Why We Need Girlfriends

Why We Need Girlfriends A Bible Study for Women that paralells the lives of Mary and Elizabeth and their remarkable friendship. A seven week study that helps women discover the true beauty of friendship and how the gift of friendship can impact others for Christ. http://frankiesherman.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new <![CDATA[How To Celebrate Friendship in Your Women's Ministry]]> http://frankiesherman.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=22898 Calling all girlfriends! Did you know that February is national Friendship month? Wouldn’t Lucy and Ethel be thrilled? Can you imagine how they would celebrate if they could join us? I can assure you it would be a hoot, and would include adventure.

Have you ever celebrated the amazing gift of friendship in your Women's Ministry? Before you answer let’s get an expert’s definition of what it means to celebrate. Webster defines Celebrate as: to observe a noble occasion with festivities—to show happiness that something good or special has happened.

Sounds like Mr. Webster had experienced true friendship. In the body of Christ we are blessed to experience the love of many good friends. Some have stood beside us when we weren’t sure we could make it. While others prayed for us, and we know without their prayers we wouldn’t had made it. I believe this calls for a celebration, so let’s get out the party hats and order the cake.

Friendship is a beautiful gift to be treasured, enjoyed and celebrated. In God’s Word we read how he ordained feast and festivals where his people would gather and celebrate.

One of my favorite verses of scriptures is: Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work, if one falls down his friend can help him up Eccl. 4:9-10. I have been helped up many times, and that gives me a reason to celebrate.
Here are some ideas for your women's’ ministry. And Girlfriends, you don’t have to celebrate in February just plan a time in the coming year to celebrate the gift of friendship.

Death by Chocolate Party
Theme Scripture-Taste and See that the LORD is Good!

Watch the Lucy and Ethel DVD–Job Switching DVD- Use the clip-Let Em Roll.
Serve refreshments-that are rich in chocolate.
Decorations Pink and Brown-Aqua makes a great accent. The Party stores have much to offer.
Invite three women to share their testimonies about a special friendship that had a real impact in their life.
As the director-take a few moment to share about the most important friendship we have-Jesus.
Make this an outreach project by having women invite their best friends.

Want to help them women in your church connect and grow meaningful friendships order Frankie’s Bible study Why We Need Girlfriends.
Free Leaders Guide's available.
]]> Sat, 20 Feb 2010 07:57:51 PST http://frankiesherman.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=22898 <![CDATA[Comments From Felice Gerwitz of Media Angels-Book Titles]]> http://frankiesherman.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=22478 A Great Book Title
by Felice Gerwitz

With the title of her new book, "Why We Need Girlfriends," Frankie Sherman has caught the attention of more than just one person. And, that my friend is the object of an attention getting title. In order to have a reader pick up your book a great looking cover and title is a must. Add to that a wonderful permise and you have the makings of a best-seller.

One of the perks if you will, of hosting a radio show for authors is receiving review copies. Frankie is my guest on the upcoming Blog Talk Radio show for authors in all stages of their writing and publishing career. If you are reading this post later, the archived version of the interview will be up for a few months.

It helps when interviewing an author to hold the book in your hand, and as time permits to view the contents. This book drew me in not only because of the title, but because of the premise. It is a Bible study that focuses on the relationship between women and especially key women...Mary, the mother of Christ, and her cousin Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist. These are absolutely two of my favorite women in the Bible. I named one of my daughers, Anne Elizabeth (Anne was the name of Mary's mother).

When writing a book, don't let the title be dull and lackluster. Let it draw your readers in, realize this is not an easy feat. In fact, many authors labor over the issue of a title. In my own experiences of finding a good title, it either comes first...or comes last. I've also given the task to someone else, like a capable editor. My science fair book was named, "Science Fair Projects" for several years before receiving a major face-lift and another fifty pages and being title, "An Insider's Guide to Successful Science Fair Project." Which book would your rather read?]]> Mon, 8 Feb 2010 14:01:53 PST http://frankiesherman.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=22478 <![CDATA[Doing Friendship God's Way]]> http://frankiesherman.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=22212 Nothing delights me more than a day with my grand girls. Even at the ages of two and four they are my best buds. The conversations I share with Madison while working a Fancy Nancy™ puzzle…priceless. And Campbell even at age two has a real flair for fashion when we play dress up, definitely takes after her Nana.

