The Lord is so sweet.  I began my day yesterday reading Psalm 68...
"The Lord gives the word, and a great army brings the good news,
Enemy kings and their armies flee, while the women of Israel divide the plunder.
Even those who lived among the sheepfolds found treasure - doves with wings of silver
and feathers of gold". (v.11-13)

And how He connected the dots was so cool.  I love the way He does this!  As I began my day, I felt led to drop off 3 bags full of clothes I'd decided to purge my closet of a few weeks back.  Out with the old, in with the new.  A little side note: my mom receives newsletters from a ministry called The Sheepfold in the mail and I love reading the stories written in them.  The Sheepfold is a storefront, thrift shop in Orange, CA that accepts donation drop-off's so that they can turn around and sell your items with all proceeds going to help mothers and their children who have been victims of domestic abuse, homelessness, and bring about healing and restoration to them through a 6 month program.  This is an excerpt from their site on a little bit about them, 

"We first opened our doors to homeless, abused and forsaken women with children in October 1979. Since that time thousands women and their children have found shelter, safe refuge and a new beginning in life as a result of the Sheepfold ministry. Recognizing that only God can heal a wounded soul, change pain and suffering into strength, and provide determination to overcome, a desire to know God through His Word is the only requisite to come into our shelters.

The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; in Him will I take refuge, my shield and the strength of my salvation, my high tower and my refuge, my savior; you save me from violence.

2 Samuel 22:2-3

The daily teaching of the Bible and practical application of the love and mercies of God are the primary focus of this ministry. By easing the pain of homeless and abused women and their children, and restoring their sense of value and self-worth, we are able to lead them through our six month program. The goal of this program is to find employment and establish them in their own apartment, ready for independent living. During their stay with us, coupled with the non-denominational Bible teachings, they receive everything they need free of charge. This includes things such as home cooked meals, new clothes, all hygiene supplies, children and infant supplies, subsidized childcare, transportation and much, much more." 
 

I want to bring awareness to this organization.  Whether it's a donation you can make, or if you yourself are in an abusive relationship, I pray you receive the help you are seeking.  The Lord sees you and He has not forgotten you.  And what a fitting way to spend International Women's Day.  Which was totally a "God-incidence" by His divine providence.  All these women coming alongside women yesterday, and I felt I did my part in that albeit small.  I do stand by, support, uphold, and celebrate womanhood and all of our unique, inherent God-given abilities.  God has connected with me some many remarkable women who are incredibly brilliant, bold, unabashed in their faith, God-fearer's, resilient and brave.  Women, God has given us a sparkle and shine.  Let's continue to use that for the betterment of others He places in our path and surround one another like a fortress so that the enemy cannot succeed as he tries to dull or diminish this.  Whenever you need a little bolster in your ministry or calling, and fear or insecurity is tempting you to stop, just know that's the enemy.  He's totally freaked out and what our coming together to build one another means.  This verse in the Bible always struck me, 

Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?”

The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”

14 So the Lord God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this,

“Cursed are you above all livestock
    and all wild animals!
You will crawl on your belly
    and you will eat dust
    all the days of your life.
15 And I will put enmity
    between you and the woman..

The enemy approached Eve.  He was threatened by the woman.  And the Bible even states that the enmity will be between woman and the devil.  He's actively hostile to us, and uses our strengths to cause them to be weaknesses.  But in Jesus' name, that is becoming less and less of a threat because we're onto him.  We are conquerors in Christ and He's got a great plan for this sisterhood, this band of women He loves and has called. 
And let's not forget the value of virtue amongst all the reminders that we are strong, capable, women.  The Bible celebrates women beautifully, whether you're a mother or a wife, or a sister and daughter.  We can look to be this woman for we can do all things through Christ who gives us the strength to do so. 

Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?
    She is more precious than rubies.
11 Her husband can trust her,
    and she will greatly enrich his life.
12 She brings him good, not harm,
    all the days of her life.

13 She finds wool and flax
    and busily spins it.
14 She is like a merchant’s ship,
    bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household
    and plan the day’s work for her servant girls.

16 She goes to inspect a field and buys it;
    with her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She is energetic and strong,
    a hard worker.
18 She makes sure her dealings are profitable;
    her lamp burns late into the night.

19 Her hands are busy spinning thread,
    her fingers twisting fiber.
20 She extends a helping hand to the poor
    and opens her arms to the needy.
21 She has no fear of winter for her household,
    for everyone has warm[c] clothes.

22 She makes her own bedspreads.
    She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns.
23 Her husband is well known at the city gates,
    where he sits with the other civic leaders.
24 She makes belted linen garments
    and sashes to sell to the merchants.

25 She is clothed with strength and dignity,
    and she laughs without fear of the future.
26 When she speaks, her words are wise,
    and she gives instructions with kindness.
27 She carefully watches everything in her household
    and suffers nothing from laziness.

28 Her children stand and bless her.
    Her husband praises her:
29 “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world,
    but you surpass them all!”

30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last;
    but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
31 Reward her for all she has done.
    Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.
Proverbs 31:10-31