One school night, I found my high schooler lying on his floor in despondency when he was supposed to be finishing a big English project. ‘What’s going on?’ I asked in disbelief. ‘What about your portfolio? Are you already done?’ His only response was a moan, a groan, and deep sigh. ‘I’m overwhelmed-this is too much, I’m too tired, there’s not enough time, I can’t do it.’

He was paralyzed by his project. It seemed bigger than he was and instead of forging forward, he was ready to quit. I know how he felt because I've felt that way before too. And, I know you have too-you may even feel that way right now.

When you are overwhelmed, you can tell yourself to press on till you’re breathless, and that little cheer may fall flat when your energy is spent and your hope is long gone. So, it’s essential that perseverance be practical.

Perseverance is not just a motivational speech; it’s not just an abstract concept. It can be a concrete, step by step, executable plan. So, if and when you are overwhelmed and ready to throw in the towel, give these a try!

1. Turn your feelings into action.

If you feel overwhelmed because a project is due... then DO the project!! If a circumstance is intimidating you, then take a deep breath and confront the circumstance. Instead of ruminating about the feelings, do something! Even if it is a small action, pick up the pen... type a word on the computer... get up off the floor! Steady, small actions will slowly reduce the big feeling that is paralyzing you. I know psychologists say that there are no wrong feelings, but, there are definitely unproductive feelings. So instead of spending more energy pondering how overwhelmed you feel, get up, take action. Write a “to do” list, and then do one thing on that list! Do what you dread, tackle what terrifies you. Turn your feelings into action.

"Nobody trips over mountains. It is the small pebble that causes you to stumble. Pass all the pebbles in your path and you will find that you have crossed the mountain.” ~Author Unknown

2. Recognize that who you are and what you struggle with is not the same thing.

Just because you have failed at something, doesn’t mean you are a failure. “Home run hitters strike out a lot.” ~Reggie Jackson

In late 1918, Walt Disney tried to enlist in the military but he was rejected because he was too young. This was just the first of many failed attempts to come. Rather than accepting defeat, he joined the Red Cross and for a year he drove an ambulance in France. Unlike most ambulances which were painted camouflage, his was decorated with cartoon characters!

Upon returning home, He began producing short animated films for local businesses, in Kansas City. It wasn’t long before his creative attempts rendered him bankrupt though. Not even 22 years old but Walt didn’t give up. He packed up his unfinished projects and his willpower and headed to California. With nothing else to lose except his determination, he joined forces with his brother Roy and secured a loan. They set up shop in their uncle’s garage and the rest... is history!

What if the 16 year old Walt had decided he was just too young to do anything useful? What if he’d given up on his dream after his failure in Kansas City? What if bankruptcy was what he let define him? What if he’d decided to quit when he surveyed the very unglamorous and seemingly dead end surroundings of his uncle’s garage? Put simply, what if he’d quit? Oh, what we would have missed.

The same applies to you, my friend.

If you quit, the world will be lacking what you alone bring to it. Don’t quit. Even winners fail every now and then. Remind yourself of who you are in Christ. That sentence will always begin with “I am.” Remember, “I am” is not the same as “I feel.” Don’t let feelings define you let truth define your feelings.

“Character consists of what you do on the third and fourth tries.” ~John Albert Michener

3. Recognize that what you feed grows, and what you starve dies.

A wise penguin in the movie Happy Feet once said that "‘Triumph’ is just trying with a little ‘umph!’" I love that! In his book, The Spiritual Life, Walter Elliott wrote: "Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after another." Both the author and the penguin make a wise point. What you invest in pays off! In other words, what you feed grows, and conversely, what you starve dies.

If you continue to feed your feelings of wanting to quit, then those feelings will grow. If you continue to feed your low self esteem with, I can’t or it’s too hard for me, then your low self esteem will grow. But, if you begin to starve those things, then they will slowly die. So how do you starve those feelings and struggles? Speak truth to your soul. When you feel a big 'I can’t' coming on, starve it by showering it with the truth of, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”(Phil 4:13) When you feel like giving up, starve that thought with the truth, “We are not of those who shrink back!” (Heb 11:39)

What are you feeding? Is it time for you to withhold nutrition and let that damaging self talk die? Abraham Lincoln said: ” I am a slow walker, but I never walk backwards.” So, my friend, don’t turn back. Walk on... slowly but surely. The world needs what you alone can bring!

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Gal. 6:9

This newsletter is packed with great ideas for all types of ministries, games, events, and icebreakers because YOU, the readers send them to us.

