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When it comes to Titus 2 and God’s command to “older women," gray hair is optional. And in this issue of You Glo Girl! we want to encourage you to glo – glorify God – by becoming a Titus 2 Woman no matter how young or old you may be. You’ll also enjoy some snapshots from Priority’s Open House, some fabulous, free Scripture Art to download and share, not one but two great recipes from Jan, and much, much more. We’ve got lots to share with you this month, so c’mon! Let’s get glo-ing in this issue of You Glo Girl!
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Titus 2 & YOU
 by Laurie Cole, Founder & President
The Food Network. HGTV. And a little TCM (I love a good, old movie). When it comes to TV, those are my channels of choice. But MTV? Never! Well . . . you know what they say about saying “never.” Yep, that’s right. I’ve been watching MTV. It’s probably not on your list of favorite channels either, but let me explain why you need to purposefully pick up your channel changer, kick back on your couch, and tune in to a little MTV, too.
My recent exposure to MTV occurred when I joined a local gym where there are at least two dozen TVs hanging in front of the treadmills, stationary bikes, and ellipticals. Each TV is tuned to a different channel, and you guessed it: MTV is one of them. In fact, it’s right next to the TV that’s always tuned to the news – the one I watch (alas, no Food Network, HGTV, or TCM at the gym). Thus, my recent unavoidable introduction to MTV.
But in case you think MTV is just a stream of endless music videos, allow me to bring you up to speed. Some years ago, MTV expanded its programming to include a variety of reality shows, dramas, celebrity news, and more. But practically all of their programs share one common denominator: profane, immoral, anything-goes content.
So, why am I asking you to watch MTV? Two reasons: 1) Because millions of teen-age girls (and boys, too) watch MTV regularly, and you need to see what they’re being fed; and 2) because I hope and pray a few hours of MTV will convince you that teen-age girls need you to become a Titus 2 Woman more than ever before.
But before you settle in on your couch to surf your set to find MTV, take a look at Titus 2:3-5 and discover the definition of a Titus 2 Woman:
“Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips, nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be dishonored.”
Titus 2:3-5 NASB
According to this passage, a Titus 2 Woman is a godly, older woman (but thankfully, neither gray hair nor perfection is required) who, lovingly mentors younger women in three specific ways:
1) By being an Example v. 3a – As an older woman (and we’re all older than some women), you’re to be a role model of “reverent” behavior. This means that you consistently practice your faith in every area of your life. In contrast, you’re not to provide a bad example by being “a malicious gossip” or by being “enslaved to much wine” (and I believe this also can apply to a multitude of addictive behaviors). When young women look at you, let them see an example to emulate by the way you incorporate your faith into every aspect of your life, speech, and everyday habits.
2) By being an Educator v. 3b – Titus 2:3 instructs older women to teach “what is good.” This method of teaching refers primarily to private tutoring done within the home. It’s the one-on-one kind of mentoring that mothers should provide for their daughters. Sadly, very few young women are receiving this kind of training from their moms these days. That’s why so many teen-age girls need you. Reach and teach them by volunteering at your church, by opening your home for occasional girl gatherings, by teaching Sunday School, etc. Wondering what to teach? There are four core subjects your curriculum must include, and each are listed in verses 4-5 (and in #3 below).
3) By being an Encourager vs. 4-5 – Educating and encouraging go hand-in-hand, and both are absolutely critical. As a Titus 2 Woman, you’re instructed to encourage and educate younger women in four key areas (and trust me, they’ll never learn these from MTV):
- Relationships: In today’s self-obsessed culture, young women need to learn to give priority to their future primary earthly relationships. Encourage and teach them to love their husbands and children and to be reverent and submissive as wives.
- Character: Teach and encourage them to be sensible and kind. To be sensible means to be self-controlled so that neither the young woman’s passions nor emotions control her. Out-of-control passions and emotions are a sure-fire prescription for future pain and lifelong consequences.
- Purity: This, of course, includes teaching and encouraging them to be sexually pure, but it also includes purity of heart, purity in speech, and purity in conduct. Most importantly, instruct them how to be pure and holy before God by teaching them His Word.
- Homekeeping: Yes, you should teach young women how to cook, clean, and do laundry. But a deeper study of this verse reveals much more. You should also encourage younger women to be keepers/guardians of their homes. This means they’re to act as the gatekeeper with regard to what is and isn’t allowed in their home (like MTV), and by being aware of what’s going on under their roof.
As an older woman, God is calling you to be an example, educator, and encourager to younger women. But there’s one final thing you need to know about Titus 2:3-5: it’s a command, not an option. Still need a little push to get you going? Find all of the motivation you need to become a Titus 2 Woman by tuning in to MTV now.
