"You are such an inspiration!" I imagine Joni Eareckson Tada has heard that comment millions of times. In fact, I probably have repeated that very phrase to her! I think anyone who lives with a special challenge hears that comment frequently - and rightly so. I know I hear it. And each time I do, I appreciate it.

People are kind and genuine when they offer such a generous remark. But, here's an interesting observation...

Knowing I am someone's inspiration gives me a slight uplift, a ten second buzz when I hear it. It is meaningful to know you inspire someone. But, when the darkness closes in, when the daily-ness of my struggle chokes me with frustration, when the raw reality of what it feels like to be blind just won't go away, being someone's inspiration isn't enough to uplift or sustain me. The encouragement I receive from being someone's inspiration doesn't motivate me out of my sadness or catapult me from my pit. It just doesn't.

But here's what does.

Having someone who inspires me.

Interesting isn't it? If someone is an inspiration to me, then I get the big buzz I need to press on. If I can find a hero to be inspired by, then, I am better equipped to manage my own discouragement.

When I was fifteen, God planted a hero in my heart who would continue to inspire me. Joni Eareckson Tada's example of faith, honesty and resolve continually motivates me when I get tired. Her tenacity and trust in God consistently shine as a standard and guide for me. Being someone's inspiration doesn't minister to my deepest needs nearly as much as having someone as my inspiration does.

So, women in ministry, which role do you fill?

Are you someone's inspiration or do you need to be inspired? Maybe you fill both roles - we often do. Helen Keller once said: "When we do the best that we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life, or in the life of another."

My friend, you are someone's inspiration.

Someone in your ministry is looking to you when they are tired or discouraged. As important as encouragement is to our motivation, it is equally important that we have role models to inspire us when the encouragement runs out. You may just be that inspiration to someone.

If you are the one needing inspiration today, look to a hero. If they can do it, you can do it! Ultimately, we have One who inspires us, and we are honored to follow His example.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3

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

This week's question.
I really struggle with self-loathing and anger. Is there a way to control this?

View Jennifer's Video Answer

Last week's question.
I have negative or destructive thoughts about myself. Is it possible to change this?

View Jennifer's Video Answer

As we begin our look at Bible studies in the coming weeks, I thought I would start with a short list of some studies that have impacted my walk with the Lord. Each one of these studies has spoken to me in a special way at a time when I needed to hear their message. Funny how God works that way!

Philippians Precept Upon Precept by Kay Arthur. This study is all about how to have a deep, abiding joy in the midst of good times and bad. In this study I learned that joy is a choice. Not a funny, laughter filled giddiness; but a deep, abiding, peace-filled joy that is only found in an intimate relationship with our Father.I love Precept studies because they challenge you to slow down and really examine the text of the Bible. I have been a Precept student and leader for 15 years and learn something new every time I dig into the Word!

Because the Bible is your primary source of study, you do a lot of writing about what the text is saying. I will never forget the first time I compared my notes in my Precept workbook to a commentary. What I had written had the same overall idea of what I read in the commentary. That was the moment I realized that the Holy Spirit who teaches and leads "great minds" also teaches and leads me.

One other thing about Precept is that they offer a wide variety of studies on different books of the Bible. Whether you have 20 minutes or two hours a day to devote to study, there is a Precept study that will get you into the Word.

Fingerprints of God by Jennifer Rothschild. I love Jennifer's books and studies. Not just because I have the privilege of working with her; but because I have had the privilege of seeing her heart. This study will remind you that you are a masterpiece with the fingerprints of God all over you. He is huge and powerful, and He wants to be an intimate part of your life. That is something we all need to be reminded of regularly.

Living Your Life as a Beautiful Offering by Angela Thomas. I have done this study twice and really enjoy Angela's conversational and engaging style. This study looks at the Sermon on the Mount and encourages you to offer your life daily to the Lord, blemishes, scars and all. Through this study I was reminded that as in Romans 12;1-2, I present my body a living sacrifice and God makes it holy and acceptable. There is nothing you or I can do to be holy enough or acceptable enough to stand before God. It is all about who He is and how much He loves us.

Breaking Free by Beth Moore. For those of you who have done this study, I would guess that, like me, you can vividly remember the impact it made in your life. I was amazed at Beth's honesty and transparency as she worked through her own struggle right there on the pages with me. This one will probably be on my top Bible study list forever because of the journey I made emotionally and spiritually through this study.

Stepping Up: A Journey Through the Psalms of Ascent by Beth Moore. I am adding this study because it is the most recent one I have completed. I really liked the shorter format of the study, it was only six weeks compared to the usual ten weeks of Beth's studies. It moved very quickly through the 15 Psalms and the weekly videos really help to pull it all together. One interesting note: the videos and audios are also available via download from Lifeway.

Is God calling you to coordinate a Mom's Day of Prayer in 2009? Please visit the MDOP website at www.moms dayofprayer.com or call the MDOP office at 479-452-6215.

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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 weekly poll is your opportunity to share your expertise and knowledge with all of our subscribers!

Each week we ask a question, and share a link for you to post your answers. The following week we 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.

Here is this week's question:

As a ministry leader, I would benefit from knowing more about how to...

Answer the question HERE.

Here are the results from recent polls.

Last week's poll question focused on the issue of communicating the happenings of your ministry. With so many things taking place around the church, it can be quite a challenge to keep everyone informed. So here's a peek at how ministries around the county are getting the word out. We asked, "What is the most effective means of communicating about women's ministry activities to the women in your church?" And you said...

Interesting Finding: It looks like a combination of both hi- and lo-tech means of communication fits the bill. Only 1% of you said you blog as a ministry tool, and so you've raised our curiosity and we'll be checking back with you on that one. Many of you mentioned other ways you stay in touch including personal phone calls, a prominently placed and well staffed information table, word of mouth and our personal favorite...information conveniently and appropriately placed in the women's restrooms. Way to go ladies! We love hearing about your ministry and appreciate your taking the time to share your good work with us.

"How often do you meet with your leadership team?"

 

• Weekly 10%
• Bi-Monthly 7%
• Monthly 58%
• Semi-Monthly 6%
• Quarterly 17%

Interesting Finding: You also gave us some insight into the commitment level of your team. More than half of you described the women who lead alongside you as "passionate." Another quarter expressed that you serve with a "dutiful" group of leaders. And 20% indicated that they have encountered a "mediocre" or "apathetic" response from the women with whom they lead.

 

Indicate the reasons why you might choose a particular venue as possible Bible study locations.

• 90% chose church for convenience
• 72% chose church for enjoyment
• 63% chose restaurant for enjoyment
• 68% chose bookstore for outreach
• 91% chose home for intimacy
• 81% chose outdoors for enjoyment

Interesting Finding:Other possible venues included public schools, nursing homes, libraries, bed and breakfasts, public meeting rooms, workplaces, and hotel conference rooms.

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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From one tool to another, I thank you from the very depths of my heart for your wonderful article, "Tool Talk." It was amazing timing on God's part as I am sitting in a hotel room right this very minute. This weekend, I am one of two speakers at a conference in North Carolina. By the way, they found me through womensministry.net and flew me in from California. May God continue to use and bless your fabulous ministry! ~ Dori Drabek

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