear friends of ours. As we walked, my knee started giving me trouble, so I had to slow down, but even though I couldn’t go very fast, they didn’t leave me behind.  We finished. We finished dead last but we finished! And those who finished before us cheered as we crossed the finish line.  But I’d never have finished the race if I had never taken my first step.  At a recent retreat, we studied lots of tools and techniques for running a successful race. And how did the speaker define succ...

One of the most fascinating characteristics of God is His goodness. Throughout scripture, we read of God and His goodness. From creation, God desires to bring good to us. Since He is good, He gives us what we need, not what we want. When we need it, He disciplines us. When we need it, He comforts us.  God’s goodness prevents Him from being unmerciful and too harsh.  He remembers that we are dust (Psalm 103:14b). His goodness is part of the sparkle of His love. We can’t outrun His goodness because He loves us and surrounds His people (Psalm 125:2). Every good and perfect gift is from above (James 1:17). Any good in us is from Him, not from us but we can be a reflection of His goodness and so bring Him glory. God’s goodness is so much more than I can describe. Let’s put His Words in our hearts, so we can declare the goodness of God. Thank you, Father! Patrice Psalms‬ ‭119:68‬ ‭NIV‬‬ You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees. ‭‭