Your sister in prayer,
P.S. After watching MTV, learn how to use the parental controls on your cable or satellite system and – as the gatekeeper of your home – block it!
Email Laurie
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| Priority Passage of the Month
Seeking God’s will for your life? Wondering how He can use you? Well, search no more because here’s God’s answer:
Looks like there’s only one question left to ask: Who are the younger women in your life?
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Season of Prayer Response
Last month we invited you to join us for a season of prayer, and GLORY – you responded! Many of you emailed to let us know of your prayers, and many of you wrote and asked us to pray for you. Thank you, precious sisters, for praying for us and for sharing your requests with us! Priority’s Prayer Director, Nancy Campbell, received and prayed for each and every request, and she also shared your requests with our staff. What a privilege it’s been to bring your names and needs before the Lord in prayer. We hope and trust that you are seeing God’s mighty hand at work in your life in very specific ways.
God continues to answer your prayers for us, and we’ve got some updates for you about Janet Valentine, Debbie and Bill Todd, and Laurie in the Priority Prayer Points (see below). Be sure to read it and rejoice with us!
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Girl, God is listening, so let’s keep praying for one another. We invite you to email your prayer request to
Nancy
right now, and we promise to pray for you. And thank you, thank you for your continued prayers for us!
Email Nancy now.
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Nancy Campbell,
Prayer Director |
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| Priority Prayer Points
It’s been so beautiful to see God’s answers to our prayers this past month! Join us in praising God for what He’s done as we update you about Janet, Debbie and Bill, and Laurie. And as always, please continue to remember these in prayer.
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1. After lots of tests and time spent at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center (MDA), Bill Todd was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. However, MDA is beginning a Phase 2 trial of a promising new treatment for pancreatic cancer. Please pray Bill will qualify for this study, and that the Lord will use it to bring healing to his body. Bill and Debbie (Priority’s Director of Stewardship & Support) are trusting God totally through all of this and are so grateful that Bill feels well and is able to work and keep his usual schedule. Your ongoing prayers for them, their two children (Brittney and Brett), and the doctors and nurses at MDA who are treating them are greatly needed and deeply appreciated.
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Bill & Debbie Todd
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2. Two weeks ago, Janet Valentine (Priority’s Director of Events & Marketing) made her weekly trip to MDA where she is being treated for a rare form of leukemia (myelofibrosis), and she received marvelous news: all of the tests from her bloodwork showed improvement! Although her tests this week were not as encouraging, Janet feels good and is committed to believing God as she continues treatment. Please pray specifically that the treatment will produce positive results and an upward trend in her white blood count. Also, remember Janet’s husband, Lee, and their daughter, Courtney (Priority’s Resource Distributor) as you pray.
3. Your prayers for Laurie are being answered as she writes Priority’s newest Bible study! The Lord is blessing her with fresh inspiration and leadership as she works on each lesson. Continue to pray that she will guard and use her time wisely and that the Holy Spirit will guide and teach her as she studies and writes.
Thank you and God bless you, dear sister, for your prayers!
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Priority's Friend: Jenny Broughton
| Jenny Broughton is a very special friend of Priority’s, and this month we want to introduce her to you! A fantastic speaker with an amazing testimony, Jenny’s someone you and your church need to hear (so we’re hoping you’ll introduce your church and Women’s Ministry leader to her, too).
Jenny and her siblings became orphans as a result of a tragic case of domestic violence. When she was only 11 years old, her father murdered her mother and then killed himself. But God had amazing plans for Jenny, and He placed her at the South Texas Children’s Home where she was surrounded by Christian counselors and teachers who loved her and led her to the Lord.
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Years later, God began opening doors for Jenny to speak all over the country and share her story. Many would expect a child with Jenny's background to repeat the cycle of alcoholism, abuse, and family violence. But Christ has made a difference in Jenny's life. And He’s given her a joy that enables her to share her testimony and other biblically-based messages with humor, anecdotes, and excerpts from her pilgrimage to wholeness.
Laurie and Jenny hearts were knit together in friendship years ago when they met in a Precept Bible Study class that Laurie led. Since that time, Jenny and her husband (Sam) moved to
Oklahoma City
where he pastors. Jenny continues to travel and speak, and we are so grateful that everywhere she goes she tells women about Priority Bible Studies. Jenny shares our call to disciple women, and she’s used and led Priority Bible Studies in her church and others. So now you know why we love her so much AND why we think you’ll love her, too!
Find out more about Jenny and how you can invite her to speak at your upcoming Women’s Ministry event by visiting her website. She and Sam also lead life-changing parenting and marriage retreats together.
