- women's ministry

By now, most of us are starting the process of getting ready for the holidays. During this busy Christmas season it is hard to slow down and really remember what Christmas is all about. With people being trampled on and even pepper sprayed for the best deals, it seems like this world has gone crazy. There are so many distractions and pressures to buy the right gifts, and we can easily find ourselves becoming a part of the madness.

During this time I ask God to help me focus on what is really important. Fear and stress can try to overwhelm us during Christmas, and we have to learn what to do when it comes against us. 1 Peter 5:7 states, "Let him have all your worries and cares, casting them upon Him, for he is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you, for he cares for you." Casting is intentional. I know from example. My stepdad has fished almost every day of his life, and observing him really helps me to understand this Scripture. A great fisherman can cast his bait to the exact spot no matter what obstacles may be in the way. I have seen my stepdad cast his bait between tree limbs and logs that seem impossible. We have to become skilled at casting our anxiety and fear right at the feet of Jesus. I really have to challenge myself with this Scripture and meditate on the fact that God really does care about the small things in our lives as well as the big things. The last part of this Scripture states that the reason we cast it on Jesus is because He cares for us. We can look at why we celebrate Christmas to understand His care. The King of All Glory came down and was born as a helpless infant, so that he could redeem us from sin and its judgment in eternal hell, and we could share in His glory forever!

His Word will produce great comfort in your heart as you meditate on it. So, whatever you may be facing this Christmas, remember that He truly cares and has the power to change any circumstance that you may be facing. Acts 20:32 states that God's, "gracious Word can make you into what He wants you to be and give you everything you possibly need." What a great thought that whatever you need, Jesus is right there to help meet that need. There is nothing too great for our God. I pray that God's peace and love keep you, and that you truly experience His care this Christmas.

You are loved,
Michelle

Being born and raised in Florida, I enjoy summertime most of all. As the sunlight lingers into the late evening hours, I can feel myself start to unwind and decompress from the grueling schedule of the school year. It feels great! I hope it is the same for you, also.

In the book of Psalms, there are so many times that you will see the word "Selah." This word means to pause and reflect on what has been said. I want to encourage you this summer to take the time to deposit the Word of God into your heart and reflect on how the Father really sees you and thinks about you.

Deuteronomy 32:10 states: "I shielded you and cared for you; I guarded you as the apple of my eye." You can get a clear visual image of this Scripture by observing first-time parents. Notice how they interact with their child. Watch the fascination and see how they take pictures and videos of every moment. Many of these moments aren't meaningful to others, but capture the hearts of the parents. This is the way our Father feels toward us.

Another great Scripture that expresses how our Father God sees us and feels about us is Isaiah 49:15-16. It states: "Can a mother forget the infant at her breast, walk away from the baby she bore? But even if mothers forget, I'd never forget YOU—NEVER. Look, I've written your names on the back of my hand." The Father God has tattooed your name on the back of His hand. He constantly desires to show His love and care for you.

One of my favorite Scriptures of all times is Psalm 139:17 which states: "How precious are your thoughts about me, God. I'll never comprehend them! I couldn't even begin to count them&*151;any more than I could count the sand of the sea." This is an amazing passage of Scripture. Our Father has innumerable thoughts toward us! He is obsessed with every detail of our lives. He wants to guide us in life. He has the power to deliver us from any hardships we may be facing. So, just pause and reflect on this for a moment.

As modern Christian women, there are so many pressures that we face today, and I hope that this summer you will find the time to relax and let God's love and peace fill your hearts and minds. I pray that you come to believe that you are a precious daughter of your heavenly Father God!

Enjoy the sun and please relax, press pause, and reflect on God's love for you.

You are loved,
Michelle Nuzzo

As I am writing this blog, our nation is remembering the 10-year anniversary of 9/11. I don't know if you are like me, but I sometimes have a hard time believing that such an evil and tragic event really happened in our country. My heart and prayers go out to all the family members who have lost loved ones. May God's peace and presence surround them during this time. I also want to thank all the men and women in military service who help to keep our country safe.

As you can see our world is quickly changing. World-changing events like 9/11 are happening with greater frequency. Financial instability throughout the world continues to bring daily reports of economic collapse. Life can seem so uncertain, but our Father God is always faithful. As we stand on God's Word, we can have supernatural peace in these uncertain times.

This fall is quickly approaching, and just looking at my schedule as a wife, mother, and pastor's wife can cause me to become stressed. I have learned to take life day-by-day and cast all of my cares on Him. I want to encourage you as a woman to take time to put God's Word in your minds and hearts. As you sow the Word of God into your heart, His peace will sustain you during this busy season and these challenging times.

I am so excited about our Girlfriends Ministry fall events. It is so important to connect with other women and have some fun. I am praying to see women truly connect in strong relationships. The Scripture states that iron sharpens iron. As godly women, we need to stand together and speak words that build faith and grace in one another's lives. We truly need one another. You were not made to do life alone. If you have not come to a Girlfriends event, I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and join us. If you've been to our Girlfriends events in the past, please join us again. I look forward to seeing you there! xoxox

Check out my recommended reading list and some yummy fall recipes below.

You are loved,
Michelle