I enjoy their company so much, that if I am not careful I find myself doing some things that might not be wise. I think the word is called compromise. Yes, that’s it.

Our friend Mr. Webster has one specific definition that describes it well.
Compromise: a concession to something; a compromise of one’s principles. Ouch!

In other words, I give up something. In my case it usually means I bend the rules a little too much. However, when it comes to their safety and things that truly matter, I can’t afford to compromise. The cost is too great.

What about you? Have you ever compromised your values for friendships? Unfortunately most women have.

Sometimes in our loneliness we become so needy for companionship that we compromise our godly values and associate with people we know aren’t good for us. We do things we’d normally never do.

Why? We didn’t want to be lonely.

This is more likely to happen when we move to a new location, change jobs, experience divorce, or a lifestyle change.

God understands your loneliness and he wants the best for you. In addition to providing comfort in His Word, he wants you to enjoy friendships, healthy satisfying friendships. His desire for you is to choose friends who are good for you and to ask Him for discernment.

The best place to find the coolest friends—a women's Bible study, one that includes all ages and stages of life, where they have some junk in their trunk, but are redeemed by the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

In Proverbs 12:26 we read: A righteous man is cautious in friendships but the way of the wicked leads them astray. Girlfriends, we need to be cautious about who we invite to share life with. When the heart tugs and warning signs tell you this person may not be right, listen.

A checklist: Do I have godly friends in my life?

• Do my friends encourage me to make smart choices? _____

• Do my close friends have godly values? _____

• Do my friends ask me to compromise my deep core values? _____

• Do my friends pray for me and encourage me to be all that God created me to be? _____

• Who’s the first friend I would call for prayer and know she would do it? _____

Father,
Help me to remain faithful and true to your word and biblical values. If they are really my friend they will desire what’s best for me. Amen
]]> Wed, 3 Feb 2010 10:58:16 PST http://frankiesherman.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=22212 <![CDATA[The Girlfriends Road Map for Life]]> http://frankiesherman.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=21407
If you are new to studying Scripture, it can seem overwhelming. I know exactly how you feel.
My grandfather was the major male influence in my life. A hard working professional, he loved his family and his Lord passionately. He also had a yearning for scripture. His leisure time found him with a Bible in one hand and a commentary in the other. He was a brilliant man who could explain and memorize scriptures with ease.
I inherited his love for the Word, but not his intellectual or natural ability to comprehend and memorize scriptures. So, I have to work very hard to understand. Yet, I am living proof that diligence, commitment and the power of the Holy Spirit will help you understand God’s Word in ways that escape the imagination.

Should you struggle with comprehension, remember that it has nothing to do with your love of God. His Word is for all of us. Most of the men who wrote the Scriptures were simple learners.

Reading the scripture from your very own Bible has a personal impact. Simply reading the Word doesn’t change us, but studying the Word does. Webster defines "study" as "diligence, applying the mind, consider attentively, examine closely." Don’t be afraid to underline, highlight, or jot personal notes or prayers in your copy of God’s Word as you study each verse and passage.

Tips for Studying God’s Word
1. Approach the Scriptures with a reverent attitude.
2. Read slowly and with intent—learn to need God’s Word.
3. Read with the intent of teaching it to someone else.
4. Read only a few scriptures at a time.
5. Read the scripture in more than one version. This may help your understanding.
6. When you do not understand a passage, ask the Lord for help.
7. Accept that there are many scriptures that we may never understand completely.
8. Always begin and end with prayer. Ask God how you can apply the verses or passage immediately.

