"What I am going to take away is Janatude."

These were the words of Jana's sister at her funeral.

Jana was a lovely woman of many graces. She was a Mother of two sons, the youngest of which is autistic. She and her husband John have been part of our small group Bible Study for years, and I always loved it when she would chime in with her opinion during class. She offered tender, thoughtful and tested words to the discussion.

She knew God and loved Him. Her diabetes and epilepsy combined with her sons autism had paved a path that took her deep into the heart of God - and it showed. I always told her she was smart. Her response was always, "Naaa, I'm just opinionated!"

She never awoke Friday morning, and now there is a big hole in our church, in her home, and in the hearts of all who knew her.

But what remains is "Janatude."

That's her special blend of optimism, wit and faith that she brought to everyone and every situation. Jana had plenty of reasons to get discouraged, but she always offered encouragement. That's "Janatude."

She should have spent lots of time crying, but she smiled more than she frowned. That's "Janatude."

She could have been hopeless about the future, but she faced it with vigor and eagerness. That's "Janatude."

To be honest, I really can't believe she's gone. I will miss her spunk. But what I will take away from her life is "Janatude".

What a special gift to leave behind to those who remain... an attitude worth emulating. As we drove home from the funeral, I wondered, "What is the attitude I will be remembered for?"

How about you? What attitude will you be remembered for?

Winston Churchill once said, "Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference."

It seems that what we say is seldom remembered. Often what we do is forgotten. But the attitude with which we say and do things in this life is noticed. It's the attitude and spirit of a person that speaks loudly of his or her character.

Our attitudes can't really be disguised by actions or hidden by words for it's the attitude that cuts through the clamor of our activity and words revealing our true selves. As Earl Nightingale said, "Our attitude toward life determines life's attitude towards us."

So, since attitudes are contagious, may you and I infect all we know with a "Janatude!" May we be the bearers of attitudes that reveal a life changed and shaped by Christ.

"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus." Philippians 2:5

Blessings and Joy,
Jennifer Rothschild
Author of Self Talk, Soul Talk: What to Say When You Talk to Yourself, and Founder of WomensMinistry.NET

The best information we receive about the nuts and bolts of Women's Ministry is when we hear what you all are doing "in the trenches." Our new weekly poll is your opportunity to share your expertise and knowledge with all our subscribers!

Each week we will ask a question, and share a link for you to post your answers. The following week we will provide a link where you can see the results of the question, along with a new question. It takes just a minute, and your input is immediately added.

Sound like fun? Well, let's get going! This week's question is:

How much time do you devote to Women's Ministry each week?

Answer the question HERE.

The results are in and we are ready to share them with you.

In last week's first ever WM.Net weekly poll, we asked you, "What are the best times to offer Bible studies for your women?" And here is what you said:

• Wednesday Evening 33.7%
• Tuesday Evening 30.6%
• Tuesday Morning 25.7%
• Thursday Evening 25%
• Monday Evening 20.5%

Also... several of you sent emails to tell us about how you are incorporating Bible Studies into Sunday School. This is a great way to include women who cannot attend studies during the week. We appreciate your sharing!

The 2008 WomensMinistry.Net Directory is now accepting listings and renewals. Let Women's Ministry leaders around the country know about your ministry!

Do Something Different in 2008

A classic definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting different results. If you've tried and failed at reading through the Bible in the past, perhaps it's time to try something different for the New Year.

No rocket science here, just five simple tips to tweak both your perspective on Bible reading and your results in 2008 and beyond.

1. If you've already read Genesis, then START SOMEWHERE ELSE.
If you've tried starting in Genesis and found yourself stalled in Exodus, Leviticus, or Numbers (and what Bible reader hasn't?) it's time to take a different approach to reading through the Bible. Read book by book, but don't be bound to reading straight through from front cover to back cover. First Samuel is a great place to start, so is the Gospel of John. Use a pencil and the Table of Contents to track your progress.

2. FOCUS on what you DO understand.
Many would-be Bible readers give up entirely when they encounter difficult material. If this sounds like you, this year instead of being consumed by what you don't understand try concentrating on what you DO understand. You'll find that what is clear will far outpace what seems unclear. Over time you'll also find that the more you read, the more you will understand.

3. REDEEM the time you have.
Thinking we have to find the perfect time to spend with God, or do anything else for that matter, will backfire almost every time. Instead of focusing on "the perfect time," try redeeming the moments that you have. Instead of picking up that magazine, pick up God's Book. Set down the newspaper, log off the e-mail. Read while you're waiting at the doctor's office; read while you're waiting to pick up the kids; believe it or not, you can even keep a copy of the Bible in your bathroom.

4. THROW AWAY the quotas.
Goals are good, but strict quotas for Bible reading drive most people directly from relationship to ritual. If you've ever experienced a 3-chapter per day quota swelling to catch-up readings of 30 or more chapters, listen closely. Start thinking of your Bible reading as a "Get to do" instead of a "Got to do." Then benchmark and reward yourself monthly or quarterly for your progress and watch the joy of reading return.

5. Take at least TWO OTHERS along.
First, ask God to guide your journey and give you the desire to read and the wisdom to know when and how to weave it into your life. Second, ask a friend or a small group of friends to read through with you and to help provide accountability. The simple reality is that if someone is asking you where you've been reading, you will be more inclined to actually do it.

Author: Pam Gillaspie is the author of "Ablaze: Igniting Spiritual Passion for Life through Reading God's Word." Download this list and other free Bible study resources at www.deepandwide.org.

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.

Obviously, because you are receiving this eNewsletter, you are signed up for the Jennifer's "weekly" WomensMinistry.NET eNewsletter. However, if you want to get up close, and personal with Jennifer, just click on the Update Profile link at the bottom of this email, and select the Java with Jennifer interest group when asked to update your profile.

Still not sure?

See the Latest Issue here.

I'm so excited to tell you about the launch of our Fresh Grounded Faith Conferences!

These Kingdom-minded, regional events encourage women to connect with each other and God. Our desire is to warm your heart, and awaken your spirit through great Bible study, incredible worship, and off-the-charts laughter.

In just eight short days Fresh Grounded Faith with Jennifer Rothschild will be in Waco, Texas featuring our wonderful friend and funny woman Anita Renfroe (there's a reason she's received 4 million YouTube visits for her TotalMomsense performance). We'll also have incredible worship by former Women of Faith worship leader Shelley Jennings.

Visit www.FreshBrewedFaithConference.com

 

Someone Has to Win... Why Not You!

When you visit our Featured Sponsor link, you will automatically be entered to win a free book, cd, or other resource from WomensMinistry.NET.

We randomly select the winner from those that click through the featured sponsor links in last week's issue.
This week's winner is...nellie@imalowe.com...

reaching more than 20,000 influential women's ministry leaders across the world. Click here for Advertising Rates

Here's what some of our recent Ad Sponsors are saying:

"We have never been disappointed in how advertising in the WomensMinistry.NET newsletter has put us in touch with women of prayer all across the world. Thank you, Phil and Jennifer, for this AWESOME newsletter. The MDOP ministry will be forever blessed because of it." Kathy Coleman, Founder, Mom's Days of Prayer

Here's how it works... send us your great ideas and if we use them in a newsletter you will be automatically entered to win the book bundle for the quarter. The more great ideas you submit, the more chances to win. At the end of the quarter we will announce the winner and the books she has won!

Our popular WomensMinistry.NET Directory of Speaker, Authors, and other Gifted Communicators is where Women's Ministry leaders and event planners find great speakers for their events. Also, Silver and Gold Listings receive special pricing on eNewsletter Sponsor Ads.

Just click on the link below to update your personal information today.