Jenny, we love you! How blessed we are by your commitment to share your story and His Word with other women. You really do glo, girl!
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| Free! Priority Scripture Art
Decorate your home or office with our beautiful – and absolutely FREE – Priority Scripture Art! Just click on the verse below – or on any of the Scripture Art in the right-hand sidebar – to download and print this month’s featured scripture. Then post it to your refrigerator or workspace, OR trim and frame it for yourself or a friend (it makes a perfect gift). What a pretty and practical reminder to give God priority!
(Click on the Scripture above to view a printable format.)
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Glo-rious News!
 by Pam Henderson, Production & Resources Director
One year ago we shared what the Lord was doing through Priority Ministries as measured by workbook sales. Since then, every single month has continued to bring a breath-taking display of His glorious grace. So we just had to share the glo-rious news with you!
On the chart below (click to enlarge), the dark blue bars on the right reflect the 2009 sales of Priority Bible Study workbooks. We love to think of it this way: each workbook has been purchased by, or for, a treasured woman in God’s sight – totaling more than 12,000 in five years! We pray this blesses and encourages you as much as it does us! We are continually humbled, and realize it’s His hilarious delight to let us be a privileged part of His plan to bid women to love Him most and seek Him first, giving Him priority in their lives.
From January through August 2009, there have been more than 200 Bible study groups of 5 or more ladies. That’s almost 6 studies starting every week! Eight groups included more than 100 ladies; one had over 300! And, even more encouraging, more than 10 churches have hosted all 3 of Priority’s Bible studies this year! We are humbled and grateful for your faithful support, sweet encouragement, and especially your prayers. Rejoice with us as the Lord continues to show us “Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass” (1 Thes.
5:24
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Open House Celebration
Thursday, September 10, was a day or celebration at Priority Ministries as we held an Open House in our first, official office space. Many of our Houston-area friends and Priority Partners joined us for a joyous time of fellowship, thanksgiving to God . . . and food! Wish you could have been there, too! But we hope that you’ll enjoy seeing a few pictures from the event, and that you’ll join us in thanking God for providing us with a space where we can serve Him together.
Christy Simmons and Stephanie Cole – two of Laurie’s favorite girls! Her sister/friend, and daughter-in-love.
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(l-r) Laurie, Renea Marchi, Debbie Todd, and Julie Riley enjoying some good ol’ girl talk.
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This terrific trio of Priority guys are very near and dear to us. (l-r) Bill Todd, Bill Cole, and David Simmons.
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What a blessing it was to see Brian Keith and his son, Aaron! Brian and his wife, Tracy, are much-beloved friends of Priority.
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 (l-r) Lezli Busbee, Jan Spence, Jean McKinley, and Katia Banfield – each one of these women are so special to us. Lezli is a Priority Board Member, Jan and Jean are Sagemont girlfriends, and Katia directed the pilot study of Beauty by The Book with us. We love ‘em!
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Chris and John Godbee – a godly couple and precious Partners of this ministry. How we thank God for their generosity and encouragement!
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(l-r) Here’s Shanda (Priority’s IT Director) with Julie Riley. Julie is the gifted graphic artist who created the cover for Beauty by The Book, all of the “glo girls” we use in this newsletter, and so much more for us. Julie, you rock!
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Teri Fowle, Priority Partner and friend, and Laurie enjoyed some rare and rich fellowship at the Open House together.
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 (l-r) Two amazing women: Pam Henderson (Priority’s Production & Resources Director) and Beverly Heald, a precious friend of this ministry.
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(l-r) Susan Gadd, Jan Hart (Priority’s Administrative Support whose popular column and recipes appear in this newsletter), and Carol Wroten. Susan and Carol are true friends and prayer warriors for this ministry. How we cherish their friendship!
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On The Road With Laurie
by Pam Henderson, Production & Resources Director
Last month I accompanied Laurie to Annaville Baptist Church in Corpus Christi, Texas, where the Women’s Ministry hosted a You Glo, Girl! Conference for the ladies in their church and surrounding community. Cindy Tucker and her exceptional team of Women’s Ministry leaders have hearts for souls as big as
Texas
! Join Laurie and me on the road as I share a few pics from this event and the sweet sisters at Annaville.
Cindy Tucker, Mary Jayne Smith, and Sharon Byrum with Laurie
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Bible Study Coordinator Tammie Chambers
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“Drama Queen” Charlotte Lang
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Girl, it was one of those events where the talented ladies quartet opened with glorious praise, the drama skits breathed hilarious life into how to glo in everyday ways, and Laurie’s exhortation to “glo, girl!” rejuvenated every woman’s heart to give God priority. In the warm atmosphere of fellowship, gracious leaders like Sharon Byrum, Mary Jayne Smith, Tammie Chambers, and so many more, made sure every lady had an opportunity to know and love the Lord more glo-riously!