Frankie Sherman is a national speaker, comedian, and Bible teacher for conferences, retreats, and women's events. She fell in love with Jesus at Vacation Bible School and takes every opportunity to tell others about the joy of being alive in Christ. She is a former choreographer for the Georgia Peach Bowl and the Florida Citrus Bowl Halftime Show. Her specialty is in theater musical/productions. Her first Bible Study, Why We Need Girlfriends is based on the relationship of Mary and Elizabeth, from Luke's gospel. Two women brought together by extraordinary circumstances by an extraordinary God. Frankie is from South Carolina—loves sweet tea, BIG hair and her grand-girls. She believes there will never be another Elvis. And knows that her Jesus will return for her soon. For more information see http://www.frankiesherman.com or contact her publicist, Kathy Carlton Willis at WillisWay@ao.coml
]]> Wed, 13 Jan 2010 12:11:49 PST http://frankiesherman.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=21407 <![CDATA[Girlfriends-Getting It Done In 2010 Together!]]> http://frankiesherman.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=21120
Before you make your goals for 2010, don’t be in a hurry. First sit down with the LORD your God and seek His heart. Allow Him to examine areas that He is ready to do a new work in. Don’t miss the opportunity to assist God in doing something wonderful in your life.

Are you really serious about losing weight, deeper Bible study or getting out of debt? Choose a friend or an accountability partner that cares about you, and share your goals with her. Then check in with her on a monthly bases. Discuss areas of your success and struggles. Your friend may have a great solution.

Record your goals and measure your progress in a journal. You will be glad you did.
When you slip, forgive yourself, begin again and remember that God is for you.
Each morning before your feet touch the floor, surrender your heart, your day, and every activity to the Lord. Seek His help and before you know it 2010 will be your most successful year.
Bless you Girlfriends-you pray for me and I’ll pray for you.
Frankie
]]> Wed, 6 Jan 2010 07:39:54 PST http://frankiesherman.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=21120 <![CDATA[Beware of Terrorists Groups in Church]]> http://frankiesherman.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=20973

Latest news reports are that four terrorist cell groups have been operating in many of our churches. They have been identified as: Bin Arguin, Bin Fightin, Bin Complainin, and Bin Missin.

Their leader, Lucifer Bin Workin, trained these groups to destroy the Body of Christ. The plan is to come into the church disguised as Christians and to work within the church to discourage, disrupt, and destroy.

However, there have been reports of a sixth group. A tiny cell known by the name Bin Prayin is actually the only effective counter terrorism force in the church. Unlike other terrorist cells, the Bin Prayin team does not blend in with whoever and whatever comes along.

Bin Prayin does whatever is needed to uplift and encourage the Body of Christ. We have noticed that the Bin Prayin cell group has different characteristics than the others. They have Bin Watchin, Bin Waitin, and Bin Longin for their Master, Jesus Christ to return.

NO CHURCH IS EXEMPT!

However, you can spot them if you bin lookin and bin goin.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
]]> Sat, 2 Jan 2010 13:54:52 PST http://frankiesherman.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=20973 <![CDATA[ Girlfriends Share]]> http://frankiesherman.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=13560
As the choreographer of the Florida Citrus Bowl and Georgia Peach Bowl Half Time Show, my career in dance had been amazing. To this day, I continue to praise God for that experience.

Certainly, nothing would compare to seeing my choreography performed in a stadium before 70,000 screaming fans and televised by ABC. Or so I thought.

And then it happened. I led a young mother of three little girls to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. She was dying of cancer, and no one had ever told her about Jesus, and heaven. This young mother came backstage after a performance to thank me for all I had done for her children, and to say a final good-bye. I asked one simple question, “do you know Jesus”? She said, “no mam”. Immediately, that stage became a prayer altar, and a young woman received the Savior.

Yes screaming footballs fans are thrilling, but can you imagine the excitement from the cloud of witness in heaven, when this young woman with only a few months to live said YES to Jesus.

