Freeman-Smith LLC - Five Minutes in the Morning: Daily Devotions for Women

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Howard Books

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Copyright 2006 by Freeman-Smith LLC

Originally published in 2006 as Hugs Daily Inspirations for Women

All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever. For information, address Howard Books Subsidiary Rights Department, 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020.

This Howard Books hardcover edition October 2017

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Interior design by Davina Mock-Maniscalco

Cover design by Min Choi

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available.

ISBN 978-1-5011-9046-9

ISBN 978-1-5011-9098-8 (ebook)

We never know how high we are, till we are called to rise; and then, if we are true to plan, our statures touch the skies.

Emily Dickinson

Lets see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out...

H EBREWS 10:24 MSG

H ow many people will you have the chance to encourage today? How many times will you share a smile, a kind word, or a pat on the back? How many times today will you demonstrateby your words and your actionsthat you are a caring woman?

When you feel happy and secure, you may find it easy to share kind words and heartfelt affection. But when youre discouraged or tired, it may seem difficult to encourage anyone (including yourself).

Anna Quindlen correctly observed, Love is not leisure, it is work. So even on those days when the dog bites or the bee stings, you should be quick to do the work required to giveand receivelove. After all, the world still needs all the kindness it can get... especially from you.

Love is a fruit, in season at all times and within the reach of every hand.

Mother Teresa

The L ORD keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.

P SALM 121:8 NLT

A s a busy woman, you know from experience that life is not always easy or fair. But even when you dont understand why the world unfolds as it does, never lose faith in Gods ability to make a difference, through you, in that little corner of the world you call home.

Helen Keller advised, Faith is a spiritual spotlight that illuminates the path. Her words remind us that faith canand shouldbe the hallmark of a well-lived life.

So the next time you find yourself facing a fear-provoking situation, ask yourself which is stronger: your faith or your fear. The answer should be obvious. Whatever your challenge, whatever your question, whatever mountain you must climb, God is there, and He will help you work things out. Your job is to keep the faith until He does.

God will never let you sink under your circumstances. He always provides a safety net and His love always encircles.

Barbara Johnson

Do your work with enthusiasm. Work as if you were serving the Lord, not as if you were serving only men and women.

E PHESIANS 6:7 NCV

T he year was 1963, and she was in her mid-forties. She took her life savings, started her own business, and began selling cosmetics the hard waydoor-to-door, one customer at a time. The business grew because of her ability to enlist the enthusiastic support of an energetic sales force. Today that business still ranks among the leaders in the cosmetics industry.

Her name? Mary Kay Ash. Her advice? A mediocre idea that generates enthusiasm will go further than a great idea that inspires no one. So the next time God sends an opportunity to knock on your door, open it with enthusiasm. Excitement is contagious. But if you want to change the world, the first person you must inspire is yourself.

Mans mind is not a container to be filled but rather a fire to be kindled.

Dorothea Brande

Do everything without complaining or arguing. Then you will be innocent and without any wrong.

P HILIPPIANS 2:1415 NCV

M ary Cassatt has been honored on a U.S. postage stamp; her works are found in the worlds finest art galleries, and she was the noted pupil of the great Edgar Degas. But her most enduring legacy may be the role she played in introducing French Impressionist art to America.

Cassatt, a woman making it in a field that was at the time considered mens work, didnt complain. In fact, she said, It would be ungracious to grumble... And, she might have added, unproductive.