International Women's Center Las Vegas

Surviving in Las Vegas without Financial Stability but gaining Joy and Peace!

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You might think it is impossible to attain joy and peace in the middle of losing your income, assets or possessions.  You may ask how can I cope with huge financial losses in my life without feeling overwhelmed or experience a panic attack.  How do some people have disasters or difficult trials come their way again and again, but yet they remain clam and collected under these extreme pressures when others collapse and surrender.  My answer is simple, but hard to attain because of its simplicity.  “Prayer, Attitude and Resource” are the keys to bounce back from the challenges and adversities during these difficult economic times we are faced with today.

“Prayer” is the means by which we engage in the battle itself and God’s Word is our chief weapon (Ephesians 6:18 NKJV).  We live in a spiritual world which has become more evident to us through television, movies and the media.  People want answers to their problems so they seek false avenues and end up very confused.  I am so glad that we pray to a Living God and know our prayers are conversations with Him which we can have anytime day or night.  God does answer our prayers!

“Attitude” is developed by our thoughts which can work for us or against us.  Positive thinking will produce good results such as reaching your goals, health benefits and enables you to enjoy life.  Negative thinking will produce an unhappy life and will many times cause depression.  ‘Attitude’ determines your ‘altitude’ in life. The best source to keep a good positive attitude is God’s Word.  The Bible is the truth which I use as a filter for all other information that I might seek.  God’s Word develops great attitude!

“Resource” is something that lies ready to use or can be drawn upon for aid; wealth; assets (Webster’s Dictionary).  I know of only one place to go to where there are no limits or boundaries in achieving success in our life.  The world in all of its wisdom and knowledge cannot find a resource to get out of this financial crisis we are in today.  God is all powerful and the only one that can sustain us in this time of great need we find ourselves in.  God is our faithful resource!

Faced with decisions in an unstable environment can be overwhelming and seem nearly impossible to make.  Las Vegas is considered to be ‘ground zero’ and is the City that has had to deal with the highest unemployment, the most foreclosures and bankruptcies.  For those of us who live in Vegas must learn to let go of our fears and trust God to sustain through what I call ‘a time of famine’.  God will give us our ‘manna’ every day and we rely on Him to get us through each day.  If we do our part God will do His part!

There is no amount of money that can buy you Peace or Joy!

Living a Virtuous and Passionate Life in Sin City

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Rick Warren in his book Purpose Driven Life states that everyone is driven by something. He then goes on to name the 6 most common things that drive people; guilt, resentment, anger, fear, materialism and the need for approval. He also goes on to point out that the reason most people are driven by these things is that they are living life without a determined purpose and simply live by their feelings. These people usually drift through life not understanding why they feel empty, alone and defeated. The answer is that a person without purpose is merely being driven by feelings and will eventually end up like a ship on the high seas without a rudder – driven only in the direction the winds of change and the prevailing tide takes them. Why live this way any longer? Why not live a life of victory, passion and purpose? Why not make things happen instead of just letting things happen to you? Here at IWC we dare you to live a virtuous and passionate life with determined purpose in Las Vegas!

Here in Las Vegas we have a wonderful opportunity to help others and live a life purpose. Vegas is known world-wide as the “entertainment capital of the world.” Those of us who live and work here know that our beloved “city of lights” is only a mask for the darkness that lies beneath. On the surface our city promises immeasurable pleasure, deserved relaxation and limitless recreation for all who seek it – however, we know that far too many find themselves caught up in a deceitful web of immorality, wickedness and ungodliness. Before they realize it they fall victim to its hunger and ravenousness appetite for destruction. Too many lives have been lost and families destroyed because of the empty promises of fortunes gained through gambling, drugs and unrestrained sexual appetites. Here at IWC one of our many goals is to not only reach out to those who have already destroyed their lives with these things, but to keep others from traveling down the same path.

The statement “I dare you to live a virtuous and passionate life with determined purpose in Las Vegas” is not made lightly or without understanding the personal cost and sacrifice involved. Life is full of choices and decisions we have to make on a daily basis – and these choices absolutely determine our lifestyle of tomorrow. We can become so easily entrapped by the power of our position and/or the monetary status we have attained that we can quickly become narcissistic people without even realizing it. By serving others through the church, community volunteer programs and/or non-profit organizations we can make a difference in other people’s lives and our own. It is through serving that we can discover purpose. And by discovering purpose we can discover both victory and passion.

God is the creator of life and as women we are the ‘carriers of life’. There is no greater sacrifice a woman will make in her life then to love and nurture children with the knowledge that she has truly given her all to this task of a lifetime. As women we do make a major difference in the world leaving a legacy of dedication and love throughout generation after generation: a smile, words of encouragement, eyes that weep when others are in pain, hands that feed and clothe the homeless, ears that listen to the heartbroken and arms that comfort those who are lost. Mother Theresa’s words are wise and simple with great impact: “Everybody should see kindness in your face, in your eyes, in your smile and in your warm greeting.” She also said that “Everyone has a Calcutta near them; find your Calcutta”. Ladies – Las Vegas is our Calcutta – I challenge you to get involved and find that passion and purpose in serving others!

The International Women’s Center’s purpose is to help any woman who wants to make a difference and live a virtuous and passionate life. Together we will impact Las Vegas and other communities through our example of giving to others and bringing hope to those who have lost their dreams. God is not only our Creator but our Passion, Hope and Peace that will last for eternity.