Who could have known that several years later I would ask that same question to hundreds of women in churches everywhere? -----Only One… the One who knew the plans He had for me, long before I put on my first pair of dance shoes, my Creator.

Jeremiah 29-11 For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Go Share!

Perhaps there’s someone in your circle of influence and no one has ever asked them-do you know Jesus. Girlfriend-go and share Jesus with someone today, it will not only make a difference in their life today but in eternity
]]> Wed, 1 Jul 2009 08:38:20 PST http://frankiesherman.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=13560 <![CDATA[Have You Seen Jesus Lately?]]> http://frankiesherman.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=12265

I Saw Jesus Last Week.
He was wearing blue jeans and an old shirt.
He was up at the church building;
He was alone and working hard.
For just a minute he looked a little like one of our church members.
But it was Jesus, I could tell by his smile.

I saw Jesus last Sunday.
He was teaching a Bible class.
He didn't talk real loud or use long words,
But you could tell he believed what he said.
For just a minute, he looked like my Sunday School teacher.
But it was Jesus, I could tell by his loving voice.

I saw Jesus yesterday.
He was at the hospital visiting a friend who was sick.
They prayed together quietly.
For just a minute he looked like our pastor.
But it was Jesus, I could tell by the tears in his eyes.

I saw Jesus this morning.
He was in my kitchen making my breakfast
He then fixed me a special lunch to take with me.
For just a minute he looked like my Mom.
But it was Jesus, I could feel the love from his heart.

I saw Jesus today.
He was praying on his knees all alone.
He then began to cry for those he prayed for.
For just a minute he looked like a lady from our church.
But it was Jesus, I could see the compassion poured out of his prayer.

I saw Jesus the other day.
He was at the grocery store talking to a friend.
He then put his arms around them to comfort them.
For just a minute he looked like a young mother in our ladies class.
But it was Jesus, I could see the concern for others who hurt.

I see Jesus everywhere,
Taking food to the sick,
Welcoming others to his home,
Being friendly to a newcomer
And for just a minute I think he's someone I know.
But it's always Jesus, I can tell by the way he serves.

May someone see Jesus in you today.
"You are My witnesses," says the Lord." (Isaiah 43:5)

Please share with me-where you have recently seen Jesus working in the lives of others lately.
]]> Mon, 18 May 2009 09:45:04 PST http://frankiesherman.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=12265 <![CDATA[Girlfriends Beware of the Baal Out!]]> http://frankiesherman.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=10760 There’s more than one Bailout in America and If believers do not take a stand now, our grandchildren will definitely pay a huge cost. It isn’t the governments financial bailout I am talking about, it’s the “Baal Out” of Christianity.

In fact, I believe the soul of our nation is at risk. If believers do not oppose, and stand on the word of God we will be Baaled out by the lies that are sweeping churches in America.

The Four Lies

1. All Religions Lead to God
This isn’t a new lie. However,it seems to be having a revival due to Oprah and her huge influence. This philosophy is based on the doctrine of universalism-which states that all people will receive salvation and go to heaven.
Even some popular pastors have forsaken biblical orthodoxy and embraced this new age philosophy, much like the prophets of Baal in Jezebel’s court.

Question: if that were true would Jesus have needed to die on the cross? Absolutely not. The wages of sins is death and you and I --well girlfriend, we’re sinners. So we desperately needed a savior. Thankfully, our God provided.

2. Hell does not exist. If Satan, can convince us that neither he nor hell exists then his job is accomplished. Hell is real, and it does exist. God created hell for those who did not want to spend eternity with Him. It would be over the death of his son, Jesus. He would do everything to prevent it, except make the choice for us. To say there is no hell is to say that God overlooks all the atrocities and the evils of this world. We serve a God who is a just God.