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Glo-ing at Home
 by Jan Hart, Administrative Support
Some of my fondest memories involve walking into my house after school and smelling the wonderful aroma of fresh-baked goodies greeting me at the door. I know many of us work outside the home these days, but we can still make memories for our families. So, this month, I’ve got some easy ideas (and a couple of delicious recipes) to help you create memories your family will always cherish.
In today’s busy world, we are pulled in all directions. We’ve lost touch with “the home” as most of us once knew it. Fast food has taken over, schedules are a nightmare and interfere with the family sitting down together for dinner, and let’s face it….it’s hard to even think after a long day at the office. I’ve fought this battle for years and recently discovered the reason it was such a battle: I was trying to make complicated dinners. Girls, it does not have to be complicated! Save that for the weekend or a special occasion. It really only takes a little planning and determination to make everyday dinners special.
| When it comes to simple meals, the outdoor grill and crock pot should be your two best friends. Sometimes when we hear the word “crock pot” we have two thoughts: 1) loaded with calories; and 2) everything tastes the same. But don’t despair. I recently discovered a cookbook that has a variety of delicious and healthy recipes for your crock pot. Fix It and Forget It Lightly by Phyllis Pellman will enable you and your family to come home to the aroma of an amazing meal. Just think. Walking through your front door and dinner being ready. Hallelujah!! |
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Also, don’t forget that you can make a tuna sandwich special if you just sit down with your family and listen. When my children were growing up and we were all going in different directions, it was a priority for us to sit down together for dinner (and some nights it was a sandwich). But during and after dinner was the time my children would open up and share – now that’s a beautiful memory! To this day when they come over for dinner, we stay at the table a very looong time. The latest record: 5 hours of talking, sharing, remembering, and numerous glasses of iced tea!
Now, for a couple of easy and delicious recipes. One is an everyday crock pot meal (a “to die for” spaghetti sauce), and the other is a wonderful new version of banana bread (given to me by my friend, Barbara) that you can make over the weekend and enjoy throughout the week. Both are fabulous, and both will make for some wonderful time with your family. Enjoy!
Click on the recipes below to print!
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Gotta Glo
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We gotta glo for now, but we pray this issue of You Glo Girl! has encouraged you to become a Titus 2 Woman. Maybe you’re a mom or a grandmother. Maybe you’re older than some of the women at your workplace. Or maybe you’re a teacher whose life touches dozens of young women everyday. Just look around. You’re an older woman to some woman, and God wants to use your life to influence theirs for His glory. So glo for it, girl!
Thanks so much for subscribing to You Glo Girl!, and thanks for your interest and support for Priority. Please feel free to drop us an email – we love hearing from you! Tell us how you found out about Priority, tell us what you like most about the newsletter, share your prayer request, but especially tell us about you! And until we visit you next month, you know: you glo, girl!
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Loving Him most, seeking Him first,
Your sisters at Priority,
Priority Ministries Staff
Laurie Cole, Janet Valentine, Courtney Hays,
Pam Henderson, Shanda Stiles, Jan Hart,
Debbie Todd, Stephanie Cole, and Nancy Campbell (not pictured)
“Love the Lord your God with all of your heart…soul…(and) mind.” Matt. 22:37
“Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness…” Matt. 6:33
Contact us at
www.priorityministries.org
Priority Ministries
P. O. Box 590663
Houston, TX 77259-0663
Priority Ministries is a 501(C)3 non-profit ministry.
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What a beautiful reminder to give God priority! Purchase one for yourself, for your friends, or get one free with your $50 purchase from our online store.
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Priority Bible Study
Group Pics
Thanks for sending us pictures of your group! What a blessing to see and share your sweet faces!
Beauty by The Book Group
First Baptist Church
Milan, TN
We’d love to see your group, so email your pic to us now!
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Here's where Laurie & Janet are going and glo-ing over the next few months. Please pray. Thanks!
September 25-26
Women's Retreat
Tate Springs Baptist Church
Arlington, TX
Contact: Kendra Hopkins
October 1-3
Women's Retreat
Kenai Christian Church/Solid Rock Bible Camp,
Soldotna, AK
Contact: Leslie Daniel
October 19
Ladies Night Out
Sagemont Church, Houston, TX
Contact: Sharon Green
October 23-24
Women's Retreat
Central Baptist Church, College Station, TX
Contact: Cindy Byers
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