Equipping the called

     We posted a few photos from one of our Mighty Strong Girls board events on Facebook, and immediately we had requests from women who wanted to be part of it. 
     Because it looked fun? 
     Because we were enjoying each other's company? 
     I'm not sure. I hope they could see that Christ was at the center. 
     When we meet, often we pray, worship and praise the Lord together. But we also have fun and truly deeply love one another. 

     It kind of reminds me of a sorority, except that I know virtually nothing about sororities. It's just that from the outside, it looks like a blast. We all have a sense of belonging, and a common identity. 

     It's funny, I always criticized my college boyfriend for joining a fraternity, saying he was essentially buying his friends. 

    Perhaps I was jealous. I've never felt like I make friends easily. Does anyone? I feel like I've been betrayed more times than not and made friends with someone just in time for us to be separated geographically. 

     I didn't feel like I fit in during my high school years. Most of my friends partied and slept around, even cheating on their boyfriends. I felt lonely and isolated. 

     I met my best friends in college, but I made so many bad choices then that I'm not sure many would recognize me now. I was the wild party girl. OK, I wasn't that wild, but I did lots of drinking and made many mistakes. Friendships there come naturally, especially over shared sin. 
    What I've struggled the most with is adult friendships, which have always seemed so forced and fake. 

     Until now. Until Mighty Strong Girls. 

     In a way, the friendships in Mighty Strong Girls are random, much like the members in a sorority. In a way, they aren't random at all. 

     I didn't choose these women. Not a single one of them. And truth be told, if I were picking women for the board of Mighty Strong Girls, I am not entirely sure they would make my lineup. I hope that doesn't offend them, because I'm almost certain none of them expected God's vision for this ministry to come through me. Yet each of us was called to be a part of Mighty Strong Girls in a strong way by the Lord. We are an unlikely, unsuspecting group of mismatched misfits. 

     That's why we are all so perfect together. Maybe you've heard the saying that God doesn't call the equipped, He equips the called. That's the process we are in right now.

     And that's the mystery and glory of God's great plan. He created each one of us unique, and He made us each with a purpose. A purpose that was predetermined. He knows. That's why this very random group came together. He had already called each of us to do a specific thing. As His vision became clear, and each of these women learned about or met me, God showed us His plans. He united us. He picked us. 

     Leaning on Him and stretching our faith isn't always easy. It isn't always fun. Every now and then a new mom or girl tries to be part of it and doesn't stay long, because it takes discipline, humility and authenticity. All of those are difficult, and the truth is, it took me most of my life to begin to understand and practice these three things. I'm still struggling with them! But with God's help, it's been so rewarding. 

     I believe another part of His great plan is to show us how to handle all the complications of female friendship so that we can more effectively inspire and educate our target audience we serve: girls 12-20. 

     He is equipping the called. Sometimes it feels like He's doing it with fire or pressure, but other times, it's freeing to know we can grow in trust and faith with Christ at the center. We know we'll never be perfect, but we are inspired to keep trying. We know He's transforming us into gold and diamonds -- just like He wants to do for all of His chosen princesses. 
     If you are interested in starting a Mighty Strong Connections group or hosting one, let us know. We'd be glad to help, and our curriculum is FREE on our website at www.mightystronggirls.com. 

Peppermint tea is healing my sinus infection....again!

     Yesterday I woke up with a nasty sinus infection, probably due to the allergies that are plaguing our household. 
     I was super bummed out, because we have a family wedding coming up and a little vacation. I have lots to do before then. I don't have time for a sinus infection! 
     Despite that, it was raging. 
     I decided to go at it like I did last time — without a trip to the doctor. 

     It's not that I don't think the doctor is a good place to go for a sinus infection. It's just that I get them chronically, and I am not a big fan of antibiotics, which lead to all kinds of other complications for me. 
     So I reached for my Jordan Essential Oil Peppermint. I put a drop in my morning tea and a drop in my Sleepy Time Tea last night. (Warning: It is very, very strong. Be prepared! One drop is sufficient, but oil doesn't blend well, so you'll likely get it in the first few sips.) Later, my daughter rubbed my sinuses, helping with drainage. I'm still experiencing the effects of the infection today, but I already feel the healing. I'm about 10 times better than yesterday. So I added another drop to this morning's tea, and I'll keep doing it (while also taking a daily probiotic) until the symptoms clear up. 
     This is the second time I've used Peppermint oil to help fix my sinuses, and I'm pleased with the results!
     Earlier this year, I signed up to sell for Jordan, except I didn't plan to actually sell it. I don't have time to hold spas, but I am already using some of the products in the Mighty Strong Girls spas that we are holding as fundraisers. I figured I would simply take advantage of the discount for the products we were going to use.
     I didn't expect to get this excited about another home-based, direct-sales company. But I absolutely fell in love with Jordan! Why? 
      1. The company and founder are Jesus-centered. 
      2. The products are all made in America. In Missouri, in fact!
     3. They are all-natural products. 
     4. They are high quality. 
     5. I have loved everything I've tried so far. 
     The Sleepy blend has transformed nights for our ADHD child. The Dead Sea Salts are wonderfully relaxing and soothing. The magnesium lotion sucks the pain and weariness right out of my muscles. I could go on and on, and I probably will on future blog posts. 
     I don't expect to have parties or spas. But I would love it if you would shop in my store if there's something that interests you, because buying from my online shop (and my online Trades of Hope store) help give me an income so I can do my real job — Mighty Strong Girls.
     xoxoxo,
     Amy