3. God didn’t create the world. Our world doesn’t want to believe in a Creator because if he's real He has the ultimate authority over his creation. If he’s real then we will answer to his authority. Then it will not be about us, ultimately it will be about Him. To say there is no Creator frees man of moral responsibility. In the end if there’s no one to answer to, why bother to care for mankind?

4. Man Redefines Morality. We are living in the “new normal” and it is dark. Media, politics, education and entertainment have determined to overthrow all conventional morals that we hold decent. They desire a hedonistic world with no rules, boundaries, guilt and certainly no God.

A deceptive spirit has entered our churches/congregations and it has consumed weak Christians. Believers have changed their views on homosexuality, abortion, and fornication. “Evil is now called good”. Dare to stand up against them and stand on for God’s word, and you are labeled a bigot.

Beloved-we don’t need this Baal out-in our churches. We must love our God with all of our heart, soul and mind. We are His chosen people. God’s word must be the ultimate authority in our lives. That’s the only truth that we can stand on.

Followers of Christ-find your voice. Our God will not forsake us. Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world.

On April 6th 2009 President Obama stated that America is no longer a Christian nation but a nation of many religions. I beg you-let’s do everything to prove him and the whole world wrong. America is a Christian nation. We will not be Baaled out -but sold out for God.
]]> Fri, 10 Apr 2009 13:40:17 PST http://frankiesherman.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=10760 <![CDATA[The Church Girl]]> http://frankiesherman.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=10158 I LOVE the church. I love Sunday school, family night dinners, Christmas pageants, old hymns and new contemporary songs. I like the fact that I can call the prayer chain and have my name added. I love knowing that I can give an offering at my church that when combined with others it will affect humanity.

When I was a little girl growing up in the late fifties, on Saturday night we prepared for Sunday because it was CHURCH DAY.

We had to make sure our shoes were polished, and our Sunday clothes were clean and pressed. Next and most important we had to place our bibles and lesson book on the kitchen table. Another ritual was to put our tithe in the envelopes and carefully check the boxes that applied.

• Did you read your bible everyday
• Did you read your Sunday School Lesson
• Did you invite someone to church
• Did you tithe
• Are you staying for Worship

I can remember my pride as I checked each one and my disappointment when I couldn't. I promised that I would try harder the coming week.

Unfortunately, there were times when I checked a box anyway knowing that I hadn’t done what it said, but I wondered what my Sunday school teacher would think if she saw an unchecked box? So I checked the box.

Little did I know that I was more into seeking man’s approval rather than Gods.

This simple weekly exercise was not as much about church records as it was about me. In His wisdom God knew that we would need accountability.

The little envelop served as a reminder of what God expected of me, as one of His children who belonged to His church. It was a matter of integrity, between God and me.

Not once as a child did I ever ask my mom on Saturday night, “Are we going to church tomorrow"? She would have thought I had lost my mind. It was Sunday the Lord’s day. It was our lifestyle and not a habit.

My family loved church, and we loved the people of the church. Looking back, I don’t know where I would be without that legacy. I am glad that this same legacy has been passed on my son. You will find him, with his wife and two precious daughters at church every Sunday. He loves the church as much as his mom does.

I can’t begin to count the number of sermons I‘ve heard, the prayers I’ve listened to, or how many times I’ve sung Amazing Grace, but I do know the church has provided far more than any other activity I have participated in.

The church was established for Gods people. Throughout the New Testament everywhere the apostles went the first thing they did was to win souls. The next thing they did was to set up a church.

If you haven’t found a place of worship in your local community, start praying and start visiting. God has a special place for you and your family, a place where you can grow in His spirit, be nurtured by believers, and blessed by His word.

Remember that the church is not perfect. If it were, we could not attend. But a good church is filled with people who believe in the promise-that Jesus died for the church and he calls it his bride.

If you haven’t been to church in a while-give it another try. Who knows you may even find out that you’ve become a church girl too.

]]> Wed, 25 Mar 2009 15:37:52 PST http://frankiesherman.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=10158