One way we say "thank you" is our quarterly book bundle giveaway! There is information further down in the newsletter about the types of ideas we are looking for and how you can send them in. If we use your idea, you are automatically entered with a chance to win a book bundle.

The winner of Oct-Dec 2006 will receive one copy of each of the following books:

And... the winner is...

Corina Bowen who submitted a Ministry Idea entitled "More Than Rubies" that was featured in Issue #333 on Oct. 6, 2006.

Congratulations Corina! Please send your mailing address to robyne@womensministry.net and we will send you your books!

Do you want a chance to win a great bundle of books?
Send us your great ideas!

Still your favorite conference! Bridget Taylor Ministries presents "I Choose Joy!" Watch clips from a conference at bridgettaylor.com, then book I CHOOSE JOY! for your 2007-2008 women's event. Let Bridget bring life-changing joy to the ladies of your church.

Take a minute to revisit last week's sponsor...

• Sterling College Online Degree Program
• Nancy Kay Grace

Maybe it was an amazing event or mission trip... or possibly it was a Bible study that had a huge impact on your women... whatever it was, we would love to hear about it.

Send your comments to robyne@womensministry.net

Java with Jennifer is an informal monthly ministry update specifically for friends who want to keep up-to-date on what is happening with Jennifer Rothschild's ministry of writing, speaking, and singing.

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I love Bible studies! Below are three recommendations of new Bible studies, three of my favorite studies, and a list of honorable mentions that I could not resist including. Enjoy!

NEW STUDIES

Redefining Life: For Women by Nav Press (8 weeks)
The stated focus group for this study is twenty- somethings, and I have to admit that I picked it up just because I am a "little" older and wanted to see what was inside. I found a simple, straight forward approach to helping young women see themselves as God sees them. Chapters address being an adult, finding a mate, looking beyond how you look, and living a holy life. I would highly recommend this study for a college and career or young women's small group.

Lord, Teach Me to Study the Bible in 28 Days by Kay Arthur (28 days)
This is a great beginning place for anyone who is interested in the Inductive Bible Study Method. It is very user- friendly, and focuses on analyzing the text through simple steps and questions. If you offer Precept Bible studies in your church, this is a great tool to use for orientation, giving "newbies" an overview of the process. I worked through it last Fall when the book was released, and I found it to be a good refresher course also.

A Woman of Faith: Esther, Dee Brestin Bible Study (9 weeks)
The study looks at how we live faithfully in a world obsessed with wealth, youth, carnal entertainment, and sexual immorality. The study includes suggestions for hymns, memory verses and leader tips. As I read through the study, I thought it would be great to wrap it up with a showing of the movie "One Night with the King."

ROBYNE'S FAVORITES

Fingerprints of God by Jennifer Rothschild (6 weeks)
I probably should preface this by saying this one is not here because Jennifer is our publisher, but because it truly is one of my favorite studies. Many times we feel like God is far away and impersonal. This study challenges women to see how God has touched their lives and how we can have an intimate relationship with our Lord. I think this is a great study to do with new believers to begin to build intimacy with God, or to use in a support group to encourage those who may be struggling with "feeling" like God is not interested in their lives.

Through the Bible in One Year: A 52-Lesson Introduction to the 66 Books of the Bible by Hensley Publishing (52 weeks)
Not for the faint of heart, I know this is a LONG study, but I picked it up about ten years ago and finally sat down to start it about eight years later! (Come on.... you have done the same thing!) It is not a heavy study, but is a great overview of the Bible. I devoted my personal study time to it for several hours a week and managed to complete it in about three months. If you have a group of ladies who are really looking to know the Word, this study is worth the time.

Do You Think I'm Beautiful? Bible Study And Journal: A Guide to Answering the Question Every Woman Asks by Angela Thomas (11 weeks)
We live in a culture that values beauty and many times measure our self- worth by how we look. This is a wonderful study that challenges us to look beyond our material world and see ourselves with God's eyes. He created each of us to be who we are. We look just like He intended us to look. When we look at ourselves through His eyes, we experience a great freedom. I loved this study and encourage you to check it out! Also... I am currently doing a newer study of this author's entitled Living Your Life As A Beautiful Offering.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

• Anything by Beth Moore! Her newest study is Daniel: Lives of Integrity, Words of Prophecy
• A Woman's High Calling by Elizabeth George
• Living By The Book by Howard Hendricks and William Hendricks
• Anything by Women of Faith

In Him... Robyne Beaubien, Editor

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